Evaluation of Your Hair Spray Formulation

Your hair spray formulation includes several ingredients known to benefit hair, particularly for conditioning and potentially addressing hair loss. Let's break down the components:

• Conditioning Ingredients: Poly-Conditioner Pro (5%), Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) (0.5%), and Hydrolyzed rice protein (2%) are good choices for conditioning, helping to improve the texture and manageability of thick, dry hair.
• Hair Growth/Strengthening Ingredients: Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) (2%), Melatonin Forte™ (1%), and Creatine 100 (1%) are included at concentrations that may offer benefits for hair growth and strengthening, which is relevant to your concern about thinning hair.

However, there are a couple of points to consider:

• N-Acetyl Cysteine (5%): While an antioxidant, 5% is a relatively high concentration for a leave-on hair product and its primary benefit for hair loss in this context is not as well-established as the other ingredients. It can also have a strong odor and potential stability issues in water-based formulas.
• Ethyl Alcohol (20%): Alcohol can be drying, which might counteract the conditioning benefits for your already dry hair. Consider if this level of alcohol is necessary for your desired product feel and drying time.

Overall Formulation Suitability: The formula contains promising actives for conditioning and hair loss. However, the high levels of N-Acetyl Cysteine and Ethyl Alcohol warrant caution, especially for dry and sensitive scalps. Compatibility and long-term stability of this complex mixture, particularly the interaction between ingredients like Copper Peptide and N-Acetyl Cysteine, should be carefully tested.

Questions about Specific Ingredients

Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) and EDTA:

Copper peptides can interact with chelating agents like Disodium EDTA. EDTA works by binding to metal ions, which helps stabilize formulations by preventing these ions from causing degradation. Copper peptides also involve a metal ion (copper). While not always a strict contraindication, including EDTA in a formula with copper peptides can potentially reduce the peptide's effectiveness by competing for metal ions or forming complexes. Conversely, omitting EDTA in a water-based formula increases the risk of instability from trace metal contamination present in water or other raw materials, which could degrade sensitive ingredients like peptides. Therefore, yes, omitting EDTA in a water-based formula containing Copper Peptide could potentially lead to reduced stability or efficacy of the Copper Peptide over time, especially if the water source is not highly purified or other ingredients introduce metal ions. Stability testing is crucial.

Melatonin Forte™ Packaging:

Melatonin Forte™ is sensitive to air and light, which can cause it to degrade. To ensure the longest possible shelf life and maintain its efficacy, it should be stored in opaque, air-tight packaging. Suitable options include:

• Airless pump bottles: These minimize exposure to air during use.
• Dark glass bottles with tight-fitting caps: Dark glass helps protect from light, and a good seal prevents air exposure.

Avoid clear packaging and containers that allow significant air exchange.

In summary, your formula has potential but requires careful consideration of the N-Acetyl Cysteine and alcohol levels for your hair type, and thorough stability testing is essential due to the complex mix of ingredients and the absence of EDTA.