FSS Foaming Wheat PF

Background:

Cleansers are designed to remove oil, dirt, sweat and sebum from skin through the action of surfactants. Surfactants are substances capable of dissolving oils and holding dirt in suspension so it can be easily rinsed away with water. Many surfactants available on the market are synthetic, leaving consumers to seek more natural formulations. FSS Foaming Wheat PF is produced through the combination of protein and coconut fatty acids and has been designed as a natural alternative to synthetic surfactants.

Proteins are common ingredients in skin and hair care products. Functionally proteins are film-forming helping to seal in moisture, economically they are an inexpensive alternative to most synthetic chemicals. As proteins are integral components in all organisms, there are a wide variety of them available to cosmetic chemists. As consumers are moving away from animal derived proteins, formulators frequently opt for plant-based proteins such as wheat protein. Wheat is a highly durable renewable product with a wide variety of applications. Grown throughout the world, humans have depended on wheat for thousands of years.

Science:

Wheat protein is often hydrolyzed into lower molecular weight fractions to increase its solubility. Often consumers associate a product’s cleansing ability with its foaming capability. FSS Foaming Wheat PF is a hydrolyzed wheat protein with sodium cocoyl moieties. These sodium cocoyl moieties are coconut-derived fatty acids that can enhance the products foaming.

Protein/fatty acid condensates have an anionic net charge similar to that of skin and hair so it rinses easily from hair and skin without leaving a sticky irritating film behind. The complex has a hydrophobic fatty acid tail and a hydrophilic protein backbone. The hydrophobic region binds to lipophilic material and forms a micelle that encapsulates lipophilic species. The micelles have a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic exterior, which promote easy rinsing with water. Protein hydrolysates improve surfactant/skin compatibility while the fatty acid moiety increases foaming properties. The complex also forms a protective layer on the skin through a reaction between the collagen in skin and the protein/fatty acid condensate. This protective layer reduces the irritation caused by other surfactants, and improves the degreasing characteristics of the product.

Benefits:

FSS Foaming Wheat PF is a product designed to provide moisturizing and conditioning benefits to the skin and hair. It creates stable foaming and can be used as a natural surfactant. Its gentle cleansing benefits make it perfect for sensitive skin and scalp care applications. However, this unique ingredient also enhances smoothing, wet and dry combability, anti-frizz overall feel, shine and hydration when used in hair care applications.

Efficacy:

A half-head study was conducted to determine the comparison of a control shampoo vs. 2.0% FSS Foaming Wheat PF in the control shampoo. Additionally, a comparison between the control conditioner and 2.0% FSS Foaming Wheat PF in the control conditioner were reported. Each volunteer’s hair was photographed prior to the treatment and again after the shampoo and conditioner had been applied and the hair was styled. The images of the half-head study were used in conjunction with a sensory assessment subjectively rating the parameters - cleansing, smoothing, dry and wet combability, anti-frizz, overall feel, shine and hydration. This assessment was conducted both before and after treatment. Based on the results obtained, FSS Foaming Wheat PF is capable of enhancing the smoothing, wet and dry combability, anti-frizz, overall feel, shine and hydration, making it an ideal ingredient for use in products intended for thick, curly or unruly hair types.