Amino Keratin by Sinerga: Revolutionise Your Next Hair Care Formula

HARKE UK is thrilled to introduce Amino Keratin by Sinerga, an exciting ingredient that is setting new standards in the personal care industry. 

Amino Keratin is a vegan alternative to traditional animal-derived keratin, designed to meet the evolving needs of both formulators and consumers for products that are not just effective, but are ethically produced and sustainable too. 

Why Amino Keratin?

Keratin is vital for the strength and resilience of hair (as well as nails and lashes) but it is traditionally sourced from animal products. However, with increasing consumer demand for cruelty-free and sustainable options, Amino Keratin from Sinerga offers a compelling plant-based alternative. It is composed of bio-fermented amino acids, replicating the amino acid profile of traditional keratin. This makes it an ideal choice for vegan and ethical product lines.

Amino Keratin is easy to formulate; it can be added to the aqueous phase with a temperature below 40℃, and is suitable for a wide pH range (between 4.5 and 8.0). 

Key Benefits of Amino Keratin

  • Vegan and Natural: A complete plant-based solution that avoids any animal-derived components, suitable for vegan cosmetics
  • Deep Penetration and Repair: Due to the small size of its amino acids, Amino Keratin penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, supplying vital structural components which strengthen, hydrate, and restore hair from the inside out
  • Enhanced Hair Health: It significantly improves hair’s resilience against breakage, enhances shine by improving light reflection, and deeply hydrates, reducing dryness and water loss
  • Versatile Application: Effective in both leave-on and rinse-off products, Amino Keratin can be incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, serums, and masks

Proven Efficacy

Amino Keratin has undergone rigorous testing to confirm its benefits. Results show impressive improvements in hair strength, with up to a 121% increase in resistance to breakage after four applications (see diagram below, where T1 is after 1 application and T2 is after 4 applications): 

Amino Keratin also enhances the structural integrity of hair cuticles:

This leads to better moisture retention and increased glossiness, making hair look healthier and more vibrant. In testing, 3% Amino Keratin was able to increase hair gloss by 31% and hydration by 35% (compared to untreated hair) after just 4 applications. Contact us for more images and data from testing.

A Sustainable and Ethical Choice

Choosing Amino Keratin supports the shift towards more sustainable personal care processes and consumer products. Its production involves bio-fermentation, a process that is significantly more environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods of extracting animal keratin. This aligns with global trends towards reducing environmental impact and promoting animal welfare in the beauty industry.

For more information on how to incorporate Amino Keratin into your next hair care formulation, or to request more images and data from the considerable testing already done, please contact the team at HARKE UK. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Sinerga Product Launches from InCosmetics 2024

It was wonderful to see new innovations at InCosmetics in April, particularly from our own principal suppliers such as Sinerga. Here are the standout hair and skin care products talked about by Sinerga at InCosmetics 2024, proudly supplied by HARKE UK.

Natifoam: Highly Foaming Colour Protection

  • High foaming capability
  • Color protection for dyed hair
  • Biodegradable and eco-friendly
  • Natural origin index: 0.99
  • Non-irritant, maintains hydrolipidic film
  • Suitable for skin and hair
  • Enhances sensory experience

Natifoam is a high-performing surfactant blend, ideal for formulators seeking eco-friendly and skin-friendly alternatives in personal care products. This blend, comprising Cocoyl Proline, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, offers a highly foaming solution that respects both the environment and the skin. 

Natifoam provides enveloping, dense, and lasting foam that enhances user experience without irritating the skin or altering its natural hydrolipidic film. 

Image source: Sinerga (showing how Natifoam’s generated foam lasts longer and is more stable than traditional SLES)

Particularly effective in colour protection, it helps maintain hair dye fastness, making it suitable for shampoos and other hair care products. Natifoam is derived from natural resources, ensuring a product that is not only biodegradable but also has a high natural origin index (0.99), aligning perfectly with the current market trends towards sustainability and gentle care​​.

Tricho-Solve: Complete Solution Against Hair Loss

  • Targets hormonal and inflammatory hair loss
  • Prolongs hair growth phase
  • Patented technology enhances bioavailability
  • Reduces DHT impact on follicles
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Proven efficacy in vivo and in vitro
  • Suitable for comprehensive hair care formulations

Tricho-Solve is a revolutionary ingredient designed to combat hair loss by addressing both hormonal and inflammatory triggers. This ingredient, incorporating Picea abies Extract, Cocoyl Proline, and Glycerin, utilises a patented technology that enhances bioavailability and efficacy. 

Tricho-Solve targets the hair growth cycle, prolongs the anagen phase, and mitigates the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the hair follicles, reducing hair thinning and loss. It also counters inflammation-induced hair disorders, providing a comprehensive solution for maintaining scalp health and promoting hair growth. Its efficacy has been validated through various in vivo and in vitro tests, making it an essential component for hair care formulations aimed at preventing and treating hair loss​​.

