WO2025018433A1

WO2025018433A1 - Process for treating keratin fibers

Info

Publication number: WO2025018433A1
Application number: PCT/JP2024/080116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Romain Flouw; Nicolas MARETS; Ayano Takeda; Tomotaka Michitsuji
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2023-07-20
Filing date: 2024-07-12
Publication date: 2025-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-20

Abstract

The present invention mainly relates to a process for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, comprising the steps of: (i) applying a composition A onto the keratin fibers, wherein the composition A comprises: (a) at least one silicone; and (b) at least one plant oil, (ii) applying a composition B onto the keratin fibers, wherein the composition B comprises: (c) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid, glyoxylic acid solvates, glyoxylic acid salts, glyoxylic acid esters, glyoxylic acid amides, and mixtures thereof; and (d) at least one compound, different from the (c) compound, selected from the group consisting of keto acids, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, and (iii) optionally heating the keratin fibers at a temperature of more than 50°C, preferably more than 100°C, and more preferably more than 150°C, wherein the process comprises step (i) and then step (ii) or step (ii) and then step (i).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF INVENTION

PROCESS FOR TREATING KERATIN FIBERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention mainly relates to a process for treating, preferably reshaping, and more preferably straightening, keratin fibers such as hair.

BACKGROUND ART

Reshaping keratin fibers such as hair by heating the keratin fibers with an iron is popular for making unruly keratin fibers manageable and making keratin fibers have less volume and look more desirable. Although such a reshaping method using a heating iron is convenient for quick styling, it is not easy to obtain enough reshaping effect.

On the other hand, conventional permanent reshaping methods using a reducing agent and an alkaline agent, as well as an oxidizing agent, with heating, can provide keratin fibers with an improved reshaping effect, but they have several drawbacks such as a long processing time, damage to the keratin fibers, and malodor.

So far, some processes for reshaping keratin fibers without using a reducing agent and an oxidizing agent have been reported.

For example, JP-A-2020-066575 discloses a hair processing method comprising: an acid treatment of applying to the hair an acidic first hair composition containing an acid and/or a salt thereof; a washing treatment of washing the hair; a silicone treatment of applying to the hair a second hair composition that is a liquid containing silicone; a drying treatment of drying the hair; and a heat treatment of bringing the hair into contact with a heating element having a preset temperature of at least 100°C.

Also, US-A-2012-312317 discloses a process for semi-permanent hair straightening, comprising: a) applying a solution comprising an alpha-keto acid operable as a buffering agent; b) keeping the solution in contact with hair for 15 to 120 minutes; c) drying the hair, and d) straightening the hair with a hair straightening iron at a temperature of approximately 200 +/- 50°C.

Also, JP-A-2019-123701 discloses a hair treatment method comprising:

(1) a step of applying a hair treatment agent to the hair, containing (a) levulinic acid of 13-30 mass% and (b) glyoxylic acid of 1-2 mass%, with the total content of levulinic acid and glyoxylic acid being 15 mass% or more and the pH ranging from 1.5 to 3.0;

(2) a step of leaving the hair;

(3) a step of washing the hair with water; and (4) a step of straightening the hair with a hairstyling or hair straightening iron, a brush, and the like at a certain temperature simultaneously with or after drying the hair.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

There is still a need to improve the reshaping method for keratin fibers.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an improved process for reshaping keratin fibers such as hair, which can provide the keratin fibers with improved reshaping effects while providing the keratin fibers with better discipline of the keratin fibers, leading to an ease of combing the keratin fibers and an ease of application of a hair iron to the keratin fibers.

The above objective of the present invention can be achieved by a process for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, comprising the steps of:

(i) applying a composition A onto the keratin fibers, wherein the composition A comprises:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil,

(ii) applying a composition B onto the keratin fibers, wherein the composition B comprises:

(c) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid, glyoxylic acid solvates, glyoxylic acid salts, glyoxylic acid esters, glyoxylic acid amides, and mixtures thereof; and

(d) at least one compound, different from the (c) compound, selected from the group consisting of keto acids, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, and

(iii) optionally heating the keratin fibers at a temperature of more than 50°C, preferably more than 100°C, and more preferably more than 150°C, wherein the process comprises step (i) and then step (ii) or step (ii) and then step (i).

The (a) silicone may be selected from amino-modified silicones.

The amount of the (a) silicone(s) in the composition A may be from 1% to 60% by weight, preferably from 3% to 40% by weight, and more preferably from 5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A.

The plant oil may comprise at least one fatty acid.

The fatty acid may be selected from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The fatty acid may be selected from saturated fatty acids having from 8 to 28 carbon atoms.

The fatty acid(s) may be present in the (b) plant oil(s) in an amount of 50% by weight or more, preferably 65% by weight or more, and more preferably 80% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the (b) plant oil(s).

The amount of the (b) plant oil(s) in the composition A may be from 1% to 60% by weight, preferably from 3% to 40% by weight, and more preferably from 5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A.

The total amount of the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oil(s) in the composition A may be from 3% to 99% by weight, preferably from 5% to 75% by weight, and more preferably from 10% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A. The amount of the (c) compound(s) in the composition B may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

The (d) compound may be selected from levulinic acid, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof.

The amount of the (d) compound(s) in the composition B may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

The pH of the composition B may be 7 or less, preferably 6 or less, and more preferably 5 or less.

The process according to the present invention may not include application of ammonia or a thiol compound onto the keratin fibers.

The process according to the present invention may not include application of a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent onto the keratin fibers.

The present invention may relate to a kit for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, comprising: a composition A comprising:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil, and a composition B comprising:

(d) at least one compound, different from the (c) compound, selected from the group consisting of keto acids, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

The present invention also relates to a use of a combination of a composition A and a composition B for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, wherein the composition A comprises:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil, and the composition B comprises:

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

After diligent research, the inventors have found that it is possible to provide a process for reshaping keratin fibers, which can provide the keratin fibers with improved reshaping effects with the application of two different compositions, a composition A and a composition B, wherein the composition A comprises at least one silicone and at least one plant oil, and the composition B comprises at least one glyoxylic acid or a derivative thereof and at least one keto acid or a salt thereof.

Thus, the present invention mainly relates to a process for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, comprising the steps of:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil,

The present invention can improve a process for reshaping keratin fibers such as hair, with the application of two different compositions, the composition A and the composition B, by providing improved reshaping effects.

The reshaping of keratin fibers, such as hair, here encompasses straightening or curling the keratin fibers.

In addition, the process according to the present invention can provide keratin fibers such as hair, with better discipline of keratin fibers, leading to an ease of combing the keratin fibers and an ease of application of a hair iron to the keratin fibers.

The present invention can provide keratin fibers with less damage as compared to conventional straightening processes, because the present invention does not need to use any reducing/oxidizing agents. Therefore, it can be easy to comb the keratin fibers treated by the present invention. Thus, the keratin fibers treated with the present invention can be easy to manage.

In addition, the present invention can use no or very little ammonia or a thiol compound, and therefore, odor during the use of the present invention can be reduced as compared to the conventional processes which require the use of ammonia or a thiol compound. Also, the present invention can have good usability, for example, short processing time.

Hereafter, the present invention will be described in a detailed manner.

[Process]

The present invention relates to a process for reshaping, preferably straitening keratin fibers, preferably hair, comprising the steps of:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil,

(ii) applying a composition B onto the keratin fibers, wherein the composition B comprises: (c) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid, glyoxylic acid solvates, glyoxylic acid salts, glyoxylic acid esters, glyoxylic acid amides, and mixtures thereof; and

The process according to the present invention is for the purpose of reshaping keratin fibers such as hair, preferably reshaping for a long period of time, and more preferably reshaping even after shampooing. In this sense, the process according to the present invention can be a semi-permanent reshaping process.

{Step (i)}

The step (i) is to apply a composition A onto the keratin fibers. The composition A will be described in detail later.

The application of the composition A may be performed by any means, such as a brush and a comb.

The bath ratio of the applied composition A to the keratin fibers may range from 0.1 to 10, more particularly from 0.5 to 5, and preferably between 0.3 and 2. The term "bath ratio" is intended to mean the weight ratio between the total weight of the applied composition and the total weight of the keratin fibers.

The applied amount of the composition A onto the keratin fibers is not particularly limited, but in general ranges from 0.1 g to 1 g relative to 1 g of the keratin fibers.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the keratin fibers are cleaned before the step (i). This cleaning step may be performed by, for example, shampooing the keratin fibers, followed by rinsing off the keratin fibers. After rinsing off, the keratin fibers may be dried. It is preferable that the keratin fibers are wet just before the step (i). The cleansing step is preferably carried out once before the process of the present invention is carried out.

It may be possible that, after the application of the composition A, the keratin fibers be left as they are for a certain amount of time; typically from 1 second to 10 minutes, preferably from 5 seconds to 5 minutes, and more preferably from 10 seconds to 3 minutes, if necessary, in order to let the composition A penetrate into the keratin fibers.

The composition A may or may not be rinsed off from the keratin fibers after the step (i). In one embodiment of the present invention, the keratin fibers are rinsed off with water to rinse the applied composition A off the keratin fibers after the step (i).

{Step (ii)}

The step (ii) is to apply a composition B onto the keratin fibers. The composition B will be described in detail later. The application of the composition B may be performed by any means, such as a brush or a comb.

The bath ratio of the applied composition B to the keratin fibers may range from 0.1 to 10, more particularly from 0.5 to 5, and preferably between 0.3 and 2, respectively. The term "bath ratio" is intended to mean the weight ratio between the total weight of the applied composition and the total weight of the keratin fibers.

The applied amount of the composition B onto the keratin fibers is not particularly limited, but in general ranges from 0.1 g to 1 g relative to 1 g of the keratin fibers.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the keratin fibers are cleaned before the step (ii). This cleaning step may be performed by, for example, shampooing the keratin fibers, followed by rinsing off the keratin fibers. After rinsing off, the keratin fibers may be dried. It is preferable that the keratin fibers are wet just before the step (ii).

It may be possible that, after the application of the composition B, the keratin fibers be left as they are for a certain amount of time; typically from 1 second to 30 minutes, preferably from 5 seconds to 20 minutes, and more preferably from 10 seconds to 15 minutes, if necessary, in order to let the composition B penetrate into the keratin fibers.

The composition B may or may not be rinsed off from the keratin fibers after the step (ii). In one embodiment of the present invention, the keratin fibers are rinsed off with water to rinse the applied composition B off the keratin fibers after the step (ii).

In one preferred embodiment, there is no cleaning step between the steps (i) and (ii).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the process comprises the step (i) and then the step (ii) in this order. For this embodiment, it is preferred that there is no rinsing step between the step (i) and step (ii).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the process comprises the step (ii) and then the step (i) in this order. For this embodiment, it is preferred that there is a rinsing step between the step (ii) and step (i).

In another preferred embodiment, the process comprises the step (i) and then the step (ii) and then the step (i) again in this order. For this embodiment, it is preferred that there is no rinsing step between the step (i) and step (ii), and that there is a rinsing step between the step (ii) and step (i).

{Step (iii)}

The step (iii) is an optional step. The step (iii) is to heat the keratin fibers at a temperature of more than 50°C, preferably more than 100°C, and more preferably more than 150°C. The step (iii) can be carried out after the both of the steps (i) and (ii) are finished.

In one embodiment, the keratin fibers are dried just before the step (iii). The drying of the keratin fibers can be performed with a conventional drying means such as a hair dryer.

In the step (iii), the keratin fibers, which are preferably dry, are heated at a temperature of more than 50°C, preferably more than 100°C, and more preferably more than 150°C, with a heater, preferably a heating iron or a heating curler. This temperature may be less than 250°C, preferably less than 240°C, and more preferably less than 230°C. Thus, this temperature may be more than 50°C and less than 250°C, preferably more than 100°C and less than 240°C, and more preferably more than 150°C and less than 230°C.

The heating can be carried out with conventional means, such as applying a heating iron or curler, or a dryer.

Also, the reshaping may be performed by providing the keratin fibers with any mechanical force such as mechanical tension. The mechanical force can be applied to the keratin fibers by any reshaping means to deform the keratin fibers to an intended shape. For example, the mechanical power may be provided by at least one reshaping means selected from the group consisting of at least one iron, at least one curler, and a combination thereof. Any conventional iron or curler may be used as the reshaping means.

The reshaping means may comprise at least one heater. Thus, the reshaping means may be at least one heating iron and/or at least one heating curler. By the reshaping the keratin fibers, the keratin fibers may be straightened or curled. Thus, the process according to the present invention can be for straitening or curling keratin fibers, such as hair.

As the heating iron, any conventional heating iron can be used. The heating iron can have at least one plate, preferably two plates, which can be heated by, for example, electric heating.

The heated plate(s) can be applied onto the keratin fibers and moved along the direction of the keratin fibers to straighten them.

It is preferable that the heating iron has two plates, and that keratin fibers are sandwiched between the two plates of the heating iron, in which at least one of the plates can be heated, and then the two plates are moved along the direction of the keratin fibers to straighten them.

It is preferable that the heating iron, in particular a part thereof contacting with keratin fibers, such as a heating plate or heating plates, has a temperature of more than 50°C and less than 250°C, more preferably more than 100°C and less than 240°C, and even more preferably more than 150°C and less than 230°C.

The step (iii) can be performed by one or more strokes of moving the heating iron along the direction of the keratin fibers. The step (iii) can be controlled by not only the temperature of the heating iron but also the number of strokes of the heating iron.

The heating time may depend on the temperature of the heating iron but also on the number of strokes of the heating iron. It may be, for example, from 1 second to 10 minutes, and preferably from a few seconds to 5 minutes.

As the heating curler, any conventional heating curler can be used. If the keratin fibers are rolled around a heating curler, this rolling-up may be performed on the entire length of the keratin fibers or, for example, on half the length of the keratin fibers. Depending on, for example, the desired hairstyle shape and amount of curls, the rolling-up may be performed with more or less thick locks.

It is preferable that the heating curler, in particular a part thereof contacting with keratin fibers, such as a heating rod and a heating cover, has a temperature of more than 50°C and less than 250°C, more preferably more than 100°C and less than 240°C, and even more preferably more than 150°C and less than 230°C.

The step (iii) can be performed by maintaining keratin fibers on a heating curler such that mechanical tension is applied on the keratin fibers. The step (iii) can be controlled by not only the temperature of the heating curler but also the strength of the mechanical tension.

The heating time may depend on the temperature of the heating curler but also on the strength of the mechanical tension. It may be, for example, from 1 second to 10 minutes, and preferably from a few seconds to 5 minutes.

If necessary, before the step (iii), mechanical tension may be applied to keratin fibers as explained above.

Hereinafter, the details of the compositions A and B used in the process according to the present invention will be explained.

Composition A

The composition A of the present invention comprises:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil.

(Form)

The composition A used for the present invention may be in any form suitable for topical application, and in particular in the form of an aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic, or oily solution or suspension; a solution or a dispersion of a lotion or serum type; an emulsion, in particular of liquid or semi-liquid consistency, of O/W, W/O or multiple type (if the composition used for the present invention includes at least one oil); a suspension or emulsion of a soft consistency of cream (O/W) or (W/O) type; an aqueous gel; or any other cosmetic form.

The composition A of the present invention is preferably in the form of an emulsion, and more preferably an O/W emulsion.

The composition A used for the present invention may be in any galenical form. For example, the composition A used for the present invention may be in the form of any treatment for hair in general, such as a cream, a lotion, a gel, or the like.

(pH)

The composition A used for the present invention may have a pH of 8 or less, preferably 7 or less, and more preferably 6 or less, which is measured at 25 °C.

The composition used for the present invention may have a pH of 3 or more, preferably 4 or more, and more preferably 4.5 or more, which is measured at 25°C.

The composition used for the present invention may have a pH of from 3 to 8, preferably from 4 to 7, and more preferably from 4.5 to 6, which is measured at 25°C.

The ingredients of the composition A are described in a detailed manner below.

(a) Silicone

The composition A in the process according to the present invention comprises at least one silicone. Two or more silicones may be included in the composition A. Thus, a single type of silicone or a combination of different types of silicones may be used in the composition A.

In the context of the present invention, the term "silicone" used herein is understood to mean, in conformity with the generally accepted definition, all organosilicon polymers or oligomers having a linear or cyclic, branched or crosslinked structure, of variable molecular weight, obtained by polymerization and/or polycondensation of appropriately functionalized silanes, and comprising in essence a repetition of main units in which the silicon atoms are joined to one another by oxygen atoms (siloxane link =Si-O-Si=), optionally substituted hydrocarbon radicals being linked directly via a carbon atom to the silicon atoms. The most common hydrocarbon radicals are alkyl radicals, in particular Ci-Cio alkyl radicals and especially methyl, fluoroalkyl radicals, and aryl radicals and especially phenyl.

The (a) silicone may be selected from silicone oils.

Here, “silicone oil” means a silicone compound or substance which is in the form of a liquid or a paste at room temperature (25°C) under atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). As the silicone oils, those generally used in cosmetics may be used alone or in combination.

Silicones or organopolysiloxanes are defined, for instance, by Walter NOLL in "Chemistry and Technology of Silicones" (1968), Academic Press. They may be volatile or non-volatile.

Thus, the silicone oil(s) may be selected from volatile silicones, non-volatile silicones and mixtures thereof.

Thus, the silicone oil may comprise either at least one volatile silicone oil or at least one nonvolatile silicone oil, or both at least one volatile silicone oil and at least one non-volatile silicone oil.

The volatile or non-volatile silicone may be selected from linear, branched, or cyclic silicones, optionally modified with at least one organo-functional moiety or group. The (a) silicone is preferably non-volatile.

For example, the silicone oil may be selected from the group consisting of polydialkylsiloxanes such as polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), polyalkylarylsiloxanes such as phenyltrimethicone, polydiarylsiloxanes, and organo-modified polysiloxanes comprising at least one organo-functional moiety or group chosen from poly(oxyalkylene) moieties or groups, alkoxy or alkoxyalkyl moieties or groups, hydroxyl or hydroxylated moieties or groups, acyloxy or acyloxyalkyl moieties or groups, carboxylic acid or carboxylate moieties or groups, acrylic moieties or groups, and oxazoline moieties.

The silicone oil(s) may be chosen from non-volatile silicones, such as polydialkylsiloxanes, polyalkylarylsiloxanes, polydiarylsiloxanes, and organo-modified polysiloxanes as explained above.

The molecular weight of the (a) silicone, preferably polydimethylsiloxanes with trimethylsilyl end groups, has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 300,000 or more, preferably 350,000 or more, more preferably 400,000 or more, and preferably 3,000,000 or less, more preferably 2,000,000 or less, even more preferably 1,000,000 or less.

According to one embodiment, the (a) silicone, preferably silicone oil, may be chosen from non-volatile polydialkylsiloxanes, for example, polydimethylsiloxanes with trimethylsilyl end groups known under the trade name dimethicones.

The (c) silicones that are preferred in accordance with the present invention may be the polydimethylsiloxanes with trimethylsilyl end groups, such as the oils having a viscosity at 25°C greater than 1,000,000 cSt (mm²/s), even more preferentially a viscosity greater than 2,000,000 cSt, and even more particularly greater than 5,000,000 cSt, better still greater than 10,000,000 cSt and preferably less than 50,000,000 cSt, better still less than 30,000,000 cSt, even better still less than 15,000,000 cSt.

According to the present invention, all the polydimethylsiloxanes can be used as they are or in the form of solutions, emulsions, nanoemulsions or microemulsions.

Non-limiting examples of commercial products corresponding to such polydialkylsiloxanes include BY22-029 (product of Dow Corning Toray, Co., Ltd.; nonionic emulsion of dimethicone oil), BY22-060 (product of Dow Corning Toray, Co., Ltd.; cationic emulsion containing a solution obtained by diluting highly polymerized dimethicone with a low viscosity silicone), BY22-019 (product of Dow Coming Toray, Co., Ltd.; nonionic and cationic emulsion containing a solution obtained by diluting highly polymerized dimethicone with cyclic silicone), BY22-020 (product of Dow Corning Toray, Co., Ltd.; cationic emulsion containing a solution obtained by diluting a highly polymerized dimethicone with light liquid isoparaffin), KM902 (product of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.; nonionic emulsion of highly polymerized dimethicone), KM903 (product of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.; cationic emulsion containing a solution obtained by diluting a highly polymerized dimethicone with a low viscosity silicone), X-52-2127 (product of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.; cationic emulsion containing a solution obtained by diluting a highly polymerized dimethicone with low viscosity silicone), X-52-2162 (product of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.; nonionic emulsion containing a solution obtained by diluting a highly polymerized dimethicone with low viscosity silicone), EMU101 (product of Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.; nonionic emulsion containing a solution obtained by diluting highly polymerized dimethicone with low viscosity silicone), XS65-B3803 (product of Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.; nonionic emulsion containing a solution obtained by diluting highly polymerized dimethicone with low viscosity silicone), DC 7-3100 (product of Dow Coming Toray Silicone, Co., Ltd.).

Polyalkylarylsiloxanes may be chosen from polydimethyl/methylphenylsiloxanes and linear and/or branched polydimethyl/diphenyl siloxanes.

Non-limiting examples of such polyalkylarylsiloxanes include the products marketed under the following trade names:

SILBIONE® fluids of the 70 641 series from RHODIA; RHODORSIL® fluids of the 70 633 and 763 series from RHODIA; phenyltrimethicone fluid marketed under the reference DOW CORNING 556 COSMETIC GRADE FLUID by DOW CORNING;

PK series silicones from BAYER, for example, the PK20 product;

PN, PH series silicones from BAYER, for example, the PN1000 and PH1000 products; and some SF series fluids from GENERAL ELECTRIC, such as SF 1023, SF 1154, SF 1250, and SF 1265.

Organo-modified silicones which may be used according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, silicones such as those previously defined and comprising within their structure at least one organo-functional moiety or group linked directly or by means of a hydrocarbon group.

