Hair conditioner composition

Abstract

A conditioning composition comprising: (a) a conditioning gel phase comprising a cationic conditioning surfactant and a fatty material; and (b) a mixture of amino acids consisting of (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine and (iii) glycine which results in a surprisingly increase in the denaturation temperature of hair proteins in thermally damaged hair wherein the composition is free of other amino acids.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conditioning composition for hair containing a mixture of amino acids, the use of the conditioning composition for repairing and / or strengthening heat-damaged hair, and a method of treating heat-damaged hair using the composition. Background Technology

[0002] Consumers frequently undergo intensive treatments, conditioning, and styling procedures to help achieve their desired look. These actions introduce chemical modifications to hair keratin proteins, leading to changes in both micro and macroscopic structure, including the loss of proteins and amino acids, and consequently alterations in the physical properties of the hair fibers: these consequences are often perceived by consumers as hair damage.

[0003] Hair is primarily composed of protein, specifically keratin. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can be used to measure the denaturation temperature of the internal hair protein. The higher the temperature required to "melt" the hair protein (i.e., the more energy required), the stronger and more stable the protein structure. A decrease in the denaturation temperature of the internal hair protein is an indicator that the protein has been damaged and that bond (including hydrogen bonds) loss and loss of crystalline molecular structure have occurred. Therefore, an increase in this denaturation temperature is desirable. It indicates enhancement of hair and / or repair of damage through protein bond formation and increased stability, molecular structure, and crystallinity.

[0004] Consumers primarily apply heat to their hair for styling purposes. Heat styling tools, such as hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and heated curlers, are commonly used to achieve a variety of hairstyles. For example, hair dryers quickly dry wet hair after washing by blowing hot air directly onto it. Straighteners, also known as irons, achieve smooth, straight hair by applying heated flat plates to the hair shaft, while curling irons (also known as curling sticks or wands) create curls or waves by wrapping sections of hair around heated cylinders. Heated curlers add volume and fluffiness to hair by wrapping sections of hair around heated rollers and then allowing them to cool and set. Heat can be used to hold certain hairstyles, such as updos or braids, in place. Finally, some hair products can be activated by heat to enhance or trigger their effects.

[0005] However, repeated or excessive use of heat can damage hair, leading to problems such as split ends, breakage, and dryness.

[0006] The degree of damage can be measured by the magnitude of the decrease in denaturation temperature after a destructive treatment. Conversely, the degree of repair or enhancement can be indicated by the magnitude of the increase in denaturation temperature caused by a treatment designed for this purpose. Known treatments involve addressing hair damage caused by chemical hair treatments and may involve the use of amino acids. WO 2018 / 065237 and WO 2018 / 065248 disclose the use of glutamic acid with proline and aniline to provide improved damage repair, as demonstrated by the increase in denaturation temperature of bleached hair. WO 00 / 51556 discloses a hair care composition comprising four or more amino acids, wherein each amino acid is selected from a different group of amino acids. This composition is intended to treat hair subjected to various forms of aggression that can cause weakening and damage. KR2019 0041626 discloses a composition comprising an amino acid complex, said amino acid complex comprising, in 0.3 to 5 parts by weight, one or more of lysine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, alanine, methionine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, or cysteine. The composition can be applied to hair prior to perming.

[0007] However, we found that not all amino acids are lost or recovered to the same extent due to damage. Furthermore, the amount of lost amino acids varies depending on the type of damage; heat damage particularly leads to the loss of cysteine, histidine, and glycine.

[0008] There is still a need for more effective treatments for hair, especially heat-damaged hair, which can provide strengthening benefits such as repair or enhancement during daily hair care.

[0009] We have now discovered that a specific mixture of amino acids in conditioning agents—namely, a mixture of cysteine, histidine, and glycine—can advantageously increase the denaturation temperature of heat-damaged hair. Surprisingly, the conditioning agent carrier is crucial for achieving this successful increase in denaturation temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides a conditioning composition comprising: (1) Conditioning the gel phase, which includes: (a) Cationic conditioning surfactants; and (b) fatty materials; and (2) A mixture of amino acids, the mixture being composed of (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine and (iii) glycine; The composition does not contain other amino acids.

