How Tea Tree & Salicylic Oil Shots Help with Dandruff

The everyday battle of dandruff and clothing selection is very time consuming. Believe me I have been there. It is never easy having to avoid your beloved black turtleneck just because you are afraid it may give off those obvious white flakes. 

Although dandruff is not a serious or communicable condition, it can be persistent and cause many people to feel embarrassed, irritated, and frustrated. It can get worse as winter approaches, adding difficulty to an already difficult condition.

Dandruff is a prevalent scalp condition that affects millions of individuals globally. It makes the skin on your scalp flake off. While dandruff doesn’t necessarily come and go, it can get worse during the winter months.

I am a skilled cosmetic formulator who has devoted my professional life to creating solutions for a range of skin and scalp issues. Through my experiences and innumerable hours in the lab, I have seen how a well designed treatment with targeted ingredients can deliver long term solutions and significant relief for dandruff prone scalps.

In this blog, I will share my personal journey and insights into the world of dandruff treatment. We will explore the causes, the available treatment options, and how to formulate an effective Tea Tree & Salicylic acid Oil Shot for dandruff control, with a detailed focus on the functionality of the key ingredients.

What are the common causes of dandruff?

• Dandruff is caused due to the overgrowth of Malassezia, a fungus which is like yeast. It is found on the scalp and is responsible for causing discomfort, itching and flaking.
• There is a more severe type of dandruff that is characterized by big flakes, redness, and irritation. It is called ‘Seborrheic Dermatitis’. This is caused due to excessive secretion of sebum.
• Dandruff may  be a result of use of  harsh hair products, low humidity, or cold weather. These conditions result in the scalp becoming dry and eventually flaking.
• Using styling products frequently causes them to deposit on the scalp and irritate it.

Dandruff which may result due to any of the above mentioned conditions is seen as white or yellowish flakes on the scalp and hair, causing Itching or irritation or making the scalp red or inflamed due to dry or oily scalp.

When I looked deeper into each cause of dandruff I was ready to suggest certain remedies.

We  think using shampoos that are designed to hydrate the scalp and exfoliate the scales is a common solution. But is it enough? Usually not, hair can become dry, and improper shampooing can worsen the scalp condition. The best solution is to not let the scalp dry out or have a grime built up.

Keeping your scalp moisturized is a solution to getting rid of Dandruff caused especially during the colder months due to the dry air that strips moisture from your skin and scalp. 

One traditional way is if you oil your hair. Oiling your hair regularly helps maintain its natural moisture and reduce the dandruff. 

Increasing the frequency of your shampooing is another way or you can use a stronger or medicated shampoo to break down the excess oil buildup on your scalp. But, Some people have sensitivities to ingredients in such products that cause irritation, itchiness, and dandruff.

The solution is to avoid products that cause irritation. The best thing is to switch to hypoallergenic or more natural products that do not cause reactions.

Remember, maintaining a healthy scalp is just as important as caring for the rest of your skin. So, let us start by

Designing a Solutions for Dandruff Control

Oil based treatments can provide intensive scalp care by delivering active ingredients directly to the problem area, even if shampoos are still a popular option. Cleaning, exfoliation, and targeted therapies are frequently necessary for effective dandruff management. 

Let us start by creating strategies for designing such an oil that alleviates this condition called Dandruff.

Here are some treatment strategies

• Make use of antifungal agents. To control Malassezia, antifungal ingredients like tea tree oil or zinc pyrithione are very beneficial.
• We could use exfoliating agents. Salicylic acid acts by exfoliating dead skin cells and unclog follicles.
• Using moisturizing agents that are hydrating and conditioning soothe and hydrate the scalp, reducing dryness.
• For regulating excessive oil production lightweight oils can balance sebum production without clogging pores.

Formulating a Tea Tree & Salicylic Oil Shot

We will now analyze and outline the methods for creating an oil based dandruff treatment, taking a close look at the functions of the main components:

Formula Table

Reasons Behind the choice of ingredients:

Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil): 

Because of its antifungal and antibacterial qualities, tea tree oil forms the basis of this formulation. It helps lessen the flaking and irritation that come with dandruff by targeting Malassezia, the fungus that causes it. Additionally, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve an inflamed, itchy scalp. It also keeps the scalp feeling fresh by acting as a natural deodorizer.

Salicylic Acid: 

salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with keratolytic qualities. By breaking the connections that hold dead skin cells together, it gently exfoliates the scalp and makes it easier for them to shed. In addition to preventing clogged hair follicles, which can worsen dandruff, this process helps remove apparent flakes. Salicylic acid is perfect for soothing an itchy scalp because it also has modest anti-inflammatory properties.

