Nioxin is a haircare brand that originated in the USA in 1987 when founder Eva Graham experienced thinning Hair after giving birth. Since that time, Nioxin has gained popularity and become available almost all over the world. The fact that most dermatologists recommend this brand to treat hair shed and scalp disorders excites our curiosity. We decided to dive deeper to find out where magic comes from. Scroll down to learn more about the efficacy and safety of every Nioxin shampoo ingredient.

Surfactants:

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is one of the most common ingredients used in shampoos. In 1983, experts from The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that SLES is safe. It doesn’t cause adverse reactions until the manufacturing process is carried out properly. Does Nioxin ensure the quality of SLES? There is no way to know this, but we believe it does.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is another popular cleansing agent derived from petroleum or coconut oil. In cosmetic products, it acts as a foam booster. SLS is not carcinogenic. According to a 2015 study, it is acceptable for use in shampoos.

Sodium xylene sulfonate helps the shampoo to be spread more easily along with the hair. It also removes the dirt and dissolves the oil. Based on the data from The Daily Journal of The United States Government, sodium xylene sulfonate is harmless in concentrations up to 10%.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is an organic compound obtained from coconut oil. It does not only clean the scalp but also softens and hydrates the hair. Concerning the safety of this ingredient, cocamidopropyl betaine is somewhat similar to SLS.

Cocamide MEA is also derived from coconut oil. It creates foam and adds volume to hair. Besides, this ingredient is rich in fatty acids that make lifeless hair thick and shiny. Based on limited data, cocamide MEA is safe in concentrations up to 10% in rinse-off products.

Preservatives:

Methylparaben and sodium benzoate help the Nioxin shampoo to stay longer and kill fungi while potassium sorbate works against mold and yeast. Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent that boosts preservative efficacy. Based on the available data, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that this ingredient is safe to use in cosmetic formulations.

pH Adjusters:

Maintaining natural hair acidity is crucial, as it prevents fungi and bacteria from growing in the scalp. For this reason, we would like to use a shampoo that can lower the alkalinity. If you check the label of any hair care product, you will rarely find a pH value because it is not mandatory. So, there is no other way to determine if shampoo can regulate acidity than check for pH adjusters in the list of ingredients. Nioxin shampoo contains sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, and citric acid, which do their best to balance the pH and keep hair healthy.

Skin-Conditioning Agents:

Cystine bis-pg-propyl silanetriol is a synthetic component that increases hair elasticity. It’s non-toxic and safe for use. Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) and yeast extract/extrait de levure are also skin-conditioning agents with many additional benefits. They both act as antioxidants by preventing free radicals from damaging the hair follicles. Also, they support a healthy scalp, stimulate hair growth, and regulate the skin’s pH.

Humectants:

Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in cosmetic products due to its safety and versatility. Firstly, it absorbs extra moisture to the surface of the skin, reducing dryness and flakiness. Also, the humectant acts as a conditioner, smoothing the hair and letting it be combed through easily. Finally, propylene glycol is antibacterial and can be used as a preservative in concentrations up to 20%.

Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract is more than humectant. It also acts as a hair conditioner and antiseptic. Besides, sugar cane contains glycolic acid, which is a natural exfoliant. When applied to the skin, it gently exfoliates dead cells, unclogs the outlets of hair follicles, and smooths the skin’s texture.

Panthenol is a provitamin B5. When applied to the skin, it converts into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). This ingredient is an excellent humectant that can hold the moisture in the hair, even after using a hairdryer. Compared to other moisturizing agents, panthenol provides a cumulative and long-lasting effect. It also strengths a protective barrier of the scalp by increasing the production of lipids. 

Lecithin is a multi-tasker vitamin-like nutrient that can be found in every single cell of the human body. In Nioxin shampoo, lecithin helps to repair and soothe lifeless hair. It serves as a building material for restoring damaged cells and the formation of new ones. It also acts as a vehicle for vitamins and minerals, allowing them to penetrate deeply into the skin and hair. 

Hair Growth Boosters in Nioxin Shampoo:

Humulus lupulus (hops) flower extract is a multifaceted ingredient that acts as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial agent. Oils and vitamins in hops help get rid of dead cells and unblock the pores, preventing dandruff and reducing inflammation. Also, the extract is rich in silica, which strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair growth.

Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, mentha arvensis leaf oil, and menthol are especially beneficial for hair boost. These components are vasodilators. They stimulate blood flow in the scalp, increasing the number of follicles and their depth. Also, they act as a natural antiseptic by forming a protective shield on the scalp to defend against bacterial and fungal infections. Finally, mentha controls excessive sebum production, which is beneficial for people who need to wash hair daily because it gets greasy. 

Urtica dioica (nettle) leaf extract is one of the most widely studied hair care ingredients. It is packed with silica and sulfur that minimize hair damage and thinning while also protecting the skin of the scalp. Based on the study, a combination of herbal extracts including nettle leaves can regenerate follicles and stimulate new hair growth. 

Vaccinium myrtillus leaf extract (bilberry leaf extract) can do many things but is especially good in promoting hair growth. When applied to the skin, it stimulates blood circulation, increasing the nutrition and oxygen that flows to hair follicles. Besides, the extract helps to restore lifeless hair, prevent split ends, and moisturize the skin. It also poses anti-dandruff and antiacne properties. 

