New silicone technologies for hair and skin

Through innovative material development, specialty silicones keep stretching the boundary of hair and skin care technology – allowing creative formulators to deliver products that capture the attention of discriminating consumers, whatever their age.

Moisturised hair – more than feel

Hair damage is an inevitable fact of life. Normal ageing, along with changes in hormone and sebum production, can lead to dry, dull, wiry and greying hair. At the same time, exposure to sun, salt, hard water and other environmental factors can cause dullness and colour fading. Even styling, with its objective of making hair look healthy and fashionable, can have the opposite effect, leaving hair heat damaged and feeling rough and stiff. Hair moisturisation is among the most popular claims now attributed to premium hair conditioners and shampoos. It encompasses feel, in terms of both enhanced slipperiness and smoothness from hair root to tip. Suppleness and flexibility are important components, while hair also must feel light and free, without the sensation of being weighed down. Moisturisation also is expressed by hair that is easy to comb when wet as well as dry, has healthy-looking shine, and fibres that align more easily to provide a sleek look. Specialty silicones are recognised performers for moisturisation. Among shampoo, hair treatments and conditioners, the percentage of products containing silicone has grown to more than 60% in recent years.1 Through the aid of high-performance silicones, it is possible to formulate hair products for moisturisation while also linking to other aspects of improved appearance. For example, incorporating specialty silicones in shampoos and conditioners can improve shine and help retain the beauty of colour-treated hair. This multifunctional efficacy is illustrated by a new silicone emulsion technology based on an amino polyether (AB)n silicone copolymer.2 At 56% active content, it was designed for use in conditioning shampoos and rinse-off conditioners. Within its unique structure, the silicone moiety provides premium softness, the polyether imparts hydrophilicity, and the amino function enhances deposition on hair. Recommended use levels are 1% to 5% for shampoos and conditioners, which can be developed for all hair types. With its emulsion form, the new silicone is easy to incorporate into hair care products, where it gives a moisturised feel along with superior conditioning, including slipperiness, smoothness, flexibility and excellent wet and dry combing properties. It offers shine and effective deposition on hair while still maintaining a light feel.