[0011] A second aspect of the invention provides a method for treating heat-damaged hair, comprising the step of applying a composition of the first aspect to the hair. This method results in an increase in the denaturation temperature of the proteins within the hair. The denaturation temperature is increased compared to the same composition which does not contain a mixture of amino acids consisting of (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine, and (iii) glycine.

[0012] Preferably, the method further includes the additional step of rinsing the composition off the hair.

[0013] The method preferably includes the additional step of leaving the composition on the hair for 2 seconds to 20 minutes, preferably 10 seconds to 3 minutes, most preferably 20 seconds to 1 minute, and then rinsing the composition off the hair.

[0014] Preferably, the method further includes the step of repeatedly applying the composition to the hair. Preferably, the step of applying the composition to the hair is repeated during subsequent treatments, and repeated 1 to 10 times. This provides a gradual increase in the denaturation temperature of the proteins inside the hair.

[0015] In the context of this invention, virgin hair refers to hair that has not undergone intensive physical and / or chemical treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, perming, reduction treatment, heat treatment, and strong / prolonged exposure to solar radiation; it also refers to hair that does not exhibit damaged hair characteristics such as split ends and / or excessive dryness and / or increased surface friction compared to hair that has undergone low-level damage. Virgin hair includes hair that has undergone low-level damage during its natural hair life cycle. Sources of low-level damage may include, but are not limited to, washing, brushing, combing, and natural processes such as limited photodegradation by sunlight. That is, no intensive physical and / or chemical treatments have been applied.

[0016] A third aspect of the invention provides the use of a mixture of cysteine, histidine, and glycine for increasing the denaturation temperature of proteins within heat-damaged hair. Preferably, the composition of the first aspect contains a mixture of cysteine, histidine, and glycine. The denaturation temperature is increased compared to the same composition which does not contain a mixture of amino acids consisting of (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine, and (iii) glycine.

[0017] Heat damage to hair stems from the use of heat styling. The application of heat causes damage to hair proteins. Preferred tools for heat styling include hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons / curling sticks, and heated curling irons. Invention Details The compositions according to the invention are preferably formulated as conditioning agents for treating hair (typically after shampooing) and subsequent rinsing.

[0019] Each amino acid can be added individually or at the same stage during the preparation of the composition according to the invention, for example, as a premix. Alternatively, two or three amino acids can be premixed before addition. They can be added, for example, as a dispersion in water or in combination with flavoring oils.

[0020] General description of the invention Amino acids (2) The amino acids used in the compositions of the present invention are (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine, and (iii) glycine. The compositions do not contain any other amino acids; they do not contain any amino acids other than mixture (2).

[0021] Amino acid mixtures are preferably used in solution or emulsion form. They can be dissolved or dispersed in suitable solvents or carriers.

[0022] The amount of the amino acid mixture in the hair composition is preferably 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition, more preferably 0.2% to 5% by weight, and most preferably 0.25% to 2% by weight.

[0023] The preferred weight ratio of cysteine:histidine:glycine is 2:1:1 to 1:2:1 to 1:1:2, more preferably 1:1:1.

[0024] Amino acids, including cysteine, histidine, and glycine, can be obtained from many suppliers, such as KusumaPharma and Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

[0025] Conditioner Composition Preferably, the treatment composition is selected from rins-off hair conditioners, hair masks, leave-in conditioner compositions, and pretreatment compositions; more preferably, it is selected from rins-off hair conditioners, hair masks, leave-in conditioner compositions, and pretreatment compositions, such as oil-based treatments; and most preferably, it is selected from rins-off hair conditioners, hair masks, and leave-in conditioner compositions. The treatment composition is preferably selected from rins-off hair conditioners and leave-in conditioners.

[0026] The rinse-off conditioner used in this invention is a conditioner that is typically left on wet hair for 1 to 2 minutes before being rinsed off.

[0027] The hair mask used in this invention is typically left on the hair for 3 to 10 minutes, preferably 3 to 5 minutes, and more preferably 4 to 5 minutes, before rinsing it off.

[0028] The leave-in conditioner used in this invention is typically applied to the hair and left on for more than 10 minutes, and preferably applied to the hair after shampooing and not rinsed off until the next shampoo.

[0029] The conditioning base contains cationic conditioning surfactants and fatty alcohols.

[0030] The compositions of the present invention comprise one or more conditioning surfactants that are cosmetically acceptable and suitable for topical application to hair.

