How Does Baby Shampoo Work?

Sorbitan Laurate

One of the main ways that baby shampoo works is with sorbitan laurate instead of the sodium lauryl sulfate that most shampoos use. Both products act as surfactants, meaning they help reduce the surface tension of the water, spread the shampoo throughout the hair and loosen grease and dirt particles from the hair strands. Sorbitan laurate is a much milder form of surfactant, making it much less irritating to the eyes.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaine is another mild surfactant; however, it has a different purpose than sorbitan laurate. Cocamidopropyl betaine is used to help stabilize the foam created by lathering the shampoo in the hair.

Glycerin

Glycerin is another common ingredient in baby shampoos. Its purpose is to help moisturize the scalp by bringing natural moisture from the body to the surface of the skin. Since it is derived from natural vegetable fats, it is also non-irritating to the eyes.

PEG-150 Distearate

PEG-150 distearate is also a common ingredient found in many baby shampoos. This ingredient acts as an emulsifier. PEG-150 distearate thickens the shampoo so that it is easier to handle and apply. Sodium laureth-13 carboxylate is also seen in many baby shampoos and works as an emulsifier.

Tetrasodium EDTA

Tetrasodium EDTA is another common ingredient in baby shampoo. This ingredient is mainly used as a chemical stabilizer. When baby shampoo is left to sit for extended periods, there is a possibility that the ingredients could start to separate into their individual forms. Tetrasodium EDTA is placed in the shampoo to help stabilize the product. It also helps the product work when being used with hard water.

Quaternium-15

Quaternium-15 is anti-microbial ingredient. This means that it prevents the growth of fungus and bacteria in the baby shampoo.

References

• Johnson's Baby Shampoo
• Baby Shampoo