Patent Description:
A variety of approaches have been developed to condition the hair. A common method of providing conditioning benefit 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. Most of these conditioning agents are known to provide various conditioning benefits. Furthermore, a variety of approaches have been developed to provide other benefits in addition to such conditioning benefits.

For example, some conditioning compositions provide styling benefit and/or volume benefit in addition to conditioning benefits.

For example, <CIT> from Kao relates to a hair treatment composition comprising: (A) polyglycerin; (B) alkyl glyceryl ester or alkyl glyceryl ether; (C) aromatic alcohol; and (D) cationic surfactant. The US publication discloses in the paragraph [<NUM>] that the present invention relates to a hair treatment composition, which reforms the inside of hair and improves hair styling properties. The US publication also discloses in TABLE <NUM> in EXAMPLES, such compositions further containing <NUM>% of stearyl alcohol, and isostearyl glyceryl ether or <NUM>-ethylhexyl glyceryl ether as the above component (B).

The US publication further discloses in the paragraph [<NUM>] that alkyl glyceryl ester or alkyl glyceryl ether as component (B) creates an emulsified state with a cationic surfactant as component (D) to suppress inhibition of hair styling properties provided to the component (A).

Further hair conditioning compositions comprising a cationic surfactant including an amido amine, <NUM>-monostearyl glyceryl ether and niacinamide are disclosed in XP002768884.

However, there remains a need for conditioning compositions to provide at least one of the following:.

Such styling benefits can be ease of styling, hair manageability and/or long lasting style. Such volume benefits can be volume at both top and side and/or long lasting volume. Such styling and/or volume benefits often contradict conditioning benefits, and thus are often compromised in hair conditioning compositions.

None of the existing art provides all of the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

The present invention is directed to a hair conditioning composition comprising:.

wherein the composition further comprises niacinamide, wherein the composition comprises from <NUM>% to <NUM>% of niacinamide by weight of the composition.

The composition of the present invention provides styling and/or volume benefits together with conditioning benefits.

Such styling benefits can be ease of styling, hair manageability and/or long lasting style. Such volume benefits can be volume at both top and side and/or long lasting volume. Such styling and/or volume benefits often contradict conditioning benefits, and thus are often compromised in hair conditioning compositions. The compositions of the present invention meet contradictional needs which are often compromised in hair conditioning products, i.e., proving styling and/or volume benefits, while providing conditioning benefits.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from a reading of the following description, and appended claims.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description.

Herein, "comprising" means that other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end result can be added.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of the compositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials.

Herein, "mixtures" is meant to include a simple combination of materials and any compounds that may result from their combination.

The composition of the present invention is according to claim <NUM>.

Preferably, in the composition of the present invention especially when the composition is a translucent composition, it is preferred that the composition is substantially free of polyglycerin.

In the present invention, "the composition being substantially free of polyglycerin" means that: the composition is free of poly glycerins; or, if the composition contains polyglycerins, the level of such polyglycerins is very low. In the present invention, a level of such polyglycerins is, if included, preferably <NUM>% or less, more preferably <NUM>% or less, still more preferably <NUM>% or less by weight of the composition. Most preferably, the level of such polyglycerins is <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The composition of the present invention comprises a monoalkyl glyceryl ether. The monoalkyl glyceryl ether comprises from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the composition, in view of providing the benefits of the present invention.

The monoalkyl glyceryl ether is a monoether of glycerin. In the present invention, it is preferred that the monoalkyl portion of the monoalkyl glyceryl ether has from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbons, more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbons, still more preferably from about <NUM> to <NUM> carbons. It also preferred that the monoalkyl portion of the monoalkyl glyceryl ether is a non-branched linear alkyl.

The composition comprises at least <NUM>-monostearyl glyceryl ether, which is also known as batyl alcohol.

The composition comprises niacinamide. It is believed that by combining niacinamide with the monoalkyl glyceryl ether, the composition provides increased interfiber friction while providing wet and dry smoothness. Thus, it is believed that this combination provides improved styling and/or volume benefits while keeping conditioning benefits.