[0031] Suitable conditioning surfactants are selected from cationic surfactants, used alone or in combination. Examples include quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants corresponding to the following general formula: [N(R 1 (R) 2 (R) 3 (R) 4 )]+(X) - Where R 1 R 2 R 3 and R 4 Each is independently selected from (a) an aliphatic group having 16-22 carbon atoms, or (b) an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyethylene, alkylamide, hydroxyalkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl group having a maximum of 22 carbon atoms; X is a salt-forming anion, such as those selected from: halide ions (e.g., chloride ions, bromide ions), acetate ions, citrate ions, lactate ions, glycolate ions, phosphate ions, nitrate ions, sulfate ions, and alkyl sulfate ions, such as methanesulfonate ions.

[0032] The aliphatic group may contain ether bonds and other groups such as amino groups in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms. The aliphatic group may be, for example, those having about 12 or more carbon atoms, and may be saturated or unsaturated.

[0033] Specific examples of the quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants of the above general formula are hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, benzyltrimethylammonium chloride (BTAC), hexadecylpyridinium chloride, tetramethylammonium chloride, tetraethylammonium chloride, octyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, decyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, docosyldimethylammonium chloride, octadecyldimethylammonium chloride, tallow-based trimethylammonium chloride, cocoyltrimethylammonium chloride, dipalmitoylethyldimethylammonium chloride, PEG-2 oleylammonium chloride, and their salts, wherein the chlorine is replaced by other halogens (e.g., bromine), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate, sulfate, or alkyl sulfate.

[0034] In the preferred category of cationic surfactants of the above general formula, R 1 It is a C16-C22 saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain, and R 2 R 3 and R 4 Each is independently selected from CH3 and CH2CH2OH, with CH3 being preferred.

[0035] Specific examples of such preferred quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants are hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), benzyltrimethylammonium chloride (BTAC), and mixtures thereof.

[0036] Preferably, the quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant has a cation selected from hexadecyltrimethylammonium and benzyltrimethylammonium.

[0037] Alternatively, aliphatic primary, secondary, or tertiary amines can be combined with an acid to provide a cationic surfactant suitable for use in this invention. The acid protonates the amine and forms an amine salt in situ within the hair care composition. Thus, the amine is effectively a non-permanent quaternary or pseudo-quaternary cationic surfactant.

[0038] Suitable fatty amines of this type include amide amines of the following general formula: R 1 -C(O)–N(H)-R 2 -N(R 3 (R) 4 ) Where R 1 It is a fatty acid chain containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms, R 2 It is an alkylene group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R 3 and R 4 Each is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0039] Specific examples of materials suitable for the above general formula are stearamide propyl dimethylamine, stearamide propyl diethylamine, stearamide ethyl diethylamine, stearamide ethyl dimethylamine, palmitamide propyl dimethylamine, palmitamide propyl diethylamine, palmitamide ethyl diethylamine, palmitamide ethyl dimethylamine, betaine propyl dimethylamine, betaine propyl diethylamine, betaine ethyl diethylamine, betaine ethyl dimethylamine, arachidonicamidopropyl dimethylamine, arachidonicamidopropyl diethylamine, arachidonicamidoethyl diethylamine, arachidonicamidoethyl dimethylamine, and diethylaminoethyl stearamide.

[0040] Also useful are dimethylstearylamine, dimethyl soybenicillin, soybenicillin, myristylamine, tridecylamine, ethylstearylamine, N-tallowylpropanediamine, ethoxylated (with 5 moles of ethylene oxide) stearylamine, dihydroxyethylstearylamine, and arachidonic benzylamine.

[0041] Stearamide-propyl dimethylamine is particularly preferred.

[0042] The conditioning surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration of 0.1 to 10%, preferably at least 0.5%, more preferably at least 1%, even more preferably at least 2%, even more preferably at least 3% or even at least 4%, but generally not more than 9%, preferably not more than 8%, more preferably not more than 7%, even more preferably not more than 6%, even more preferably not more than 5% by weight of the composition.

[0043] Fat materials The compositions of the present invention comprise fatty materials. Preferably, the fatty material is a fatty acid or a fatty alcohol, most preferably a fatty alcohol. Preferred fatty materials have a C8-C ratio. 22 The length of the carbon-carbon chain.

