WO2024231017A1

WO2024231017A1 - Hair care composition

Info

Publication number: WO2024231017A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/059798
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jian Liu; Yingying PI; Dan Zhu
Original assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV; Conopco Inc
Current assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV; Conopco Inc
Priority date: 2023-05-10
Filing date: 2024-04-11
Publication date: 2024-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-10
Also published as: MX2025013254A; CN121127227A

Abstract

A hair care composition is disclosed comprising i) a cleansing surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant; ii) a silicone and average particle size of the silicone is from 50nm to 800nm; and iii) a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and a polyether in its molecule; wherein the weight ratio of the amount of said silicone to the amount of said compound is from 3:1 to 20:1.

Description

Hair Care Composition

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to hair care compositions, more particularly to hair care compositions comprising a silicone and a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and a polyether in its molecule. The present invention also relates to a method of improving hair volume and deliver desired hair benefit, preferably hair smoothness during topical application to the hair.

Background of the Invention

Hair care compositions are formulated for specific purposes, such as cleansing or conditioning benefits or a combination of the two. Preferred hair care composition will provide more benefits than simple cleansing and conditioning. Such compositions typically comprise one or more cleansing surfactants which generally aid in cleaning the hair and the scalp free of undesirable soil, particles and fatty matter.

Conditioning agent is usually included in the hair composition which can change the appearance of hair, helping smooth hair and adjust its texture. For example, silicones are one kind of the effective conditioning agents, which can provide great shine and can help smooth and straighten hair. However, the inclusion of such conditioning agent would compromise the volume of the hair. There remains a need to improve the hair volume while delivering desired hair benefit.

The inventors of the present invention surprisingly found that inclusion of a combination of a small sized silicone and a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and a polyether in its molecule with specific weight ratio in a hair care composition, can improve hair volume and deliver desirable hair benefit preferably hair smoothness.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a hair care composition comprising: i) a cleansing surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant; ii) a silicone and average particle size of the silicone is from 50nm to 800nm; and iii) a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and a polyether in its molecule; wherein the weight ratio of the amount of said silicone to the amount of said compound is from 3: 1 to 20: 1.

In a second aspect, present invention is directed to a method of treating the hair or scalp comprising the step of applying a composition of the first aspect onto the scalp or hair.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of improving hair volume and providing desired hair benefit preferably hair smoothness comprising the step of applying the hair care composition of the first aspect onto hair surfaces of an individual followed by rinsing the surfaces with water.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a composition of the first aspect for use in improving hair volume and desired hair benefit preferably hair smoothness.

All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent upon considering the detailed description and examples which follow.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Hair Care Composition

“Hair care composition”, as used herein, is meant to include a composition for topical application to hair and/or scalp of mammals, especially humans. Such a composition may be generally classified as leave-on or rinse off, and includes any product applied to a human body for also improving appearance, cleansing, odor control or general aesthetics. The composition of the present invention can be in the form of a liquid, lotion, cream, foam, scrub, gel, or bar. Non-limiting examples of such compositions include leave-on hair lotions, creams, and rinse-off shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, or toilet bar. The composition of the present invention is preferably a rinse-off composition, especially preferred being a shampoo or a conditioner and most preferably a shampoo.

Miscellaneous

Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”. All amounts are by weight of the final hair care composition, unless otherwise specified.

It should be noted that in specifying any ranges of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of’. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a composition of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a method of the invention) mutatis mutandis.

The hair care composition of the present invention comprises a silicone and the average particle size of the silicone is from 50nm to 800nm.

The silicone of the present invention is emulsified droplets of silicone oil, which has a mean droplet diameter (D50) of from 50nm to 800nm, preferably from 60nm to 500nm, more preferably from 80nm to 200nm, furthermore preferably 80nm to 150nm.

The mean droplet diameter of a silicone oil may be measured by means of a laser light scattering technique, for example using a 2600D Particle Sizer from Malvern Instruments.

