Chlorine Neutralizing Shampoo

Overview

Design and Testing of a Chlorine-Neutralizing Shampoo Edrea Banh / Noman Sangar / Rachel Wagner / Danyelle Forte Sheldon High School Biotechnology Academy Chlorine exposure in recreational and competitive swimming presents a significant challenge for hair and skin health. Prolonged contact with chlorinated water disrupts the natural sebum of hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and susceptible to damage, while also causing persistent odors that affect swimmers’ comfort and confidence (“What Is a Chlorine Rash”; SBR Sports Europe). To address this issue, our experiment investigates the efficacy of two chlorine-neutralizing compounds, sodium thiosulfate and sodium ascorbate, incorporated into a shampoo formulation. The hypothesis posits that hair treated with sodium thiosulfate shampoo will retain less residual chlorine compared to hair treated with sodium ascorbate shampoo. The experimental design involves creating controlled “pool water” containing 5 ppm free chlorine at pH 7.4, simulating realistic swimming conditions. Human hair swatches are soaked in this solution for 30–60 minutes to replicate typical swimmer exposure. Hair is then washed with either sodium thiosulfate shampoo, sodium ascorbate shampoo, or a base shampoo without neutralizers as a placebo. A negative control group is rinsed with plain water, while a positive control group is treated with a commercial chlorine-removing shampoo. Chlorine removal is quantified using a FAS-DPD titration method on collected rinse water, and hair condition is further assessed via microscopic observation and tensile strength measurements. This methodology allows for comparison of the neutralizing ability of the two compounds and the evaluation of their effects on hair integrity. By combining quantitative chemical measurements with qualitative structural observations, the study aims to identify the most effective formulation for mitigating chlorine-induced damage. Successful results would not only inform swimmers and product developers but also contribute to safer, more comfortable swimming experiences, particularly for individuals with sensitive hair or skin conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of both chemical and practical approaches to everyday challenges in recreational health, offering a solution that balances efficacy, safety, and accessibility.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Chemistry (Senior Division) · Entry S-05-20

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