COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING THE PENETRATION OF ACTIVE AGENTS FOR KERATIN FIBERS

Abstract

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING THE PENETRATION OF ACTIVE AGENTS FOR KERATIN FIBERS The disclosure relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the penetration of active agents into keratin fibers. The compositions comprise at least one penetration-enhancing solvent and at least one active agent for treating hair. The methods comprise enhancing the penetration of active agents into keratin fibers as well as treating keratin fibers with the compositions. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING THE PENETRATION OF ACTIVE AGENTS FOR KERATIN FIBERS Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for improving the penetration of agents for treating keratin fibers, for example, agents for repairing damaged hair fibers, providing strength to hair fibers and / or reducing elasticity of hair fibers. CONTEXT

[0002] Consumers use cosmetic compositions and processes to change or enhance the appearance of their hair, for example, by changing the color, style, and / or shape of the hair, and / or by imparting various properties to the hair, such as shine and conditioning. However, many compositions and processes for changing the appearance of hair, such as compositions and processes for permanently changing the color or shape of hair, involve harsh chemical treatments. In addition, repeated styling can result in damage to the hair, for example, due to the repeated use of heat and styling tools. All of these processes can break the bonds within the hair fibers, which, if not reformed, results in damaged hair.

[0003] For example, hair lightening and dyeing compositions and processes generally require the presence of a strong alkalizing agent, such as ammonia, as well as additional compounds, such as oxidizing agents. In order to change the color of the hair, these components must first break down the natural components of the hair fibers. Similarly, straightening, relaxing, and permanent waving compositions also involve harsh chemicals to change the shape of the hair by breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair fibers.

[0004] It is known that, although such processes effectively alter the color and shape of the hair, the chemical agents used inherently cause damage to the hair and negatively impact the strength, elasticity, and porosity of the hair fibers. For example, hair that has been bleached, dyed, straightened, straightened, wavy, repeatedly styled, etc., is often dry, frizzy, and generally appears unhealthy to the touch and appearance. In addition, damaged hair is brittle and / or has increased elasticity, which leads to more frequent hair breakage. As a result, consumers are looking for compositions and processes to prevent or minimize such damage and / or repair hair that has been damaged by these treatments and processes. In particular, consumers want strong hair that does not break easily, can be stretched or manipulated, yet retains the ability to return to its original, breakage-free state (i.e., has reduced elasticity), feels soft and healthy, and also has a shiny, healthy appearance.

[0005] However, it has proven difficult to formulate compositions that satisfactorily address these desires. For example, some compositions that attempt to address the problem simply coat the hair with compounds that can improve the feel and appearance of the hair; however, this approach is only temporary and superficial. Rather than preventing or repairing hair damage, this approach simply masks the damage until the next rinse or wash. Other compositions attempt to treat damage within the hair fiber, but to date, these have not been satisfactory. This is believed to be due, in part, to ineffective penetration of active agents into the hair fibers, for example, hair that has been subjected to the application of treatment compositions, resulting in a buildup of such compositions on the surface of the hair fiber.

[0006] The present inventors have now discovered that certain components are surprisingly effective in improving the penetration of active agents into keratin fibers, for example, hair. Surprisingly, this effect was observed even in hair that had a substantial buildup of product coated on the hair. Hair treated with compositions comprising one or more of these components, in combination with active agents, shows surprisingly reduced signs of damage, including increased strength and / or reduced elasticity, particularly hair that has been damaged by harsh chemical treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, permanent waving, straightening, relaxing, etc. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for improving the penetration of active agents into keratin fibers, for example, active agents for preventing, minimizing or repairing hair damage such as damage caused by harsh chemical compositions and methods.

[0008] In various embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions for treating keratin fibers such as hair, the compositions comprising at least one penetration-enhancing solvent and at least one active agent. In various embodiments, the penetration-enhancing solvent(s) may be selected among polyols, and the active agent(s) may be chosen from amino acids, osmolytes and / or carboxylic acids.

[0009] In some embodiments, the compositions comprise (a) at least one penetration enhancing solvent selected from diols and / or triols, (b) at least one amino acid and / or a salt thereof, (c) at least one osmolyte, and (d) at least one carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof. In other embodiments, the compositions comprise (a) at least one penetration enhancing solvent selected from polyols such as, for example, C2-C8 diols and / or C2-C8 triols, for example glycols, (b) at least one amino acid selected from compounds of formula (I) and / or their salts, (c) at least one osmolyte selected from carbohydrates, polyamines and / or compounds of formula (II) and (d) at least one carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof.In further embodiments, the compositions comprise (a) at least one penetration enhancing solvent selected from C2-C8 diols and / or C2-C8 triols, for example glycols, (b) at least one basic amino acid and / or a salt thereof, (c) at least one osmolyte selected from carbohydrate sugars, polyamines and / or betaines, preferably at least one betaine selected from compounds of formula (II), and (d) at least one carboxylic acid and / or its salt. In still further embodiments, the compositions comprise (a) at least one penetration enhancing solvent selected from glycols, for example propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol, (b) arginine and / or a salt thereof, (c) at least one compound of formula (II) and (d) at least one carboxylic acid and / or its salt. The pH of the compositions is generally less than 7, for example less than about 6, for example from about 2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4.

[0010] In various embodiments, the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents ranges from about 2% to about 50%, preferably from about 5% to about 45%, more preferably from about 7% to about 40%, more preferably from about 8% to about 35%, and most preferably from about 8% to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The penetration enhancing solvents comprise at least one polyol. In some embodiments, the penetration enhancing solvents may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of C2-C16 diols and / or C2-C16 triols, e.g., C2-C8 diols and / or C2-C8 triols. In some embodiments, the penetration enhancing solvents may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of glycols, e.g., propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol.

[0011] In some embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one amino acid selected from basic amino acids, for example, arginine, histidine, lysine, their salts or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the total amount of basic amino acids and their salts ranges from about 0.1% to about 15 %, preferably from about 1% to about 12%, more preferably from about 2% to about 10%, most preferably from about 3% to about 7%, most preferably from about 4% to about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one amino acid selected from acidic or neutral amino acids and their salts, for example serine. In various embodiments, the total amount of acidic and / or neutral amino acids and their salts ranges from about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 4%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 3%, and most preferably from about 0.25% to about 2.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.In still other embodiments, the compositions comprise a mixture of basic, acidic and / or neutral amino acids, for example the compositions may comprise arginine and serine. In various embodiments, the total amount of amino acids and their salts present in the composition ranges from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably from about 1% to about 12%, more preferably from about 2% to about 10%, more preferably from about 3% to about 7%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0012] In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise one or more amino acids selected from glycine, proline, methionine, serine, arginine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of the foregoing (particularly alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or zinc salts), and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0013] In various embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one osmolyte selected from carbohydrate sugars, methylsulfonium compounds, polyamines and / or amino acid derivatives such as betaines, preferably selected from the compounds of formula (II). In various embodiments, the total amount of osmolytes present in the composition ranges from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 1.25% to about 4%, more preferably still from about 1.5% to about 3%, and most preferably from about 2% to about 2.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.In various embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio of total amino acid to total osmolyte that is equal to or greater than about 0.5, for example, greater than about 1, preferably between about 1.25 and about 3.5, more preferably between about 1.5 and about 3, more preferably still between about 1.75 and about 2.5, and most preferably between about 1.75 and about 2.25.

[0014] In various embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one carboxylic acid selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof, and preferably citric acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof. In various embodiments, the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts may vary from about 0.5% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, more preferably from about 2% to about 12%, most preferably from about 3% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.In various embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids and their salts to the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts greater than about 0.5, such as greater than about 0.7, preferably from about 0.75 to about 2, and more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5.

[0015] The composition may further comprise water and / or at least one non-aqueous solvent in addition to the penetration enhancing solvent(s). Optionally, the compositions comprise water and at least one additional non-aqueous solvent. The compositions may optionally also include at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, the compositions comprise (a) at least one penetration enhancing solvent selected from glycols, e.g., propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, or mixtures thereof, (b) at least one basic amino acid, e.g., arginine and / or its salts, (c) from about 1% to about 5% glycine betaine, (d) at least one carboxylic acid, e.g., citric acid and / or its salts, (e) water, and (f) optionally serine, wherein the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents ranges from about 8% to about 40%, wherein the total amount of basic amino acids ranges from about 1% to about 10%, and wherein all amounts are by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The pH of the compositions is generally less than about 7, for example from about 2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4.In various embodiments, the compositions have a weight ratio of total basic amino acids to glycine betaine of greater than 1, preferably from about 1.25 to about 3.5, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25. In some embodiments, the compositions have a weight ratio of total basic amino acids to . the total amount of carboxylic acids greater than about 0.75, preferably ranging from about 0.75 to about 2, more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5. Optionally, the compositions may comprise at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents or combinations thereof. In embodiments where the composition comprises serine, the amount of serine may range from about 0.01% to about 2%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 1.5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 1%, and most preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.Additionally, the compositions may have a weight ratio of total basic amino acids to serine of greater than about 2, preferably in the range of about 2 to about 15, more preferably about 4 to about 14, more preferably about 6 to about 13, and most preferably about 8 to about 12, and / or a weight ratio of glycine betaine to serine of greater than about 2, preferably in the range of about 2 to about 10, more preferably about 3 to about 8, more preferably about 3.5 to about 7, and most preferably about 4 to about 6.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise (a) at least one penetration enhancing solvent, (b) at least one carboxylic amino acid or one of its salts, preferably selected from arginine and / or one of its salts, (c) at least one betaine derivative, preferably selected from glycine betaine, (d) at least one carboxylic acid, preferably selected from citric acid, lactic acid and / or their salts, and (e) water.For example, the composition may comprise (a) at least one penetration enhancing solvent selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, or mixtures thereof, (b) from about 4% to about 6% arginine, (c) from about 1.5% to about 3.5% glycine betaine, (d) at least one carboxylic acid, (e) water, and (f) optionally serine, wherein the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents is from about 2% to about 50%, preferably from about 5% to about 45%, more preferably from about 7% to about 40%, more preferably from about 8% to about 35%, and most preferably from about 8% to about 30%, and wherein all amounts are by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The pH of the compositions is generally less than about 7, for example from about 2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4.In various embodiments, the compositions have a weight ratio of arginine to glycine betaine of greater than or equal to about 5, such as greater than 1, preferably from about 1.25 to about 3.5, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25. In some embodiments, the compositions have a weight ratio of arginine to total carboxylic acids of greater than or equal to about 0.5 or greater than about 0.7, preferably from about 0.75 to about 2, more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5. Optionally, the compositions may include at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents, or combinations thereof. In embodiments where the composition includes serine, the amount of serine may range from about 0.01% to about 2%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 1.5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 1%, and most preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.Further, the compositions may have a weight ratio of arginine to serine of greater than about 2, preferably in the range of about 2 to about 15, more preferably about 4 to about 14, more preferably about 6 to about 13, and most preferably about 8 to about 12, and / or a weight ratio of glycine betaine to serine of greater than about 2, preferably in the range of about 2 to about 10, more preferably about 3 to about 8, more preferably about 3.5 to about 7, and most preferably about 4 to about 6.

[0018] The disclosure also relates to methods of treating keratin fibers, preferably hair, comprising applying a composition according to the disclosure to the keratin fibers.The methods may, for example, be methods of reducing, preventing and / or repairing damage, and / or may be methods of improving the general health and appearance of hair.

