Three Ingredients To Watch In Hair Care in 2023

With the ‘skinification’ of hair emerging as a trend last year, we began to see more and more of the skin care ingredients that we know and love pop up in new hair care products from brands across mass and luxury. We were also introduced to a range of new scalp care products as the consumer became aware of the importance of a healthy scalp for the overall health and appearance of their hair. We expect the trend to continue and grow in 2023 with new and innovative products that work to balance the scalp’s microbiome and provide benefits that help improve the feel and appearance of hair.

Prime Matter Labs Chief Science Officer Jennifer Hurtikant believes brands should consider these three skin care ingredients when formulating their next scalp and hair care product in 2023:

Vitamin C helps keep hair color vibrant.

Vitamin C (or L-ascorbic acid) is known for its ability to help brighten skin and improve its overall appearance. In hair care, it can also play a similar role by helping to maintain the vibrancy of hair color and strengthening hair. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps to preserve the vibrancy and color of hair by working to neutralize free radicals and environmental factors such as pollution. These harmful agents can lead to oxidative stress which can cause hair color to fade or even contribute to premature graying. As an essential nutrient, vitamin C can also help energize the scalp and promote hair that appears more voluminous. These benefits don’t only contribute to keeping hair color vibrant but also to improving hair’s overall appearance.

Hyaluronic Acid can help hydrate hair and scalp.

Hyaluronic acid is a popular humectant known for its ability to retain moisture. In hair care, the ingredient helps to lock in moisture for hair and scalp, keeping hair hydrated and nourished, which can improve its overall appearance. It can also work to combat frizz and help make hair more resistant to damage by keeping hair hydrated to prevent brittleness and breakage, while also promoting the growth of strong hair.

One aspect of the ingredient to consider is its molecular weight which can affect its ability to penetrate the skin and hair. Larger molecules may not be able to penetrate as deeply which may limit the ability of larger molecule hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration and nourishment. Hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular weight may affect the depth of penetration and provide deeper hydration and nourishment to the hair and scalp.

Postbiotics help control oil and sooth scalp.

Postbiotics are the substances produced by the bacteria that live on the skin, and they can provide benefits for the scalp and hair. The beneficial bacteria that produce postbiotics can help minimize oiliness of the scalp. Some postbiotics, such as lactobacilli, can help to hydrate and nourish the scalp, improving its overall balance and appearance while also helping to soothe and calm the scalp.

These are three ingredients to watch for hair and scalp care in 2023. Learn about more skin care ingredients that can be included in hair care products here. And Why Scalp and Hair Care Is Skin Care’s New Frontier here.

For more trend content, check out the Prime Matter Labs 2023 Trend Report.

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