Study of the Physicochemical Properties of Different Hair and Body Shampoo Samples Available in the Local Market of Al Khums, Libya

Abstract

Background: Shampoos, whether for hair or body, are linked to the process of cleaning and removing dirt and oils from the hair and body parts, which has prompted researchers to study them in recent years to emphasizes about the shampoo requirement, its role in cleaning, composition, types and evaluation.

Aims: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative physicochemical analysis of hair care versus body care shampoo formulations, searching for physical or chemical differences to justify the varied use. The goal of this study was to assess the physicochemical characteristics of hair and body shampoo samples consistent with those observed differences.

Methods: Each sample was analyzed for surface tension, foam height, PH, Total Dissolve Solids (TDS), Refractive Index (R.I), and Brix%.

Results: The results clearly indicated significant differences consistent with the descriptions according to the formulations as each scenario. In the body shampoos, the lower surface tension numbers indicated that the surfactants were better able to bring down surface tension. The body shampoos expectedly had higher foam heights, meeting the sensory needs of the consumer behavior. Anecdotally, it appeared that some hair shampoos had lower foams indicating that there were Conditioning Agents (C.A.) present likely added to better protect the hair shaft. The hair shampoos also tended to be more acidic when measuring PH, which was beneficial, and overall, not damaging the cuticle scales; however, both types provided high TDS, election conductivity, or the added use of electrolytes (salts) to modify viscosity.

Conclusion: Overall, the differences observed in both product types were likely greater due to intentional differences made for the sake of specific functional biologically needs (skin health v. hair health) and sensory performance.