Suitable silicone compounds include polysiloxanes, in particular polydimethylsiloxane which have the CTFA designation dimethicone. Also suitable for use in compositions of this invention (particularly shampoos and conditioners) are polydimethylsiloxanes having hydroxyl end groups, which have the CTFA designation dimethiconol. Another class of silicones which may be used are functionalized silicones such as amino functional silicones, meaning a silicone containing at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group, or a quaternary ammonium group. Examples of suitable amino functional silicones include polysiloxanes having the CTFA designation "amodimethicone." Also suitable for use in compositions of this invention are silicone gums having a slight degree of crosslinking, as are described for example in WO 96/31188. Preferably, the silicone compound comprises dimethicone, dimethiconol, amodimethicone, derivatives or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the silicone compound comprises dimethiconol, dimethicone, derivatives or a mixture thereof, more preferably comprises dimethiconol.

Suitable emulsified silicones for use in the hair care compositions of this invention are available as pre-formed silicone emulsions from suppliers of silicones such as Dow Silicones Corporation and GE silicones. The use of such pre-formed silicone emulsion is preferred for ease of processing and control of silicone particle size. Such pre-formed silicone emulsions will typically additionally comprise a suitable emulsifier, and may be prepared by a chemical emulsification process such as emulsion polymerisation, or by mechanical emulsification using a high shear mixer. Examples of suitable pre-formed silicone emulsions include Dowsil CE-7051 (particle size:80-130nm) available from Dow. This is emulsion of dimethiconol.

Preferably the composition comprises silicone in an amount of from 0.1 to 5%, preferably from 0.2 to 2.5%, more preferably from 0.3 to 1%, furthermore preferably from 0.5 to 0.8% by weight of the composition.

The hair care composition of the present invention comprises a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and polyether group in its molecular. It is preferred that the compound above has an average particle size not higher than 1000nm.

Such compounds are available under the trade name Silsoft Q from GE Bayer Silicones and known with their CTFA name Silicone Quternium-18. Another such kind polymer is also known from Dow Corning under the trade name Dow Corning 5-7113 or Dow Corning CE-7114, and known with its CTFA name Silicone Quternium-16.

It is preferred the composition comprises 0.01 to 2%, preferably 0.02 to 1%, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5%, furthermore preferably from 0.06 to 0.2% of the compound above by weight of the composition.

In accordance with this invention, the weight ratio of the amount of the silicone to the amount of the compound above is from 3:1 to 20:1 , preferably from 4:1 to 18:1, more preferably from 4.9:1 to 16:1 , furthermore preferably from 8:1 to 15.7:1, most preferably from 10:1 to 15.7:1. The composition in accordance with this invention comprises a cleansing surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant.

Non-limiting examples of suitable anionic surfactants are alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkaryl sulphonates, alkanoyl isethionates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, alkyl ether sulphosuccinates, N-alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof, especially their sodium, magnesium, ammonium and mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts. The alkyl and acyl groups generally contain from 8 to 18, preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulphates, alkyl ether sulphosuccinates, alkyl ether phosphates and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof may contain from 1 to 20 ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule. Typical anionic surfactants for use in compositions of the invention include, but not limited to, sodium oleyl succinate, ammonium lauryl sulphosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium lauryl ether sulphate, sodium lauryl ether sulphosuccinate, ammonium lauryl sulphate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulphonate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauryl isethionate, lauryl ether carboxylic acid, sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate or mixtures thereof.

Preferred anionic surfactants are the alkyl sulphates and alkyl ether sulphates. Preferred alkyl sulphates are C8-18 alky sulphates, more preferably C12-18 alkyl sulphates, preferably in the form of a salt with a solubilising cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium. Examples are sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). It is particularly preferred that the anionic surfactant is alkyl ether sulphate. Preferred alkyl ether sulphates are those having the formula: RO(CH2CH2O)nSO3M; wherein R is an alkyl or alkenyl having from 8 to 18 (preferably 12 to 18) carbon atoms; n is a number having an average value of greater than at least 0.5, preferably between 1 and 3, more preferably between 1 and 2; and M is a solubilising cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium. An example is sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES). Preferred alkyl ether sulphate is sodium lauryl ether sulphate having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 3, preferably from 1 to 3, more preferably from 1 to 2.

It is preferred that the anionic surfactant is an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate a degree of ethoxylation of less than 3, preferably an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate a degree of ethoxylation of less than 2, more preferably sodium laureth sulphate (1EO). Alternatively, it is preferred that the surfactant is sulfate-free.

The composition may comprise an alpha olefin sulfonate anionic surfactant of general formula (I):

RI-CH=CH-CH₂-SO₃-M⁺ (I) in which Ri is selected from linear or branched alkyl groups having from 11 to 13 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof; and M is a solubilizing cation;

Preferably Ri in general formula (I) is a C14 or C16 linear alkyl group.

