IO Scalp Balance Active Liquid

The scalp is skin, with its own oils, its own sensitivities and its own population of microorganisms. When this balance is disturbed, people notice it as flakes, itching, an oily or tight feeling, or simply a scalp that never feels quite clean. IO Scalp Balance Active Liquid is a water-soluble active developed for scalp balance products, with a name that links hair and the scalp biome.

The scalp biome in simple terms

Like the skin on the face, the scalp hosts a community of bacteria and fungi. In a comfortable scalp this community is balanced. Many factors, including washing habits, products and stress, can shift it. Scalp care brands use the word biome or microbiome to describe products designed to respect this balance. Any specific claim should be supported by testing of the finished product.

Specifications from the card

Liquid, water-soluble, pH 3.0 to 7.0. Applications: shampoos, conditioners and anti-flake products. For the INCI, composition and recommended level, rely on the lot-specific CoA from the supplier.

Product formats

Balancing shampoo

A mild shampoo with a gentle surfactant system and the active, for daily or frequent use.

Anti-flake shampoo

A cosmetic anti-flake shampoo for a cleaner-looking scalp with fewer visible flakes.

Conditioner

A light conditioner that does not weigh down roots and supports the scalp care story.

Scalp serum

A leave-on serum gives longer contact time and strengthens the routine.

Formulating guidance

Add the active during cool-down. The wide pH range allows use in most shampoo and conditioner bases. Choose mild surfactants that do not strip the scalp, such as glucosides and amphoterics. For an anti-flake concept, combine with ingredients suited to cosmetic scalp care, and for comfort add panthenol. A related scalp ingredient is IO Hair and Scalp Active Liquid. More hair and scalp actives are under actives.

Claims

Use cosmetic wording: a cleaner, fresher-feeling scalp, fewer visible flakes, a more comfortable scalp. Avoid naming scalp conditions. For microbiome claims, test the finished product with an appropriate method.

Who buys scalp care

Scalp care has grown into a category of its own. Customers with flakes, an oily scalp or a sensitive scalp look for specialized products and are willing to try a routine of shampoo and serum.

Usage advice

Recommend massaging the shampoo into the scalp for a minute before rinsing, and using the serum daily on a clean scalp. Mild products can be used often without discomfort.

Testing

Run stability at room temperature and 40 °C. Check viscosity in shampoos, as some actives affect salt-thickened systems. Consumer tests over several weeks support anti-flake claims.

Range planning

A scalp line with a balancing shampoo, a light conditioner and a scalp serum is simple to explain. Fresh, clean packaging and a calm color palette suit the concept.

Sensory notes

Scalp shampoos should leave a fresh, light feeling without squeaky dryness. A light herbal or citrus fragrance supports the clean impression.

Original recipe: balancing scalp shampoo, 100 g

Purified water 60.50 g, sodium cocoyl isethionate solution 15.00 g, cocamidopropyl betaine 12.00 g, decyl glucoside 5.00 g, glycerin 2.00 g, IO Scalp Balance Active Liquid 2.00 g as an example level per CoA, panthenol 1.00 g, polyquaternium-10 0.20 g, preservative 0.80 g, fragrance 0.30 g, sodium chloride 0.70 g, citric acid solution 0.50 g. Disperse the polyquaternium in water, add surfactants and glycerin. Below 40 °C add the active, panthenol, preservative and fragrance. Adjust pH to about 5.5 and adjust viscosity with salt.

Storage

Keep sealed in a cool place, out of direct light, and reclose the bottle after use.