Development of Salt-free Shampoos for Treated and Damaged Hair

Abstract

Introduction: Hair treatments used to restore hair damaged by chemical or environmental effects require the use of shampoos for maintenance and to prevent or delay the loss of the incorporated treatment. Salt-free and sulfate-free shampoos or shampoos with milder sulfates are the current market trend.

Objective: To develop a salt- and sulfate-free shampoo and a salt- and sulfate-free shampoo for treated and damaged hair.

Methods: The influence of different surfactants and viscosifying agents on the physical (appearance, viscosity, density), chemical (pH, anionic active ingredient) and sensory properties of both shampoos was evaluated. The stability and microbiological quality of the formulations were evaluated in each case.

Results: The physical and chemical characteristics of the selected formulations were adequate under the conditions tested and with excellent results in the use and sensory tests with the different hairs. Formulation A (without salt and without sulfates) and B (without salt and with sulfates) showed adequate stability, with no changes in appearance, pH, active ingredient, density and viscosity; as well as in microbiological control.

Conclusions: The development of shampoos for dry, treated and damaged hair, without salt and without sulfates, and without salt and with sulfates, stable, with adequate physical and chemical characteristics was achieved; which will make possible their industrial scaling and, potentially, solve the national deficit of the product.