[0019] The disclosure further relates to methods of enhancing the penetration of at least one active agent into keratin fibers, the methods comprising including at least one penetration enhancing solvent in a composition comprising the active agent(s), wherein the at least one penetration enhancing solvent is selected from polyols, preferably diols and / or triols, for example propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, propanediol, propylene carbonate, PPG-3 methyl ether, dimethyl isosorbide, hexylene glycol, ethanol, or mixtures of two or more thereof, and the at least one active agent is selected from amino acids, osmolytes, carboxylic acids, or combinations of two or more thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] [Fig.lA], [Fig.lB] Figures 1A-1B are graphs showing the elasticity of hair fibers of samples S1-S8 after one treatment (IA) and five treatments (IB).

[0021] [Fig.2A], [Fig.2B] Figures 2A-2B are graphs showing the elasticity of Hair fibers of samples S9-S16 after one treatment (2A) and five treatments (2B).

[0022] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a graph showing the elasticity of hair fibers of samples S17-S21 after five treatments.

[0023] [Fig.4A], [Fig.4B] Figures 4A-4B are graphs showing the stress of breakage of hair fibers treated with compositions according to the disclosure and comparative compositions.

[0024] [Fig.5A], [Fig.5B] Figures 5A-5B show the structure of some osmolytes copies which may be included in compositions according to the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The disclosure relates to compositions and methods for improving the penetration of active agents for treating keratin fibers, such as hair, for example, active agents for repairing damaged keratin fibers, providing strength to the keratin fibers and / or reducing the elasticity of the keratin fibers. The compositions comprise at least one penetration-enhancing solvent and at least one active agent. The methods comprise improving the penetration of active agents into the keratin fibers as well as treating the keratin fibers, for example, hair, with the compositions. I. COMPOSITIONS

[0026] The compositions according to the present disclosure comprise at least one penetration enhancing solvent and at least one active agent. Penetration-enhancing solvents

[0027] The compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one penetration-enhancing solvent selected from polyols. It has surprisingly been discovered that these solvents are particularly effective in improving the penetration of active agents into hair fibers, even in the presence of accumulation of treatment or styling products on the surface of the hair fibers.

[0028] In various embodiments, the polyols may be selected from diols and triols. In other embodiments, the polyols may be selected from C2-C16 polyols, such as C2-C12 polyols, C2-C8 polyols or C3-C8 polyols. In various embodiments, the polyols that may be used are linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and substituted or unsubstituted polyols. Thus, in various embodiments, one or more polyols may be selected from C2-C16, C2-C12, C2-C8 or C3-C8 diols, or C2-C16, C2-C12, C2-C8 or C3-C8 triols, any of which may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and substituted or unsubstituted.

[0029] By way of non-limiting example, polyols such as isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol, or glycols or glycol ethers such as, for example, monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or its ethers such as, for example, monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, for example monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol, may be chosen.In some embodiments, the polyols may be selected from propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, trimethylolpropane, 2-butene-1,4-diol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 4-methyl-1,2-pentanediol, or combinations of two or more thereof.In some preferred embodiments, the polyols are selected from glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, pentylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, glycerin, diglycerin, and combinations of two or more thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the penetration-enhancing solvent comprises at least one polyol selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, propanediol, propylene carbonate, PPG-3 methyl ether, dimethyl isosorbide, hexylene glycol, ethanol, glycerin, or combinations of two or more thereof.In at least some preferred embodiments, the penetration enhancing solvent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more C2-C16 diols and / or C2-C16 triols, e.g., C2-C8 diols and / or C2-C8 triols. In other preferred embodiments, the penetration enhancing solvent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more glycols, e.g., propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol, and in particularly preferred embodiments, the penetration enhancing solvent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of dipropylene glycol.

[0030] The total amount of penetration enhancing solvents may vary and, in various embodiments, may range from about 2% to about 65%, for example, from about 4% to about 60%, from about 6% to about 55%, from about 8% to about 50%, from about 9% to about 45%, from about 10% to about 40%, from about 12% to about 38%, or from about 15% to about 35% by weight, based on the weight total of the composition. In other embodiments, the total amount of penetration-enhancing solvents may range from about 2% to about 20%, such as, for example, from about 4% to about 16%, from about 6% to about 14%, from about 8% to about 12%, or from about 9% to about 11% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In still other embodiments, the total amount of penetration-enhancing solvents may range from about 2% to about 50%, preferably from about 5% to about 45%, more preferably from about 7% to about 40%, still more preferably from about 8% to about 35%, and most preferably from about 8% to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In at least some embodiments, the compositions comprise at least about 5%, such as at least about 8%, or at least about 10% of penetration enhancing solvent(s).

[0031] For example, in some embodiments, the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents may range from about 5 to about 50%, from about 8% to about 45%, from about 8% to about 40%, from about 8% to about 35%, from about 8% to about 30%, from about 8% to about 25%, from about 10% to about 45%, from about 10% to about 40%, from about 10% to about 35%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 10% to about 25%, from about 12% to about 45%, from about 12% to about 40%, from about 12% to about 35%, from about 12% to about 30%, from about 12% to about 25%, from about 15% to about 45%, 15% to about 40%, from about 15% to about 35%, from about 15% to about 30%, from about 15% to about 25%, from about 18% to about 45%, from about 18% to about 40%, from about 18% to about 35%, from about 18% to about 30%, or from about 18% to about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0032] In other embodiments, the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents may range from about 5% to about 15%, for example, from about 5% to about 14%, from about 5% to about 13%, from about 5% to about 12%, from about 5% to about 11%, from about 5% to about 10%, from about 6% to about 15%, from about 6% to about 14%, from about 6% to about 13%, from about 6% to about 12%, from about 6% to about 11%, from about 6% to about 10%, from about 7% to about 15%, from about 7% to about 14%, from about 7% to about 13%, from about 7% to about 12%, from about 7% to about 11%, from about 7% to about 10%, from about 8% to about 15%, from about 8% to about 14%, from about 8% to about 13%, from about 8% to about 12%, from about 8% to about 11%, from about 8% to about 10%, from about 9% to about 15%, from about 9% to about 14%, from about 9% to about 13%, from about 9% to about 12%, from about 9% to about 11%,or from about 9% to about 10%, or is about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, , about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24% or about 25% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0033] In at least some embodiments, the penetration enhancing solvent comprises propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, or a mixture of two or more thereof, and the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents ranges from about 5% to about 40%, preferably from about 8% to about 35% or from about 10% to about 30%, or ranges from about 2% to about 20%, for example from about 4% to about 18%, from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 7% to about 14% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In another preferred embodiment, the penetration enhancing solvent consists of or consists essentially of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, or a mixture of two or more thereof, and the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents ranges from about 5% to about 40%, preferably from about 8% to about 35% or from about 10% to about 30%, or ranges from about 2% to about 20%,for example from about 4% to about 18%, from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 7% to about 14% by weight, or is about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, or about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the penetration enhancing solvent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of C2-C16 diols and / or C2-C16 triols, for example C2-C8 diols and / or C2-C8 triols, and the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents ranges from about 2% to about 50%, preferably from about 5% to about 45%, more preferably from about 7% to about 40%, more preferably from about 8% to about 35%, and most preferably from about 8% to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.In another preferred embodiment, the penetration enhancing solvent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of C2-C16 diols and / or C2-C16 triols, for example C2-C8 diols and / or C2-C8 triols, and the total amount of penetration enhancing solvents ranges from about 2% to about 50%, preferably from about 5% to about 45%, more preferably from about . 7% to about 40%, more preferably still from about 8% to about 35%, and most preferably from about 8% to about 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Active agents

[0035] The compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one active agent. Active agents that may be used include amino acids, osmolytes, carboxylic acids, and combinations of two or more thereof. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one osmolyte, at least one amino acid, and at least one carboxylic acid. Amino acids

[0036] Optionally, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one amino acid. Optionally, in various embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure may comprise one, two or three amino acids. Amino acids that may be selected include those that are basic, acidic or neutral at neutral pH. In preferred embodiments, the compositions include at least one basic amino acid.

[0037] As used herein, the term "amino acid" includes amino carboxylic acids and their salts, as well as amino sulfonic acids and their salts. As used herein, amino acids mean organic compounds containing a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) (amino carboxylic acids) and / or a sulfonic acid group (-S(=O)2-OH) (amino sulfonic acids) and an amino group (-NH2) which may be primary or secondary, or may be intracyclic, as well as a side chain (R group) specific to each amino acid.

[0038] Aminocarboxylic acids that may be selected include, for example, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, and combinations of two or more thereof.Examples of aminosulfonic acids include aminomethane sulfonic acid, 2-aminoethane sulfonic acid (taurine), aminopropane sulfonic acid, aminobutane sulfonic acid, aminohexane sulfonic acid, aminoisopropyl sulfonic acid, aminododecyl sulfonic acid, aminobenzene sulfonic acid, aminotoluene sulfonic acid, sulfanilic acid, chlorosulfanilic acid, diamino benzene sulfonic acid, amino phenol sulfonic acid, amino propyl benzene sulfonic acid, amino hexyl benzene sulfonic acid, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0039] Amino acid salts are also included in the term "amino acid", whether indicated or not. By way of non-limiting example, salts that may be selected include salts with organic or inorganic bases, for example alkali metal salts, such as lithium, sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, such as magnesium or calcium salts and zinc salts.

[0040] Further, the amino acids may be of D-, L-, or DL- configuration. In certain preferred embodiments, it is advantageous to select amino acids of L- configuration, for example, L-proline, L-methionine, L-serine, L-arginine, L-lysine, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0041] In certain embodiments, it is particularly advantageous to select one or more aminocarboxylic acids. Thus, in various embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise one or more amino acids of formula (I): COOH (I) H.......C ....... N(H)0 R

[0042] in which:

[0043] - p is an integer equal to 1 or 2, and

[0044] • when p = 1, R forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising 5 to 8 ring members, preferably 5 ring members, the latter possibly being substituted by one or more groups chosen from hydroxyl or alkyl (C1-C4); or

[0045] • when p = 2, R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group (C1-C12) saturated, linear or branched, preferably an alkyl group (C1-C4), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -NH- or -C(NH)-, and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, -CONH2, -NH-C(NH)-NH2, or an imidazole ring.

[0046] In certain embodiments when p = 1, R forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising a 5-membered ring, this ring not being substituted.

[0047] In certain embodiments when p = 2, R represents a hydrogen atom or a saturated, linear or branched (C1-C4) alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -CONH2, -NH-C(NH)-NH2 or an imidazole ring. In certain embodiments, p is preferably equal to 2.

[0048] In some embodiments, the compositions comprise one or more amino acids selected from glycine, proline, methionine, serine, arginine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of the foregoing (particularly alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or zinc salts), or combinations of two or more thereof. In at least some embodiments, the amino acid compounds in the composition consist essentially of or consist of amino acids selected from glycine, proline, methionine, serine, arginine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of the foregoing (particularly alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or zinc salts), or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0049] In some embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of glycine and / or its salts. In other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of arginine and / or its salts. In other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of proline and / or its salts. In still other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of methionine and / or its salts. In other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of serine and / or its salts.In still further embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of arginine and / or its salts. In still further embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of histidine and / or its salts. In still further embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of lysine and / or its salts. In still further embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of basic amino acids and / or their salts.

[0050] In various embodiments, the total amount of amino acids may range from about 0.1% to about 15%, such as from about 0.1% to about 12%, from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 9%, from about 0.1% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 7%, from about 0.1% to about 6%, from about 0.1% to about 5.5%, from about 0.1% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 4.5%, from about 0.1% to about 4%, from about 0.1% to about 3.5%, from about 0.1% to about 3%, from about 0.1% to about 2.5%, from about 0.1% to about 2%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, from about 0.1% to about 1%, from about 0.5% to about 15%, from about 0.5% to about 12%, from about 0.5% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 9%, from about 0.5% to about 8%, from about 0.5% to about 7%, from about 0.5% to about 6%, from about 0.5% to about 5.5%, from about 0.5% to about 5%, from about 0.5% to about 4.5%, from about 0.5% to about 4%, from about 0.5% to about 3.5%, from about 0.5% to about 3 %, from about 0.5% to about 2.5%, from about 0.5% to about 2%, from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, from about 0.5% to about 1%, from about 1% to about 15%, from about 1% to about 12%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1% to about 9%, from about 1% to about 8%, from about 1% to about 7%, from about 1% to about 6%, from about 1% to about 5.5%, from about 1% to about 5%, from about 1% to about 4.5%,from about 1% to about 4%, from about 1% to about 3.5%, from about 1% to about 3%, from about 1% to about 2.5%, from about 1% to about 2%, from about 1% to about 1.5%, from about 1.5% to about 15%, from about 1.5% to about 12%, from about 1.5% to about 10%, from about 1.5% to about 9%, from about 1.5% to about 8%, from about 1.5% to about 7%, from about 1.5% to about 6%, from about 1.5% to about 5.5%, from about 1.5% to about 5%, from about 1.5% to about 4.5%, from about 1.5% to about 4%, from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, from about 1.5% to about 3%, from about 1.5% to about 2.5%, from about 1.5% to about 2%, from about 2% to about 15%, from about , 2% to about 12%, from about 2% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 9%, from about 2% to about 8%, from about 2% to about 7%, from about 2% to about 6%, from about 2% to about 5.5%, from about 2% to about 5%, from about 2% to about 4.5%, from about 2% to about 4%, from about 2% to about 3.5%, from about 2% to about 3%, from about 2% to about 2.5%, from about 2.5% to about 15%, from about 2.5% to about 12%, from about 2.5% to about 10%, from about 2.5% to about 9%, from about 2.5% to about 8%, from about 2.5% to about 7%, from about 2.5% to about 6 %, from about 2.5% to about 5.5%, from about 2.5% to about 5%, from about 2.5% to about 4.5%, from about 2.5% to about 4%, from about 2.5% to about 3.5%, from about 2.5% to about 3%, from about 3% to about 15%, from about 3% to about 12%, from about 3% to about 10%, from about 3% to about 9%, from about 3% to about 8%, from about 3% to about 7%, from about 3% to about 6%, from about 3% to about 5.5%, from about 3% to about 5%, from about 3% to about 4.5%, from about 3% to about 4%, from about 3% to about 3.5%, from about 3.5% to about 15%, from about 3.5% to about 12%, from about 3.5% to about 10%, from about 3.5% to about 9%, from about 3.5% to about 8%, from about 3.5% to about 7%, from about 3.5% to about 6%, from about 3.5 % to about 5.5%, from about 3.5% to about 5%, from about 3.5% to about 4.5%, from about 3.5% to about 4%, from about 4% to about 15%, from about 4% to about 12%, from about 4% to about 10%, from about 4% to about 9%, from about 4% to about 8%, from about 4% to about 7%, from about 4% to about 6%, from about 4% to about 5.5%, from about 4% to about 5%, from about 4% to about 4.5%, from about 4.5% to about 15%, from about 4.5% to about 12%, from about 4.5% to about 10%, from about 4.5% to about 9%, from about 4.5% to about 8%, from about 4.5% to about 7%, from about 4.5% to about 6%, from about 4.5% to about 5.5%, or about 4.5% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.In preferred embodiments, the total amount of amino acids ranges from about 2.5% to about 7.5%, from about 3% to about 7%, from about 3.5% to about 6.5%, from about 3.75% to about 6.25%, from about 4% to about 6%, from about 4.25% to about 5.75%, from about 4.5% to about 5.5%, from about 4.75% to about 5.25%, or from about 4.8% to about 5.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of amino acids may be about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, about 5.0%, about 5.1%, about 5.2%, about 5.3%, about 5.4% or about 5.5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise a total amount of basic amino acids in any of the preceding ranges and amounts.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise arginine and / or a salt thereof. In another preferred embodiment, where more than one amino acid is present, arginine is present in the composition in an amount greater than the combined amounts of the other amino acid(s) present, for example, arginine comprises more than about 50%, such as more than about 60%, more than about 70%, more than about 80%, more than about 90%, more than about 95%, more than about 98%, or more than about 99% of all amino acids present in the composition. In another preferred embodiment, arginine is the only basic amino acid in the composition.

[0052] In various preferred embodiments, the composition comprises arginine in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 10%, for example from about 2.5% to about 7.5%, preferably from about 3% to about 7%, more preferably from about 3.5% to about 6.5%, more preferably from about 3.75% to about 6.25%, more preferably from about 4% to about 6%, more preferably from about 4.25% to about 5.75%, more preferably still from about 4.5% to about 5.5%, even more preferably from about 4.75% to about 5.25%, and most preferably from about 4.8% to about 5.2%, or may be present in an amount of about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, about 5.0%, about 5.1%, about 5.2%, about 5.3%, about 5.4%, or about 5.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise serine and / or a salt thereof. If present, the amount of serine may range from about 0.01% to about 2%, such as from about 0.01% to about 1.5%, from about 0.01% to about 1%, from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, from about 0.01% to about 0.4%, from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, from about 0.01% to about 0.2%, from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, from about 0.05% to about 2%, from about 0.05% to about 1.5%, from about 0.05% to about 1%, from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, from about 0.05% to about 0.4%, from about 0.05% to about 0.3%, from about 0.05% to about 0.2%, from about 0.05% to about 0.1%, from about 0.1% to about 2%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, from about 0.1% to about 1% or from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the compositions may comprise serine in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 1.5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.25% to about 0.75%, and most preferably from about 0.4% to about 0.6%, such as about 0.1%, about 0.25%, about 0.5%, about 0.75%, or about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0054] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to select at least one basic amino acid and at least one additional amino acid selected from acidic and / or neutral amino acids. For example, in preferred embodiments, it may be advantageous to include at least one basic amino acid and serine in the compositions according to the disclosure, and to select total amounts of basic amino acids and serine such that the composition has a weight ratio of the total amount of basic amino acids to the total amount of serine that is greater than about 2, such as greater than about 3, greater than about 4, greater than about 5, or greater than about 6.For example, the composition may have a weight ratio of total basic amino acids to total serine of from about 2 to about 15, such as from about 4 to about 14, from about 6 to about 13, from about 8 to about 12, or from about 9 to about 11. In other examples, the weight ratio of total basic amino acids to serine may be about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, or about 12. In certain preferred embodiments, the composition comprises serine and has a weight ratio of total basic amino acids to serine ranging from about 2 to about 15, preferably from about 8 to about 12, more preferably from about 9 to about 11, or is about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, or about 12, including all ranges and subranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0055] In still further preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise serine and arginine, and have a weight ratio of arginine to serine ranging from about 2 to about 15, preferably from about 8 to about 12, more preferably from about 9 to about 11, or is about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, or about 12, including all ranges and subranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits. Osmolytes

[0056] Osmolytes are molecules, typically of lower molecular weight, used by cells to maintain cell volume, regulate osmotic pressure, and maintain cellular homeostasis, for example, in response to environmental stressors. Organic osmolytes include aminocarboxylic acids, aminosulfonic acids, their salts, and their derivatives, carbohydrates such as sugars and sugar alcohols (polyols), polyamines, betaines, methylsulfonium compounds (e.g., dimethylsulfonopropionate), and urea. For the purposes of this disclosure, "osmolytes" include amino carboxylic acid derivatives, amino sulfonic acid derivatives, and salts of the derivatives (collectively referred to herein as "amino acid derivatives"), but do not include the amino carboxylic acids, amino sulfonic acids, or their salts that are described above, and do not include polyols.

[0057] Optionally, the compositions of the disclosure comprise one or more osmolytes, preferably one or more organic osmolytes. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise more than one osmolyte. While not wishing to theorize, it is believed that the use of osmolytes as active agents in the compositions of the disclosure allows treated hair to maintain moisture balance, thereby reducing potential hair damage, or to restore moisture balance to already damaged hair, thereby allowing the treated hair to regain reduced strength and / or elasticity associated with healthy hair.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise one or more osmolytes chosen from carbohydrate sugars, polyamines, amino acid derivatives such as betaines, and more preferably chosen from the compounds of formula (II) or their salts:

[0059] (Rl)(R2)(R3)m-A+-CR4R5-(X)nY (II)

[0060] in which:

[0061] - RI, R2 and R3 are independently chosen from C1-C4 alkyl groups, preferably C1-C2 alkyl groups, more preferably methyl;

[0062] - A is N or S;

[0063] - m and n are independently 0 or 1;

[0064] - X is a divalent alkyl group (= an alkylene group), linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH) or amino (-NH2) and

[0065] - Y is -COO- or -OSO3-;

[0066] provided that:

[0067] • when A is equal to S, in this case m = 0 and R4 and R5 are chosen independently from a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic hydrocarbon chain (including aromatic and polycyclic chains), (Cl-CIO), preferably (C1-C6), more preferably (C1-C4); optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups chosen from -S-, -N=, -NH- or -C(NH)- and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups chosen from a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH or -CONH2;

[0068] • when A is N and m = 0, R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl (in C1-C8) saturated, linear or branched, preferably a (C1-C4) alkyl group; and R5 forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 ring members, preferably from 5 to 6 ring members, knowing that this cycle can be substituted with one or more groups chosen from a hydroxyl or an (C1-C4) alkyl; and

[0069] • when A is equal to N and m = 1, in this case R4 and R5 are chosen independently from a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic hydrocarbon chain (including aromatic and polycyclic chains) (Cl-C10), preferably (C1-C6), more preferably (C1-C4); optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups chosen from -S-, -N=, -NH- or -C(NH)- and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups chosen from a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2.

[0070] Useful and non-limiting polyamine compounds may comprise primary and / or secondary and / or tertiary and / or quaternary amine functional groups. For example, polyamines that may be selected include diamines, triamines, tetramines, pentamines, and polyamines or polyamines polymers, such as, for example, hexamethylenediamine, diethylenetetramine, diethylenetriamine, polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyvinylamine, polyetheramine, polylysine, ethylenediamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, putrescine, tetraethylmethylenediamine, triethylenetetramine, or combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, useful polyamines are selected from putrescine, spermidine and / or spermine.

[0071] Useful and non-limiting examples of betaines include glycine betaine, valine betaine, alanine betaine, proline betaine, hydroxyproline betaine, etc. Salts of betaines may also be used and are expressly included in the term "betaine" unless otherwise expressly indicated. In particularly preferred embodiments, the betaines are selected from those corresponding to formula (II). Examples of useful compounds of formula (II) include the compounds shown in Figures 5A and 5B. As shown in [Fig. 5A], in some embodiments, the compounds of formula (II) are in zwitterionic form, and as shown in [Fig. 5B], in some embodiments, the compounds of formula (II) have a corresponding counterion, X.The counterion is not limited and may be any suitable counterion, e.g., a chloride ion, a bromide ion, an iodide ion, a sulfate anion, a sulfonate anion, a methyl sulfate anion, a phosphate anion, a nitrate anion, etc. Thus, as used herein, a "compound of formula (II)" expressly includes both the ionic form of the compound as well as the salt forms, whether or not specified.

