Eco-Friendly Haircare: Biobased Lignin Gels Revolutionize Hair Conditioning, Study Reveals - Video

Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a fully biobased hair conditioner using lignin gel emulsions, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional haircare products.

Hair conditioners typically contain 20–30 ingredients, many derived from petroleum and oleochemicals, raising concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. A new study published in

Science Advances, demonstrates that micellar lignin gels can effectively stabilize emulsions with natural oils, reducing the need for synthetic surfactants and complex stabilizers commonly used in commercial formulations. The research team, led by Mika Sipponen at Stockholm University, sought to explore lignin, a common and renewable component in wood biomass, as a multifunctional component for hair conditioning.

“Our findings highlight lignin’s potential as a stabilizer in oil-in-water emulsions, enabling a more natural and sustainable approach to hair conditioning,” says Mika Sipponen. “By using wood-derived lignin directly without any chemical modification, we not only simplify the ingredient list but also eliminate the need for organic solvents, making the process more eco-friendly.”

The lignin gel-based conditioner was tested against a commercial hair conditioner, showing comparable emulsion stability, viscosity, and conditioning performance. A formulation with 6 percent coconut oil effectively lubricated damaged hair, reducing wet combing force by 13 percent, as confirmed by combing force measurements and multiscale microscopy analysis. Importantly, the product was easily rinsed off from paper and skin with cold water despite its dark color, demonstrating practical usability.

This innovation paves the way for greener haircare solutions that align with growing consumer demand for sustainable personal care products. The researchers anticipate further exploration of lignin-based formulations for broader applications in the personal care industry.

Ref: Fengyang Wang et al.Lignin gel emulsions for environmentally benign hair conditioning.Sci. Adv.11,eadr8372(2025).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adr8372