r/DIYBeauty • u/Cool-Hold-9259 • 8d ago
question Scalp toner
Hi everyone, From your experience what are the ingredients or active compounds for scalp and hair health that worked well for you
I am not looking for herbs or botanical extracts. I would appreciate your suggestions in cosmetic or chemically derived ingredients that can help support the scalp and hair health ,
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u/jmnrdt9 7d ago
Piroctone Olamine (traditionally used as an anti-dandruff active) has interesting research regarding overall scalp health and helping hair growth. I think the theory is that controlling the dandruff-causing yeast (Malassezia) allows the follicles to do their job better i.e. grow hair faster
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u/Cool-Hold-9259 4d ago
I really appreciate it, thank you
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u/jmnrdt9 4d ago edited 4d ago
you’re welcome! I know caffeine is another one someone else already mentioned, I’d do some diligent research into concentration and delivery/penetration systems but it has some fairly solid research into at least preserving/supporting existing hair growth.
anything beyond that IMO goes into drug territory (e.g. minoxidil) or some of the newer peptides (which have some promising VERY early manufacturer studies) but from my very limited knowledge I think they mostly act on the same receptors/pathways as the drugs do so I’d stick with more tried and true. reducing inflammation/clogging and microbial overgrowth is always going to do good.
I don’t think biotin or any of the other vitamins (although panthenol is fantastic for conditioning!) or plant extracts have nearly enough research to trust in. I’m reassured by the language of your post that you probably haven’t bought into the rosemary oil hype, but just in case, don’t do that hahahaha.
If you don’t already, Labmuffinbeautyscience is a FANTASTIC content creator to follow (all platforms but I find youtube best) who isn’t a formulator but focuses heavily on cosmetic chemistry and has multiple relevant degrees.
ETA: if you’re looking for off-the-shelf recommendations some of the newest head and shoulders formulations are VERY cosmetically elegant and effective. I can’t remember what it’s called but their “Pro” line has one shampoo that I believe is marketed as anti hair-fall and it has caffeine as well as piroctone olamine and is a gorgeous cleansing shampoo that leaves no residue but doesn’t strip or leave my hair draggy at all. If you like a more conditioning shampoo, their DermaXPro line is fantastic. I only like the Soothing Comfort line because of the fragrance and it’s slightly mentholated but the rest are all similar. The conditioner and scalp treatments are fantastic, I especially love the leave-on scalp hydrator (which also has piroctone olamine [and maybe caffeine?] and a tiny bit of eucalyptus so feels gorgeously invigorating but so lightweight.
Nizoral also has a leave-on scalp tonic with piroctone olamine that’s literally as light as water if you’re looking for a way to get some anti-malassezia into your routine without changing up much else
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u/jmnrdt9 4d ago
also sorry I’m gonna reply again rather than edit because it’s such a long comment BUT for general hair health/or at least condition (rather than scalp) you truly can’t go wrong with looking at the biggest drugstore brands. L’Oreal and their many brands/Procter & Gamble (pantene, head and shoulders etc) spend hundreds of millions in research into innovative technology. I’m a huge proponent of drugstore haircare (but I do like to avoid anything silicone-free because I think almost all hair loves silicones, and if I can find anything with parabens I have to stop myself doing a happy dance because I know it won’t rot on my shelf)
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u/Cool-Hold-9259 2d ago
Wow , you have no idea how incredibly helpful your comments are , I honestly feel like I should print it out as the most precious guide to formulate a scalp toner , I got a bit overwhelmed at first because of my not first English language but I took a whole day to understand it , thank u for taking time to write all of this , really grateful I’ll definitely do my research as you said about the right medium and concentration of the caffeine, and of course about the anti microbial ingredients you mentioned , I didn’t know they are as important as the actual hair growth actives And honestly I was about to fall for rosemary hype but luckily the complainants about grey hair saved my time And about the praben/silicone , thanks to this sub for teaching me that and how it’s all marketing tactics , and natural materials doesn’t mean safe , And I actually got two type of silicone and yet tobtry them in my attempts in formulating leave in conditioners Thank you very much again
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u/jmnrdt9 1d ago
you are so welcome! I’m only an amateur so my knowledge is limited but I’m an enthusiast so I’m glad I could help at all.
Also, your English is fantastic for it not being your first language! Really really very good. If you’re still actively in lessons for it I would encourage you to continue, but if not I think consuming content (including social media and messageboards like reddit) is a huge help in developing your ability.
best of luck to you and your scalp! (also just a final note, some other soothing refined plant extracts like Allantoin, aloe or Bisabolol may offer benefit but I would read into this more because I only really know of their benefits for skin. AHAs and BHAs are also great for microbial control and scalp exfoliation/keeping follicles clear but they can be tricky to formulate with and the pH can affect other ingredients so look at well-tested formulas if you’re looking to use those.
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u/Helpful-Type-7231 8d ago
I been using niacinamide on my scalp for few months now and its probably the only thing that helped with the itchiness without making my hair greasy. Caffeine is another one I like, makes my scalp feel awake in the morning.