Bikrant Roy conducted a chemistry investigatory project to determine which shampoo has the best pH for hair. He measured the pH of several popular shampoo brands and found that L'Oreal, Dove, and Head & Shoulders, which had a pH of 4, were the most acidic and therefore best for hair. A lower pH is better for hair because it opens the hair cuticle, while a higher pH can damage hair cuticles over time. The project followed a standard scientific method and helped identify shampoos with a pH closer to hair's natural acidic level.

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KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA BEG
YERWADA, PUNE - 411006
CHEMISTRY INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT
Which Shampoo Is The Best???
2017-2018 SUBMITTED BY:
BIKRANT ROY
CLASS XII A
ROLL NO. 4659889

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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this “Chemistry Investigatory Project” on
the topic “Which Shampoo Is The Best???” has been successfully
completed by Bikrant ROY of class XII – A under the guidance of
Mr. Santosh Navade in particular fulfilment of the curriculum of
Central Board of Secondary Education {CBSE} leading to the
award of annual examination of the year 2017-18.
TEACHER IN- CHARGE EXTERNAL EXAMINER
PRINCIPAL

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I have taken efforts in this project. However, it would not have been possible
without the kind support and help of many individuals.
I would like to thank my principal, Mr. RK Lale, and school for providing me
with facilities required to do my project.
I would also thank our Chemistry lab assistant, Mr. Sashi Sir, for helping me
with the techniques, procedures, how to do that particular thing, etc. and let me
do my project successfully.
I am highly indebted to my Chemistry teacher, Mr. Santosh Navade, for his
invaluable guidance which has sustained my efforts in all the stages of this
project work.
I would also like to thank my parents for their continuous support and
encouragement.
My thanks and appreciations also go to my fellow classmates in developing the
project and to the people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.

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INDEX
Serial
No.
CONTENTS
1. CERTIFICATE
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
3. BACKGROUND
4. OBJECTIVE
5. MATERIALS REQUIRED
6. METHOD
7. OBSERVATION
8. RESULT
9. CONCLUSION
10. WORKS CITED
11. BIBLIOGRAPHY

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BACKGROUND
The surface of the skin is slightly acidic, giving rise to the concept of the acid
mantle1
. Studies have shown that potential of hydrogen (pH) of skin increases
in proportion to the pH of cleanser used. Increase in pH causes an increase in
dehydrative effect, irritability and propionibacterial count2
. Changes in the pH
are reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of some skin diseases.
Therefore, the use of skin cleansing agents with a pH of about 5.5 may be of
relevance in the prevention and treatment of those skin diseases.
Unfortunately, pH is not mentioned in the labels of many products.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the pH of different brands of
shampoos available in the market. In this project, I tried to find out which
shampoo is the best.
Everybody buys shampoo and they buy the cheapest one. You also buy
shampoo to clean your hair but have you ever wondered which shampoo will
help your hair the most.
1
Acid mantle is a very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of human skin acting as a barrier to bacteria,
viruses and other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin.
2
Number of Propionibacterium sharmanii (the bacterium responsible for acnes) present in the skin.

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MATERIALS REQUIRED
1. Water
2. Different brands of shampoo
3. pH paper
4. Ziploc plastic bags
5. Beaker

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METHOD
Steps to measure pH of the sample
a) Sample of shampoo of 1.5 ml is taken in a glass beaker and water is added to the sample to make
its volume to 15 ml. mixing is done well without producing lather. The solution is kept undisturbed
for 30 min. Then the pH of each sample was measured.
b) Compare the colour of the pH paper with the pH chart.
c) Note down your observations.
Repeat steps (a), (b), (c) for all the shampoo brands.

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OBSERVATION
*PAGE TO STICK THE SAMPLES OF SHAMPOOS*

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*PAGE TO STICK THE SAMPLES OF SHAMPOOS*

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RESULT
Record the data below,
Water --------------- pH 7
Garnier Fructis®--------------- pH 4.5
TreSemmé® --------------- pH 5
Dove® --------------- pH 4
L’Oreal® --------------- pH 4
Head & Shoulders® -------------- pH 4
Sunsilk® --------------- pH 5

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CONCLUSION
From results, we conclude that
L’Oreal®, Dove® and Head & Shoulders® (with pH 4) are comparatively better than Garnier Fructis®
(with pH 4.5) which is in turn better than Sunsilk® and TreSemmé® (with pH 5).
It is because pH is low, so more acidic.
Acid opens up the hair cuticle and alkaline closes it up.
The higher the alkaline the more damaged the hair cuticles become.
This is why a higher acidity is better for shampoos.
Ingredients like citric acid appear in shampoo to make the shampoo more acidic.
The shampoos commonly used by the population at large have a pH outside the range of normal skin
and hair pH values. Therefore, it is hoped that before recommending soap to patient especially
those who have sensitive and acne prone skin, due consideration is given to the pH factor and also
that manufacturers will give a thought to pH of shampoos manufactured by them, so that their
products will be more skin and hair friendly.

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Works Cited
Curtis, Rick. (1998). the Backpacker's Field Manual. Random House: N/A. OA Guide to Water
Purification.
Helmenstine, Anne Marie. (N/A). What is Activated Charcoal and How does it Work?. N/A: N/A.
November 13, 2013.
Bibliography
❖ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171909/
❖ www.google.co.in
❖ https://en.wikipedia.org