Anti-Inflammatory Agents:

Acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract is a wonderful ingredient with many skincare benefits. It contains vitamin B, potassium, zinc, and magnesium that are crucial for healthy living. Due to the high level of absorption, sugar maple extract can easily deliver its nutrient into the skin and hair. Besides, it works as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, soothing and calming inflamed scalp. 

Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B7, is a strong hair booster, as many people with hair shedding have low biotin levels. However, there are no available data confirming that shampoo with this ingredient can promote hair growth. In any case, it still plays a vital role. Biotin alleviates inflammation and makes hair shiny and silky. 

Anti-Acne Agents:

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is one of the most lovely ingredients in skincare. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and can help to reduce any redness and itchiness on the scalp. What’s more important is that niacinamide can prevent hair loss associated with folliculitis (aka inflammation of the hair follicles) and increase hair full

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps control oil production and decreases the risk of acne developing on the scalp. In Nioxin shampoo, it prevents the formation of dandruff, keeping your skin free of dead, flaky cells. Besides, this ingredient supports moisture levels and acts against seborrheic dermatitis. 

Antioxidants:

Camellia sinensis leaf extract (green tea extract) is one of the most underrated ingredients in hair care. It contains caffeine that improves blood circulation, stimulating the growth of new hair and strengthening existing ones. The component is also rich in catechins that help to get rid of dandruff and irritation. Theanine, one of the amino acids in green tea, makes hair shine. It smoothes hair scales, which begin to reflect light better.

Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) peel extract, citrus limon (lemon) peel extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract are potent antioxidants. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and many more. Besides, they have a wide range of health-related properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and brightening effects. Each of these citrus extracts has its unique properties that best works in a combo in Nioxin shampoo.

Grapefruit peel extract regulates sebum production and prevents bacteria buildup, resulting in inflammation. Lemon peel extract is responsible for exfoliation. It peels off dead cells and debris, making way for fresh skin and follicles to grow healthy hair. Orange fruit extract relieves an itchy, dry, and flaky scalp. It also moisturizes the hair shaft and prevents it from turning brittle. 

What About Nioxin System 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6?

Well, they all have absolutely the same base of ingredients as we have in Nioxin System 1, but with additional components. Nioxin System 2 has the same ingredients as Nioxin System 1, except for two additional colorants – Ci 19140 and Ci 17200.

Nioxin System 3 collects a full spectrum vitamin B complex, one of the best ingredients for promoting hair growth. Also, it contains fermented minerals, such as iron, copper, silicon, zinc, and magnesium. They act as skin-conditioning agents, improving a protective barrier to maintain hydration of the scalp and enhancing the appearance of damaged hair. Besides, Nioxin System 3 has an additional surfactant – PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide. It is safe and used in many hair care products. Nioxin System 4 has the same ingredients as Nioxin System 3, except for two additional colorants – Yellow 5 and Red 33.

Nioxin System 5 is rich in vitamin B complex and fermented minerals like the products mentioned above. Furthermore, Kukui nut oil and hydrolyzed silk moisturizes the skin and prevent premature hair loss. Besides, Nioxin System 5 contains additional surfactant – Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, which is safe and common. Nioxin System 6 has the same ingredients as Nioxin System 5, except for two additional colorants – Yellow 5 and Red 33.

So, Is Nioxin Shampoo Good?

Nioxin shampoo is just a treasure trove for lifeless hair. Although it is not sulfate-free, as many customers wish, Nioxin uses the most common sulfates that you might find in 90% of hair care products. Without them, your hair might feel greasy, like you haven’t washed it at all. So, it is OK to have several cleansing agents to get the effects you are actually looking for.

The core base of Nioxin shampoo includes a bunch of beneficial ingredients that you’ve never seen in any regular hair care product. It is chockfull of vitamins responsible for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Besides, you can find there hops, mentha, nettle, and bilberry that can make your hair grow thicker and faster. They refresh the scalp, increase blood flow to the hair follicles, and balance the pH of the skin. Finally, it contains salicylic acid and niacinamide which can regulate sebum production and unclog hair follicles.

All in all, no matter what system you choose, Nioxin shampoo is the results driving. Our team is addicted in a good way to its products. The fun fact is that if you once try Nioxin, you won’t want to stop using it. There are still no other products that may provide you with similar benefits.

The Best Nioxin Product Picks

Nioxin System 3 Shampoo is an excellent choice for thin, fine hair. The product contains a vitamin B complex that strengthens hair and prevents its loss. Also, it removes the residue of other styling products and leaves your hair clean for a long time. Try it, even if your hair is not colored.

Nioxin Shampoo System 5 suits those who want to promote a healthy shine and silkiness. The product contains hydrolyzed silk protein, which is one of the best in enhancing the elasticity of the hair and preventing breakage. It is also rich in hair-booster ingredients that stimulate blood circulation and repair hair follicles.

Nioxin Hair Booster may become a favorite for those who are struggling with hair growth. This leave-on professional treatment contains KeraPro Complex and acts on specific areas of concern. The result can be beyond your expectations. Some customers claim that they regrow hair on the spots that have been bald for many years.

Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment can be a great addition to your hair care regimen if you suffer from hair loss. The product contains Minoxidil, which has been proven to work. According to many scientific studies, this ingredient helps enhance the size of hair follicles, which stimulates the growth of thicker and stronger hairs.

The post Nioxin Shampoo: The Complete Analysis of the Ingredients appeared first on My Skin Tips.