Physicochemical and Rheological Characterizations of Cocos Nucifera L. and Elaeis Guineensis Jacq. (Arecaceae) Oils for Black Hair Shampoo Formulation

The study evaluated the properties of oils extracted from Cocos nucifera (coconut oil) and Elaeis guineensis (palm kernel oil) for potential use in shampoos for black hair, which often suffers from lipid deficiency. Both oils had a refractive index of 1.45, with melting points of 28 °C for coconut oil and 30 °C for palm kernel oil. They shared similar relative densities, moisture contents, saponification indexes, peroxide values, and unsaponifiable matter contents, but differed in iodine and acid values. Rich in lauric, oleic, and linoleic acids, these oils exhibited Newtonian behavior and a dominant elastic nature after melting, suggesting they could be effective active ingredients in black hair shampoo formulations.