In this article, you'll find a list of ingredients found in hair styling products. This will help you become more familiar with them.
Glossary of main ingredients: Hair styling products
Acrylates copolymer: It is used in the composition of styling products as a texturizing agent. It gives hold to the hair and protects it from humidity.
Tocopheryl acetate: Tocopheryl ester formed from vitamin E. This stabilized version of vitamin E helps protect the skin (antioxidant) and increase hydration (emollient).
Citric Acid: Derived from lemon, it is used to balance the pH of styling products.
Cetyl alcohol (Fatty alcohol): Emulsifier, stabilizer and thickener.
Denatured alcohol: Alcohol obtained by distilling corn. It is a solvent that evaporates quickly. Denaturation is a process that makes alcohol unfit for consumption.
Amodimethicone: Provides a soft, silky and shiny appearance to hair, making it a long-lasting conditioner.
Aminomethyl Propanol (AMP): Substance used to neutralize pH and optimize the effects of styling products.
Sodium benzoate: Derived from benzoic acid. It is used as a preservative.
Benzophenone-4: Sunscreen used in styling products. It protects natural or color-treated hair from UVB rays.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane: Sunscreen that prevents the harmful effects of UVA ray exposure. Sunscreen that protects hair color.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate: Light-textured, revitalizing and moisturizing emollient.
Cocamidopropyl betaine: Derived from coconut. Gentle cleansing and foaming product for skin and hair.
Dimethicone: A silicone-derived oil used in cosmetics as a skin protectant. Used in conditioners to add shine to hair without making it greasy.
DMDM hydantoin: Preservative, antimicrobial and antibacterial.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: A substance derived from coconut. Conditioning and softening agent that helps tame unruly hair. FDA-approved for UVB protection.
Fragrance: Any natural or synthetic substance, or substances used solely to scent a cosmetic product.
Hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride guar: Protects hair while preventing static electricity. Gives a wet look while making styling easier.
Sunflower oil: Used in hair styling products as a regreasing agent
t and to counter the effects of surfactants.
Hydroxyethylcellulose: A fibrous substance derived from the main part of plant cell walls. Used as a thickener and binder, it stabilizes emulsions.
Isododecane / Isohexadecane: Hydrocarbon used to straighten hair and for its detangling properties.
Laureth-4: The main alcohol in coconut oil. It is modified to impart a hydrophilic (water-loving) character. Used as an emollient and emulsifier.
Sodium laureth sulfate: A cleansing and foaming agent found in many soaps, makeup removers, and shampoos.
Lauroyl sarcosinate: Derived from coconut oil. Cleanses grease, dirt, and bacteria without stripping or drying sensitive skin.
Lauryl Glucoside: A natural surfactant derived from corn sugar and coconut oil. It has cleansing and foaming properties, is very gentle, and rinses easily. It is biodegradable and a natural alternative to chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Ammonium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate: Surfactant used as a washing base for shampoos, it comes from coconut and is very foaming.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone: Preservative used in hair or rinse-out products.
N-cocoyl diethanolamide: A product derived from coconut. It is used to refine soap bubbles, giving them a thicker, richer appearance.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5): It repairs hair by increasing its elasticity. It is an excellent nourishing and moisturizing substance for the scalp that gives hair more flexibility, shine, and softness while limiting the formation of static electricity and making it soft to the touch.
Paraben (methyl-propyl-butyl-isobutyl): One of the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetics.
Passiflora incarnata: Calms and soothes.
PEG-150 Distearate: Non-irritating thickener, emulsifier and viscosity control agent.
Polyquaternium-4: Facilitates styling while conditioning and adding shine to hair. It is also an antistatic agent.
Polyquaternium-7: Water-soluble resin derived from wood cellulose. It adds body to curly hair and prevents static electricity. It is used for its conditioning and detangling properties, giving hair a silky feel.
Polyquaternium-11: Cationic polymer that provides exceptional flexibility, hold, and static control to hair. It improves wet or dry styling, while adding volume and a silky feel to hair.
Propylene Glycol: The most common moisturizing agent, after glycerin. Absorbs moisture and acts as a moisturizer. Helps maintain hair moisture.
Wheat Protein: Protein derived from wheat provides moisturizing benefits for the hair and scalp. It nourishes hair follicles.
PVP: Gives strength and hold to hair.
PVP/VA Copolymer: Hair fixer, it forms hard, shiny films easily removed by water.
Sodium C12-14 olefin: Surfactant for gentle and effective cleaning. It is used for its cleaning and foaming properties.
VP/VA copolymer: Component that gives texture to styling products.
Conclusion
Understanding the ingredients in your hair products is crucial for making informed decisions about your hair care routine. While the ingredient list on a product label can seem daunting, knowing the purpose of key ingredients can help you choose the products that best suit your hair type and styling needs.
Remember that not all ingredients work the same for everyone. What works well for one person's hair may not be as effective for another's. It's always advisable to do a patch test for new products and pay attention to how your hair reacts to different ingredients.
By familiarizing yourself with these ingredients, you'll be better equipped to select products that match your hair goals, whether that's adding volume, controlling frizz, protecting color, or improving the overall health of your hair. Don't hesitate to consult a hair care professional if you have specific concerns or questions about product ingredients and their effects on your hair.
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