An ex vivo comparison study: the effect of a fatty acid ester and a cationic silicone derivative on the protection of hair colour from washing and heat styling exposure

The hair colour market is a major player within the hair care industry. Hair colour protection from shampoo related fading is becoming a popular claim on shampoos. The aim of this study was to find out whether a fatty acid ester (INCI: Triisostearyl Trilinoleate) in comparison to a cationic silicone derivative compound (INCI: Silicone Quaternium-22) can provide improved colour retention properties when used within a shampoo. It was also of interest to establish the impact of different hair drying methods on colour retention.

The results demonstrate that heat has an influence on colour protection and that ingredients with colour protective properties might reverse the impact of high temperatures on colour fading. Therefore, hair care products targeting colour and heat protection in a single formulation could offer additional benefits for the consumer.