A liquid crystal composition and its application

Abstract

This invention relates to a liquid crystal composition and its application. The liquid crystal composition comprises two independently existing components, A and B. Component A includes a polymer, fatty acids, surfactants, preservatives, and water. Component B includes a liquid crystal formation inducing agent, which includes trihydroxystearin and fatty alcohols. This invention creatively designs a liquid crystal composition that, through its unique liquid crystal structure, can stably encapsulate pearlescent crystals, tiny oil droplets, plant extracts, and other suspended particles, effectively preventing their aggregation, enlargement, and precipitation, thus significantly improving stability. When used on the skin, the liquid crystal structure is smooth and non-sticky. When applied to hair products, it also does not feel heavy or sticky, nor does it cause a rough feeling when rinsing. Furthermore, it can protect the skin barrier and prevent excessive damage to the hair cuticles during washing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cosmetic technology and relates to a liquid crystal composition and its application. Background Technology

[0002] In cosmetic systems such as shampoos, soap-based facial cleansers, and amino acid facial cleansers, various functional ingredients are often added to enhance the sensory experience and additional effects of the products. These include layered pearlescent agents to impart a pearly luster, silicone oil emulsion droplets to improve combing performance, and various plant extracts to provide hair care and nourishment benefits.

[0003] However, these additives generally have poor compatibility with the basic surfactant system, leading to insufficient product stability. For example, pearlescent crystals are prone to sedimentation due to their high density; silicone oil emulsion droplets, being oily components, tend to aggregate and float; and plant extracts have complex compositions, with some insoluble components easily precipitating. These issues cause the product to exhibit instability phenomena such as stratification, precipitation, and floating when stored for a short period or under alternating hot and cold conditions. In severe cases, this can even lead to system collapse, affecting shelf life and performance.

[0004] To improve stability, existing technologies typically add suspending agents, such as distearate phthalamide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and carbomer. However, these suspending agents have significant drawbacks in practical applications: firstly, their relatively simple structure makes it difficult to simultaneously stabilize multiphase additives with vastly different properties; secondly, the required dosage is relatively high, increasing formulation costs; and thirdly, they affect the feel and texture on the skin and during washing, resulting in sticky products, heavy lather during shampooing, and a noticeably rough rinsing experience, thus reducing the consumer's overall experience.

[0005] Therefore, developing a suspension system that can comprehensively stabilize multiphase additives while improving the user experience has become a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition and its application.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid crystal composition comprising independently existing components A and B, wherein component A comprises a polymer, fatty acid, surfactant, preservative and water, and component B comprises a liquid crystal formation inducing agent; the liquid crystal formation inducing agent comprises trihydroxystearin and fatty alcohol.

[0008] This invention creatively designs a liquid crystal composition that, through its unique and unconventional liquid crystal structure, can stably encapsulate suspended particles such as pearlescent crystals, tiny oil droplets, and plant extracts, effectively preventing the aggregation, enlargement, and precipitation of these particles, thus significantly improving stability. Because of its liquid crystal structure, it feels smooth and non-sticky when used on the skin, and similarly, it does not feel heavy or sticky when applied to hair products, nor does it cause a rough feeling when rinsing. It also protects the skin barrier and prevents excessive damage to the hair cuticles during washing.

[0009] Preferably, by weight, component A comprises: 0.1-5 parts (e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) of a polymer, 1-15 parts (e.g., 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, etc.) of a fatty acid, and 1-15 parts (e.g., 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, etc.) of a fatty acid. The component B comprises: a surfactant, 0.2-1 parts (e.g., 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 1, 1.2, 1.8, 2, etc.) of preservative, and 60-80 parts (e.g., 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, etc.) of water, wherein component B comprises: 0.5-10 parts (e.g., 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, etc.) of liquid crystal forming inducer.

[0010] Preferably, the polymer comprises any one or a combination of at least two of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, xanthan gum, and hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0011] Preferably, the polymer is a combination of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0012] Preferably, the mass ratio of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate to hydroxyethyl cellulose is 1:(0.5-3) (e.g., it can be 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, etc.).

