During the formulation of our Flaxseed Whipped Styling Gel, I received many questions. One common question was, “How do you whip a gel into butter?” My barber even after using on my hair insisted it was a leave in conditioner, or a hair mask. I talking with Kalicia about changing the name so people are more familiar with the name. Then I watched, studied and documented how she makes. It truly is a Dual Action Formula Whipped Hair Butter and a Hair Styling Gel.
What I observed was the creation of two products that people normally use. The first is a gel. It looks and feels like a gel. Yet, creating a gel as most people are accustomed to requires a synthetic ingredient called carbomer. Carbomer is a very controversial ingredient. Research this ingredient, and you will find an equal number of topics for it and against it. My data science and marketing background tell me that being at the top of Google doesn’t make it correct. Having AI give a manufactured response also doesn’t guarantee accuracy. As I implied the return can be manufactured.
For example:
Is Carbomer toxic:Google top return: are generally considered safe and nontoxic for humans when used as intended. Carbomer are a class of chemicals that are widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and detergents.
what makes carbomer toxic to humans: Google top return: Carbomers can be toxic to humans due to the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen, as an impurity in some carbomer products. Benzene can be absorbed through the skin and has been linked to blood cancers like leukemia.
The FDA has requested that the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) remove certain carbomer monographs that allow for unacceptable levels of benzene. Manufacturers and applicants may need to reformulate their drug products to avoid using these carbomers.
For Nurse Practitioner Kalicia there is not a “safe level” of benzene that should be absorbed through the skin. people exercise, we hike, we run so I agree. I’d defer on carbomers. So for Eti’s Glow, Kalicia went a different direction. She used safer plant based ingredients. leveraging her advanced chemistry knowledge to get the same outcome with a natural plant-based thickener. , check out the references below.
Then there is the whipped butter. We use Shea butter, which is a favorite and staple ingredient in many skin care products. We could stop here. By that I mean we make a leave in conditioner like product and would work great. Instead Kalicia decided to blend these two together to get a unique scalp, and hair care solution.
Soft hold means that our Flaxseed Whipped Styling Gel is soft to the touch. This makes styling and manageability easier. It also controls frizzy flyaway.
The flaxseed (the staple ingredient in the gel) provides soft hold without your hair feeling crunchy. It also moisturizes your hair. With the added fatty acids (omega-3), it has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help soothe scalp irritation. It can also reduce dandruff and promote healthy hair growth by maintaining a balanced scalp environment.
All of these benefits before Shea-butter is introduced makes this a one of kind blend. the Shea butter, deeply nourishes which sounds like a template response. I have to answer what is nourishing hair mean?
the whipped butter provides:
- Vitamins A and E: These act like little superheroes, fighting off damage and keeping your hair healthy.
- Essential fatty acids: These are like building blocks that help repair and strengthen your hair.
- Sealed in moisture: It creates a protective barrier on your hair. This barrier prevents moisture from escaping. It keeps your hair hydrated for longer.
All of these work together to promote hair growth. By nourishing your scalp and hair, Shea butter can contribute to healthier hair growth.
there are other ingredients, but I can’t give away the secret sauce can I? Just keep this in mind: Imagine Shea butter as a rich, creamy treat that your hair absorbs and says, “Ahhhh, thank you!”
This is why we made Flaxseed Whipped Styling Gel. From my personal experience of wearing protective hair styles my hair is more brittle and breaks more with traditional gels. Its simple moisturized hair is stronger and breaks less often.
Another reason is because we were tired of watered down or over chemicalized products. Which is strange because we found plant based solutions that ethical and sustainable.
We are continuing to refine and improve the next formulation. We are offering samples to people in our Facebook Group.
A community dedicated to holistic self-care! We’re passionate about:
- Preventive health routines
- Healthy habits for mind and body
- Natural skincare and haircare
- Non-toxic living
I hope to see you there.
References
What are carbomers? Uses, risks, and the environment