Hair care is one of the most dynamic personal care markets. Trends can move as swiftly as the seasons, and Koster Keunen has the formulation technology to keep you on top of the changes. We call it The Hair Playbook. Our prototype formulas keep you ahead of the curve, whether you are looking for new ideas for your product range or updating your existing systems.
Market Insights: Utilizing Prototype Formulations
One of the best things about hair care is that it crosses all market segments and offers a wonderfully wide range of options for formulators. If you are thinking of expanding your product range, we’ve taken some of the guesswork out. Each of our example formulations is built as a chassis—a starting point for rapid product development tailored to specific brand identities, age groups, and hair types. Your formulators plan for the desired scale, and depending on the formulation, your actives and your fragrance add your brand’s signature touch, and it’s a wrap.
Trend-driven Formulas for the Future
This month, our featured formulas offer prototypes for top trends in hair care. Each one offers unique performance benefits in a variety of textures and applications.
Feather Hold Styling Cream
Formula #: 2/25-592/10000/164-2
This soft, moveable styling product embodies the best in blended trends. It offers versatile branding and customization options across market segments, in a low-shine, flexible-hold cream, suitable for all hair types and genders. And taking in the movement toward PEG-free formulas, Feather Hold Styling Cream features Kostol ApiFree natural blend, vegan wax.
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % |
| Phase A | ||
| Deionized Water | Aqua | 75.15 |
| Disodium EDTA | Disodium EDTA | 0.05 |
| Pemulan TR-1 | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer | 0.1 |
| Tealan 99 | Triethanolamine | 0.2 |
| Optiphen | Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol | 1.0 |
| Glycerin | Glycerin | 3.0 |
| PVP K-90 | PVP | 4.5 |
| Phase B | ||
| Kester Wax CT | C32-36 Isoalkyl Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearyl Behenate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Polysorbate 60 | 6.0 |
| Permulgin D | Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20 | 6.0 |
| Kostol Apifree | Behenyl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate | 4.0 |
Lay Me Down-Silicone-Free Hair Control
Formula #: 2/25-10092/358-4
Inclusivity means so much in cosmetic chemistry, and in haircare, it must take in every curl. Our Lay Me Down-Silicone-Free Hair Control prototype formula delivers lightweight curl definition for medium to coarse and textured hair in a pumpable, smoothing gel. Kester Wax K-70P, a natural plasticizer improves the feel of this natural formulation, while providing stability and increased ingredient compatibility. This soothing smoother offers clean performance with natural moisturizing.
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % |
| Phase A | ||
| Kester Wax K-70P | C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate | 22.0 |
| Kester Wax K-24 | Lauryl Laurate | 5.0 |
| Castor Oil | Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil | 37.0 |
| Jeechem CTG | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 23.8 |
| Jojoba Oil | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | 12.2 |
Deluxe Cream Pomade
Formula #: 2/25-414/421/188-8
Sometimes, a new trend appears as a response to a fading ideal. For consumers, a focus on functional naturals is replacing “vegan-only” labelling. This luxurious, matte-finish styling cream brings natural luxury, featuring Bayberry Wax, as an effective alternative to cocoa or shea butters. A light fixative, this example formula gives your prestige or niche line the right texture.
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % |
| Phase A | ||
| Deionized Water | Aqua | 57.5 |
| Glycerin | Glycerin | 5.0 |
| Colloidal Kaolin | Kaolin | 3.0 |
| Lincoserve WpH-LO | Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin | 1.0 |
| Phase B | ||
| Kostol Natural E | Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate | 4.5 |
| Beeswax | Beeswax | 10.0 |
| Bayberry Wax | Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Wax | 10.0 |
| Jojoba Oil | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | 6.0 |
| SMA Arrowroot Powder | Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder | 3.0 |
Formulation Success Is No Accident
When you are creating the next top product, you want the latest technical data. Koster Keunen is invested in your success, so we provide you with information that is up to date and reflects ongoing research. From providing Gel Charts that make formulating oleogels easier, to a series of articles in The Buzz that offer insight into gel matrices, emulsions, and crystallization, we want you to have the data to make your products better. At Koster Keunen, we never stop researching, whether it is market trends or wax processing. If you would like to explore how Koster Keunen can help you get to market with innovative products faster, contact us to start a conversation!
About Koster Keunen
Koster Keunen has been working with wax since 1852 and has used our extensive experience and knowledge base to continuously develop new chemistries. Whether you are developing a new product, or need help with a reformulation or replacement, contact us to learn more about how we source, refine or develop waxes so you can create the perfect formula.