Preferably M in general formula (I) is selected from alkali metal cations (such as sodium or potassium), ammonium cations and substituted ammonium cations (such as alkylammonium, alkanolammonium or glucammonium).

Commercially produced alpha olefin sulfonate anionic surfactants of general formula (I) may be made by sulfating C14-16 olefins derived from natural gas. The process can also yield mixtures of homologues and low levels of unreacted olefins.

Particularly preferred is alpha olefin sulfonate with an average of 14-16 carbons. A suitable example of such a material is Bioterge AS40 (ex Stepan).

The amount of alpha olefin sulfonate anionic surfactant, at 100 % activity, of general formula (I) ranges from 3 to 13 %, preferably from 3.5 to 12%, more preferably from 3 to 10%, (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

The composition may comprise an amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant, selected from an alkyl betaine of general formula (II)

R₂-N⁺(CH₃)2-CH₂-COO- M⁺ (II) wherein R₂ = C12 (Lauryl) or Coco derived; an alkyl hydroxy sultaine of general formula (III), R3-N⁺(CH₃)2-CH2-CH(OH)-CH₂-SO3- M (HI) wherein R₃ = C12 (Lauryl) or Coco derived; an alkyl aminopropyl hydroxy sultaine of general formula (IV),

R₄-CO-NH-(CH₂)3-N⁺(CH3)2-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-SO³- M⁺ (IV) wherein R₄ = C12 (Lauryl) or Coco derived; an alkyl amphoacetate of general formula (V),

R₅-CO-NH-(CH₂)2-N(CH2-CH2-OH)(CH2-COO- M⁺) (V) wherein Rs = C12 (Lauryl) or Coco derived; and mixtures thereof.

The preferred surfactant (ii) is selected from coco betaine, lauryl hydroxy sultaine, coco aminopropyl hydroxy sultaine, lauryl amphoacetate and mixtures thereof, most preferably selected from coco betaine, lauryl hydroxy sultaine and mixtures thereof. Alkyl hydroxy sultaines are preferred, particularly lauryl hydroxy sultaine.

The amount of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants of general formula (II), (III), (IV) or (V) or mixtures thereof, preferably ranges from 1 to 6%, more preferably from 1.5 to 5%, most preferably from 2 to 3.5 % (based on the total weight of the composition and 100 % activity).

The amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant is preferably selected from a betaine amphoteric surfactant of general formula (II), which is coco betaine, an amphoteric surfactant of general formula (III), which is lauryl hydroxy sultaine, and mixtures thereof, in an amount of from 1 to 4 % (by weight based on the total weight of the composition and 100 % activity).

The combined amount of (i) and (ii) ranges from 4 to 20 wt %, preferably from 5 to 17 wt %, most preferably from 8 to 15 wt % (based on the total weight of the composition and 100 % activity). The composition may comprise alpha olefin sulfonate in an amount ranging from 3.25 to 8% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition and 100 % active material); and an amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant selected from coco betaine, lauryl hydroxy sultaine, coco aminopropyl hydroxy sultaine, lauryl amphoacetate or mixtures thereof, in an amount ranging from 1 to 4 % by weight of the composition.

The weight ratio of the alpha olefin sulfonate anionic surfactant to the amphoteric surfactant may range from 1 :1 to 6:1, preferably from 1.5:1 to 5.

The anionic surfactants are typically present in hair care composition of the present invention at a level of from 0.5 to 20%, more preferably from 2 to 16% and most preferably from 3 to 16%, by weight of the hair care composition.

Suitable amphoteric surfactant examples include alkyl amine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulphobetaines (sultaines), alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, wherein the alkyl group has from 8 to 19 carbon atoms.

Preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is a betaine surfactant. It is preferred that the betaine surfactant is one of alkyl amidopropyl betaines. Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is particularly preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, preferably from 0.5 to 8 wt.%, more preferably from 1 to 5 wt.% of an amphoteric surfactant by weight of the total composition.

The ratio of ethoxylated anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant in which the ratio of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is less than 10:1 , preferably from 2:1 to 10:1 , more preferably from 3:1 to 9:1.