Organo-modified silicones may include, for example, polyorganosiloxanes comprising: polyethyleneoxy and/or polypropyleneoxy moieties optionally comprising C6-C24 alkyl moieties, such as products called dimethicone copolyols marketed by DOW CORNING under the trade name DC 1248 and under the trade name DC Q2-5220 and SILWET® L 722, L 7500, L 77, and L 711 fluids marketed by UNION CARBIDE and (Ci2)alkyl-methicone copolyol marketed by DOW CORNING under the trade name Q2 5200; alkoxylated moieties, such as the product marketed under the trade name "SILICONE COPOLYMER F-755" by SWS SILICONES and ABIL WAX® 2428, 2434, and 2440 by GOLDSCHMIDT; hydroxylated moieties, such as hydroxyalkyl function-containing polyorganosiloxanes described, for instance, in French Patent Application No. FR-A-85 163 34; acyloxyalkyl moieties, for example, the polyorganosiloxanes described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,732; anionic moieties of the carboxylic acid type, for example, the products described in European Patent No. 0 186 507, marketed by CHISSO CORPORATION, and carboxylic alkyl anionic moieties, such as those present in the X-22-3701E product marketed by SHIN-ETSU; 2- hydroxyalkyl sulfonate; and 2-hydroxyalkyl thiosulfate such as the products marketed by GOLDSCHMIDT under the trade names «ABIL® S201» and «ABIL® S255»; acrylic moieties, such as the products marketed under the names VS80 and VS70 by 3M; and oxazoline moieties

such as silicones comprising 1 or 2 oxazoline groups; for example, poly(2-methyl oxazoline- b-dimethyl siloxane-b-2-methyl oxazoline) and poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline-dimethyl siloxane). The products marketed by KAO under the references OX-40, OS-51, OS-96, and OS-88 may also be used.

Polydimethylsiloxanes with dimethylsilanol end groups may also be used, for example, those sold under the trade name dimethiconol (CTFA), such as fluids of the 48 series marketed by RHODIA.

If the silicone oil(s) is/are non-volatile, the silicone oil(s) may be chosen from polydimethylsiloxanes and organo -modified polydimethylsiloxanes. It is preferable that the silicone oil be selected from volatile or non-volatile silicone oils, such as volatile or non-volatile polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) containing a linear or cyclic silicone chain, that are liquid or pasty at ambient temperature, in particular cyclopolydimethylsiloxanes (cyclomethicones) such as cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane; polydimethylsiloxanes containing alkyl, alkoxy, or phenyl groups that are pendent and/or at the end(s) of the silicone chain, which groups have from 2 to 24 carbon atoms; phenyl silicones such as phenyltrimethicones, phenyldimethicones, phenyltrimethylsiloxydiphenylsiloxanes, diphenyldimethicones, diphenylmethyldiphenyltrisiloxanes, 2-phenylethyltrimethyl siloxysilicates, and polymethylphenylsiloxanes; and organo-modified silicones such as dimethiconol.

It is possible to use a combination of at least one volatile silicone and at least one non-volatile silicone, as the silicone oil. Non-limiting examples of such combinations include a mixture of cyclopentasiloxane and dimethiconol, marketed, for instance, under the trade name Xiameter PMX-1501 Fluid by Dow Corning.

It is preferable that the degree of polymerization of the (a) silicone be less than 2,000, more preferably less than 1,500, and even more preferably less than 1,000.

In one preferred embodiment, the (a) silicone is selected from amino-modified silicones.

According to the present invention, the term “amino-modified silicone”, or amino silicone, or amodimethicone, denotes any silicone comprising at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine or one quaternary ammonium, and more particularly at least one primary amine.

As the aminosilicone that may be used in the present invention, the following can be cited:

(i) Polysiloxanes corresponding to formula (A):

in which x' and y' are independently integers such that the sum of x' and y' is less than 2,000;

(ii) Aminosilicones corresponding to formula (B):

R'_aG_(3-a)-Si(OSiG₂)n-(OSiG_bR'_(2-b))_m-O-SiG_(3-a')R'_a' (B) in which:

G independently designates a hydrogen atom, or a phenyl, OH, or a C₁-C₈ alkyl group, for example methyl, or a C₁-C₈ alkoxy group, for example methoxy, a and a' independently denote the number 0 or an integer from 1 to 3, in particular 0; b denotes 0 or 1, and in particular 1; m and n are numbers such that the sum (n + m) ranges from 1 to less than 2,000 and in particular from 50 to 150, it being possible for n to denote a number from 0 to less than 1,999 and in particular from 49 to 149, and for m to denote a number from 1 to less than 2,000 and in particular from 1 to 10;

R' independently denotes a monovalent group having formula -C_qH_2qL in which q is a number ranging from 2 to 8 and L is an optionally quaternized amino group chosen from the following groups:

NR"-Q-N(R")₂

N(R")₂

N⁺(R")₃ A-

N⁺H(R")₂ A-

N⁺H₂(R") A-

NR"-Q-N⁺R"H₂ A-

NR"-Q-N⁺ (R")₂H A-

NR"-Q-N⁺ (R")₃ A-, in which

R" independently denotes hydrogen, phenyl, benzyl, or a saturated monovalent hydrocarbonbased group, for example a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group;

Q denotes a linear or branched C_rH_2r group, r being an integer ranging from 2 to 6, preferably from 2 to 4; and A- represents a cosmetically acceptable ion, in particular a halide such as fluoride, chloride, bromide or iodide.

A group of aminosilicones corresponding to this definition (B) is represented by the silicones called "trimethylsilylamodimethicone" having formula (C):

in which n and m have the meanings given above in formula B.

Another group of aminosilicones corresponding to this definition is represented by silicones having the following formula (D) or (E):

in which: m and n are numbers such that the sum (n + m) can range from 1 to 1,000, in particular from 50 to 250 and more particularly from 100 to 200, it being possible for n to denote a number from 0 to 999 and in particular from 49 to 249, and more particularly from 125 to 175, and for m to denote a number from 1 to 1,000 and in particular from 1 to 10, and more particularly from 1 to 5;

R₁, R₂, and R₃ independently represent a hydroxy or a C1-C4 alkoxy group, wherein at least one of the groups Ri to R3 denotes an alkoxy group, The alkoxy group is preferably a methoxy group.

The hydroxy/alkoxy mole ratio ranges preferably from 0.2:1 to 0.4: 1 and preferably from 0.25:1 to 0.35:1 and more particularly equals 0.3:1.

The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the silicone ranges preferably from 2,000 to 230,000, more particularly from 3,500 to 150,000.

in which: p and q are numbers such that the sum (p + q) ranges from 1 to 1,000, particularly from 50 to 350, and more particularly from 150 to 250; it being possible for p to denote a number from 0 to 999 and in particular from 49 to 349, and more particularly from 159 to 239 and for q to denote a number from 1 to 1,000, in particular from 1 to 10, and more particularly from 1 to 5;

Ri and R2 independently represent a hydroxy or C1-C4 alkoxy group, where at least one of the groups R₁ or R₂ denotes an alkoxy group.

The alkoxy group is preferably a methoxy group.

The hydroxy/ alkoxy mole ratio ranges generally from 1 : 0.8 to 1 :1.1 and preferably from 1 :0.9 to 1 : 1 and more particularly equals 1 :0.95.

The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the silicone ranges preferably from 2,000 to 200,000, even more particularly 5,000 to 100,000 and more particularly from 10,000 to 50,000. Commercial products corresponding to these silicones having structure (D) or (E) may include in their composition one or more other aminosilicones whose structure is different from formula (D) or (E). A product containing aminosilicone having structure (D) is sold by Wacker under the name BELSIL ADM 652.

A product containing aminosilicone having structure (E) is sold by Wacker under the name FLUID WR 1300®. Another group of amino silicones corresponding to this definition is represented by the following formula (F):

in which: m and n are numbers such that the sum (n + m) ranges from 1 to less than 2,000 and in particular from 50 to 150, it being possible for n to denote a number from 0 to less than 1 ,999 and in particular from 49 to 149, and for m to denote a number from 1 to less than 2,000 and in particular from 1 to 10; A denotes a linear or branched alkylene group containing from 4 to 8 carbon atoms and preferably 4 carbon atoms. This group is preferably linear.

The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of these aminosilicones ranges preferably from 2,000 to 1,000,000 and even more particularly from 3,500 to 200,000. A preferred silicone of formula (F) is amodimethicone sold under the trade name XIAMETER® MEM-8299 Cationic Emulsion by Dow Coming.

Another group of aminosilicones corresponding to this definition is represented by the following formula (G):

in which: m and n are numbers such that the sum (n + m) ranges from 1 to less than 2,000 and in particular from 50 to 150, it being possible for n to denote a number from 0 to less than 1,999 and in particular from 49 to 149, and for m to denote a number from 1 to less than 2,000 and in particular from 1 to 10;

A denotes a linear or branched alkylene group containing from 4 to 8 carbon atoms and preferably 4 carbon atoms. This group is preferably branched.

The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of these aminosilicones ranges preferably from 500 to 1,000,000 and even more particularly from 1,000 to 200,000.

A silicone having this formula is for example DC2-8566 Amino Fluid by Dow Coming.

(iii) Aminosilicones corresponding to formula (H):

in which:

R₅ independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon-based group containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and in particular a C₁-C₁₈ alkyl or C₂-C₁₈ alkenyl group, for example methyl;

R₆ represents a divalent hydrocarbon-based group, in particular a C₁-C₁₈ alkylene group or a divalent C₁-C₁₈, for example C₁-C₈, alkyleneoxy group linked to Si via an SiC bond;

Q- is an anion such as a halide ion, in particular chloride, or an organic acid salt (for example acetate); r represents a mean statistical value from 2 to 20 and in particular from 2 to 8; and s represents a mean statistical value from 20 to 200 and in particular from 20 to 50.

Such aminosilicones are described more particularly in patent US 4 185 087.

(iv) Quaternary ammonium silicones having formula (I):

in which:

_R7 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon-based group containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and in particular a C₁-C₁₈ alkyl group, a C₂-C₁₈ alkenyl group or a ring containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, for example methyl;

Re independently represents a divalent hydrocarbon-based group, in particular a Ci- C₁₈ alkylene group or a divalent C₁-C₁₈, for example C₁-C₈, alkyleneoxy group linked to the Si via an SiC bond; R₈ independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent hydrocarbon-based group containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and in particular a C₁-C₁₈ alkyl group, a C₂-C₁₈ alkenyl group or a -R₆-NHCOR₇ group;

X- is an anion such as a halide ion, in particular chloride, or an organic acid salt (for example acetate); and r represents a mean statistical value from 2 to 200 and in particular from 5 to 100. These silicones are described, for example, in patent application EP-A 0 530 974.

(v) Aminosilicones having formula (J):

in which:

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R4 independently denote a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a phenyl group;

R5 denotes a C1-C4 alkyl group or a hydroxy group; m is an integer ranging from 1 to 5; n is an integer ranging from 1 to 5; and in which x is chosen such that the amine number is between 0.01 and 1 meq/g.

(vi) Multiblock polyoxyalkylenated aminosilicones, of type (AB)_n, A being a polysiloxane block and B being a polyoxyalkylenated block containing at least one amine group.

