Why is the shampoo base as important as its active ingredients? The formula that makes the difference

When we talk about shampoos, we usually focus on the star ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, argan oil... All of them have recognized benefits for hair health, but there is an essential part of the formula that represents up to 90% of the product and that makes a real difference in its tolerance, effectiveness and user experience: the cosmetic base .

At Modesta Cassinello, we believe that the base of a shampoo must be formulated with the same rigor and precision as any active ingredient, which is why we formulate from the ground up. We can't conceive of an effective shampoo without a cosmetic base structured to the same quality standards as an active ingredient. This technical and honest approach allows us to differentiate ourselves in the market and respond to a growing demand from conscious consumers: effective, sensorial, and hair-healthy products.

What is shampoo base and why should we pay more attention to it?

The base of a shampoo is composed of:

• Surfactants, they offer cleaning.
• Thickeners and stabilizers give texture and stability to the formula.
• Humectants, they retain hydration.
• Purified water .

These ingredients define the shampoo's sensorial behavior, its cleansing ability, and have a real impact on the scalp and hair fiber. A poorly designed base can cause dryness, irritation, or frizz. A well-formulated base protects, balances, and even improves hair health .

3 key ingredients we use in our cosmetic bases

1. Natural betaine

Derived from plant sources, such as beets, betaine acts as an osmolyte: it helps cells retain water and remain stable against external stress.

Proven benefits:

• Strengthens the resistance of the hair fiber .
• Reduces breakage and improves shine .
• Moisturizes the scalp and strengthens its barrier.
• Reduces irritation caused by surfactants.

2. Natural gums of vegetable origin

Acacia gum and Xanthan gum, used as thickeners and stabilizers, improve both the texture and tolerance of the product .

Cosmetic and functional benefits:

• They stabilize the formula against changes in pH or temperature.
• They create a non-occlusive protective film on the skin.
• They provide a feeling of softness , without a soapy effect.
• They protect against pollution and dehydration .
• COSMOS, NATRUE, Halal, Kosher and vegan certification.

3. Vegetable glycerin

Although it often goes unnoticed, glycerin is one of the most effective and safe moisturizers in cosmetics.

Reasons to highlight it:

• It has a strong hygroscopic capacity: it attracts and retains water in the skin and hair.
• Helps maintain hydration even after rinsing.
• Improves hair's combability, shine and elasticity .
• Strengthens the skin barrier and contributes to scalp comfort.
• Well tolerated even on sensitive skin, with an excellent safety profile .

In our formulas, glycerin is used in significant technical percentages, not as a simple additive, but as a fundamental part of the moisturizing base.

Caring for your scalp like you care for your skin: the skinification philosophy

The global trend in hair cosmetics is moving toward skinification : applying the same principles of facial care to hair care . This perspective focuses on scalp health as the foundation for beautiful, strong, and balanced hair.

Why do our shampoos follow the skinification philosophy?

We carefully select each ingredient from the ground up to achieve effective cleansing without compromising the balance of the scalp or the integrity of the hair fiber.

We don't formulate from a place of prohibition, but rather from a place of respect for skin and hair . What matters is not just what ingredients we use, but how and why we use them, taking care of the entire formula. That's why we don't formulate from a marketing perspective, but rather from a place of science and pharmaceutical rigor.

When choosing a shampoo, don't forget this...

It's easy to be swayed by a shampoo recommended by an Instagram or TikTok influencer with a list of flashy active ingredients or claims of "silicone-free" or "natural." But if you really want a shampoo that cares for your hair and scalp, take a close look at the formula itself.

A good shampoo isn't defined solely by its claims, but by its overall formulation. And that's the difference you'll notice with daily use.

Want to taste the difference?

Explore our shampoos and discover the real impact of a foundation formulated with meaning, purpose, and evidence.

Discover the collection: https://modestacassinello.com/collections/champus

Each product is backed by the expertise of Dr. Modesta , a pharmacist and founder committed to excellence in hair care.