Nature's Gate shampoo comes in many formulations. Their original daily formula contains nine herbal extracts and one detergent. Recommended for all hair types, this shampoo has 17 ingredients overall designed to clean hair and utilize a bevy of natural ingredients to make hair healthy and shiny.
Detergent
Nature's Gate shampoo has only one detergent, sodium laureth sulfate. Sodium laureth sulfate is both a detergent and a surfactant, a substance that alters how water interacts with other substances. Sodium laureth sulfate also provides the shampoo with a rich lather.
Extracts
There are nine extracts in the original formula of Nature's Gate shampoo. Nettle, which could refer to any plant in the Urtica genus of plants, has its history as a folk remedy for itchiness. Sage extract could refer to any plant in the Salvia genus, though it usually refers to Salvia officinalis. This herb is purported to be an antifungal and astringent plant. Chamomile, or Anthemis nobilis, is calming and soothing to the skin. Kusambi bark extract is harvested from the woody outer layer of the kusambi tree, also known as Schleichera oleosa. It is used traditionally as a conditioner and cure for itchiness, though claims of either remain unsubstantiated. Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is purported to induce relaxation. Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is rumored to be everything from an anti-inflammatory agent, to an astringent, to an anti-allergen, as outlined in "The Herbal Companion." Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinali, is commonly used for its aromatic odor. Wild Cherry bark extract is taken from the Prunus avium tree. It is an astringent, according to "Herbs for Natural Beauty." Thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, is used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent with mild success, as outlined in "The Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Volume 2."
Other Ingredients
Nature's Gate shampoo contains purified water, a moisturizer and an ingredient that lends texture to the shampoo. Citric acid conditions the hair by adjusting the pH level of the shampoo. It also acts as a mild preservative. Cocamide DEA, or cocoamide diethanolamine is made by mixing fatty acids from coconut oil with the chemical diethanolamine. This chemical makes the shampoo foam up. It also keeps the ingredients from separating. Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant, a chemical compound made from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. It is also an emulsifier. Cocamidopropyl betaine has the added benefit of being an antistatic agent, as outlined in "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients." It keeps hair follicles from sticking together for a healthy, full, voluminous appearance. Methylparaben and propylparaben have antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. These two ingredients keep potentially harmful microorgansims from growing in the shampoo for the duration of its shelf life. Chlorophyllin is derived from chlorophyll, the substance that gives plants their green color. It is used in the shampoo as a stabilizer and coloring agent. The product also contains a non-specific listing for fragrance oils.
References
- "The Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Volume 2"; K.V. Peter; 2004
- "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, 7th Edition"; Ruth Winter; 2009
- "The Herbal Companion: The Essential Guide to the Properties of Herbs"; Marcus A. Webb; 1998
- "Herbs for Natural Beauty"; Rosemary Gladstar; 1999
- World Agroforestry Centre: Species Information: Schleichera oleosa
Member Comments