What Is in Shampoo That Makes it Work?
There are hundreds of different shampoo products on the market today. Although shampoos may look, feel, and smell different, experts agree that there are only a couple of ingredients that determine how well a shampoo works. Does this Spark an idea?
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Water
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As noted in Newsweek's "The Science of Shampoo: What the Ingredients Mean," 80 percent of shampoo is made of water. The water helps the cleansing agents pour from the bottle.
Surfactant
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Surfactants, or surface-active agents, contribute to the cleaning properties of the shampoo by binding with the oil and dirt so that they can be washed away. Commonly used surfactants include: Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulphate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, and Sodium Laureth Sulphate.
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Acidic Ingredient
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An acidic ingredient, such as citric acid, adjusts and balances the pH of the shampoo's solution. Acidic ingredients also ensure that the cuticle remains smooth and lays flat on the hair shaft.
Preservatives
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Preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea prevent the build-up of bacteria, fungi and germs.
Moisturizing Additives
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Ingredients like panthenol, fatty alcohols, and nut oils moisturize the hair and make it feel soft and smooth.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit shampoos and shaving foam lined up image by Georgios Alexandris from Fotolia.com