Said silicones are preferably constituted of repeating units having the following general formula:

[-(SiMe₂O)_xSiMe₂-R-N(R")-R'-O(C₂H₄O)_a(C₃H₆O)_b-R'-N(H)-R-] or alternatively

[-(SiMe₂O)_xSiMe₂-R-N(R^,,)-R^,-O(C₂H₄O)_a(C₃H₆O)_b-] in which: a is an integer greater than or equal to 1 , preferably ranging from 5 to 200, more particularly ranging from 10 to 100; b is an integer comprised between 0 and 200, preferably ranging from 4 to 100, more particularly between from 5 and 30; x is an integer ranging from 1 to 10,000, more particularly from 10 to 5,000;

R" is a hydrogen atom or a methyl;

R independently represents a divalent linear or branched C₂-C₁₂ hydrocarbon-based group, optionally including one or more heteroatoms such as oxygen; preferably, R independently denotes an ethylene group, a linear or branched propylene group, a linear or branched butylene group, or a -CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH(OH)CH₂- group; preferentially R independently denotes a -CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH(OH)CH2- group; and

R' independently represents a divalent linear or branched C₂-C₁₂ hydrocarbon-based group, optionally including one or more heteroatoms such as oxygen; preferably, R' denotes an ethylene group, a linear or branched propylene group, a linear or branched butylene group, or a -CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH(OH)CH₂- group; preferentially R' denotes -CH(CH₃)-CH₂-.

The siloxane blocks preferably represent between 50 and 95 mol% of the total weight of the silicone, more particularly from 70 to 85 mol%.

The amine content is preferably between 0.02 and 0.5 meq/g of copolymer in a 30% solution in dipropylene glycol, more particularly between 0.05 and 0.2.

The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the silicone is preferably between 5,000 and 1,000,000, more particularly between 10,000 and 200,000.

Mention may be made especially of the silicones sold under the names SILSOFT A-843 and SILSOFT A+ by Momentive.

(vii) Alkylaminosilicones corresponding to formulae (K’ and K) below:

in which

R, R' and R" independently represent a C₁-C₄ alkyl or hydroxy group,

A represents a C₃ alkylene group and m and n are such that the sum of m + n is less than 2,000, preferably less than 1,500, and more preferably less than 1,000 approximately;

in which: x and y are numbers such that the sum of x and y ranges from 1 to less than 2,000; preferably, x ranges from 10 to less than 1,500 and especially from 100 to 1,000; preferably, y ranges from 1 to 100;

R1 and R2, preferably identical, are linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl groups, comprising 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms and especially 12 to 20 carbon atoms; and

A denotes a linear or branched alkylene group containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Preferably, A comprises 3 to 6 carbon atoms, especially 4 carbon atoms; preferably, A is branched.

Mention may be made especially of the following divalent groups: -CH₂CH₂CH₂- and - CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂-.

Preferably, R1 and R2 are independently saturated linear alkyl groups comprising 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms and especially 12 to 20 carbon atoms; mention may be made in particular of dodecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl groups; and preferentially, R1 and R2, which may be identical or different, are chosen from hexadecyl (cetyl) and octadecyl (stearyl) groups.

Preferentially, the silicone is of formula (K) with: x ranging from 10 to 2,000 and especially from 100 to 1,000; y ranging from 1 to 100;

A comprising 3 to 6 carbon atoms and especially 4 carbon atoms; preferably, A is branched; and more particularly A is chosen from the following divalent groups: CH2CH2CH2- and - CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂-; and

R1 and R2 being independently linear, saturated alkyl groups comprising 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms and especially 12 to 20 carbon atoms; chosen in particular from dodecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl groups; preferentially, R1 and R2, which may be identical or different, being chosen from hexadecyl (cetyl) and octadecyl (stearyl) groups.

A preferred silicone of formula (K) is bis-cetearyl amodimethicone.

Mention may be made especially of the silicone sold under the name SILSOFT AX by Momentive.

The aminosilicones of the present disclosure may also be chosen from polydimethylsiloxanes comprising primary amine groups at the chain end or on side chains, for example aminopropyl end or side groups, for instance those of formula (A), (B), or (C):

In formula (A): the value of n is less than 2,000, preferably less than 1,500, and more preferably less than 1,000. As an example of aminosilicone (A), mention may be made of those sold under the names DMS-A11, DMS-A12, DMS-A15, DMS-A21, DMS-A31, DMS- A32 and DMS-A35 by the company Gelest.

In formula (B), the sum of n and m is such that it is less than 2,000, preferably less than 1,500, and more preferably less than 1,000. As examples of silicone (B), mention may be made of those sold under the names AMS- 132, AMS- 152, AMS- 162, AMS- 163, AMS-191 and AMS- 1203 by the company Gelest and KF-8015 by the company Shin-Etsu.

In formula (C), the value of n is less than 2,000, preferably less than 1,500, and more preferably less than 1,000, As an example of silicone (C), mention may be made of those sold under the names MCR-A11 and MCR-A12 by the company Gelest.

Preferably, the aminosilicone according to the present invention is amodimethicone. In one embodiment, the aminosilicone is bis-cetearyl amodimethicone. In another embodiment, the aminosilicone is aminopropyl dimethicone.

Aminosilicones suitable for use according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, volatile and non-volatile, cyclic, linear, and branched aminosilicones having a viscosity ranging from 5 x 10^-6 to 2.5 m²/s at 25°C, for example, from 1 ×10^-5 to 1 m²/s.

The silicone(s) used in the present invention can also be a silicone gum. The term “silicone gum” used herein means polyorganosiloxanes with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of between 200,000 and 2,000,000 used alone or as a mixture in a solvent chosen from volatile silicones, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oils, polyphenylmethylsiloxane (PPMS) oils, isoparaffins, methylene chloride, pentane or mixtures thereof; they can, for example, have one of the following structures: poly dimethylsiloxane, poly [(dimethylsiloxane) I (methyl vinylsiloxane)], poly [(dimethylsiloxane) I (vinylhydrogenosiloxane)], poly[(dihydrogenodimethylsiloxane) / (di vinylsiloxane)], poly[(dimethylsiloxane) / (diphenylsiloxane)], poly [(dimethylsiloxane) / (phenylmethylsiloxane)], and poly [(dimethylsiloxane) / (diphenylsiloxane) I (methylvinylsiloxane)].

The silicones can be used as they are or in the form of solutions in organic solvents or else in the form of emulsions or microemulsions. Preferably, the silicone is in the form of an aqueous emulsion. The term “aqueous emulsion” is intended to mean an emulsion of oil-in- water type in which the silicone copolymer is dispersed in the form of particles or droplets in the aqueous phase forming the continuous phase of the emulsion. This silicone emulsion can have a silicone droplet or particle size ranging from 10 nm to 50 pm, and preferably from 0.3 pm to 20 pm. The particle size is measured by laser particle sizing. This emulsion can be stabilized with a customary emulsifying system. The emulsifying system comprises surfactants that are normally used in silicone emulsions. These surfactants may be nonionic, cationic, anionic or amphoteric surfactants or mixtures thereof.

The (a) silicone(s) may be present in an amount of 1% by weight or more, preferably 3% by weight or more, and more preferably 5% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition A.

The (a) silicone(s) may be present in an amount of 60% by weight or less, preferably 40% by weight or less, and more preferably 20% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition A.

The amount of (a) silicone(s) in the composition A according to the present invention may be from 1% to 60% by weight, preferably from 3% to 40% by weight, and more preferably from 5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A.

(b) Plant oil

The composition A according to the present invention comprises (b) at least one plant oil. Two or more (b) plant oils may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of (b) plant oil or a combination of different types of (b) plant oils may be used.

Here, “oil” means a fatty compound or substance which is in the form of a liquid or a paste (non-solid) at room temperature (25°C) under atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). These oils may be volatile or non-volatile, polar or apolar, and preferably non-volatile and polar.

For the purposes of the present invention, “polar oil” is intended to mean an oil of which the solubility parameter δ_a at 25°C is other than 0 (J/cm³)^1/2.

In particular, “polar oil” is intended to mean an oil of which the chemical structure is formed essentially from, or even constituted of, carbon and hydrogen atoms, and comprising at least one highly electronegative heteroatom such as an oxygen, nitrogen, silicon or phosphorus atom.

The definition and calculation of the solubility parameters in the Hansen three-dimensional solubility space are described in the article by C.M. Hansen: The three-dimensional solubility parameters, J. Paint Technol., 39, 105 (1967).

According to this Hansen space:

- δ_D characterizes the London dispersion forces resulting from the formation of dipoles induced during molecular impacts;

- δ_P characterizes the Debye interaction forces between permanent dipoles and also the Keesom interaction forces between induced dipoles and permanent dipoles;

- δ_h characterizes the forces of specific interactions (such as hydrogen bonds, acid/base bonds, donor/acceptor bonds, and the like);

- δ_a is determined by the equation: δ_a= (δ_P ² + δh²)^1/2.

The parameters δ_P, δ_h, δ_D and δ_a are expressed as (J/cm³)^1/2.

The term "plant oil" here means oils of plant origin.

The plant oil can be hydrocarbon-based oils. For the purposes of the present invention, “hydrocarbon-based oil” or “hydrocarbon oil” is intended to mean an oil mainly containing hydrogen and carbon atoms and optionally oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and/or phosphorus atoms. The hydrocarbon-based oil does not comprise any silicon atoms.

Examples of the (b) plant oils may include, but are not limited to, shea oil, alfalfa oil, poppy oil, winter squash oil, millet oil, barley oil, quinoa oil, rye oil, candlenut oil, passionflower oil, aloe vera oil, sweet almond oil, peach stone oil, groundnut oil, argan oil, avocado oil, baobab oil, borage oil, broccoli oil, calendula oil, camelina oil, canola oil, carrot oil, safflower oil, flax oil, rapeseed oil, cotton oil, coconut oil (cocos nucifera oil), marrow seed oil, wheatgerm oil, jojoba oil, lily oil, macadamia oil, corn oil, meadowfoam oil, St John's Wort oil, monoi oil, hazelnut oil, apricot kernel oil, walnut oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, palm oil, blackcurrant pip oil, kiwi seed oil, grapeseed oil, pistachio oil, winter squash oil, pumpkin oil, quinoa oil, musk rose oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, watermelon oil, and mixtures thereof.

The (b) plant oil may include at least one fatty acid. Thus, the (b) plant oil can be fatty-acid blend plant oils. The (b) plant oil may include a single type of fatty acid or a combination of different types of fatty acids.

The term “fatty acid” here means a monofunctional carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain.

The fatty acid may be linear or branched. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fatty acid is linear.

The fatty acid may be saturated or unsaturated. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fatty acid is selected from saturated fatty acids. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fatty acid is selected from unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid may be selected from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid may be selected from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids having 1 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds, and more preferably monounsaturated fatty acids.

Non-limiting examples of the fatty acid include fatty acids having from 8 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fatty acid is selected from linear saturated fatty acids and linear unsaturated fatty acids having 1 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds, preferably monounsaturated fatty acids.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fatty acid is selected from linear fatty acids having from 8 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein the fatty acids are saturated or monounsaturated.

The fatty acid can be represented by the following formula (I):

RCOOH (I) wherein:

R is a linear or branched, preferably linear, C8-C28 alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably a C10-C24 alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably a C12-C22 alkyl group or alkenyl group. R may comprise 1 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds, and preferably a carbon-carbon double bond.

As non-limiting examples of the fatty acids, mention can be made of arachidic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, lauric acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, eicosenoic acid, erucic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the fatty acid is selected from linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, eicosenoic acid, erucic acid, and mixtures thereof.

In one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the (b) plant oil is selected from avocado oil, jojoba oil, and a combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the (b) plant oil comprises at least one monounsaturated fatty acid, and preferably at least one linear monounsaturated fatty acid, having from 8 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 12 to 22 carbon atoms.

The monosaturated fatty acid(s) may be present in the (b) plant oil(s) in an amount of 50% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or more, and more preferably 70% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the (b) plant oil(s).

The linear monosaturated fatty acid(s) may be present in the (b) plant oil(s) in an amount of 50% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or more, and more preferably 70% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the (b) plant oil(s).

The (b) plant oil(s) may be present in an amount of 1% by weight or more, preferably 3% by weight or more, and more preferably 5% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition A.

The (b) plant oil(s) may be present in an amount of 60% by weight or less, preferably 40% by weight or less, and more preferably 20% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition A.

The amount of the (b) plant oil(s) in the composition A according to the present invention may be from 1% to 60% by weight, preferably from 3% to 40% by weight, and more preferably from 5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A,

In one embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oil(s) in the composition A may be 3% by weight or more, preferably 5% by weight or more, and more preferably 10% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition A.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oil(s) in the composition A may be 99% by weight or less, preferably 75% by weight or less, and more preferably 50% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition A.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oil(s) in the composition A may be from 3% to 99% by weight, preferably from 5% to 75% by weight, and more preferably from 10% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A.

Composition B

The composition B of the present invention comprises:

(Form)

The composition B used for the present invention may be in any form suitable for topical application, and in particular in the form of an aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic, or oily solution or suspension; a solution or a dispersion of a lotion or serum type; an emulsion, in particular of liquid or semi-liquid consistency, of O/W, W/O or multiple type (if the composition used for the present invention includes at least one oil); a suspension or emulsion of a soft consistency of cream (O/W) or (W/O) type; an aqueous gel; or any other cosmetic form.

The composition B of the present invention is preferably in the form of an emulsion, and more preferably an O/W emulsion.

The composition B used for the present invention may be in any galenical form. For example, the compositions used for the present invention may be in the form of any treatment for hair in general, such as a cream, a lotion, a gel, or the like.

(pH)

The composition B used for the present invention may have a pH of 7 or less, preferably 6 or less, and more preferably 5 or less, which is measured at 25°C.

The composition B used for the present invention may have a pH of 3 or more, which is measured at 25°C.

The composition B used for the present invention may have a pH of from 3 to 7, preferably from 3 to 6, and more preferably from 3 to 5, which is measured at 25°C.

The ingredients of the composition B are described in a detailed manner below.

(c) Glyoxylic Acid and Derivatives Thereof

The composition B according to the present invention comprises (c) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid, glyoxylic acid solvates, glyoxylic acid salts, glyoxylic acid esters, glyoxylic acid amides, and mixtures thereof.

A single type of (c) compound may be used, or two or more different types of (c) compounds may be used in combination.

The (c) compound is selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid, glyoxylic acid solvates, glyoxylic acid salts, glyoxylic acid esters, glyoxylic acid amides, and mixtures thereof. In other words, the (c) compound is selected from glyoxylic acid and derivatives thereof.

As glyoxylic acid solvates, mention may be made of, for example, glyoxylic acid hydrates such as glyoxylic acid monohydrate.

As glyoxylic acid salts, mention may be made of, for example, alkaline metal salts or alkaline earth metal salts of glyoxylic acid such as sodium or potassium glyoxylate, and magnesium or calcium glyoxylate.

As glyoxylic acid esters, mention may be made of, for example, alkyl esters of glyoxylic acid such as methyl glyoxylate and ethyl glyoxylate.

As glyoxylic acid amides, mention may be made of, for example, N-glyoxyloylcarbocysteine and N-glyoxyloyl keratin amino acids.

It is preferable to use glyoxylic acid as the (c) compound.

The amount of the (c) compound(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (c) compound(s) in the composition according to the present invention is less than 25% by weight, preferably less than 20% by weight, and more preferably less than 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

Thus, the amount of the (c) compound(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.1% to less than 25% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to less than 20% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to less than 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

In another embodiment, the amount of the (c) compound(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be more than 3% by weight, preferably more than 5% by weight, and more preferably more than 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

Thus, in this embodiment, the amount of the (c) compound(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be more than 3% and less than 25% by weight, preferably more than 5% and less than 20% by weight, and more preferably more than 10% and less than 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

(d) Keto Acid

The composition according to the present invention comprises (d) at least one compound, different from the (c) compound, selected from keto acids, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Two or more (d) compounds may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of (d) compound or a combination of different types of (d) compounds may be used.

The keto acids may be selected from a-keto acids, [3-keto acids, y-keto acids, and mixtures thereof.

The a-keto acids may be compounds represented by the general formula (I):

R¹-C(=O)-COOH (I) wherein

R¹ denotes a linear or branched Cj-Cg alkyl group, optionally substituted with an OH, COOH or a halogen atom such as a chlorine or bromine atom.

The examples of a-keto acids include pyruvic acid.

The β-keto acids may be represented by the general formula (II):

R²-C(=O)-R³-COOH (II) wherein

R² denotes a linear or branched Ci-Cg alkyl group, optionally substituted with an OH, COOH or a halogen atom such as a chlorine or bromine atom; and

R³ denotes a methylene group, optionally substituted with a halogen atom such as a chlorine or bromine atom.

The examples of β-keto acids include acetoacetic acid.

The y-keto acids may be represented by the general formula (III):

R²-C(=O)-R⁴-COOH (III) wherein

R² denotes a linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl group, optionally substituted with an OH, COOH or a halogen atom such as a chlorine or bromine atom; and

R⁴ denotes an ethylene group, optionally substituted with a halogen atom such as a chlorine or bromine atom.

The examples of y-keto acids include levulinic acid.

The salts of keto acid may be alkaline metal salts or alkaline earth metal salts of keto acid such as sodium or potassium salts of keto acid, and magnesium or calcium salts of keto acid.

It is preferable to use, as the (d) compound(s), "/-keto acid, and more preferably levulinic acid and/or a salt thereof such as sodium levulinate.

The amount of the (d) compound(s) in the composition B of the present invention may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

The amount of the (d) compound(s) in the composition B of the present invention is 10% by weight or less, preferably 8% by weight or less, and more preferably 6% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

Thus, the amount of the (d) compound(s) in the composition B of the present invention may be from 0.1% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 8% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

In one embodiment, the amount of the (d) compound(s) in the composition B of the present invention may be 5% by weight or less, preferably 4% by weight or less, and more preferably 3% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

Thus, in this embodiment, the amount of the (d) compound(s) in the composition B of the present invention may be from 0.1% to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 4% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the amount of the (d) compound(s) in the composition B of the present invention may be from 0.5% to 10% by weight, preferably from 1% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 2% to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the (c) compound(s) is (are) present in a less amount than the (b) compound(s) in the composition B. For example, the weight ratio of the (b) compound(s) to the (c) compound(s) included in the composition B may range from 1 :1 to 10:1, preferably from 1.5:1 to 7:1, and more preferably from 2:1 to 5:1.

(Other Optional Ingredients)

- Water

The compositions A and B according to the present invention may comprise water, respectively.

Thus, if each of the compositions A and B according to the present invention comprises water, the compositions according to the present invention are not anhydrous.

The amount of water in the each of compositions A and B according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or more, preferably 30% by weight or more, and more preferably 40% by weight or more relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

On the other hand, the amount of water in each of the compositions A and B according to the present invention may be 95% by weight or less, preferably 90% by weight or less, and more preferably 85% by weight or less relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

The amount of water in each of the compositions according to the present invention may be from 20% to 95% by weight, preferably from 30% to 90% by weight, and more preferably from 40% to 85% by weight relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

- Alkaline Agent

Each of the compositions A and B according to the present invention may or may not comprise at least one alkaline agent. Two or more alkaline agents may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of alkaline agent or a combination of different types of alkaline agents may be used.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition A does not comprise any alkaline agent, while the composition B comprises at least one alkaline agent.

The alkaline agent may be an inorganic alkaline agent. It is preferable that the alkaline agent be non-volatile. It is preferable that the inorganic alkaline agent be selected from the group consisting of alkaline metal hydroxides; alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and alkaline metal phosphates and monohydrogen phosphates such as sodium phosphate or sodium monohydrogen phosphate.

As examples of the inorganic alkaline metal hydroxides, mention may be made of sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. As examples of the alkaline earth metal hydroxides, mention may be made of calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. As the inorganic alkaline agent, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are preferable.

The alkaline agent may be an organic alkaline agent. It is preferable that the organic alkaline agent be selected from the group consisting of monoamines and diamines.

As examples of the monoamines, mention may be made of alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and tri-ethanolamine, comprising 1 to 3 hydroxyalkyl (C1-C4) groups. Particularly, alkanolamines may be selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl- 1 -propanol, triisopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-m ethyl- 1,3 -propanediol, 3 -amino- 1,2- propanediol, 3 -dimethylamino- 1,2-propanediol, and tris(hydroxymethylamino)methane.

The diamines may be described by the structure (B) below:

wherein W denotes an alkylene such as propylene optionally substituted by a hydroxyl or a C1-C4 alkyl radical, and R_a, Rb, Rc and Rd independently denote a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical or a C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl radical, which may be exemplified by 1,3 -propanediamine and derivatives thereof.

The amount of the alkaline agent(s) in each of the compositions A and B according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

On the other hand, the amount of the alkaline agent(s) in each of the compositions A and B according to the present invention may be 15% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or less, and more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

Thus, the amount of the alkaline agent(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

- Oil

Each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may or may not comprise at least one oil other than the (b) plant oil. Two or more oils may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of oil or a combination of different types of oils may be used.

In one embodiment, each of the compositions A and B of the present invention comprise at least one oil other than the (b) plant oil.

Here, “oil” means a fatty compound or substance which is in the form of a liquid or a paste or a solid at room temperature (25°C) under atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). As the (g) oil(s), those generally used in cosmetics can be used alone or in combination. These oils may be volatile or non-volatile.

The oil may be a non-polar oil such as a hydrocarbon oil, or the like; a polar oil such as an animal oil and an ester oil or an ether oil; or a mixture thereof.

The oil may be selected from the group consisting of oils of animal origin, synthetic oils, and hydrocarbon oils.

As examples of synthetic oils, mention may be made of alkane oils such as isododecane and isohexadecane, ester oils, ether oils, and artificial triglycerides.

The ester oils are preferably liquid esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Ci- C26 aliphatic monoacids or polyacids and of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Ci- C26 aliphatic monoalcohols or polyalcohols, the total number of carbon atoms of the esters being greater than or equal to 10,

Preferably, for the esters of monoalcohols, at least one from among the alcohol and the acid from which the esters of the present invention are derived is branched.

Among the monoesters of monoacids and of monoalcohols, mention may be made of ethyl palmitate, ethyl hexyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, dicaprylyl carbonate, alkyl myristates such as isopropyl myristate or ethyl myristate, cetyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl isononanoate, isononyl isononanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate and isostearyl neopentanoate.

Esters of C4-C22 dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of C1-C22 alcohols, and esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of non-sugar C4-C26 dihydroxy, trihydroxy, tetrahydroxy or pentahydroxy alcohols may also be used.

