"Does hair have to feel rough after washing to be considered clean?" "If there's no foam, does that mean it's not clean?"

When developing shampoo products, brands often face the challenge of balancing cleansing power with gentleness. Modern consumers often have sensitive scalps yet desire volume and bounce after washing. Creating a shampoo that is gentle yet effectively cleans is not simply about mixing ingredients—it requires precise formulation based on chemical structure.

As a professional OEM for skincare and bath products, Fugeng Biotech will break down the core structure of shampoo formulations and debunk some long-standing development misconceptions.

The Professional Formula Structure of Shampoo

A good shampoo formula is generally composed of four main components:

• Surfactants: The soul of shampoo, responsible for removing oil and dirt.
• Conditioning agents: Restore the lubricity lost during washing and prevent tangling.
• Functional additives: Such as anti-dandruff, oil control, caffeine for hair growth, or plant extracts.
• System stabilizers: Adjust pH, viscosity, and preservative systems.

Key to Gentleness: Surfactant Combinations

Common shampoo misconceptions often stem from fear of surfactants.

• SLS / SLES: Traditional high-efficiency cleansing agents. Strong cleaning power and low cost, but can be too harsh for dry or sensitive scalps.
• Amino acid-based: Currently the market favorite. pH close to skin, gentle and non-irritating, but cleaning is milder and lather slower.
• APG (Alkyl Polyglucoside): Plant sugar-derived, extremely gentle and environmentally friendly, often used in baby cleansers.

High-quality shampoos don't necessarily rely on a single surfactant. Fugeng uses blending techniques, with an amino acid base combined with moderate APG or low-irritant coconut-derived surfactants. This ensures effective cleansing while maintaining healthy scalp oil balance.

Three Common Misconceptions About Shampoo Formulations

1. Misconception: Hair must feel “rough” after washing to be clean?

Fact: Over-cleansing triggers compensatory oil production.

When a shampoo is too strong, it damages the scalp's natural lipid barrier. The brain interprets dryness as a signal to produce more oil, which is why some people feel their hair gets greasier the more they wash. A good shampoo should leave hair feeling refreshed, not tight or dry.

2. Misconception: Silicone always clogs pores and causes hair loss?

Fact: Silicone is a legal physicochemical substance; the issue is residue.

Silicones fill gaps between hair cuticles, providing smoothness. For long or damaged hair, silicone is an effective conditioner. As long as the shampoo formulation is well-designed and rinsed thoroughly, silicone does not clog pores.

If your target market is short hair or extreme volume, a silicone-free formula can be developed; for intensive repair, silicone can be added in moderation.

3. Misconception: More foam means better cleaning?

Fact: Foam quantity is not directly correlated with cleansing power.

Foam mainly reduces friction between hands and hair and helps distribute cleansing agents evenly. Some gentle ingredients produce less foam but still clean effectively. Plant-based foaming boosters can increase lather density without increasing irritation.

Create the Signature Wash for Your Brand

Shampoo OEM may seem low-barrier, but achieving “easy rinse, no residue, non-irritating” is a real test of laboratory expertise. Fugeng Biotech has thousands of mature shampoo and body wash formulas and can fine-tune your product based on brand positioning, from fragrance selection and foam texture to post-wash volume.

Whether you aim to develop a medical-grade scalp therapy shampoo or a high-value salon-quality cleanser, Fugeng provides a one-stop solution from R&D to packaging.