What to look for: Moisturising Conditioner

Hi All,


Following on from my last post I thought it might be nice to let you know what you are actually looking for when you choose your Moisturising Conditioner. There are thousands on the market so what are those key ingredients.

LOOK FOR:

• Fatty Alcohols - cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl or behenyl alcohol. There are generally derived from coconut or palm thicken a formulation, emulsify oils into water or condition the skin and hair, they dont dry hair hair and are slightly moisturising.
• Humectants - These are used in skin and hair care products to promote moisture retention. They are hygroscopic compounds (ability to absorb water from the atmosphere) which posses a chemical structure that attracts water from the atmosphere and binds it to various sites along the molecule. Examples: Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Capryl glycol,  Phytantriol Hexanediol or -triol beeswax, Panthenol, Sorbitol, Elastin, Collagen, Silk, Keratin, Isoceteth-x.
• Emollients - soften or treat dry hair and skin and aid in their ability to hold water. Some Natural Emolients are Jojoba, Avocado, Rosehip, Shea, Cupuacu, Cocoa, Jojoba Butters, Apricot Kernel Oil, Argan Oil, Avacado Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Castor Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil , Hazel Nut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Mango Butter, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil , Sesame Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Walnut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil. Some Synthetic Emollients are PEG compounds (eg PEG- 45 Almond Glyceride) Synthetic alcohols, Hydrocarbons (eg mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin)  and Silicone Oils. I tend to try to avoid the synthetic ones.

AVOID:
Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Heavy Proteins, Heavy Oils
These coat rather than condition the hair


Some popular Moisturising Conditioners available in the UK:

• Eluence Moisture Benefits Conditioner
• Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner
• Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner
• Nexuus HydraSleek Conditioner
• KeraCare Humecto Conditioner
• Jane Carter Solution Moisturising Conditioner
• Mizani MoistureFuse

Still not sure which conditioner is for you? Why not make your own
How to Make a Homemade Intense Moisture Treatment

• ½ cup peeled and mashed ripe Avocado (hydrates and nourishes) 
• 1tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil (nourishes and conditions) 
• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Jamaican Black Castor Oil

You can alter this to include your favourite moisturising ingredients or essential oils.

What to look for in a Protein Conditioner and information on Protein and Moisture

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu