Head Hydrate's Extraordinary Moisture-Trapping Powers Explained

by Ben Clements . June 14, 2020

The Red Planet Used To Be Blue!

Have you ever wondered why Mars looks so... dead? It’s dry and dusty, while its closest neighbor is covered with water.

Why is that?

As it turns out, there’s one major difference between modern Mars and Earth. According to astronomers, Mars used to be much wetter, with running water and oceans. However, about 4 billion years ago Mars’ atmosphere began leaking out into space. Solar wind whipping across the system stripped away the protective gas atmosphere surrounding Mars. Without the moisture-sealing atmosphere, water began to evaporate and float away into space, leaving the surface dry and cracked.

Cool story, right? But why share it today? Partly, it’s because I’m a huge space nerd. But mostly, it’s to make a somewhat convoluted analogy. 

Bear with me: your head is like a planet. Your skin is the planet’s crust and the “moisture seal” that surrounds it is like the atmosphere.

When you have a robust moisture seal, water is trapped near the surface of your skin. Moisture keeps skin healthy and protects you from cracks and wrinkles. 

If, however, you don’t protect your moisture seal, then like Mars' atmosphere, it will break down. And that precious moisture will float away. 

Fortunately, C3 has you covered. We developed a moisture-trapping, dome-protecting formula that we call Head Hydrate. This mega-moisturizer was built with bald heads in mind. It contains exclusively safe, dome-friendly ingredients. 

What are those ingredients, you ask? And how do they keep your dome from looking like the desert planet? Let’s find out.


Only The Best

C3 is picky about ingredients. Many modern skincare products are packed with toxic junk that damages the skin and pollutes the environment. When we decided to develop Head Hydrate, we were committed to creating a formula that would protect and nourish skin, without the use of harsh additives or toxic ingredients.

That's why every ingredient we use is carefully vetted for safety and efficacy. Each has the stamp of approval from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, an independent 3rd-party organization that uses current evidence to evaluate the safety and sustainability of cosmetic ingredients. 


So, What Is in Head Hydrate?

15 hand-selected ingredients make up Head Hydrate. Each one serves a specific and important purpose, in each of these 4 categories: 

  • Build and protect the moisture seal
  • Promote long-term skin health
  • Manage the formula’s consistency and texture
  • Extend shelf life

Let’s take a look at each category and the vital ingredients that comprise them. 

Fortifying the Moisture Seal


Naturally derived from corn sugar, Propanediol promotes a strong moisture seal and helps to balance your skin’s pH. The FDA and CIR consider Propanediol safe for humans and the environment. 

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (sweet almond) Oil and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

These oils act as all-natural skin conditioners that help to keep skin smooth and moist. The oils are absorbed into your skin and act as a barrier for moisture, reducing evaporation. They’ve been found to be safe and nonirritating.

Jojoba Seed Oil

This naturally-derived plant oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's been shown to prevent and treat acne, psoriasis, sunburn, and chapped skin. Jojoba seed oil is an emollient, which is an ingredient that softens skin and creates a protective barrier to seal in moisture. 

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Topical vitamin B5 helps build and protect the moisture barrier. Studies have shown that Panthenol improves skin hydration, elasticity, and smoothness while treating inflammation, irritation, and razor burn. 

Promoting Life-Long Skin Health

Camellia Sinensis (Matcha Green Tea) Leaf Powder

Matcha is packed full of phenolic compounds that have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This ingredient reduces skin irritation and the effects of aging. 

Croton Lechleri (Dragon’s Blood) Resin Powder

Dragons Blood has been used for millennia to support wound healing and to treat everything from bacterial infections to diarrhea. Modern evidence suggests that this blood-red resin does indeed have significant medicinal value, especially in the support of skin health. It’s also what gives Head Hydrate its unique tan color and slightly cinnamon-y scent. 

Alpha-glucan Oligosaccharide

This powerful probiotic helps to maintain and support your skin's natural microbiome, which is very important! It stimulates the growth of "good" bacteria that protect and support your skin.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C)

Vitamin C doesn’t just boost your immune system, it’s also fantastic for your skin. It has been clinically shown to protect skin from inflammation and UV damage. Vitamin C also stimulates the production of collagen, which is the protein that keeps skin strong and wrinkle-free. 

Thioctic (Alpha Lipoic) Acid 

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that scavenges the free radicals that are responsible for sun damage and wrinkles. It has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes collagen growth. A placebo-controlled study from this Swedish Hospital found that applying a cream with 5% Alpha Lipoic Acid reduced the effects of photoaging on facial skin. 

Providing the Perfect Mix

Purified Water

100% pure H2O. We use an extensive purification process that removes all contaminants. 

Acetylated Hydrogenated Vegetable Glyceride

This is an emulsifier, which means it helps to stabilize the solution and keep everything well-mixed. It’s also a gentle skin cleanser and conditioner that works to soften skin. It’s readily biodegradable with low potential for toxicity in humans and natural environments. 

Sorbitan Stearate and Sorbityl Laurate 

These sister-ingredients also help to emulsify Head Hydrate and keep the oil and water mixed. They are naturally derived from plant ingredients. 

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

This natural starch helps to control viscosity. It stabilizes the mixture and improves texture.  

Xanthan Gum

This naturally-derived food-grade thickener helps to stabilize Head Hydrate and keep ingredients from separating. 

Ensuring a Safe Shelf-Life

Phenylpropanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol

These ingredients, along with propanediol, make up Sensiva® PA 40, a gentle antimicrobial stabilizer blend. This all natural blend allows us to ensure safe shelf life without using harmful preservatives. Each of these ingredients have known antimicrobial properties, and are considered safe for use. 


Lovin’ Your Dome

Your dome deserves to be loved. Leave the “dry, cracked, and red” vibe to Mars, and instead keep your head soft and smooth. A strong moisture seal is all that stands between you and a Mars dome. 

Head Hydrate is the answer. 

Our unique blend of all-natural, skin-friendly ingredients are guaranteed to protect your skin for years to come. Leave the toxic crap and pollutants to amateurs. Your dome deserves the best, and Head Hydrate is the best. Grab yours today, your dome will thank you. 


We’re on a mission to protect bald skin everywhere. If you love skin as much as we do, join our email list to get updates on new articles and exclusive offers.


***This article is the 3rd of our 3-part series about skincare terminology and ingredients. We hope you enjoyed this series!***

Hi Five!