[0044] It is preferred to use fatty materials in combination with cationic surfactants in conditioning compositions, as this results in the formation of a layered phase in which the cationic surfactants are dispersed.

[0045] The fatty alcohol contains 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 16 to 22, and most preferably C16-C18. Fatty alcohols are typically compounds containing straight-chain alkyl groups. Preferably, the alkyl group is saturated. Preferred examples of fatty alcohols include hexadecyl alcohol, octadecyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. The use of these materials is also advantageous because they contribute to the overall conditioning properties of the compositions used in this invention.

[0046] The content of fatty materials in the conditioning agent used in this invention is generally 0.01-10% of the weight of the composition, preferably 0.1-8%, more preferably 0.2-7%, and most preferably 0.3-6%.

[0047] The weight ratio of the cationic surfactant to the fatty material is suitably from 1:1 to 1:10, preferably from 1:1.5 to 1:8, and most preferably from 1:2 to 1:5. An excessively high weight ratio of the cationic surfactant to the fatty alcohol can cause eye irritation from the composition. If it is too low, some consumers may experience a squeaking sound in the hair.

[0048] Preferred conditioning agents comprise a conditioning gel phase having few or no vesicle contents. Such conditioning agents and methods of their preparation are described in WO 2014 / 016354, WO 2014 / 016353, WO 2012 / 016352 and WO 2014 / 016351.

[0049] Such conditioning gel phases, by total weight of the composition, comprise: i) 0.4-8% by weight of fatty alcohols having 8-22 carbon atoms, ii) 0.1-2% by weight of a cationic surfactant, Furthermore, the composition imparts a draw mass of 1-250g, preferably 2-100g, more preferably 2-50g, even more preferably 5-40g, and most preferably 5-25g to the hair treated with the composition.

[0050] Pulling mass refers to the mass required to pull a strand of hair through a comb or brush. Therefore, the more tangled the hair, the greater the mass required to pull the strand through the comb or brush, while the better the condition of the hair, the less the pulling mass.

[0051] Pull-out mass refers to the mass required to pull a hair bundle, for example, weighing 1-20g, with a length of 10-30cm and a width of 0.5-5cm, through a comb or brush. It is measured as follows: First, place the hair bundle on the comb or brush, so that 5-20cm of hair hangs down at the glued end of the hair bundle. Then, add weights to the hanging end until the hair bundle slips through the comb or brush and falls down.

[0052] Preferably, the weight of the hair bundle is 1-20g, more preferably 2-15g, and most preferably 5-10g. Preferably, the hair bundle has a length of 10 to 40cm, more preferably 10 to 30cm, and a width of 0.5 to 5cm, more preferably 1.5 to 4cm.

[0053] Most preferably, the pulling mass refers to the mass required to pull a hair bundle, for example, weighing 10g, 20cm long and 3cm wide, through a comb or brush, and is measured as follows: First, place the hair bundle on the comb or brush, so that the 20cm long hair hangs down at the glued end of the hair bundle, and then add weight to the hanging end until the hair bundle slips through the comb or brush and falls down.

[0054] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention comprise a preservative. Exemplary preservatives for use include sodium benzoate, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, phenoxyethanol, hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, dimethyl dimethylhydantoin (DMDM hydantoin), potassium sorbate, sodium salicylate, levulinic acid, anisic acid, and benzyl alcohol, or combinations thereof. Other suitable preservatives include sodium dehydroacetate, chlorophenesin, and decanediol. The preservative is preferably used in an amount of 0.01% to 2.0% by weight of the total hair treatment composition, more preferably 0.05% to 1% by weight. The preservative is preferably an organic acid, most preferably sodium benzoate. Preferably, the amount used is 0.01% to 2.0% of the total weight of the composition, more preferably 0.05% to 1% by weight, and most preferably 0.1% to 0.7% by weight. It can be used with disodium EDTA, preferably in a ratio of sodium benzoate to EDTA of 10:1.

[0055] The preferred composition has a pH value of 3-5.8, preferably 4-5.

[0056] The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise pre-formed emulsified polysiloxanes. Mixtures of emulsified polysiloxanes may also be used.

[0057] Suitable polysiloxanes include polydiorganosiloxanes, particularly polydimethylsiloxanes with the CTFA name dimethicone. The compositions of the present invention are also suitable for use with dimethicanes having hydroxyl-terminated groups, whose CTFA name is dimethicone alcohol. Also suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention are silicones with a slight degree of crosslinking, such as those described in WO 96 / 31188.