[0013] Preferably, the fatty acid includes any one or a combination of at least two of lauric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, and stearic acid.

[0014] Preferably, the fatty acid is a combination of lauric acid and myristic acid.

[0015] Preferably, the mass ratio of lauric acid to myristic acid is 1:(0.1-5) (e.g., 1:0.1, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, etc.).

[0016] Preferably, the surfactant comprises any one or a combination of at least two of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium laurate taurate, and sodium cocoyl methyl taurate taurate.

[0017] Preferably, the preservative includes any one or a combination of at least two of phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, and sodium salicylate.

[0018] Preferably, the fatty alcohol includes any one or a combination of at least two of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol.

[0019] Preferably, the mass ratio of trihydroxystearin to fatty alcohol is 1:(0.5-3) (e.g., it can be 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, etc.).

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a liquid crystal composition as described in the first aspect, wherein the method for preparing component A includes: mixing a polymer and water at 20-30°C (e.g., 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, etc.) and heating to 80-90°C (e.g., 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, etc.), then mixing with a surfactant and a fatty acid and cooling to 41-50°C (e.g., 41°C, 45°C, 50°C, etc.), then mixing with a preservative and cooling to 32-40°C (e.g., 32°C, 35°C, 40°C, etc.) to obtain component A.

[0021] The preparation method of component B includes: mixing trihydroxystearin and fatty alcohol at 20-30℃ (e.g., 20℃, 25℃, 30℃, etc.) and heating to 80-90℃ (e.g., 80℃, 85℃, 90℃, etc.), holding at the temperature and then cooling to 20-30℃ (e.g., 20℃, 25℃, 30℃, etc.) to obtain component B.

[0022] Thirdly, the present invention provides the use of the liquid crystal composition as described in the first aspect in the preparation of cosmetics.

[0023] Fourthly, the present invention provides a shampoo, the composition of which includes the liquid crystal composition as described in the first aspect, and further includes hair conditioning agents, chelating agents, pearlescent agents, surfactants, pH adjusters, silicone oils and plant extracts.

[0024] Preferably, the shampoo comprises, by weight, 1-4 parts (e.g., 1 part, 2 parts, 3 parts, 4 parts, etc.) of the liquid crystal composition as described in any one of claims 1-4, 0.2-2 parts (e.g., 0.2 parts, 0.5 parts, 0.8 parts, 1 part, 1.5 parts, 2 parts, etc.) of a hair conditioning agent, 0.01-1 part (e.g., 0.01 parts, 0.05 parts, 0.1 parts, 0.15 parts, 0.2 parts, 0.3 parts, 0.5 parts, 0.7 parts, 1 part, etc.) of a chelating agent, and 0.5-3 parts (e.g., 0.5 parts, 1 part, 1.5 parts, etc.) of a chelating agent. Pearlizing agent (e.g., 5 parts, 2 parts, 2.5 parts, 3 parts, etc.), surfactant (e.g., 5 parts, 10 parts, 15 parts, 20 parts, 25 parts, etc.), pH adjuster (e.g., 0.05 parts, 0.1 parts, 0.15 parts, 0.2 parts, 0.3 parts, 0.5 parts, 0.7 parts, 1 part, etc.), silicone oil (e.g., 1 part, 2 parts, 3 parts, 4 parts, 5 parts, etc.), plant extract (e.g., 0.1 parts, 0.15 parts, 0.2 parts, 0.3 parts, 0.5 parts, 0.7 parts, 1 part, etc.).

[0025] Preferably, the shampoo further includes any one or a combination of at least two of the following: 1-5 parts (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) of fragrance, 0.1-0.5 parts (e.g., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, etc.) of anti-dandruff agent, or 0.01-0.1 parts (e.g., 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, etc.) of preservative.

