Patent Description:
Procedures for dyeing materials, especially hair and other keratinous materials, have been in existence for many years. However the dyed materials lose colour intensity and vibrancy after dyeing. One cause of this loss of colour is believed to be leaching of dye molecules from the materials when in contact with water or other solvents which can dissolve/solubilise the dyes and cause them to diffuse out of the material. This colour loss can thus occur during processes such as washing of the material (shampooing in the case of hair) or during other processes where the material comes into contact with water or other solvents that can leach dyes from the material. The problem is greater in the case of small dye molecules as these are more mobile and can thus be leached from the material at a faster rate than larger dye molecules. As a result, repeated washing of materials can lead to colour loss over time. This can also cause a colour shift, for example whereby one or more dye compounds present in a mixture used to colour a material are leached from the material to a greater extent than the others during washing.

For textile materials and fabrics colour loss can occur during washing of the material, either in a hand washing process or in an automatic washing machine.

One effective means by which colour loss can be prevented or inhibited is by treatment with formaldehyde. However formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen and thus its use in cosmetic compositions is strictly regulated and highly undesirable. There have been numerous attempts to provide alternative means for combatting colour loss from hair. However to date none of these have been completely satisfactory and there therefore exists a need to develop further improved strategies.

A number of components have been found to be effective at reducing colour loss from dyed hair and it is therefore desirable to include these in hair care formulations such as shampoo, conditioners and styling products. However the addition of new components into formulations is not always straight forward and simply admixing an additional functional material with a formulated composition is often not successful.

The formulation of hair care and other personal care compositions is often complicated. The order in which components are added and how they are mixed may be important as it is often the case that emulsions are formed and changing the balance of ingredients can cause these to breakdown.

Hair care compositions typically contain a number of ingredients and each time a component is mixed into the composition a new process step has to be developed. Complex formulation processes are undesirable as these significantly increase the costs associated with production. It is therefore beneficial to include as few components as possible when formulating hair care products. As such components which contain multiple ingredients in a stable form are highly advantageous. It is also desirable that components for inclusion in hair care formulations do not contain excessive levels of water as this would then need to be removed, at a different point in the process.

<CIT> describes the use of short-chained aldehydes and compounds separating formaldehyde for the colour stabilisation of dyed keratinous fibres.

<CIT> describes agents for oxidative dyeing of keratin fibres based on developers and couplers and containing at least one aldehyde.

<CIT> describes perfume systems and consumer products comprising perfumes and/or such perfume systems.

"Colour effect shampoo" (GNPD MINTEL) provides the details of a colour effect shampoo that cleanses and lightens hair.

<CIT> describes a hair cosmetic composition composed of a first agent containing an alkali agent and a second agent containing an oxidant.

"Super special shampoo" (GNPD) provides the details of a shampoo recommended for colour treated hair.

<CIT> describes liquid detergents containing a peptide aldehyde.

The present inventors have developed a concentrated multiple ingredient composition for use in formulating hair care products.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a concentrate composition as defined in claim <NUM>.

The concentrate composition of the present invention comprises (a) a surfactant compound and further ingredients (b). For the avoidance of doubt, the surfactant compound (a) is separate to and present in addition to the ingredients of component (b), which in some cases may have surface-active properties.

Component (a) comprises a surfactant compound. Any suitable surfactant compound may be used. The surfactant compound may be selected from anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants. Suitable surfactants of these types will be known to the person skilled in the art.

Preferably component (a) is selected from anionic and amphoteric surfactants.

Suitable anionic surfactants for use in the composition of the present invention include salts of C<NUM> to C<NUM> carboxylic acids, ethoxylated carboxylic acids, ester carboxylates and ethoxylated ester carboxylates and sarcosinates. Other suitable anionic surfactants include sulfates and sulfonates, for example alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alcohol sulfates, alcohol ether sulfates, α-olefin sulfonates, linear alkyl sulfonates; and phosphate esters.

Suitable anionic surfactants may be selected from salts of fatty acids; alkali metal salts of mono- or dialkyl sulfates; mono- or dialkyl ether sulfates; lauryl ether sulfates; alkyl sulfonates; alkyl aryl sulfonates; primary alkane disulfonates; alkene sulfonates; hydroxyalkane sulfonates; alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates; alpha-olefinsulfonates; alkyl phosphates; sulfonates of alkylphenolpolyglycol ethers; salts of alkyl sulfopolycarboxylic acid esters; alkyl sulfosuccinates and salts thereof, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates and salts thereof, non-acylated alkyl isethionates; fatty acid taurates; acyl taurates; products of condensation of fatty acids with oxy- and aminoalkanesulfonic acids; sulfated derivatives of fatty acids and polyglycols; alkyl and acyl sarcosinates; sulfoacetates; alkyl phosphates; alkyl phosphate esters; acyl lactates; alkanolamides of sulfated fatty acids and salts of lipoamino acids. Particularly exemplary salts of the above, where applicable, are the sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium and triethanolamine salts.

Preferred anionic surfactants for use herein include sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium monoalkyl phosphates, sodium dialkyl phosphates and sodium cocoyl methyl taurate.

One especially preferred anionic surfactant is sodium laureth sulfate.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants include those based on fatty nitrogen derivates and those based on betaines.