It is known in the art that increased interfiber friction is a key factor to help providing styling and/or volume benefits, however, conventional ways to provide increased interfiber friction such as addition of particulates and/or styling polymers often deteriorate conditioning benefits such as wet and/or dry smoothness. The combination of niacinamide and monoalkyl glyceryl ethers especially batyl alcohol can provide improved wet smoothness, increased interfiber friction while providing wet and dry smoothness.

The niacinamide is included from <NUM>% by weight of the composition in view of providing improved wet conditioning benefit especially wet smoothness upon rinsing and/or dry smoothness, and to <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The compositions of the present invention comprise a cationic surfactant.

In opaque compositions, the cationic surfactant can be included in the composition at a level by weight of preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, still more preferably from about <NUM> % to about <NUM>%, even more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%.

In translucent compositions, the cationic surfactant can be included in the composition at a level of preferably from about <NUM>%, more preferably from about <NUM>%, still more preferably from about <NUM>% by weight of the composition and preferably to about <NUM>%, more preferably to about <NUM>%, still more preferably to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition, in view of balance between providing translucent product appearance and providing conditioning benefits.

Cationic surfactant useful herein can be one cationic surfactant or a mixture of two or more cationic surfactants. The cationic surfactant is selected from: mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt; a combination of mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt and di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt; mono-long alkyl amine including a mono-long alkyl amidoamine; a combination of mono-long alkyl amine and di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt.

In translucent compositions, among the above cationic surfactants, cationic surfactants being mono-long alkyl amines, more specifically, mono-long alkyl amidoamines are preferred in view of providing translucent product appearance and conditioning benefits.

Mono-long alkyl amine useful herein are those having one long alkyl chain of preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, still more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> alkyl group. Mono-long alkyl amines useful herein also include mono-long alkyl amidoamines. Primary, secondary, and tertiary fatty amines are useful.

Particularly useful are tertiary amido amines having an alkyl group of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbons. Exemplary tertiary amido amines include: stearamidopropyldimethylamine, stearamidopropyldiethylamine, stearamidoethyldiethylamine, stearamidoethyldimethylamine, palmitamidopropyldimethylamine, palmitamidopropyldiethylamine, palmitamidoethyldiethylamine, palmitamidoethyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldiethylamine, arachidamidoethyldiethylamine, arachidamidoethyldimethylamine, diethylaminoethylstearamide. Useful amines in the present invention are disclosed in <CIT>.

These amines are used in combination with acids such as ℓ-glutamic acid, lactic acid, hydrochloric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ℓ-glutamic hydrochloride, maleic acid, and mixtures thereof; more preferably ℓ-glutamic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, at a molar ratio of the amine to the acid of from about <NUM> : <NUM> to about <NUM> : <NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM> : <NUM> to about <NUM> : <NUM>.

The mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are those having one long alkyl chain which has from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably C18-<NUM> alkyl group. The remaining groups attached to nitrogen are independently selected from an alkyl group of from <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms or an alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about <NUM> carbon atoms.

Mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are those having the formula (I):
<CHM>
wherein one of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> is selected from an alkyl group of from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about <NUM> carbon atoms; the remainder of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are independently selected from an alkyl group of from <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms or an alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about <NUM> carbon atoms; and X- is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate, sulfonate, sulfate, alkylsulfate, and alkyl sulfonate radicals. The alkyl groups can contain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether and/or ester linkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain alkyl groups, e.g., those of about <NUM> carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated. Preferably, one of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> is selected from an alkyl group of from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, still more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, even more preferably <NUM> carbon atoms; the remainder of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are independently selected from CH<NUM>, C<NUM>H<NUM>, C<NUM>H<NUM>OH, and mixtures thereof; and X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, CH<NUM>OSO<NUM>, C<NUM>H<NUM>OSO<NUM>, and mixtures thereof.

