pH evaluation of shampoos sold in Buenos Aires City and brief review

Authors

  • María Eugenia Cappetta Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research Norberto Quirno, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Keywords:

pH, shampoos

Abstract

Background: few studies analyzed the shampoos pH. Although it is not clear which is the optimal pH, evidence says it should be near 5,5.

Objectives: analyze the pH of shampoos of international and national brands. Test different products groups: professional, commercial, medical/dermatologic, antidandruff and children.

Methods: record the pH of 104 shampoos sold in Buenos Aires City with portable paper pH indicator.

Results: 41% of the shampoos tested had a pH lower than 5,5. 92% of professional products showed a pH lower than 5.5. Commercial, medical and antidandruff shampoos had very similar profile, 68%, 67% and 67% respectively showed a pH lower than 5,5. Children ́s products had lower pH than the other groups (except professional) instead of their no tear characteristic, 54% had a pH lower than 5,5.

Conclusions: although there is no clear decision of ideal shampoo pH, we know that alkaline pH associates with friction, frizz, cuticular dam-age and hair breakage. It is very relevant for dermatologist to know hair care products main characteristics.

Author Biography

María Eugenia Cappetta, Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research Norberto Quirno, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Doctor

References

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III. Sinclair RD. Healthy hair: What is it? J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2007;12:2-5.

IV. Robbins CR. The physical properties and cosmetic behavior of hair. En: Robbins CR, ed.Chemical and physical behavior of hu-man hair, 5th ed. New York: Springer-Verlag, 2012:299-370.

V. Gavazzoni Dias M, Munck de Almeida A, Rezende Cecato P, Adriano A, et ál. The shampoo pH can affect the hair: myth or reality? Int J Trichology 2014;6:95-99.

VI. Tarun J, Susan J, Suria J, Susan VJ, et ál. Evaluation of pH of bathing soaps and shampoos for skin and hair care. Indian J Dermatol 2014;59:442-444.

Published

2017-03-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles