Formulation Deep Dive
Keranique’s Growth Activator Hair Serum is formulated as a sophisticated aqueous-based scalp treatment designed to address hair thinning through a multi-pathway approach. The carrier system utilizes a complex of water, butylene glycol, and propanediol to facilitate the delivery of polar actives, while glycerin and niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ensure the scalp barrier remains hydrated and resilient. The active performance is driven by a synergistic blend of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 and Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract to support follicle integrity, complemented by biotin and a hydrolyzed protein complex (Keratin, Soy, and Corn) to reinforce the hair shaft's structural density. Furthermore, the inclusion of Panax Ginseng Root Extract and arginine provides metabolic support to the scalp microenvironment. The formula is stabilized by a hybrid rheology modifier system featuring ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer and xanthan gum, and is preserved using a broad-spectrum blend of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and benzoic acid to ensure long-term formulaic stability.
Formula Structure Overview
This formula has a 64% match with ingredients from our research database. Among the matched ingredients, the main functional themes identified are categorized as hydrator, barrier support, conditioner, and antioxidant ingredients.
Reviewed Ingredient Coverage
64%
Water
GREAT
Purified water serves as the primary, high-quality solvent in most cosmetics.
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
GOOD
To hydrate and condition skin and hair, enhance the absorption of active ingredients, and improve product texture and stability.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Solvent
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
GREAT
Enhances hydration, texture, and skin/hair conditioning while improving emulsion stability.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Microbiome Balance Agent
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
NOT RATED
Glycerin
GREAT
To attract and retain moisture in the skin and hair, enhancing hydration and improving barrier function.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Soother
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Solvent
Niacinamide
GREAT
To enhance skin and scalp health by improving barrier function, reducing inflammation, and providing antioxidant protection.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Antioxidant
Strengthener
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Oil Control Agent
Tone Evener
Anti-Aging Agent
Acetyl Glucosamine
NOT RATED
Mannitol
GOOD
A natural sugar alcohol used as a humectant, mild antioxidant and gentle sensory aid.
Hydrator
Antioxidant
Propylene Glycol
GOOD
Attract and retain moisture; solubilize actives; inhibit microbial growth in formulations.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Solvent
Preservative
Propanediol
GREAT
Improve hydration, solubilize actives, enhance texture and absorption, support barrier function.
Hydrator
Emollient
Barrier Support
Solvent
Flocare SK™
GOOD
To provide immediate viscosity, emulsion stabilization, and cationic conditioning through cold-process formulation.
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethylcellulose
GOOD
To enhance product viscosity, stability, and texture in skincare and haircare formulations.
Texture Enhancer
Emulsifier
Fragrance
FAIR
The aromatic component of a cosmetic — a blended scent that defines a product’s smell and sensory experience, used within IFRA safe-use limits and with required allergen declaration.
Cetrimonium Chloride
GOOD
To condition and detangle hair, control static and frizz, facilitate cleansing, and help preserve formula integrity.
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Volume Control Agent
Polysorbate 20
GOOD
To stabilise oil-in-water or water-in-oil mixtures, reduce interfacial tension, solubilise lipophilic actives, and improve formulation texture and performance in skin and hair care systems.
Texture Enhancer
Cleansing Agent
Emulsifier
Solvent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
GOOD
Chelates metal ions to stabilize formulations, reduce water hardness and enhance the efficacy of preservatives.
Texture Enhancer
Cleansing Agent
Barrier Support
Preservative
Chelating Agent
Menthol
FAIR
Provides a cooling sensation, soothes irritation, and enhances blood circulation in skin and scalp applications.
Cleansing Agent
Exfoliant
Antioxidant
Soother
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Oil Control Agent
Tone Evener
Blood Flow Modulator
Panthenol
GREAT
To hydrate and condition skin and hair, enhance barrier function, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Conditioner
Strengthener
Soother
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Laurate
NOT RATED
Sodium Benzoate
GOOD
Functions as a preservative (antimicrobial), protecting water-containing formulations from yeast, mold, and bacterial spoilage. Its activity is pH-dependent and strongest in acidic systems (optimal below roughly pH 5), so it is used in low-pH products and frequently paired with potassium sorbate for broader, more robust preservation.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
GOOD
Functions as a preservative (antimicrobial), protecting water-containing formulations primarily against yeasts and molds, with weaker activity against bacteria. Its activity is pH-dependent and strongest in acidic systems (effective below roughly pH 6, optimal near pH 4.4), so it is used in low-pH products and is commonly paired with a second preservative such as sodium benzoate for broad-spectrum coverage.
Preservative
Glyceryl Undecylenate
NOT RATED
Carrageenan Gum
GOOD
To thicken and stabilize emulsions, form flexible films that lock in moisture, and provide viscosity and slip to skin‑care and hair‑care formulations.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
Aminomethyl Propanol
GOOD
A mild organic base used as a pH adjuster, buffer and carbomer neutralizer.
Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol
NOT RATED
L-Arginine
GREAT
Enhances skin hydration, supports collagen synthesis, promotes hair growth, and strengthens hair fibers.
Hydrator
Conditioner
Antioxidant
Strengthener
Soother
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Blood Flow Modulator
Acetyl Tyrosine
NOT RATED
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol
NOT RATED
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
NOT RATED
Pentylene Glycol
GREAT
To elevate cosmetic formulations by delivering efficient hydration, actives solubilization, enhanced texture, and supplemental antimicrobial support—thereby improving both performance and sensory quality.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Soother
Barrier Support
Solvent
Preservative
PEG-12 Dimethicone
NOT RATED
Calcium Pantothenate
NOT RATED
Zinc Gluconate
FAIR
To reduce sebum, calm inflammation, inhibit microbial activity, combat oxidative stress, and accelerate skin repair in both topical skincare and scalp treatments.
Astringent
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Oil Control Agent
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
GOOD
Improves formula viscosity and stability, enhances spreadability, supports skin hydration by forming a moisture-retaining film, and smooths hair appearance.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Soother
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
GREAT
Delivers antioxidant protection, brightens skin, stimulates collagen production, and supports scalp health.
Hydrator
Antioxidant
Soother
Tone Evener
Anti-Aging Agent
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
NOT RATED
Hydrolyzed Keratin
GOOD
Deposit keratin-derived peptides that form a substantive, breathable film to improve moisture retention, combability, and fiber resilience.
Hydrator
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Strengthener
Barrier Support
Polyquaternium-11
GOOD
Cationic film-former that enhances combability, controls flyaways/frizz, and improves sensory feel in water-based systems.
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Biotin
GOOD
Enhance skin and hair health by supporting keratin structure and improving hydration.
Hydrator
Conditioner
Strengthener
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
NOT RATED
Adenosine
GREAT
Stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and soothes skin irritation.
Soother
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Tone Evener
Anti-Aging Agent
Glucosamine HCL
NOT RATED
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
GOOD
A biomimetic peptide (the Capixyl active) that supports the appearance of denser, healthier-looking hair by stimulating extracellular-matrix anchoring proteins around the follicle; also used for a firmer-looking skin appearance.
Strengthener
Anti-Aging Agent
Disodium Succinate
NOT RATED
Citric Acid
GOOD
Acts mainly as a pH adjuster and buffer and as a chelating agent that protects formula stability and preservation; at higher leave-on levels it also serves as a mild exfoliating AHA.
Chelating Agent
Exfoliant
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
GREAT
To smooth and condition hair and skin, reduce static and frizz, enhance viscosity, and improve sensory experience in liquid formulations.
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Polyquaternium-7
GOOD
To deliver enhanced combability, minimize static, boost shine, improve foam stability, and create a smooth, velvety skin/hair feel.
Moisturizer
Conditioner
Strengthener
Emulsifier
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
NOT RATED
Carnitine
GOOD
Reduce sebum production and support mitochondrial energy metabolism in skin and scalp cells.
Antioxidant
Detoxifier
Strengthener
Barrier Support
Oil Control Agent
Tone Evener
Anti-Aging Agent
Blood Flow Modulator
Citral
CAUTION
A naturally-occurring lemon-scented aldehyde fragrance component, listed individually as an EU-declared allergen when present above regulatory thresholds.
Coumarin
CAUTION
A naturally-occurring sweet, hay-like aromatic compound, used as a fragrance component; listed individually as an EU-declared allergen when present above regulatory thresholds.
Limonene
CAUTION
A naturally-occurring citrus terpene fragrance component, listed individually as an EU-declared allergen when present above regulatory thresholds.
Geraniol
CAUTION
A naturally-occurring rose-scented terpene alcohol, used as a fragrance component; listed individually as an EU-declared allergen when present above regulatory thresholds.
Linalool
CAUTION
A naturally-occurring floral terpene alcohol fragrance component, listed individually as an EU-declared allergen when present above regulatory thresholds.
The information provided in this review is based on internal research and publicly available sources. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or regulatory advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult appropriate professionals before making decisions based on this information.
