Hair is a significant part of our image, so we commit much time and effort to its care. Hairstyles can be beautified by processes such as combing, curling or ironing, but frequently we are not cognizant of the effects these processes have on our hair. Hair loses its protective lipid layer, making it thinner, drier and more susceptible to damage. By using conditioners, we restore the hair structure and revive its softness, suppleness and shine. The key ingredients providing these properties are cationic polymers, cationic surfactants, silicones and protein hydrolysates. Consumers’ expectations are increasing, so manufacturers have developed a combination of shampoo and conditioner, which simultaneously provides cleaning and hair care. In this diploma thesis we studied the composition of hair conditioners and two-in-one hair shampoos. We chose 56 products at pharmacies and drugstores and divided them into groups according to their purpose and use. We focused primarily on ingredients with a role in hair restoration. We also analysed emollients, thickeners, moisturisers and surfactants, and some attention was paid to fragrances and preservatives. Among cationic polymers, polyquaternium was most commonly found, while cationic surfactants were predominantly cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, and stearamidopropyl dimethylamine. Among silicones, dimethicone appeared most frequently - in 14 products. Among protein hydrolysates, keratin and wheat protein were most commonly present. We found that the examined products contain mainly mild surfactants with low irritation potential. Among them, cocamidopropylbetain and polysorbate 20 predominated. Anionic surfactants were found only in two-in-one shampoos, with sodium laureth sulfoxinate being the most common in these products. Among the thickeners most commonly found was cetearyl alcohol, which is also a representative of emollients. The most widely used fragrance in products is linalol, with phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol and potassium sorbate predominating as preservatives. Given the frequency of occurrence of individual ingredients and information present on the product packaging, we divided the products into short-term conditioners, intensive conditioners, non-rinse conditioners, and two-in-one shampoos.
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