Curly Hair Enhancement with Glycerin: Understanding the Advantages and Exploring Alternative Natural Options
Glycerin, a popular humectant in the beauty industry, has long been hailed for its powerful moisturising and conditioning properties for curly hair. However, its effectiveness can be climate-dependent and may not suit all hair types or individual preferences. In response, beauty and personal care brands are seeking alternative natural ingredients to cater to the growing market of hair health enthusiasts.
Glycerin, a water-soluble alcohol, acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air into the hair. This can be particularly beneficial for curly hair, which tends to be drier due to its spiral structure preventing natural oils from travelling down the hair shaft easily. However, in its pure form, glycerin can make hair feel weighed down, sticky, or greasy. Moreover, in very dry or very humid environments, glycerin may not work as intended, causing frizz or dryness instead.
Fortunately, a range of natural alternatives offers effective moisturising options for curly hair. Coconut oil, highly recommended for curly hair because it penetrates the hair shaft and helps retain moisture, is a popular choice. Shea butter, known for deep moisturising and sealing in hydration, is ideal for curly hair prone to dryness. Aloe vera gel, honey, and various vegetable oils such as argan oil and jojoba oil, provide moisture and seal hair to prevent water loss.
One potential natural alternative to glycerin in curly hair formulations is Provital's Oat extract. Offering similar moisturising and hair-repair effects, this ingredient is a suitable alternative for those seeking a more natural option. With added benefits such as high saponin content and hydrophilic polymer chains, oats present similar moisturising capacities to glycerin while also maintaining curly hair smooth, glossy, and moisturised.
The global natural hair care product market, valued at USD 8.74 billion in 2019, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2020 to 2027 due to increasing consumer interests in natural ingredients. As consumers become more attracted towards well-known, plant-based and food-related ingredients in cosmetic products, the use of oats in hair health products can help brands stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
In summary, while glycerin is an effective moisturising agent for curly hair, careful formulation and consideration of climate and styling habits are necessary. Natural oils and butters such as coconut oil or shea butter offer effective moisturising alternatives that can complement or substitute glycerin depending on personal hair needs and preferences. For those seeking a more natural option, Provital's Oat extract is a COSMOS-approved ingredient that is 99.5% natural origin, water soluble, filmogenic, purifying, and paraben free.
In response to the varied climates and individual preferences, some home-and-garden items, such as coconut oil and shea butter, have become popular alternatives in lifestyle products designed for curly hair due to their natural moisturising properties. Similarly, Provital's Oat extract, a natural ingredient derived from oats, provides a formulation that offers moisturising and hair-repair effects, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking more natural products in their home-and-garden hair care routine.
