In
chemistry and
materials science, a conditioner is a
substance or
process that improves the quality of a given material. Conditioning agents used in
skincare products are also known as
moisturizers, and usually are composed of various
oils and
lubricants. One method of their use is as a coating of the
substrate to alter the feel and appearance. For cosmetic products, this effect is a temporary one but can help to protect skin and hair from further damage.
In cosmetic products the types of conditioning agents used are as follows:
Emollients, usually oils,
fats,
waxes or
silicones, which are
hydrophobic molecules of natural or synthetic origin that coat the skin or hair and provide an
occlusive surface that helps prevent further loss of moisture as well as providing slip and
lubricity[1][2]
Cationic
surfactants or
polymers that are substantive to the slightly negatively-charged skin and hair and provide a film on the hair that limits further damage[3][4]
^Patil, Anjali; Ferritto, Michael S. (2013). "Polymers for Personal Care and Cosmetics: Overview". Polymers for Personal Care and Cosmetics. ACS Symposium Series. Vol. 1148. pp. 3–11.
doi:
10.1021/bk-2013-1148.ch001.
ISBN978-0-8412-2905-1.