“The root of all hair problems lies in the scalp” is gradually becoming a consensus among consumers.
According to the “2022 Urban Hair Health Consumer White Paper” released by the National Conditions Survey and Big Data Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, consumers’ awareness of scalp health is increasing, and the demand for scalp care is also growing. Among them, 76% of the population is concerned about the health of their scalp, over half of the population is troubled by hair loss, and 52% of post-00s generation already experience hair loss problems.
Against this backdrop, how to effectively care for the scalp and maintain healthy hair has become a focus of attention for consumers and brands, as well as an important direction for the upgrading and iteration of the hair care industry.
On April 7th, ADOLPH, a leading high-end hair care brand in China, held the “ADOLPH Scalp Care Ecological Circle Scientific Summit” in Guangzhou. Renowned experts and professors gathered together to discuss the new trends, technologies, and breakthroughs in scalp care, starting from the common pain points of consumers such as hair loss, dandruff, and greasy scalp.
During this summit, ADOLPH announced several innovative breakthroughs, including the world’s first patented plant-based dandruff treatment, three self-developed ingredients, and four groundbreaking research and development directions, effectively driving the technological upgrade of the hair care industry. By introducing natural ingredients, ADOLPH is committed to exploring more environmentally friendly, natural, and gentle hair care products, thereby creating a scalp care ecosystem.
ADOLPH introduces three self-developed natural ingredients, paving the way for innovative hair care
The scalp is the soil on which hair thrives. Compared to facial and neck skin, the scalp tissue is thinner and has a higher density of hair follicles, making it more delicate and sensitive.
As public awareness of the importance of scalp care deepens, the market for scalp care is rapidly growing. According to data from Mintel, since 2018, the annual growth rate of the hair care market in China has been only 1%, while the growth rate for scalp care has reached 24%.
Professor Zheng Wensheng from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Institute of Materia Medica pointed out, “The importance of scalp care has deeply resonated with people, and consumers’ attitudes towards scalp care have shifted from basic cleansing to refined care. Most consumers have realized that good scalp care is the key to addressing scalp issues.”
At the event, Dr. Yang Dingquan, Director of the Hair Medical Center at China-Japan Friendship Hospital, elaborated on the concept of the hair health ecosystem. Factors such as lifestyle habits and external environment can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, and promoting the use of hair care products, rather than drugs or medical approaches, can achieve a “scalp care ecosystem.”
Professor Wang Jing, Vice Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering at Jiangnan University, detailed the concept of the “scalp ecosystem.” He explained, “There are significant differences between scalp care and facial care. For example, the scalp’s stratum corneum is thinner, with a faster metabolic rate, richer hair follicles and sweat glands, and more conducive to microbial growth. At the same time, the scalp faces various internal and external pressures and stimuli. Therefore, the elements of the ‘scalp ecosystem’ are more numerous, and the interactions are more complex.”
Experts unanimously agree that natural ingredients have tremendous potential in scalp care. Professor Wang further explained, “Natural ingredients typically have a multi-target, multi-pathway effect, and can collaboratively address multiple issues in the scalp ecosystem. With the application of cellular biology and genomics technologies, the development of natural ingredients will become more precise, and the efficacy and mechanisms of their active components will be more recognized by the market.”
Meanwhile, Professor Zheng shared specific application examples, such as the use of soapberry, Japanese cypress leaves, ginseng root, tea bran, and ginger root extracts in scalp care, as well as advanced preparation technologies for natural ingredients, including fermentation technology, transdermal absorption technology, and hair follicle-targeted cell technology.
During this summit, ADOLPH announced three self-developed ingredients: Core Root Health®, TeaBorine™, and SootheAmine™, effectively addressing problems such as hair loss, oil control, dandruff, and scalp itching. These ingredients are all derived from natural sources, with gentler and more environmentally friendly compositions, reflecting ADOLPH’s deep commitment to the development of natural hair care products.
To date, ADOLPH has published multiple research papers on these self-developed ingredients in top-tier academic journals in China and internationally. They have obtained 14 authorized invention patents and received numerous honors, including the Gold Award at the 48th Geneva International Invention Exhibition, the First Prize for Innovation at the China Invention Association’s Invention and Entrepreneurship Award, and the Special Prize for Technological Progress at the China Federation of Commerce and Industry’s Science and Technology Progress Award. These achievements demonstrate ADOLPH’s international recognition and influence in research and innovation.
ADOLPH pioneers a plant-based anti-dandruff patent, ushering in a scalp care ecosystem
ADOLPH has successfully incorporated three self-developed ingredients into hair care products with anti-hair loss, oil control, and anti-dandruff effects, including the upcoming ADOLPH Natural Fragrance, TeaBran, and Anti-Hair Loss series.
Taking the ADOLPH Natural Fragrance series as an example, this product line incorporates their self-developed ingredient “SootheAmine™” as a natural surfactant, along with the world’s first plant-based anti-dandruff patent achievement titled “A Plant-Based Anti-Dandruff Composition and its Preparation Method and Application” (referred to as the “ADOLPH plant-based anti-dandruff patent”). This technology effectively and gently addresses scalp issues, embodying the new concept of “Natural Fragrance, Plant-Based Scalp Care.”
The ADOLPH plant-based anti-dandruff patent is an industry first. Its composition includes extracts of Japanese cypress leaves, rosemary leaf water, and sophorolipids (marketed as SootheAmine™). The Japanese cypress leaf extract has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, while rosemary is a star ingredient in skincare known for its antibacterial and soothing properties. When combined with the active ingredient in SootheAmine™, it exhibits anti-dandruff effects by inhibiting Malassezia furfur.
During the scientific summit, Wang Jing elaborated on the advantages of ADOLPH’s plant-based anti-dandruff patent technology: “Natural plant-based anti-dandruff ingredients are safe and gentle, preserving the healthy scalp microbiota. Typically, a single plant ingredient may not achieve satisfactory anti-dandruff results, but carefully selected plant combinations are the key to effective dandruff control.”
From the development of three self-developed ingredients to the introduction of the new concept “Natural Fragrance, Plant-Based Scalp Care,” and the creation of the pioneering “plant-based anti-dandruff” patent, ADOLPH has established a unique position in the highly competitive hair care market. They are committed to deep research and application of China’s unique plant resources, opening up a scalp care ecosystem.
Zheng Wensheng further pointed out, “Chinese herbal ingredients have shown significant effects in improving scalp microbiota, promoting scalp metabolism, and enhancing hair resilience. With the widespread application of these ingredients, more domestic hair care brands will stand out.”
In their quest for breakthroughs and exploration, ADOLPH not only seeks innovation internally but also actively collaborates with external parties. It is reported that ADOLPH has engaged in in-depth exchanges and interviews with experts from the Dermatology Branch of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, aiming to promote the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine in hair care. They have also signed a memorandum of cooperation on renowned physicians and prescriptions, providing a clear direction and strategy for the application of traditional Chinese medicine plant ingredients in ADOLPH’s products.
As mentioned by Li Zhizhen, President of the ADOLPH Group, “Seeking wisdom internally is the cornerstone of technological innovation for enterprises. ADOLPH continuously conducts research and development on new plants and emerging ingredients, iterates products, and improves quality. Additionally, seeking strategies externally allows the company to achieve win-win cooperation with other links in the industry chain. By applying research results, ADOLPH drives comprehensive quality upgrades and injects powerful momentum into the high-quality development of the hair care industry.”
Technological innovation is the “lifeline” for ADOLPH as it focuses on four major directions
Ma Ling revealed during the conference that in the future, ADOLPH will continue its innovative research and development, including the development of polyol bis-maleate for repairing damaged disulfide bonds in hair and the development of dithiodimaleamide for non-oxidative perming. They will also explore the use of curcumin and (white-to-black) plant polyphenols in their click-dyeing technology. “Natural hair dye products have enormous market prospects, and they are an ideal choice for addressing oxidative damage caused by traditional hair dye products,” pointed out Wang Jing. He emphasized that this is a cutting-edge research field globally and requires technological breakthroughs in localized cosmetics.
In the backdrop of intense brand competition, technological innovation has become the key to success for major brands. Through the introduction of three self-developed ingredients and new products, ADOLPH has fully showcased its outstanding R&D capabilities. “Technological innovation is the intrinsic driving force behind our high-quality development; it is the ‘lifeline’ of the company,” emphasized Li Zhizhen. By continuously enhancing their technological and product strengths, strengthening the core competitiveness of the enterprise, and always prioritizing the consumer experience, ADOLPH is committed to consolidating its leading position in the Chinese hair care market and striving to become the most trusted and respected global enterprise.
To date, ADOLPH has obtained 289 authorized patents, nearly 200 awards, and three scientific research achievements that have received international advanced technology recognition. ADOLPH was the first to discover the efficacy of Core Root Health® in preventing hair loss and delaying scalp aging, and these findings have been included in internationally renowned cosmetics and dermatology journals.
During the conference, ADOLPH and Focus Media signed an annual strategic cooperation agreement. Jiang Nanchun, the founder of Focus Media, stated that this collaboration will further strengthen ADOLPH’s leadership in the high-end hair care field and significantly enhance its influence in the mainstream consumer market.
Furthermore, ADOLPH has joined the Hair Health Industry Alliance, which not only recognizes ADOLPH’s influence in the industry but also affirms its professional capabilities in scalp care.
These strategic initiatives by ADOLPH have solidified its brand image in the high-end hair care field while providing consumers with effective scalp care solutions containing natural ingredients. These products not only meet the market demand for healthy and natural care products but also reflect ADOLPH’s commitment to technological innovation and sustainable development.
On the path to becoming the most trusted and respected global enterprise, ADOLPH is accelerating its pace. Through continuous product innovation and market expansion, it has not only set benchmarks in the Chinese market but also gradually enhanced its competitiveness in the global market. Additionally, ADOLPH is dedicated to combining China’s excellent traditional hair care practices with modern technology, allowing the world to witness the charm and strength of Chinese brands.
