2. Shampoo formulation

2.1 What is the main purpose of using shampoo?

Shampoos are generally foaming solutions, formulated with surfactants to remove dirt from the scalp and hair. Cellular debris, lipophilic substances (sebum), hydrophilic substances (sweat), medications, pollutants (dopants) and residues of leave-in cosmetics (hairspray, styling gels, etc.) are removed. The total surface area to be cleaned, if hair and scalp are included, is around 8 m ² . The argument put forward by a number of cosmetics companies is "gentleness". A study of the composition of a number of cleansing bases reveals that this claim is sometimes made for shampoos containing irritating surfactants