What is Chelation?
Chelation is a chemical process where a chelating agent binds to metal ions, preventing said metal ions from interacting with your formulation's other ingredients.When do we need Chelation?
Chelation is particularly necessary in formulations using water.Your water could have high concentrations of metal ions. This type of water is called hard water and typically contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, along with other metal ions
What happens if chelating agents are not used?
Sometimes chelating agents are necessary. In these circumstances, if a chelating agent is not used, some problems could arise:- Instability: Metal ions can destabilize your product and cause changes in texture, colour and scent.
- Reduced Potency: Occasionally the formulation actives could interact with the metal ions instead of working towards your formulation's intended purpose.
- Shorter Shelf Life: Metal ions can speed up the oxidation process, causing the product to spoil more quickly.
- Unintended Reactivity: In high enough concentrations metal ions themselves can cause skin irritation or reactions.
Are Chelating Agents Toxic?
Chelating agents are generally safe for personal use. You will find that chelating agents are applied in low concentrations and are nontoxic when applied to your skin.
You may however still want to conduct a quick and simple patch test as one would with any new product - particularly if you have sensitive skin.
What is Chelating Shampoo?
The minerals in hard water does not only impact your formulations, but also could cause buildup and heaviness in your hair. A chelating shampoo would work against said buildup, maintaining clean and light hair.
Chelating shampoos would then restore your hairs natural shine, enhance the effectiveness of your other products and boost coloured hair to seem more vibrant.
If you live in an area with hard water, swim in chlorinated pools, or use a lot of styling products, using a chelating shampoo once or twice a month can help remove buildup and restore the health and appearance of your hair.
How do I know if I have hard water?
The best way is to have your water professionally tested, but here are a few alternative indicators that can help you sniff out whether you have hard water:
Mineral Buildup
Hard water can leave behind white buildup around faucets, shower heads, drains, sinks, tiles or appliances exposed to the water over time.Not Soapy
Hard water doesn't lather easily with soap. Instead of lathering, the soap tends to react with the minerals and creates scum.Odd to the senses
The water smells and tastes... weird. Some say it tastes slightly bitter towards a salty flavour - with a rotten egg like odor.Itchy/Dry Skin
The metal ions can build up and react on your skin, clogging pores and drying out your skin.
When do you not need a chelating agent?
Chelating agents aren't necessary for all formulations. In some circumstances one would not need to consider the presence of metal ions at all.
- Oil-Based formulations - there is no water for metals to dissolve into.
- Soft Water - If you know that you are using water that does not contain any minerals (or a low concentration) the presence of metal ions need not be too much of a concern.
- Intentionally Short Shelf-Life: If your formulation is going to be used up quickly, there wouldn't be enough time for sufficient oxidation to occur.
- Low pH: Metal ions are less reactive in acidic environments, so chelating agents may not be as necessary in formulations with a pH below 4.0.