Suitable amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants may be selected from betaines, for example alkyl betaines, alkylamidopropyl betaines, alkylamidopropyl hydroxy sultaines, alkylampho acetates, alkylamphodiacetates, alkylamphopropionates, alkylamphodipropionates, alkyliminodipropionates and alkyliminodiacetate.

Amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants for use in the compositions of the present invention may include those which have an alkyl or alkenyl group of <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and comply with an overall structural formula:
<CHM>
where R<NUM> is alkyl or alkenyl of <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; R<NUM> and R<NUM> are each independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; m is <NUM> to <NUM>; n is <NUM> or <NUM>; X is alkylene of <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxyl; and Y is -CO<NUM> or -SO<NUM>.

Amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants may include simple betaines of formula:
<CHM>
and amido betaines of formula:
<CHM>
where m is <NUM> or <NUM>.

In both formulae R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are as defined previously. R<NUM> may, in particular, be a mixture of C<NUM> and C<NUM> alkyl groups derived from coconut so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters, of the groups R<NUM> has <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. R<NUM> and R<NUM> are preferably methyl.

Amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants may include sulphobetaines of formula:
<CHM>
<CHM>
where m is <NUM> or <NUM>, or variants of these in which -(CH<NUM>)<NUM>SO<NUM>- is replaced by
<CHM>
where R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> in these formulae are as defined previously.

Amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants may include amphoacetates and diamphoacetates. Amphoacetates generally conform to the following formula:
<CHM>.

Diamphoacetates generally conform to the following formula:
<CHM>
where R is an aliphatic group of <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and M is a cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium, or substituted ammonium.

Suitable acetate-based surfactants include lauroamphoacetate; alkyl amphoacetate; cocoampho(di)acetate; cocoamphoacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; sodium cocoamphoacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; disodium capryloamphodiacete; disodium lauroamphoacetate; sodium lauroamphoacetate and disodium wheatgermamphodiacetate.

Suitable betaine surfactants include alkylamido betaine; alkyl betaine, C<NUM>/<NUM> alkyldimethyl betaine; cocoamidopropylbetaine; tallow bis(hydroxyethyl) betaine; hexadecyldimethylbetaine; cocodimethylbetaine; alkyl amido propyl sulfo betaine; alkyl dimethyl amine betaine; coco amido propyl dimethyl betaine; alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine betaine; cocamidopropyl betaine; lauryl betaine; laurylamidopropl betaine, coco amido betaine, lauryl amido betaine, alkyl amino betaine; alkyl amido betaine; coco betaine; lauryl betaine; diemethicone propyl PG-betaine; oleyl betaine; N-alkyldimethyl betaine; coco biguamide derivative, C<NUM> amido betaine; C<NUM> amido betaine; lauryl dimethyl betaine; alkylamide propyl betaine; amido betaine; alkyl betaine; cetyl betaine; oleamidopropyl betaine; isostearamidopropyl betaine; lauramidopropyl betaine; <NUM>-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine; <NUM>-alkyl-N-carboxyethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine; <NUM>-alkyl-N-sodium carboxymethyl-N-carboxymethyl oxyethyl imidazolinium betaine; N-alkyl acid amidopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(<NUM>-sulfopropyl)-ammonium-betaine; N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(<NUM>-sulfopropyl)-ammonium-betaine; cocodimethyl betaine; apricotamidopropyl betaine; isostearamidopropyl betaine; myristamidopropyl betaine; palmitamidopropyl betaine; cocamidopropyl hydroxyl sultaine; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; cocoamidosulfobetaine; alkyl amido betaine; C<NUM>/<NUM> alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine betaine; lauryldimethyl betaine; ricinol amidobetaine; tallow aminobetaine.

Preferred amphoteric surfactants for use herein include cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroamphoacetate, cocamidopropylhydroxy sultaine and disodium cocoamphodiacetate.

One especially preferred amphoteric surfactant for use herein is cocamidopropyl betaine.

Component (a) may contain a mixture of components. Such mixtures are preferably selected from any of the anionic and amphoteric surfactants listed above.

Preferably component (a) is selected from sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine and mixtures thereof.

Component (b) comprises an aldehyde selected from <NUM>-hydroxydecanal, <NUM>-hydroxydodecanal, <NUM>-hydroxytetradecanal, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, glyceraldehyde, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, bromomalonaldehyde, <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyethoxy)acetaldehyde, <NUM>-chloro octanal, <NUM>-fluoro octanal, <NUM>-bromo octanal, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal and <NUM>-hydroxy-but-<NUM>-enal.

Suitable alpha-substituted aldehydes for use herein include hydroxydecanal, <NUM>-hydroxydodecanal, <NUM>-hydroxytetradecanal, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, glyceraldehyde, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, bromomalonaldehyde, <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyethoxy)acetaldehyde, <NUM>-chloro octanal, <NUM>-fluoro octanal and <NUM>-bromo octanal.

Suitable alpha-substituted aldehydes for use herein include <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, glyceraldehyde, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, bromomalonaldehyde, <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyethoxy)acetaldehyde, <NUM>-chloro octanal, <NUM>-fluoro octanal and <NUM>-bromo octanal.

Suitable hydroxy-substituted aldehydes for use herein include-hydroxydecanal, <NUM>-hydroxydodecanal, <NUM>-hydroxytetradecanal, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, glyceraldehyde, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, <NUM>-hydroxy-but-<NUM>-enal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal and <NUM>-hydroxybutanal.

