Quality Control Of Active Ingredient In Hair Creams Using NIR Spectroscopy

Introduction

Hair care products have come a long way, but ensuring their quality and effectiveness remains a top priority for manufacturers. One technology revolutionizing the industry is Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. This cutting-edge technique offers a rapid, accurate, and non-destructive method for analyzing the composition of hair creams.

Figure 1: Quality hair care products are an important factor in making hair healthy and beautiful.

By examining the near-infrared light reflected or transmitted through a sample, NIR spectroscopy can provide invaluable insights into the levels of key active ingredients. From moisturizers and emollients to proteins and sunscreens, this technology helps maintain product consistency, detect impurities, and ultimately enhance hair health.

How Near-Infrared spectroscopy work

NIR spectroscopy is based on the principle that different molecules absorb near-infrared light at specific wavelengths. When light interacts with a sample, the absorbed wavelengths provide a unique "fingerprint" that can be analyzed to identify and quantify the components within the sample.

Figure 2: Principle of near-infrared spectral reflection method.

In the case of hair creams, NIR spectroscopy can quickly determine the concentrations of key ingredients such as:

• Moisturizers: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and other hydrating agents.
• Emollients: Oils, silicones, and waxes that soften and protect hair.
• Proteins: Keratin, collagen, and other building blocks for hair strength.
• Sunscreens: UV filters to shield hair from damage.
• Antioxidants: Vitamins and other compounds that combat free radicals.

By analyzing the NIR spectrum of a hair cream sample, manufacturers can ensure that the product contains the correct amounts of these essential ingredients, meeting quality standards and consumer expectations.

Benefits of NIR-spectroscopy in hair care

NIR spectroscopy offers a multitude of advantages for the hair care industry:

• Speed and Efficiency: NIR analysis is incredibly fast, providing results in minutes rather than hours or days. This accelerates quality control processes and reduces production downtime.
• Non-Destructive Analysis: Unlike traditional methods that require sample destruction, NIR spectroscopy is non-invasive, allowing for repeated measurements and product preservation.
• Cost-Effective: NIR instruments have become more affordable, and the technique requires minimal sample preparation, leading to overall cost savings.
• Improved Accuracy: NIR spectroscopy can provide highly accurate and precise measurements of active ingredients, ensuring product consistency and efficacy.
• Early Detection of Issues: By monitoring ingredient levels and identifying potential contaminants, NIR spectroscopy helps prevent product recalls and maintains brand reputation.
• Sustainability: NIR spectroscopy reduces the use of chemicals and solvents typically required for traditional analytical methods, promoting environmental sustainability.

By harnessing the power of NIR spectroscopy, hair care manufacturers can enhance product quality, optimize production processes, and ultimately deliver superior products to consumers.

Result

In one study, bleached hair samples were treated with 4 restorative products containing active ingredients. Sample A contains silicon components such as cyclopentasilonxe, dimethicone and dimethiconol. Sample B is like A but with lower spectral resolution. Sample C contains silicones and fatty alcohols. Sample D contains water, cetearyl alcohol, cyclopentasiloxane, and panthenol.

Figure 3: Spectral graph of 4 hair cream samples A (spectrum 1), B (spectrum 2), C (spectrum 3), D (spectrum 4). Spectrum (a), black, is the spectrum of the hair care product; (b), blue, is the spectrum of the bleached hair sample; (c), red is the bleached hair sample used in hair care products.

Figure 3 shows the infrared spectra of hair samples treated with different cosmetic products (A, B, C, and D). Here are the things that can be drawn from the result spectrum:

• Product A: Shows bands at 794 cm⁻¹ and 1054 cm⁻¹, indicating the presence of silicones. Likely penetrates the hair fiber due to the presence of dimethicone or similar compounds.
• Product B: Displays a low-intensity Si-C band at 800 cm⁻¹ and asymmetric Si-O-Si stretching between 1027-1090 cm⁻¹. Indicates penetration into the hair. May have additional components beyond silicone.
• Product C: Highlights bands at 789 cm⁻¹ and 1006-1080 cm⁻¹, related to silicones and fatty alcohols. Penetrates the hair fiber. Like a combination of ingredients.
• Product D: Exhibits bands at 804 cm⁻¹ and 1080 cm⁻¹, indicating the presence of silicones and other compounds. Penetrates the hair. May contain additional ingredients.

Studies have demonstrated NIRS's efficacy in quality control, particularly in identifying out-of-specification products, thus safeguarding consumer health while maintaining a brand's reputation.

Measurement system

The NirQuest Spectrometer, paired with the DH-2000 light source, offers a robust solution for analyzing the active ingredients in hair cream. Utilizing the high-performance optical bench and low-noise electronics of the NirQuest, alongside the stable output of the DH-2000 across a wide wavelength range, this setup is ideal for ensuring quality control in cosmetic products. This combination allows for precise measurements, crucial for maintaining the efficacy and safety of hair care formulations.

The NIRQuest 512-2.5 is a high-resolution spectrometer designed for near-infrared measurements, making it an excellent choice for quality control of active ingredients in hair cream. With a wavelength range of 900-2500 nm and an optical resolution of approximately 6.3 nm FWHM, it provides detailed spectral data crucial for identifying and quantifying various compounds. The spectrometer's high signal-to-noise ratio ensures accurate readings, which is vital for maintaining product consistency and safety. Its compact size and robust design allow for easy integration into manufacturing processes, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments. By utilizing NIRQuest 512-2.5, manufacturers can ensure that their hair cream products meet stringent quality standards with each batch, guaranteeing the efficacy and safety of the active ingredients for consumers.

Figure 4: NIRQuest Spectrophotometer.

The DH-2000 is a sophisticated light source that combines deuterium and tungsten halogen lamps, providing a broad wavelength range from 210 to 2500 nm. This range encompasses the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, which is particularly useful for quality control in various industries, including cosmetics. For instance, in the production of hair cream, the active ingredients' quality can be meticulously analyzed using the NIR range. The DH-2000's balanced output across this spectrum allows for precise measurements of molecular vibrations, which are indicative of different chemical bonds. This level of detail is crucial for ensuring the consistency and efficacy of the active ingredients in hair creams, thereby guaranteeing a high-quality product for consumers.

Figure 5: DH-2000 light source.

Conclusion

Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is revolutionizing the hair care industry by providing a rapid, accurate, and non-destructive method for analyzing hair cream compositions. This technology ensures product consistency, detects impurities, and enhances hair health. By utilizing advanced tools like the NirQuest Spectrometer and DH-2000 light source, manufacturers can maintain high-quality standards, optimize production processes, and deliver superior products to consumers