By Luc Vincent
In this article, you will find a list of ingredients in hair styling products. This will allow you to become more familiar with them.
Lexicon of Main Ingredients: Hair Styling Products
Acrylates copolymer: It is used in the composition of styling products as a texturizing agent. It gives hair hold and protects it from humidity.
Tocopheryl acetate: Tocopheryl ester is formed from vitamin E. This stabilized version of vitamin E helps protect the skin (antioxidant) and increase moisture (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: Sun protection used in styling products. It protects natural or colored hair from UVB rays.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane: Sun protection that prevents the harmful effects of exposure to UVA rays. Sunscreen that protects hair color.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate: Revitalizing and moisturizing emollient with a light texture.
Cocamidopropyl betaine: Derived from coconut. Safe cleansing and foaming product for skin and hair.
Dimethicone: Silicone-derived oil used in cosmetics as a skin protector. Used in conditioners to make hair shine without making it greasy.
DMDM hydantoin: Preservative, antimicrobial, and antibacterial.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: Substance derived from coconut. Revitalizer, softener that helps tame unruly hair. Approved by the FDA as protection against UVB.
Fragrance: Any natural or synthetic substances, or substances used only to perfume a cosmetic product.
Hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride guar: Protects hair while preventing static. Gives a wet effect while facilitating combing.
Sunflower oil: Used in hair styling products as a re-greasing agent and to counteract the effects of surfactants.
Hydroxyethylcellulose: Fibrous substance drawn from the main part of plant cell walls. Used as a thickener and binder, it stabilizes emulsions.
Isododecane / Isohexadecane: Hydrocarbon used to smooth hair and for its detangling properties.
Laureth-4: The main alcohol of coconut oil. It is modified to give a hydrophilic character (water-loving). Used as an emollient and emulsifier.
Sodium laureth sulfate: Cleansing and foaming agent found in many soaps, makeup removers, and shampoos.
Lauroyl sarcosinate: Derived from coconut oil. Cleans grease, dirt, and bacteria, without stripping or drying sensitive skin.
Lauryl Glucoside: Natural surfactant that comes from corn sugar and coconut oil. It has cleansing and foaming properties, is very gentle, and rinses easily. It is biodegradable and constitutes 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 foamy.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone: Preservative used in hair care or rinse-off products.
N-cocoyl diethanolamide: Product derived from coconut. It is used to refine soap bubbles, giving them a thicker and richer appearance.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5): It repairs hair by increasing its elasticity. It's an excellent nourishing and moisturizing substance for the scalp that gives hair more suppleness, shine, and softness while limiting static electricity formation and making it soft to the touch.
Paraben (methyl-propyl-butyl-isobutyl): One of the most frequently used preservatives in cosmetics.
Passiflora incarnata: Calms and soothes.
PEG-150 Distearate: Non-irritating thickener, emulsifier, and viscosity control agent.
Polyquaternium-4: Facilitates combing while treating and giving shine to hair. It's also an antistatic agent.
Polyquaternium-7: Water-soluble resin, drawn from wood cellulose. It gives body to curly hair and prevents static. It is used for its treating and detangling properties by providing a silky aspect to hair.
Polyquaternium–11: Cationic polymer that brings exceptional flexibility to hair, gives it hold, and prevents static. It improves wet or dry combing, while giving volume and a silky aspect to hair.
Propylene Glycol: The most common moisturizing agent, after glycerin. Absorbs moisture and acts as a moisturizer. Helps maintain moisture in hair.
Wheat protein: The protein drawn from wheat provides moisturizing benefits for both hair and scalp. It nourishes hair follicles.
PVP: Gives strength and hold to hair.
PVP/VA Copolymer: Hair fixative, it forms hard and shiny films easily eliminated by water.
Sodium C12-14 olefin: Surfactant allowing gentle and effective cleaning. It is used for its cleansing and foaming qualities.
VP/VA copolymer: Component that gives texture to hair styling products.
Conclusion
Understanding the ingredients in your hair products is crucial for making informed decisions about your hair care routine. While the list of ingredients on a product label can seem daunting, knowing the purpose of key ingredients can help you choose 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 a good idea to patch test new products and pay attention to how your hair responds to different ingredients.
As you become more familiar with these ingredients, you'll be better equipped to select products that align with your hair goals, whether that's adding volume, controlling frizz, protecting color, or improving overall hair health. Don't hesitate to consult with a hair care professional if you have specific concerns or questions about product ingredients and their effects on your hair.
