COMPOSITIONS AND PROCESSES OF KERATIN FIBERS

Abstract

KERATIN FIBER COMPOSITIONS AND PROCESSES The disclosure relates to compositions and processes for processing keratin fibers, such as hair. The compositions include (a) at least one amino acid, (b) at least one osmolyte, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, and (d) at least one solvent. The processes include applying the compositions to the keratin fibers. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING KERATIN FIBERS technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to compositions and processes for treating keratin fibers, such as hair, for example to repair damaged keratin fibers, impart strength to keratin fibers and / or reduce the elasticity of keratin fibers. CONTEXT

[0002] Consumers use cosmetic compositions and processes to modify or improve 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 revitalization. However, many compositions and processes for modifying the appearance of hair, such as compositions and processes for permanently altering hair color or shape, involve harsh chemical treatments. In addition, repeated styling can damage 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, result in hair damage.

[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 hair color, these components must first break down the natural components of the hair fibers. Similarly, hair straightening, relaxing, and perming compositions also involve aggressive chemicals to alter 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 hair, the chemical agents used inherently cause hair damage and negatively impact the strength, elasticity, and porosity of the hair fibers. For example, hair that has been bleached, dyed, straightened, smoothed, permed, repeatedly styled, etc., is often dry, frizzy, and generally unpleasant to the touch and appearance. Furthermore, damaged hair is brittle and / or exhibits increased elasticity, resulting in more frequent breakage. Consequently, consumers seek 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, that can be stretched or manipulated while still being able to return to its original state without breakage (i.e., with reduced elasticity), that is soft and pleasant to the touch, and that also looks shiny and healthy.

[0005] However, it has proven difficult to formulate compositions that satisfactorily meet these requirements. For example, some compositions that attempt to provide a solution merely coat the hair with compounds that may improve its feel and appearance; 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 the damage within the hair fiber, but to date, these have not been satisfactory.

[0006] The present inventors have now discovered a synergistic combination of components that is remarkably effective in preventing or minimizing hair damage and treating damaged hair. Hair treated with compositions according to the disclosure shows remarkably 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, perming, straightening, relaxing, etc. SUMMARY

[0007] This disclosure relates to compositions and processes for treating keratin fibers, for example, human hair, for example, to prevent, minimize, or repair hair damage, such as damage caused by harsh chemical compositions and processes. The compositions comprise a synergistic combination of one or more amino acids, one or more osmolytes, and one or more carboxylic acids, and the processes comprise applying a composition according to the disclosure to keratin fibers, for example, hair that has been or will be chemically treated.

[0008] In various embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions for processing keratin fibers, such as hair, compositions comprising (a) at least one amino acid, (b) at least one osmolyte, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, and (d) at least one solvent. The pH of the compositions is generally less than about 7 or less than about 6, for example, from about 2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4.

[0009] In some embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one amino acid selected from the basic amino acids, for example arginine, histidine, the Lysine, their salts, or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the total amount of basic amino acids and their salts ranges from approximately 0.1% to approximately 15%, preferably from approximately 1% to approximately 12%, more preferably from approximately 2% to approximately 10%, more preferably from approximately 3% to approximately 7%, and most preferably from approximately 4% to approximately 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one amino acid selected from among the acidic or neutral amino acids and their salts, for example, serine. In various embodiments, the total quantity 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, relative to the total weight of the composition.In 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 approximately 0.1% to approximately 15%, preferably from approximately 1% to approximately 12%, more preferably from approximately 2% to approximately 10%, more preferably from approximately 3% to approximately 7%, and most preferably from approximately 4% to approximately 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure include one or more amino acids selected from glycine, proline, methionine, serine, arginine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of these (in particular, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or zinc salts), and combinations of two or more of these.

[0011] 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 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 between the total amount of amino acids and the total amount of osmolytes which is greater than or equal to about 0.5, such as greater than about 1, preferably from about 1.25 to about 3.5, more preferably 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.

[0012] 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 of these, and preferably citric acid, lactic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more of these. In various embodiments, the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts ranges from about 0.5% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, more preferably from about 2% to about 12%, more preferably from about 3% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 7% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.In various embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio between the total amount of amino acids and their salts and 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.

[0013] The solvent may comprise water and / or at least one non-aqueous solvent and, in some embodiments, comprises water and at least one non-aqueous solvent. Optionally, the compositions comprise water and at least one non-aqueous solvent, and have a total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranging from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 5% to about 20%, more preferably from about 5% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 8% to about 12% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0014] The compositions may optionally also include at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents, direct dyes or combinations of two or more of these.

[0015] In some embodiments, the composition may include (a) at least one amino acid and / or one of its salts, (b) at least one betaine, preferably at least one compound of formula (II), for example glycine betaine, in an amount from about 1% to about 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, (c) at least one carboxylic acid and / or one of its salts, (d) at least one solvent, and (e) optionally at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents, direct dyes, or combinations thereof. For example, in at least some embodiments, the composition includes arginine and the total amount of amino acids ranges from about 1% to about 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and in which the total amount of carboxylic acids ranges from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. The pH of the compositions is generally less than 7, for example ranging from about 2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4. In various embodiments, the total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranges from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 2% to about 18%, more preferably from about 3% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 12%, relative to the total weight of the composition.In some embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio between the total amount of amino acids and their salts, for example arginine, serine, their salts, or combinations thereof, and the total amount of betaines, preferably selected from compounds of formula (II) and their salts, for example glycine betaine, which is greater than or equal to about 0.5, such as greater than about 1, preferably from about 1.25 to about 3.5, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 3, more preferably still from about 1.75 to about 2.5, and most preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.25.In some embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio between the total quantity of amino acids and their salts and the total quantity of carboxylic acids and their salts which is greater than about 0.5 or greater than about 0.7, preferably ranging from about 0.75 to about 2, and more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise (a) at least one amino carboxylic acid or one of its salts, preferably selected from arginine and / or one of its salts, (b) at least one betaine derivative, preferably selected from glycine betaine, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, preferably selected from citric acid, lactic acid and / or their salts, (d) water. For example, the composition may include (a) about 2% to about 6% arginine and / or one of its salts, (b) about 0.5% to about 3.5% glycine betaine, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, preferably selected from citric acid, lactic acid and / or their salts, (d) water and at least one non-aqueous solvent, and (e) optionally serine, wherein the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts ranges from about 2% to about 10%, and wherein all amounts are expressed by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.The pH of the compositions is generally less than 7, for example, ranging from about 2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4. In various embodiments, the total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranges from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 2% to about 18%, more preferably from about 3% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 12%, relative to the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio between the total amount of amino acids and their salts and glycine betaine greater than about 0.5, such as greater than about 1, preferably from about 1.25 to about 1. 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 composition has a weight ratio between the total amount of amino acids and their salts and 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, more preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.5. In some embodiments, the compositions include at least one additional component selected from fatty compounds, surfactants, thickening agents, or combinations thereof.If present, the compositions include serine in an amount ranging 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, relative to the total weight of the composition. When the compositions include serine, the compositions may optionally have a weight ratio of the total amount of amino acids to serine greater than about 2, preferably from about 2 to about 15, more preferably from about 4 to about 14, more preferably from about 6 to about 13, and most preferably from about 8 to about 12.When compositions include serine, the compositions may optionally have a weight ratio of glycine betaine to serine greater than about 2, preferably about 2 to about 10, more preferably about 3 to about 8, more preferably still about 3.5 to about 7, and most preferably about 4 to about 6.