Mention may especially be made of: diethyl sebacate; isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate; diisopropyl sebacate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate; diisopropyl adipate; di-n-propyl adipate; dioctyl adipate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate; diisostearyl adipate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) maleate; triisopropyl citrate; triisocetyl citrate; triisostearyl citrate; glyceryl trilactate; glyceryl trioctanoate; trioctyldodecyl citrate; trioleyl citrate; neopentyl glycol diheptanoate; and diethylene glycol diisononanoate.

As ester oils, one can use sugar esters and diesters of C6-C30 and preferably C12-C22 fatty acids. It is recalled that the term “sugar” means oxygen-bearing hydrocarbon-based compounds containing several alcohol functions, with or without aldehyde or ketone functions, and which comprise at least 4 carbon atoms. These sugars may be monosaccharides, oligosaccharides or polysaccharides.

Examples of suitable sugars that may be mentioned include sucrose (or saccharose), glucose, galactose, ribose, fucose, maltose, fructose, mannose, arabinose, xylose and lactose, and derivatives thereof, especially alkyl derivatives, such as methyl derivatives, for instance methylglucose.

The sugar esters of fatty acids may be chosen especially from the group comprising the esters or mixtures of esters of sugars described previously and of linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C6-C30 and preferably C12-C22 fatty acids. If they are unsaturated, these compounds may have one to three conjugated or non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds.

The esters according to this variant may also be selected from monoesters, diesters, triesters, tetraesters and polyesters, and mixtures thereof.

These esters may be, for example, oleates, laurates, palmitates, myristates, behenates, cocoates, stearates, linoleates, linolenates, caprates and arachidonates, or mixtures thereof such as, especially, oleopalmitate, oleostearate and palmito stearate mixed esters, as well as pentaerythrityl tetraethyl hexanoate.

More particularly, use is made of monoesters and diesters and especially sucrose, glucose or methylglucose monooleates or dioleates, stearates, behenates, oleopalmitates, linoleates, linolenates and oleostearates. An example that may be mentioned is the product sold under the name Glucate® DO by the company Amerchol, which is a methylglucose dioleate.

As examples of preferable ester oils, mention may be made of, for example, diisopropyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, 2-ethylhexyl hexanoate, ethyl laurate, cetyl octanoate, octyldodecyl octanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate, myristyl propionate, 2-ethylhexyl 2-ethylhexanoate, 2- ethylhexyl octanoate, 2-ethylhexyl caprylate/caprate, methyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, dicaprylyl carbonate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, isononyl isononanoate, ethylhexyl palmitate, isohexyl laurate, hexyl laurate, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, isodecyl oleate, glyceryl tri(2-ethylhexanoate), pentaerythrithyl tetra(2-ethylhexanoate), 2-ethylhexyl succinate, diethyl sebacate, and mixtures thereof.

As examples of artificial triglycerides, mention may be made of, for example, capryl caprylyl glycerides, glyceryl trimyristate, glyceryl tripalmitate, glyceryl trilinolenate, glyceryl trilaurate, glyceryl tricaprate, glyceryl tricaprylate, glyceryl tri(caprate/caprylate) and glyceryl tri (caprate/ capryl ate/linolenate) .

Hydrocarbon oils may be chosen from: linear or branched, optionally cyclic, C₆-C₁₆ lower alkanes. Examples that may be mentioned include hexane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, and isoparaffins, for instance isohexadecane, isododecane and isodecane; and linear or branched hydrocarbons containing more than 16 carbon atoms, such as liquid paraffins, liquid petroleum jelly, polydecenes and hydrogenated polyisobutenes such as Parleam®, and squalane.

As preferable examples of hydrocarbon oils, mention may be made of, for example, linear or branched hydrocarbons such as isohexadecane, isododecane, squalane, mineral oil (e.g., liquid paraffin), paraffin, vaseline or petrolatum, naphthalenes, and the like; hydrogenated polyisobutene, isoeicosan, and decene/butene copolymers; and mixtures thereof.

It is preferable that the oil be chosen from polar oils, more preferably ester oils, and even more preferably monoester oils.

The amount of the oil(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

On the other hand, the amount of the oil(s) in each of the compositions A and B of according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

Thus, the amount of the oil(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be from 0.1% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

- Fatty Alcohol

Each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may or may not comprise at least one fatty alcohol. A single type of fatty alcohol may be used, or two or more different types of fatty alcohols may be used in combination.

In one embodiment, the compositions B of the present invention comprises at least one fatty alcohol, but the composition A does not comprise the fatty alcohol.

The term “fatty” here means the inclusion of a relatively large number of carbon atoms. Thus, alcohols which have 6 or more, preferably 8 or more, and more preferably 10 or more carbon atoms are encompassed within the scope of fatty alcohols. The fatty alcohols may be saturated or unsaturated. The fatty alcohol may be linear or branched. Two or more fatty alcohols may be used in combination.

The fatty alcohol may have the structure R-OH wherein R is chosen from saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched radicals containing from 8 to 40 carbon atoms, for example from 8 to 30 carbon atoms. In at least one embodiment, R is chosen from C12-C24 alkyl and C12-C24 alkenyl groups. R may be or may not be substituted with at least one hydroxyl group.

Non-limiting examples of the (h) fatty alcohols that may be mentioned include lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, undecylenyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, arachidonyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and a mixture thereof.

Examples of suitable fatty alcohols include, but are not limited to, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, and a mixture thereof.

The fatty alcohol may represent a mixture of fatty alcohols, which means that several species of fatty alcohols may coexist, in the form of a mixture, in a commercial product.

According to at least one embodiment, the fatty alcohol used in the composition according to the present invention is chosen from a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol (cetearyl alcohol).

It is preferable that the (h) fatty alcohol be selected from the group consisting of cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol.

The amount of the fatty alcohol(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be 0.5% by weight or more, preferably 1% by weight or more, and more preferably 2% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

On the other hand, the amount of the fatty alcohol(s) in each of the compositions A and B of according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

Thus, the amount of the fatty alcohol(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be from 0.5% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 2% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions. - Nonionic Surfactant

Each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may or may not comprise at least one nonionic surfactant. A single type of nonionic surfactant may be used, or two or more different types of nonionic surfactants may be used in combination.

In one embodiment, each of the compositions A and B of the present invention comprises at least one nonionic surfactant.

The nonionic surfactants are compounds well known in and of themselves (see, e.g., in this regard, "Elandbook of Surfactants" by M. R. Porter, Blackie & Son publishers (Glasgow and London), 1991, pp. 116-178). Thus, they can, for example, be chosen from alcohols, alphadiols, alkylphenols, and esters of fatty acids, these compounds being ethoxylated, propoxylated, or glycerolated and having at least one fatty chain comprising, for example, from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, it being possible for the number of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide groups to range from 2 to 50, and for the number of glycerol groups to range from 1 to 30. Maltose derivatives may also be mentioned. Non-limiting mention may also be made of copolymers of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide; condensates of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide with fatty alcohols; polyethoxylated fatty amides comprising, for example, from 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide; polyglycerolated fatty amides comprising, for example, from 1.5 to 5 glycerol groups, such as from 1.5 to 4; ethoxylated fatty acid esters of sorbitan comprising from 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide; ethoxylated oils of plant origin; fatty acid esters of sucrose; fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol; polyethoxylated fatty acid mono or diesters of glycerol (C₆-C₂₄)alkylpolyglycosides; N-(C₆-C₂₄)alkylglucamine derivatives; amine oxides such as (C₁₀-C₁₄)alkyl amine oxides orN-(Cio- Ci4)acylaminopropylmorpholine oxides; silicone surfactants; and mixtures thereof.

The nonionic surfactants may preferably be chosen from monooxyalkylenated, polyoxyalkylenated, monoglycerolated, or polyglycerolated nonionic surfactants. The oxyalkylene units are more particularly oxyethylene or oxypropylene units, or a combination thereof, and are preferably oxyethylene units.

Examples of monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated nonionic surfactants that may be mentioned include: monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated (C₈-C₂₄)alkylphenols, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated CR- C₃₀ alcohols, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated CR- C₃₀ amides, esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, C8-C30 acids and of monoalkyleneglycol or polyalkyleneglycols, monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, C₈-C₃₀ acids, and of sorbitol, saturated or unsaturated, monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated plant oils, and condensates of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide, inter alia, alone or as mixtures.

The surfactants preferably contain a number of moles of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide of between 1 and 100, preferably between 1 and 50, and more preferably between 1 and 20. According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the monooxyalkylenated nonionic surfactants may be chosen from monooxyethylenated fatty alcohol (ether of ethyleneglycol and fatty alcohol), monooxyethylenated fatty ester (ester of ethyleneglycol and fatty acid), and mixtures thereof.

Examples of monooxyalkylenated fatty esters that may be mentioned include glycol distearate.

According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the polyoxyalkylenated nonionic surfactants may be chosen from polyoxyethylenated fatty alcohol (ether of polyethyleneglycol and fatty alcohol), polyoxyethylenated fatty ester (ester of polyethyleneglycol and fatty acid), and mixtures thereof.

Examples of polyoxyethylenated saturated fatty alcohols (or C8-C30 alcohols) that may be mentioned include adducts of ethylene oxide with lauryl alcohol, especially those containing from 2 to 20 oxyethylene units and more particularly those containing from 2 to 10 oxyethylene units (Laureth-2 to Laureth-20, as the CTFA names); adducts of ethylene oxide with behenyl alcohol, especially those containing from 2 to 20 oxyethylene units (Beheneth-2 to Beheneth-20, as the CTFA names); adducts of ethylene oxide with cetearyl alcohol (mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol), especially those containing from 2 to 20 oxyethylene units (Ceteareth-2 to Ceteareth-20, as the CTFA names); adducts of ethylene oxide with cetyl alcohol, especially those containing from 2 to 20 oxyethylene units (Ceteth-2 to Ceteth-20, as the CTFA names); adducts of ethylene oxide with stearyl alcohol, especially those containing from 2 to 20 oxyethylene units (Steareth-2 to Steareth-20, as the CTFA names); adducts of ethylene oxide with isostearyl alcohol, especially those containing from 2 to 20 oxyethylene units (Isosteareth-2 to Isosteareth-20, as the CTFA names); and mixtures thereof.

Examples of polyoxyethylenated unsaturated fatty alcohols (or C8-C30 alcohols) that may be mentioned include adducts of ethylene oxide with oleyl alcohol, especially those containing from 2 to 20 oxyethylene units and more particularly those containing from 2 to 10 oxyethylene units (Oleth-2 to Oleth-20, as the CTFA names); and mixtures thereof.

It is preferable that the nonionic surfactant be selected from monooxyalkylenated, polyoxyalkylenated nonionic surfactants, more preferably polyoxyalkylenated nonionic surfactants, and even more preferably polyoxyethylenated fatty alcohols.

The amount of the nonionic surfactant(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.25% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

On the other hand, the amount of the nonionic surfactant(s) in each of the compositions A and B of according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

Thus, the amount of the nonionic surfactant(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be from 0.1% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.25% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions. - Polyol

Each of the composition A and B of the present invention may or may not comprise at least one polyol, A single type of polyol may be used, or two or more different types of polyols may be used in combination.

In one embodiment, both of the compositions A and B comprise at least one polyol.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “polyol” should be understood as meaning any organic molecule comprising at least two free hydroxyl groups.

The polyol that is suitable for use in the invention may be a compound of linear, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated alkyl type, bearing at least two -OH functions on the alkyl chain.

Preferably, the polyol is a compound of linear or branched, preferably linear alkyl type bearing at least two -OH functions, preferably 2 to 5 -OH functions, more preferably 2 to 4 - OH functions, and even more preferably 2 or 3 -OH functions on the alkyl chain.

The polyols that are advantageously suitable are those especially having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms or for example, 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

The polyols may be chosen from linear or branched, preferably linear polyols having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms; mention may be made especially of:

- diols such as hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, pentylene glycol, propylene glycol and butylene glycol; and

- triols, such as glycerol (glycerin), and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the polyol is selected from linear alkyl type polyols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

The polyol(s) may be present in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention in an amount of 0.5% by weight or more, preferably 1% by weight or more, and more preferably 2% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The polyol(s) may be present in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention in an amount of 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the polyol(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be from 0.5% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 2% to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

- Monoalcohol

Each of the composition A and B of the present invention may or may not comprise at least one monoalcohol. A single type of monoalcohol may be used, or two or more different types of monoalcohols may be used in combination. In one embodiment, both of the compositions A and B of the present invention comprises at least one monoalcohol. The monoalcohol here may be a water-soluble, hydrophilic monoalcohol. For the purpose of the present invention, the term “hydrophilic” here means that a substance is soluble in water at a concentration of at least 1% by weight relative to the total weight of water at room temperature (25°C) and atmospheric pressure (10⁵ Pa). The monoalcohol may be a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated monoalcohol having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, bearing only one hydroxyl (OH) function.

In one embodiment, the monoalcohol may be an aliphatic monoalcohol having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

The term “aliphatic monoalcohol” here means any linear or branched, saturated alkane compound bearing only one hydroxyl (OH) function. The aliphatic monoalcohol(s) may be chosen from ethanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, isobutanol and mixtures thereof.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the monoalcohol can be selected from linear aliphatic monoalcohols having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the monoalcohol(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.2% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.25% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

On the other hand, the amount of the monoalcohol(s) in each of the compositions A and B of according to the present invention may be 25% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less, and more preferably 15% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

Thus, the amount of the monoalcohol(s) in each of the compositions A and B of the present invention may be from 0.1% to 25% by weight, preferably from 0.2% to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 0.25% to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of each of the compositions.

- Optional Ingredients

Each of the compositions A and B according to the present invention may also comprise at least one other optional ingredient, chosen in particular from: viscosity adjusters, such as thickeners; sunscreens; moisturizers; antidandruff agents; antioxidants; antibacterial agents; preservatives; chelating agents; nacreous agents and opacifiers; plasticizers or coalescers; fillers; emulsifiers; polymers, in particular conditioning polymers, such as cationic polymers; fragrances; silanes; crosslinking agents; and surfactants including anionic and amphoteric surfactants. The composition can, of course, comprise several cosmetic ingredients appearing in the above list. The above optional ingredient(s) can be present in normal amounts which can be easily determined by those skilled in the art and which can be, for each ingredient, between 0.01% and 80% by weight in each of the compositions A and B. Those skilled in the art will take care to choose the ingredients included in the composition, and also the amounts thereof, such that they do not harm the properties of the compositions used for the present invention.

- Ammonia and Thiol Compound

It is preferable that the process according to the present invention does not include an application of ammonia or a thiol compound onto the keratin fibers. Thus, it is preferable that each of the compositions A and B be free of ammonia or a thiol compound. The term “free of ammonia or a thiol compound” means that the composition according to the present invention does not include a substantial amount of ammonia or a thiol compound.

In one embodiment, each of the compositions A and B of the present invention includes 1% by weight or less, more preferably 0.5% by weight or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by weight or less of ammonia or a thiol compound, in particular no ammonia or a thiol compound.

Due to the use of a very small amount or the absence of ammonia and/or a thiol compound, malodor during the process according to the present invention can be reduced or prevented.

The thiol compound here means a compound which has at least one thiol (-SH) group.

The thiol compound may be a reducing agent. The thiol reducing agent may be chosen from the group consisting of thioglycolic acid and derivatives thereof, in particular esters thereof such as glycerol or glycol monothioglycolate; thiolactic acid and derivatives thereof, in particular esters thereof such as glycerol monothiolactate; 3 -mercaptopropionic acid and derivatives thereof, in particular esters thereof such as glycerol 3 -mercaptopropionate and ethyleneglycol 3 -mercaptopropionate; cysteamine and derivatives thereof, in particular C1-C4 acyl derivatives thereof such as N-acetylcysteamine and N-propionylcysteamine; mono- thioglycerol and derivatives thereof, in particular esters; cysteine and derivatives thereof, in particular esters such as N-acetylcysteine, N-alkanoylcysteine and cysteine alkyl esters; thioglycerine and derivatives thereof, in particular s-alkyl derivatives; and salts thereof.

As the above salts, mention may be made of, for example, ammonium salts; primary-, secondary- or tertiary-amine salts; alkaline metal salts; and alkaline earth metal salts. As the primary-, secondary- or tertiary-amine, for example, monoethanolamine, di-isopropanolamine or triethanolamine, respectively, may be mentioned.

Other examples of the thiol reducing agent include, but are not limited to, sugar N-mercapto alkyl amides such as N-(mercapto-2-ethyl)gluconamide, P-mercaptopropionic acid and derivatives thereof; thiomalic acid; pantheteine; N-(mercaptoalkyl)ω-hydroxyalkyl amides such as those described in European Patent Application No. 0 354 835 and N-mono- or N,N- dialkylmercapto 4-butyramides such as those described in European Patent Application No. 0 368 763; aminomercapto alkyl amides such as those described in European Patent Application No. 0 432 000 and alkylaminomercaptoalkylamides such as those described in European Patent Application No. 0 514 282; (2/3) hydroxy-2 propyl thioglycolate; and the hydroxy-2 methyl- 1 ethyl thioglycolate-based mixture (67/33) described in French Patent Application No. 2 679 448.

- Reducing Agent and Oxidizing Agent

It is preferable that the process according to the present invention does not include an application of a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent onto the keratin fibers. Thus, it is preferable that each of the compositions A and B be free of a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent. The term “free of a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent” means that a composition does not include a substantial amount of a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent.

In one embodiment, each of the compositions A and B of the present invention includes 1% by weight or less, more preferably 0.5% by weight or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by weight or less of a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent, in particular no reducing agent or no oxidizing agent.

The reducing agent may be a thiol reducing agent or a non-thiol reducing agent. The thiol reducing agent is as described above.

The non-thiol reducing agent here means a reducing agent with no thiol group. The non- thiol reducing agent may be chosen from the group consisting of sulfites, bisulfites, sulfinates, phosphines, sugars, reductones and hydrides. The non-thiol reducing agent may be selected from ammonium sulfites and bisulfites as well as metal sulfites and bisulfites, more preferably alkali metal or alkali earth metal sulfites and bisulfites, and more preferably sodium sulfites and bisulfites.

The oxidizing agent may be chosen from hydrogen peroxide, alkali metal bromates, ferricyanides peroxygenated salts, and compounds capable of producing hydrogen peroxide by hydrolysis. For example, the oxidizing agent can be chosen from aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, urea peroxide, alkali metal bromates and persalts such as perborates and persulphates.

{Optional Step (iv)}

The process according to the present invention may or may not comprise additional step (iv) for applying at least one treatment composition other than the composition A and the composition B onto the keratin fibers. The treatment composition will be described in detail later.

The application of the treatment composition may be performed by any means, such as a brush and a comb.

The process according to the present invention may comprise the step (iv) after both of the compositions A and B are applied and before the step (iii) if present. Thus, the process according to the present invention may comprise the step (iv) after both of the steps (i) and (ii) are finished and before the step (iii) if present.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the process according to the present invention comprises step (i), step (ii), step (iv), and step (iii) in this order.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the process according to the present invention comprises step (ii), step (i), step (iv), and step (iii) in this order.

The process according to the present invention may comprise an optional step of rinsing off the keratin fibers with or without drying the keratin fibers just before and/or after the step (iv).

It may be possible that, after the application of the treatment composition, the keratin fibers be left as they are for a certain amount of time; typically from 1 minute to 1 hour, preferably from 2 to 30 minutes, and more preferably from 3 to 10 minutes, if necessary, in order to let the composition penetrate into the keratin fibers.

The applied amount of the treatment composition onto the keratin fibers is not particularly limited, but in general ranges from 0.01 g to 0,5 g relative to 1 g of the keratin fibers.

The process according to the present invention may comprise the step (iv) one time, or may comprise the step (iv) twice or more. In one preferred embodiment, the process according to the present invention may comprise the step (iv) twice.

When the process comprises step (iv) twice or more, each step (iv) can include application of the same or different treatment compositions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the process comprises step (iv) twice, and each step (iv) includes the application of a different composition onto the keratin fibers.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the process according to the present invention does not comprise a rinsing step after the step (iv). In this embodiment, the treatment composition used in the step (iv) can be a leave-on type cosmetic composition.

(Treatment Composition)

The form of the treatment composition which can be used for the present invention may be in any form suitable for topical application, and in particular in the form of an aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic, or oily solution or suspension; a solution or a dispersion of a lotion or serum type; an emulsion, in particular of liquid or semi-liquid consistency, of O/W, W/O or multiple type (if the composition used for the present invention includes at least one oil); a suspension or emulsion of a soft consistency of cream (O/W) or (W/O) type; an aqueous gel; or any other cosmetic form.

The treatment compositions which can be used for the present invention may have a pH of from 3 to 8, preferably from 3 to 7 at 25 °C.

The formulations of the treatment compositions are not particularly limited, and compositions for keratin fibers commonly used in the cosmetic field can be employed. In one embodiment, the treatment composition can be a hair care composition.

For example, the treatment composition may or may not include at least one silicone and/or at least one polyol.

The silicone which can be included in the treatment composition is the same as the (a) silicone explained above, and the same explanations can be applied. Preferably, the treatment composition comprises at least one amino-modified silicone.

The polyol which can be included in the treatment composition is the same as the polyol explained above, and the same explanations can be applied.

The amount of the silicone(s) in the treatment composition may be from 1% to 30% by weight, preferably from 3% to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the treatment composition.

Preferably, the treatment composition comprises at least one polyol selected from diols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and caprylyl glycol and other polyols such as glycerol.

The amount of the polyol(s) in the treatment composition may be from 0.1% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the treatment composition.

The treatment composition may comprise water. In this embodiment, the treatment composition is not anhydrous.

The amount of water in the treatment composition may be from 40% to 95% by weight, preferably from 50% to 95% by weight, and more preferably from 60% to 90% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[Kit]

The present invention also relates to a kit for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, comprising the combination of the composition A and the composition B of the present invention.

Thus, the present invention also relates to a kit for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, comprising: a composition A comprising:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil, and a composition B comprising:

In the kit according to the present invention, the composition A and the composition B can be provided separately, for example, in different containers.

The kit according to the present invention may further comprise at least one heater, such as an iron or a curler, which is capable of providing the keratin fibers with a temperature of more than 50°C, preferably more than 100°C, and more preferably more than 150°C.