[0072] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, examples of useful compounds of formula (II) include betaine and betaine derivatives (referred to herein as "betaines"), e.g., valine betaine, glutamic acid betaine, glutamine betaine, trimethyllysine, glycine betaine (trimethylglycine), histidine betaine, N-methylhistidine betaine, alanine betaine, beta-alanine betaine, choline sulfate, pipecolic acid betaine, proline betaine, hydroxyproline betaine, tyrosine betaine, phenylalanine betaine, tryptophan betaine, leucine betaine, isoleucine betaine and / or sulfoniopropionate dimethyl. In a preferred embodiment, the osmolyte is glycine betaine (trimethylglycine), alone or in combination with one or more additional osmolytes, for example one or more additional compounds of formula (II).

[0073] In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II). In additional preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise one or more compounds of formula (II) i.e. a zwitterionic amino acid derivative bearing a quaternary ammonium group and comprising in total from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0074] In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) wherein R1 = R2 = methyl; A is N; and / or Y is COO-. In certain other preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) wherein R3 is methyl. In other preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) wherein X is a divalent, linear or branched, preferably saturated alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a group selected from hydroxyl or amino. In still other preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) wherein X is a divalent, linear or branched, preferably saturated alkyl group,having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms (unsubstituted), such as methylene or ethylene. In other preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) in which R4 and R5, which may be the same or different, are selected from a hydrogen atom, a saturated, linear or branched alkyl group (C1-C10), preferably (C1-C6 alkyl), more preferably (C1-C4 alkyl); a phenyl group; a benzyl group; an alkyl group substituted by a cyclic group (saturated or unsaturated, mono or bicyclic); a cyclic group (saturated or unsaturated, mono or bicyclic) substituted by an alkyl group; all these groups being optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups chosen from -S-, -N=, -NH-,or -C(NH)- and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, -CONH2; more preferably where R4 is hydrogen and / or where R5 is a hydrogen atom or a saturated, linear or branched (C1-C6) alkyl, more preferably a (C1-C4) alkyl; optionally substituted by a group selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -COOH or -CONH2. In certain preferred embodiments, when A is N and m = 0, R5 forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising a 5 to 8 membered ring, preferably a 5 to 6 membered ring, optionally substituted by a hydroxy group. In other preferred embodiments, RI = R2 = methyl, A is N, Y is COO-, and X (if any) is a divalent alkyl group which may be straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one compound of formula (II) in which RI = R2 = R3 = methyl; A is N; Y is COO-; X is a divalent, linear or branched, preferably saturated alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a group selected from hydroxyl or amino, more preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms (unsubstituted), such as methylene or ethylene; R4 is hydrogen; and R5 forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 ring members, preferably 5 to 6 ring members, optionally substituted by a hydroxy group.

[0076] In preferred embodiments, the composition comprises at least one osmolyte, and the osmolyte comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more of the compounds shown in Figures 5A and 5B. In more preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise trimethylglycine (interchangeably referred to as glycine betaine), optionally in combination with at least one additional osmolyte, and in particularly preferred embodiments, the osmolyte in the composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycine betaine optionally with at least one additional compound of formula (II).

[0077] Useful and non-limiting examples of carbohydrate sugars that may be used include C3-C6 monosaccharides, for example, pentoses and / or derivatives thereof, or hexoses and / or derivatives thereof. For example, the sugars may optionally be selected from xylose, arabinose, ribose, 2-deoxy-ribose, ribulose, deoxy-ribulose, arabinose, xylulose, allose, altrose, glucose (including dextrose), glucosamine, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, sorbose, psicose, fructose, tagatose, or combinations of two or more thereof. In at least some embodiments, the sugars are selected from disaccharides, e.g., sucrose (also saccharose), maltose, lactose, cellobiose, trehalose, dextran, or from polysaccharides, e.g., maltotriose, starch, dextrins, cellulose, glycogen, or combinations of two or more thereof.In some embodiments, the sugars are preferentially selected from trehalose, glucose, sucrose, fructose, fructans or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0078] In various embodiments, the total amount of osmolytes present in the composition may range from about 0.01% to about 15%, such as, for example, from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 9%, from about 0.1% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 7%, from about 0.1% to about 6%, from about 0.1% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 4%, from about 0.1% to about 3%, from about 0.1% to about 2%, from about 0.1% to about 1%, from about 0.5% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 9%, from about 0.5% to about 8%, from about 0.5% to about 7%, from about 0.5% to about 6%, or from about 0.5% to about 10%. %, from about 0.5% to about 5%, from about 0.5% to about 4%, from about 0.5% to about 3%, from about 0.5% to about 2%, from about 0.5% to about 1%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1 % to about 9%, from about 1% to about 8%, from about 1% to about 7%, from about 1% to about 6%, from about 1% to about 5%, from about 1% to about 4%, from about 1% to about 3%, from about 1% to about 2%, from about 1.5% to about 10%, from about 1.5% to about 9%, from about 1.5% to about 8%, from about 1.5% to about 7%, from about 1.5% to about 6%, from about 1.5% to about 5%, from about 1.5% to about 4%, from about 1.5% to about 3%, from about 1.5% to about 2%, from about 2% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 9%, from about 2% to about 8%, from about 2% to about 7%, from about 2% to about 6%, from about 2% to about 5%, from about 2% to about 4%, from about 2% to about 3%, from about 2.25% to about 10%, from about 2.25% to about 9%, from about 2.25% to about 8%, from about 2.25% to about 7%, from about 2.25% to about 6%, from about 2.25% to about 5%, from about 2.25% to about 4%, from about 2.25% to about 3%, from about 2.5% to about 10%, from about 2.5% to about 9%, from about 2.5% to about 8%, from about 2.5% to about 7%, from about 2.5% to about 6%, from about 2.5% to about 5%, from about 2.5% to about 4%, from about 2.5% to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of osmolytes present in the composition may be about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0079] In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one betaine, and the total amount of betaines ranges from about 0.5% to about 5%, for example from about 1% to about 5%, preferably from about 1.25% to about 4%, more preferably from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, more preferably from about 2% to about 3% or from about 2% to about 2.5%, more preferably from about 2.25% to about 2.75%, and most preferably from about 2.3% to about 2.6%, or may be from about 2.0%, from about 2.1%, from about 2.2%, from about 2.3%, from about 2.4%, from about 2.5%, from about 2.6%, from about 2.7%, from about 2.8%, from about 2.9%, or about 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0080] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises glycine betaine in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 5%, for example from about 1% to about 5%, preferably from about 1.25% to about 4%, more preferably from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, more preferably from about 2% to about 3% or from about 2% to about 2.5%, more preferably still from about 2.25% to about 2.75%, and most preferably from about 2.3% to about 2.6%, or the glycine betaine may be present in an amount of about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, or about 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0081] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to select the amounts of amino acids and osmolytes so as to obtain a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acid(s) and their salts in the composition to the total amount of osmolytes in the composition greater than about 0.1, for example, greater than about 0.2, greater than about 0.5, greater than about 1, greater than about 1.25, greater than about 1.5, greater than about 1.75, or greater than about 2. In various embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount of amino acid(s) and their salts to the total amount of osmolytes may range from about 0.1 to about 10, for example, from about 0.2 to about 8, from about 0.5 to about 6, from about 1 to about 5, from about 1.2 to about 4, or from about 1.5 to about 3.5.In other embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount of amino acid(s) and their salts to the total amount of osmolytes may range from greater than 1 to about 4, for example from about 1.25 to about 3.5, from about 1.5 to about 3, from about 1.75 to about 2.5, from about 1.75 to about 2.25, or from about 1.8 to about 2.2. For example, the weight ratio of the total amount of amino acid(s) in the composition to the total amount of osmolytes in the composition may be about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, or about 2.5, including all ranges and subranges using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0082] In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a total amount of amino acids selected from compounds of formula (I) and a total amount of osmolytes selected from compounds of formula (II) such that a weight ratio of compounds of formula (I):compounds of formula (II) is greater than about 0.5, greater than about 0.75, or greater than about 1, for example, greater than about 1.25, greater than about 1.5, greater than about 1.75, or greater than about 2. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of compounds of formula (I) to compounds of formula (II) in the composition may range from about 0.5 to about 6, for example, from about 1 to about 4, from about 1.25 to about 3.5, from about 1.5 to about 3, from about 1.75 to about 2.5, from about 1.75 to about 3.5, from about 1.75 to about 4.5, from about 1.75 to about 5.5, from about 1.75 to about 6.5, from about 1.75 to about 7.5, from about 1.75 to about 8.5, from about 1.75 to about 9.5, from about 1.75 to about 10.5, from about 1.75 to about 11.5, from about 1.75 to about 12.5, from about 1.75 to about 13.5, from about 1.75 to about 14.5, from about 1.75 to about 15.5, from about 1.75 to about 16.5, from about 1.75 to about 17.5, from about 1.75 to about 18.5, from about 1.75 to about 19.5, from about 1.75 to about 20.5, from about 1.75 to about 21.5, from about 1.75 to about 22.5, from about about 2.25, or from about 1.8 to about 2.2. For example, the weight ratio of compounds of formula (I):compounds of formula (II) in the composition may be about 0.5, about 0.6, about 0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, about 1, about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, or about 2.5, including all ranges and subranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0083] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises arginine and glycine betaine and has a weight ratio of arginine to glycine betaine greater than 1, for example, greater than about 1.25, greater than about 1.5, greater than about 1.75, or greater than about 2, for example, from greater than 1 to about 4, preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25.In another particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises arginine, serine and glycine betaine and has a weight ratio of the total amount of [arginine + serine] to glycine betaine greater than 1, for example greater than about 1.25, greater than about 1.5, greater than about 1.75, or greater than about 2, for example from more than 1 to about 4, preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25. Carboxylic acids

[0084] Optionally, the compositions according to the disclosure may include at least one carboxylic acid. According to various embodiments of the invention, useful carboxylic acids include organic compounds that include, for example, one (mono-), two (di-), three (tri-) or more acid functional groups and at least one carbon atom.

[0085] The carboxylic acids that may be used may optionally have a molecular weight of less than about 500 g / mol, less than about 400 g / mol, less than about 300 g / mol, or less than about 200 g / mol. In preferred embodiments, the carboxylic acids have a molecular weight of less than about 300 g / mol or less than about 200 g / mol.

[0086] Salts of carboxylic acids may also be used and are expressly included in the term "carboxylic acid" unless expressly stated otherwise. Salts include salts with organic or inorganic bases, for example, alkali metal salts, such as lithium, sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, such as magnesium or calcium salts and zinc salts. Alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts are preferred in certain embodiments and, in particular, sodium salts.

[0087] In preferred embodiments, the carboxylic acids comprise from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, from 3 to 16 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 14 carbon atoms. In some preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise one or more hydroxylated (poly)carboxylic acids comprising from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and may be saturated or unsaturated, and linear or branched, and / or a salt thereof. These (poly)acids are different from the amino acid type compounds described above. Useful (poly)acids comprise at least one -COOH group (in acid or salified form); they can thus comprise a single -COOH group (monoacid) or can comprise more than one, for example two -COOH groups (in acid or salified form), or two or three -COOH groups (in acid or salified form) (polyacids).Useful (poly)acids also comprise at least one -OH group, such as one to three or two to three -OH groups, for example, one, two, or three -OH groups. Preferably, the (poly)acids comprise a total of 2 to 8 or 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and two to three -OH groups, and their hydrocarbon chain is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, and preferably saturated and linear. In certain preferred embodiments, the hydroxylated (poly)carboxylic acids and / or their salts comprise a total of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, one to three -OH groups, and two to three -COOH groups (in acid or salified form). Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, the term "(poly)acid" includes both monobasic and polybasic acids.