[0017] The disclosure further relates to processes for treating keratin fibers, preferably hair, including the application of a composition according to the disclosure to the keratin fibers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] [Fig 1A-1B] Figures IA and IB are graphs showing the elasticity of the hair fibers of the strands SI to S8 after one treatment (IA) and five treatments (IB).

[0019] [Fig 2A-2B] Figures 2A and 2B are graphs showing the elasticity of the hair fibers of strands S9 to S16 after one treatment (2A) and five treatments (2B).

[0020] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a graph showing the elasticity of the hair fibers of strands S17 to S21 after five treatments.

[0021] [Fig 4A-4B] Figures 4A and 4B are graphs showing the breaking stress of hair fibers treated with compositions according to disclosure and comparative compositions.

[0022] [Fig 5A-5B] Figures 5A and 5B show the structures of some examples of osmolytes that may be included in compositions according to disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The disclosure relates to compositions and processes for treating keratin fibers, such as hair, for example to repair damaged keratin fibers, impart strength to keratin fibers and / or reduce the elasticity of keratin fibers.

[0024] I. COMPOSITIONS

[0025] The compositions according to this disclosure comprise (a) at least one amino acid, (b) at least one osmolyte, (c) at least one carboxylic acid, and (d) at least one solvent. The compositions may optionally comprise one or more additional components. Amino acids

[0026] 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. The amino acids that may be chosen include those that are basic, acidic, or neutral at neutral pH. In preferred embodiments, the compositions include at least one basic amino acid.

[0027] 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 are understood to be 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.

[0028] Amino carboxylic acids that may be chosen 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 of these. Examples of aminosulfonic acids include aminomethanesulfonic acid, 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine), aminopropanesulfonic acid, aminobutanesulfonic acid, aminohexanesulfonic acid, aminoisopropylsulfonic acid, aminododecylsulfonic acid, aminobenzenesulfonic acid, aminotoluenesulfonic acid, sulfanilic acid, chlorosulfanilic acid, diaminobenzenesulfonic acid, aminophenolsulfonic acid, and... aminopropylbenzenesulfonic acid, aminohexylbenzenesulfonic acid, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0029] Amino acid salts are also included in the expression "amino acid," whether or not this is explicitly stated. By way of non-limiting example, salts that may be chosen include salts with organic or mineral 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.

[0030] In addition, amino acids can be of D, L or DL ​​configuration. In some preferred embodiments, it is advantageous to choose amino acids of L configuration, for example L-proline, L-methionine, L-serine, L-arginine, L-lysine, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0031] In certain embodiments, it is particularly advantageous to choose one or more amino carboxylic 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)P R

[0032] in which:

[0033] - p is an integer equal to 1 or 2, and

[0034] • when p = 1, R forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising 5 to 8 ring links, preferably 5 ring links, knowing that this ring can be substituted with one or more groups chosen from a hydroxyl or an alkyl group (in C1-C4); or

[0035] • when p = 2, R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group (in C1-C12) saturated, linear or branched, preferably an alkyl group (in C1-C4), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -NH- or -C(NH)-, and / or optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, -CONH2, NH-C(NH)-NH2, or an imidazole ring.

[0036] In certain embodiments, when p = 1, R forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising 5 ring links, this ring not being substituted.

[0037] In certain embodiments, when p = 2, R represents a hydrogen atom or a saturated (C1-C4) alkyl group, linear or branched, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -CONH2, -NH-C(NH)-NH2, or an imidazole ring. In some embodiments, p is preferably 2.

[0038] In some embodiments, the compositions comprise one or more amino acids selected from arginine, glycine, proline, methionine, serine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of these (in particular alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or zinc salts), or combinations of two or more of these. In at least some embodiments, the amino acid compounds in the composition consist essentially of, or are composed of, amino acids selected from arginine, glycine, proline, methionine, serine, lysine, histidine, salts of any of these (in particular alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or zinc salts), or combinations of two or more of these.

[0039] 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 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 histidine and / or its salts. In other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of lysine and / or its salts. In still other embodiments, the amino acid(s) useful in the compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of basic amino acids and / or their salts.

[0040] In various embodiments, the total amount of amino acids can 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 approximately 5.5%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 5%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 4%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 3%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 2.5%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 2%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 1.5%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 1%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 6%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 5.5% from approximately 0.5% to approximately 5%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 4%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 3%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 2.5%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 2%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 1.5%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 1%, from approximately 1% to approximately 15%, from approximately 1% to approximately 12%, from approximately 1% to approximately 10%, from approximately 1% to approximately 9%, from approximately 1% to approximately 8%from approximately 1% to approximately 7%, from approximately 1% to approximately 6%, from approximately 1% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 1% to approximately 5%, from approximately 1% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 1% to approximately 4%, from approximately 1% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 1% to approximately 3%, from approximately 1% to approximately 2.5%, from approximately 1% to approximately 2%, from approximately 1% to approximately 1.5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 6%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 4%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 3%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 2.5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 2%, from approximately 2% to approximately 15%, from approximately, 2% to approximately 12%, from approximately 2% to approximately 10%, from approximately 2% to approximately 9%, from approximately 2% to approximately 8%, from approximately 2% to approximately 7%, from approximately 2% to approximately 6%, from approximately 2% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 4%, from approximately 2% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 3%, from approximately 2% to approximately 2.5%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 6% from approximately 2.5% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 5%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 4%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 3%, from approximately 3% to approximately 15%, from approximately 3% to approximately 12%, from approximately 3% to approximately 10%, from approximately 3% to approximately 9%, from approximately 3% to approximately 8%, from approximately 3% to approximately 7%, from approximately 3% to approximately 6%, from approximately 3% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 3% to approximately 5%, from approximately 3% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 3% to approximately 4%, from approximately 3% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 6%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 5%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 4%, from approximately 4% to approximately 15%, from approximately 4% to approximately 12%, from approximately 4% to approximately 10%, from approximately 4% to approximately 9%, from approximately 4% to approximately 8%, from approximately 4% to approximately 7%, from approximately 4% to approximately 6%, from approximately 4% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 4% to approximately 5%, from approximately 4% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 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, relative to 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, relative to 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 relative to the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.In some preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise a total amount of basic amino acids in any of the preceding ranges and amounts.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise arginine and / or one of its salts. 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 acids present; for example, arginine comprises more than approximately 50%, such as more than approximately 60%, more than approximately 70%, more than approximately 80%, more than approximately 90%, more than approximately 95%, more than approximately 98%, or more than approximately 99% of all the amino acids present in the composition. In yet another preferred embodiment, arginine is the only basic amino acid in the composition.

[0042] In various preferred embodiments, the composition comprises arginine in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 10%, such as 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%, preferably from about 4% to about 6%, more preferably from about 4.25% to about 5.75%, more preferably 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, relative to the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise serine and / or one of its salts. If present, the amount of serine can range from approximately 0.01% to approximately 2%, such as approximately 0.01% to approximately 1.5%, approximately 0.01% to approximately 1%, approximately 0.01% to approximately 0.5%, approximately 0.01% to approximately 0.4%, approximately 0.01% to approximately 0.3%, approximately 0.01% to approximately 0.2%, approximately 0.01% to approximately 0.1%, approximately 0.05% to approximately 2%, approximately 0.05% to approximately 1.5%, approximately 0.05% to approximately 1%, approximately 0.05% to approximately 0.5%, approximately 0.05% to approximately 0.4%, approximately 0.05% to approximately 0.3%, and approximately 0.05% to approximately 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, relative to the total weight of the composition.For example, in some preferred embodiments, 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 0.1%, 0.25%, about 0.5%, about 0.75%, or about 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0044] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to select at least one basic amino acid and at least one additional amino acid selected from among the 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 compositions according to the disclosure, and to select total amounts of basic amino acids and serine such that the composition has a weight ratio between the total amount of basic amino acids and 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 exhibit a weight ratio between the total amount of basic amino acids and the total amount of serine ranging from about 2 to about 15, such as about 4 to about 14, about 6 to about 13, about 8 to about 12, or about 9 to about 11. In others. For example, the weight ratio between the total amount of basic amino acids and serine may be about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, or about 12. In some preferred embodiments, the composition includes serine and has a weight ratio between the total amount of basic amino acids and 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 preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0045] In still other 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 preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits. Osmolytes

[0046] Osmolytes are molecules, generally 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 derivatives, carbohydrates such as sugars and sugar alcohols (polyols), polyamines, betaines, methylsulfonium compounds (e.g., dimethylsulfoniopropionate), and urea. For the purposes of this disclosure, "osmolytes" include amino carboxylic acid derivatives, amino sulfonic acid derivatives, and salts of derivatives (collectively referred to herein as "amino acid derivatives"), but do not include amino carboxylic acids, amino sulfonic acids, or their salts that are described above, and do not include polyols.

[0047] The compositions according to the disclosure comprise one or more osmolytes, preferably one or more organic osmolytes. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise more than one osmolyte. Without wishing to develop a theory, it is believed that the use of osmolytes according to the disclosure allows treated hair to maintain a moisture balance, thereby reducing potential hair damage, or to restore a moisture balance to already damaged hair, enabling the treated hair to recover reduced strength and / or elasticity associated with healthy hair.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the useful osmolytes are chosen from carbohydrate sugars, polyamines, amino acid derivatives such as betaines, and more preferably are chosen from compounds of formula (II) or their salts:

[0049] (R1)(R2)(R3) m -A + -CR4R5-(X) n -Y (II)

[0050] in which:

[0051] - RI, R2 and R3 are chosen independently from among the alkyl groups in C1-C4, of preferentially alkyl groups in C1-C2, more preferentially methyl;

[0052] - A is N or S;

[0053] - m and n are independently 0 or 1;

[0054] - 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 with one or more groups selected from a hydroxyl (-OH) or an amino (-NH2); and

[0055] - Y is -COO- or -OSO3- ;

[0056] provided that:

[0057] • when A is S, then m = 0 and R4 and R5 are chosen independently from a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon chain (in C1-C10), saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (including aromatic and polycyclic chains), preferably (in C1-C6), more preferably (in C1-C4); 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 a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2;

[0058] • when A is N and m = 0, R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl (in C1-C8) saturated, linear or branched, preferably an alkyl group (at C1-C4); and R5 forms, with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising 5 to 8 ring links, preferably 5 to 6 ring links, knowing that this ring can be substituted with one or more groups selected from a hydroxyl or an alkyl group (at C1-C4); and

[0059] • when A is N and m = 1, then R4 and R5 are chosen independently from a hydrogen atom or hydrocarbon chain (in C1-C10), saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (including aromatic and polycyclic chains), preferably (in C1-C6), more preferably (in C1-C4); 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 a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2.

[0060] Useful, but not limiting, polyamine compounds may include primary and / or secondary and / or tertiary and / or quaternary amine functional groups. By way of example, polyamines that may be selected include diamines, triamines, tetramines, pentamines, and polymeric polyamines or polyimines, such as, for example, hexamethylenediamine, diethylenetetramine, diethylenetriamine, polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyvinylamine, polyetheramine, polylysine, ethylenediamine, the 1,3-Diaminopropane, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, putrescine, tetraethylmethylenediamine, triethylenetetramine, or combinations of two or more of these. In some embodiments, the useful polyamines are selected from putrescine, spermidine, and / or spermine.

[0061] Useful, but not limiting, examples of betaines include glycine betaine, valine betaine, alanine betaine, proline betaine, hydroxyproline betaine, etc. Salts of betaine may also be used and are expressly included in the term "betaine" unless otherwise specified. 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 can be any suitable counterion, for example a chloride ion, a bromide ion, an iodide ion, a sulfate anion, a sulfonate anion, a methylsulfate anion, a phosphate anion, a nitrate anion, etc. Thus, as used here, a "compound of formula (II)" expressly includes both the ionic form of the compound and the salt forms, whether or not this is specified.

[0062] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, examples of useful compounds of formula (II) include betaine and betaine derivatives (hereinafter referred to as "betaines"), for example 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 dimethylsulfoniopropionate. 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).

[0063] In some 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 a total of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0064] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) in which RI = R2 = methyl; A is N; and / or Y is COO-. In some other preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) in which R3 is a methyl. In other preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) in which X is a divalent alkyl group, linear or branched, preferably saturated, having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with a group selected from a hydroxyl or an amino group. In still other preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) in which X is a divalent alkyl group, linear or branched, preferably saturated,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 disclosure comprise at least one compound of formula (II) in which R4 and R5, which may be identical or different, are selected from a hydrogen atom; a saturated alkyl group, linear or branched (in C1-C10), preferably an alkyl (in Cl-C6), more preferably an alkyl (in C1-C4); a phenyl group; a benzyl group; an alkyl group substituted with a cyclic group (saturated or unsaturated, mono- or bicyclic); a cyclic group (saturated or unsaturated, mono- or bicyclic) substituted with an alkyl group; all these groups being 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 a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, -CONH2; more preferably where R4 is a hydrogen atom and / or where R5 is a hydrogen atom or a saturated alkyl group, linear or branched (C1-C6), more preferably an alkyl group (C1-C4); optionally substituted with a group selected from a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -COOH, or -CONH2. In some preferred embodiments, when A is N and m = 0, R5 forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising 5 to 8 ring members, preferably 5 to 6 ring members, optionally substituted with a hydroxyl 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 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,more preferably of 1 to 2 carbon atoms.

[0065] 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 alkyl group, linear or branched, preferably saturated, having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with a group selected from a hydroxyl or an amino, more preferably of 1 to 2 carbon atoms (unsubstituted), such as a methylene or an ethylene; R4 is a hydrogen; and R5 forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising 5 to 8 ring links, preferably 5 to 6 ring links, optionally substituted with a hydroxy group.