Nonlimiting examples of such mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt cationic surfactants include: behenyl trimethyl ammonium salt; stearyl trimethyl ammonium salt; cetyl trimethyl ammonium salt; and hydrogenated tallow alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt.

When used, di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts are preferably combined with a mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt or mono-long alkyl amine salt, at the weight ratio of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, still more preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in view of stability in rheology and conditioning benefits.

Di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are those having two long alkyl chains of from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, still more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Such di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are those having the formula (I):
<CHM>
wherein two of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are selected from an aliphatic group of from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about <NUM> carbon atoms; the remainder of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are independently selected from an aliphatic group of from <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about <NUM> carbon atoms; and X- is a salt-forming anion selected from the group consisting of halides such as chloride and bromide, C1-C4 alkyl sulfate such as methosulfate and ethosulfate, and mixtures thereof. 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. Preferably, two of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are selected from an alkyl group of from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; and the remainder of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are independently selected from CH<NUM>, C<NUM>H<NUM>, C<NUM>H<NUM>OH, CH<NUM>C<NUM>H<NUM>, and mixtures thereof.

Such preferred di-long alkyl cationic surfactants include, for example, dialkyl (<NUM>-<NUM>) dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dihydrogenated tallow alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and dicetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

The compositions of the present invention comprise the high melting point fatty compound having a melting point of <NUM> or higher.

By the use of high melting point fatty compound, the composition of the present invention provides improved conditioning benefits such as friction reduction during conditioner application, ease of spreading, and/or ease of detangling, compared to compositions containing no high melting point fatty compounds and/or compared to compositions containing low melting point fatty compounds instead of high melting point fatty compounds. By the use of high melting point fatty compound, the composition of the present invention may provide improved stability of the composition such as reduced the risk of phase separation, compared to compositions containing no high melting point fatty compounds and/or compared to compositions containing low melting point fatty compounds instead of high melting point fatty compounds.

In opaque compositions, the high melting point fatty compound can be included in the composition at a level of preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, still more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, even more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition, in view of providing improved conditioning benefits such as slippery feel during the application to wet hair, softness and moisturized feel on dry hair.

In translucent compositions, the high melting point fatty compound can be included in the composition at a level of preferably from about <NUM>%, more preferably from about <NUM>%, still more preferably from about <NUM>%, even more preferably from about <NUM>% by weight of the composition in view of providing conditioning benefits, and preferably to about <NUM>%, more preferably to about <NUM>%, still more preferably to about <NUM>%, even more preferably to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition, in view of providing translucent product appearance.

The high melting point fatty compound useful herein have a melting point of <NUM> or higher, preferably <NUM> or higher, more preferably <NUM> or higher, still more preferably <NUM> or higher, in view of stability of the emulsion especially the gel matrix. Preferably, such melting point is up to about <NUM>, more preferably up to about <NUM>, still more preferably up to about <NUM>, even more preferably up to about <NUM>, in view of easier manufacturing and easier emulsification. In the present invention, the high melting point fatty compound can be used as a single compound or as a blend or mixture of at least two high melting point fatty compounds. When used as such blend or mixture, the above melting point means the melting point of the blend or mixture.

The high melting point fatty compound useful herein is selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcohol derivatives, fatty acid derivatives, and mixtures thereof. It is understood by the artisan that the compounds disclosed in this section of the specification can in some instances fall into more than one classification, e.g., some fatty alcohol derivatives can also be classified as fatty acid derivatives. However, a given classification is not intended to be a limitation on that particular compound, but is done so for convenience of classification and nomenclature. Further, it is understood by the artisan that, depending on the number and position of double bonds, and length and position of the branches, certain compounds having certain required carbon atoms may have a melting point of less than the above preferred in the present invention. Such compounds of low melting point are not intended to be included in this section. Nonlimiting examples of the high melting point compounds are found in <NPL>, and <NPL>.