[0058] The viscosity of the emulsified polysiloxane itself (not the emulsion or the final hair composition) is typically at least 10,000 cst at 25°C; the viscosity of the silicone itself is preferably at least 60,000 cst, most preferably at least 500,000 cst, and ideally at least 1,000,000 cst. Preferably, the viscosity does not exceed 10. 9 cst, for easy preparation.

[0059] The emulsified polysiloxanes used in the compositions of the present invention typically have a D90 polysiloxane droplet size in the composition of less than 30 micrometers, preferably less than 20 micrometers, more preferably less than 10 micrometers, and ideally from 0.01 to 1 micrometer. Polysiloxane emulsions with an average polysiloxane droplet size (D50) of 0.15 micrometers are generally referred to as microemulsions.

[0060] The particle size of polysiloxanes can be measured using laser scattering technology, for example, using a 2600D particle size analyzer purchased directly from Malvern Instruments.

[0061] Examples of suitable pre-emulsions include Xiameter MEM 1785 and microemulsion DC2-1865, both available from Dow Corning. These are emulsions / microemulsions of polydimethylsiloxane alcohol. Crosslinked silica gel can also be obtained in a pre-emulsion form, which facilitates formulation.

[0062] Another preferred class of emulsified siloxanes that may be included in the compositions of this invention are amino-functionalized polysiloxanes. "Amino-functionalized polysiloxane" refers to a polysiloxane containing at least one primary amine group, secondary amine group, tertiary amine group, or quaternary ammonium group. Examples of suitable amino-functionalized polysiloxanes include polysiloxanes having the CTFA name "amino-terminated dimethyl polysiloxane". Specific examples of amino-functionalized polysiloxanes suitable for use in this invention are amino silicone oils DC2-8220, DC2-8166, and DC2-8566 (all directly purchased from Dow Corning).

[0063] Suitable quaternary ammonium siloxane polymers are described in EP-A-0 530 974. A preferred quaternary ammonium siloxane polymer is K3474, which is available directly from Goldschmidt.

[0064] Emulsions of amino-functionalized silicone oils with nonionic and / or cationic surfactants are also suitable.

[0065] Preformed emulsions of amino-functionalized siloxanes are also available from silicone oil suppliers such as Dow Corning and General Electric. Specific examples include the DC939 cationic emulsion and nonionic emulsions DC2-7224, DC2-8467, DC2-8177, and DC2-8154 (all purchased directly from Dow Corning).

[0066] Preferably, the polysiloxane is selected from the group consisting of dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethylpolysiloxane alcohol, amino-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane, and mixtures thereof. Blends of amino-functionalized polysiloxane and dimethylpolysiloxane are also preferred.

[0067] Based on the total weight of the composition, at 100% activity, the amount of polysiloxane in the composition of the present invention can suitably be 0.05-10%, preferably 0.1-8%, more preferably 0.5-6.5%, and most preferably 0.6-3%.

[0068] The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise at least one inorganic electrolyte. The inorganic electrolyte provides viscosity to the composition. It is desirable that the inorganic electrolyte be separate from any inorganic electrolytes present in the raw materials of the present invention.

[0069] Suitable inorganic electrolytes include metal chlorides (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, ferric chloride, and aluminum chloride) and metal sulfates (e.g., sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate). Preferred inorganic electrolytes used in this invention include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and mixtures thereof.

[0070] The amount of inorganic electrolyte in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.5-10% by weight, more preferably 0.75-7% by weight, even more preferably 1-5% by weight, and most preferably 1-3% by weight (based on the total weight of the composition).

[0071] The compositions of the present invention may contain other ingredients to enhance performance and / or consumer acceptability. These ingredients include, for example, fragrances, dyes and pigments, pH adjusters (e.g., organic acids, sodium hydroxide), pearlescent agents, opacifying agents, viscosity improvers, and antimicrobial agents. Each of these ingredients may be present in an effective amount to achieve its purpose. Generally, these optional ingredients are individually included in a maximum of 5% by weight of the total composition.

[0072] To avoid ambiguity, the word "including" is intended to mean "contains," but not necessarily "composes of" or "consisting of." In other words, the steps, options, or alternatives listed do not need to be exhaustive.

