Powder shampoo formulation with antioxidant activity: in vitro perspectives

Purpose The purpose of the study was to develop a powder shampoo with antioxidant attributes. Design/methodology/approach Dry shampoo compositions were formulated containing alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS), sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI), microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, carboxymethyl cellulose, maltodextrin and sodium benzoate with or without extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark. Cinnamon extract was chosen for this study owing to its ubiquitously known antioxidant attributes. The formulations were tested for detergency action and antioxidant potential in vitro. Findings Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract exhibited noticeable antioxidant activity in vitro. The authors observed that addition of the bark extract to the shampoo formulation was associated with remarkable increase in total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity and radical scavenging activity without any effect on detergency action. Research limitations/implications This preliminary study provides a powder shampoo formulation which exhibits antioxidant attributes as a result of incorporation of cinnamon bark extract. Clinical efficacy of the formulation remains to be tested. Practical implications Owing to the powder format of the shampoo, the formulation can be manufactured with ease and economically. Functionalizing the formulation with enhancement of antioxidant activity by incorporation of cinnamon bark extract may be associated with beneficial clinical outcomes, which remains to be tested. Social implications The proposed formulation may be stored and sold in eco-friendly packing material, thus could pave the way for reducing the burden of plastic consumption by the shampoo industry. Originality/value The present work demonstrates that incorporation of cinnamon bark extract to a powder shampoo formulation, containing AOS and SCI as principle surfactants, significantly enhances its antioxidant attributes.