[0088] Non-limiting examples of monocarboxylic acids that may be selected include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of lactic acid and / or a salt thereof.

[0089] Non-limiting examples of dicarboxylic acids that may be selected include oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, salts thereof, or combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions may include oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, salts thereof, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0090] Non-limiting examples of tricarboxylic acids include citric acid, isocitric acid, aconitic acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments embodiment, the carboxylic acid may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of citric acid and / or a salt thereof.

[0091] In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid(s) may be selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments, the carboxylic acids are selected from α-hydroxy acids and their salts and, in particular, from lactic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid or citric acid and their salts, in particular the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts.In some embodiments, it may be particularly advantageous to select citric acid, lactic acid and / or tartaric acid and / or their salts, in particular alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, such as sodium citrate and / or sodium tartrate and, preferably, citric acid and / or its salts, in particular alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, such as sodium citrate.

[0092] The total amount of carboxylic acid(s) may range from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, the total amount of carboxylic acids ranges from about 1% to about 15%, such as from about 1% to about 12%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1% to about 9%, from about 1% to about 8%, from about 1% to about 7%, from about 1% to about 6%, from about 1% to about 5.5%, from about 1% to about 5%, from about 1% to about 4.5%, from about 1% to about 4%, from about 1% to about 3.5%, from about 1% to about 3%, from about 1% to about 2.5%, from about 1% to about 2%, from about 1% to about 1.5%, from about 1.5% to about 15%, from about 1.5% to about 12%, 1.5% to about 10%, from about 1.5% to about 9%, from about 1.5% to about 8%, from about 1.5% to about 7%, from about 1.5% to about 6%, from about 1.5% to about 5.5%,from about 1.5% to about 5%, from about 1.5% to about 4.5%, from about 1.5% to about 4%, from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, from about 1.5% to about 3%, from about 1.5% to about 2.5%, from about 1.5% to about 2%, from about 2% to about 15%, from about 2% to about 12%, from about 2% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 9%, from about 2% to about 8%, from about 2% to about 7%, from about 2% to about 6%, from about 2% to about 5.5%, from about 2% to about 5%, from about 2% to about 4.5%, from about 2% to about 4%, from about 2% to about 3.5%, from about 2% to about 4.5%, from about 2% to about 4%, from about 2% to about 3.5%, from about 2% to about 5 ... % to about 3%, from about 2% to about 2.5%, from about 2.5% to about 15%, from about 2.5% to about 12%, from about 2.5% to about 10%, from about 2.5% to about 9%, from about 2.5% to about 8%, , from about 2.5% to about 7%, from about 2.5% to about 6%, from about 2.5% to about 5.5%, from about 2.5% to about 5%, from about 2.5% to about 4.5%, from about 2.5% to about 4%, from about 2.5% to about 3.5%, from about 2.5% to about 3%, from about 3% to about 15%, from about 3% to about 12%, from about 3% to about 10%, from about 3% to about 9%, from about 3% to about 8%, from about 3% to about 7%, from about 3% to about 6%, from about 3% to about 5.5%, from about 3% to about 5%, from about 3% to about 4.5%, from about 3% to about 4%, from about 3 % to about 3.5%, from about 3.5% to about 15%, from about 3.5% to about 12%, from about 3.5% to about 10%, from about 3.5% to about 9%, from about 3.5% to about 8%, from about 3.5% to about 7%, from about 3.5% to about 6%, from about 3.5% to about 5.5%, from about 3.5% to about 5%, from about 3.5% to about 4.5%, from about 3.5% to about 4%, from about 4% to about 15%,from about 4% to about 12%, from about 4% to about 10%, from about 4% to about 9%, from about 4% to about 8%, from about 4% to about 7%, from about 4% to about 6%, from about 4% to about 5.5%, from about 4% to about 5%, from about 4% to about 4.5%, from about 4.5% to about 15%, from about 4.5% to about 12%, from about 4.5% to about 10%, from about 4.5% to about 9%, from about 4.5% to about 8%, from about 4.5% to about 7%, from about 4.5% to about 6%, from about 4.5% to about 5.5%, from about 4.5% to about 5%, from about 5% to about 15%, from about 5% to about 12%, from about 5% to about 10%, from about 5% to about 9%, from about 5% to about 8%, from about 5% to about 7%, from about 5% to about 6.5%, from about 5% to about 6%, from about 5% to about 5.5%, from about 5.5% to about 15%, from about 5.5% to about 12%, from about 5.5% to about 10%, from about 5.5% to about 9%, from about 5.5% to about 8%, from about 5,5% to about 7%, from about 5.5% to about 6.5%, from about 5.5% to about 6%, from about 6% to about 15%, from about 6% to about 12%, from about 6% to about 10%, from about 6% to about 9%, from about 6% to about 8%, from about 6% to about 7%, or from about 6% to about 6.5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0093] In preferred embodiments, the total amount of carboxylic acid(s) ranges from about 0.5% to about 20%, for example, from about 2% to about 15%, from about 4% to about 10%, from about 4.5% to about 8%, from about 5% to about 7%, from about 5.5% to about 6.5%, from about 5.7% to about 6.3%, or from about 5.8% to about 6.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the composition comprises at least one carboxylic acid selected from citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, their salts, or combinations thereof, and has a total amount of carboxylic acids and salts ranging from about 0.5% to about 20%, such that from about 2% to about 15%, from about 4% to about 10%, preferably from about 4.5% to about 8%, more preferably from about 5% to about 7%, more preferably from about 5.5% to about 6.5%, more preferably still from about 5.7% to about 6.3%, and most preferably from about 5.8% to about 6.2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0094] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to select amounts of amino acids and carboxylic acids such that the composition has a weight ratio of total amino acids to total carboxylic acids greater than about 0.75. For example, in various embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio of total amino acids to total carboxylic acids greater than about 0.8, such as greater than about 0.9, greater than about 1, greater than about 1.1, greater than about 1.2, greater than about 1.3, greater than about 1.4, or greater than about 1.5. In some embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio of total amino acids to total carboxylic acids ranging from about 0.75 to about 2, for example, from about 0.8 to about 1.5, from about 0.8 to about 1.35, or from about 0.8 to about 1.2.In certain preferred embodiments, the composition comprises arginine and at least one carboxylic acid selected from citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, their salts, or combinations thereof, and has a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids and their salts to the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts ranging from about 0.75 to about 2, preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5, more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.35, and most preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.2. Additional solvents

[0095] The compositions according to the disclosure optionally comprise at least one solvent in addition to the penetration enhancing solvents discussed above. In various embodiments, additional solvents may be selected from water, non-aqueous solvents other than the penetration enhancing solvents discussed above, or a combination thereof.

[0096] In some embodiments, the additional solvent includes water. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 50% to about 98% water, by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises water in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% water by weight, such as from about 50% to about 90%, from about 55% to about 90%, from about 60% to about 90%, or from about 60% to about 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0097] In other embodiments, the additional solvent may include at least one non-aqueous solvent other than the penetration enhancing solvents discussed above. Exemplary and non-limiting additional non-aqueous solvents that may be used include, for example, organic solvents, fatty alcohols, fatty ethers, fatty esters, vegetable oils, mineral oils, liposomes, laminar lipid materials, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0098] If present, the total amount of additional non-aqueous solvents in the composition may range from about 0.001% to about 10%, such as from about 0.01% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 10%, or from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0099] In certain preferred embodiments, the additional solvent comprises water and at least one additional non-aqueous solvent, the total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranging from about 0.01% to about 8%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Surfactants

[0100] The compositions according to the disclosure may optionally comprise at least one surfactant. For example, the compositions may comprise one or more additional surfactants and / or amphoterics and, in some cases, the compositions may comprise mixtures of surfactants having the same or different ionicities.

[0101] Although the compositions may optionally include one or more anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants, in at least some embodiments, the compositions are free or substantially free of anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, the compositions comprise less than about 3%, e.g., less than about 2.5%, less than about 2%, less than about 1.75%, less than about 1.5%, less than about 1.25%, less than about 1%, less than 0.75%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.25%, less than 0.2%, less than 0.1%, less than 0.05%, less than 0.01%, or less than 0.001% of anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0102] In at least some embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one cationic surfactant. The term "cationic surfactant" refers to a surfactant that is positively charged when contained in the composition(s) according to the disclosure. This surfactant may carry one or more positive permanent charges or may contain one or more functionalities that are cationizable in the composition according to the disclosure. Non-limiting examples useful cationic surfactants include brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, behenalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, lauralkonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium hydrofluoride, chlorallylmethenamine chloride (Quaternium-15), distearyldimonium chloride (Quaternium-5), dodecyldimethyl ethylbenzylammonium chloride (Quaternium-14), Quaternium-22, Quaternium-26, Quaternium-18 hectorite, dimethylaminoethyl chloride hydrochloride, cysteine ​​hydrochloride, diethanolammonium phosphate POE (10) oleyl ether, diethanolammonium phosphate POE (3) oleyl ether, tallow alkonium chloride, dimethyl dioctadecylammoniumbentonite, stearalkonium chloride, domiphene bromide, denatonium benzoate, myristalkonium chloride, laurtrimonium chloride,ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, guanidine hydrochloride, pyridoxine HCl, iofetamine hydrochloride, meglumine hydrochloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, myrtrimonium bromide, oleyltrimonium chloride, polyquatemium-1, procaine hydrochloride, cocobetaine, stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkonium hectonite, stearyltrihydroxyethyl propylenediamine dihydrofluoride, sulfrimonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one cationic surfactant selected from brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0103] Optionally, the total amount of cationic surfactants may be up to about 10%, such as up to about 9%, up to about 8%, up to about 7%, up to about 6%, up to about 5%, up to about 4%, up to about 3.5%, up to about 3%, up to about 2.5%, up to 2%, up to about 1.5%, up to about 1%, or up to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of cationic surfactants may be from about 0.001% to about 10%, from about 0.01% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 6%, or from about 0.5% to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.In some preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one cationic surfactant, and have a total amount of cationic surfactants ranging from about 0.25% to about 8%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 7%, more preferably from about 0.75% to about 6%, and most preferably from about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0104] In at least some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one amphoteric surfactant. Non-limiting examples of useful amphoteric surfactants include secondary and tertiary aliphatic amine derivatives where the aliphatic radical may be a straight or branched chain and one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic group such as a carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate or phosphonate. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include sodium cocaminopropionate, sodium cocaminodipropionate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, sodium cocoamphopropionate, sodium masamphopropionate, sodium lauraminopropionate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, sodium lauroamphopropionate, sodium masamphopropionate, sodium lauriminodipropionate,ammonium cocaminopropionate, ammonium cocaminodipropionate, ammonium cocoamphoacetate, ammonium cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, ammonium cocoamphopropionate, ammonium masamphopropionate, ammonium lauraminopropionate, ammonium lauroamphoacetate, ammonium lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, ammonium lauroamphopropionate, ammonium masamphopropionate, ammonium lauriminodipropionate, triethanolamine cocaminopropionate, triethanolamine cocaminodipropionate, triethanolamine cocoamphoacetate, triethanolamine cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, triethanolamine cocoamphopropionate, triethanolamine masamphopropionate, triethanolamine lauraminopropionate, triethanolamine lauroamphoacetate, triethanolamine lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate triethanolamine, triethanolamine lauroamphopropionate, triethanolamine maizeamphopropionate, triethanolamine lauriminodipropionate,cocoamphodipropionic acid, disodium caproamphodiacetate, disodium caproamphoadipropionate, disodium capryloamphodiacetate, disodium capryloamphodipriopionate, disodium cocoamphocarboxyethylhydroxypropylsulfonate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, disodium cocoamphodipropionate, disodium dicarboxyethylcocopropylenediamine, disodium laureth-5 carboxyamphodiacetate, disodium lauriminodipropionate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, disodium lauroamphodipropionate, disodium oleoamphodipropionate, disodium PPG-2-isodecethyl-7 carboxyamphodiacetate, lauraminopropionic acid, lauroamphodipropionic acid, laurylaminopropylglycine and lauryldiethylenediaminoglycine.

