Shampoo products are comprised of a mixture of surfactants (detergents/soaps), emulsifiers, conditioners, preservatives, fragrances, and may contain other special additives, for example, those used for dandruff control. Research indicates the worst offenders for color-loss are harsh sulfate-based surfactants (like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulphate) and drying alcohol ingredients like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.
Sulfate surfactants have excellent cleaning properties and are commonly used in clarifying and mass-consumer shampoos. However, these surfactants are too aggressive for color-treated hair because while cleaning they also remove protective natural oils and free lipids present in the inter-cuticular layers of the hair shaft. Once these natural protectant layers are gone, water can penetrate the cuticle more readily removing or degrading color treatment dyes resulting in color loss. These surfactants also swell the hair shaft which opens the cuticle allowing colorants to be lost and, when hair is damaged, color treatment is lost even more rapidly. In short, when hair is not well-protected, faster color loss occurs. Therefore, use of milder sulfate-free surfactants that do not aggressively swell the hair shaft or remove protectant lipids are recommended for improved color protection.
Similarly, the incorporation of dehydrating small alcohols, like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol weaken hair making it more susceptible to damage. In addition to avoiding products with these drying ingredients, you can also take steps to reduce it on your own by wearing a hat when you’re in the sun and rinsing your hair after a swim in the pool. Desert Botanicals’ formulations prioritize making sure hair is as strong and moisturized as possible to prevent damage and build hair strength.
vitamin E), and high tech polymers.
Desert Botanicals Sulfate-Free Shampoo uses the finest ingredients available to clean and condition hair and has incorporated specific additives into the product to help protect against color loss. Let’s examine the ingredients list to explain what each ingredient is used for and why it is incorporated into the product:
Using the Right Surfactants
Desert Botanicals uses three very mild sulfate-free surfactants in combination to clean the hair. The primary surfactant (Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate) is an anionic surfactant produced from a natural fatty acid and the amino acid sarcosine. It is an excellent cleanser but very mild to the hair and scalp. The secondary surfactant (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxsultaine) is a mild vegetable derived amphoteric surfactant based on natural coconut fatty acids that, despite being sulfate-free, is a highly effective cleaning agent that enhances the foaming properties of the shampoo. The third (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate) is a coconut and glycerin derived cleansing agent. It is also an excellent emollient helping to soften and smooth the hair and is often used in hair conditioning formulations.
Incorporate High-Tech Polymer Color Protectants
We also include a patented, clinically proven silicone-based additive made in combination with phospholipids, to prevent color loss in treated hair. A scientific study in post-dye conditioner applications showed this product gave a demonstrated advantage to extend hair color with repeated washings versus other leading brands’ color retention products. In addition, this silicone imparts a light, silky feeling to the hair and gives an improved overall sensory feel. Quarternium is also added for static reduction and improved wet and dry combing. This is important to prevent damage and breakage after shampooing and during normal combing. This ingredient also provides increased body and volume to the hair.
Silk Aminos
Silk Amino Acids (SAA) are added to bond with keratin and form a protective layer strengthening hair that has already been damaged. It also helps protect the hair from moisture loss and conditions to provide silky smoothness. The incorporation of both the “Quat” and SAA additives are important to help prevent and repair damage lessening color loss.
The Finest Natural Ingredients
Water soluble cactus oils from the Jojoba and Prickly Pear cactus families are included for emolliency, conditioning, and improved slip. These products absorb easily into the cuticle and provide added long term moisturization. Both products are high in fatty acids and add gloss and shine to the hair making the hair softer and more manageable. Aloe Vera is added as a natural cleanser for oily hair but also for its well-known anti-inflammatory properties (calming itchy scalps). With its high levels of vitamins A, C, and E it helps to strengthen and repair damaged hair promoting cell growth and shine and its vitamins B12 and folic acid helps keep hair from falling out and breaking.
Add Vitamin Nutrition
Panthenol (provitamin B5) improves shine, softness, and cuticle strength. It is an anti-irritant and protects hair from styling and environmental damage by locking in moisture. Our matching conditioner also includes Vitamin E to further reduce oxidative stress and preserve the protective lipid layer.
Desert Botanicals Sulfate-Free Shampoo combines the best of nature, vitamin nutrition and high-tech ingredients to effectively clean your hair and scalp while preventing color loss. Even better, it’s also propylene glycol and paraben free! Our products retain and enhance your hair’s natural protective coating layers that preserve color treatments by retaining moisture and strengthening the cuticle to provide a unique hair care solution with excellent color retention properties and a clean, healthy, natural, and voluminous look and feel.
