Development and efficacy evaluation of hair care formulations containing vegetable oils and silicone

Abstract

Introduction: Several active ingredients have been used for hair cosmetics, such as proteins, vitamins, plant extracts and mainly silicones, due to its low cost and easy application. Thus, the use of silicone promotes a superficial treatment of the fiber. This way, vegetable oils have been explored as an alternative to be applied in more effective hair care cosmetic products. The Brazil nut oil, composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, minerals and complex B vitamins, presents potential to act in the hydration, nutrition and strengthening the hair fiber. Olive oil consists of monounsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides, tocopherol, carotenoids and squalene, presenting antioxidant activity and, potential to hydrate and prevent hair damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate comparatively the efficacy of hair care formulations containing Brazilian nut, olive oil or silicone - cyclomethicone. Methods: It was developed three hair care formulations, a shampoo, a conditioner and a leave in. To the efficacy evaluation test, brown virgin hair tresses (without any type of treatment) were obtained and divided in 4 groups, a control (without application of formulations), tresses with application of the formulations containing silicone, olive oil or Brazil nut oil. The tresses were submitted to hair strength and combability test in the equipment Texturometer TAXT Plus® and shine analysis using Skin Glossymeter GL200®. Results: The results showed that the tresses with application of olive oil and Brazil nut oil presented an increase of break force, reduction in the combing force and increase of shine, when compared to the silicone formulation. This result suggests that the silicone promotes a superficial treatment of the hair fiber. Thus, vegetable oils can be considered a good alternative for the treatment of hair damage as it promotes an improvement of hair conditions. Conclusion: The developed formulations added with the vegetable oil were effective in the improvement of hair cuticles, increasing the hair softness, hydration and its strength, which was not observed for the formulation with silicone. This way, the vegetable oils can be a good choice to application in the development of hair care cosmetic formulations, in order to improve of hair gloss and softness as well increase the hair resistance to breakage.