Patent Description:
Frizz is generally known as hair that does not align with the surrounding hairs, but stands up or curls independently, creating a fuzzy or irregular texture. Generally, hair gets frizzy on days when there is humid weather and the level of moisture in the air is high. As a result, hair appears dry and frizzy instead of smooth, shiny and defined. The appearance of frizz and loss of shine and smoothness are associated with a perception of poor hair health.

A common method of providing conditioning benefits to the hair is through the use of conditioning agents such as cationic surfactants and polymers, high melting point fatty compounds, low melting point oils, silicone compounds, and mixtures thereof. Deposition of these materials onto the hair surface results in hair having a greasy feel and look which is undesired.

<CIT> discloses a rinse-off conditioner composition for hair frizz reduction comprising from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of a moisture control material or mixture of moisture control materials.

Despite the prior art, there still exists the opportunity to increase the conditioning benefits delivered through hair care compositions, preferably without hair having to look and feel greasy.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a conditioning product with superior frizz control.

It is another object of the present invention to a provide superior frizz control even after multiple washes.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a conditioning product which does not make the hair look and feel greasy.

Surprisingly, it has been found that a conditioner composition providing superior frizz control can be obtained using a specific combination of silicones and a tricarboxylic acid.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a rinse-off conditioner composition for hair comprising <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of a conditioning surfactant; a silicone combination of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of an amino functional silicone and <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of a silicone blend of dimethicone and amodimethicone in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of a tricarboxylic acid.

In a second aspect, the invention provides use of the composition according to the invention for hair frizz control.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of hair for frizz reduction comprising the steps in sequence of applying to the hair the composition according to the invention; allowing the composition to remain on hair for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes; and rinsing off with water.

In the context of the present invention, the reference to "hair" typically means mammalian hair including scalp hair, facial hair and body hair, more preferably hair on the human head and scalp.

These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including" but not necessarily "consisting of" or "composed of. " In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Similarly, all percentages are weight/weight percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about". Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a rinse-off conditioner composition comprising a conditioning surfactant, a silicone combination and a tricarboxylic acid.

The composition according to the invention comprises one or more conditioning surfactants which are cosmetically acceptable and suitable for topical application to the hair.

Suitable conditioning surfactants are selected from cationic surfactants, used singly or in admixture. Examples include quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants corresponding to the following general formula:.

[N(R<NUM>)(R<NUM>)(R<NUM>)(R<NUM>)]+ (X)-.

in which R1, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> are each independently selected from (a) an aliphatic group of from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, or (b) an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to <NUM> carbon atoms; and X is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halide, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulphate, and alkylsulphate radicals.

The aliphatic groups can contain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether linkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain aliphatic groups, e.g., those of about <NUM> carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated.

Specific examples of such quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants of the above general formula are cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyltrimethylammonium chloride (BTAC), cetylpyridinium chloride, tetramethylammonium chloride, tetraethylammonium chloride,octyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, decyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride,didodecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride, tallowtrimethylammonium chloride, cocotrimethylammonium chloride, dipalmitoylethyldimethylammonium chloride, PEG-<NUM> oleylammonium chloride and salts of these, where the chloride is replaced by other halide (e.g., bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulphate, or alkylsulphate.

In a preferred class of cationic surfactant of the above general formula, R<NUM> is a C16 to C22 saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain and R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are each independently selected from CH3 and CH2CH2OH, preferably CH3.

Specific examples of such preferred quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants are cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), behenyltrimethylammonium chloride (BTAC) and mixtures thereof.

Alternatively, primary, secondary or tertiary fatty amines may be used in combination with an acid to provide a cationic surfactant suitable for use in the invention. The acid protonates the amine and forms an amine salt in situ in the hair care composition.

The amine is therefore effectively a non-permanent quaternary ammonium or pseudo-quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant.

Suitable fatty amines of this type include amidoamines of the following general formula:.

R<NUM>-C(O)-N(H)-R<NUM>-N(R<NUM>)(R<NUM>).

in which R<NUM> is a fatty acid chain containing from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, R<NUM> is an alkylene group containing from one to four carbon atoms, and R<NUM> and R<NUM> are each independently, an alkyl group having from one to four carbon atoms.

Specific examples of suitable materials of the above general formula are stearamidopropyldimethylamine, stearamidopropyldiethylamine, stearamidoethyldiethylamine,stearamidoethyldimethylamine, palmitamidopropyldimethylamine, palmitamidopropyldiethylamine, palmitamidoethyldiethylamine, palmitamidoethyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldiethylamine, arachidamidoethyldiethylamine, arachidamidoethyldimethylamine, and diethylaminoethylstearamide.

Also useful are dimethylstearamine, dimethylsoyamine, soyamine, myristylamine, tridecylamine, ethylstearylamine, N-tallowpropane diamine, ethoxylated (with <NUM> moles of ethylene oxide) stearylamine, dihydroxyethylstearylamine, and arachidyl behenylamine.

Particularly preferred is stearamidopropyldimethylamine.

The acid used may be any organic or mineral acid which is capable of protonating the amine in the hair care composition. Suitable acids include hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, tartaric acid, hydrochloric acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid and mixtures thereof.

