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Tara gum, a galactomannan derived from the seeds of the Caesalpinia Spinosa plant, is known for its high thickening capability, good solubility, and synergistic behavior with other hydrocolloids. While it has been widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer, thickener, and texturizer, its potential in the cosmetic industry is still being explored. This article studies the use of tara gum in various cosmetic applications, more specifically hair care products such as conditioners, treatments and styling formulations. The thickening ability and sensory contribution were assessed in hair conditioners. Tara gum’s styling performance was also evaluated by measuring the curl retention under high humidity conditions and hair stiffness. Additionally, a particle adhesion test simulated its effectiveness as a shield against pollution. Finally, associations with other synthetic or natural-derived polymers were explored. The results showed tara gum’s effectiveness in various hair care formulations. It enhanced viscosity and stability in conditioners, improved curl retention and resistance to high humidity in styling products, and reduced particle adhesion for pollution-resistant formulations. Synergies in combination with naturally derived and synthetic polymers were also demonstrated, with improved thickening or film-forming performance. Overall, these findings highlight tara gum’s potential as a natural and sustainable ingredient for high-performance and environmentally friendly cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Products used for hair care by humans are essential for cleaning, protection, perfuming, and beautification. These are applied directly on the skin and can be a potential factor for dermal exposure to toxic metals. The present research deals with the assessment of heavy metals in the hair care products available in the local markets of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 20 brands of shampoo and 05 brands of conditioners were collected in triplicate and analyzed for 10 heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Hg) by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Toxic metals were found to be higher in conditioner than in shampoo of respective color and brand. Ni and Zn concentrations have exceeded the maximum permissible limits. Consumers belonging to the lower class are more vulnerable to heavy metals exposure because of the high metal content in low-cost products. These results suggested that hair care products should also be considered as one of the sources of heavy metals exposure.

The aim of the research problem of the article was to try to popularize the upcycling trend in the production of sustainable cosmetics and to confirm their effectiveness. The development of recycled raw materials is a new discovery in the chemical industry. Manufacturers emphasize the production of more environmentally friendly raw materials. Conscious consumers choose cosmetics whose production is based on sustainable development. Instead of throwing away waste from various industries, let us use it to produce active substances used in hair cosmetics. The production of the collagen series was created in accordance with the principles of upcycling, which involves obtaining collagen water, which is waste generated during the production of supplements. The main goal of the work was to learn cosmetic recipes for styling, washing and conditioning hair based on collagen waste, as well as to compare the results of people using the product in question. The aim of the study was also to demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment in preventing split ends and hair breakage, usually caused by mechanical stress (brushing), as well as to confirm the effectiveness of other tests. The article presents procedures and parameters confirming the effectiveness of treatment with the tested hair products. The following tests were carried out: hair thickness and density, colour uniformity, shine factor and scalp hydration. All parameters numerically confirmed the beneficial effects of products containing collagen water used in hair care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triethanolamine-modified poloxamer temperature-sensitive hair care gel was formulated in order to reduce the adverse health effects associated with sodium thioglycolate (TGA(Na)), the active component in hair treatment agents, while maintaining excellent efficacy. It was found that TEA-3 gelled at 32 °C with a triethanolamine concentration of 3 %. This formulation exhibited a reversible phase transition, transitioning to a solid state upon contact with the scalp (>32 °C) and reverting to a liquid state when in contact with hair (<32 °C). The release behavior of TGA(Na) from the gel was assessed by both in vitro release studies and transdermal experiments. In addition, it was observed that the triethanolamine-modified poloxamer gel exhibited improved hair care efficiency compared to conventional hair care agents. These results suggest that the triethanolamine-modified poloxamer gel is a promising alternative to conventional hair care products, offering improved efficacy while minimizing potential adverse health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Polish market of cosmetics is highly rich in different types of hair care preparations. A great number of Polish and foreign cosmetic companies and brands mean that finding care products ideal for a given person should be trouble-free. Unfortunately, a wide selection is both an advantage and a problem when a customer is doubtful about how a given cosmetic can work and what an individual’s hair really needs. Reading the composition of cosmetics, the potential user can recognize the needs of their skin or hair, which affects taking more conscious care and choosing the right cosmetics with more attention. This article assesses which ingredients and types of ingredients are present in the largest number of preparations and in the highest positions in the composition. This is a comparison of ingredients present in the largest amounts between four groups of hair cosmetics: care products with washing properties (shampoos), care products without washing properties (conditioners), preparations that are aqueous solutions (water cosmetics), and preparations that are not aqueous solutions (waterless cosmetics). It was revealed that the vast majority of all high-ranking ingredients are substances responsible for the functionality of hair cosmetics: surfactants, rheology regulators, substances responsible for foaming properties, emulsifiers, and solvents. The huge number of substances that can be used in hair products imposes the fact that the ingredients of the highest rank will be substances with many applications and, at the same time, are those that form the base of the cosmetic.

