Review Kérastase - AURA BOTANICA Soin Fondamental 200ml

It is a hair care conditioner produced with excellent components of which many are of vegetable origin.

Manufacturer's instructions:

For dull and devitalised hair. Harness the power of natural ingredients and enjoy the feeling of perfectly nourished, shiny and soft hair. Kérastase Aura Botanica Soin Fondamental deep moisturising treatment, containing argan and coconut oil, brightens dull hair, improves its quality and makes it easier to comb. It is more nourishing than a conditioner, but lighter than a mask. Gives hair a natural shine and prevents frizz. Provides hair with deep nourishment for 48 hours. Makes hair easier to comb without weighing it down. Gives hair a pleasant fragrance.

How to use:

Apply the product to hair washed with shampoo and still damp. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Ingredients

Let us examine the most significant ingredients in order of quantity as stated on the label. I give a brief summary for the sake of space. For the full text, studies and bibliography, just click on the ingredient and, if you want to go deeper, it is perhaps a little complex reading because these are scientific studies, but it clarifies the ingredient/health relationship. 

Cetearyl alcohol is a chemical compound used in cosmetics to give a creamy consistency. It is a fatty acid composed of C16 Cetyl Alcohol and C18 Stearyl Alcohol. It is also used in medical applications. Excellent

Helianthus annuus seed oil is the common sunflower seed oil. It is included in these cosmetic formulations for its multiple properties: antioxidant, emollient, nourishing.

Cocos nucifera oil Coconut oil is present in cosmetic products and particularly in hair cosmetics as it protects hair from external agents and exerts a revitalising action on dry hair. It also has a moisturising action.

Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine   is a chemical compound derived from plants of the Brassicaceae family (Cabbage, Broccoli, etc.). It has the function of a conditioning and emulsifying agent. Excellent.

Cetyl esters.   Different chemical compounds from the synthesis of cetyl laurate, myristate, palmitate or stearate. They are used in cosmetic products as emollients and conditioning agents. Excellent.

Argania spinosa kernel oil, olio ottenuto da un albero originario del Marocco dal quale si ricava un olio che è un ottima fonte di vitamina E ed ha un alto potere nutrizionale, si chiama olio di Argan, è piuttosto noto ed ha proprietà nutritive, idratanti, protettive. Ottimo.

Glyceryl Stearate Moisturiser, stabiliser and emulsifier. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance. 

Caprylyl glycol It is used as a preservative in cosmetic products in creams and nanosuspensions as aqueous formulations.

Tartaric acid A recent discovery by a Japanese pharmaceutical company, however not yet confirmed by clinical studies, could help baldness sufferers. Tartaric acid, according to this manufacturer, could increase substances that promote hair growth. Moreover, in this study by researchers at Konkuk University, Japan, tartaric acid was able to maintain the colour of dyed hair and protect hair more efficiently than succinic acid as well as increase the tensile strength of hair, decrease hair porosity and smoothen the hair surface.

Caramel  Dye.

Linalool It is a chemical intermediate. Fragrance included in toothpastes, sunscreens, lipsticks, deodorants, lip balms. It is a component that is considered safe if it is not oxidised, so remember to close the cap of the package in which it is inserted tightly to prevent air from penetrating the interior for a long time and causing oxidation not only of this but also of any other oxidation-sensitive components.

Citronellol showed good tolerability on the skin due to its low permeability and low skin penetration potential. It is included as a fragrance. It has a tendency to oxidise so the warnings about Linalool apply. Low risk of sensitisation.

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil is an orange oil that is chemically extracted from orange peel. It is used in flavourings for food, drinks and also in cosmetics and body cleansers with tonic, astringent, revitalising functions. Excellent.

Conclusions

An excellent product in which one can clearly see the manufacturer's research aimed at providing a conditioner with as little chemistry as possible.  No components are of concern from a safety point of view.