[0026] Preferably, the anti-dandruff agent comprises any one or a combination of at least two of pyroxenone ethanolamine salt, clomiphene citrate, and zinc pyrithione.

[0027] Preferably, the preservative includes any one or a combination of at least two of Kathon, DMDM ​​hydantoin, and potassium sorbate.

[0028] Preferably, the hair conditioning agent includes any one or a combination of at least two of guar hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-7, and chitosan.

[0029] Preferably, the chelating agent includes any one or a combination of at least two of EDTA-disodium, sodium phytate, and sodium gluconate.

[0030] Preferably, the pearlescent agent comprises any one or a combination of at least two of ethylene glycol distearate, ethylene glycol monostearate, and mica powder.

[0031] Preferably, the surfactant comprises any one or a combination of at least two of sodium lauryl ether sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and sodium lauroylamphoteric acid.

[0032] Preferably, the surfactant is a combination of sodium lauryl ether sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and sodium lauroyl amphoteric acid.

[0033] Preferably, the pH adjuster includes any one or a combination of at least two of citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and succinic acid.

[0034] Preferably, the silicone oil comprises emulsified silicone oil.

[0035] Preferably, the plant extract includes any one or a combination of at least two of the following: ginseng root extract, anemarrhena root extract, ginger root extract, angelica extract, arborvitae leaf extract, and polygonum multiflorum root extract.

[0036] Preferably, the plant extract is a combination of ginseng root extract, anemarrhena root extract, ginger root extract, angelica extract, arborvitae leaf extract, and polygonum multiflorum root extract.

[0037] Fifthly, the present invention provides a method for preparing the shampoo as described in the fourth aspect, the method comprising: (1) Mix the chelating agent, hair conditioner, surfactant and water and heat to obtain a mixture; (2) Mix the pearlescent agent, the liquid crystal composition as described in the first aspect, and the mixture from step (1), keep it warm, cool it down, and then mix it with silicone oil and pH adjuster to obtain the base liquid. (3) Mix the base liquid from step (2) with the plant extract, keep it warm and then cool it down to obtain the shampoo.

[0038] Preferably, the mixing temperature in step (1) is 20-30℃ (e.g., 20℃, 22℃, 24℃, 26℃, 28℃, 30℃, etc.), and the heating is raised to 80-85℃ (e.g., 80℃, 81℃, 82℃, 83℃, 84℃, 85℃, etc.).

[0039] Preferably, the heat preservation time in step (2) is 15-30 min (e.g., 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, etc.), and the cooling is to cool down to 45-55℃ (e.g., 45℃, 50℃, 55℃, etc.).

[0040] Preferably, the mixing temperature in step (3) is 40-45℃ (e.g., 40℃, 41℃, 42℃, 43℃, 44℃, 45℃, etc.), the holding time is 25-40 min (e.g., 25 min, 30 min, 35 min, 40 min, etc.), and the cooling temperature is reduced to 30-38℃ (e.g., 30℃, 32℃, 34℃, 36℃, 38℃, etc.).

[0041] All other specific point values ​​not listed above within the numerical ranges mentioned above can be selected and are all within the protection scope of this invention. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0042] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention creatively designs a liquid crystal composition that, through its unique and unconventional liquid crystal structure, can stably encapsulate suspended particles such as pearlescent crystals, tiny oil droplets, and plant extracts, effectively preventing the aggregation, enlargement, and precipitation of these particles, thus significantly improving stability. Because of its liquid crystal structure, it feels smooth and non-sticky when used on the skin, and similarly, it does not feel heavy or sticky when applied to hair products, nor does it cause a rough feeling when rinsing. It also protects the skin barrier and prevents excessive damage to the hair cuticles during washing, offering multiple benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 Figures showing the shampoo stability test results for Application Example 1 and Comparative Application Example 2; Figure 2 This is a polarizing microscope image of the shampoo used in Example 1. Figure 3 The polarizing microscope image is used for comparison with the shampoo from Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention, the following describes the technical solution of the present invention in conjunction with preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0045] The emulsified silicone oil used in this invention was purchased from Wacker Chemie (China) Co., Ltd., model BELSIL® DM 6119E; ginseng root extract was purchased from Shanghai Zhina Biotechnology Co., Ltd., model Ginseng Root Extract; Anemarrhena asphodeloides root extract was purchased from Shanghai Zhina Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; ginger root extract was purchased from Shanghai Zhina Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; angelica extract was purchased from Shanghai Zhina Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; arborvitae leaf extract was purchased from Shanghai Zhina Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; Polygonum multiflorum extract was purchased from Shanghai Zhina Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; and the fragrance (product name: Oriental Family Ginseng) was purchased from Givaudan Fragrance & Flavor (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

