The science of split end repair: SEM studies on Crodabond CSN

Published by

Helene Hine Helene Hine, Global Insights & Innovation Manager - Hair Category

Published on:

Wednesday 19th February 2025

Long hair has been celebrated for the versatility it offers in allowing the creation of different styles, such as glass hair, mermaid waves, and intricate braids. However, daily styling, environmental stressors, and chemical treatments often lead to damage, with split ends being a frustrating and common concern.

As such, the split end repair market is thriving, with consumers seeking effective solutions to restore and maintain the integrity of their hair. In this blog, I’ll explore how Crodabond™ CSN addresses split ends and cuticle damage, backed by robust claim substantiation data.

Photo of a white woman with long brown hair looking to the left. The hair obscures much of her face.

How it works

Crodabond CSN seals and smooths the hair cuticle. The cuticle, hair’s outermost layer, is composed of overlapping scales that shield the inner structure. When damaged, the scales lift, leading to breakage, dullness, and split ends. Crodabond CSN penetrates between these lifted cuticles, resealing them and restoring smoothness. This action reduces friction between hair fibres, resulting in a healthier, shinier appearance. The graphic below illustrates this transformative process.

Series of 4 images showing how Crodabond CSN repairs damage hair. The first image is a render of a damaged hair showing lifted cuticles. The 2nd shows the application of Crodabond CSN as a pink liquid which removes the lifted cuticles. The 3rd shows this advancing. The final image shows a hair that is completely smooth and shiny with no raised cuticles.

Cuticle sealing in action

Our team conducted rigorous studies to validate Crodabond CSN’s effectiveness. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, was conducted by our labs in Singapore and the USA. In one study on type 1 (sourced from Europe) hair, a leave-on serum containing 2% Crodabond CSN was tested against a placebo formulation and a leading commercial benchmark product containing a natural active. Hair fibres with existing split ends were treated, air-dried, and subjected to repeated wash cycles using a standard shampoo.

SEM images captured before treatment, immediately after treatment, and after three washes revealed that Crodabond CSN sealed more split ends than the placebo and exhibited greater wash-out resistance compared to the benchmark. The three images below show:

1. Before treatment: a visible split end
2. Immediately after treatment: the split end sealed with Crodabond CSN treated
3. After three washes: the sealed split end remained intact, showcasing Crodabond CSN’s durability

Diagram showing close-ups on a hair treated with Crodabond CSN. From left to right. Image 1 shows a visible split end. This is before treatment. Image 2 shows the split end completely sealed with Crodabond CSN immediately after treatment. Image 3 showw how after three washes: the sealed split end remaining intact, showcasing Crodabond CSN’s durability

Balancing efficacy and naturalness

Further testing on type 1 (sourced from Asia) hair delivered equally impressive results. Dan Chan, one of our expert hair care scientist based in Croda Singapore, shared her observations:

“The results for Asian hair aligned with the positive trends observed previously, with Crodabond CSN outperforming the placebo in split-end sealing. The benchmark in this study—a leading commercial split end repair formulation from the Asian market featuring a synthetic active—demonstrated effective sealing but lacked natural credentials. Crodabond CSN, while slightly less long-lasting than the benchmark, provides split end repair alongside the added benefit of naturalness. Also, a study at a lower concentration of 1%, compared to the previous 2%, confirmed the ingredient’s efficacy at reduced use levels. To achieve the optimal balance of performance and sensory appeal, we recommend incorporating 1% Crodabond CSN in leave-on systems”.

Versatility meets sustainability

While our split end repair studies focused on leave-on systems, its benefits also extend to rinse-off conditioners. SEM analysis showed significant cuticle sealing benefits in a conditioner, with positive effects persisting through multiple washes. The SEM images below clearly demonstrate this impressive performance in rinse-off conditioner.

Beyond its reparative action, Crodabond CSN has so much more to offer; it is 100% naturally derived (ISO 16128), biodegradable, vegan-suitable, and Halal-approved. Its ability to enhance shine and smoothness has been demonstrated through SAMBA analysis, making it an environmentally conscious and high-performing choice for consumers seeking naturally positioned hair care solutions.

If you’re intrigued by the science and potential of Crodabond CSN I encourage you to explore further. Read our technical article published in SOFW here or access our technical data and request your sample here. Let’s work together to create the next generation of hair repair products that deliver longer, healthier looking hair, naturally.