Seiwa Kasei has a new ingredient derived from upcycled rice to treat damaged hair, thereby improving its hydrophobicity. Hair treated with 0.6% Vegetamide 18MEA-R, left, versus without. According to the chemists at the Japanese personal care company, healthy hair has a barrier structure called an “F-layer,” which repels water. This layer is made from 18-Methyleicosanoic acid and keratin, which contributes to hydrophobicity of hair’s surface. In focusing on hair’s surface structu...