What Is Chitosan?
Chitosan is a natural substance that comes from a type of fungus. It can be turned into a yellow powder that is solid. When used in cosmetics, it helps to make a film and hold hair in place. It can also be used to treat wounds and make hydrogels. Chitosan is made from something called deacetylated chitin, which is found in the shells of crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. It can also be used to cover fruits and vegetables so they last longer or make packaging materials that break down easily over time. Another name for chitosan is poliglusam.
What is the purpose of Chitosan in personal care products?
It is used for its film-forming
and hair-fixing characteristics.
Chitosan creates a thin layer on the skin/
What Are Film-Forming Ingredients?
Chitosan has film-forming characteristics.
Film-forming ingredients are used in many cosmetic products, including skincare, haircare, and makeup. These ingredients can have different chemical compositions and functions, but they all share the goal of creating a film on the surface they are applied on.
In skincare products, film-forming ingredients are often used to create a barrier on the skin's surface that helps to lock in moisture. This can benefit people with dry or sensitive skin, as it can help to prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated and irritated. Some film-forming ingredients can also provide a temporary tightening or lifting effect, which can help reduce the visibility of lines and wrinkles on your skin.
In haircare products, film-forming ingredients can help smooth and protect the hair cuticle, making hair look shinier and feel smoother. Film-forming ingredients can also help to protect hair from environmental stressors like heat styling and pollution.
In makeup products, film-forming ingredients can help create a smooth, even base for additional products like foundation or powder. They can also help to improve the wear time of makeup products by creating a barrier that helps to keep them in place.
What Are Hair-Fixing Ingredients?
Chitosan has hair-fixing characteristics.
Hair-fixing ingredients refer to any ingredient in a hair product that helps to hold your hair in place and can include ingredients like polymers, resins, or natural substances like beeswax or shea butter.
These ingredients form a sort of "net" around your hair strands. This net helps to hold your hair in place, preventing it from moving around or losing its shape. Depending on the specific ingredient used, this net might be more or less flexible, affecting how your hair feels and moves after applying the product.
Types of Hair-Fixing Ingredients
Here are some of the most common types of hair-fixing ingredients:
Polymers: These synthetic compounds form a film around each hair strand, providing a firm hold and making your hair less prone to frizzing.
Resins: These are plant-derived ingredients that help to provide a flexible hold, allowing your hair to move more naturally.
Natural gums: Natural gums, such as xanthan gum and guar gum, are derived from plants and are used as thickeners and stabilizers in hair care products. They can also provide hold to the hair.
Silicones: Silicones are synthetic ingredients that are used to coat the hair shaft and provide shine and smoothness to the hair. They can also provide some hold.
Waxes: Waxes, such as candelilla wax and beeswax, are natural ingredients that provide hold and structure to the hair. They are often used in hair styling products such as pomades and waxes.
Proteins: Proteins, such as keratin and collagen, are natural ingredients that can help to strengthen and repair hair. They can also provide some hold to the hair.
Oils: Oils, such as coconut and argan oil, are natural ingredients that can provide moisture and shine to the hair. They can also help to control frizz and flyaways.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.