Among a variety of high melting point fatty compounds, fatty alcohols are preferably used in the composition of the present invention. The fatty alcohols useful herein are those having from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols are saturated and can be straight or branched chain alcohols.

Preferred fatty alcohols include, for example, cetyl alcohol (having a melting point of about <NUM>), stearyl alcohol (having a melting point of about <NUM>-<NUM>), behenyl alcohol (having a melting point of about <NUM>), and mixtures thereof. These compounds are known to have the above melting point. However, they often have lower melting points when supplied, since such supplied products are often mixtures of fatty alcohols having alkyl chain length distribution in which the main alkyl chain is cetyl, stearyl or behenyl group.

In the present invention, more preferred fatty alcohol is a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

Generally, in the mixture, the weight ratio of cetyl alcohol to stearyl alcohol is preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, still more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>.

The composition of the present invention comprises an aqueous carrier. The level and species of the carrier are selected according to the compatibility with other components, and other desired characteristic of the product.

The carrier useful in the present invention may include water and water solutions of lower alkyl alcohols. The lower alkyl alcohols useful herein are monohydric alcohols having <NUM> to <NUM> carbons, more preferably ethanol and isopropanol.

Preferably, the aqueous carrier is substantially water. Deionized water is preferably used. Water from natural sources including mineral cations can also be used, depending on the desired characteristic of the product. Generally, the compositions of the present invention comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, and more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, and more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% water by weight of the composition.

Preferably, in the present invention, the cationic surfactant, the high melting point fatty compound, and an aqueous carrier form a gel matrix. When polyols are contained in the compositions especially in translucent compositions, the above ingredients preferably form a gel matrix together with polyol. The gel matrix is suitable for providing various conditioning benefits, such as slippery feel during the application to wet hair and softness and moisturized feel on dry hair.

Preferably, when the gel matrix is formed, the cationic surfactant and the high melting point fatty compound are contained at a level such that the weight ratio of the cationic surfactant to the high melting point fatty compound is in the range of, preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, still more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in view of providing conditioning benefits and/or translucent product appearance. In this weight ratio, the cationic surfactant is a component without counter ion or acid, for example, when the cationic surfactant is the combination of a mono-long alkyl amine and an acid, the weight of mono-long alkyl amine without the weight of acid is considered in this weight ratio.

Preferably, when the gel matrix is formed, the composition of the present invention is substantially free of anionic surfactants in view of stability of the gel matrix.

In the present invention, "the composition being substantially free of anionic surfactants" means that: the composition is free of anionic surfactants; or, if the composition contains anionic surfactants, the level of such anionic surfactants is very low. In the present invention, a total level of such anionic surfactants a, if included, preferably <NUM>% or less, more preferably <NUM>% or less, still more preferably <NUM>% or less by weight of the composition. Most preferably, the total level of such anionic surfactants is <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention can be a translucent hair conditioning composition further comprising a polyol having at least <NUM> hydroxy groups.

In such translucent compositions, the cationic surfactant, the high melting point fatty compound, the polyol, and the aqueous carrier are in the form of emulsion.

In such translucent composition, a total amount of cationic surfactants and high melting point fatty compounds is preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, still more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, in view of providing a balance between conditioning benefits and translucent product appearance.

Such translucent composition has a transmittance of at least about <NUM>% at <NUM>, preferably at least about <NUM>%, more preferably at least about <NUM>% and preferably up to about <NUM>%, more preferably up to about <NUM>%, still more preferably up to about <NUM>%. This transmittance is for the composition, i.e., final product formulation which can contain additional ingredients such as silicone, perfume and/or preservatives.

The transmittance for the composition base before containing such additional ingredients can be higher. The composition base, thus, consist only of the cationic surfactant, the high melting point fatty compound, the material having a higher refractive index such as polyol, and the aqueous carrier. The composition base has a transmittance of preferably at least about <NUM>% at <NUM>, more preferably at least about <NUM>%, still more preferably at least about <NUM>% and preferably up to about <NUM>%, more preferably up to about <NUM>%, still more preferably up to about <NUM>%.