[0073] The disclosure of the invention as found herein should be considered to cover all embodiments that are multi-dependent on each other as found in the claims, regardless of the fact that the claims may not be found to be multi-dependent or redundant. Unless otherwise stated, numerical ranges expressed in the form of “x to y” should be understood to include both x and y. In defining any numerical range or quantity, any particular upper limit or quantity may be associated with any particular lower limit or quantity. All percentages and ratios contained herein are by weight unless otherwise stated. Various features of the invention mentioned in the foregoing sections may be suitably applied to other sections with necessary modifications. Therefore, features specified in one section may be suitably combined with features specified in other sections. Any section headings added merely for convenience are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0074] Unless otherwise stated, all ratios, percentages, parts, etc. mentioned in this article are by weight.

[0075] Example Two comparative examples were prepared as follows: Shampoo B: Shampoo containing cysteine, histidine, and glycine. Shampoo A: Same as Shampoo B, except it does not contain amino acids.

[0076] Table 1: Composition of Shampoo A and Shampoo B

[0077] Shampoo A and B are prepared using the following methods: 1. In the composition according to the invention, a variety of amino acids are added to water in a suitable container under stirring.

[0078] 2. Then add carbomer, SPES and CAPB.

[0079] 3. Heat the mixture to 30°C and mix until homogeneous.

[0080] 4. Then add the guar gum polymer and mix.

[0081] 5. Add glycerin and PEG-45M, fragrance, polysiloxanes and preservatives, and any other ingredients.

[0082] 6. Adjust the pH to pH 4-5.

[0083] 7. Then add salt and polypropylene glycol to adjust the viscosity to the desired level.

[0084] Example 2: Conditioner composition 1 according to the present invention and comparative conditioner A Prepare the following compositions: Conditioner 1: A conditioner containing cysteine, histidine, and glycine.

[0085] Conditioner A: Same as Conditioner 1, but does not contain amino acids.

[0086] Table 3: Composition of Conditioner 1 and Comparative Conditioner A according to the present invention

[0087] The conditioner was prepared using the following method: 1. Add water to a suitable container and heat to 80°C.

[0088] 2. Then add cetearyl alcohol and tertiary amine salt (TAS).

[0089] 3. Allow the mixture to cool, and add BTAC while mixing until it becomes opaque and viscous.

[0090] 4. Add lactic acid and stir the mixture for another 10 minutes to ensure protonation of TAS.

[0091] 5. Then turn off the heating and add quench water.

[0092] 6. Add amino acids.

[0093] 7. Then cool the mixture to below 55°C and add the preservative and NaCl.

[0094] 8. Then add the remaining ingredients.

[0095] 9. Finally, mix the mixture under high shear force for 5 minutes.

[0096] Example 3: Hair was treated with comparative shampoos A and B, conditioning composition 1 according to the present invention, and comparative conditioning agent A. The hair is treated with the composition given above and then subjected to heat damage.

[0097] The original hair was measured by DSC; the average of all hair strands was taken to establish a baseline measurement. The hair strands were then subjected to heat damage using the following protocol, and the DSC measurements were recorded (shown in the table below as "Before Washing"). The heat-treated hair was then treated with the composition given above.

[0098] Hair treatment The hair used in these embodiments was not chemically treated, including bleaching, dyeing, perming, or straightening. The hair used was dark brown European hair, in bundles weighing 5g and 10 inches in length. This is referred to as native hair in these embodiments.

[0099] Apply heat to the hair as follows: Hang the tress on a stand and heat style it with a straightener set to 230°C. Move the straightener down the length of the hair from root to tip; each pass is exposed for 12 seconds. Perform 3 passes on each section of hair and allow it to cool to room temperature before the next application. Perform a total of 18 passes on each section.

[0100] Shampoo only Treat hair with the shampoo composition (given above) using the following methods: Place the hair fibers in running water for 30 seconds. Apply shampoo at a rate of 0.1 gram per gram of hair and massage it into the hair for 30 seconds. Remove any remaining foam by holding the shampoo in running water for 30 seconds and repeat the shampooing process. Rinse the hair with running water for 1 minute.

[0101] Conditioner only Treat hair with the conditioning composition (given above) using the following methods: - Place the hair fibers in running water for 30 seconds, apply the conditioner at a rate of 0.2 grams per gram of hair, and massage it into the hair for 1 minute. Then rinse the hair with running water for 1 minute.