The heater in the kit is not limited as long as it can heat keratin fibers at a temperature of more than 50°C, preferably more than 100°C, and more preferably more than 150°C. This temperature may be less than 250°C, preferably less than 240°C, and more preferably less than 230°C. Thus, this temperature may be more than 50°C and less than 250°C, preferably more than 100°C and less than 240°C, and more preferably more than 150°C and less than 230°C.

Any conventional iron or curler, including any conventional heating iron or heating curler, may be used as the above iron or curler in the kit according to the present invention.

It is preferable that the heater be a heating iron or a curler as explained in the section titled [Process] above. Also, the details of the composition used in the kit according to the present invention are explained in the section titled [Process] above.

[Use]

The present invention may relate to a use of the combination of the composition A and the composition B of the present invention, for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair.

Thus, the present invention also relates to a use of a combination of a composition A and the composition B, for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, wherein the composition A comprises:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil, and the composition B comprises:

In particular, the present invention relates to a use of the composition A as a pre-treatment agent or a post-treatment agent for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers with the composition B, wherein: the composition A comprises:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil, and the composition B comprises:

The use of the present invention can be performed with heating the keratin fiber, preferably hair. In the use of the present invention, the heating can be provided after the compositions A and B are applied onto the keratin fiber.

The heating is not limited as long as it can heat keratin fibers at a temperature of more than 50°C, preferably more than 100°C, and more preferably more than 150°C. This temperature may be less than 250°C, preferably less than 240°C, and more preferably less than 230°C. Thus, this temperature may be more than 5O°C and less than 250°C, preferably more than 1OO°C and less than 240°C, and more preferably more than 150°C and less than 230°C.

The details of the compositions for the use according to the present invention are explained in the section titled [Process] above.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described in a more detailed manner by way of examples. However, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[Preparation]

Compositions A and A’ and Composition B were prepared by mixing the ingredients shown in Tables 1 and 2. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients are all based on “% by weight” as raw materials.

Table 1

AM: Active Material

(1) sold by the company Wacker under the name Belsil ADM LOG 1 (containing 15% active material ).

Table 2

(2) sold by the company BASF under the name DEHYQUART F 30 (containing 30% active material).

(3) sold by the company WEYLCHEM under the name GLYOXO-HIGH PURE 50 (containing 50% active material).

(4) sold by the company DR STRAETMANS (EVONIK) under the name DERMOSOFT 700 B (containing 60% active material).

Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1-7

Example 1

1 g of hair swatch of Brazilian curled hair (type IV) in a length of 27 cm was shampooed with 0.5 g of a plain shampoo. The formulation of the plain shampoo is shown in Table 3 below. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients are all based on “% by weight” as raw materials. The hair swatch was rinsed off thoroughly with tap water.

Table 3

The composition A was applied in an amount of 0.2 g onto the wet hair swatch as a pretreatment (Step (i)).

Then, without rinsing, the composition B was applied in an amount of 0.6 g onto the hair swatch (Step (ii)). The hair swatch was left for 10 minutes at room temperature (25°C). The hair swatch was then rinsed off thoroughly with tap water, followed by blow-drying with a hair dryer until the hair swatch was dried.

The hair swatch was subjected to straightening by 3 strokes with a hair straightening iron (ADST Premium DS2, Hakko Limited, Japan) at 180°C for 4 seconds/stroke (Step (iii)).

Comparative Example 1

The hair swatch, which was the same as that used in Example 1, was shampooed with 0.5 g of a plain shampoo according to Example 1. The formulation of the plain shampoo was the same as used in Example 1. Then, no treatments was applied on the hair swatch according to Comparative Example 1. Thus, none of steps (i) to (iii) were conducted in this process.

Comparative Example 2

A sample according to Comparative Example 2 was prepared by shampooed with 0.5 g of a plain shampoo according to example 1 , then the hair swatch was blow dried with a hair dryer until the hair swatch was dried. Then, the hair swatch was subjected to straightening without any treatments with the hair straightening iron. The straightening process was the same as that of Example 1. Thus, only step (iii) was conducted in this process.

Comparative Example 3

A sample according to Comparative Example 3 was prepared in the same manner as Example 1 , but a pre-treatment by Composition A was not carried out. Thus, step (i) was not conducted in this process.

Comparative Example 4

A sample according to Comparative Example 4 was prepared in the same manner as Example 1 , Composition A’ was used instead of Composition A in the pre-treatment step. Thus, step (i) of the present invention using the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oils(s) was not conducted in this process.

Example 2

A sample according to Example 2 was prepared in the same manner as Example 1 , a hair swatch of Chinese curled hair (type III) was used instead of the hair swatch of Brazilian curled hair (type IV).

Example 3

Example 2 was repeated, but after Composition B was rinsed off with tap water, 0.25 g of a hair care composition Y was applied onto the hair swatch. The hair swatch was left for 5 minutes at room temperature (25 °C), followed by rinsing off thoroughly with tap water.

Then, 0.03 g of a hair care composition Z was applied onto the hair swatch. Then the hair swatch was blow-dried and was subjected to straightening in the same manner as Example 1.

Thus, the process according to Example 3 included additional step (iv). The formulations of the hair care compositions Y and Z are shown in Tables 4 and 5 below, respectively. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients are all based on “% by weight” as raw materials.

Table 4

(5) sold by the company Wacker under the name Belsil ADM LOG 1 (containing 15% active material ).

(6) sold by the company Wacker under the name Belsil ADM 4000 E (containing 57% active material).

Table 5

(7) sold by the company ADEKA under the name ADEKANOL GT-730 (containing 30% active material). (8) sold by the company SHIN ETSU under the name X-22-9686 (containing

55% active material).

Comparative Example 5 Example 2 was repeated, but the step (i) was not conducted in this process.

Comparative Example 6

Example 2 was repeated, but Composition A’ was used instead of Composition A in the pretreatment step. Thus, the step (i) of the present invention using the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oils(s) was not conducted in this process.

Comparative Example 7

Example 3 was repeated, but Composition A’ was used instead of Composition A in the pretreatment step. Thus, the step (i) of the present invention using the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oils(s) was not conducted in this process.

The processes according to Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1-7 are summarized in Table 6. As explained above, in these examples, the steps (i), (ii), (iv), and (iii) were carried out in this order, if present.

Table 6

Examples 4 and 5 and Comparative Examples 8 and 9

Example 4

1 g of hair swatch of Chinese curled hair (type III) in a length of 27 cm was shampooed with 0.5 g of a plain shampoo. The formulation of the plain shampoo was the same as used in Example 1.

The composition B was applied in an amount of 0.6 g onto the wet hair swatch as a pretreatment (Step (ii)).

The hair swatch was left for 10 minutes at room temperature (25 °C), followed by rinsing off thoroughly with tap water.

The composition A was applied in an amount of 0.2 g onto the hair swatch (Step (i)) as a post treatment.

The hair swatch was then rinsed off thoroughly with tap water again, followed by blow-drying with a hair dryer until the hair swatch was dried. The hair swatch was subjected to straightening by 3 strokes with a hair straightening iron (ADST Premium DS2, Hakko Limited, Japan) at 180°C for 4 seconds/stroke (Step (iii)).

Example 5

Example 4 was repeated, but after Composition A was then rinsed off with tap water, 0.25 g of a hair care composition Y was applied onto the hair swatch. The hair swatch was left for 10 minutes at room temperature (25°C), followed by rinsing off thoroughly with tap water, Then, 0.003 g of a hair care composition Z was applied onto the hair swatch. The hair swatch was left for 10 minutes at room temperature (25°C). Then the hair swatch was blow- dried and was subjected to straightening in the same manner as Example 1.

Thus, the process according to Example 4 included additional step (iv).

The formulations of the hair care compositions Y and Z were the same as those used in Example 3, shown in Tables 4 and 5 above, respectively.

Comparative Example 8

Example 4 was repeated, but Composition A’ was used instead of Composition A in the posttreatment step. Thus, the step (i) of the present invention using the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oils(s) was not conducted in this process.

Comparative Example 9

Example 5 was repeated, but Composition A’ was used instead of Composition A in the posttreatment step. Thus, the step (i) of the present invention using the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oils(s) was not conducted in this process.

The processes according to Examples 4 and 5 and Comparative Examples 8 and 9 are summarized in Table 7. As explained above, in these examples, the steps (ii), (i), (iv), and (iii) were carried out in this order, if present.

Table 7

[Evaluation]

(Straightening Effect)

After each of the treated hair swatches was kept at room temperature (25°C) for three hours, the straightening level of the treated hair swatch was evaluated visually based on three aspects of "straightening performance", "frizz level", and "volume" under the following criteria. 5: Excellent

4: Good

3: Fair

2: Poor

1 : Very Poor

(Sensory Assessment)

The treated hair swatches were evaluated with respect to "ease of combing" and "ease of application of hair iron" in accordance with the following criteria.

- Easy to comb

The hair swatch treated in each of the processes was combed by a trained person and the combing resistance was evaluated under the following criteria.

4: Combing through can be done with near no friction feeling

3 : Combing through is easy with low friction

2: Combing through demands effort, friction is very high

1 : Impossible to comb through

- Ease of application of hair iron

In the step (iii) of each of the processes, the iron sliding resistance in the application of the hair iron was evaluated by a trained person under the following criteria.

4: Ironing is smooth without resistance

3 : Ironing is easy to use as usual

2: Ironing demands effort, iron gets stuck at the tips

1 : Uniformly ironing is very hard, iron gets stuck frequently

The results are shown in Table 8 below.

It is clear that the processes according to the examples, which include the steps (i) and (ii), optionally (iii) provided a better straightening effect compared to the processes according to the comparative examples, which do not include all of the steps (i) and (ii), optionally (iii).

Furthermore, the processes according to the examples could provide keratin fibers with good sensory effects, such as "ease of combing" and "ease of application of hair iron".

Claims

1. A process for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, comprising the steps of:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil,

2. The process according to Claim 1, wherein the (a) silicone is selected from aminomodified silicones.

3. The process according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the (a) silicone(s) in the composition A is from 1% to 60% by weight, preferably from 3% to 40% by weight, and more preferably from 5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A.

4. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plant oil comprises at least one fatty acid.

5. The process according to Claim 4, wherein the fatty acid is selected from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

6. The process according to Claim 4, wherein the fatty acid is selected from saturated fatty acids having from 8 to 28 carbon atoms.

7. The process according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the fatty acid(s) is present in the (b) plant oil(s) in an amount of 50% by weight or more, preferably 65% by weight or more, and more preferably 80% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the (b) plant oil(s).

8. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the (b) plant oil(s) in the composition A is from 1% to 60% by weight, preferably from 3% to 40% by weight, and more preferably from 5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A.

9. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total amount of the (a) silicone(s) and the (b) plant oil(s) in the composition A may be from 3% to 99% by weight, preferably from 5% to 75% by weight, and more preferably from 10% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition A.

10. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the

(c) compound(s) in the composition B is 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1 % by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

11. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the (d) compound is selected from levulinic acid, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof.

12. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the

(d) compound in the composition B is 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition B.

13. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the composition B is 7 or less, preferably 6 or less, and more preferably 5 or less.

14. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the process does not include an application of ammonia or a thiol compound onto the keratin fibers, or an application of a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent onto the keratin fibers.

15. A kit for reshaping, preferably straightening keratin fibers such as hair, comprising: a composition A comprising:

(a) at least one silicone; and

(b) at least one plant oil, and a composition B comprising: