A hair conditioner is also judged by what happens after rinsing: how easily the hair can be detangled, how it feels to the touch and whether it remains lightweight. These qualities depend on the formulation as a whole, but the choice of conditioning ingredients can make a significant difference.
For cosmetic laboratories developing conditioners, masks and other hair treatments, Reschem Italia offers CATIDEX MCA, a bio-based cationic conditioning system designed for hair care formulations. It responds to interest in plant-derived raw materials that can also meet the performance and sensory requirements of finished products.
What is CATIDEX MCA?
CATIDEX MCA is a cationic conditioning system based on two ingredients listed under their INCI names as Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride. The cationic components are relevant to hair treatment: this class of ingredients is used to condition the hair fibre and improve combability.
According to Reschem Italia, CATIDEX MCA is intended to help leave hair soft and silky, providing conditioning benefits without weighing it down. These are the stated characteristics of the raw material. Actual results must, of course, be assessed in the complete formulation, taking account of the other ingredients and the desired outcome.
From conditioners to 2-in-1 shampoos: suggested applications
CATIDEX MCA is not limited to traditional rinse-off conditioners. Reschem Italia also identifies hair masks, leave-on treatments and 2-in-1 shampoos as potential applications. This versatility is relevant because these product categories are used in different ways: some are rinsed off, others remain on the hair, while others combine cleansing and conditioning.
Each application therefore requires its own assessment during development. In a 2-in-1 shampoo, for example, the balance between the cleansing system and conditioning effect needs to be considered. For a leave-on treatment, the feel of the hair and compatibility with the rest of the formulation become particularly important.
A bio-based system for cosmetic formulation
Reschem Italia describes CATIDEX MCA as a bio-based system, meaning that it is based on biologically derived components. This reflects formulators’ interest in plant-derived raw materials, but does not imply that the product is certified organic. Likewise, assessing the environmental profile of a finished cosmetic requires more information than the origin of a single ingredient.
For formulators, the value of this kind of raw material lies in the opportunity to evaluate its origin, technical function and behaviour within the formulation under development.
Technical support from Reschem Italia
Reschem Italia’s Personal Care division supports cosmetic manufacturers in selecting raw materials for Skin Care, Hair Care and Make-Up formulations. Anyone wishing to explore CATIDEX MCA can contact the team for technical information and to assess its suitability for a specific formulation project.
For more information: reschemitalia.com