[0066] In preferred embodiments, the osmolyte in the composition 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 trimethyl glycine (name interchangeable with 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).

[0067] Useful, but not limiting, examples of carbohydrate sugars that may be used include C3-C6 monosaccharides, for example pentoses and / or their derivatives, or hexoses and / or their derivatives. For example, sugars may optionally be chosen from xylose, arabinose, ribose, 2-deoxyribose, ribulose, deoxyribulose, arabinose, xylulose, allose, altrose, glucose (including dextrose), glucosamine, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, sorbose, psicose, fructose, tagatose, or combinations of two or more of these. In at least some embodiments, the sugars are chosen from disaccharides, for example sucrose, maltose, lactose, cellobiose, trehalose, dextran, or from polysaccharides, for example maltotriose, starch, dextrins, cellulose, glycogen, or combinations of two or more of these.In some embodiments, the sugars are preferably chosen from trehalose, glucose, sucrose, fructose, fructans, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0068] In various embodiments, the total amount of osmolytes present in the composition can 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%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 5%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 4%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 3%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 2%, from approximately 0.5% to approximately 1%, from approximately 1% to approximately 10%, from approximately 1% to approximately 9%, from approximately 1% to approximately 8%, from approximately 1% to approximately 7%, from approximately 1% to approximately 6%, from approximately 1% to approximately 5%, from approximately 1% to approximately 4%, from approximately 1% to approximately 3%, from approximately 1% to approximately 2%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 6%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 4%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 3%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 2%, from approximately 2% to approximately 10%, from approximately 2% to approximately 9%, from approximately 2% to approximately 8%, from approximately 2% to approximately 7%, from approximately 2% to approximately 6%, from approximately 2% to approximately 5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 4%, from approximately 2% to approximately 3%, from approximately 2.25% to approximately 10%, from approximately 2.25% to approximately 9%, from approximately 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, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of osmolytes present in the composition may be approximately 2.0%, approximately 2.1%, approximately 2.2%, approximately 2.3%, approximately 2.4%, approximately 2.5%, approximately 2.6%, approximately 2.7%, approximately 2.8%, approximately 2.9%, or approximately 3.0% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0069] 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 still from about 2.25% to about 2.75%, and most preferably from about 2.3% to about 2.6%, or possibly from 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, relative to the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and sub-ranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0070] 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%, plus 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 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, relative to the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.

[0071] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to choose quantities of amino acids and osmolytes to obtain a weight ratio between the total quantity of amino acid(s) and their salts in the composition and the total quantity of osmolytes in the composition that is 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 between the total quantity of amino acid(s) and their salts and the total quantity 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 between the total amount of amino acid(s) and their salts and the total amount of osmolytes can range from more than 1 to about 4, such as 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 between the total amount of amino acid(s) in the composition and 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 preceding values ​​as upper and lower bounds.

[0072] 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):components 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):components 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 2.25, or from about 1.8 to about 2.2. For example, the weight ratio of compounds of formula (I):components 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 bounds.

[0073] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises arginine and glycine betaine and has a weight ratio of T'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 ranging 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.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

[0074] The compositions according to the disclosure include at least one carboxylic acid. Optionally, the compositions may include at least two carboxylic acids, at least three carboxylic acids, etc. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, useful carboxylic acids include organic compounds that include, for example, one (mono-), two (di-), three (tri-) or more of three acid functional groups and at least one carbon atom.

[0075] The carboxylic acids that may be used may optionally have a molecular weight less than approximately 500 g / mol, less than approximately 400 g / mol, less than approximately 300 g / mol, or less than approximately 200 g / mol. In preferred embodiments, the carboxylic acids have a molecular weight less than approximately 300 g / mol, or less than approximately 200 g / mol.

[0076] Salts of carboxylic acids may also be used, and are expressly included in the term "carboxylic acid," unless otherwise expressly stated. Salts include salts of organic or mineral bases, for example, salts of alkali metals, such as lithium, sodium, or potassium salts; salts of alkaline earth metals, such as magnesium or calcium salts; and zinc salts. Salts of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal are preferred in some embodiments, and in particular sodium salts.

[0077] 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 one of their salts. These (poly)acids are different from the amino acid-type compounds described above. The useful (poly)acids comprise at least one -COOH group (in acidic or salt form); They can thus include a single -COOH group (monoacid) or can include more than one -COOH group, for example two (in acid or salified form), or two or three -COOH groups (in acid or salified form) (polyacids).The useful (poly)acids also include 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 some 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 salt form). Unless otherwise specified, as used herein, the term "(poly)acid" includes both monoacids and polyacids.

[0078] Non-limiting examples of monocarboxylic acids that may be chosen 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 of these. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of lactic acid and / or one of its salts.

[0079] 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, their salts, or combinations of two or more of these. In some embodiments, the compositions may include oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, their salts, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0080] 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 of these. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of citric acid and / or one of its salts.

[0081] 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 of these. 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 alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts.In certain embodiments, it may be particularly advantageous to choose 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.

[0082] The total amount of carboxylic acid(s) can 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%, from about 1.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 6%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 1%5% to approximately 5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 4%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 3%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 2.5%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 2%, from approximately 2% to approximately 15%, from approximately 2% to approximately 12%, from approximately 2% to approximately 10%, from approximately 2% to approximately 9%, from approximately 2% to approximately 8%, from approximately 2% to approximately 7%, from approximately 2% to approximately 6%, from approximately 2% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 4%, from approximately 2% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 2% to approximately 3% from approximately 2% to approximately 2.5%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 2.5% to approximately 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 approximately 4.5%, from approximately 3% to approximately 4%, from approximately 3% to approximately 3.5%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 6%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 5%, from approximately 3.5% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 3,5% to approximately 4%, from approximately 4% to approximately 15%, from approximately 4% to approximately 12%, from approximately 4% to approximately 10%, from approximately 4% to approximately 9%, from approximately 4% to approximately 8%, from approximately 4% to approximately 7%, from approximately 4% to approximately 6%, from approximately 4% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 4% to approximately 5%, from approximately 4% to approximately 4.5%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 6%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 4.5% to approximately 5% %, from approximately 5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 5% to approximately 9%, from approximately 5% to approximately 8%, from approximately 5% to approximately 7%, from approximately 5% to approximately 6.5%, from approximately 5% to approximately 6%, from approximately 5% to approximately 5.5%, from approximately 5.5% to approximately 15%, from approximately 5.5% to approximately 12%, from approximately 5.5% to approximately 10%, from approximately 5.5% to approximately 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 about 6% to about 6.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. 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, relative to 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, and their salts.or their combinations, and has a total amount of carboxylic acids and salts ranging from about 0.5% to about 20%, %, such as about 2% to about 15%, about 4% to about 10%, preferably about 4.5% to about 8%, more preferably about 5% to about 7%, more preferably about 5.5% to about 6.5%, more preferably about 5.7% to about 6.3%, and most preferably about 5.8% to about 6.2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0083] In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to choose quantities of amino acids and carboxylic acids such that the composition has a weight ratio between the total quantity of amino acids and the total quantity of carboxylic acids greater than about 0.75. For example, in various embodiments, the composition has a weight ratio between the total quantity of amino acids and the total quantity of 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 between the total amount of amino acids and the total amount of carboxylic acids ranging from about 0.75 to about 2, such as about 0.8 to about 1.5, about 0.8 to about 1.35, or about 0.8 to about 1.2.In some 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 between the total amount of amino acids and their salts and 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. Solvents

[0084] The compositions according to the disclosure include at least one solvent.