Mixtures of any of the above-described cationic surfactants may also be suitable.

The conditioning surfactant is present in the composition in a concentration of <NUM> to <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>%, still more preferably at least <NUM>%, even more preferably at least <NUM>% or even at least <NUM>% but typically not more than <NUM>%, preferably not more than <NUM>%, more preferably not more than <NUM>%, still more preferably not more than <NUM>%, even more preferably not more than <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The present invention comprises a silicone combination of an amino functionalised silicone and a silicone blend.

By "amino functionalised silicone" is meant a silicone containing at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group, or a quaternary ammonium group. Examples of suitable amino functionalised silicones include: polysiloxanes having the CTFA designation "amodimethicone".

The amino functionalised silicones of the present invention include emulsified particles of an amino functionalised silcone of general formula:.

Si(CH<NUM>)<NUM> - O - [Si(CH<NUM>)<NUM> - O - ]x - [Si (CH<NUM>) (R - NH - CH<NUM>CH<NUM> NH<NUM>) - O -]y - Si (CH<NUM>)<NUM>.

Wherein x + y is a number from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and wherein R is an alkylene group having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

Preferably, the number x + y is in the range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The amino functionalised silicone is insoluble in the aqueous matrix and so is present in an emulsified form, with the silicone present as dispersed particles.

The amino functionalised silicones suitable for use in the invention need to have a mole % amino functionality of at least <NUM> mole %. Range from <NUM> to <NUM> mole %.

Particle size is less than <NUM> microns.

Specific examples of amino functionalised silicones suitable for use in the invention are the aminosilicone oils DC2-<NUM> and DC2-<NUM> (all ex Dow Corning).

Pre-formed emulsions of amino functional silicone are also available from suppliers of silicone oils such as Dow Corning and General Electric. Specific examples include DC939 Cationic Emulsion and the non-ionic emulsions DC2-<NUM>, DC2-<NUM>, DC2-<NUM> and DC2-<NUM> (all ex Dow Corning).

The amino functionalised silicone is present in the composition in a concentration of <NUM> to <NUM>%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight of the composition.

The silicone blend used in the present invention is a blend of dimethicone and amodimethicone in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>.

Dimethicone used in the present invention preferably has a viscosity of at least <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/sec at <NUM> and a molecular weight of at least <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons.

By "dimethicone" is meant polydimethylsiloxane.

Amodimethicone, also known as amino functionalised silicone used in the present invention preferably has a viscosity of less than <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/sec at <NUM> and a molecular weight of less than <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons.

Preferably, the amodimethicone has a mole percent amino functionality in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

The silicone blend is present in the composition in a concentration of <NUM> to <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>%, still more preferably at least <NUM>%, even more preferably at least <NUM>% but typically not more than <NUM>%, preferably not more than <NUM>%, more preferably not more than <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

Suitable tricarboxylic acids include citric acid, aconitic acid or mixtures thereof. The most preferred tricarboxylic acid is citric acid.

The tricarboxylic acid is present in the composition in a concentration of <NUM> to <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM> or even <NUM>%, still more preferably at least <NUM> or even <NUM>%, even more preferably at least <NUM>%, still more preferably at least <NUM>% but typically not more than <NUM>%, preferably not more than <NUM>%, more preferably not more than <NUM>%, even more preferably not more than <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

Hair conditioner compositions of the invention preferably additionally comprise fatty materials. The combined use of fatty materials and cationic surfactants in conditioning compositions is believed to be especially advantageous, because this leads to the formation of a structured lamellar or liquid crystal phase, in which the cationic surfactant is dispersed.

By "fatty material" is meant a fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a fatty acid or a mixture thereof.

Preferably, the alkyl chain of the fatty material is fully saturated.

Representative fatty materials comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. Examples of suitable fatty alcohols include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. The use of these materials is also advantageous in that they contribute to the overall conditioning properties of compositions of the invention.

Alkoxylated, (e.g. ethoxylated or propoxylated) fatty alcohols having from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms in the alkyl chain can be used in place of, or in addition to, the fatty alcohols themselves. Suitable examples include ethylene glycol cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) cetyl ether, and mixtures thereof. The level of fatty material in conditioners of the invention is suitably from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> percent by weight of the total composition. The weight ratio of cationic surfactant to fatty alcohol is suitably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, optimally from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, for example <NUM>:<NUM>.

When present, the fatty material is present in the composition in a concentration of <NUM> to <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>%, still more preferably at least <NUM>%, even more preferably at least <NUM>% but typically not more than <NUM>%, preferably not more than <NUM>%, more preferably not more than <NUM>%, even more preferably not more than <NUM>%, still more preferably not more than <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

Compositions of this invention may contain any other ingredient normally used in hair treatment formulations, including further silicone or non-silicone hair conditioning oils. These other ingredients may include viscosity modifiers, preservatives, colouring agents, polyols such as glycerine and polypropylene glycol, chelating agents such as EDTA, antioxidants, fragrances, antimicrobials and sunscreens. Each of these ingredients will be present in an amount effective to accomplish its purpose. Generally, these optional ingredients are included individually at a level of up to <NUM>% by weight of the total composition.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to use of the composition according to the invention for frizz control.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treatment of hair for frizz reduction comprising the steps in sequence of applying to the hair the composition according to the invention; allowing the composition to remain on hair for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes; and rinsing off with water.