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil): 

Jojoba oil serves as the primary carrier oil in this formulation. Its molecular structure closely resembles the natural sebum produced by the scalp, making it highly compatible and non-comedogenic. It hydrates and balances the scalp’s oil production, ensuring that the treatment does not leave a greasy residue. Jojoba oil is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which nourish and protect the scalp.

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil): 

Sweet almond oil is a deeply nourishing oil rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and minerals. It helps moisturize the scalp, reducing dryness and flaking. Its lightweight texture ensures it penetrates easily without clogging pores. Sweet almond oil also has soothing properties, which can reduce redness and irritation often associated with dandruff.

Lemon Oil (Citrus Limon Peel Oil): 

Lemon oil provides clarifying and antimicrobial benefits, helping to reduce excess oil and inhibit microbial growth. It adds a refreshing fragrance to the formula while promoting a healthier scalp environment.

Neem Oil (Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil): 

Neem oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It soothes the scalp and aids in reducing inflammation and irritation. Neem oil also promotes overall scalp health, making it a valuable addition to this formulation.

Clary Sage Essential Oil (Salvia Sclarea Oil): 

Clary sage essential oil helps balance sebum production and provides soothing properties to the scalp. It complements the other ingredients by enhancing the product’s calming and scalp rejuvenating effects.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol): 

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the formula from oxidation, extending its shelf life. On the scalp, it provides additional nourishment and helps soothe inflammation. It also enhances the stability of the other oils in the formula, ensuring the product remains effective over time.

Polysorbate 80: 

Polysorbate 80 is a non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer used to disperse tea tree oil evenly throughout the formula. This ensures consistent delivery of the active ingredient to the scalp, preventing potential irritation from undiluted essential oils. Polysorbate 80 also improves the product’s rinsability, making it easy to wash out after use.

Fragrance (Optional): 

A mild fragrance can enhance the sensory experience of the product, making it more appealing to consumers. However, it’s important to choose a hypoallergenic fragrance to minimize the risk of irritation, especially for sensitive scalps.

Formulation Process in Detail:

1. Prepare the Base Oils: Measure the jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, lemon oil, and neem oil into a clean, sanitized beaker. Gently stir the oils to ensure uniformity.
2. Incorporate the Active Ingredients: Slowly add salicylic acid to the oil blend. Mix thoroughly to dissolve completely. If necessary, warm the oil mixture to around 35-40°C for better solubility. Add tea tree essential oil and clary sage essential oil. Stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.
3. Add the Solubilizer: Slowly incorporate polysorbate 80 while continuously mixing. This step ensures that the essential oils are uniformly dispersed and prevents separation.
4. Stabilize the Formula: Add vitamin E to the mixture to stabilize the oils and prevent oxidation. Stir thoroughly. 
5. Optional Enhancements: If fragrance is desired, add it at this stage and mix thoroughly.
6. Packaging: Transfer the final product into amber glass dropper bottles. Ensure the bottles are clean and dry before filling. The amber glass will protect the formula from light exposure, preserving its efficacy.

Troubleshooting the Formula

• Salicylic Acid Crystallization: 

If salicylic acid does not dissolve completely, warm the oil blend gently (below 40°C) to facilitate solubility. Avoid overheating, as this may degrade the active ingredients.

• Essential Oil Separation: 

If separation occurs, slightly increase the percentage of polysorbate 80. Proper mixing during formulation is crucial to ensure homogeneity.

• Greasy Residue: 

Reduce the percentage of heavier oils, such as sweet almond oil, or replace them with lighter alternatives like caprylic/capric triglycerides.

• Scalp Irritation: 

If there is scalp irritation, reduce the concentration of tea tree oil to 1% and ensure proper patch testing before widespread use.

Testing and Validation

• Stability Testing: Conduct freeze thaw cycles to check for separation or crystallization at different temperatures like 4°C, 25°C, 40°C.

The best way to use these oil shots for best results

• Apply 5 to10 drops directly to the scalp using a dropper as a pre-shampoo treatment. It is best to massage the oil gently for 5 to10 minutes so that it is well absorbed. Wash with a mild, sulfate free shampoo for best results.
• In severe dandruff situations, leave the oil on overnight.
• This  oil can be used 2 to 3 times per week for best results.

Conclusion

When the proper active substances and application methods are used, dandruff can be controlled. Our Tea Tree & Salicylic Oil Shot uses the antifungal and exfoliating qualities of its main ingredients to provide a natural yet efficient remedy.

For those who suffer from flakes and irritation, this formulation can help restore balance and confidence by nourishing the scalp and addressing the underlying causes of dandruff.

As an expert formulator, understanding the science behind ingredients and scalp health is key to crafting products that truly make a difference. Whether you’re battling mild dandruff or severe seborrheic dermatitis, a well designed oil shot could be the targeted solution you need to regain control of your scalp health.