[0046] Example 1 This embodiment provides a liquid crystal composition comprising independently existing component A and component B; The preparation method of component A is as follows: at 25°C, 2 parts of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, 2 parts of hydroxyethyl cellulose and 70 parts of water are mixed and heated to 85°C with stirring. 10 parts of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, 5 parts of lauric acid and 2 parts of myristic acid are added. After high-speed homogenization at 5000 rpm, the mixture is kept at this temperature for 20 min, cooled to 45°C, 0.5 parts of phenoxyethanol are added, and the temperature is further cooled to 38°C to obtain component A. The preparation method of component B is as follows: at 25°C, 2 parts of trihydroxystearin and 5 parts of cetearyl alcohol are mixed and heated to 85°C, kept at this temperature for 30 s, and then cooled to 25°C to obtain component B.

[0047] Example 2 This embodiment provides a liquid crystal composition comprising independently existing component A and component B; The preparation method of component A is as follows: at 25°C, 1 part of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, 3 parts of hydroxyethyl cellulose and 70 parts of water are mixed and heated to 85°C with stirring. 8 parts of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, 5 parts of lauric acid and 4 parts of myristic acid are added. After high-speed homogenization at 5000 rpm, the mixture is kept at this temperature for 15 min, cooled to 45°C, 0.7 parts of phenoxyethanol are added, and the temperature is further cooled to 38°C to obtain component A. The preparation method of component B is as follows: at 25°C, 2 parts of trihydroxystearin and 4 parts of cetearyl alcohol are mixed and heated to 83°C, held at this temperature for 35 s, and then cooled to 25°C to obtain component B.

[0048] Example 3 This embodiment provides a liquid crystal composition comprising independently existing component A and component B; The preparation method of component A is as follows: at 25°C, 3 parts of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, 2 parts of hydroxyethyl cellulose and 70 parts of water are mixed and heated to 80°C with stirring. 9 parts of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, 4 parts of lauric acid and 4 parts of myristic acid are added. After high-speed homogenization at 5000 rpm, the mixture is kept at this temperature for 15 min, cooled to 45°C, 0.7 parts of phenoxyethanol are added, and the temperature is further cooled to 38°C to obtain component A. The preparation method of component B is as follows: at 25°C, 2 parts of trihydroxystearin and 4.5 parts of cetearyl alcohol are mixed and heated to 90°C, held at that temperature for 30 s, and then cooled to 25°C to obtain component B.

[0049] Example 4 This embodiment provides a liquid crystal composition. The difference between the preparation method and that of Example 1 is that hydroxypropyl starch phosphate is not added in the preparation of component A, and the reduced amount of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate is allocated entirely to hydroxyethyl cellulose, while other conditions remain unchanged.

[0050] Example 5 This embodiment provides a liquid crystal composition. The only difference between this composition and Example 1 is that hydroxyethyl cellulose is not added during the preparation of component A. Instead, the reduced amount of hydroxyethyl cellulose is allocated entirely to hydroxypropyl starch phosphate. All other conditions remain unchanged.

[0051] Example 6 This embodiment provides a liquid crystal composition. The preparation method differs from that of Example 1 only in that lauric acid is not added in the preparation of component A, and the reduced amount of lauric acid is allocated entirely to myristic acid, while other conditions remain unchanged.

[0052] Example 7 This embodiment provides a liquid crystal composition. The preparation method differs from that of Example 1 only in that myristic acid is not added in the preparation of component A, and the reduced amount of myristic acid is allocated entirely to lauric acid, while other conditions remain unchanged.

[0053] Comparative Example 1 This comparative example provides a liquid crystal composition. The preparation method differs from that of Example 1 only in that hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and hydroxyethyl cellulose are not added in the preparation of component A. Instead, the reduced proportions of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and hydroxyethyl cellulose are proportionally allocated to lauric acid, myristic acid, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, and phenoxyethanol, while all other conditions remain unchanged.

[0054] Application Example 1 This application example provides a shampoo with the formula shown in Table 1: The preparation method is as follows: (1) At 25°C, the chelating agent, hair conditioner, surfactant and water are mixed and heated to 85°C to obtain a mixture; (2) Mix the pearlescent agent, component A and component B of the liquid crystal composition in Example 1 with the mixture in step (1), keep warm for 20 min and then cool down to 50°C, and then mix with silicone oil and pH adjuster to obtain the base liquid. (3) Mix the base liquid from step (2) with the plant extract at 45°C, keep warm for 30 min and then cool down to 38°C to obtain the shampoo.

[0055] Application Example 2 This application example provides a shampoo with the formula shown in Table 2: The preparation method is as follows: (1) At 25°C, the chelating agent, hair conditioner, surfactant and water were mixed and heated to 83°C to obtain a mixture; (2) Mix the pearlescent agent, component A and component B of the liquid crystal composition in Example 1 with the mixture in step (1), keep warm for 20 min and then cool down to 48°C, and then mix with silicone oil and pH adjuster to obtain the base liquid. (3) Mix the base liquid from step (2) with the plant extract at 45°C, keep warm for 25 min and then cool down to 35°C to obtain the shampoo.

[0056] Application Example 3 This application example provides a shampoo with the formula shown in Table 3: The preparation method is as follows: (1) At 25°C, the chelating agent, hair conditioner, surfactant and water are mixed and heated to 80°C to obtain a mixture; (2) Mix the pearlescent agent, component A and component B of the liquid crystal composition in Example 1 with the mixture in step (1), keep warm for 20 min and then cool down to 45°C, and then mix with silicone oil and pH adjuster to obtain the base liquid. (3) Mix the base liquid from step (2) with the plant extract at 42°C, keep warm for 25 min and then cool down to 35°C to obtain the shampoo.

[0057] Application Example 4-7 Application Examples 4-7 each provide a shampoo, the only difference from Application Example 1 is that components A and B of the liquid crystal composition obtained in Example 1 are replaced in equal amounts with components A and B of the liquid crystal compositions obtained in Examples 4-7, while all other conditions remain unchanged.

[0058] Application Example 8 This application example provides a shampoo that differs from Application Example 1 only in that sodium laureth sulfate is not added, and the proportion of sodium laureth sulfate is reduced and allocated to cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium lauroamphoacetate, while all other conditions remain unchanged.

[0059] Application Example 9 This application example provides a shampoo that differs from Application Example 1 only in that it does not contain cocamidopropyl betaine, and the proportion of sodium cocamidopropyl betaine is reduced and allocated to sodium lauryl ether sulfate and sodium lauroamphoacetate, while all other conditions remain unchanged.

[0060] Application Example 10 This application example provides a shampoo that differs from Application Example 1 only in that sodium lauroamphoacetate is not added, and the reduced proportion of sodium lauroamphoacetate is allocated to sodium laureth sulfate and sodium cocamidopropyl betaine, while all other conditions remain unchanged.

[0061] Comparative Application Example 1 This comparative application example provides a shampoo that differs from Application Example 1 only in that components A and B of the liquid crystal composition obtained in Example 1 are replaced in equal amounts with components A and B of the liquid crystal composition obtained in Comparative Example 1, while all other conditions remain unchanged.

