The Truth About Humulus Lupulus (HOPS) in Shampoo…
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Most people know the plant Humulus Lupulus also known as HOPS because it is the main ingredient in beer. You maybe didn’t know that it is a semi-common ingredient in shampoos. I am researching shampoo ingredients in the quest to find the ultimate best, most efficient shampoo.
HOPS is a perennial plant with sends shoots out in the early spring. It dies back in autumn. The shoots grow clockwise around anything they can reach. Another interesting fact is that HOPS are naturally antibacterial.
There is no real research done on this plant to tell you what properties it brings into your shampoo (at least that I can find) or what the benefits of it are. Most of the shampoos that contain this plant advertise shine, so I am going to assume that the HOPS will add shine to your hair. It does however seem funny to me that the main ingredient in beer will add shine to your hair.
So there you have it, beer adds shine and is a natural unproven product in a lot of shampoos.
Written by Jennifer Hitchcock - Visit WebsiteThe Truth About Glycol Distearate…
Yeah, another of my shampoo ingredients. What is this stuff??
This is a tiny, very tiny wax flakes in the shampoo. They are used to give the soap a opalescent color effect when reflections of light bounce off it. It also gives the soap that smooth creamy feeling. It is made from Crystalline Ester which is natural Stearic Acid & Ethylene Glycol, combined with an emulsifier (Steareth-4) for easy handling and as a thickening agent.
It is hard to find information beyond that from the leading sources. It seems that virtually no research has been done on this product. It’s toxic effects are unknown, but considered safer than most alternatives. I have found also that it is readily available for sale in which you buy 250 pound drums.
Glycol Distearate is considered a safer alternative to siloxanes which are a known environmental danger.
Written by Jennifer Hitchcock - Visit WebsiteThe Truth About Ammonium Laureth Sulfate…
It is considered gentle and effective when rinsed off. It is not intended for prolonged contact with the skin and it is recommended that a product not be made up of more than 1% of this ingredient. Products that are rinsed off immediately, however, usually do contain more than this 1% concentration, like shampoos for example.
These are products that allow the oil and water based ingredients to mix acting as both a detergent and a surfactant. There are usually two or more surfactants of these in a product because they need buffering. They belong to a family of man made anionic surfactants which are used wide spread world wide in most beauty products, shampoos, and laundry detergents.
This product is not really good for your skin. It will when rinsed off leave the area clean, but it will have taken the moisture from the top layers of the skin with it. It can cause people with sensitive skin to have a flare of whatever there sensitivity is be it acne, eczema, psoriasis, or a chemical sensitivity.
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - very, very, harsh
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate- very harsh but better than the above
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- better than the above, but still a little harsh
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate-gentle, great pick!
- TEA lauryl Sulfate-good pick
- TEA Laureth Sulfate-good pick
The Truth About Energizing Face Masks…
A wonderful energized feeling you will have after your face has been exfoliated and cleaned is magnified by a energizing face masks. They contain several elements from nature that help bring oxygen to the skin. The oxygen will perk the skin up giving it a more than clean glow, it will also help to detoxify it.
The best energizing face masks are given at high end spas usually.
However, the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask may give you close to the same effect, but from home.
Written by Jennifer Hitchcock - Visit Website