[0105] Betaine surfactants may also be used. For example, coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl alphacarboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oleyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl) alpha-carboxyethyl betaine, coco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine or cocamidopropyl betaine may be selected.

[0106] If present, the total amount of amphoteric surfactants may be up to about 10%, such as up to about 9%, up to about 8%, up to about 7%, up to about 6%, up to about 5%, up to about 4%, up to about 3.5%, up to about 3%, up to about 2.5%, up to about 2%, up to about 1.5%, up to about 1%, or up to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of amphoteric surfactants may be from about 0.001% to about 6%, from about 0.01% to about 4%, from about 0.1% to about 3%, or from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In at least some embodiments, the compositions are free or substantially free of amphoteric surfactants. Fatty compounds

[0107] Optionally, the compositions according to the disclosure may include at least one fatty compound. In some embodiments, the at least one fatty compound may be selected from lower alkanes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohol esters, oils such as mineral, vegetable, animal, silicone and non-silicone oils, silicone and non-silicone waxes, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0108] In some embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure include at least one fatty compound selected from volatile and non-volatile silicone oils, which may optionally be aminofunctionalized. Non-limiting examples of silicone oils that may be used include dimethicone, amodimethicone, cyclomethicone, polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone and stearoxytrimethylsilane. For example, the composition may comprise at least one silicone selected from amodimethicone, PEG-7 dimethicone, PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG-9 dimethicone, PEG-10 dimethicone, PEG-12 dimethicone, PEG-14 dimethicone, PEG-17 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-3 / 10 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-4 / 12 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-17 / 18 dimethicone, cetyl PEG / PPG-10 / 1 dimethicone, PEG-8 dimethicone benzoate, PEG-7 dimethicone phosphate, PEG-8 dimethicone phosphate, PEG-10 ... of PEG-10 dimethicone, or a mixture of two or more thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise a silicone oil that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of dimethicone, amodimethicone, or a mixture thereof.

[0109] In other examples, the silicone oil may be selected from polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups which are pendant and / or at the end of the silicone chain, which groups each contain from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, or phenyl silicones, such as phenyl trimethicones, phenyl dimethicones, phenyl(trimethylsiloxy)diphenylsiloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones, diphenyl(methyl-diphenyl)trisiloxanes or (2-phenylethyl)trimethylsiloxysilicates.

[0110] In some embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure include at least one fatty compound selected from fatty alcohols. In some embodiments, "fatty alcohol" refers to any alcohol with a carbon chain of C5 or more, such as, for example, C8 or more, C10 or more, or C12 or more, such as from 6 to 30 carbon atoms or from 8 to 30 carbon atoms. The fatty alcohols may be alkoxylated or unalkoxylated, saturated or unsaturated, and linear or branched.

[0111] For example, the fatty alcohols may be selected from arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, caprylic alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, coconut alcohol, decyl alcohol, hydrogenated tallow alcohol, jojoba alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, palm alcohol, palm kernel alcohol, stearyl alcohol, tallow alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, or combinations of two or more thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise a fatty alcohol component that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof.

[0112] Useful and non-limiting fatty acids may be straight or branched chain acids and / or may be saturated or unsaturated. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids include dibasic, tribasic, and other multiple acids as well as salts of these fatty acids. For example, the fatty acid may optionally include or be selected from lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, arichidonic acid, oleic acid, isostearic acid, sebacic acid, or combinations thereof.

[0113] In certain embodiments, fatty acid esters or fatty alcohol esters may be chosen. Esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or polyacids and of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or polyalcohols, the total carbon number of the esters being more particularly greater than or equal to 10, may be used by example. In other embodiments, esters of C4-C22 dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and C1-C22 alcohols and esters of mono-, di-, or tricarboxylic acids and C2-C26 di-, tri-, tetra-, or pentahydroxy alcohols may also be used. By way of non-limiting examples, isostearyl lactate, lauryl lactate, linoleyl lactate, oleyl lactate, (iso)stearyl octanoate, isocetyl octanoate, octyl octanoate, cetyl octanoate, decyl oleate, isocetyl isostearate, isocetyl laurate, isocetyl stearate, isodecyl octanoate, isodecyl oleate, isononyl isononanoate, isostearyl palmitate, methylacetyl ricinoleate, myristyl stearate, octyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexyl isononanoate, octyl palmitate, octyl pelargonate, octyl stearate, octyldodecyl erucate, oleyl erucate, ethyl and isopropyl palmitates,2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-octyldecyl palmitate, alkyl myristates such as isopropyl, butyl, cetyl, 2-octyldodecyl, myristyl or stearyl myristate, hexyl stearate, butyl stearate, isobutyl stearate, dioctyl malate, hexyl laurate, 2-hexyldecyl laurate, diethyl sebacate, diisopropyl sebacate, diisopropyl adipate, di-n-propyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, diisostearyl adipate, dioctyl maleate, glyceryl undecylenate, octyldodecyl stearoylstearate, pentaerythrityl monoricinoleate, pentaerythrityl tetraisononanoate, pentaerythrityl tetrapelargonate, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate, propylene glycol dicaprylate, propylene glycol dicaprate, tridecyl erucate, triisopropyl citrate, triisostearyl citrate, glyceryl trilactate, glyceryl trioctanoate,trioctyldodecyl citrate, trioleyl citrate, propylene glycol dioctanoate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, diethylene glycol diisononanoate, and / or polyethylene glycol distearates may be selected. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one fatty acid ester and / or fatty alcohol ester, for example pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate.

[0114] In some embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one wax. Non-limiting examples of waxes that may be used include beeswax, hydrogenated olive alkyl esters, camauba wax, candelilla wax, ouricoury wax, Japan wax, cork fiber wax or sugarcane wax, rice wax, rice bran wax, montan wax, paraffin wax, lignite wax or microcrystalline wax, ceresin or ozokerite, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides / palm glycerides, palm butter, sumac wax, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, theobroma grandiflorum seed butter, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, siliconyl candellila wax, China wax, cetyl palmitate, lanolin, shellac, spermaceti, cetyl esters, hydrogenated castor wax; triglyceride esters such as tribehenin (glyceryl tribehenate); synthetic waxes such as hydrocarbon waxes and polyethylene waxes obtained by the polymerization or copolymerization of ethylene, polypropylene waxes, or mixtures of two or more of any of these waxes. In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise a wax component that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of cetyl esters.

[0115] In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more fatty compounds selected from oils of animal, vegetable or mineral origin (e.g., lanolin, squalene, fish oil, perhydrosqualene, mink oil, turtle oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, peanut oil, sweet almond oil, palm oil, cucumber oil, hazelnut oil, apricot kernel oil, wheat germ oil, calophyllum oil, macadamia oil, coconut oil, cereal germ oil, bancoul nut oil, thistle oil, candelilla oil, safflower oil, safflower oil or shea butter), linear or branched hydrocarbons (e.g., polybutene, hydrogenated polyisobutene, polyisoprene, polydecenes such as hydrogenated polydecene, and / or linear alkanes,branched and / or cyclic fatty acids which are optionally volatile, such as, for example, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane or isohexadecane), optionally branched and / or unsaturated fatty acids (for example, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid or isostearic acid), fatty alcohols other than those described above (for example, alkoxylated fatty alcohols), mono- and / or polyesters of fatty acids and / or fatty alcohols (for example, mono- and polyesters of hydroxy acids and fatty alcohols, esters of benzoic acid and fatty alcohols, polyol polyesters, C5-C9 dipentaerythrityl esters, trimethylolpropane polyesters, propylene glycol polyesters or oil polyesters hydrogenated castor oil), perfluorinated and / or organofluorinated oils, fluorosilicone oils,or mixtures of two or more thereof. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids that may be used include optionally branched and / or unsaturated fatty acids such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, isostearic acid, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0116] If present, the total amount of fatty compounds in the composition may range from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, such as from about 1% to about 20%, from about 2% to about 15%, from about 3% to about 12%, or from about 5% to about 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one fatty compound selected from silicone oils, fatty alcohols, waxes or combinations thereof, wherein the total amount of fatty compounds in the composition ranges from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 2% to about 15%, more preferably from about 3% to about 12%, and most preferably from about 5% to about 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Thickening agents

[0117] The compositions according to the disclosure optionally comprise at least one thickening agent. Useful thickening agents include, but are not limited to, semi-synthetic polymers, such as semi-synthetic cellulose derivatives, synthetic polymers, such as carbomers, poloxamers, and acrylate / beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymers, acrylate copolymers, polyethyleneimines (e.g., PEL10), natural polymers, such as acacia, tragacanth, alginates (e.g., sodium alginate), carrageenan, vegetable gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum, petroleum jelly, waxes, related particulate colloids, such as bentonite, colloidal silicon dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose, celluloses such as hydroethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose, and guars such as hydroxypropyl guar.

[0118] In some embodiments, the thickening agent may be selected from associative thickening polymers such as anionic associative polymers, amphoteric associative polymers, cationic associative polymers, or nonionic associative polymers. A non-limiting example of an amphoteric associative polymer is acrylates / beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, and non-limiting examples of anionic associative polymers include acrylates copolymer and acrylates-4 crosslinked polymer.

[0119] If present, the total amount of thickening agents in the composition may range from about 0.01% to about 8% by weight, such as from about 0.05% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 4%, from about 0.2% to about 3%, or from about 0.3% to about 2%, based on the total weight of the composition. Auxiliary components

[0120] The compositions according to the disclosure may optionally include one or more auxiliary components. Non-limiting examples include preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, salts, antioxidants, vitamins, vitamin derivatives, ceramides, botanical extracts, proteins, protein hydrolysates, protein isolates, hydrotropes, pearling agents, buffers, sequestering agents, and the like.

[0121] The total amount of auxiliary components, if present, typically ranges from about 0.01% to about 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, the individual amounts of each component or the total amount of components may range from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 8%, from about 0.1% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 4%, from about 0.1% to about 3%, from about 0.1% to about 2%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1% to about 8%, from about 1% to about 5%, from about 1% to about 4%, from about 1% to about 3%, or from about 1% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0122] The compositions of the disclosure generally have a pH of less than or equal to 7, such as less than or equal to about 6, less than or equal to about 5, less than or equal to about 4.5, or less than or equal to about 4. For example, the compositions may have a pH ranging from about 1 to about 7, e.g., from about 2 to about 6, from about 2.5 to about 5.5, from about 2.5 to about 5, from about 2.5 to about 4.5, or from about 3 to about 4. In some embodiments, the pH of the composition may be, for example, about 3, about 3.25, about 3.5, about 3.75, or about 4, including all ranges and subranges therein.