Preferred hydroxy-substituted aldehydes for use herein include <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, glyceraldehyde, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, <NUM>-hydroxy-but-<NUM>-enal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal and <NUM>-hydroxybutanal.

Preferred alpha-hydroxy substituted aldehydes for use herein include <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, glyceraldehyde, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, bromomalonaldehyde and <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyethoxy)acetaldehyde.

More preferred aldehydes for use herein include <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal and glyceraldehyde.

Most preferred hydroxy-substituted aldehydes for use herein are <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal and <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal and <NUM>-hydroxypropanal.

In some embodiments component (b) comprises a mixture of two or more aldehydes.

In some embodiments component (b) comprises <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal and one or more further aldehydes.

In some embodiments component (b) comprises glyceraldehyde and one or more further aldehydes.

In some embodiments component (b) comprises <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal and glyceraldehyde. It may optionally comprise one or more further aldehydes.

In some embodiments component (b) comprises one or more aldehydes selected from <NUM>-hydroxydecanal, <NUM>-hydroxydodecanal and <NUM>-hydroxytetradecanal and one or more further aldehydes selected from <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, glyceraldehyde, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, bromomalonaldehyde, <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyethoxy)acetaldehyde, <NUM>-chloro octanal, <NUM>-fluoro octanal, <NUM>-bromo octanal, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal and <NUM>-hydroxy-but-<NUM>-enal.

In some embodiments component (b) may comprise one or aldehydes selected from <NUM>-hydroxydecanal, <NUM>-hydroxydodecanal and <NUM>-hydroxytetradecanal and one or more further aldehydes selected from <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal and glyceraldehyde.

Component (b) comprises a polycarboxylic acid derived chelating agent.

The composition used in the present invention comprises a chelating agent. In some preferred embodiments the chelating agent is selected from glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), imido disuccinic acid (IDS), L-aspartic acid, diacetic acid (ASDA), ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylene diamine disuccinic acid (EDDS), hydroxyethyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), citric acid and mixtures thereof.

The chelating agents used in the present invention are derivatives of polycarboxylic acids. By this we mean that the chelating agent includes two or more carboxylic acid moieties or salts thereof. Suitably chelating agents for use therein may include <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> carboxylic acid moieties.

Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) has the structure shown in figure <NUM>:
<CHM>.

In the compositions of the present invention GLDA, may be present having the structure shown in figure <NUM> and/or the same structure in which a number of the acidic protons have been replaced, i.e. in which <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of the acid groups have been neutralised or partially neutralised. It may be present as a free acid or a salt or complex thereof.

GLDA may be present as either enantiomer or a mixture thereof. Preferably at least <NUM>% is present as [S]-GLDA, preferably at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>%, most preferably at least <NUM> wt%, for example about <NUM> wt%. In some preferred embodiments the GLDA consists essentially of the S enantiomer.

GLDA is commercially available as a solution comprising <NUM> wt% of the tetrasodium salt and is sold under the trade mark Dissolvine GL-<NUM>.

Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) has the structure shown in figure <NUM>:
<CHM>.

When component (b) comprises DTPA, this may be provided in a form having the structure shown in figure <NUM> or in a form having the same structure in which a number of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced. Thus component (b) may comprise salts in which <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of the acid groups have been neutralised or partially neutralised.

When a salt of DTPA is included, this may be the salt of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonia or a suitable amine.

When a monovalent counterion is used the salt may be the monosalt, the disalt, the trisalt, the tetra salt or the pentasalt. For a divalent cation the monosalt or disalt may be present. Mixed salts may also exist, for example, the disodium magnesium salt or the sodium magnesium salt may be present. Preferably the counterion(s) to the DTPA residue is/are selected from one or more of sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, and a quaternary ammonium ion.

Preferably DTPA when present is included as the pentasodium salt.

Iminodisuccinic acid (IDS) has the structure shown in figure <NUM>:
<CHM>.

In the compositions of the present invention IDS may be present having the structure shown in figure <NUM> and/or the same structure in which a number of the acidic protons have been replaced, i.e. in which <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of the acid groups have been neutralised or partially neutralised. It may be present as a free acid or a salt or complex thereof.

IDS or a salt thereof may be present as either enantiomer or a mixture thereof. Preferably it is present as a racemic mixture.

IDS is commercially available as a solution comprising <NUM> wt% of the tetrasodium salt and is sold under the trade mark Baypure CX100.

ASDA is a structural isomer of IDS and has the structure shown in figure <NUM>:
<CHM>.

In the compositions of the present invention ASDA may be present having the structure shown in figure <NUM> and/or the same structure in which a number of the acidic protons have been replaced, i.e. in which <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of the acid groups have been neutralised or partially neutralised. It may be present as a free acid or a salt or complex thereof.

EDTA has the structure shown in figure <NUM>:
<CHM>.

When component (b) comprises EDTA, this may be provided in a form having the structure shown in figure <NUM> or in a form having the same structure in which a number of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced. Thus component (b) may comprise salts in which <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of the acid groups have been neutralised or partially neutralised.

When a salt of EDTA is included, this may be the salt of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonia or a suitable amine.

When a monovalent counterion is used the salt may be the monosalt, the disalt, the trisalt or the tetrasalt. For a divalent cation the monosalt or disalt may be present. Mixed salts may also exist, for example, the disodium magnesium salt or the sodium magnesium salt may be present. Preferably the counterion(s) to the EDTA residue is/are selected from one or more of sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, and a quaternary ammonium ion.

Preferably EDTA when present is present as the tetrasodium salt.

Ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) which has the structure shown in figure <NUM>:
<CHM>
<CHM>.

EDDS includes two stereogenic centres and there are three possible stereoisomers. A particularly preferred configuration is [S,S]-ethylenediamine disuccinic acid which is readily biodegradable.

In the compositions of the present invention "EDDS" may be present having the structure shown in figure <NUM> and/or the same structure in which a number of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced. Thus EDDS may also contain succinate salts in which <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of the acid groups have been neutralised or partially neutralised. It may be present as a free acid or a salt or complex thereof.

One commercially available material is trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate. The commercial product (Natrlquest E30 (RTM)) is supplied as an aqueous solution comprising <NUM>% by weight [S,S] EDDS (expressed as free acid), or <NUM> wt% of the trisodium salt (including the counterion).

Another commercially available form of EDDS is the tetra acid, sold under the trade mark Natrlquest E80. This is provided as a powder which contains <NUM> wt% solid [S,S] EDDS as an acid, and water of crystallisation.

Hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (known as HEEDTA or HEDTA) has the structure shown in figure <NUM>:
<CHM>.

In the compositions of the present invention HEDTA may be present having the structure shown in figure <NUM> and/or the same structure in which a number of the acidic protons have been replaced, i.e. in which <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of the acid groups have been neutralised or partially neutralised. It may be present as a free acid or a salt or complex thereof.

HEDTA is commercially available from Akzo Nobel as the trisodium salt under the trade mark Dissolvine H40.

Citric acid may be included as the free acid or as an alkali metal or ammonium salt.

In some preferred embodiments the chelating agent is selected from DTPA, GLDA, IDS and mixtures thereof.

In some especially preferred embodiments the chelating agent is selected from DTPA, GLDA and mixtures thereof.

Component (b) may comprise a mixture of polycarboxylic acid derived chelating agents.

Component (b) comprises a salt of a monocarboxylic acid and a secondary or tertiary amine.

In preferred embodiments the carboxylic acid includes a hydrocarbon chain. This is suitably a chain with a carbon backbone. However compounds in which the carbon backbone is interrupted by one or more heteroatoms are also within the scope of the invention. For example the carbon backbone may be interrupted by one or more oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen molecules and thus the carboxylic acid may include an ether, a thioether, an amine or a disulfide moiety.

The carboxylic acid may be predominantly aliphatic or predominantly aromatic in nature. Preferably the carboxylic acid is aliphatic. However it may include one or more double bonds and/or one or more cyclic groups. It may be straight-chain or branched.

In some especially preferred embodiments the salt is of a carboxylic acid of formula RCOOH, wherein R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group, suitably an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group.

In some embodiments R may have up to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably up to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably up to <NUM> carbon atoms, suitably up to <NUM> carbon atoms, for example up to <NUM> carbon atoms.

In preferred embodiments the composition comprises a salt of an amine and a carboxylic acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

Some preferred carboxylic acids have from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, for example <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

R may be an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

Preferably R is an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group having <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, suitably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

R may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from keto, hydroxyl, halo, acyl, nitro, amino, mercapto, alkoxy, sulfoxy, ester, nitrile, isonitrile or amide. The carbon backbone may be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, for example one or more oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms.

Preferably R is a straight chain alkyl group.

In some preferred embodiments R is an unsubstituted alkyl group having <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

Suitably R is selected from propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, cetyl, nonyl, including isomers and mixtures thereof.

Preferably R is selected from n-pentyl and n-heptyl.

Component (b) includes a salt of a monocarboxylic acid and a secondary or tertiary amine.

Suitable secondary amine compounds for use herein include dimethylamine, N,N-methylethylamine, N,N-methylpropylamine, N,N-methylbutylamine, diethylamine, N,N-ethylpropylamine, N,N-ethylbutylamine, dipropylamine, N,N-propylbutylamine, dibutylamine, N,N-butylmethylamine, N,N-butylethylamine, N,N-butylpropylamine, N,N-methylmethanolamine, N,N-methylethanolamine, diethanolamine, N,N-methylpropanolamine, dipropanolamine, N,N-methylbutanolamine, dibutanolamine, N,N-ethylmethanolamine, N,N-ethylethanolamine, N,N-ethylpropanolamine, N,N-ethylbutanolamine, N,N-propylmethanolamine, N,N-propylethanolamine, N,N-propylpropanolamine, N,N-propylbutanolamine, N,N-butylmethanolamine, N,N-butylethanolamine, N,N-butylpropanolamine, N,N-butylbutanolamine, <NUM>-(<NUM>-aminoethoxy)ethanol, aminoethyl propanediol, aminomethyl propanediol, aminoethyl propanol, diisopropylamine, diisopropanolamine, morpholine and mixtures and isomers thereof.

Some preferred tertiary amine compounds for use herein include trimethylamine, N,N-dimethylethylamine, N,N-dimethylpropylamine, N,N-dimethylbutylamine, triethylamine, N,N-diethylmethylamine, N,N-diethylpropylamine, N,N-diethylbutylamine, tripropylamine, N,N-dipropylmethylamine, N,N-dipropylethylamine, N,N-dipropylbutylamine, tributylamine, N,N-dibutylmethylamine, N,N-dibutylethylamine, N,N-dibutylpropylamine, N,N-dimethylmethanolamine, methyldimethanolamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, N,N-dimethylpropanolamine, methyldipropanolamine, N,N-dimethylbutanolamine, methyldibutanolamine, N,N-diethylmethanolamine, ethyldimethanolamine, N,N-diethylethanolamine, ethyldiethanolamine, N,N-diethylpropanolamine, ethyldipropanolamine, N,N-diethylbutanolamine, ethyldibutanolamine, N,N-dipropylmethanolamine, propyldimethanolamine, N,N-dipropylethanolamine, propyldiethanolamine, N,N-dipropylpropanolamine, propyldipropanolamine, N,N-dipropylbutanolamine, propyldibutanolamine, N,N-dibutylmethanolamine, butyldimethanolamine, N,N-dibutylethanolamine, butyldiethanolamine, N,N-dibutylpropanolamine, butyldipropanolamine, N,N-dibutylbutanolamine, butyldibutanolamine, trimethanolamine, triethanolamine, tripropanolamine, tributanolamine, diethylhexylamine, dimethyltolylamine, bis-hydroxyethyl tromethamine, diethylethanolamine, dimethylamino methylpropanol, dimethyl isopropanolamine, dimethyl MEA, hydroxyethyl methyl tolyl amine, triisopropanolamine, bis-tris (<NUM>-[bis(<NUM>-hydroxyethyl)amino]-<NUM>-(hydroxymethyl)propane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diol]) and mixtures and isomers thereof.

Some especially preferred salts for use herein include the compounds having the following structures. <CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
wherein R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably pentyl or heptyl.

In especially preferred embodiments component (b) includes a salt of octanoic acid and an amine selected from triethanolamine and diethanolamine, preferably triethanolamine.

Component (b) may comprise a mixture of two or more salts of a monocarboxylic acid and a secondary or tertiary amine, suitably two or more salts in which the carboxylic acid has <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

In some preferred embodiments component (b) comprises:.

In some preferred embodiments component (b) comprises <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal and GLDA.

In some preferred embodiments component (b) comprises <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, GLDA and the triethanolamine salt of octanoic acid.

The concentrated composition of the present invention comprises (a) from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a surfactant compound. Preferably the composition comprises at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, more preferably at least <NUM> wt% of a surfactant compound. In some embodiments the composition may comprise more than <NUM> wt% or more than <NUM> wt% of the surfactant compound.

The concentrate composition of the present invention may comprise up to 8wt%, for example up to <NUM> wt% of the surfactant compound (a).

Component (a) may comprise a mixture of surfactant compounds. In such embodiments the above amounts refer to the total amount of all surfactant components present in the composition.

The concentrate composition of the present invention comprises at least <NUM> wt% of component (b).

Preferably the concentrate composition comprises at least <NUM> wt% component (b), preferably at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, suitably at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, for example at least <NUM> wt%.

The concentrate composition of the present invention may comprise up to <NUM> wt% component (a) and more preferably up to <NUM> wt%, suitably up to <NUM> wt%, for example up to <NUM> wt%. Component (b) comprises a mixture of compounds. The above amounts refer to the total of all such compounds present in the composition.

In some preferred embodiments the composition of the present invention comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of component (a) and from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of component (b).

The concentrate composition of the first aspect may consist essentially of component (a), component (b) and water or may comprise one or more further ingredients, for example one or more solvents. Suitable solvents include water miscible solvents. Preferred solvents include alcohols and esters.

Preferably component (a), component (b) and water together comprise at least <NUM> wt% of the concentrate composition, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, more preferably at least <NUM> wt%, suitably at least <NUM> wt%, for example at least <NUM> wt% or at least <NUM> wt%.

Component (a) and component (b) comprise at least <NUM> wt% of the concentrate composition of the present invention. Preferably they comprise at least <NUM> wt%, more preferably at least <NUM> wt%.

When mixtures of two of more aldehydes, chelating agents or amine salts are present, the above amounts refer to the total of all such compounds of that type present in the compositions.

The weight ratio of chelating agent: aldehyde present in component (b) is preferably at least <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably at least <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>:<NUM>.

The weight ratio of chelating agent: aldehyde present in component (b) may be up to <NUM>:<NUM>, for example <NUM>:<NUM>.

The weight ratio of chelating agent: amine salt present in component (b) is preferably at least <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably at least <NUM>:<NUM>, suitably at least <NUM>:<NUM>.

The weight ratio of chelating agent: amine salt present in component (b) may be up to <NUM>:<NUM>.

The weight ratio of amine salt: aldehyde is preferably at least <NUM>:<NUM>.

The weight ratio of amine salt: aldehyde may be up to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably up to <NUM>:<NUM>.

The weight ratio of component (b) : component (a) is suitably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, suitably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

In one embodiment the concentrate composition of the present invention comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a surfactant, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of an aldehyde, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a chelating agent and from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of an amine salt of a carboxylic acid.

The concentrate compositions of the present invention is preferably in the form of a stable emulsion. Suitably the emulsion is storage stable under ambient conditions. Suitably the emulsion does not break down during storage. It remains a single phase clear emulsion.

