ApHogee recommends their Keratin Reconstructor product for damaged, bleached, color-treated or relaxed hair, or hair damaged by chlorine or hard water. The manufacturer claims it contains keratin amino acids, natural oils and vitamins to restore strength and softness, as well as to ease scalp irritation and itchiness. The product is used after shampooing and is rinsed out of the hair. There are 32 ingredients in ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor.
Moisturizers
Water adds moisture to the hair immediately and helps add texture to ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor. Six other moisturizers are included in the formula. Cetearyl alcohol is a moisturizer that also functions as an emulsifier, according to "Cosmetics Unmasked." Amodimethicone, a silicone-based moisturizer, coats hair and gives it shine and volume. Acetimide MEA adds shine and reduces moisture loss when the product is applied to hair. Linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate and tallowtrimonium chloride are moisturizers that also function as anti-static agents--they keep individual hairs from sticking to each other to give the appearance of body and volume. Cocoyl sarcosine is a humectant and penetration enhancer, as outlined in "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients."
Emulsifiers and Preservatives
Methylparaben and propylparaben prevent potentially harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi from forming in ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor. Imidaolidinyl urea is also an antibacterial preservative used in the product. Polysorbate-60 and nonxynol-10 are emulsifiers, keeping water and fat-based ingredients in the ApHogee Reconstructor treatment from separating over time. Centrimonium chloride is an emulsifier and antistatic agent, as stated by “Milady's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients.” Sorbitol prevents moisture loss from the product in the container, but also from hair after ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor is applied.
Vitamins and Nutrients
Cocodimonium hydrolyzed hair keratin is the keratin complex advertised in ApHogee's treatment. A positively charged, or cationic, ingredient made from human hair, cocodimonium hydrolyzed hair keratin allows the protein included in the formula to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, as noted in "Cosmetics Unmasked" and "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients." Hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides are naturally occurring substances found in the skin that help the hair retain moisture. Sodium coco-collagen amino acids are similar--they are chemically modified amino acids produced naturally by the body. Wheat germ fatty acids are essential fatty acids culled from the endosperm of wheat. Linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid are essential fatty acids that add shine and proteins to the hair, according to "Milady's Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary." Squalane is an organic compound produced by all plants and animals. It is a natural moisturizer and a component of the body's natural oil, sebum. Avocado oil, wheat germ oil and jojoba oil are all natural moisturizers. Panthenol, or vitamin B5, is a purported moisturizer as well. Tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate are two forms of vitamin E, a moisturizer, that are included in ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor. Sulfur is a natural ingredient and component in all living cells. According to "Cosmetics Unmasked," sulfur is used to control acne, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. It also acts as a penetration enhancer, increasing volume, sheen and texture. The sulfur in ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor may also serve to help heal dry, flaky or itchy scalp skin.
Other Ingredients
Fragrance is an ingredient that, according to “Cosmetics Unmasked” may indicate up to 4,000 synthetic chemicals that give ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor its scent. Behenamidopropylamine behenatem stearolkonium chloride is a proprietary mixture of several antistatic agents. Polyquaternium-10 is another antistatic agent included in ApHogee Keratin Reconstructor. Both ingredients keep hairs from sticking to each other and reduce fly-aways, for a healthier, more full-bodied appearance.
References
- "Herbal Cosmetics Handbook"; H. Panda; 2000
- "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, 7th Edition"; Ruth Winter; 2009
- "Milady's Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary"; Natalia Michalun; 2009
- "Herbs for Natural Beauty"; Rosemary Gladstar; 1999
- "Cosmetics Unmasked: Your Family Guide to Safe Cosmetics and Allergy-Free Toiletries"; Stephen Antczak, Gina Antczak; 2001
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