[0062] Comparative Application Example 2 This comparative application example provides a shampoo that differs from Application Example 1 only in that it does not include components A and B of the liquid crystal composition obtained in Example 1, while all other conditions remain unchanged.

[0063] Test Example 1 This test case involves stability testing and polarized liquid crystal distribution testing of the shampoo obtained from test case 1 and the shampoo from comparative application case 2.

[0064] Polarized liquid crystal distribution test: The structures of the two shampoos were observed using a polarizing microscope, and the results are as follows. Figure 2-3 As shown. Figure 2 The shampoo obtained in Application Example 1 contains liquid crystal molecules, which exhibit specific texture patterns under a polarizing microscope, indicating the successful addition of the liquid crystal composition. Figure 3 The shampoo in the comparative application example 2 does not contain this structure.

[0065] Stability test: 50 mL of the shampoo obtained in application example 1 and 50 mL of the shampoo in comparative application example 2 were placed into transparent containers and left to stand at 45°C to observe the stability.

[0066] The results are as follows Figure 1 As shown, the shampoo in Application Example 2 showed stratification after 3 days, indicating poor stability; while the shampoo in Application Example 1 did not show stratification after 3 months, indicating good stability.

[0067] Test Example 2 This test case corresponds to the shampoo in Case 1-10 and the comparative application case 1-2 for human efficacy testing.

[0068] 120 participants were selected, aged 18-50 years, randomly assigned to male or female, and in good health without any diseases. The participants were randomly divided into 12 groups.

[0069] Test Method: Participants in each group used shampoos from Application Examples 1-10 and Control Examples 1-2 to wash their scalps. Usage: After wetting hair, take an appropriate amount of shampoo, lather it, apply it evenly to the hair, and then massage in circular motions with fingertips from root to tip for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water. Participants gave a weighted overall rating of their experience during the shampooing, wet, semi-dry, and dry hair stages. The average score was taken from each group. The scoring criteria are as follows: 1. Shampooing stage: This mainly evaluates the shampoo's foaming performance and rinsing smoothness during the cleaning process, and includes 5 indicators, each with a weight of 20%.

[0070] Foaming speed: refers to how quickly shampoo produces foam after contact with water; Foam quantity: refers to the richness of the foam; Foam fineness: refers to the density and fineness of the foam texture; Foam persistence: refers to the ability of the foam to remain stable and not easily dissipate during rubbing; Rinsing smoothness: refers to the smoothness of the hair when it is wet during rinsing, without obvious dryness or tangling.

[0071] Calculation formula: Overall score during shampooing = (foaming speed + number of foams + foam fineness + foam duration + smoothness after rinsing) / 5 2. Wet Hair Stage: The assessment is conducted after washing the hair but before it is completely dry. It primarily examines the combability and feel of wet hair, comprising three indicators, with differentiated weights assigned based on the participants' preferred experience: Hair combability (weight 30%): refers to the smoothness of combing wet hair with a wide-tooth comb or fingers, without obvious tangles or pulling; Smoothness (weight 30%): refers to the smoothness of the hair when touched with fingers, without any roughness; Softness (weight 40%): refers to the soft feel of the hair when wet, without any stiffness.

[0072] Calculation formula: Overall score for wet hair stage = Hair combability × 30% + Smoothness × 30% + Softness × 40% 3. Semi-dry stage: The hair is evaluated when it is gently rubbed with a towel until it is no longer dripping wet. The indicators are set in the same way as the wet hair stage to reflect the immediate changes in the feel of the hair when it is not in flowing water.

[0073] Hair combability (weight 30%); smoothness (weight 30%); softness (weight 40%).

