Raaga Professional PRO Botanix Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers targeted skin-conditioning or bioactive benefits through a specific mechanism of action suited to the formulation's intended purpose.

Why It's Used: Specialty actives address specific skin concerns through targeted molecular mechanisms, providing efficacy beyond what base formulation ingredients alone can achieve.

How It Works: The bioactive compound interacts with specific molecular targets in skin cells or the extracellular matrix — enzymes, receptors, structural proteins, or signaling molecules — triggering beneficial biological responses.

Typically Found In: Serums,treatments,moisturizers,specialty products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Specialty actives

Secondary Functions: Skin-conditioning,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Specialty active ingredient; check individual sourcing for vegan status.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1

Comedogenicity Rating: 0

Sensitivity Concerns: Low sensitization potential at recommended use concentrations.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Well-characterized cosmetic ingredient with established safety profile. generally non-irritating at typical use concentrations. suitable for leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics.

Works Well With: Niacinamide,hyaluronic acid,vitamin c,peptides

Avoid Combining With: Incompatible with oxidizing agents; check ph stability

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Specialty actives typically work through enzyme inhibition (e.g., tyrosinase inhibition for brightening, mmp inhibition for anti-aging), receptor activation (e.g., retinoid receptors, ppar-γ for barrier genes), or transcription factor modulation (e.g., nrf2 for antioxidant gene upregulation). structure-activity relationships determine potency and selectivity.

Last Verified: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; ingredient-specific safety and efficacy literature

Primary Sources: 2025-01-15

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides transparent gel textures and thickening at very low concentrations via ph-responsive swelling.

Why It's Used: The most widely used gel thickener – provides crystal-clear, stable gels at concentrations as low as 0.1-0.5% with ph-controlled viscosity.

How It Works: Highly crosslinked polyacrylic acid remains tightly coiled at acidic ph. neutralization with naoh or triethanolamine ionizes carboxylic groups causing electrostatic repulsion that unfolds and swells the polymer coils, dramatically increasing viscosity. concentration-dependent thickening.

Typically Found In: Gels,serums,emulsions,sunscreens

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – polyacrylic acid thickener

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Carbomer's ph-responsive swelling mechanism provides an elegant formulation control tool: a neutralized gel can be liquefied by ph reduction (adding acid) and re-thickened by reneutralization. this reversible rheology control allows two-phase products that mix on application without the need for mechanical emulsification.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides imidazole-class antifungal activity specifically targeting malassezia for dandruff control in leave-on scalp products.

Why It's Used: Leave-on compatible anti-dandruff active – unlike zpt (limited in leave-on face products), climbazole is approved for leave-on scalp and face formulations for continuous anti-dandruff and anti-seborrheic activity.

How It Works: Imidazole ring inhibits malassezia cytochrome p450-dependent 14-alpha-lanosterol demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis essential for fungal cell membrane integrity. highly selective for fungal vs mammalian p450 enzymes.

Typically Found In: Leave-on scalp treatments,anti-dandruff serums,seborrheic dermatitis products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Climbazole's imidazole mechanism (ergosterol synthesis inhibition via p450 enzyme blockade) is identical to the pharmaceutical anti-fungal ketoconazole's mechanism, but climbazole has superior safety profile for cosmetic use and explicit eu approval for leave-on scalp products where ketoconazole requires prescription status.

Last Verified: Cosing database,billhimer & luitpold climbazole anti-dandruff study

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides imidazole-class antifungal activity specifically targeting malassezia for dandruff control in leave-on scalp products.

Why It's Used: Leave-on compatible anti-dandruff active – unlike zpt (limited in leave-on face products), climbazole is approved for leave-on scalp and face formulations for continuous anti-dandruff and anti-seborrheic activity.

How It Works: Imidazole ring inhibits malassezia cytochrome p450-dependent 14-alpha-lanosterol demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis essential for fungal cell membrane integrity. highly selective for fungal vs mammalian p450 enzymes.

Typically Found In: Leave-on scalp treatments,anti-dandruff serums,seborrheic dermatitis products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Climbazole's imidazole mechanism (ergosterol synthesis inhibition via p450 enzyme blockade) is identical to the pharmaceutical anti-fungal ketoconazole's mechanism, but climbazole has superior safety profile for cosmetic use and explicit eu approval for leave-on scalp products where ketoconazole requires prescription status.

Last Verified: Cosing database,billhimer & luitpold climbazole anti-dandruff study

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the complete fragrance profile contributing to product sensory experience and consumer appeal.

Why It's Used: Fragrance is a major consumer purchase driver — up to 70% of consumers make purchasing decisions partially based on product scent.

How It Works: Fragrance blends interact with olfactory receptors providing the sensory profile — complex mixtures activate multiple receptor types for rich, multidimensional scent experiences.

Typically Found In: All fragrance products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: Standard use levels

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ifra guidelines set usage limits for fragrance ingredients based on skin sensitisation and phototoxicity assessment for each application category.

Last Verified: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex iii,ifra standards,fragrance allergen declaration requirements

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Activates trpm8 cold thermoreceptors for intense cooling sensation and analgesic activity.

Why It's Used: The most potent cosmetic cooling agent – direct trpm8 agonist providing cooling sensation without actual temperature reduction for refreshing and analgesic formulations.

How It Works: Potent trpm8 (menthol receptor/cold thermosensor) agonist – activation at room temperature mimics cold sensation without actual cooling. anti-pruritic via trpm8 activation competing with itch c-fiber signaling. antimicrobial via membrane disruption.

Typically Found In: Cooling products,scalp treatments,oral care,pain relief,foot care,after-sun

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cooling sensory terpenoid

Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from mentha piperita or synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low to moderate; potential sensitizer

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Avoid near eyes. use with caution at concentrations above 1% for sensitive skin.

