Lignin Based Products

Scientists from Stockholm University in Sweden have published a groundbreaking research achievement in the journal Science Advances. They have discovered a fully bio-based hair conditioner based on lignin gel emulsion, which can effectively address the issues of excessive chemical components and sustainability in traditional hair care products, providing new ideas for the development of environmentally friendly hair care products.

Preparation of the lignin gel emulsion hair care product and its mechanism of action on oxidatively damaged hair.

(A) Schematic diagram of the preparation of the lignin gel emulsion. (B) The nanoscale damaging effect of hydrogen peroxide on human hair and the hair care effect of the lignin gel emulsion. (C) Amphiphilic lignin micelles in the emulsion are adsorbed onto the damaged hair, releasing triglyceride oil to lubricate the hair surface. The inset shows the micellar lignin particles in water.

Traditional hair care products mostly rely on petroleum-based surfactants and stabilizers, and there are sustainability issues. With the increasing demand for natural hair care products from consumers, researchers have started to explore alternative solutions of natural ingredients. As a natural polyphenol, lignin has antioxidant and surface activity properties, and it is expected to become a multifunctional ingredient in hair care products.