Aloe vera gel is thought to be beneficial to hair in several ways. It treats dandruff by soothing and preventing dry scalp skin, promotes the growth of new hair and is a strong moisturizer that leaves hair softer and smoother. Aloe vera shampoos take advantage of these properties by including aloe vera gel as a prominent active ingredient. While different brands use different solutions, aloe vera shampoos contain varying amounts of the following active and inactive ingredient categories: aloe vera gel, surfactants, lubricants and conditioners, preservatives, thickeners and botanical extracts.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is derived from the inner pulp of aloe barbadensis leaves. Although there are a number of other species of aloe vera plant, such as aloe andongensis and aloe ferox, aloe barbadensis is the one most commonly used in aloe vera shampoos for its ability to reduce scalp dryness and add suppleness and sheen to hair.
Surfactants
A surfactant is a compound that allows the ingredients in a product, such as a shampoo, to mix with water and remove dirt, oil and debris from surfaces. In aloe vera shampoos, both sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine are commonly used surfactants. These are also the compounds responsible for producing the shampoo's characteristic foaming and lathering properties.
Lubricants and Conditioners
Aloe vera shampoos contain a number of substances that lubricate hair by attracting water to the hair shaft and improve the texture, strength and flexibility of each individual hair. These compounds include panthenol, hydrolyzed keratin or hydrolyzed wheat protein, tocopherol, retinyl palmitate, propylene glycol and dimethicone.
Preservatives
Preservative substances, such as PABA (p-aminobenzoic acid), EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid), methylparaben, propylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, citric acid, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are included in aloe vera shampoos to guard against different types of potential deterioration or contamination.
PABA is used to prevent deterioration if the shampoo is exposed to light, especially ultra-violet rays, while EDTA binds metal ions within the shampoo to keep them from turning the solution rancid. Methylparaben, propylparaben, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, imidazolidinyl urea and citric acid keep yeast and bacteria from growing within the shampoo.
Thickeners
Many aloe vera shampoos use sodium chloride as a thickening agent. According to Cosmeticsinfo.org, it can increase the thickness of the fluid portion of the shampoo, preventing the product from being too watery to use with ease.
Botanical Extracts
Botanical extracts are used in aloe vera shampoos for a variety of reasons. Many provide additional preservative power and give the shampoo a pleasant flowery or citrus smell. Nettle extract, chamomile extract, marigold extract, horsetail extract and grapefruit seed extract--all popular extracts used in aloe vera shampoos--are also known for their beneficial effects on hair strength, growth and flexibility.
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