COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF DETERMINING SHAMPOO FOAMING BY DIFFERENT METHODS

Abstract

The present study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the efficiency of different methods used to evaluate the foaming properties of shampoos, which represent a critical quality parameter influencing both consumer perception and functional performance. The investigation was carried out using two widely applied approaches: the standardized Ross–Miles method and the empirical shaking method.

Foaming behavior was quantitatively assessed through key parameters, including initial foam height, foam stability over time, and foam expansion ratio (foam multiplicity). Measurements were conducted under controlled conditions to ensure reproducibility and comparability of results. The study also considered the physicochemical factors affecting foam formation, with particular emphasis on the composition and concentration of surfactants, including their ability to reduce surface tension, stabilize liquid films, and form structured interfacial layers.

A detailed comparison of the methods was performed based on analytical criteria such as sensitivity to formulation differences, repeatability of measurements, operational simplicity, and suitability for routine quality control. The Ross–Miles method demonstrated higher reproducibility and standardization, making it more appropriate for rigorous laboratory evaluation and inter-study comparison. In contrast, the shaking method, while less precise, proved to be a rapid and accessible technique suitable for preliminary screening and educational or industrial settings with limited instrumentation.

The results revealed a significant correlation between surfactant composition and foam characteristics, confirming that both the type and ratio of surface-active agents play a decisive role in determining foam formation kinetics and stability. Differences observed between the methods highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate analytical approach depending on the research objective or quality control requirements.

Overall, the findings contribute to the optimization of methodological strategies for assessing foaming properties in cosmetic formulations and provide a scientific basis for improving shampoo quality control and formulation design.