Ashland strengthens position in hair biology

KEY biological markers  associated with hair growth capital, density, strength and color inspired  the development of BiotHAIRapy? biofunctionals, a patented ingredient system from Ashland said at in-cosmetics Asia in ,  Bangkok, Thailand.

Ashland unveiled its roadmap to beautiful hair on Wednesday as biologists from the company’s Vincience research center presented ex vivo scalp models at the in-cosmetics Asia conference to demonstrate long-term beneficial effects with ingredient systems based on natural chemistry.

"Our biologists looked at key markers present in normal hair and asked: How do we mimic or bolster those markers for better long-term outcomes in hair length, follicle integrity (after damage), strength and pigmentation? Our ex vivo studies, made available today, demonstrate viable platforms for beautiful hair,"  said Anne-Francoise Clay, marketing manager biofunctionals, Ashland Specialty Ingredients.

Each of the five offerings in the BiotHAIRapy biofunctional platform for hair* target a specific aesthetic benefit:

  ?  Hair Stemness System?, based on rice protein, may help mitigate the stress factors known to compromise hair growth capital. 

  ?  Hair Fullness System?, based on corn protein, may support better intercellular communications, a process essential for hair density. 

  ?  Hair Keratin System?, based on yeast extract, may contribute to structural proteins required for stronger, healthier-looking strands.

  ?  Hair Detox System?, serves as one of the first hair anti-aging solutions. Based on natural pea proteins, the system may help preserve melanin in oxidative stress conditions.

  ?  Hair Melanin System?. In ex vivo evaluations, this ingredient system based on flax seed proteins supported an increase in markers involved in melanin production within the hair follicle.

Unmet consumer need

Research scientists have explored a host of reasons why consumers struggle to maintain or rejuvenate their hair. Yet few options exist for consumers to rejuvenate hair discretely using simple leave-in serums and crème.

"Maintaining hair density, strength and color over time is one of the most valued attributes of consumers everywhere, yet it remains one of the most elusive,"  said Ms Clay. 

Genetics, hormonal imbalances, improper diet, stress, aging and other factors are believed to contribute to deleterious effects on hair.

"Our objective with BiotHAIRapy biofunctionals is to give consumers options to address common hair problems with hair care formulations they are willing to use every day. In consumer panel studies, we used these Ecocert validated ingredient systems at low use levels in leave-in products, such as conditioning spray milk, with outstanding results after 90 days," she said.

For more information, visit Ashland at stand P30 during the in-cosmetics Asia.

* Restrictions for hair growth and hair loss prevention may exist in country-specifc markets. It is the purchaser's responsibility to determine the applicability of any drug or cosmetic regulations to its products.