The invention will now be further described by reference to the following Examples.

In the Examples, all percentages are by weight based on total weight, unless otherwise specified.

Hair conditioning compositions were prepared, having ingredients as shown in table <NUM> below. Example <NUM> represents composition according to the invention and Comp A and B are comparative examples with compositions outside the scope of the claim.

<NUM> of <NUM> x <NUM>" hair switches were washed with a cleansing shampoo according to the Switch Washing protocol. The switches were dried in high temperature environment for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes (<NUM>, <NUM>%RH). Once the switches were fully dry, they were combed several times to create an extremely frizzy switch. Frizz images were taken using the Image Analysis Volume Rig. The images were taken at both <NUM> degree and <NUM> degree angles for each of hair switches to get a 3D volume area.

<NUM> x <NUM>" switch was wetted under the tap. <NUM> cleansing shampoo was applied to the switch. The switch was massaged for <NUM> seconds and then rinsed under the tap for <NUM> seconds. This was repeated. The wet switch was then detangled using a comb. This was repeated for all <NUM> switches. The switches were then dried overnight at <NUM>/<NUM>% RH.

The switches were then treated with the compositions in table <NUM> according to the Switch Treatment Protocol. The wet hair switches were detangled using a comb, and allowed to dry overnight in the controlled environmental condition (<NUM>, <NUM>%RH). Once the switches were dry they were combed once, then the images were taken at <NUM> degree and <NUM> degree angles. These readings were recorded as the <NUM> time readings. The switches were placed in the Volume Rig Cabinet at high humidity and temperature conditions (<NUM>, <NUM>%RH) for <NUM> hours. Images were then taken at both <NUM> degree and <NUM> degree angles for each of the hair switches to get a 3D volume area.

The dried switch was wetted under the tap and <NUM> of the compositions in table <NUM> was applied. The switch was then massaged for <NUM> seconds and then rinsed for <NUM> seconds. The wet switch was detangled using a comb and dried overnight at <NUM>/<NUM>% RH.

The <NUM> degree angle volume area and the <NUM> degree angle volume area were averaged for each individual hair switches. This was done for the untreated (extremely frizzy) switch volume values, the initial (<NUM>) treated switch volume values and volume measurements taken after <NUM> hours.

The above table shows that the composition of Ex <NUM> shows a super frizz reduction when compared to comparative compositions A and B.

Table <NUM> shows the data on frizz reduction after multiple washes with a cleaning shampoo.

The results show that the composition according to the invention (Ex <NUM>) delivers superior frizz reduction even after multiple washes.

Hair conditioning compositions were prepared, having ingredients as shown in table <NUM> below. Example <NUM> represents composition according to the invention and Comp C and D are comparative examples with compositions comprising lactic acid outside the scope of the claim.

<NUM> of <NUM> x <NUM>" hair switches were washed with a cleansing shampoo according to the Switch Washing protocol. The switches were dried in high temperature environment for <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM>%RH). Once the switches were fully dry, they were combed several times to create an extremely frizzy switch. Frizz images were taken using the Image Analysis Volume Rig. The images were taken at both <NUM> degree and <NUM> degree angles for each of hair switches to get a 3D volume area.

<NUM> of <NUM> x <NUM>" switches were wetted under the tap. <NUM> cleansing shampoo was applied to the switch. The switch was massaged for <NUM> seconds and then rinsed under the tap for <NUM> seconds. This was repeated. The wet switch was then detangled using a comb. This was repeated for all <NUM> switches. The switches were then dried overnight at <NUM>/<NUM>% RH.

<NUM> of <NUM> of the dried switches were wetted under the tap and <NUM> of the compositions in table <NUM> was applied. The switches were then massaged for <NUM> seconds and then rinsed for <NUM> seconds. The wet switches were detangled using a comb and dried overnight at <NUM>/<NUM>% RH. The same was done with the other <NUM> switches.

The <NUM> degree angle volume area and the <NUM> degree angle volume area were averaged for each individual hair switches. This was done for the untreated (extremely frizzy) switch volume values, the initial (<NUM>) treated switch volume values and volume measurements taken after <NUM> hours. <MAT> <MAT>.

The above tables show that the composition of Ex <NUM> shows a superior frizz reduction when compared to comparative compositions C and D comprising lactic acid.

Hair conditioning compositions were prepared, having ingredients as shown in table <NUM> below. Example <NUM> and <NUM> represents compositions according to the invention.

Treatment and Evaluation method of Example <NUM> were followed for calculating % Frizz Reduction and % Frizz reduction after exposure to moisture.

Claim 1:
A rinse-off conditioner composition for hair comprising
a <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of a conditioning surfactant;
b a silicone combination of
i <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of an amino functional silicone and
ii <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of a silicone blend of dimethicone and amodimethicone in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> and
c <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of a tricarboxylic acid.