The transmittance in the present invention is a total transmittance which is a sum of diffuse and regular transmission, and which is measured at <NUM> using a Dual-beam spectrophotometer UltraScan Vis, which is a UV visible spectrophotometer available from HunterLab.

Preferably, in view of spreadability, such translucent composition has a shear stress of at least about <NUM> Pa, more preferably at least about <NUM> Pa, still more preferably at least about <NUM> Pa, and preferably up to about <NUM> Pa, more preferably up to about <NUM> Pa, still more preferably up to about <NUM> Pa, even more preferably up to about <NUM> Pa. When the shear stress is too low, the composition is too runny to spread on hair, and drip off from hair and/or hands. When the shear stress is too high, the composition is too hard to spread on hair. This shear stress is for the composition, i.e., final product formulation which can contain additional ingredients such as silicone, perfume and/or preservatives.

The shear stress for the composition base before containing such additional ingredients can be higher. The composition base, thus, consist only of the cationic surfactant, the high melting point fatty compound, the material having a higher refractive index such as polyol, and the aqueous carrier. The composition base has a shear stress of preferably at least about <NUM> Pa, more preferably at least about <NUM> Pa, still more preferably at least about <NUM> Pa, even more preferably at least about <NUM> Pa, and preferably up to about <NUM> Pa, more preferably up to about <NUM> Pa, still more preferably up to about <NUM> Pa, even more preferably up to about <NUM> Pa.

Shear stress is measured by shear rate sweep condition with a rheometer available from TA Instruments with a mode name of ARG2. Geometry has <NUM> diameter, <NUM> cone angle, and gap of 49µη. Shear rate is logarithmically increased from <NUM> to <NUM>/s for <NUM>, and temperature is kept at <NUM>. Share stress at a high shear rate of <NUM>/s is measured and defined above.

Preferably, such translucent compositions are substantially free of low melting point fatty compounds, in view of stability of the composition such as reduced the risk of phase separation, in view of spreadability by having a preferred shear stress, and/or in view of translucent product appearance.

In the present invention, the compositions being "substantially free" of low melting point fatty compounds means that: the composition is free of low melting point fatty compounds; or, if the composition contains low melting point fatty compound, the level of such low melting point fatty compound is very low. In the present invention, the level of such low melting point fatty compound is, if included, <NUM>% or less, preferably <NUM>% or less, more preferably <NUM>% or less, most preferably <NUM>%.

The low melting point fatty compound herein have a melting point of below <NUM> (not including <NUM>), preferably below <NUM> (not including <NUM>), more preferably below <NUM> (not including <NUM>).

Such low melting point fatty compounds herein include, for example, oleyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, isopropyl isostearate, isostearyl alcohol, <NUM>-hexyl-<NUM>-decanol, caprylic alcohol, decyl alcohol.

Preferably, such translucent compositions are substantially free of non-silicone thickening polymers, in view of wet conditioning. Non-silicone thickening polymers herein are polymeric compounds other than silicone polymers, and selected from the group consisting of non-silicone nonionic thickening polymers, non-silicone cationic thickening polymers, non-silicone anionic crosslinked thickening polymers, and mixtures thereof. Non-silicone thickening polymers herein have a molecular weight of at least about <NUM>,<NUM>.

In the present invention, the compositions being "substantially free" of non-silicone thickening polymers means that: the composition is free of non-silicone thickening polymers; or, if the composition contains non-silicone thickening polymers, the level of such non-silicone thickening polymers is very low. In the present invention, the level of such non-silicone thickening polymers is, if included, <NUM>% or less, preferably <NUM>% or less, more preferably <NUM>% or less, most preferably <NUM>%.

Non-silicone nonionic thickening polymers include, for example, polysaccharide polymers such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, guars which are often used as viscosity modifiers/rheology builders. Non-silicone cationic thickening polymers include, for example, cationic celluloses such as polyquaternium-<NUM>, polyquaternium-<NUM>, cationic guars, and other non-polysaccharide cationic polymers. Non-silicone anionic crosslinked thickening polymers include, for example, carbomer, and Acrylates/C <NUM>-<NUM> Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer.

