Looking for Ceramide Products? Take a look at this...

If you've spent some time browsing through the topics on this blog, you may already know that I am a fan of Matrix's line of Biolage products. More recently, I've fallen in love with their fortetherapie line of conditioners containing the all important ingredient, ceramide. As a person who's hair responds somewhat adversely to high-protien strengthening products, ceramides are just what the doctor ordered.

Knowing how much ceramides have benefited my hair and countless others, I've made a conscious effort to seek out products with this amazing ingredient. This new mindset has also make me look at my current product stash so I can validate how much of this valued ingredient is currently available in what I already have, including my beloved Biolage products. So I go back and review the ingredient list on my Biolage conditioner. Much to my surprise, I don't see the word "ceramide" listed anywhere amoung the ingredients.

My next course of action was to promtly locate their customer service number and inquire about the seemingly missing ingredient. On the other line, I'm greeted by a rather friendly customer service representative who tries to help answer my question. I was placed on hold as she asked several individuals how to identify ceramide in their products. Finally, the rep returns to the line and informs me that she wasn't able to receive the information required to answer my query. She then asks for my name, number, and advises me that I will receive a call-back with a resolution. The amount of time needed to obtain a response, she tells me, could range from a couple of days to a few weeks.

That was a few weeks ago. Today I'm happy to announce that I did receive my call back from Biolage with the answer to my question. The ingredient(s) in question appearing in either Biolage conditioner and Biolage Cera-Repair are: 2-oleamido and 1-3 octadecanediol. I thought this was an important piece of information to share with everyone so you can actively seek out products that may have this ingredient but not actively advertise ceramides on their labeling or in their branding message. A couple of other brands with this key ingredient are Mizani's line, some of Redken products and Softsheen's Optimum Care Anti-Breakage relaxer. For those of you who like to add a little color in your life, L'Oreal hair color creams also contan ceramides. Keratase products are another ceramide containing brand. I'm sure the list goes on.

My intention for this blog entry is to open up the world of ceramides to all of you. For some, getting their hands on professional products like Biolage may be somewhat of a challenge but perhaps you can find a pre-poo conditioner containing ceramides on your your local Target or Wal-mart shelf. Now that my eyes have been opened to this new term for "ceramide," I feel empowered. This piece of information will definitely make a positive impact on my hair care going forward. Now go, and live your lives with this newfound piece of knowledge and may your hair enjoy the wonderful fruits of your labor.

....peace.