Lesson 1pH adjustment and chelating agents: EDTA/GLDA roles and recommended levelsLook at pH changing and metal binders in hair care. Learn how acids, bases, and balances set aim pH, and how EDTA, GLDA, and others hold metals, boost keeping fresh, and guard hair color and steadiness.
Target pH ranges for key hair product typesAcids, bases and buffer systems in formulasChelation chemistry and metal ion controlEDTA, GLDA and emerging chelatorsRecommended use levels and compatibilityLesson 2Rheology modifiers, thickeners and texture agents: carbomers, xanthan gum, hydroxyethylcellulose, associative thickenersUnderstand flow changers and feel makers that handle thickness and touch. Compare carbomers, xanthan gum, cell gum types, and link thickeners, and learn how salts, pH, and cleaners change their ways.
Viscosity, yield stress and sensorial impactCarbomers and neutralization requirementsXanthan and cellulose gums in surfactant systemsAssociative thickeners and micelle interactionTroubleshooting instability and phase separationLesson 3Proteins, peptides and keratin derivatives: roles, molecular weight effects and compatibilityCheck proteins, small chains, and hair protein types in hair care. Learn how size, charge, and changes affect going in, layer making, feel, and matching with cleaners, softeners, and style polymers.
Protein sources and hydrolysis processesMolecular weight and hair penetrationCationic vs anionic protein derivativesKeratin analogs and bond-mimicking claimsCompatibility with surfactants and cationicsLesson 4Conditioning agents: cationic surfactants, silicones, quaternary ammoniums, polyquaterniums — mechanisms and INCI namesExplore softening agents that better slide, soft, and handle. Compare positive cleaners, silicones, quats, and polyquats, their ways on hair, name rules, build risk, and plans for lighter setups.
Cationic surfactants and lamellar structuresSilicone types, volatility and depositionQuats, polyquats and charge density effectsINCI naming conventions for conditionersBalancing conditioning, buildup and rinseabilityLesson 5Surfactants: anionic, amphoteric, nonionic — selection, mildness, foaming and concentration rangesStudy cleaner classes for hair washing and softening. Compare negative, both-way, and no-charge systems, their gentle, bubble, and soften effects, and learn to make mixes and amount ranges for each type.
Anionic surfactants and cleansing strengthAmphoteric surfactants and mildness boostingNonionic surfactants and solubilization rolesDesigning surfactant blends for shampoosActive matter, dilution and usage rangesLesson 6Emollients and oils: esters, fatty alcohols, natural oils and butters — polarity, spreadability and compatibilityExplore softener chemistry in hair care, comparing esters, fat alcohols, natural oils, and butters. Learn how pull, spread, and match affect slide, pile, steadiness, and work in different product types.
Ester structure, polarity and sensory profileFatty alcohols for structure, slip and stabilityNatural oils, butters and fatty acid profilesPolarity, solubility and phase compatibilityChoosing emollients for product type and hair needLesson 7Functional actives and Botanicals: antioxidants, UV filters, anti-dandruff actives, anti-inflammatory extracts — efficacy and evidenceAnalyze working actives and plant parts for scalp and hair good. Cover anti-rust, UV blocks, anti-flake agents, and anti-swell plant pulls, focusing on ways, proof quality, and real claim back.
Antioxidants and protection from oxidative stressUV filters for hair color and scalp defenseAnti-dandruff actives and regulatory statusBotanical extracts and anti-inflammatory claimsEvaluating evidence and building claim dossiersLesson 8Fragrance, colorants and sensitisers: common allergens, limits and safer alternativesReview smell, colors, and sensitizers in hair goods. Spot usual allergy makers, label rules, and usual limits, and find ways for safer, low-sensit feel and color design that meets user wants.
Fragrance chemistry and allergen sourcesIFRA, labeling and allergen disclosureColorant types and regulatory categoriesSensitization mechanisms and risk factorsDesigning lower-risk scent and color systemsLesson 9Preservative systems: broad-spectrum options, typical concentrations, selection by pH and rinse-off vs leave-inLearn how keeping systems guard hair goods from germs. Compare wide-cover choices, working amounts, pH fits, and rule limits, and fit systems for wash-off, stay-on, and touchy scalp mixes.
Microbial risks in hair formulationsCommon preservative chemistries and modespH-dependent efficacy and stabilityDesigning systems for rinse-off vs leave-inRegulatory, safety and consumer concernsLesson 10Humectants and film-formers: glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, polymers — what they do and recommended levelsUnderstand wet keepers and layer makers that handle wet and feel. Compare glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, and main polymers, their water hold ways, suggested amounts, and how they shape frizz, curl keep, and pile.
Water activity, humectancy and hair hydrationGlycerin, propanediol and other small humectantsPanthenol and multifunctional moisturizersFilm-forming polymers for hold and frizz controlUsage levels and climate-dependent strategies
