How Different Chemicals Work in Hair Care Products

The products used in consumers’ hair may be for widespread use for any hair style or texture, or may be specific to one hair type. Knowing the necessary chemicals corresponding with each hair type will allow your company to branch out into specialty products. Personal care raw ingredient supplier Bell Chem leads you through a sampling of our products and how they can enhance consumer satisfaction.

Why does hair need special treatment?

Unlike skin, hair consists of long chains of proteins (filaments) surrounded by a follicle within the dermal layer of the skin. Most of the protein – 65% on average – is keratin. Hair’s innermost layer, the medulla, refracts light and determines the color of hair. The texture is determined by the shape of the hair follicle – oval follicles produce curly hair while round follicles produce straight hair. Another factor in hair texture is disulfide bonds between the amino acids bonded together as protein filaments. If hair has plenty of disulfide bonds, hair is curly. Lack of disulfide bonds produces straight hair. 

Science has determined that these disulfide bonds can be broken through the introduction of reducing agents such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide in shampoos and conditioners. These reducing agents donate electrons, which break disulfide bonds, causing the hair to appear straighter. 

Sodium laureth sulfate

Sodium laureth sulfate is a surfactant that cleanses and moisturizes hair. It also removes dirt, oil, and buildup from hair. Sodium laureth sulfate presents as rich, foamy textures in conditioners and shampoos.

Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol

Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are long-chain fatty acids generally added as emulsifiers to protect the hair’s cuticle, thereby preventing moisture loss. These alcohols often appear in hair gels and hairspray.

Dimethicone and glyceryl stearate

Dimethicone and glyceryl stearate are silicones that behave as moisturizers with the goal of preventing breakage, adding sheen, and enhancing elasticity. Glyceryl stearate has the bonus of reducing static electricity and flattening scales in hair strands’ cuticles. This flattening reduces friction between individual hairs, which can cause damage because the innermost cortex is exposed, leading to water loss and increased frizz.

Coconut oil and jojoba oil

Oils have made a big splash in hair care within the past decade. Coconut oil and jojoba oil in particular penetrate the hair follicle to moisturize from the inner layer to the outer layer.

Emulsifiers

The emulsifier polyethylene glycol maintains moisture levels, and vitamin A (sometimes packaged as retinyl palmitate) increases hair vibrancy and thickness as it reduces evidence of broken hair strands.

Bell Chem is your industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including hair care chemicals and ingredients. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.