[0074] Calculation formula: Overall score at the semi-dry stage = Hair combability × 30% + Smoothness × 30% + Softness × 40% 4. Drying Stage: This stage is conducted after the hair has been air-dried or blow-dried completely, focusing on evaluating the final appearance and feel of the hair. It includes 5 indicators, each with a weight of 20%: Hair combability (weight 20%): refers to the smoothness of combing when hair is dry; Smoothness (weight 20%): refers to the smoothness of the hair surface when hair is dry; Smoothness (weight 20%): refers to the overall smoothness and lack of frizz in the hair; Lightness (weight 20%): refers to the hair not feeling heavy or droopy after drying, maintaining a fluffy and light feel; Softness of hair ends (weight 20%): refers to the softness and smoothness of the hair ends.

[0075] Calculation formula: Overall score during the drying stage = (Hair combability + Smoothness + Liftability + Lightness + Softness of hair ends) / 5 The final results are shown in Table 4. The results showed that the shampoos of Application Examples 1-3 of the present invention provided the best user experience during the shampooing, wet hair, semi-dry hair, and dry hair stages, with all scores showing a significant improvement compared to Comparative Application Example 2, which did not contain the liquid crystal composition of the present invention. Changing the preparation of the liquid crystal composition or the formulation of the surfactant in the shampoo would weaken the effect.

[0076] Test Example 3 This test case corresponds to the shampoo in test case 1-10 and the comparative application case 1-2 to perform a hair combability test.

[0077] The shampoos used in Application Examples 1-10 and Comparative Application Examples 1-2 were used as sample groups, while hair that was not treated with any shampoo was used as a blank sample group. The hair was tested using a hair comb (XJ810, Shanghai Xiangjie Instrument Technology Co., Ltd.). The comb used was a standard-tooth comb, and the hair bundle was a standard human hair bundle (20 cm in length, 5.0 ± 0.2 g in weight). The ambient temperature was 22 ± 2℃, and the relative humidity was 50 ± 5%.

[0078] Test method: Shampooing stage: After wetting the hair, apply an appropriate amount of shampoo evenly to the hair strands, massage for 2 minutes, and then perform a combing test without rinsing the shampoo. Record the average combing force (unit: gf).

[0079] Drying stage: Rinse the hair strands with 40℃ constant temperature water for 1 minute, let them air dry or blow dry at a constant temperature for 1 hour, and then perform a combing test and record the average combing force.

[0080] Each hair strand was tested three times, and the average value was taken. Hair strands rinsed only with water served as a blank control group. The improvement rate of combing ability was calculated. Improvement rate (%) = (Blank group combing force - Sample group combing force) / Blank group combing force × 100% The test results are shown in Table 5. The test results show that the shampoo designed with the specific technical solution of this invention can achieve excellent combing power improvement in both the shampooing and drying stages. Changing the preparation of the liquid crystal composition or the formulation of the surfactant in the shampoo will weaken the effect. If the liquid crystal composition of this invention is not used, as in Comparative Application Example 2, the improvement rate of combing power will be significantly reduced.

[0081] The applicant declares that the technical solution of this invention is illustrated by the above embodiments, but this invention is not limited to the above embodiments, that is, it does not mean that this invention must rely on the above embodiments to be implemented. Those skilled in the art should understand that any improvements to this invention, equivalent substitutions of raw materials for the products of this invention, addition of auxiliary components, selection of specific methods, etc., all fall within the protection scope and disclosure scope of this invention.

[0082] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0083] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal composition, characterized in that, The liquid crystal composition comprises two components, A and B, which exist independently. Component A includes a polymer, fatty acid, surfactant, preservative, and water, and component B includes a liquid crystal formation inducing agent. The liquid crystal formation inducer includes trihydroxystearin and fatty alcohol.

2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, By weight, component A comprises: 0.1-5 parts of polymer, 1-15 parts of fatty acid, 1-15 parts of surfactant, 0.2-1 parts of preservative and 60-80 parts of water, and component B comprises: 0.5-10 parts of liquid crystal formation inducer.

