Mousse is a foamy hair product usually found in an aerosol can that is used for styling and keeping hair in place. Many different ingredients are found in hair mousse and each has its own special purpose. Check the label of your favorite mousse and learn what each of these ingredients does to provide fragrance, protect, and beautify your hair.

Dimethicone is a silicone oil found in mousse that prevents hair from becoming tangled and makes it look smooth and shiny. It is also found in hair conditioners, lotions and other moisturizers to protect skin.

Limonene is a strong citrus fragrance used in mousse, as well as shampoos, conditioners and other hair-care products. It is found in lemon peel and other citrus fruit, and also has antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Limonene can also be found in air fresheners, aftershave, soap, dish-washing liquid and fabric softener.

Also called pantothenic acid, panthenol is a moisturizing and smoothing agent used in many hair- and skin-care products, including mousse. Panthenol has been tested by the FDA and is proved to be good for sensitive skin. Panthenol chemically treats damaged hair and split ends while moisturizing and making it look beautiful.

Lecithin refers to animal- and plant-based fatty tissues, such as those found in an egg yolk, soybeans and corn. In mousse, lecithin acts as a surfactant, making the product thinner, pliable, and able to be easily spread over the surface of and throughout the hair.

Methylparaben is used for mousse as a preservative and antifungal ingredient. It is also widely used in food, medicines and cosmetics. Propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben are similar ingredients that offer the same results.

Sheep create lanolin and use it for skin protection and water-proofing. It is used in mousse and other hair products to seal moisture and other damaging agents out of the hair, preventing frizz and keeping hair smooth and shiny.

Usually used in conditioners, dyes and mousse, behentrimonium chloride is a disinfectant and prevents static throughout the hair.