CareEster -20%

Active ingredient

A highly effective performance polymer for hair care. For conditioners, hair masks, and shampoos.

INCI

Polyester-37

Item number
A019

Note: in-stock batch has a re-test date of 11/26
What does re-test date mean? Click here for the blog post

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Characteristics

Intensively nourishes the hair and provides even more suppleness than a silicone polymer!

Chemically treated, damaged, or dry, unruly hair requires special care. A patchy cuticle layer causes hair to become brittle, dry out faster, and be difficult to comb. By using cationic emulsifiers, such as Careblend Supreme, the hair surface can be smoothed and damage minimized. The use of oils makes hair soft and supple and counteracts moisture loss. But often, that alone is not enough.

To effectively smooth the hair surface and minimize friction—the main cause of split ends—special substances are needed that can coat the hair and thus condition it sustainably. Modified silicone polymers, e.g., amodimethicone, are often used for this purpose, as are cationic polymers (e.g., cationic guar gum), which further reinforce silicone deposition on the hair. These have a good effect against split ends and are unsurpassed in their smoothing and sealing properties. However, with regular use, build-up effects can occur because these substances cannot be washed out again without residue due to their high affinity for the hair. As a result, the hair increasingly appears greasy, straw-like, or even feels "hard."

CareEster is an excellent alternative to amodimethicone and has an even stronger conditioning effect. CareEster is not silicone-based, but is partially based on vegetable oils and has good biodegradability. Due to its long-chain structure, it is able to form a flexible, smoothing film on the hair surface and, similar to amodimethicone, contains special functional groups that allow it to adhere well to the hair. However, it is easier to wash out and more "water-soluble" than silicone-based molecules. Nevertheless, low application concentrations are sufficient for effective hair care products and a noticeable "repair effect." The hair feels softer than with silicone polymers, though slightly less smooth.

CareEster can be used in both cream conditioners and shampoos. In the former, an application concentration of 0.5 - 1% is generally recommended, depending on the desired level of care and the product base. In shampoos, smaller amounts—e.g., 0.2 - 0.4%—are sufficient. For finer hair, application concentrations can be reduced even further. In shampoos, CareEster dissolves clearly and does not impair the transparency or foaming of formulations. Due to the cationic charges, it should not be incorporated directly together with anionic surfactants. It is better to dissolve it beforehand in an amphoteric or non-ionic surfactant (e.g., in glucosides) and only then mix it with anionic surfactants.

CareEster can also be used together with lipids (e.g., Lipoblend Hydrosoft) and enables high-performance hair care products that could otherwise only be achieved with silicone polymers. Chemically treated or high-maintenance hair, in particular, benefits from formulations containing CareEster.

Application concentration and processing

• 0.2 - 1%
  
• up to 2% in intensive care products
• oil-soluble
• incorporate into the oil phase (in emulsions)
  
• pre-dissolve in non-ionic or amphoteric surfactants (in surfactant formulations)

Features at a glance

• "Repairs" and smooths the hair structure
  
• Ensures impressive combability and shine
  
• Seals the cuticle and protects against split ends
  
• Unsurpassed alternative to silicone polymers
  
• Oil-soluble polymer
  
• For (solid) shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, and hair serums
  

Included in the following recipe suggestions