FSS DET'OX HAIR

FSS DET'OX HAIR

Around 17% of global croplands are contaminated with heavy metals, a problem exacerbated by climate change and melting glaciers, which release these metals into the environment.1 Humans are exposed to heavy metals primarily through water, food, and air pollution; furthermore, the water consumers use to wash their hair can even contain traces of lead, copper, iron, cadmium, or nickel. To address this, sustainable remediation methods have emerged. Phytoremediation, for example, leverages certain plants to absorb and neutralize contaminants. Kale has shown particular promise due to its strong antioxidant defense system, making it effective in soils polluted with lead and cadmium.2 Another innovative approach is biosorption, which removes metals by binding them to biological materials; researchers have developed yeast-based hydrogels capable of filtering contaminated water efficiently. Such technologies are crucial, as heavy metals not only contaminate the environment but also affect the human body in various ways. For instance, they can significantly impact hair health. They can accumulate on hair fibers, causing dullness, dryness, breakage, and color fading. Minerals from hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, weaken keratin bonds, while metals like copper trigger oxidative damage. Prolonged exposure can disrupt hair growth cycles, leading to conditions such as telogen effluvium.3 Natural chelating and antioxidant ingredients in hair care products can help neutralize metal ions, protect keratin integrity, and improve color stability and shine. This growing awareness of environmental stressors and metal exposure is fueling the global anti-pollution hair care market,4 as consumers seek solutions to protect their hair from pollution-related damage.

 

Whether you’re at the salon or preparing to dye your hair at home, your strands are exposed to heavy metals. One important chemical interaction to be aware of is the Fenton reaction, which occurs when hydrogen peroxide reacts with metal ions such as copper or iron, producing highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. During oxidative treatments like bleaching or hair dyeing, hydrogen peroxide can interact with residual metal ions—commonly found in hard water—leading to the generation of these radicals. In hair, this can result in significant damage: keratin bonds may break, weakening the hair’s structure; dryness and fragility can develop as the protein network degrades; and hair color may shift toward unwanted shades, such as green or deep yellow, due to metal accumulation. Natural chelating agents offer an effective strategy to inhibit the Fenton reaction. By tightly binding metal ions, chelation renders them chemically inactive, preventing them from catalyzing radical formation. This can lead to reduced oxidative stress, improved color stability, enhanced shine and hydration, and less cuticle damage. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant with both metal-chelating and protective properties. It forms complexes with heavy metals, reducing their capacity to damage proteins and lipids, while also neutralizing free radicals generated by metals. ALA can regenerate other natural antioxidants, such as vitamin C, further protecting keratin and cuticular lipids. In addition, it supports scalp health by reducing local oxidative stress and potentially improving cellular metabolism.5 Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is another potent antioxidant that protects hair from oxidative stress caused by heavy metals. Metals generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can compromise hair proteins, lipids, and color. Vitamin C helps reduce ROS levels, safeguarding hair structure, enhancing shine, and minimizing metal-induced dullness. Together, these ingredients chelate metals on the hair shaft and scalp while neutralizing free radicals, offering comprehensive protection for stronger, healthier, and more vibrant hair.

Benefits:

• Heavy Metal Protection

• Antioxidant

• Hair Strength

References:

1. Xiao, W.; Zhang, Y.; Chen, X.; Sha, A.; Xiong, Z.; Luo, Y.; Peng, L.; Zou, L.; Zhao, C.; Li, Q. The Easily Overlooked Effect of Global Warming: Diffusion of Heavy Metals. Toxics 2024,

2. Maryam Haghighi, Mohsen Kafi, Mohammad Pessarakli, Atena Sheibanirad & Mohammad Reza Sharifinia “Using kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) as a phytoremediation plant species for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) removal in saline soils” Pages 1460-1471 | Received 29 Oct 2013.

3. Abdel Aziz, Abeer; Hamed, Sameera; Gaballah, Mohammad A. “Possible Relationship between Chronic Telogen Effluvium and Changes in Lead, Cadmium, Zinc, and Iron Total Blood Levels in Females: A Case-Control Study”. International Journal of Trichology 7(3):p 100-106, Jul–Sep 2015.

4. https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/anti-pollution-hair-care-products.

5. Petersen Shay, Régis F. Moreau, Eric J. Smith, Anthony R. Smith, Tory M. Hagen “Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects Volume 1790, Issue 10, October 2009, Pages 1149-1160.

FSS21030

Saccharomyces/Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Ferment Filtrate & Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate