At in-cosmetics Latin America, Gattefossé will launch its very first ingredient for hair applications. Gattefossé researchers drew on their expertise in lipid chemistry to reproduce the styling benefits and natural protective properties of sebum without adding greasiness.
Perfectly disciplined hair
This innovative new ingredient is based on high-molecular-weight esters derived from sunflower and jojoba seed hulls. These esters react with polyglycerol to improve the application of the treatment to the hair, leaving a homogeneous protective film.
Tests have shown that hair regains its hydrophobicity, protecting it from humidity and frizz. The result is hair that's soft to the touch and easier to style, with longer-lasting hold.
"We worked for several years to find a lipid composition that could replace silicones in conventional hair care products. We discovered that naturally-occurring sebum provides the best protection for hair. Repeated shampooing, thermal aggression and environmental pollution mean that sebum can no longer fulfill its original function, and hair becomes exposed and damaged.
"So we designed Definicire, very close to sebum in chemical composition, but with slightly longer carbon chains to optimize its performance without reproducing the greasy appearance of sebum. During development, we focused on the sensory properties of post-treatment hair, so we refined the composition of our ingredient to eliminate any greasy look and feel. Our teams in Singapore and Brazil tested the ingredient in formulation to assess the effectiveness of its moisture barrier, and we're very pleased with the results" Vincent Hubiche, Applications Laboratory Manager for the Gattefossé Group.