[0123] The compositions may be in any suitable form. For example, the compositions may be a liquid, a gel, a gel-cream, a high, medium or low density cream, a serum, a lotion, etc. II. PROCESSES

[0124] The disclosure further relates to methods of enhancing the penetration of active agents into keratin fibers, e.g., hair. The methods comprise including at least one penetration enhancing solvent as described herein in a composition comprising at least one active agent. The active agents may, in various embodiments, comprise at least one amino acid, at least one osmolyte and / or at least one carboxylic acid, as described herein. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the active agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of at least one amino acid and / or a salt thereof and at least one osmolyte. In other preferred embodiments, the active agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of at least one basic amino acid, a glycine betaine and at least one carboxylic acid.In other preferred embodiments, the active agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of an arginine and / or a salt thereof, a glycine betaine and a citric acid and / or a salt thereof.

[0125] The disclosure further relates to methods of treating keratin fibers, in order to allow improved penetration of the active agents into the hair, using compositions according to the disclosure. The methods are capable to provide surprisingly greater benefits to the hair due to the greater ability of the active agents to penetrate the hair fibers. The methods include applying a composition according to the disclosure to the hair, optionally leaving the composition on the hair for a period of time (“treatment period,” “resting period,” or “lay-in period”), and optionally rinsing the composition from the hair. Although not required, various treatments using compositions according to the disclosure may also include a step of heating the hair to which the composition has been applied, for example, during the drying time period while the composition is on the hair. For example, a hair dryer, a hood dryer, etc., may be used.

[0126] The setting period may last for a period deemed appropriate to allow the active agents to provide benefits to the keratin fibers, such as about 30 seconds, about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, etc., or may extend over a period of time using any of the foregoing values ​​as upper and lower limits. By way of non-limiting example, the exposure period may range from about 30 seconds to about 60 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 45 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 20 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 45 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 20 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 60 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 45 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 30 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 20 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 15 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 10 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 5 minutes, etc.

[0127] Surprisingly, hair treated with compositions and methods according to the disclosure exhibits less damage than hair not treated according to the disclosure, which is achieved by successful penetration of the active agents into the hair fibers. The reduction in damage is particularly notable on hair damaged by harsh chemical treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, permanent waving, straightening, relaxing, etc., as well as by repeated styling such as with heat or styling tools. Hair repaired using compositions and methods according to the disclosure may have lower elasticity and / or higher tensile strength than similarly damaged but untreated hair according to the disclosure.

[0128] Having described in detail the numerous embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that all examples of the present disclosure, while illustrating numerous embodiments of the disclosure, are provided by way of non-limiting examples and therefore should not be construed as limiting the various aspects thus illustrated. It should be understood that all definitions herein are provided for the present disclosure only.

[0129] The expression "and / or" should be understood to include both the conjunctive and the disjunctive. For example, "amino acids and / or their salts" means "amino acids and their salts" as well as "amino acids or their salts", and expressly covers either.

[0130] As used herein, the term "salts" throughout the disclosure may include salts having a counterion such as an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or an ammonium counterion. This list of counterions, however, is not limiting. Salts also include a dissociated form of a compound, for example in an aqueous solution.

[0131] All quantities stated herein are relative to the amount of active ingredient unless otherwise stated.

[0132] All percentages, parts and ratios herein are based on the total weight of the compositions of the present disclosure, unless otherwise indicated.

[0133] As used herein, all ranges provided are intended to include each specific range within the given ranges, as well as a combination of sub-ranges therein. Thus, a range of 1 to 5 specifically includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as sub-ranges such as 2 to 5, 3 to 5, 2 to 3, 2 to 4, 1 to 4, etc.

[0134] As used herein, the term "applying a composition to the hair," and variations thereof, is intended to mean contacting the hair with at least one of the compositions of the disclosure in any manner. It may also mean contacting the hair in an effective amount.

[0135] The term "treating the hair" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein refers to applying the compositions of the present disclosure to the surface of the hair. The term "treating the hair" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein also refers to contacting the hair with the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0136] A "rinse-out" product refers to a composition such as a hair treatment composition that is removed from the hair after a processing time, e.g., it is rinsed and / or washed out with water. At least a portion, and generally the majority, of the composition is removed from the hair.

[0137] As used herein, the terms "enhanced penetration," "enhanced penetration," "stimulated penetration," "stimulated penetration," or the like, of active agents mean any increase in the amount of active agents present in the hair fiber. The increase in the amount of active agents present in the hair fiber can be determined, for example, by measuring the denaturation temperature of the hair by differential scanning calorimetry (closed cup, crimped), where an increase in the denaturation temperature means an increase in the amount of actives present. However, as described herein, an increase or improvement in the penetration of active agents also results in healthier, stronger, less damaged hair; which can be determined by various methods, such as, for example, breaking stress testing, elasticity measurement, etc. EXAMPLES

[0138] The following examples are intended to be non-limiting and explanatory in nature only. In the Examples, unless otherwise indicated, the amounts are expressed as a percentage by weight (% by weight) of active ingredients, relative to the total weight of the composition. Example 1 - Compositions

[0139] Compositions 1A-1F according to the disclosure were prepared as shown in Table 1. The pH of each of compositions 1A-1F was about 3.5.

[0140] [Tables 1] IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F Aminobasic acid(s) 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Glycine betaine 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Citric and / or lactic acid 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 Preservative(s) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Propylene glycol 3.0 5.0 10 Dipropylene glycol 3.0 5.0 10 Water QS QS QS QS QS QS

[0141] The compositions contained a synergistic combination of active agents (carboxylic acids (citric and / or lactic acid), osmolytes (glycine betaine) and amino acids (arginine and / or serine)), with a penetration enhancing solvent (propylene glycol or dipropylene glycol).

[0142] Example 2- Assessment of damage repair

[0143] In order to evaluate the ability of the compositions according to the disclosure to improve the penetration of active agents into hair fibers to minimize, prevent or repair hair damage, the following studies were conducted. Example 2A#- Ultra-bleached hair

[0144] Eight strands (S1-S8) of virgin Caucasian hair were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (40V hydrogen peroxide) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of about 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then seven of the strands (S1-S7) were subjected to the following treatment routines (strand S8 did not undergo any treatment after rinsing the bleaching composition from the hair).

[0145] The SI strand was cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days.

[0146] Strands S2-S7 were each cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately thereafter, one of compositions 1A-1F (Table 2A) was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days.

[0147] [Tables2] IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F Wick S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 TABLE 2A

[0148] The integrity of the hair fibers in each of the strands S1-S8 was studied after the first and fifth days. Elasticity was assessed to determine whether the hair fibers stretched, and if so, whether they returned to their original state (lower elasticity, i.e., healthy), whether the fibers stretched easily and remained stretched (higher elasticity, i.e., damaged), or whether the hair fibers broke during testing.

[0149] The evaluation was performed by stretching a standardized amount of wet hair fibers, with two experts independently evaluating each strand. The experts were trained to stretch the area of ​​the strand being evaluated by uniformly applying manual pulling force using their hands / fingers. The strand behavior was ranked by each expert according to a 6-level scale as follows, with the result reported for each strand being the average of the two:

[0150] 0 = natural, healthy hair (no damage);

[0151] 1 = low elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit a slight elasticity, returning to their initial state after testing);

[0152] 2 = moderate elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit a elasticity, returning to their initial state after the test);

[0153] 3 = high elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit a elasticity and some hair fibers do not return to their initial state after testing);

[0154] 4 = very high elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit a elasticity and most hair fibers do not return to their original state after testing) and

[0155] 5 = immediate breakage (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit a high elasticity and break during testing).

[0156] The results showed that the hair fibers of strands S2-S7, treated with one of the compositions 1A-1F, surprisingly exhibited lower elasticity than the fibers of strands SI or S8 both after day 1 ([Fig.lA]) and day 5 ([Fig.lB]). In other words, the hair of strands SI and S8 were damaged by the aggressive bleaching process, resulting in increased elasticity, while the damage to strands S2-S7 had been repaired by treatment with one of the compositions 1A-1F. Example 2B# - Straight, ultra-bleached hair

[0157] Eight strands (S9-S16) of Caucasian hair that had been previously straightened using formaldehyde were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with an oxidizing composition commercially available (40V hydrogen peroxide) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of approximately 55°C for approximately 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then seven of the strands (S9-S15) were subjected to the following treatment routines.

[0158] The S9 strand was cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair. The treatment was repeated a second time. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days.

[0159] Strands S10-S15 were each cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, one of compositions 1A-1F (Table 2B) was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly.A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days.

[0160] [Tables3 IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F Wick S10 SU S12 S13 S14 S15 TABLE 2B

[0161] The integrity of the hair fibers of each of the strands S9-S16 was studied in the same manner as that described in Example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers of the strands S10-S15, treated with one of the compositions 1A-1F, surprisingly exhibited lower elasticity than S9 and S16 strand fibers both after day 1 ([Fig.2A]) and day 5 ([Fig.2B]).

[0162] Examples 2A-2B therefore demonstrate that the compositions according to the disclosure surprisingly improve the penetration of the active agents into damaged hair fibers, allowing the active agents to repair the damage. Surprisingly, Example 2B demonstrates that this benefit is observed even with hair that has a substantial accumulation of hair products coated on the hair fibers. Example 3 - Compositions

[0163] Compositions 2A-2E according to the disclosure were prepared as shown in Table 3.

[0164] [Tables4] 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E Dipropylene glycol 10 10 10 10 10 Aminobasic acid(s) 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Glycine betaine 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Citric acid 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 Silicone oil(s) (dimethicone and / or amodimethicone) 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 1.0 Fatty alcohol(s) (stearyl alcohol and / or cetearyl alcohol) 4.5 4.5 6.0 5.0 6.0 Cetyl esters 1.0 Cationic surfactant(s) (cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride) and / or stearamidopropyl dimethylamine) 1.6 1.6 1.6 2.5 1.6 Amphoteric surfactant(s) 1.1 1.1 1.1 0.2 Thickener(s) 0.8 1.0 1.5 1.5 0.4 Isopropyl alcohol 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 Auxiliary component(s) (pH regulators, preservatives, vitamins, extracts) <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 Water QS QS QS QS QS Measured pH 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 4.0

[0165] TABLE 3

[0166] The compositions contained a synergistic combination of active agents (carboxylic acids (citric acid), osmolytes (glycine betaine) and amino acids (arginine)), with a penetration enhancing solvent (dipropylene glycol).

[0167] Example 4- Assessment of damage repair

[0168] In order to evaluate the ability of the compositions according to the disclosure to improve the penetration of active agents into damaged hair fibers to minimize, prevent or repair hair damage, the following studies were conducted.

[0169] A comparative product, Cl, had the following list of ingredients on the packaging: Water (Aqua / Eau), Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Quaternium-91, Sodium Benzoate, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Tetrasodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-37, Benzyl Benzoate, Etidronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Phytantriol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.Composition Cl, which is described as a "pre-shampoo hair treatment that reduces breakage and split ends for visibly healthier hair," is advertised as part of a system that claims it can "restore broken disulfide bonds damaged by chemical treatments, heat, and styling." The instructions for Composition Cl are to use the product before using the shampoo ("Cl-S") and conditioner ("Cl-C") that are part of this system, both of which include bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate as the listed active agent.