In preferred embodiment, polyols can be included in the composition at a level of above <NUM>% (not including <NUM>%), more preferably from about <NUM>%, still more preferably from about <NUM>%, and preferably to about <NUM>%, more preferably to about <NUM>%, more preferably to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition, in view of providing translucent appearance and having preferred shear stress. It is also preferred to have a certain weight ratio between polyol and a total weight of cationic surfactants and high melting point fatty compounds in view of providing translucent appearance. The weight ratio of polyols to the combination of cationic surfactants and high melting point fatty compounds is preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, still more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>.

Polyol useful herein are those having a molecular weight of preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, still more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, even more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Preferably, polyols useful herein have at least <NUM> hydroxyl groups, and preferably up to <NUM> hydroxyls groups, more preferably up to <NUM> hydroxyls groups, still more preferably up to <NUM> hydroxyls groups, even more preferably up to <NUM> hydroxyls groups.

Polyols useful herein are preferably water soluble. Water soluble polyols herein means those being soluble at a level used at <NUM>. Preferably, polyols herein are free of ester bond and ether bond.

Highly preferred herein are glycerin, sorbitol, and xylitol, in view of providing translucent appearance and preferred shear stress. Further preferred are glycerin, in view of translucent appearance and preferred shear stress.

The compositions of the present invention may contain a silicone compound. The silicone compounds are included at levels by weight of the composition of from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, more preferably from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%.

Preferably, the silicone compounds have an average particle size of from about 1microns to about <NUM> microns, in the composition.

The silicone compounds useful herein, as a single compound, as a blend or mixture of at least two silicone compounds, or as a blend or mixture of at least one silicone compound and at least one solvent, have a viscosity of preferably from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>,000mPa·s at <NUM>.

The viscosity can be measured by means of a glass capillary viscometer as set forth in Dow Corning Corporate Test Method CTM0004, July <NUM>, <NUM>. Suitable silicone fluids include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyaryl siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers, amino substituted silicones, quaternized silicones, and mixtures thereof. Other nonvolatile silicone compounds having conditioning properties can also be used.

In some embodiments, amino substituted silicones are preferably used. Preferred aminosilicones include, for example, those which conform to the general formula (I):.

(R<NUM>)aG<NUM>-a-Si-(-OSiG<NUM>)n-(-OSiGb(R<NUM>)<NUM>-b)m-O-SiG<NUM>-a(R<NUM>)a.

wherein G is hydrogen, phenyl, hydroxy, or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl, preferably methyl; a is <NUM> or an integer having a value from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>; b is <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, preferably <NUM>; n is a number from <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>; m is an integer from <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>; the sum of n and m is a number from <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>; a and m are not both <NUM>; R<NUM> is a monovalent radical conforming to the general formula CqH2qL, wherein q is an integer having a value from <NUM> to <NUM> and L is selected from the following groups: -N(R<NUM>)CH<NUM>-CH<NUM>-N(R<NUM>)<NUM>; -N(R<NUM>)<NUM>; -N(R<NUM>)<NUM>A-; -N(R<NUM>)CH<NUM>-CH<NUM>-NR<NUM>H<NUM>A-; wherein R<NUM> is hydrogen, phenyl, benzyl, or a saturated hydrocarbon radical, preferably an alkyl radical from about C<NUM> to about C<NUM>; A is a halide ion.

Highly preferred amino silicones are those corresponding to formula (I) wherein m=<NUM>, a=<NUM>, q=<NUM>, G=methyl, n is preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more preferably about <NUM>; and L is -N(CH<NUM>)<NUM> or -NH<NUM>, more preferably -NH<NUM>. Another highly preferred amino silicones are those corresponding to formula (I) wherein m=<NUM>, a=<NUM>, q=<NUM>, G=methyl, n is preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more preferably about <NUM>; and L is -N(CH<NUM>)<NUM> or -NH<NUM>, more preferably -NH<NUM>. Such highly preferred amino silicones can be called as terminal aminosilicones, as one or both ends of the silicone chain are terminated by nitrogen containing group.

