Structure Complex No.3 Bond Enhancer

All hair and skin types.

Almost always the first ingredient listed in water-based products.

People looking for smoother, more manageable hair or richer, creamier product textures.

Despite the name, fatty alcohols are moisturising and conditioning rather than drying. They also help stabilise and thicken many haircare formulas.

Most hair types, especially tangle-prone or coarse hair.

A common conditioner ingredient despite the chloride name, which simply describes its chemistry.

Dry or dehydrated hair, and many curl and moisture routines.

A very common, well-tolerated humectant used across countless products.

People looking for smoother, more manageable hair textures.

Cetyl esters are wax‑like emollients that improve product spreadability and give a soft, conditioned feel. They are commonly used to enhance texture without heaviness.

Damaged, frizz-prone or colour-treated hair wanting targeted smoothing.

Designed to deposit where hair needs it most. Some prefer silicone-free formulas by choice.

People looking for improved manageability, detangling and smoother-feeling hair.

It is a commonly used quaternary ammonium compound that helps conditioners spread easily through the hair. It is effective even at low levels, which is why it appears frequently in rinse-off products.

Those using products that need light cleansing or stable blends of oils, silicones, or fragrances.

It is commonly used to solubilise fragrance or silicone ingredients in shampoos and treatments. Its mild, nonionic nature means it typically works well alongside other surfactants.

People looking to support hair strength, reduce the feel of damage, or add light conditioning.

Because it is hydrolysed, it can more easily bind to the hair surface and offer a lightweight strengthening effect. It is commonly used in both rinse-off and leave-in formulas.

Those seeking added strength, light conditioning, or improved elasticity in their hair.

It provides a lightweight form of protein that can help support the hair’s structure without heavy build-up. Many formulations use it to enhance overall feel and resilience.

Most hair types, especially dry or dull hair.

A versatile, well-tolerated conditioning ingredient.

People with weak, damaged, brittle or chemically treated hair.

Hydrolysed keratin is broken down into smaller fragments so it can more easily interact with the hair fibre. It is commonly used to support feel, manageability and overall hair condition.

Those looking for formulas that help with hair resilience or hydration.

Arginine is naturally present in the hair’s keratin structure and is commonly added to strengthening or repairing products. It is also used in some formulations to help support scalp comfort.

Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.

Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.

All products, especially in hard-water areas.

Used in tiny amounts to keep formulas performing reliably.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

A very common, well-studied preservative used at low levels.

Those interested in gentle preservation systems or sensitive scalps may find it relevant.

It is often paired with other preservatives to improve their effectiveness while allowing for lower usage levels. It also has light moisturising and conditioning properties.

People who enjoy a scented product.

Fragrance preference is personal. Some people prefer fragrance-free formulas by choice.