The science behind sulfate-free cosmetics
Cosmetics Design USA highlights research coauthored by UC expert
Cosmetics Design USA highlighted research coauthored by the University of Cincinnati's Stephen Herman that examined advancements in the development of sulfate-free cosmetics products.
Herman, adjunct professor in the Cosmetic Science Program in UC's James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, and Evelyn Su of Sino Lion USA, recently published the research in the journal Cosmetics.
Consumers are increasingly demanding sulfate-free formulations in addition to sustainable and eco-friendly products. However, the authors noted "the objective of sulfate-free personal cleansing technology should not be aimed solely at the absence of 'sulfate' wording in the list of ingredients, but on the true benefits in personal use and in environmental effects."
Sulfates have been common ingredients in personal care products because they are cost effective and help produce foam, but the researchers said these materials can "excessively strip oil from the skin, scalp, and hair, breaking barrier integrity."
Herman and Su said amino acid-based ingredients are the next generation of safe, sustainable and biodegradable ingredients.
Read the Cosmetics Design USA article.
Featured photo at top of a bottle of shampoo labeled "sulfate free." Photo/Alona Siniehina/iStock Photo.
Related Stories
Sugar overload killing hearts
November 10, 2025
Two in five people will be told they have diabetes during their lifetime. And people who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease. One of the deadliest dangers? Diabetic cardiomyopathy. But groundbreaking University of Cincinnati research hopes to stop and even reverse the damage before it’s too late.
Is going nuclear the solution to Ohio’s energy costs?
November 10, 2025
The Ohio Capital Journal recently reported that as energy prices continue to climb, economists are weighing the benefits of going nuclear to curb costs. The publication dove into a Scioto Analysis survey of 18 economists to weigh the pros and cons of nuclear energy. One economist featured was Iryna Topolyan, PhD, professor of economics at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
App turns smartwatch into detector of structural heart disease
November 10, 2025
An app that uses an AI model to read a single-lead ECG from a smartwatch can detect structural heart disease, researchers reported at the 2025 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association. Although the technology requires further validation, researchers said it could help improve the identification of patients with heart failure, valvular conditions and left ventricular hypertrophy before they become symptomatic, which could improve the prognosis for people with these conditions.