Proof-of-concept study of virgin coconut oil-nanostructured lipid carrier (VCO-NLC) for hair care applications.

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been widely used especially in tropic countries either for topically applied on adults or children's skin or orally-intake products as a supplement. In this study, VCO has been produced in nanoparticles using nanostructured lipid carrier system targeted for hair care application. This study used emulsification-ultrasonication method of glyceryl monostearate as a solid lipid, and VCO itself as a liquid lipid and water as a disperse solvent. Different amount of solid lipid was varied in order to obtain smaller particle size and narrow polydispersity index. Particle size distribution and zeta potential of the samples were then identified. In vitro occlusion factor was also examined. Then, samples with and without VCO-NLC were then applied on the hair tresses and examined using scanning electron microscope. As a result, VCO-NLC (F1) produced smallest particle size with 126.3 ± 10.0 nm and narrow PDI (0.16 ± 0.01) with spherical shape. In vitro occlusion factor produced 8.8 ± 4.2% and 10.2 ± 5.5% for VCO-NLC at 24 and 48 h. Results showed that, hair tresses tested with VCO-NLC produced slightly thin film formation on the hair tresses that prevented the hair dry and loss its moisture. Thus, VCO-NLC was satisfactorily produced and has a potential to be used as a hair care substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]