[0170] Example 4A - Ultra-bleached hair Elasticity and resistance

[0171] Five strands (S17-S21) of virgin Caucasian hair were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (hydrogen peroxide 40V) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of about 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then four of the strands (S17-S20) were subjected to the following treatment routines (strand S21 did not undergo any treatment after rinsing the bleaching composition from the hair).

[0172] The strand S17 was cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of about one minute, then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately after, a commercially available conditioner composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, it was allowed to sit for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0173] Strands S18 and S19 were each cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all of the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. Immediately thereafter, one of compositions 2D (S 18) or 2B (S 19) was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0174] Strand S20 was treated with composition C1 by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it so as to ensure that the hair was fully coated. Composition C1 was left on the hair for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately thereafter, the strand was cleansed with shampoo C1-S by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, conditioner C1-C was applied to the strand and distributed so as to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to remain for a period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0175] Once the five treatments of the strands S17-S20 were completed, the integrity of the hair fibers of each of the strands S17-S21 was studied in the same manner as that described in Example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers of the strands S18 and S19, treated respectively with the compositions 2D and 2B, had lower elasticity than the fibers of the strands S17 and S20-S21 ([Fig.3]).

[0176] Next, the strength was evaluated using a Dia-Stron fiber tensile testing instrument, the MTT (Miniature Tensile Tester). The results showed that the hair from strands S18 and S19, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, was surprisingly stronger than the hair from strands S17 or S20, meaning that a greater force was required to break the fibers. individual hairs of strands S18-S19. [Fig.4A] shows the breaking stress (MPa) for a control strand (CONTROL), consisting of the same hair but not bleached, strand S17, which was bleached but without further treatment, and strands S18 and S19, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, and strand S20, treated with the comparative compositions. As shown in [Fig.4A], the breaking stress of the control strand (CTL) was more than double that of strand S17, demonstrating the significant damage caused by the bleaching process. After five (5) treatments with composition 2D (strand S18), 2B (strand S19) or the comparative compositions (S20), the breaking stress of the treated strands was increased compared to strand S17.Surprisingly, the increase in breaking strain for strands S18-S19 was considered statistically significant compared to that of strand S20, meaning that compositions 2D and 2B repaired hair to a greater extent than the comparative compositions.

[0177] Example 4B - Straightened and ultra-bleached hair: Elasticity

[0178] Eight strands (S22-S25) of Caucasian hair that had previously been straightened with formaldehyde were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (hydrogen peroxide 40V) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of approximately 55 °C for approximately 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed and, for a treatment period of five weeks, all four strands were subjected to the following routine twice a week.

[0179] First, the strands were cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0180] Three of the strands (S22-S24) were subjected to the following additional treatment routines, once a week, during the 5-week period.

[0181] The S22 strand was cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. A mask composition was applied to the hair and left on, after which the hair was rinsed. Immediately after, a commercially available conditioner composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was completely coated. It was left to rest for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in serum for hair straighteners were applied to the hair.

[0182] The S23 strand was cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, composition 2C was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a period of about five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0183] The strand S24 was treated with the composition C1 by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it so as to ensure that the hair was fully coated. The composition C1 was left on the hair for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately thereafter, the strand was cleansed with shampoo C1-S by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, the conditioner C1-C was applied to the strand and distributed so as to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to remain for a period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed.A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0184] After the five-week treatment period, the elasticity and strength of the hair fibers of each of the strands S22-S25 were investigated in the same manner as described in Example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers of strand S23, treated with composition 2C, had lower elasticity than the fibers of any of the strands S22 or S24-S25.

[0185] Example 4C - Straightened and ultra-bleached hair: Resistance

[0186] Four strands (S26-S29) of Caucasian hair that had been previously straightened using formaldehyde were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with a commercial oxidizing composition (hydrogen peroxide 40V) at a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of about 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed and, during a treatment period of five weeks, all four strands were subjected to the following routine.

[0187] First, the strands were cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to sit on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to sit for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0188] Three of the strands (S27-S29) were subjected to the following additional treatment routines, once a week, during the 5-week period.

[0189] Strands S27 and S28 were cleansed with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of about one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. One of compositions 2B (S28) or 2D (S27) was applied to the hair and left on the hair, after which the hair was rinsed. Immediately thereafter, a commercially available conditioning composition was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, allowed to remain for a resting period of about five minutes, and then the strand was rinsed thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0190] Strand S29 was treated with composition C1 by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it to ensure that the hair was fully coated. Composition C1 was left on the hair for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately thereafter, the strand was cleansed with shampoo C1-S by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, allowing it to remain on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately thereafter, conditioner C1-C was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was fully coated, left to sit for a period of approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in hair straightener serum were applied to the hair.

[0191] Tests were carried out with MTT in the same manner as described in Example 4A. The results showed that the hair in strands S27 and S28, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, was surprisingly stronger than the hair in strands S26 or S29, meaning that a greater force was required to break the individual hair fibers in strands S27-S28. [Fig.4A] shows the breaking stress (MPa) for a control strand (CONTROL), consisting of the same hair but not bleached, strand S26, which was bleached but without further treatment, and strands S27 and S28, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, and strand S29, treated with the comparative compositions. As shown in [Fig.4B], the breaking stress of the control strand (CONTROL) was approximately three times higher than that of the S26 strand, showing the significant damage caused by the bleaching process.After five (5) treatments with composition 2B (wick S28), 2D (wick S27), the breaking stress of the treated wicks was increased compared to wick S26, and the improvement was considered statistically significant. [Fig.4B] however shows that the breaking stress of the wick treated with the comparative composition (S29) did not show any improvement in breaking stress.

[0192] Examples 4A-4C thus demonstrate that the compositions according to the disclosure have surprisingly improved the penetration of the active agents into damaged hair fibers, allowing the active agents to repair the damage. Surprisingly, Example 4B demonstrates that this benefit is even observed in hair that has a substantial accumulation of hair products coated on the hair fibers. The damage repair achieved with compositions according to the disclosure is also surprisingly superior to that achieved with a commercial product that claims to do the same.

[0193] Example 5- Penetration-enhancing compositions

[0194] Compositions 3A-3D according to the disclosure were prepared as shown in Table 4.

[0195] [Tables5] 3A 3B 3C 3D Dipropylene glycol 10.0 7.5 7.5 Propylene glycol 10.0 Glycerin 10.0 Aminobasic acid(s) 5.50 5.50 3.80 3.80 Thickening agent(s) 0.30 0.90 0.90 Non-ionic surfactant(s) 0.30 1.50 0.50 0.50 Amphoteric surfactant(s) 0.30 Revitalizing agent(s) 0.80 Cationic surfactant(s) 2.10 3.84 3.00 3.00 Glycine betaine 2.50 2.50 1.80 1.80 Citric acid 6.00 6.00 5.50 5.50 Wax(s) 0.50 0.50 Fatty alcohol(s) 6.30 6.30 Vegetable oil(s) 0.50 Fatty acid ester(s) 2.50 1.50 Additives (preservatives, perfume) <2 <2 <2 <2 Water QS QS QS QS

[0196] TABLE 4

[0197] Compositions 3A-3D should also allow better penetration of the active agents they contain into the hair, in order to more effectively introduce components into the hair fiber that can minimize, prevent and / or repair damage. Example 6#- Additional compositions

[0198] The following compositions according to the disclosure may be prepared and should also similarly enhance the penetration of active agents into the hair to minimize, prevent or repair hair damage.

[0199] [Tableauxô] 4A 4B 4C 4D 4E Dipropylene glycol 15 Propylene glycol 2.0 12 Polyethylene glycol 5.0 10 Arginine 2.0 9.8 2.5 Lysine 2.5 2.0 10 Valine betaine 2.0 4.5 2.0 1.0 4.0 Citric acid 3 2.0 9.8 Lactic acid 2.0 10 2 Serine 0.05 0.5 0.05 0.5 Fatty compound(s) 10 8.0 9.0 15 Cationic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s) 3.0 0.5 2.5 5.0 Additional component(s) (e.g. pH adjusters, vitamins, preservatives, extracts, thickeners) <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 Water QS QS QS QS QS

[0200] TABLE 5

[0201] The above examples demonstrate that the compositions and methods according to the disclosure surprisingly and unexpectedly improve the penetration of active agents to minimize, prevent or repair hair damage.

Claims

Claims

1. A method for improving the penetration of active agents into hair, the method comprising applying to the hair a composition comprising: a. at least one penetration-enhancing solvent selected from polyols; b. at least one active agent selected from osmolytes; c. optionally, at least one additional active agent selected from: (i) at least one compound selected from amino acids or their salts; or (ii) at least one compound selected from carboxylic acids or their salts; and d. water wherein the total amount of polyols is at least about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein the total amount of osmolytes is at least about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the pH of the composition is less than 7.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the total amount of polyols in the composition is from about 2% to about 65%, preferably from about 5% to about 50%, more preferably from about 5% to about 35%, and most preferably from about 7% to about 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the polyols are selected from C2-C16 diols, C2-C16 triols, or combinations of two or more thereof, preferably from C2-C8 diols, C2-C8 triols, or combinations of two or more thereof.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyols are selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, propanediol, propylene carbonate, PPG-3 methyl ether, dimethyl isosorbide, hexylene glycol, ethanol, glycerin or combinations of two or more thereof.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the treatment composition comprises at least one osmolyte selected from carbohydrate sugars, polyamines, betaines or combinations of two or more thereof, preferably comprising at least one betaine selected from compounds of formula (II) or their salts: (Rl)(R2)(R3)m-A+-CR4R5-(X)nY (II) wherein: - RI, R2 and R3 are independently selected from C1-C4 alkyl groups; - A is N or S; - m and n are independently 0 or 1; - X is a divalent C1-C6 alkyl group, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH) or amino (-NH2 ) and - Y is -COO- or -OSO3-;provided that: • when A is S, then m = 0 and R4 and R5 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (C1-C10) hydrocarbon chain (including aromatic and polycyclic chains), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -N=, -NH- or -C(NH)- and / or optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2; • when A is N and m = 0, R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a saturated, linear or branched alkyl (C1-C8), and R5 forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 annular members, optionally substituted by one or more groups chosen from hydroxyl or alkyl (C1-C4);and • when A is N and m = 1, then R4 and R5 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom or a saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (including aromatic and polycyclic) hydrocarbon chain (C1-C10), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -N=, -NH-, or -C(NH)-, and / or; optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition comprises at least one osmolyte selected from compounds of formula (II) selected from valine betaine, glutamic acid betaine, glutamine betaine, trimethyllysine, glycine betaine, histidine betaine, N-methylhistidine betaine, alanine betaine, beta-alanine betaine, choline sulfate, pipericolic acid betaine, proline betaine, hydroxyproline betaine, tyrosine betaine, phenylalanine betaine, tryptophan betaine, leucine betaine, isoleucine betaine, their salts or their combinations, preferably comprising glycine betaine.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the total amount of osmolytes ranges from about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 8%, more preferably from about 1% to about 5%, and most preferably from about 1.5% to about 3.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the composition comprises at least one amino acid selected from arginine, glycine, proline, methionine, serine, lysine, histidine, their salts, or combinations of two or more thereof.

9. Cl. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition comprises at least one active agent selected from amino acids or their salts, and the total amount of amino acids and their salts ranges from about 2% to about 15%, preferably from about 2.5% to about 12%, more preferably from about 3% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 3.5% to about 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the composition comprises at least one active agent selected from formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, isocitric acid, aconitic acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, their salts or combinations of two or more of these.

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