Ammonia alternative: Bioactive glass powder from SCHOTT enables new generation of hair dye

Despite being a synthetic substance, the basic building blocks of bioactive glass are natural and necessary components of our body: silicon, calcium, sodium, and phosphorus. Thanks to this biocompatibility, the material has been used in medicine for decades, for example in bone regeneration, or dental implants.

Recently, Vitryxx® impressed hair dye manufacturers looking for alternatives to alkalizing agents containing amine or ammonia. These are used in permanent hair coloring to increase the pH value of the formula in combination with water, and to open the hair cuticle, which allows color molecules to penetrate hair cells more easily.

"Alkalizing agents such as ammonia or 2-ethanolamine produce unpleasant, pungent odors, and can also cause skin irritation. With odorless glass powder, these disadvantages are a thing of the past: In our tests, hair dyes with Vitryxx® show at least the same dyeing results compared to conventional formulations and, according to corresponding studies, are also significantly more skin-friendly," says Dr. Eva Müller, Head of Research and Development for formulations at SKH GmbH, the affiliated institute for applied research and development at the University of Regensburg, about the test results.

Antonio Trizzino, responsible for the product at SCHOTT, sees the bioactive glass powder as a solution for the cosmetics industry with future potential: "The first customers have tested our glass powder in their hair dyes and have reported very good results."

Bioactive glass powder can already be found as an ingredient in a wide range of skin and nail care products, sunscreen, makeup, tattoo ink, and deodorants. Tests by independent institutes show that Vitryxx® can soothe the skin, reduce redness, and inhibit inflammation. Bioactive glass has a preservative and odor-inhibiting effect and releases minerals such as calcium in contact with water, which bind to finger or toenails and strengthen them. As glass, the powder resists UV light and temperature extremes. It does not contain any nanoscale raw materials, microplastics, mineral and silicone oils or animal ingredients - and therefore contributes to the sustainability of cosmetic products.

More about bioactive glass powder from SCHOTT

Vitryxx® is a registered trademark of SCHOTT AG.

Disclaimer:
Properties and characteristics refer exclusively to the bioactive glass powder; tests by renowned institutes are available on request. Efficacy varies depending on the formulation of the final product. Specific tests on sample formulations are only available for permanent hair colorants.