[0085] In various embodiments, the solvent can be chosen from water, non-aqueous solvents, or one of their combinations.

[0086] In preferred embodiments, the solvent includes water. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 50% to about 98% water, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises water in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% 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, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0087] In other embodiments, the solvent may include at least one non-aqueous solvent. Non-limiting examples of non-aqueous solvents that may be used include, for example, glycerin, C1.4 alcohols, solvents Organic solvents include fatty alcohols, fatty ethers, fatty esters, polyols, glycols, vegetable oils, mineral oils, liposomes, lamellar lipid materials, or combinations thereof. The non-aqueous solvent may be chosen from organic solvents, for example, monoalcohols and polyols such as ethyl alcohol, 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 their 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.

[0088] Preferably, the compositions comprise at least one polyol. 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. Thus, in various embodiments, one or more polyols can be chosen from C2-C16, C2-C12, C2-C8 or C3-C8 diols, or C2-C16, C2-C12, C2-C8 or C3-C8 triols, either of which can be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and substituted or unsubstituted.

[0089] 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 their 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 are 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, and 4-methyl-1,2-pentanediol, or combinations of two or more of these. 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, and . triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, glycerin, diglycerin, or combinations of two or more of these. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the 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 of these. In at least some preferred embodiments, the solvent comprises water and at least one polyol, wherein the polyol(s) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more C2-C16 diols and / or C2-C16 triols, for example C2-C8 diols and / or C2-C8 triols.In other preferred embodiments, the solvent comprises water and at least one polyol, wherein the polyol(s) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more glycols, for example propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol, and in particularly preferred embodiments, the solvent comprises water and at least one polyol, wherein the polyol(s) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of dipropylene glycol.

[0090] If present, the total amount of non-aqueous solvents in the composition may range from approximately 0.1% to approximately 20%, such as from approximately 1% to approximately 20%, from approximately 1.5% to approximately 15%, or from approximately 2% to approximately 12% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. In some preferred embodiments, the solvent comprises water and at least one non-aqueous solvent, preferably selected from polyols.In some embodiments, the composition comprises water and at least one non-aqueous solvent, wherein the total amount of non-aqueous solvents ranges from about 0.5% to about 18%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, more preferably from about 1.5% to about 12%, more preferably from about 2% to about 11%, and most preferably from about 3% to about 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and optionally further wherein the non-aqueous solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, propanediol, propylene carbonate, PPG-3 methyl ether, dimethyl isosorbide, hexylene glycol, ethanol, or mixtures of two or more of these, preferably selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, or a a mixture of two or more of these. Surfactants

[0091] The compositions according to the disclosure may optionally include at least one surfactant. For example, the compositions may include one or more cationic and / or amphoteric surfactants, and in certain modes of In production, the compositions may include mixtures of surfactants having identical or different ionicities.

[0092] Although the compositions may optionally include one or more anionic and / or non-ionic surfactants, in at least some embodiments the compositions are free or substantially free of anionic and / or non-ionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, the compositions comprise less than about 3%, such as 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 about 0.75%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.25%, less than about 0.2%, less than about 0.1%, less than about 0.05%, less than about 0.01%, or less than about 0.001% of anionic and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0093] In at least some embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one cationic surfactant. The term "cationic surfactant" refers to a surfactant that can be positively charged when contained in the composition(s) as disclosed. This surfactant may carry one or more permanent positive charges or may contain one or more cationizable functional groups in the composition as disclosed. Other non-limiting examples of useful cationic surfactants include brassicamidopropyldimethylamine, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, behenalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, lauralkonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, cetylamine hydrofluoride, chlorallylmethenamine chloride (Quaternium-15), distearyldimonium chloride (Quaternium-5),dodecyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride (Quatemium-14), Quatemium-22, Quaternium-26, Quatemium-18 hectorite, dimethylaminoethyl chloride hydrochloride, cysteine ​​hydrochloride, diethanolammonium phosphate POE (10) oleyl ether, diethanolammonium phosphate POE (3) oleyl ether, alkonium tallow chloride, dimethyldioctadecylammonium bentonite, stearalkonium chloride, domiphene bromide, denatonium benzoate, myristalkonium chloride, laurtrimonium chloride, ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, guanidine hydrochloride, pyridoxine HCl, iofetamine hydrochloride, meglumine hydrochloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, bromide of myrtrimonium, oleyltrimonium chloride, polyquatemium-1, procaine hydrochloride, cocobetaine, stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkonium hectonite, stearyltrihydroxyethylpropylenediamine dihydrofluoride, suiftrimonium chloride,Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, stearamidopropyldimethylamine, or combinations thereof. In modes of, Preferred formulations include at least one cationic surfactant selected from brassicamidopropyldimethylamine, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, stearamidopropyldimethylamine, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0094] If present, the total amount of cationic surfactants may be up to approximately 10%, such as up to approximately 9%, up to approximately 8%, up to approximately 7%, up to approximately 6%, up to approximately 5%, up to approximately 4%, up to approximately 3.5%, up to approximately 3%, up to approximately 2.5%, up to approximately 2%, up to approximately 1.5%, up to approximately 1%, or up to approximately 0.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, the total amount of cationic surfactants may be from approximately 0.001% to approximately 10%, from approximately 0.01% to approximately 8%, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 6%, or from approximately 0.5% to approximately 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.In at least 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, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0095] In at least some embodiments, the compositions comprise 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 linear 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 cornamphopropionate, sodium lauraminopropionate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, sodium lauroamphopropionate, sodium cornamphopropionate, sodium lauriminodipropionate, ammonium cocaminopropionate, ammonium cocaminodipropionate, ammonium cocoamphoacetate, ammonium cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, ammonium cocoamphopropionate, ammonium cornamphopropionate, ammonium lauraminopropionate, ammonium lauroamphoacetate, ammonium lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, and lauroamphopropionate. ammonium, ammonium cornamphopropionate, ammonium lauriminodipropionate, triethanolamine cocaminopropionate,. triethanolamine cocaminodipropionate, triethanolamine cocoamphoacetate, triethanolamine cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, triethanolamine cocoamphopropionate, triethanolamine comamphopropionate, triethanolamine lauraminopropionate, triethanolamine lauroamphoacetate, triethanolamine lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, triethanolamine lauroamphopropionate, triethanolamine comamphopropionate, triethanolamine lauriminodipropionate, cocoamphodipropionic acid, disodium caproamphoadipropionate, disodium caproamphoadipropionate, disodium capryloamphoadipropionate, disodium capryloamphoodipriopionate, disodium cocoamphocarboxyethylhydroxypropylsulfonate, disodium cocoamphoadipropionate, disodium cocoamphodipropionate, disodium dicarboxyethylcocopropylenediamine, the disodium laureth-5 carboxyamphodiacetate, disodium lauriminodipropionate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate,disodium lauroamphodipropionate, disodium oleoamphodipropionate, disodium PPG-2-isodeethyl-7 carboxyamphodiacetate, lauraminopropionic acid, lauroamphodipropionic acid, laurylaminopropylglycine, and lauryldiethylenediaminoglycine.

[0096] Betaine surfactants can also be used. For example, one can choose cocodimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryldimethylalphacarboxyethylbetaine, cetyldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, cetyldimethylbetaine, laurylbis-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxymethylbetaine, stearylbis-(2-hydroxypropyl)carboxymethylbetaine, oleyldimethylgamma-carboxypropylbetaine, laurylbis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha-carboxyethylbetaine, cocodimethylsulfopropylbetaine, stearyldimethylsulfopropylbetaine, lauryldimethylsulfoethylbetaine, laurylbis-(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfopropylbetaine, oleylbetaine, or cocamidopropylbetaine.

[0097] 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, relative to 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, relative to the total weight of the composition. In at least some embodiments, the compositions are free or substantially free of amphoteric surfactants. Fatty compounds

[0098] 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 of these.

[0099] In certain 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, phenyltrimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone, and stearoxytrimethylsilane.For example, the composition may include 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 dimethicone phosphate, or a combination of two or more of these. In some preferred embodiments, the compositions include a silicone oil component which comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of dimethicone, amodimethicone, or a mixture thereof.

[0100] As further examples, silicone oil may be selected from polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), polydimethylsiloxanes comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups which are pendant and / or at the end of the silicone chain, each of which groups contain from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, or phenylsilicones, such as phenyltrimethicones, phenyldimethicones, phenyl(trimethylsiloxy)diphenylsiloxanes, diphenyldimethicones, diphenyl(methyldiphenyl)trisiloxanes, or (2-phenylethyl)trimethylsiloxysilicates.

[0101] In some embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure include at least one fatty compound selected from fatty alcohols. In some embodiments, "fatty alcohol" means any alcohol with a carbon chain of C5 or higher, such as, for example, C8 or higher, C10 or higher, or C12 or higher, such as from 6 to 30 carbon atoms or from 8 to 30 carbon atoms. Fatty alcohols may be alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated, saturated or unsaturated, and linear or branched.

[0102] By way of example, fatty alcohols may be chosen 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 of these. In some preferred embodiments, the compositions include a fatty alcohol component that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof.

[0103] The useful, but not limiting, fatty acids may be linear- or branched-chain fatty acids and / or may be saturated or unsaturated. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids include diacids, triacids, 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, arachidonic acid, oleic acid, isostearic acid, sebacic acid, or combinations thereof.

[0104] In some embodiments, fatty acid esters or fatty alcohol esters may be chosen. For example, esters of saturated or unsaturated linear or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or poly-acids and of saturated or unsaturated linear or branched C1-C26 aliphatic mono- or poly-alcohols may be used, the total carbon number of the esters being more particularly greater than or equal to 10. 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, one can choose 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, myristyle stearate, octyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexyl isononanoate, octyl palmitate, octyl pelargonate, octyl stearate, octyldodecyl erucate, oleyl erucate, ethyl and isopropyl palmitates, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-octyldodecyl palmitate, alkyl myristates such as isopropyl and butyl myristate, cetyl, 2-octyldodecyl, myristyle or stearyl, 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 stearoyl stearate, pentaerythrityl monoricinoleate, pentaerythrityl tetraisononanoate, pentaerythrityl tetrapelargonate, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, the , 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. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one fatty acid ester and / or one fatty alcohol ester, for example, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate.

[0105] In some embodiments, the compositions according to the disclosure include at least one wax. Non-limiting examples of waxes that can be used include beeswax, hydrogenated olive alkyl esters, camauba wax, candelilla wax, ouricoury wax, Japanese wax, cork fiber wax or sugar cane wax, rice wax, rice bran wax, montan wax, paraffin wax, lignite wax or microcrystalline wax, ceresin or ozokerite, palm kernel glycerides / hydrogenated palm glycerides, palm butter, sumac wax, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, theobroma grandiflorum seed butter, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, siliconyl candelilla wax, China wax, cetyl palmitate, lanolin, shellac, spermaceti, and others. 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 some preferred embodiments, the compositions include a wax component that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of cetyl esters.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises one or more fatty compounds selected from oils of animal, vegetable or mineral origin (for example, lanolin, squalene, fish oil, perhydrosqualene, mink oil, tortoiseshell oil, soybean oil, grapeseed 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, tamanu oil, macadamia oil, coconut oil, cereal germ oil, candlenut oil, thistle oil, candelilla oil, safflower oil, or shea butter), linear or branched hydrocarbons (for example, polybutene, hydrogenated polyisobutene, polyisoprene, polydecenes such as hydrogenated polydecene, or also linear alkanes,branched and / or cyclic compounds that are optionally volatile, such as, for example, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane or isohexadecane), mono- and / or poly-esters of fatty acids and / or fatty alcohols (for example, mono- and poly-esters of hydroxy acids and fatty alcohols, esters of benzoic acid and fatty alcohols, polyesters of polyols, C5-C9 esters of dipentaerythrityl, polyesters of trimethylolpropane, polyesters of propylene glycol, or polyesters of hydrogenated castor oil), perfluorinated and / or organofluorinated oils, fluorosilicone oils, or mixtures of two or more of these. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids that may be used include facultatively 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 of these.

[0107] If present, the total amount of fatty compounds in the composition may range from approximately 0.1% to approximately 20%, such as from approximately 1% to approximately 20%, from approximately 2% to approximately 15%, from approximately 3% to approximately 12%, or from approximately 5% to approximately 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. In some preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise at least one fatty compound selected from silicone oils, fatty alcohols, waxes, or combinations thereof, where the total amount of fatty compounds in the composition ranges from approximately 1% to approximately 20%, preferably from approximately 2% to approximately 15%, more preferably from approximately 3% to approximately 12%, and most preferably from approximately 5% to approximately 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Thickening agents

[0108] The compositions according to the disclosure optionally include at least one thickening agent. Useful thickening agents include, but are not limited to, semi-synthetic polymers, such as semi-synthetic cellulosic derivatives; synthetic polymers, such as carbomers, poloxamers and beheneth-25 acrylate / methacrylate copolymers; acrylate copolymers; polyethyleneimines (e.g., PEL10); naturally derived polymers, such as acacia, tragacanth, alginates (e.g., sodium alginate), carrageenan; vegetable gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum, petroleum jelly; waxes; associated particulate colloids, such as bentonite, colloidal silicon dioxide and microcrystalline cellulose; celluloses, such as hydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose; and guars, such as hydroxypropyl guar.

[0109] 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 the beheneth-25 acrylate / methacrylate copolymer, and examples Non-limiting examples of anionic associative polymers include an acrylate copolymer and a crosslinked acrylates-4 polymer.