Preferably the composition is stable and does not break down on storing for <NUM> hours at <NUM> atmosphere and a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Preferably the composition is stable and does not break down on storing for <NUM> month at <NUM> atmosphere and a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Preferably the composition is stable and does not break down on storing for <NUM> months <NUM> atmosphere and a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Preferably the composition is stable and does not break down after storing for <NUM> months at <NUM> atmosphere and a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The present invention provides a concentrate composition comprising at least two components that is stable. This can be used in the formulation of further products.

Described herein is a formulated composition comprising the concentrate composition of the first aspect and one or more further components.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preparing a formulated composition, the method comprising admixing a concentrate composition of the first aspect with one or more further components.

Preferred features of the second aspect are suitably as defined in relation to the first aspect. Further preferred features of the invention will now be described.

The formulated composition may be any formulated product which comprises multiple ingredients of the concentrate composition.

In some embodiments the formulated composition may be a cleaning composition. For example it may be a laundry detergent composition or a carpet cleaning composition.

In some embodiments the formulated composition is a laundry detergent composition. In such embodiments the composition suitably comprises one or more further ingredients selected from builders, surfactants, chelating agents, bleaches, optical brighteners, enzymes, fragrances and other such ingredients commonly found in laundry detergent compositions. The composition may be a hand washing laundry detergent composition or an automatic laundry detergent composition.

In preferred embodiments the formulated composition is a personal care composition. Most preferably the formulated composition is a hair care composition.

The formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention preferably provides a benefit to a material treated with it. Suitably the formulated composition enhances at least one property of a material that is treated with it.

The formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention is preferably a hair benefit composition. Suitably it enhances at least one property of the hair.

In some embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect may provide a temporary change to a property of the hair, for example by providing increased shine or gloss, or improved softness or combability.

A temporary change in the property of the hair may be due to the composition coating the surface of the hair but forming a weak interaction such that the composition can be easily washed or brushed away.

In some preferred embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect may provide a longer lasting benefit to the hair, for example a wash-durable benefit.

The formulated composition may be useful in permanent waving or straightening of the hair.

The formulated composition may improve the strength of the hair.

The formulated composition may prevent or inhibit loss of protein from the hair and/or they may be used to bind extra protein to the hair.

The formulated composition may provide protection to the hair against damage. For example the composition and method of the present invention may protect against damage from heat or sunlight.

In some embodiments the formulated composition may provide chemical resistance, for example protection against chlorine and other compounds found in swimming pools and the like.

Suitably the formulated composition may enhance at least one property of hair selected from shine, gloss, softness, combability, strength, straightness, waviness, thermal durability and UV stability.

Preferably the invention provides one or more benefits selected from increased and/or permanent/semi-permanent gloss or shine, improved and/or permanent/semi-permanent combability, improved and/or permanent/semi-permanent strength, increased and/or permanent/semi-permanent softness, reduced protein loss, improved thermal durability, increased chemical resistance, permanent/semi-permanent waviness and and/or permanent/semi-permanent straightness.

The ingredients of component (b) have been advantageously found to reduce colour loss from a dyed material.

In some embodiments compositions of the present invention may be used to combat colour loss from a dyed textile material. In such embodiments the dyed textile material suitably comprises wool and preferably comprises wool as a major proportion thereof.

In particular the components have been found to combat colour loss from a dyed keratin material, for example hair, especially human or animal hair, preferably human hair.

The formulated compositions prepared according to the present invention may comprise different components depending on the intended use thereof. In some embodiments the composition may be used immediately after dyeing the hair. Alternatively the composition may be used one or more times as a hair treatment composition. In some embodiments it may be provided as a colour-loss prevention composition. Alternatively the formulated composition may be in the form of shampoo, conditioner or hair styling product, for example a serum, wax, mousse, gel or spray or any other hair treatment form that could be used to provide general hair care benefits. Formulated compositions which perform multiple functions, for example combined shampoo and conditioning compositions are also within the scope of the invention.

Suitably the formulated composition comprises one or more additional components selected from surfactants (including anionic, amphoteric, nonionic and cationic surfactants); conditioning agents (including quaternary ammonium compounds, cationic polymers, silicones, synthetic or natural oils or resins etc), fatty alcohols, electrolytes or other rheology modifiers, opacifying/pearlising agents, scalp benefit agents, fragrances, dyes, UV filters, penetration enhancers (eg, propylene carbonate, benzyl alcohol etc), preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, pH adjusting agents and buffers and styling polymers (eg, polyvinylpyrrolidone, etc).

In some embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention is a shampoo composition.

Suitable shampoo compositions prepared according to the present invention may typically comprise <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more anionic surfactants, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, for example <NUM> to <NUM> wt% or <NUM> to <NUM> wt%; optionally from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of amphoteric surfactants, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, for example <NUM> to <NUM> wt%; and optionally <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of non-ionic surfactants, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, for example <NUM> to <NUM> wt% or <NUM> to <NUM> wt%.

