Cosmetic Evaluation of Some Commercial Shampoos

Abstract

Aims. The purpose of this study was to evaluate some characteristic of several commercial shampoos available in Romania, on the base of scientifically measurable properties.

Materials and methods. Five commercial shampoos were chosen: for all hair types (A), for normal hair (B), for greasy hair (C), for normal to dry hair (D) and a baby shampoo (E). The following characteristics were tested: detergency evaluation, the foam quality, the ability to reduce the surface tension, the pH and the viscosity.

Results. When referring to detergency evaluation, shampoo A and C were the most detergent, followed by B, E and D. The ability to generate foam was quite close for all studied shampoo in distilled water and in tap water, but reduced in tap water with sebum. The most important foaming ability was observed for shampoo E, even in tap water and tap water with sebum. In the presence of artificial sebum a good foaming ability was remarked for shampoos E, B and C. For all studied shampoos a reduction of the surface tension of water was obtained as an indication of their detergent action. The pH values were slightly acidic and viscosity values in the range of 1250-9000 cP.

Conclusions. Knowing the characteristics of a shampoo as regarded to their performance, related especially to their detergency, but also to their sensorial attributes related mainly to foam quantity and quality as well as their tolerance, facilitates personalized shampoo recommendations, so that they fit to the demands and the needs of each person.