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu max 4.5% (leave-on); regulations vary by application site. avoid on infants' face.

Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Menthol's exceptional cooling potency stems from its ec50 for trpm8 activation of approximately 10μm (vs camphor's ec50 of ~5mm – 500× lower potency). this 500× potency advantage explains why even tiny concentrations of menthol provide intense cooling, while much higher concentrations of camphor are required for equivalent sensation.

Last Verified: Cosing database,mckemy et al. menthol trpm8 discovery,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Activates trpm8 cold thermoreceptors for intense cooling sensation and analgesic activity.

Why It's Used: The most potent cosmetic cooling agent – direct trpm8 agonist providing cooling sensation without actual temperature reduction for refreshing and analgesic formulations.

How It Works: Potent trpm8 (menthol receptor/cold thermosensor) agonist – activation at room temperature mimics cold sensation without actual cooling. anti-pruritic via trpm8 activation competing with itch c-fiber signaling. antimicrobial via membrane disruption.

Typically Found In: Cooling products,scalp treatments,oral care,pain relief,foot care,after-sun

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cooling sensory terpenoid

Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from mentha piperita or synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low to moderate; potential sensitizer

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Avoid near eyes. use with caution at concentrations above 1% for sensitive skin.

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu max 4.5% (leave-on); regulations vary by application site. avoid on infants' face.

Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Menthol's exceptional cooling potency stems from its ec50 for trpm8 activation of approximately 10μm (vs camphor's ec50 of ~5mm – 500× lower potency). this 500× potency advantage explains why even tiny concentrations of menthol provide intense cooling, while much higher concentrations of camphor are required for equivalent sensation.

Last Verified: Cosing database,mckemy et al. menthol trpm8 discovery,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the characteristic cosmetic function of its ingredient class through its molecular chemistry at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Peg-45m is selected for the specific functional properties of its molecular class — the chemical architecture of peg-45m delivers the required cosmetic performance through documented interactions with skin biology and formulation matrix.

How It Works: The functional groups interact with formulation components and skin surfaces through h-bonding, ionic association, surface adsorption, or receptor activity as appropriate to the molecular class.

Typically Found In: Cosmetic formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Safety documented in cosing and cosmetic chemistry literature at standard formulation concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,peg-45m technical review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-22

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin surface and inside pores, dissolves the 'glue' holding dead skin cells together, reduces sebum production, and combats acne-causing bacteria.

Why It's Used: Its oil solubility makes it uniquely effective at penetrating pores and dissolving sebum plugs – a function that water-soluble ahas cannot perform. it is the preferred exfoliant for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin.

How It Works: Salicylic acid disrupts desmosomal bonds between corneocytes, promoting exfoliation. its oil solubility allows it to penetrate the sebaceous follicle, dissolving sebum and dead cells. it also has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Typically Found In: Cleansers,toners,serums,spot treatments,masks,chemical peels,anti-dandruff shampoos,acne treatments

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – beta hydroxy acid (bha)

Secondary Functions: Anti-acne,anti-dandruff,keratolytic

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–2% (otc acne treatment in us); up to 30% in professional chemical peels

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic or willow bark derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Naturally occurring in willow bark (salix alba) and wintergreen oil. commercially produced synthetically via kolbe-schmitt reaction for cosmetic use.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 3/5 – moderate; can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation, especially at higher concentrations

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic; actually anti-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Can cause irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity. avoid contact with eyes. not recommended during pregnancy at high concentrations. can be drying – follow with moisturizer.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution – start with lower concentrations and frequency; may not be suitable for reactive or rosacea-prone skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Safe at otc concentrations (0.5–2%). regulated as a drug in some countries (us: fda category i acne treatment). avoid in pregnancy at high concentrations.

Works Well With: Niacinamide,zinc,tea tree oil,benzoyl peroxide (at different times),hyaluronic acid (to counteract dryness)

Avoid Combining With: High concentrations of retinol (cumulative irritation),multiple exfoliating acids simultaneously,benzoyl peroxide in same step (can increase irritation)

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Salicylic acid is a member of the salicylate family and shares structural similarity with aspirin. its anti-inflammatory mechanism mirrors aspirin's cox inhibition pathway, making it uniquely effective for inflammatory acne.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,us fda acne monograph,journal of the american academy of dermatology

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the most potent single-plant broad-spectrum antimicrobial essential oil for skin antiseptic applications.

Why It's Used: The antimicrobial essential oil – tea tree oil's terpinen-4-ol provides clinically proven broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in rct-level clinical studies for acne and mrsa decolonisation.

How It Works: Terpinen-4-ol (30-48%) provides membrane-disrupting antimicrobial activity vs gram+/- bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. iso 4730 requires minimum 30% terpinen-4-ol and maximum 5% 1,8-cineole (sensitiser). anti-biofilm activity vs staphylococcus.

Typically Found In: Anti-acne products,antiseptic formulas,natural antimicrobials,scalp treatments

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – soothing / anti-inflammatory

Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from melaleuca alternifolia leaves (australia)

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – particularly recommended for sensitive skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Iso 4730:2017 quality standard defines authentic tea tree oil. can cause contact sensitisation at high concentrations. toxic if ingested.

Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Randomised controlled trial comparison of 5% tea tree oil gel vs 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion for acne demonstrated equivalent efficacy for acne lesion reduction at 3 months. tea tree's slower onset (8 weeks vs 4 weeks for bpo) was offset by significantly fewer side effects (dryness, irritation, peeling) in the tto group – providing evidence-based support for clinical tto use as a well-tolerated bpo alternative.

Last Verified: Cosing database,bassett et al. tea tree oil acne rct,iso 4730

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12