Development of hair care formulations containing Spirulina platensis and Ascophyllum nodosum extracts

Abstract

Introduction: Considering that oily skin and hair is a constant concern, the search for active substances that helps skin and hair oiliness control it is a challenge in the Research & Development of cosmetics. Seaweeds are much known for its use as foods and microalgae are a type of seaweeds that convert solar light in bioactive compounds attractive for commercial interest. Spirulina platensis and Ascophyllum nodosum are microalgaes present potential to be applied in cosmetic formulations, due to its properties, such as antioxidant activity, skin hydration and skin and hair oiliness control. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the efficacy of hair care formulations containing Spirulina platensis and Ascophyllum nodosum extract. Methods: Shampoo and conditioner formulations supplement or not (vehicle) with Spirulina platensis and Ascophyllum nodosum extract were developed. Two hair samples of virgin brown hair with 10 g each were selected to perform the hair characterization tests and were evaluated in terms of Break force, combability and shine. After, 26 study participants were recruited for the clinical efficacy study and the sebum content were evaluated before and after 28 days of use. Results: After 28 days of application of the conditioner containing Spirulina platensis and Ascophyllum nodosum, a decrease of the combability force for the wet and dry hair sample and an increase of hair shine were observed. Conclusion: The formulation containing microalgae in combination presented benefits to the hair fiber, once the obtained results showed an improvement of hair mechanical properties and fibers surface.