[0102] Table 3: Denaturation temperatures of hair before and after treatment with shampoo A and shampoo B after 5 and 10 washes.

[0103] The same letters indicate no significant difference After 5 and 10 washes, there were no significant differences between hair treated with shampoo A (which does not contain amino acids) and hair treated with shampoo B (which contains the amino acids cysteine, histidine, and glycine).

[0104] Table 4: Denaturation temperature of hair before and after treatment with Conditioner 1 and Conditioner A after 5 and 10 washes.

[0105] It can be seen that the conditioner 1 according to the present invention provides a significant increase in denaturation temperature after 5 and 10 washes, while the comparative conditioner does not.

[0106] Example 4: Commercially available conditioning products, representing the prior art. Obtain commercially available hair conditioning products containing multiple amino acids, such as Lux CD Bath Glow Straight & Shine.

[0107] The ingredients listed on the packaging are as follows: Water, stearyl alcohol, glycerin, dimethicone, benzyltrimethylammonium chloride, DPG, paraffin, ammonia-terminated dimethicone, lactic acid, C12-14 secondary-alkanol polyether-7, EDTA-2Na, cetrimethylammonium chloride, PEG-7 propylheptyl ether, C12-14 secondary-alkanol polyether-5, tocopheryl acetate, acetic acid, PEG-180M, hydrolyzed keratin pg-propylmethylsilanediol, butanediol, stearyldimethylammonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin, PCA-Na, sodium lactate, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide Polysaccharide, Ectoin, Betaine, Arginine, Ethanol, Aspartic Acid, Taurine, PCA, Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Lysine HCl, Histidine HCl, Isoleucine, Glutamic Acid, Phenylalanine, Leucine, Histidine, Allantoin, Glutamine, Tyrosine, Cystine, Cysteine, Tryptophan, Methionine, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Potassium Sorbate, Flavoring.

[0108] The product was used to treat heat-damaged hair. The hair was the same as described in Example 3 and subjected to heat damage as in Example 3, and the hair was treated with a "conditioning agent only" regimen.

[0109] The denaturation temperature of hair was measured before and after treatment. The results are listed in Table 5: Table 5: Denaturation temperatures of hair before and after heat treatment, and before and after treatment with existing conditioning agents (5 washes) after heat treatment.

[0110] The same letter indicates that there is no significant difference between Td.

[0111] After five washes with Lux CD Bath Glow Straight & Shine, there was no significant difference in the denaturation temperature of heat-damaged hair.

Claims

1. A conditioning composition comprising: (a) A conditioning gel phase comprising a cationic conditioning surfactant and a fatty material; and (b) A mixture of amino acids, consisting of (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine, and (iii) glycine; and This composition does not contain any other amino acids.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of (i):(ii):(iii) is 2:1:1 to 1:2:1 to 1:1:

2.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixture of said amino acids is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10% of the total composition weight.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a preservative, preferably sodium benzoate.

5. A method for increasing the denaturation temperature of proteins inside heat-damaged hair, the method comprising the step of applying a composition according to any one of claims 1-4 to the hair compared with the same composition which does not contain a mixture of amino acids consisting of (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine and (iii) glycine.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the following steps: Leave the composition on the hair for 2 seconds to 20 minutes, preferably 10 seconds to 3 minutes, and most preferably 20 seconds to 1 minute.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising the step of repeatedly applying the composition to the hair.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of applying the composition to the hair is repeated during subsequent treatments, and repeated 1-10 times.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein the heat damage is caused by the use of a heated styling tool, preferably selected from hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons / curling sticks, and heated hair rollers.

10. The use of a mixture of cysteine, histidine and glycine, compared with an identical composition not containing a mixture of amino acids consisting of (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine and (iii) glycine, for increasing the denaturation temperature of proteins inside heat-damaged hair.

11. The use of a mixture of cysteine, histidine, and glycine in a composition as defined in any one of claims 1-4, compared with an identical composition not containing a mixture of amino acids consisting of (i) cysteine, (ii) histidine, and (iii) glycine, for increasing the denaturation temperature of proteins inside heat-damaged hair.

12. The use according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the heat damage is caused by the use of a heated styling tool, preferably selected from hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons / curling sticks, and heated hair rollers.

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