SEPAWA® CONGRESS 2022 

Speaker: Dr. Anna Bronder

Company: INOLEX GmbH

Title: Plant-based Conditioning for Truly Sustainable, High-performance Hair Care

Abstract: Consumers are asking for sustainable & safe formulations without sacrificing performance. Whether formulated for luscious locks, cute curls, or tamed tresses, hair care products must perform. Different hair types and climates are only two of the many factors to be considered. Traditionally, hair care uses quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats) and silicones to create high-performance formulations. Due to consumer concern, regulation changes, and the rise of free-from claims, it is increasingly important to choose alternatives with better environmental, social, and governance profiles. Natural and plant-based claims are often associated with Safety and Sustainability. However, these claims are only one part of truly sustainable formulations. Feedstock selection, reactions and manufacturing processes, as well as molecule degradation have to be considered to ensure reduced hidden trade-offs. We demonstrated plant-based amidoamines and amino lipids to be functionally comparable to Quats. They increase sustainability and mildness of formulations as they are biodegradable, non-toxic to aquatic life, and pose no irritation potential to skin and eyes. Compared to traditional ingredients, they help save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Providing additional functional benefits to formulations, they can be used to create high-performance sustainable hair care with fewer ingredients in modern product formats. With their non-quat cationic charge, plant-based amidoamines and amino lipids offer a truly sustainable and functional answer.