The total amount of cleansing surfactant in a shampoo composition for use in the invention is generally from 3 to 35 wt%, preferably from 5 to 25 wt%, most preferably from 7 to 16 wt% of the total composition. It is preferred that the hair care composition of the present invention comprises a scalp health agent. Suitable scalp health agents that may be used in this invention are selected from zinc pyrithione, piroctone compound, azole compound, selenium sulfide, hinokitiol, salicylic acid and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the scalp health agent could be a hydroxamic acid, preferably selected from caprylhydroxamic acid and benzohydroxamic acid. The preferred azole compound is ketoconazole, climbazole or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the scalp health agent is piroctone compound, more preferably piroctone olamine. In another preferred embodiment, the scalp health agent is hinokitiol.

The hair care composition of the invention may comprise the scalp health agent in an amount of from 0.01 to 10%, more preferably from 0.05 to 5%, more preferably still from 0.1 to 2%, and most preferably from 0.2 to 1.5%, by weight of the hair care composition.

The hair care composition in accordance with the present invention comprises an aqueous cosmetically acceptable carrier.

In a preferred embodiment, the hair care composition is a shampoo, particularly a rinse off shampoo. Shampoo compositions for use in the invention are generally aqueous, i.e. they have water or an aqueous solution or a lyotropic liquid crystalline phase as their major component. Suitably, the shampoo composition will comprise from 50 to 98%, preferably from 60 to 92% water by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Such compositions are referred to as having an aqueous base.

The composition of the present invention may additionally comprise a cationic polymer.

The composition may also comprise a cationic modified guar polymer having a molecular weight of from 0.3 to 2.5 million Dalton and a cationic degree of substitution of from 0.05 to 0.4.

It is preferred that the cationic modified guar polymer has a molecular weight of from 1.0 to 2.3 million Dalton, more preferably from 1.0 to 1.5 million Dalton.

It is preferred that the cationic guar polymer has a cationic degree of substitution of from 0.1 to 0.3, more preferably from 0.16 to 0.2. It is most preferred that cationic modified guar polymer has a molecular weight of from 1.0 million to 1.5 million Dalton and a cationic degree of substitution (DS) of from 0.16 to 0.20. This DS value corresponds to a charge density of from 0.85 to 1.05.

Cationic guar polymer is preferably guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Guar polymer predominantly contains galactomannan polymer chains. This polymer is available at various molecular weights and degree of cationic substitutions depending on how much the guar has been hydrolysed and cationised.

Generally for cationic polysaccharide polymers, the hydroxyl groups of the non-modified monomeric sugar ring units are the sites for cationic substitution. Degree of substitution (DS) is typically in the range from 0 to 3 due to the fact that the monomeric sugar unit of most polysaccharide has in average three hydroxyl groups available for substitution. In addition to the DS, the cationic charge on polymers can also be quantified as cationic charge density. DS has previously been determined by different methods. For example, the cationic charge density of the polymer has in some cases been calculated based on a percent nitrogen content determined via the Kjeldahl method as described in US Pharmacopoeia under chemical tests for nitrogen determination and is expressed in milliequivalents (meq) per gram. The cationic charge density of the polymer in the present invention is, however, calculated from the degree of substitution, which is measured by 1 H NMR in a solvent of deuterium oxide (D2O) and deuterium chloride (DCI) mixture.

In many cases the DS obtained from 1H NMR measurement may not be suitable to be compared with that obtained from Kjeldahl method, due to the fact that the two methods are influenced by different factors.

In the wide spectrum of molecular weights of guars available, the cationic guar for use in the present invention has a molecule weight which is considered a ‘medium’ molecular weight. In the wide range of charge densities, the above range for use in the present invention is considered a ‘medium’ range. The cationic modified guar deposition polymer is preferably present in an amount of from 0.001 to 2%, more preferably from 0.01 to 1%, in 0.04 to 0.5%, more preferably 0.08 to 0.25% by weight of the composition.

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a copolymer acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride. Preferably, the copolymer also comprises acrylamide in addition to the acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride. Particularly preferred copolymer is a copolymer of acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride and acrylamide.