Shampoo compositions prepared according to the present invention may comprise one or more ingredients selected from anionic surfactants (eg, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium monoalkyl phosphates, sodium dialkyl phosphates and sodium cocoyl methyl taurate, amphoteric surfactants (eg, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroamphoacetate, cocamidopropylhydroxy sultaine and disodium cocoamphodiacetate), foam boosters (eg, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, cocamide MIPA laureth-<NUM>), fatty alkyl alcohols (eg, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol), nonionic surfactants (eg, alkylpolyglucosides and alkyl ether ethoxylates), cationic polymers (eg, guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, polyquaternium-<NUM>), silicones (eg, polydimethylsiloxanes such as dimethicone and dimethiconol), rheology modifiers (eg, carbomer, PEG-<NUM> distearate and xanthan gum), synthetic or natural oils or resins (eg, mineral oil or vegetable oils), anti-dandruff agents (eg, piroctone olamine, zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid), styling agents (eg, polyisobutylene and polyvinyl pyrollidone/vinyl acetate copolymer), moisturising agents (eg, panthenol and glycerol), non-polymeric conditioning agents (eg, quaternary ammonium compounds such as behentrimonium chloride and stearalkonium chloride), opacifying/pearlising agents (eg, styrene/acrylates copolymer and ethylene glycol distearate), scalp benefit agents, fragrance, colouring agents, hair dyes, sunscreens, UV filters, preservatives, penetration enhancers (eg, propylene carbonate, benzyl alcohol etc) and diluents and carriers as defined herein.

Some preferred shampoo compositions prepared according to the present invention include <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more anionic surfactants (for example, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium monoalkyl phosphates and sodium dialkyl phosphates); and <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of amphoteric surfactants (for example, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroamphoacetate and cocamidopropylhydroxy sultaine).

In some embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention is a conditioning composition.

Suitable conditioning compositions prepared according to the present invention may typically comprise <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more cationic surfactants, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%; and <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more fatty alkyl alcohols, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%; and optionally <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more non-ionic surfactants, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%; and optionally <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more cationic polymers, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%.

Conditioning compositions prepared according to the present invention including rinse-off and leave-on conditioners (including 'hair masks') and hair shine or appearance enhancing products, anti-frizz treatment serums and other treatments, either leave-in or rinse-off, designed to be applied to the hair immediately after colouring or any time thereafter, and hair-tonics. Such compositions may comprise one or more further ingredients selected from: cationic surfactants including mono- and di-fatty alkyl tertiary amines and quaternary ammonium compounds (eg, mono- and di-fatty alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, such as cetrimonium chloride, steartrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride), fatty alkyl alcohols (eg, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol), nonionic surfactants (eg, alkylpolyglucosides and alkyl ether ethoxylates, eg, ceteareth-<NUM>), cationic polymers (eg, guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, polyquaternium-<NUM>), silicones (eg, polydimethylsiloxanes such as dimethicone and dimethiconol), rheology modifiers (eg, hydroxyethyl cellulose and polyquaternium-<NUM>), moisturising agents (eg, panthenol and glycerol), non-polymeric conditioning agents (eg, quaternary ammonium compounds such as behentrimonium chloride and stearalkonium chloride), scalp benefit agents, fragrance, colouring agents, hair dyes, sunscreens, UV filters preservatives, penetration enhancers (eg, propylene carbonate, benzyl alcohol etc), and diluents and carriers as defined herein.

Some preferred conditioning compositions prepared according to the present invention include <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of cationic surfactants (for example mono- and di-fatty alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, mono- and di-fatty alkyl tertiary amines), <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of fatty alkyl alcohols; and <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of non-ionic surfactants (for example ceteareth-<NUM>).

In some embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect of the invention is a hair styling composition.

Suitable hair styling compositions prepared according to the present invention may typically comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more hair styling polymers, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt%.

Hair styling compositions prepared according to the present invention (including gels, mousses with and without propellant, hair sprays with and without propellant, hair pomades, hair waxes, hair creams, hair brilliantines and compositions designed to be used in conjunction with heated styling appliances such as blow dryers, curling tongs, straightening irons, hot air hoods (as used for example in hair salons)) may comprise one or more further ingredients selected from: hair styling polymers (eg, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers, octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymers and polyethylene waxes), rheology modifiers (eg, carbomers, acrylates copolymers, hydroxethylcellulose, xanthan gum and polyquaternium-<NUM>), aminomethyl propanol, fatty alkyl alcohols (eg, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol), ethanol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, petrolatum, mineral oil, ozokerite, beeswax, carnauba wax, silicones (eg, polydimethylsiloxanes such as dimethicone and dimethiconol), polyethylene glycols, anionic surfactants (eg, sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate), amphoteric surfactants (eg, cocamidopropyl betaine and disodium cocoamphodiacetate), nonionic surfactants (eg, alkylpolyglucosides and alkyl ether ethoxylates), cationic polymers (eg, guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, polyquaternium-<NUM>), silicones (eg, polydimethylsiloxanes such as dimethicone and dimethiconol), moisturising agents (eg, panthenol and glycerol), non-polymeric conditioning agents (eg, quaternary ammonium compounds such as behentrimonium chloride and stearalkonium chloride), scalp benefit agents, fragrance, colouring agents, hair dyes, sunscreens, UV filters, preservatives, penetration enhancers (eg, propylene carbonate, benzyl alcohol, etc), and diluents and carriers as defined herein.