Image source: Sinerga (showing improvement in the state of thinning hair after 90 days of treatment with Tricho-Solve) 
Image source: Sinerga (evaluating the state of thinning hair at each experimental time)

Up-Citrus Extract: Natural Essence Meets Upcycling Beauty

  • Derived from upcycled citrus peels
  • Rich in bioactive compounds
  • Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial
  • Boosts collagen synthesis and skin brightness
  • Promotes microbiome balance
  • Supports skin and hair health
  • Sustainable, with value-added from waste material

Up-Citrus Extract harnesses the power of upcycling, turning citrus peel waste from the food industry into a potent cosmetic ingredient. This extract, rich in bioactive compounds like Hesperidin and Naringenin, provides multifunctional benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-lightening properties. 

Ideal for formulations targeting skin and hair health, Up-Citrus Extract boosts collagen synthesis, enhances skin brightness, and ensures microbiome balance. 

In testing, Up-Citrus Extract (applied twice a day in a 3% emulsion) showed a statistically significant increase in the Collagen Index, with a peak of +18% after 7 days, confirmed by +14% after 14 days. This is shown in the ultrasound images below, where collagen fibres are shown in orange-yellow shades:

Image source: Sinerga 

Up-Citrus Extract’s upcycled origin not only makes it a sustainable choice but also adds value by contributing to a circular economy. This powerful ingredient is suitable for a wide range of cosmetic applications, from anti-ageing treatments to energising and glowing skin care products​​.

What Next?

We are a full service partner offering formulation development, regulatory advice, sampling and testing. So get in touch today for more information about these exciting new ingredients from Sinerga, and let’s explore how they could transform your next formulation. 

New Ingredients from Syensqo at InCosmetics 2024 

We were excited to see so many new and innovative personal care ingredients being showcased at InCosmetics in April, especially from our own principal suppliers such as Syensqo. 

Here are some of the standout skin care and hair care products talked about by Syensqo at InCosmetics 2024, that we’re pleased to offer formulators:

Dermalcare® AVOLIA MB

Dermalcare® AVOLIA MB presents a natural, optimised alternative to non volatile silicones, offering equal sensory benefits without the environmental and build-up concerns associated with silicones.

Dermalcare® AVOLIA MB combines Isoamyl Laurate and Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil to deliver exceptional conditioning, lightness, and shine, suitable for all hair types. Its 1.0 Natural Origin Index (ISO 16128) rating and COSMOS certification underline its appeal to formulators seeking sustainable, high-performance ingredients for clean beauty applications.

Geropon® TC Clear MB

Geropon® TC Clear MB is an innovative liquid Cocoyl Taurate that offers unparalleled ease of handling and formulation flexibility. As a fully stable liquid at room temperature, it simplifies manufacturing processes by eliminating the need for pre-heating and extensive mixing. 

Ideal for various personal care products from body washes to toothpaste, Geropon® TC Clear MB enhances foaming properties and provides a balanced feel to hair and skin. Its stability across a broad pH range and its low environmental impact, with ultra-low salt content and RSPO MB certification, make it an excellent choice for sustainable and high-performance personal care formulations.

Mirataine® CET

Mirataine® CET, a high-performance cetyl betaine, is designed as an effective viscosity booster particularly for sulphate-free cleansing formulas. It serves as an efficient secondary surfactant and foam stabiliser, catering to a wide array of personal care applications including body washes, shampoos, facial cleansers, and liquid hand soaps. 

Mirataine® CET offers excellent stability across extreme pH environments and in the presence of bleach, ensuring robust performance in diverse formulations. It is supplied in a liquid form with a typical use level of 6-8% as supplied, providing ease of use for formulators looking to enhance product viscosity without compromising clarity or stability.

Mirataine® OMG MB

Mirataine® OMG MB is a cutting-edge emulsifier designed to create multisensory experiences in oil-based formulations. This powerful, EO-free emulsifier excels in forming clear polyol-oil gels that transform into oil or milk upon application, pushing the boundaries of traditional personal care products. 

Suitable for a wide range of applications including nourishing creams, cleansing gels, and hair care treatments, Mirataine® OMG MB allows for high oil loads while ensuring clarity and stability. Its exceptional sensory profile and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any formulator’s toolkit focused on innovation and consumer satisfaction.

Miranol® Ultra L28 ULS MB

Miranol® Ultra L28 ULS MB is an ultra-low salt Lauroamphoacetate that provides mild cleansing with excellent skin compatibility. This amphoteric surfactant is especially beneficial for formulators working on sulphate-free systems, as it aids in thickening and enhancing the sensory attributes of personal care products without the clarity and stability issues often associated with higher salt levels. Its effectiveness in low-irritant formulations makes it ideal for products targeting sensitive skin and scalp, reinforcing its utility in developing gentle yet effective personal care solutions.