[0110] If present, the total amount of thickening agents may range from about 0.01% to about 8%, 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% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Direct dyes

[0111] Optionally, the compositions according to the disclosure include one or more direct dyes. Direct dyes, which are different from oxidation dyes, diffuse superficially onto the hair fibers.

[0112] The direct dyes that may be selected include natural and synthetic direct dyes, which may be cationic, anionic, or nonionic. Useful examples of direct dyes include azo direct dyes; (poly)methine dyes such as cyanines, hemicyanines, and styryls; carbonyl dyes; azine dyes; nitro(hetero)aryl dyes; tri(hetero)arylmethane dyes; porphyrin dyes; phthalocyanine dyes; xanthene direct dyes; triarylmethane dyes; natural direct dyes; and combinations of two or more of these. In some embodiments, the direct dyes are selected from those that comprise at least one halogenated aromatic ring.

[0113] In some embodiments, the direct dyes are selected from anionic direct dyes. Anionic direct dyes are also called "acid" direct dyes because of their affinity for alkaline substances. Anionic direct dyes may be selected from acidic nitrate direct dyes, acidic azo dyes, acidic azinic dyes, acidic triarylmethanic dyes, acidic indoamine dyes, acidic anthraquinone dyes, indigoids, and natural acid dyes, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0114] Des exemples non limitatifs de teintures directes anioniques incluent Acid Red 1, Acid Red 4, Acid Red 13, Acid Red 14, Acid Red 18, Acid Red 27, Acid Red 28, Acid Red 32, Acid Red 33, Acid Red 35, Acid Red 37, Acid Red 40, Acid Red 41, Acid Red 42, Acid Red 44, Pigment red 57, Acid Red 68, Acid Red 73, Acid Red 135, Acid Red 138, Acid Red 184, Food Red 1, Food Red 13, Acid Orange 6, Acid Orange 7, Acid Orange 10, Acid Orange 19, Acid Orange 20, Acid Orange 24, Yellow 6, Acid Yellow 9, Acid Yellow 36, Acid Yellow 199, Food Yellow 3, Acid Violet 7, Acid Violet 14, Acid Blue 113, Acid Blue 117, Acid Black 1, Acid Brown 4, Acid Brown 20, Acid Black 26, Acid Black 52, Food Black 1, Food Black 2, Food yellow 3 ou jaune orangé, Acid Red 111, Acid Red 134, Acid yellow 38, ou des combinaisons of two or more of these. As further examples, one may choose anionic azo dyes such as Acid Red 195, Acid Yellow 23, Acid Yellow 27, Acid Yellow 76, and Acid Yellow 17; anthraquinone dyes such as Acid Blue 25, Acid Blue 43, Acid Blue 62, Acid Blue 78, Acid Blue 129, Acid Blue 138, Acid Blue 140, Acid Blue 251, Acid Green 25, Acid Green 41, Acid Violet 42, Acid Violet 43, Mordant Red 3, Purple EXT No. 2, and Acid Black 48; anthraquinone stains such as Acid Blue 25, Acid Blue 43, Acid Blue 62, Acid Blue 78, Acid Blue 129, Acid Blue 138, Acid Blue 140, Acid Blue 251, Acid Green 25, Acid Green 41, Acid Violet 42, Acid Violet 43, Mordant Red 3, Purple EXT No.2, and Acid Black 48; triarylmethane tinctures such as Acid Blue 1, Acid Blue 3, Acid Blue 7, Acid Blue 9, Acid Violet 49, Acid green 3, Acid green 5, and Acid Green 50; xanthene-derived tinctures such as Acid Yellow 73, Acid Red 51, Acid Red 52, Acid Red 87, Acid Red 92, Acid Red 95, and Acid Violet 9; indole-derived tinctures such as Acid Blue 74; and quinoline-derived tinctures such as Acid Yellow 2, Acid Yellow 3, and Acid Yellow 5, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0115] Non-limiting examples of cationic direct dyes, also called "basic" direct dyes, include Basic Red 51, Basic Yellow 87, Basic Orange 31, Basic Blue 6, Basic Blue 7, Basic Blue 9, Basic Blue 26, Basic Blue 41, Basic Blue 99, Basic Violet 1, Basic Violet 2, Basic Violet 3, Basic Violet 10, Basic Violet 14, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0116] Natural direct tinctures include, but are not limited to, lawsone, juglone, alizarin, purpurin, carminic acid, kermesic acid, purpurogallin, protocatechaldehyde, indigo, isatin, curcumin, spinulosin, apigenidine, orceins, or combinations of two or more of these. Extracts or decoctions containing these natural tinctures, and in particular henna-based poultices or extracts, may also be used.

[0117] According to certain embodiments, the direct ionic dye(s) is / are selected from blue or violet dyes such as Acid Violet 7, Acid Violet 14, Acid Blue 113, Acid Blue 117, Acid Blue 25, Acid Blue 43, Acid Blue 62, Acid Blue 78, Acid Blue 129, Acid Blue 138, Acid Blue 140, Acid Blue 251, Acid Violet 42, Acid Violet 43 (also called EXT violet No. 2), Acid Blue 1, Acid Blue 3, Acid Blue 7, Acid Blue 9, Acid Violet 49, Acid Violet 9, Acid Blue 74, Basic Blue 6, Basic Blue 7, Basic Blue 9, Basic Blue 26, Basic Blue 41, Basic Blue 99, Basic Violet 1, Basic Violet 2, Basic Violet 3, Basic Violet 10, Basic Violet 14, or combinations of two or more of these, preferably Ext. Violet 2, Acid Blue 62, Acid Blue 9 and Basic Violet 2, more preferably Ext. Violet 2, Acid Blue 62, Acid Blue 9, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0118] If present, the total amount of direct dyes may range from about 0.001% to about 10%, such as from about 0.001% to about 5%, from about 0.001% to about 3%, from about 0.001% to about 2%, from about 0.001% to about 1%, from about 0.005% to about 5%, from about 0.005% to about 3%, from about 0.005% to about 2%, from about 0.005% to about 1%, from about 0.01% to about 5%, from about 0.01% to about 3%, from about 0.01% to about 2%, or from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Auxiliary components

[0119] The compositions according to the disclosure may optionally include one or more auxiliary components. Non-limiting examples include preservatives, perfumes, pH adjusters, salts, antioxidants, vitamins, vitamin derivatives, ceramides, botanical extracts, proteins, protein hydrolysates, protein isolates, hydrotropes, pearlescent agents, buffers, sequestering agents, and the like.

[0120] The total quantity of auxiliary components, if present, typically ranges from about 0.01% to about 10%, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, the individual quantities of each component or the total quantity 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, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0121] The compositions according to the disclosure typically have a pH less than or equal to about 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, such as 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 intermediate ranges and sub-ranges.

[0122] 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

[0123] The disclosure further relates to processes for treating keratin fibers, such as hair. Hair processing methods may be Processes for reducing or preventing hair damage, protecting hair from damage, restoring the moisture balance of hair fibers, strengthening hair fibers, improving hair fiber elasticity, and / or maintaining the moisture balance, strength, and / or elasticity of hair fibers. In some embodiments, the hair treatment processes prevent hair damage from becoming so severe that it cannot be repaired, i.e., they prevent irreversible hair damage. The processes include applying a composition as disclosed to the hair, optionally leaving the composition on the hair for a period of time (a "treatment period," "resting period," or "setting period"), and optionally rinsing the composition from the hair.