The copolymer according to the present invention preferably has a charge density of from 1 .0 to 3.0 meq per gram (meq/g), more preferably from 1.1 to 2.5 meq/g, more preferably still from 1.2 to 2.5 meq/g and most preferably from 1.3 to 2.5 meq/g. The copolymer preferably has a molecular weight of from 100,000 to 3,000,000 gram per mole (g/mol), more preferably from 500,000 to 2,800,000 g/mol, more preferably still from 800,000 to 2,500,000 g/mol, most preferably from 1 ,000,000 to 2,500,000 g/mol. An example of a suitable copolymer is commercially available from Ashland under the trade name N-Hance SP-100®. N-Hance SP- 100® has a charge density of from 1 .8 to 2.2 meq/g and a molecular weight of from 1 ,800,000 to 2,200,000 g/mol.

The hair care composition of the present invention may typically comprise the copolymer in an amount of from 0.001 to 2%, more preferably from 0.01 to 1 %, even more preferably from 0.01 to 0.8% and most preferably from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of the composition.

The water-insoluble conditioning agent may include non-silicone conditioning agent comprising non-silicone oily or fatty materials such as hydrocarbon oils, fatty esters and mixtures thereof. Preferably the composition of the invention further comprises a suspending agent. Suitable suspending agents are selected from polyacrylic acids, cross-linked polymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid with a hydrophobic monomer, copolymers of carboxylic acidcontaining monomers and acrylic esters, cross-linked copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylate esters, heteropolysaccharide gums and crystalline long chain acyl derivatives. The long chain acyl derivative is desirably selected from ethylene glycol stearate, alkanolamides of fatty acids having from 16 to 22 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. Ethylene glycol distearate and polyethylene glycol 3 distearate are preferred long chain acyl derivatives, since these impart pearlescence to the composition. Polyacrylic acid is available commercially as Carbopol 420, Carbopol 488 or Carbopol 493. Polymers of acrylic acid cross-linked with a polyfunctional agent may also be used; they are available commercially as Carbopol 910, Carbopol 934, Carbopol 941 and Carbopol 980. An example of a suitable copolymer of a carboxylic acid containing monomer and acrylic acid esters is Carbopol 1342. All Carbopol (trademark) materials are available from Goodrich. Suitable cross-linked polymers of acrylic acid and acrylate esters are Pemulen TR1 or Pemulen TR2. A suitable heteropolysaccharide gum is xanthan gum, for example that available as Kelzan mu.

Mixtures of any of the above suspending agents may be used. Preferred is a mixture of crosslinked polymer of acrylic acid and crystalline long chain acyl derivative.

The suspending agent is generally present in hair care composition of this invention in an amount of from 0.1 to 10%, more preferably from 0.2 to 6%, and most preferably from 0.3 to 4%, based on total weight of the hair care composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

Preservatives may also be incorporated into the hair care composition of this invention to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Suitable traditional preservatives include alkyl esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds. Illustrative yet non-limiting examples of the types of preservatives that may be used in this invention include, for examples, phenoxyethanol, sodium salicylate, methyl paraben, butyl paraben, propyl paraben, diazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, caprylyl glycol, disodium EDTA or mixtures thereof. In an especially preferred embodiment, the preservative is sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, sodium salicylate or a mixture thereof. Preservatives are preferably employed in amounts ranging from 0.01 to 2% by weight of the hair care composition.

The hair care composition of the present invention may contain other ingredients which are common in the art to enhance physical properties and performances. Suitable ingredients include but are not limited to fragrance, dyes and pigments, pH adjusting agents, pearlescers or opacifiers, viscosity modifiers, thickeners, and natural hair nutrients such as botanicals, fruit extracts, sugar derivatives and amino acids.

Method and Use

The present invention provides for a method of treating the hair or scalp comprising the step of application of a composition of the first aspect onto hair or scalp. The method is non-therapeutic in nature. Preferably it is for cosmetic purpose. The present invention also provides for a method of improving hair volume, and providing desired hair benefit preferably hair smoothness, comprising the step of applying the hair care composition of the first aspect onto hair or scalp surfaces of an individual followed by rinsing the surfaces with water. The method is non-therapeutic in nature. Preferably it is for cosmetic purpose. The desired hair smoothness is demonstrated by mean friction energy which is not higher than 250000 g.mm.

The present invention also provides a composition of the first aspect for use in improving hair volume and providing desired hair benefit preferably hair smooth.

Preferably, the present invention also provides a composition of the first aspect for use in improving hair volume, and providing desired hair benefit preferably hair smoothness, meanwhile preventing or alleviating the symptoms of dandruff on the scalp or hair.