The above aminosilicones, when incorporated into the composition, can be mixed with solvent having a lower viscosity. Such solvents include, for example, polar or non-polar, volatile or non-volatile oils. Such oils include, for example, silicone oils, hydrocarbons, and esters. Among such a variety of solvents, preferred are those selected from the group consisting of non-polar, volatile hydrocarbons, volatile cyclic silicones, non-volatile linear silicones, and mixtures thereof. The non-volatile linear silicones useful herein are those having a viscosity of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> centistokes, preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> centistokes at <NUM>. Among the preferred solvents, highly preferred are non-polar, volatile hydrocarbons, especially non-polar, volatile isoparaffins, in view of reducing the viscosity of the aminosilicones and providing improved hair conditioning benefits such as reduced friction on dry hair. Such mixtures have a viscosity of preferably from about <NUM>,000mPa·s to about <NUM>,000mPa·s, more preferably from about <NUM>,000mPa·s to about <NUM>,000mPa·s.

Other suitable alkylamino substituted silicone compounds include those having alkylamino substitutions as pendant groups of a silicone backbone. Highly preferred are those known as "amodimethicone". Commercially available amodimethicones useful herein include, for example, BY16-<NUM> available from Dow Corning.

The composition of the present invention may include other additional components, which may be selected by the artisan according to the desired characteristics of the final product and which are suitable for rendering the composition more cosmetically or aesthetically acceptable or to provide them with additional usage benefits. Such other additional components generally are used individually at levels of from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, preferably up to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

A wide variety of other additional components can be formulated into the present compositions. These include: other conditioning agents such as hydrolysed collagen with tradename Peptein <NUM> available from Hormel, vitamin E with tradename Emix-d available from Eisai, panthenol available from Roche, panthenyl ethyl ether available from Roche, hydrolysed keratin, proteins, plant extracts, and nutrients; preservatives such as benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben and imidazolidinyl urea; pH adjusting agents, such as citric acid, sodium citrate, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate; coloring agents, such as any of the FD&C or D&C dyes; perfumes; ultraviolet and infrared screening and absorbing agents such as benzophenones; and antidandruff agents such as zinc pyrithione.

The compositions of the present invention can be in the form of rinse-off products or leave-on products, and can be formulated in a wide variety of product forms, including but not limited to creams, gels, emulsions, mousses and sprays. The composition of the present invention is for hair conditioners especially rinse-off hair conditioners.

When used as a rinse-off conditioner, the composition is preferably used by the following steps:.

Effective amount herein is, for example, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> per <NUM> of hair, preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM> per <NUM> of hair.

The following examples further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof are possible.

Where applicable, ingredients are identified by chemical or CTFA name, or otherwise defined below. <NUM> below is according to the invention. The remaining examples are not according to the invention.

The hair care compositions shown above can be prepared by any conventional method well known in the art.

For some of the above compositions, properties and conditioning benefits are evaluated by the following methods. Results of the evaluation are also shown above.

Claim 1:
A hair conditioning composition comprising:
(a) a cationic surfactant, wherein the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt; a combination of a mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt and a di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt; a mono-long alkyl amine including a mono-long alkyl amidoamine; a combination of mono-long alkyl amine and di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt;
(b) a high melting point fatty compound having a melting point of <NUM> or higher;
(c) a monoalkyl glyceryl ether, wherein the monoalkyl glyceryl ether comprises <NUM>-monostearyl glyceryl ether, wherein the total amount of monoalkyl glyceryl ether ranges from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the composition;
(d) an aqueous carrier; and
wherein the composition further comprises niacinamide, wherein the composition comprises from <NUM>% to <NUM>% of niacinamide, by weight of the composition.