Dr. Straetmans launches natural-based conditioning agent

Called Symbioquat, the company says that it has modelled the ingredient on the idea of a symbiotic relationship - the combination of two complimentary biological systems.

The product combines the symbiotic activities of a number of ingredients to create a product with a greatly heightened performance, the company claims.

Combining natural polysaccharides This has been achieved by combining two natural polysaccharides of different molecular sizes and different degrees of quaternization which complement one another and therefore improve the cosmetic profile.

"Due to their different size and structure they are able to bind to different sites on the hair to deliver an excellent performance without build-up effects," a company spokesperson said.

Likewise, the formulation can help to improve the feel and aesthetic qualities of shampoo and conditioner, thanks to the fact that it contributes to improved foaming capabilities and does not have the 'slimy' characteristic often associated with products in this category.

Effective on long hair The conditioning agent is also said to be highly effective on long hair, as it can adapt to the difference in quality in a human hair of, say 30cm, that might be more stressed at the tips.

The company says that Symbioquat can adapt to these different requirements, 'without overloading the hair', ultimately making it more manageable and contributing to improved hair quality from the tip to the root.

For skin care the quat is said to be especially effective at imparting skin smoothening capabilities, as well as adding to the overall feel of a host of shower products.

Claims backed up be extensive studies The company says this claim has been backed up by a study that incorporated a panel of 17 individuals who evaluated the conditioning agent and reported that skin feel was improved when it was combined in a shower gel.

In addition Symbioquat has also been tested extensively in a range of other cosmetic and personal care products, ranging from curl retention formulas to rubin dyes, as well as field tests in salons, model formulations and collaborations with cosmetic manufacturers.

The product was launched at the beginning of this month and is available to the cosmetics industry on a global basis.