Examples

Example 1

This example demonstrated the combination of a small sized silicone and a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and a polyether in its molecule with specific weight ratio in a hair care composition can improve the hair volume, and meanwhile provide desired hair benefit which is hair smoothness. The compositions according to the formulations detailed in Table 1 are prepared. All ingredients are expressed by weight percent of the total formulation, and as level of active ingredient.

Table 1

Test method

Hair volume test: Hair switches were washed with 14%SLES solution twice to remove any deposited residue and dried at 25 °C for 24 hours. The photos of hair switch were taken in the hair volume cabinet (5532-8166, ETS INC.). And the volume area in the photo will be calculated automatically by Switch Volume Rig software as base volume (initial data a.).

Then the hair switches were washed with shampoo samples above and dried for 24 hours.

Then the hair volume was measured in the same way and calculated as after wash volume (data b.). Boosted volume was calculated by c=b-a. Each sample was repeated with 3 times.

Dry smoothness test: Hair switches were washed with control shampoo twice to remove any deposited residue, followed by washing with shampoo samples above. After being dried at 25C for 24 hours, hair surface mean friction energy was measured on a texture analysis machine (TA-XT plus, Stable Micro Systems ltd.). The low surface friction energy indicates that the hair is smooth. Each sample was repeated 3 times.

The result of hair volume test is summarized in Table 2.

Table 2

It can be concluded from the results that Sample 1-3 comprising a small sized silicone and a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and a polyether in its molecule with specific weight ratio within the scope of the present invention can enhance hair volume, compared to Sample A-C (outside the scope of the present invention).

The result of dry smoothness test is summarized in Table 3

Table 3

The results above indicate that Sample 1-3 comprising a small sized silicone and a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and a polyether in its molecule with specific weight ratio within the scope of the present invention can also deliver desired hair benefit which is hair smoothness (mean friction energy not higher than 250000 g.mm).

Claims

1. A hair care composition comprising i) a cleansing surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant; ii) a silicone and average particle size of the silicone is from 50nm to 800nm; and iii) a compound comprising a silicone polymer, a quaternary ammonium group and a polyether in its molecule; wherein the weight ratio of the amount of said silicone to the amount of said compound is from 3: 1 to 20: 1.

2. The hair care composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said silicone comprises dimethiconol, dimethicone, amodimethicone, derivatives or mixtures thereof thereof, preferably comprises dimethiconol, dimethicone, derivatives or a mixture thereof, more preferably comprises dimethiconol.

3. The hair care composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said composition comprises 0.1 to 5%, preferably from 0.2 to 2%, more preferably from 0.3 to 1%, furthermore preferably from 0.5 to 0.8% of said silicone by weight of the composition.

4. A hair care composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said compound has an average particle size not higher than 1000nm.

5. The hair care composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said composition comprises 0.01 to 2%, preferably 0.02 to 1%, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5% of said compound by weight of the composition.

6. The hair care composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein said composition comprise an scalp health agent, selected from zinc pyrithione, piroctone compound, azole compound, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, hinokitiol and mixtures thereof.

7. The hair care composition as claimed in claim 6 wherein said composition comprises 0.01 to 10%, preferably 0.05 to 5%, more preferably from 0.1 to 2%, and furthermore preferably from 0.2 to 1.5% of said scalp health agent by weight of the composition.

8. The hair care composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein said anionic surfactant is an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate a degree of ethoxylation of less than 3, preferably sodium lauryl ether sulphate.

9. The hair care composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 wherein said composition additionally comprises a cationic polymer.

10. The hair care composition as claimed in claim 9 wherein said composition comprises a cationic guar polymer, preferably guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.

11. The hair care composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 wherein said composition comprises an amphoteric surfactant, preferably a betaine surfactant, more preferably one of alkyl amidopropyl betaines.

12. The hair care composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 wherein said composition is a shampoo.

13. A method of treating the hair and/or scalp comprising the step of applying a composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 to the hair or scalp.

14. A method of improving hair volume and providing desired hair benefit, preferably hair smoothness, comprising the step of applying the hair care composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 onto hair surfaces of an individual followed by rinsing the surfaces with water.

15. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 for use in improving hair volume and providing desired hair benefit preferably hair smoothness.