3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The polymer includes any one or a combination of at least two of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, xanthan gum, and hydroxyethyl cellulose. Preferably, the polymer is a combination of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and hydroxyethyl cellulose; Preferably, the mass ratio of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate to hydroxyethyl cellulose is 1:(0.5-3). Preferably, the fatty acid includes any one or a combination of at least two of lauric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, and stearic acid; Preferably, the fatty acid is a combination of lauric acid and myristic acid; Preferably, the mass ratio of lauric acid to myristic acid is 1:(0.1-5). Preferably, the surfactant comprises any one or a combination of at least two of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium laurate taurate, and sodium cocoyl methyl taurate taurate. Preferably, the preservative includes any one or a combination of at least two of phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, and sodium salicylate.

4. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The fatty alcohols include any one or a combination of at least two of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol. Preferably, the mass ratio of trihydroxystearin to fatty alcohol is 1:(0.5-3).

5. The use of the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1-4 in the preparation of cosmetics.

6. A shampoo, characterized in that, The shampoo comprises the liquid crystal composition as described in any one of claims 1-4, and further comprises hair conditioning agents, chelating agents, pearlescent agents, surfactants, pH adjusters, silicone oils, and plant extracts.

7. The shampoo according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shampoo comprises, by weight, 1-4 parts of the liquid crystal composition as described in any one of claims 1-4, 0.2-2 parts of hair conditioning agent, 0.01-1 part of chelating agent, 0.5-3 parts of pearlescent agent, 5-25 parts of surfactant, 0.05-1 part of pH adjuster, 1-5 parts of silicone oil, and 0.1-1 part of plant extract; Preferably, the shampoo further includes any one or a combination of at least two of the following: 1-5 parts fragrance, 0.1-0.5 parts anti-dandruff agent, or 0.01-0.1 parts preservative; Preferably, the anti-dandruff agent comprises any one or a combination of at least two of pyrrolidone ethanolamine salt, clomiphene citrate, and zinc pyrithione. Preferably, the preservative includes any one or a combination of at least two of Kathon, DMDM ​​hydantoin, and potassium sorbate.

8. The shampoo according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The hair conditioning agent includes any one or a combination of at least two of the following: guar hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-7, and chitosan; Preferably, the chelating agent includes any one or a combination of at least two of EDTA-disodium, sodium phytate, and sodium gluconate; Preferably, the pearlescent agent comprises any one or a combination of at least two of ethylene glycol distearate, ethylene glycol monostearate, and mica powder; Preferably, the surfactant comprises any one or a combination of at least two of sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and sodium lauroamphoacetate; Preferably, the surfactant is a combination of sodium lauryl ether sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and sodium lauroyl amphoteric acid. Preferably, the pH adjuster includes any one or a combination of at least two of citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and succinic acid.

9. The shampoo according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The silicone oil includes emulsified silicone oil; Preferably, the plant extract includes any one or a combination of at least two of the following: ginseng root extract, anemarrhena root extract, ginger root extract, angelica extract, arborvitae leaf extract, and polygonum multiflorum root extract. Preferably, the plant extract is a combination of ginseng root extract, anemarrhena root extract, ginger root extract, angelica extract, arborvitae leaf extract, and polygonum multiflorum root extract.

10. The method for preparing the shampoo according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The preparation method includes: (1) Mix the chelating agent, hair conditioner, surfactant and water and heat to obtain a mixture; (2) Mix the pearlescent agent, the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1-4 with the mixture in step (1), keep it warm and then cool it down, and then mix it with silicone oil and pH adjuster to obtain the base liquid; (3) Mix the base liquid from step (2) with the plant extract, keep it warm and then cool it down to obtain the shampoo; Preferably, the mixing temperature in step (1) is 20-30°C, and the heating is raised to 80-85°C; Preferably, the heat preservation time in step (2) is 15-30 min, and the cooling is to cool down to 45-55℃; Preferably, the mixing temperature in step (3) is 40-45℃, the heat preservation time is 25-40 min, and the cooling temperature is reduced to 30-38℃.

Images