What is shampoo made out of?

Shampoos are typically made of a combination of surfactants (soap-like substances that help remove dirt and oil), conditioners (to soften and smooth the hair), thickeners (to give the shampoo a desired consistency), pH adjusters (to balance the acidity of the shampoo), preservatives (to prevent spoilage), and colorants and fragrances (to enhance the shampoo's appearance and scent).

Here are some common ingredients found in shampoos:

Surfactants:

- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): This is a common surfactant that is responsible for creating the lather in shampoo.

- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES): A gentler alternative to SLS that is also commonly used in shampoos.

- Cocamidopropyl betaine: A mild surfactant derived from coconut oil.

Conditioners:

- Glycerin: A humectant that helps retain moisture in the hair.

- Dimethicone: A silicone-based conditioner that helps smooth the hair and reduce frizz.

- Behentrimonium chloride: A cationic conditioner that helps improve hair texture and manageability.

Thickeners:

- Sodium chloride (salt): A common thickener that helps to give shampoo its desired consistency.

- Carbomer: A synthetic polymer that helps to thicken shampoo and improve its texture.

pH Adjusters:

- Citric acid: A natural acid that helps to balance the pH of shampoo.

- Sodium hydroxide: A strong base that helps to neutralize the acidity of shampoo.

Preservatives:

- Phenoxyethanol: A synthetic preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in shampoo.

- Sodium benzoate: Another common preservative that is used in shampoos.

- Potassium sorbate: A natural preservative derived from sorbic acid.

Colorants and Fragrances:

- FD&C colors: These are synthetic colors that are used to give shampoo its desired color.

- Fragrance oils: These are essential oils or synthetic fragrances that are used to give shampoo its scent.

It's important to note that not all shampoos contain the same ingredients. Depending on the intended purpose of the shampoo (e.g., for dandruff, color-treated hair, etc.) different ingredients may be included or excluded. Additionally, some shampoos may contain natural ingredients, while others may contain synthetic ingredients or a combination of both.