Non-volatile silicone oils are widely used in hair care products (e.g. shampoos, conditioners). They bring a pronounced conditioning effect and shine, but have poor biodegradability. The contemporary consumer prefers quality products, which are also natural and eco-friendly. This motivates the development of silicone alternatives, which are bio-sourced and biodegradable. In the current article we study a mixture of two ingredients (natural oil and ester), and its potential to replace silicone as a conditioning active in hair care. The mixtures were studied both in sulfated and sulfate-free shampoo formulations. The formulations were clear and with good stability on storage (>3 months, up to 45°C). The performance of the formulations was evaluated via in vitro (e.g., wet and dry combing) and in vivo methods (sensorial panels). The mixture of avocado oil and isoamyl laurate performed particularly well (Dermalcare® AVOLIA MB) exhibiting similar performance as amodimethicone in conducted tests. The effect was attributed to a partial restoration of the hydrophobicity of damaged hair by the oil & ester mixture. The excellent sustainability profile, good formulation and conditioning properties, make this ingredient a very good candidate for a green alternative to silicone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair cosmetics are in fashion. Numerous products are commonly used in combination. Frequent allergens are present in hair cosmetics, which, with almost daily use, increase the risk of sensitization. Familiarity with the clinical distribution of the eczematous rash is necessary to seriously consider patch testing. Not all the products on the market are haptens. It is necessary to know how to patch your own products. When avoidance of the allergen is not possible, new treatments are evaluated to combat allergic contact dermatitis, mainly of the occupational type. In this manuscript, a complete and practical review of the main allergens and contact sources of hair cosmetic origin has been carried out.

While mounting consumer and regulatory pressures due to changing climates are increasing the importance of sustainable materials and a rise in natural and/or bio-based ingredients in the marketplace, market research has consistently shown that efficacy is top of mind for consumers. Consumers who research ingredients are looking to better understand product effectiveness. Product performance will be key to repeat purchase. Bioengineered ingredients provide a solid narrative tool that can provide consumers improved product performance and a desired sustainability profile. This present article describes how AURIST™ AGC, an award-winning conditioning biopolymer enabled by IFF’s Designed Enzymatic Biopolymer (DEB) technology, can deliver conditioning and sensory modification properties to various product formats, while being bio-based and readily biodegradable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The scalp hairs on an average African is dry with low tensile strength and a tendency to break easily. This is mostly due to poor penetration of the natural oils on the scalp and the very curly hair texture. Various techniques developed to manage African hair are associated with certain hair and scalp disorders and are sources of distress. Objectives: This was a cross-sectional survey to compare natural African hair and chemically processed (relaxed) hair to determine the effect of hair care and grooming practices on common scalp disorders and the psychological effect in Nigerian women. Subjects and Methods: Questionnaires were administered to women at the market, churches and outreaches with many women in attendance to document the hair grooming practices, common scalp symptoms and psychological effects experienced. They were also examined for the presence of seborrhoeic dermatitis and traction alopecia. Results: The study involved 452 women (62.17%) with relaxed hair and 275 women (37.83%) with natural (untreated) hair. Women with relaxed hair experienced significantly more flaking of the scalp (P = 0.046, x2 = 6.16), hair breakage (P = 0.023, x2 = 11.35) and hair loss (P = 0.020, x2 = 7.87) than those with natural hair. The most common psychological effects of hair scalp disorders in all participants were feeling of uneasiness 142 (19.5%), frustration 49 (6.7%), poor body image 40 (5.5%) and anger 38 (5.2%). Significantly more women with relaxed hair experienced moderate hair loss from traction than women with natural hair (P = 0.014, x2 = 8.52). Conclusion: Nigerian women experienced clinical and psychological distress consequent to their hair grooming practices. Individuals with relaxed hair had more physical symptoms, hair loss and psychological disturbances than those with natural hair.

Natural plant exosomes are transforming the landscape of skin and hair care with their remarkable bioactive properties. These small extracellular vesicles (EVs), secreted by plant cells, are rich in DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids, acting as natural biological communicators. Unlike synthetic alternatives, plant exosomes offer a sustainable, natural, and highly effective solution, aligning with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and efficacious beauty products. By facilitating cross-kingdom communication, these plant-derived exosomes introduce a new era in cosmetic innovation, offering a unique and potent approach to enhancing skin and hair health. The ability to customize and guide the production of different types of exosomes further underscores their potential, making natural plant exosomes a groundbreaking advancement in the pursuit of advanced and sustainable cosmetic solutions. By leveraging sustainable and innovative biotechnology, companies like Vytrus Biotech are pioneering the use of plant exosomes, offering a natural and effective alternative to synthetic cosmetic ingredients. The biotech company has harnessed this potential by developing high-concentration plant-derived exosomes from Curcuma longa and Centella asiatica cell cultures. These exosomes significantly enhance skin hydration, regeneration, and hair growth, effectively promoting anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects, making them powerful allies in cosmetic formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a mixture of amino acids in hair care was studied. The repair effect of this raw material on hair was evaluated by stretching test and combing test. The experimental results showed that, the amino acid combination could increase the tension in the yield zone by 29.4% and reduce the combing work of hair by 22.4% dry combing and 18.1% wet combing. According to the results of spectral characterization, fluorescent penetration test and stress relaxation test, it could be concluded that the amino acid combination could repair the broken bonds by permeating into the hair and thus achieve the effect of toughening, and make the hair lipid transfer to the hair surface, which lead to a repairing effect on the hair surface and improved the hair combability. In particular, it had significant repair effect on the damaged hair caused by perm and hair coloring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]