From rinsing hair with fermented rice water, to boiling herbs and their extracts, to grinding yucca and mixing with ashes, to slathering the skin with animal fats – rarely do we consider the inelegant beginnings of hair and body care.
SHAMPOO–
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word shampoo was introduced into the English language during the colonial era, circa 1762. It is derived from the Hindi word chāmpo which means “to press, knead the muscles,” in other words, a head massage which usually included some type of essential oil. The verb shampoo, or “to wash the hair,” was first recorded in 1860 which, at that time, pretty much eradicated the connotation of “massage” and gave us what we now consider to be the act of applying soap to the hair. Today the traditional chāmpo is still common in India and may include the use of such seed oils as neem and almond, combined with essential oils such as sandalwood and jasmine. During the early stages of shampooing, shaved soap and herbs were boiled in water which would give the hair shine and fragrance. Prior to this, regular soap was used, leaving hair dull and the scalp irritated. In 1903, powdered shampoo was invented in Germany by Hans Schwarzkopf. Fast forward to 1927 when Schwarzkopf introduces the first ever liquid shampoo to the market. The undesirable alkaline reactions of these early formulations steer Schwarzkopf to invent the world’s first non-alkaline shampoo which is thought to be the prototype for all modern shampoos.
CONDITIONER–
Scientists researching mummies found ancient Egyptians utilized both plant and animal fats to use in their hair as a conditioner whereas ancient Greeks used olive oil. Typically carrier oils were blended with essential oils. Commercial hair conditioner as we know it was originally created around the turn of the 20th century as a way to soften men’s hair, including beards and mustaches. Since the advent of hair conditioner, modern science has improved upon the benefits while leaving the heavy, greasy residue in the past.
LOTION–
The earliest use of moisturizer dates back to the Mesolithic era 10,000 years ago. Depending upon the natural ingredients available in one’s geographic area determined what one would use as a lotion. People of Pre-Columbus Latin America would take advantage of avocado just as those located in Brazil and Africa would utilize palm oil for both a protective and healing emollient for the skin. Native Americans used animal fat to keep skin supple and insulated. Ancient Greeks turned to olive oil and Egyptians such as Cleopatra are said to have incorporated both olive and sesame seed oil into their moisturizing practices. Sumerians crafted their own lotions from pulverized plant, animal and mineral ingredients combined with wine and tree oils.
Jedwards International, Inc. now carries bulk Shampoo, Hair Conditioner and Lotion Bases from Stephenson.
The Bulk Shampoo Base is a fully formulated, pre-thickened clear to translucent pale yellow colored liquid base. It can be adapted for different hair types through the addition of essential or fragrance oils. The bulk Shampoo Base is blended with gentle surfactants for a lush, creamy lather. It is enriched with aloe vera for a clean, non-chemical hair product that is free of parabens and sulfates. Easily rebottled, you can make this your own distinctive branded product. The bulk Shampoo Base is the main ingredient in many popular hair shampoo brands on the market today. It is available in the following pack sizes: gallon, 18kg pail, and 200 kg drum.
The Bulk Hair Conditioner Base is also a fully formulated and pre-thickened product blended with shea nut butter, coconut, jojoba, sunflower, and olive oils. It is enriched with moisturizing aloe vera and the conditioning sugar beet compound, betaine. It is white in color with a smooth, silky texture and is suitable for all hair types. Rinse out for normal to oily hair, partial rinse for normal to dry hair. Add your own essential or fragrance oils to make a unique end product. The bulk Hair Conditioner Base is also available in gallon, 18kg pail, and 200 kg drum pack sizes.
The Bulk Lotion Base is a fully formulated base that only requires the addition of essential or fragrance oils, coloring or other additives (up to 3% extra oil can be added, up to 1% fragrance dependent). It does not contain phthalates and no thickening is necessary. The product is blended using coconut, apricot kernel, and sunflower oils as well as shea nut butter. It is enriched with aloe vera, is white in color. It has a light, silky texture which is easily absorbed into the skin and is suitable for all skin types. This lotion base works well in various bottles and pump dispensers allowing for an array of repackaging options. The bulk Lotion Base is used throughout the cosmetic industry as a foundation in many of the well-known brands on the market. It is available in the following pack sizes: gallon, 18kg pail, and 200 kg drum.
