What's in Conditioner? | Ingredients With George Zaidan (Episode 8)

Conditioner: It makes your hair silky, smooth, and it’s a lot like … fat.
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About Ingredients:
Join MIT-trained chemist and science educator George Zaidan as he tries to recreate everyday household products like toothpaste, lipstick, or shaving cream using only natural ingredients… and no recipe! He’ll have to decode long lists of intimidating chemical names, figure out what they all do, try and find natural substitutes, and then cook up the do-it-yourself versions in his chemistry lab (kitchen). While George may or may not succeed, we'll all learn something new and surprising about the products we take for granted every day.
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Copyright 2016 Free Energy Productions LLC. Produced in partnership with National Geographic.
Credits:
Special thanks to Christina Kemper Valentine
Editor: Daniel Carbone
Graphics and Animations: Per Hoel
Illustrator: Brett Paci
Overlays: Ceri Riley
Director of Photography: Adam Morrell and Emily Wathen
Theme Music: Pickup Stix
Additional Music: Smooth Jazz Gonk (JackBillPlatypus)
Created and Executive Produced by: George Zaidan and Elizabeth Choe
For National Geographic:
Vice President, Digital Video: James Williams
Executive Producer: Danielle Steinberg
Producer: Will Halicks
Associate Producer: Milaena Hamilton
Associate Producer: Lindsay Benson
Special thanks to Stephanie Atlas, Lisa Covi, Dan Steinmetz, Rebekah Barlas, Nicola Overstreet, Anna Kukelhaus, Kelsey Taylor, Gabe Bullard, Becky Little, Todd Hermann, Teresa Tate, Brett Weisband, Liane DiStefano
Sources:
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www.researchga...
www.springer.co...
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
books.google.c...
journal.scconli...
www.crcpress.c...
www.elsevier.c...
www.wiley.com/W...
books.google.c...
What's in Conditioner? | Ingredients With George Zaidan (Episode 8)
• What's in Conditioner?...
National Geographic
/ natgeo

[@odonnelln]

I'm so science driven. Been looking to see if I can make my own and all the natural blogs don't cut it for me. I need the why. Thank you!

[@aaronfjdjdkddjaka8301]

I'm from pandemic year

[@wetwatermelon6384]

6 months later and almost nothing changed

[@Sheen023]

@@wetwatermelon6384 the second wave is almost here😅

[@bruderspatzlemitso930]

Which one?

[@lukemcellin8736]

Which pandemic year it hasnt ended yet

[@brayanlapat4767]

Same

[@CaitlynSPetersen]

i feel like i'm in school again lol

[@altuber99_athlete]

Wow haha

[@bellelysenko3498]

You got schooled

[@nathankirkpatrick2420]

this series has really given me a newfound appreciation for emulsifiers.

[@thedestructionator01]

This series is very interesting I enjoy it a lot. Please do more of these

[@georgezaidan]

Adoscey 2 thanks!!

[@CaitlynSPetersen]

yes, please!

[@Michlerish]

I love this series! It would be awesome if you would re-attempt your recipes after making adjustments or using suggestions from comments.

[@odonnelln]

Yes!

[@mandingueira]

Thank you, great video! I think adding more coconut oil will result in a 'harder' mixture, so you'll need to use less. Also - my idea for adding something extra is... something that dissolves calc e.g. apple cider vinegar, or citric acid? The water where I live is terribly hard - it leaves your hair straw-like and heavy unless you use a special shampoo or conditioner.

[@andykaylor2777]

Add I gelatine to thicken it up. No more then 1/4 tsp for every 8oz of conditioner

[@mandingueira]

New video request: Bar soap vs. gel/liquid soap. I recently tried to make liquid hand soap from grated, then diluted (H2O) and boiled bar soap. Total fail - once I finally managed to get the right ratio to water, it was way too slimy, and had stopped foaming - I had the feeling it's not really cleaning my hands.

[@clarissathompson]

I'm not sure where you are on your soaping journey these days, but I thought I would leave a note about soap making. First, not every bar of soap is actually soap. Many "soaps" on the market are actually detergent based cleansing bars, true soap is made with oil and water which are saponified with an alkaline salt, for solid soap bars the appropriate alkaline salt, aka lye, is sodium hydroxide, which gels and hardens the solution or "batter" into solid soap. To make liquid/gel/paste soap you need to use potassium hydroxide, which saponifies without setting the ingredients solid. While you can cook down soap remnants for reuse, the best thing to do is pour it into molds as solid soap. There is lots of guidance online on how to cook down and reuse your solid soap if anyone here in the comments is interested. Good luck! :)

[@kalylbmmi]

natgeo just made me watch a guy in the shower... well played natgeo, well played...

[@stormiezy4715]

Guenn 13 underated

[@houssemkitzami8063]

Wdym ? I don't get it . Do you find a guy in the shower arousing or disgusting or what ? Specially when you say " well played nat geo '' as if they're doing this on purpose to arouse or disgust or whatever ... certain people . Please someone explain this to me . It's so frustrating that so many people liked this comment and i don't get it

[@gracemama1987]

You explained well, showed us how to make it then YOU took vide yourself using that conditioner! 5 stars.

[@fiveohfivethree]

What is a substitute for the palm oil? Because, you know...the video you just posted with Leonardo Dicaprio in it saying how bad palm oil is for the environment...

[@georgezaidan]

fiveohfivethree good point! I used cetyl alcohol, which can be extracted from other oils. But if you wanted to use something that wasn't chemically changed at all.... Maybe try cocoa butter or Shea butter? (Total guess tho -- no clue if it would work)

[@chelset1909]

fiveohfivethree I've heard that hemp oil is a substitute

[@fiveohfivethree]

Isn't palm oil just a cheap substitute for vegetable oil though?

[@ScienceFunda]

Visit my Chanel and subscribe for Explanation of Science Phenomenons.

[@P3NGU1NSMACKER]

You're right. Cocoa and shea butter help moisturize the hair. They're great in conditioner too. Lanolin is a really great moisturizer too.

[@iprachael]

thanks for making this series! very informative:)

[@JeanneLugertLadyTatsLace]

looking forward to the new season. i have enjoyed your videos on how things are made.

[@kaktees]

I was hoping you would use mayonnaise hahaha

[@abdulmoiz6317]

I am Chemist and you are almost Correct .I appreciate your effort......

[@decf152]

Why almost??

[@nicoplayzeverything6092]

Explain the mistakes doctor

[@Roshkin]

Great episode as usual! What's the difference between fats and oils? Would cooking the resulting mixture a bit keep it together longer?

[@zaidbrali2010]

ever cooked bacon?

[@georgezaidan]

Roshkin usually when people say fat they mean solids and when people say oils they mean liquid (at room temp). There are exceptions (eg coconut oil is mostly solid). Chemically, solid fats have fewer double bonds (a cis-double bond "kinks" fatty acid molecules, making them take up more space --> less dense --> liquid). Actually if you google what is fat and my name there is a TED-Ed video with visuals

[@sofiastortigajani4462]

thank you

[@NeffyLe]

On coarser hair, the more residue the conditioner leaves as well as the more slip/lubrication the better. Helps with detailing.

[@aditytripathi6895]

Loved this episode! You can also do an episode on hair serum!

[@beautifulskies1252]

All I hear is science, and science, AND MORE SCIENCE. I feel like crying. Thanks. JK, I like the video! XD

[@4funz]

God I love these series.

[@Cieloazul85]

So what can be added to thicken the consistency? Great video by the way.

[@clarissathompson]

A little xanthan gum would probably do the trick, but a little goes a long way and you have to make sure to sprinkle it in so it doesn't clump. Grocery stores often have it these days. You could also order a carbomer gelling agent from a soap making supply company.

[@pentapandamusic]

What a informative and fun video! Thanks!

[@naejin]

So if people don't use shampoo to wash their hair, they end up building up natural hair conditioner of their own built up oil, right? Does that mean we use too much shampoo?

[@roecocoa]

Kind of. People are genetically predisposed to produce different amounts of sebaceous oil. You might be able to go several days without washing your hair, or you might be like me: able to grow long, thick, shiny hair that nevertheless looks, feels, and smells gross 36 hours after I wash it. I once went shampoo-free for over a year and I've tried a variety of shampoo substitutes; washing and conditioning my hair every day is what works for me.

[@asupremum1246]

Naomi Sutton , or like me lol where my hair becomes dry as the saharra if I use any shampoo but my hair does grows super fast, thick and long anyhow. I don't use shampoo or conditioner but I do use essential oils.

[@saveUyghurs]

But what's your hair like once it's dry? Does it feel clean or does it leave it limp and oily?

[@georgezaidan]

bengalifob2 it felt pretty clean actually :)

[@raoufzdn]

Great ! entertaining and most enlightening .

[@sanjinaomi9547]

good work ,thanks

[@elise1562]

I love this episodes!!!

[@bigpurple100]

Great stuff, learned something new.

[@DaveTexas]

I don’t use conditioner since I have no hair on the top of my head, but I love this video anyway! I could condition my chest hair, I suppose. Or I could just spend all day watching you condition yours! 😍🥰😍

[@michaelsmall526]

What do you think about using coconut milk plus another oil? I think that contains fat + soy + the palm oil twin element and add olive oil for the other ingredient then mix it all with water

[@gbowers43]

That was really cool😊I like.

[@ladybug2535]

I want MORE shower scenes ;)

[@tobi70]

ladybug P wth

[@AmyK007]

Great vid. My curiosity is completely satisfied..

[@vivianatall]

add some gelatin or agar to make the consistency less fluid

[@dertythegrower]

*So, since you say we need fatty acids and such, and hemp oil contains those things in large numbers, hemp shampoo and conditioner without the damaging sulfates would be a quality choice for shampoo and conditioners?*

[@Conman123Official]

*why are you typing like this!!*

[@bkbekka3039]

LOVE THIS..TY. Although I desperately needed this 2 days ago, when I had a major catastrophe.. no conditioner!😱 LOL. THANKS AGAIN! LOVED IT!

[@georgezaidan]

bkbella bell thanks so much!!

[@musician701]

hey, your works good, i want to know what are the ingredients in cough syrup?

[@ranusingh123]

Conditioner ....If possible can we have video on Hair colours.?

[@georgezaidan]

Ranu S great idea! Will add to the list

[@PCLHH]

George, do you also conditioner you chest hair?

[@Maratrushka]

wow.good vid.

[@sarahabdulrazak]

Uh, kinda cool but if i put that much oil on my scalp I'd probably lose most of my hair. I think I would switch the coconut oil with shea or cocoa butter, perhaps that would make the final mixture thicker and less fluid? My skin is sensitive to coconut oil anyway, it clogs up my pores so I end up with a bunch of blackheads and pimples.

[@georgezaidan]

good suggestion! if you try it let me know what happens... and if i try it, i'll post a video

[@sanderhfl]

Never knew conditioners could be that interesting

[@Poseidon99Jeus]

Sander van der Hoek I know that you're bald. But you can still use it for your pube

[@jameshamclaughlin6954]

Use aloe to thicken it up

[@odonnelln]

Your into is awesome!!!!!!

[@camilagranata4355]

please can you do one with hairspray!?

[@ashkigal]

Hey. I love your videos. You are really funny and charming. (Also smart) keep up your awesome self dude!

[@georgezaidan]

thanks so much!! :)

[@ashkigal]

George Zaidan you are very welcome hun ;)

[@ScienceFunda]

Visit my Chanel and subscribe for Explanation of Science Phenomenons.

[@lowmax4431]

I was not expecting this video to end with him in the shower lol

[@snehadasgupta6132]

very interesting

[@totayabanotaya2416]

so after watched this video I should consider that silicon is dangerous for my hair or not?

[@luutas]

Silicons are not bad for your hair, they are just not helpful, or at least not truly helpful. They are like makeup for your hair. Make it look better but actually they are not. And also silicons make hard for your hair to receive good stuff like water

[@DeShoujo]

i love this show

[@georgezaidan]

DeShoujo it loves you too

[@debbydee6633]

i love this

[@30deblanc]

What can make the conditioner thicker?

[@satishgugale6187]

Liquid Dishwash Compounds Video please

[@md.mehadihassan556]

Thank you for sharing.but can you write the ingredients quantity?

[@durganaveen4152]

expected this to be a beauty video but im suprised by what the video is about

[@zaidbrali2010]

george, do you put the different strength of the conditioner to your hirsute body due to coarseness? or tempered mixture just for your hair? i'm curious, george.

[@owenkraisorn]

2 conditioner's cons: 1. It makes the floor slippery and 2. towel is hardly absorbable.

[@nelsonricardo3729]

1. Do you not have a shower mat? 2. You're supposed to rinse out the conditioner.

[@CookingLessonsforDad]

I like to use a shampoo and conditioner in one so I save a step in the shower. I was wondering if I could make that myself by just mixing a shampoo and conditioner together or adding a fat (like coconut oil) to my shampoo. What do you think?

[@georgezaidan]

Cooking Lessons for Dad great question!! I think you'd be fine mixing the two. I like to have them separate bc sometimes I condition without shampooing. But try it and tell me what happens!

[@CookingLessonsforDad]

I will. I need to try it on a day I am not planning on going anywhere important in case it does not turn out.

[@TheDwarburton]

Anyone found a conditioner thats actually good that they could recommend?

[@elenamoncada-ibarra8803]

you should do a hair spray vid

[@mannatrattan]

knowledge is more powerful than spending money on market conditioners!

[@maulikdoshi2349]

WHAT IS ROLE OF GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE IN CONDITIONER , HAIR SHAMPOO ?

[@sarahsutube]

That lizard behind is creeping me out. Thanks for the lesson.

[@sanakhannz786]

Polyquartranium not added!

[@calcwatch]

Did you happen to measure the pH level for your conditioner or how it compares to store brands?

[@Anuuurag]

nice

[@liawatson5789]

Is conditioner just oil?

[@sysyphenf8ewtfr603]

cyclopentasiloxane is a cool name

[@w3r3w0lf616]

What's that banging tune in the background at 4:34?

[@TheLastLogicalOne]

cool video, its been a good series :)

[@georgezaidan]

TheLastLogicalOne thanks!!

[@joelloyd2025]

May I recommend the lawmower 2.0 for your manscaping needs. Apart from that . Great video. :)

[@jiyart6598]

Instead of paying attention to what brand of conditioner was .my attention was on his knowledge of chemicals.

[@musarratmustafa7690]

Hi sir, I like your chenal. Plz sir how make hair rimovare careem with cuantity .

[@altuber99_athlete]

0:52 Remember that

[@03raq]

Where could I get those fatty acids?

[@georgezaidan]

Mr cs93 lots of places! Plant or animal fats. Break apart triglycerides (what we call "fats") and boom -- fatty acids + glycerol

[@privatenumber9672]

I haven't used conditioner in years. I basically just have stubble though because I clip my hair every week. I should be fine, right? Would using this shit be beneficial for me? I feel like it would be pointless.

[@georgezaidan]

Private Number yeah no reason to use it if all seems good without it!

[@michellemarie1197]

I've been rarely using conditioner by itself normally now I've just been using a 2 in 1 that has both and then I've been brushing my hair while it's still wet with my best brush and my hair feels soft and silky and not dry and feels like it would if I would use a separate conditioner, so is conditioner on it's own really needed?

[@Diana-w8o]

Personally, I need to use shampoo and conditioner seperately because shampoo alone and 2 in 1 won't make my hair manageable.

[@_Xerota_]

What is the difference between shampoo and conditioner?

[@vinaymane5538]

Xerota shampoo is a detergent and conditioner is a conditioner.

[@georgezaidan]

Xerota shampoo is a soap, it has a lot of molecules that dissolve both fats and watery stuff. Conditioner is much more fat/oil like, it costs your hair. I'm gonna do a shampoo episode next season!

[@_Xerota_]

George Zaidan Cool.

[@500sevinc]

George, could you please do video on chips?

[@georgezaidan]

Joy Bakhshi added to the list!

[@500sevinc]

Thank you for consideration :)

[@NathanBurnham]

Texts and backgrounds are too similar and hard to read sometimes

[@Nairod2]

Body lotion works way better than conditioner. and you need 1/10 of the amount. next time you put moisturizer in your body rub what is left in your hand into your hair and it will be silk shiny and silky.

[@user-xv6bw8ld3n]

Make some video on face wash ...!!!!

[@porkdemon]

Soy lecithin really is this series emulsifier of choice isnt it.

[@georgezaidan]

Yeeeeaaaap.

[@RGTomoenage11]

Lemon works for my hair

[@kabirmendozabourget3159]

God... why do you leave the water running while you're not using it?

[@georgezaidan]

kabir mendoza bourget good point, sorry!!! Won't do that again

[@kevins7506]

George Zaidan I'm a big fan of u.I love ur vids

[@georgezaidan]

crazy science hacker Crazy science hacker thanks!!!

[@kabirmendozabourget3159]

George Zaidan oh you replied :) I love this show, sorry if my comment sounded like I was angry or something

[@georgezaidan]

kabir mendoza bourget no worries :) you had a good point! Thanks!!

[@charmagne2102]

maybe less water in the recipe? to make it less fluid.

[@brenguille]

Cool

[@afreenanjum4372]

Why you are wasting so much of water by shower on without using

[@sollinw]

beeswax!

[@liawatson5789]

The water was probably making his hair break off because water causes the cuticles the open.

[@DonaldButcherHomeoftheYarra]

Great stuff though disappointed you mentioned Palm oil in such a casual way. Growing Palm Oil plants in SE Asia has tore apart rainforests - and given Orang-Utans no where to live as they look extinction in the face. I thought National Geographic was an education leader...

[@dilip7610]

Why do you have to waste water while filming the application part ???

[@georgezaidan]

DLP. K good point. Sorry! We won't do that again

[@nelsonricardo3729]

Eyes rolling... If you're in southern California, Long Island, or one of the other drought-ridden areas: naughty boy! www.drought.gov/drought/data-maps-tools/current-conditions

[@Amam-xu3xr]

see. he genius

[@ewe392]

Whip it like butter

[@jackielinde7568]

+George Zaidan AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! Not COCONUT OIL!!! That stuff clogs drains. Seriously, I went from having to unclog my shower once about every 18 to 24 months to every flipping month. Why? My daughter started using shampoo and conditioner with Coconut Oil! She's since switched, and my drain flows freer. (Well, not back up to stuff, but it's a lot better than before.)

[@georgezaidan]

Jack Linde huh fascinating! Were her showers cold or hot? I can see how a really high coconut oil conditioner might clog especially if followed by really cold water (or maybe the pipes got cold at night?)

[@jackielinde7568]

George Zaidan She takes hot showers, and so do I. But we have a house built in the 1960's, so shower drain size may be part of it. As for the pipes getting cold, we live in Phoenix, and the pipes are under the house. When the clogging issue came up, my research online turned up a bunch of articles blaming shampoos and conditioners with fats/oils that congeal at room temps (including the coconut oils). So, rule of thumb, any oil, grease, fat that is liquid at room temps is safe for the drain, and the rest gets poured into a glass jar, placed in the freezer to harden, and then chucked in the trash the night before garbage day. (I already do that for cooking grease and fats from meats. Something my parents had me do when I started learning how to cook.)

[@georgezaidan]

Jack Linde that's good practice. Hmmm really interesting. Do you remember the brand that congealed?

[@jackielinde7568]

I think it was Herbal Essence. I'd have to double check with my daughter.

[@mariposas22]

The gecko on the wall🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@chezsticks2096]

Hmm ice tea

[@joelloyd2025]

Great video but, you need to do some manscaping. Alpha m would be having words on the body hair haha. Tackle it with a clipper .

[@rupalidubey9277]

Loved the video but please don't leave the shower running. K thanks.