Naternal™ Care Clear SGI

Naternal™ Care Clear SGI is a groundbreaking conditioning solution, tailored for clear formulations targeting low to medium hair damage. It stands out with its impressive sustainability credentials, being readily biodegradable and non-ecotoxic. 

Derived from 100% bio-sourced Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Naternal™ Care Clear SGI ensures superior conditioning from root to tip, both in wet and dry stages. It promises excellent detangling and softness without any build-up, making it a prime choice for formulators aiming to replace conventional polyquaterniums in their products.

What Next?

We are more than a supplier; we’re a full service partner offering formulation development, regulatory advice, sampling and testing. So get in touch today for more information about these innovative ingredients from Syensqo and let’s see how they could transform your next formulation.

Spotlight on Polycare® Therapies for Hair from Syensqo

Syensqo have developed three groundbreaking hair care ingredients that tackle some of the most common consumer hair care problems, from split ends to heat protection and anti-frizz, in innovative ways. 

Let’s take a closer look.

Polycare® Heat Therapy: An Effective, Natural Heat Shield

INCI: Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Polycare® Heat Therapy offers an innovative, natural, non-ecotoxic solution for safeguarding hair against the ravages of high temperatures. This double-derivatized cationic guar forms an invisible shield on the hair’s surface, preserving not just the hair’s structural integrity but also its softness and manageability. 

This breakthrough ingredient not only promises to protect hair from heat-induced damage but also enhances styling results, offering more control and maintaining the hair’s natural feel without buildup. With extensive testing showing significantly less damage compared to other natural products and improved resistance to breakage, Polycare® Heat Therapy stands out as a superior choice for maintaining strong, healthy hair. It even eases the combing process on wet hair, reducing the force required and further protecting the hair from mechanical damage. 

Image: Syensqo

This bio-based, silicone-free product is not just about preventing damage; it’s about enhancing the overall hair styling experience, making it an indispensable addition to any hair care routine focused on health and beauty.

Key Benefits

  • Heat protection active ingredient
  • Discipline and straightening effect
  • Multifunctional ingredient protects and cares
  • Cold-processable
  • No build-up in multiple applications
  • Number one bio-based silicone replacement 

Polycare® Split Therapy: Stepping into Real Hair Cure

INCI: Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Polycare® Split Therapy presents a pioneering advancement in hair care with its ability to repair more than 90% of split ends from the first application. Developed from bio-sourced guar, this innovation offers a long-lasting solution that withstands combing, washing, and heat, marking a significant leap from traditional treatments. Unlike typical commercial serums that show a 60-73% repair rate, Polycare® Split Therapy boasts a 90-95% effectiveness, demonstrating superior performance without leaving any residue, even on Caucasian hair. This effectiveness is further underscored by its 93% repair retention rate after heat styling at 180°C, showcasing its resilience and efficiency.

Images: Syensqo 

The secret behind Polycare® Split Therapy’s success lies in its unique ability to interact with the hair’s split surface chemistry, creating a thin film that effectively seals split ends and ensures durability without buildup. This technology, which surpasses conventional repair methods, has earned Solvay the “Best Innovation Contributor Beauty Care” award from Henkel. Ideal for shampoos, conditioners, and serums, Polycare® Split Therapy is a testament to Syensqo’s commitment to offering sustainable, less damaging hair care alternatives that cater to the modern consumer’s demand for natural, effective solutions.

Key Benefits

  • Up to 90% repair of split ends from 1st use
  • Typical use level 0.5%
  • Long-lasting sealing
  • Resists washing, combing and flat ironing
  • Easy to process: cold-processable and no premix needed
  • No residue or build-up, not sticky

Protection for Coloured Hair

Polycare® Split Therapy also offers powerful damage protection when bleaching or colouring hair. When incorporated into lightening powders or added just before colouring, it significantly reduces cuticle damage, ensuring that cuticles remain almost intact and resulting in noticeably softer hair. 

When incorporated into bleaching or colouring products, ​​Polycare® Split Therapy also reduced colour fade over time, so hair was less dull after multiple washes. 

Polycare® Frizz Therapy: Anti-Frizz Solution for Durable Shape

INCI: Polymethacrylamido-propyltrimonium Chloride

Polycare® Frizz Therapy is a groundbreaking synthetic, low-viscosity cationic polymer designed to combat frizz effectively in both straight and curly hair. Boasting superior performance over current market leaders, this ingredient operates by neutralising the negative charge in damaged or wet hair, reducing frizz significantly. 

Image: Syensqo 

It offers exceptional humidity resistance for up to three days, ensures durable shape and discipline, and is ideal for daily application due to its high solubility in common solvents and non-greasy, non-sticky nature.