Some preferred hair styling compositions prepared according to the present invention include <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more hair styling polymers/resins (for example, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers, octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymers and polyethylene waxes).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to confer one or more attributes of hair conditioning, shine etc, and hair styling to the hair from a single product containing the appropriate ingredients thus compositions having such combinations of hair benefit effects are also covered in the invention.

In some embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect is a hair permanent waving composition.

Suitable hair permanent waving compositions prepared according to the present invention may typically comprise <NUM> to <NUM> wt % of one or more reducing agents, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%.

Some preferred hair permanent waving compositions prepared according to the present invention include <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more reducing agents (for example, as thioglycolic acid, ammonium thioglycolate, thiolactic acid, cysteamine, cysteine, glycerol monothioglycolate, sodium sulfite/bisulfite); alkalising agents (for example, ammonia, monoethanolamine) in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the reducing component to between pH <NUM>-<NUM>. Hair permanent waving compositions are typically provided in a package with a second composition comprising <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of one or more oxidising agents (for example, hydrogen peroxide, sodium bromate, sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate) which are applied after the reducing agent composition has been applied, allowed to process and then rinsed off.

In some embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention is a hair relaxing composition.

Hair relaxing compositions prepared according to the present invention may include one or more ingredients selected from sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate. These components are suitably present in an amount of from <NUM> to <NUM> wt%.

Other types of permanent straightening compositions may include one or more ingredients selected from formaldehyde, glycoxylic acid, glutaraldehyde and glyoxyloyl carbocysteine. These components are suitably present in an amount of from <NUM> to <NUM> wt%.

The hair permanent waving, relaxing and permanent straightening compositions mentioned above may further include one or more additional ingredients selected from anionic surfactants (eg, sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate), amphoteric surfactants (eg, cocamidopropyl betaine and disodium cocoamphodiacetate), quaternary ammonium compounds (eg, cetrimonium chloride, steartrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride), fatty alkyl alcohols (eg, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol), nonionic surfactants (eg, alkylpolyglucosides and alkyl ether ethoxylates), cationic polymers (eg, guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, polyquaternium-<NUM>), silicones (eg, polydimethylsiloxanes such as dimethicone and dimethiconol), opacifying agents (eg, styrene acrylates copolymer), rheology modifiers (eg, hydroxyethyl cellulose and xanthan gum), moisturising agents (eg, panthenol and glycerol), non-polymeric conditioning agents (eg, quaternary ammonium compounds such as behentrimonium chloride and stearalkonium chloride), fragrance, sunscreens, UV filters, colouring agents and diluents and carriers as defined herein.

In some embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention is a hair colouring composition.

Hair colouring compositions may include a dye compound and/or may include a dye precursor compound which forms an active dye in the hair in situ following admixture with an oxidising composition.

Oxidative hair colouring compositions prepared according to the present invention may include one or more intermediates, for example p-phenylenediamine, N,N-bis(<NUM>-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine, p-toluenediamine, p-aminophenol, phenyl methyl pyrazolone, m-phenylenediamine, resorcinol, <NUM>-naphthol, <NUM>-hydroxyethyl <NUM>,<NUM>-diamino pyrazole and m-aminophenol. These intermediates can be present in any combination and ratios at a total intermediate concentration of from <NUM> to <NUM>% depending upon the desired shade. Such compositions typically further include one or more alkalising agents, for example ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and monoethanolamine. Developer compositions for oxidative dyeing include an oxidising agent, for example hydrogen peroxide, sodium bromate, sodium percarbonate or sodium perborate. These are typically present in an amount of from <NUM> to <NUM> wt%.

Direct-dye colour compositions prepared according to the present invention may include one of more direct dyes for example from the classes of nitrophenylenediamines (eg, <NUM>-nitro-o-phenylenediamine etc), nitroaminophenols (eg, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-nitrophenol etc), aminoanthraquinones (eg, Disperse Red <NUM> etc). These are typically present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, depending on the desired shade.

In some preferred embodiments the formulated composition prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention is not a hair colouring composition. Preferably the composition comprises less than <NUM> wt%, preferably less than <NUM> wt% of dye compounds and/or dye precursor compounds. Preferably the composition does not comprise dye compounds and/or dye precursor compounds. Compounds which provide colour to the composition such as pigments and pearlescent agents may be present but suitably the composition does not include any compounds which may be used to dye hair.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

Compositions were prepared comprising the following components:.

Formulations <NUM> to <NUM> were stored for <NUM> hours at <NUM> and visually assessed. A stable system was a clear single phase.

Formulations <NUM> and <NUM> were unstable after <NUM> hours whereas formulations <NUM> to <NUM> were all stable.

Claim 1:
A concentrate composition comprising:
(a) from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a surfactant compound; and
(b) from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of an aldehyde, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a polycarboxylic acid derived chelating agent and from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a salt of a monocarboxylic acid and a secondary or tertiary amine; wherein the aldehyde is selected from <NUM>-hydroxydecanal, <NUM>-hydroxydodecanal, <NUM>-hydroxytetradecanal, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxyoctanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal, glyceraldehyde, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, <NUM>-hydroxybutanal, bromomalonaldehyde, <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyethoxy)acetaldehyde, <NUM>-chloro octanal, <NUM>-fluoro octanal, <NUM>-bromo octanal, <NUM>-hydroxyhexanal, <NUM>-hydroxypropanal and <NUM>-hydroxy-but-<NUM>-enal.