Polycare® Frizz Therapy is not just about controlling frizz; it’s also about enhancing the overall health and appearance of hair. With benefits like no negative sensory impact, superior heat protection, and suitability for minimalist beauty regimes, this ingredient supports a simplified beauty routine while providing effective frizz control and heat defence. It’s perfect for use in a variety of hair care formulations, including leave-in treatments and creams. 

Key Benefits

  • High humidity resistance
  • Not greasy, not sticky, no flakes
  • No build up, no stiffening/cardboard effect
  • Ideal for daily use
  • Heat protection

If you want to learn more about how to incorporate Syensqo’s Polycare® Therapies for Hair into your formulation, or if you’d like to request a sample, please get in touch.

Sinerga Hair Care: Solutions for Every Need

In the ever-evolving world of beauty and personal care, hair care remains a vital segment where innovation meets necessity. We are pleased to showcase Sinerga’s comprehensive range of hair care solutions, designed to meet a wide spectrum of needs from root to tip. 

Sinerga is leading the way in integrating skin care technologies into hair care products, creating solutions that not only enhance appearance but also fundamentally nourish and protect the hair and scalp.

Innovative Products for All-Round Hair Care

Sinerga’s product line is expertly formulated to address diverse hair and scalp conditions with precision, embracing current demands for sustainability and natural ingredients:

Azeloglicina® for Scalp Health

Azeloglicina® offers exceptional anti-inflammatory properties that target scalp inflammation—a common precursor to hair issues. By reducing the expression of interleukin IL1α and inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase, which plays a role in hair loss disorders like androgenic alopecia, it helps maintain a healthier environment for hair growth.

Enhancing Microcirculation with X-Solve®

X-Solve® is formulated to enhance blood microcirculation in the scalp, crucial for nourishing hair follicles. By improving blood flow, it delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth and reducing hair loss.

Combating Hair Loss with Tiolisina® Complex 30

Tiolisina® Complex 30 tackles hair loss by normalising sebum and reducing dandruff. Its cysteine derivatives help control sebum production, while its antibacterial properties fight against scalp infections, creating an optimal environment for hair health and preventing hair loss.

Styling and Protection with Hair App

Hair App is a pure powder based on a combination of hair-like amino acids that provides structural support and protection, enabling natural styling and resilience against daily styling challenges. It penetrates into the cuticle up to the cortex, strengthening keratin fibres, protecting hair structure, and organising disulfide bonds. Efficacy tests show it helps prolong both smooth and curly hairstyles and protects from heat damage. 

Restorative Treatments with Pea.Protein

Pea.Protein utilises enzymatically hydrolyzed pea proteins that exhibit an amino acid spectrum similar to that of keratin, allowing deep penetration into the hair shaft. It restores hair structure and strength through its synergy of different molecular weights, providing both film-forming properties and deeper penetration for comprehensive hair restructuring.

Embracing the ‘Skinification’ of Hair Care

Sinerga leads the ‘skinification’ of hair care, a trend that applies the principles of skincare to hair products. By incorporating ingredients typically used in skincare, such as ceramides and prebiotics, Sinerga’s offerings provide focused, scientifically supported care for the hair and scalp.

Sustainability and Efficacy in Harmony

At HARKE UK, we have long championed the importance of sustainability in beauty products. Sinerga’s commitment to using biodegradable and natural ingredients aligns with our dedication to environmental responsibility, offering products that are not only effective but also contribute to a healthier planet.

What Next?

Whether it’s promoting growth, restoring health, or providing daily care, Sinerga offers specialised solutions for all hair care needs. Our technical team is ready to help you learn more about these innovative products and discuss how you can incorporate them into your next hair care or scalp care formulation.

Get in touch today to discover how Sinerga and HARKE UK can revolutionise your hair care formulations.

Octopirox®: The Leading Anti-dandruff Agent

Used successfully for over 40 years, Clariant’s Octopirox® is now one of the leading and most effective anti-dandruff active ingredients available on the market. It is an ingredient that’s generally considered non-irritating and non-allergenic and has been specifically designed to combat all causes of dandruff and dry scalp.

Continue reading

Skinification for Scalp Care

‘Skinification’ isn’t just the latest fad; it’s a hugely popular movement that’s here to stay! This exciting approach to hair care values the importance of looking after your scalp, in the same way you do for your skin using similar skin care ingredients. More and more consumers and formulators are acknowledging that the scalp plays a vital factor in overall hair health – because when your scalp is looking its best, your hair is too!Continue reading

Silicone-Free Hair Repair

Silicones have been a popular, commonly used ingredient in hair care products since the 1970s. But today their popularity is beginning to wane – in part due to consumers’ demands for more silicone-free products, along with a worldwide silicone shortage – leaving both formulators and consumers searching for silicone alternatives.Continue reading