[0124] The exposure period may last for a time 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 vary by a period of time using any of the preceding values ​​as upper and lower limits.By way of non-limiting example, the exposure time can range from approximately 30 seconds to approximately 60 minutes, from approximately 30 seconds to approximately 45 minutes, from approximately 30 seconds to approximately 30 minutes, from approximately 30 seconds to approximately 20 minutes, from approximately 30 seconds to approximately 15 minutes, from approximately 30 seconds to approximately 10 minutes, from approximately 30 seconds to approximately 5 minutes, from approximately 1 minute to approximately 60 minutes, from approximately 1 minute to approximately 45 minutes, from approximately 1 minute to approximately 30 minutes, from approximately 1 minute to approximately 20 minutes, from approximately 1 minute to approximately 15 minutes, from approximately 1 minute to approximately 10 minutes, from approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes, from approximately 2 minutes to approximately 60 minutes, from approximately 2 minutes to approximately 45 minutes, from approximately 2 minutes to approximately 30 minutes, from approximately 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.

[0125] The processes according to the disclosure include the use of the described compositions as a standalone treatment, or as part of a routine that includes one or more additional compositions or treatments. Although not required, the 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 resting period while the composition is on the hair. For example, a hairdryer, a hair dryer hood, etc., may be used.

[0126] By way of example, a composition as disclosed may be applied to hair to repair hair that has been previously damaged by chemical treatment, to improve the overall health and appearance of the hair, to improve the elasticity of the hair fibers, etc., by applying the composition to wet, damp, or dry hair, leaving the composition on the hair for an appropriate treatment time, optionally rinsing the hair, and then, optionally, drying and / or styling the hair according to the individual's usual routine. This type of treatment may, for example, be carried out in a salon or at home on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc., basis to improve the overall health and appearance of the hair.

[0127] In other embodiments, a composition as disclosed may be applied to the hair before, during, and / or after a treatment process that includes one or more other hair compositions. For example, such a routine may include applying a composition as disclosed to wet, damp, or dry hair, leaving the composition on the hair for an appropriate treatment time, and then substantially immediately afterward (i.e., as part of the same hair cleansing process), with or without intermediate rinsing of the hair, washing the hair with shampoo according to the person's usual hair cleansing routine.Another routine of this type may include washing the hair with shampoo according to the person's usual hair cleansing routine, and substantially immediately afterwards (i.e., as part of the same hair cleansing process), with or without intermediate rinsing of the hair, the application of a composition as disclosed on the hair, optionally before and / or after the application of a conditioning composition on the hair.Yet another routine of this type may include hair conditioning, for example, a deep conditioning treatment, and substantially immediately before and / or after (i.e., as part of the same hair conditioning process), with or without intermediate rinsing of the hair, the application of a composition as disclosed to the hair, optionally with or without rinsing the hair between the application steps of a conditioning composition and a composition as disclosed. Thus, it is envisaged that compositions as disclosed may be incorporated into a hair cleansing and / or conditioning process.

[0128] In yet other embodiments, a composition as disclosed may be applied to the hair before, during and / or after a chemical hair treatment process. For example, such a routine may include the application of a composition as disclosed to wet hair, On wet or dry hair, leave the product on the hair for an appropriate treatment time, optionally rinsing the hair, and then substantially immediately afterward (i.e., as part of the same chemical hair treatment process), with or without rinsing the hair in between, apply a chemical treatment such as a bleaching, dyeing, smoothing, relaxing, or perming product to the hair. Another routine of this type may include applying a chemical treatment, such as a bleaching, dyeing, smoothing, relaxing, or perming product, to the hair, and substantially immediately afterward (i.e., as part of the same chemical hair treatment process), with or without rinsing the hair in between, applying a product as disclosed.Thus, it is envisaged that the compositions disclosed could be incorporated into a chemical hair treatment process, thereby reducing, minimizing, or preventing hair damage that might otherwise result from such aggressive chemical treatments.

[0129] Unexpectedly, hair treated with the compositions and processes disclosed shows less damage than hair not treated with the compositions and processes disclosed. The reduction in damage is particularly noticeable in hair damaged by harsh chemical treatments, such as bleaching, dyeing, perming, straightening, relaxing, etc., as well as by repeated styling, for example with heat or styling tools. Hair repaired using the compositions and processes disclosed may have lower elasticity and / or higher tensile strength than similarly damaged hair not treated according to the disclosure.

[0130] After describing in detail the numerous embodiments of the present invention, it will become 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 the examples in this disclosure, while illustrating numerous embodiments of the disclosure, are provided by way of non-limiting examples and should therefore not be considered as limiting the various aspects thus illustrated. It is understood that all definitions herein are provided only for this disclosure.

[0131] The expression "and / or" should be understood as including 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 one or the other.

[0132] As used herein, the term “salts” throughout the disclosure may include salts containing a counterion such as an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammonium counterion. This list of counterions, however, is not exhaustive. Salts also include a dissociated form of a compound, for example, in an aqueous solution.

[0133] In this application, the expression "keratin fibres" and the term "hair" are used interchangeably, without limitation. Those skilled in the art will understand that keratin fibres include hair, such as the hair growing on the scalp.

[0134] As used herein, the expression "apply a composition to the hair," and its variations, is intended to refer to bringing the hair into contact with at least one of the compositions in the disclosure, in any manner whatsoever. It may also refer to bringing the hair into contact with an effective quantity.

[0135] The expression "hair treatment" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein refers to the application of the compositions of this disclosure to the surface of the hair. The expression "hair treatment" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein also refers to bringing the hair into contact with the compositions of this disclosure.

[0136] Unless otherwise defined for any specific embodiment, the expression "substantially free" or "essentially free" as used herein means that there is less than about 5% by weight of a specific material added to a composition, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, compositions may include less than about 4%, less than about 3%, less than about 2%, less than about 1.5%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.1%, less than about 0.01%, less than about 0.001%, or less than about 0.0001% of the specified material. EXAMPLES

[0137] The following examples are intended to be non-limiting and explanatory only. In the examples, unless otherwise indicated, quantities are expressed as a percentage by weight (% by weight) of active substances, relative to the total weight of the composition. Example 1 - Compositions

[0138] Compositions IA to IG according to the disclosure were prepared as shown in Table 1. The pH of each of the compositions IA to IG was approximately 3.5.

[0139] [Table 1]

[0140] [Tables 1] IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F IG Basic amino acid(s) 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 2.0 Glycine betaine 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Citric acid and / or lactic acid 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 4.1 Neutral amino acid(s) 0.5 Preservative(s) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Solvents (water and / or non-aqueous solvents) QS QS QS QS QS QS QS

[0141] The compositions contained a synergistic combination of components: carboxylic acids (citric acid and / or lactic acid), osmolytes (glycine betaine) and amino acids (arginine and / or serine).

[0142] Example 2 - Assessment of damage repair

[0143] In order to evaluate the ability of the compositions according to the disclosure to minimize, prevent or repair damage to hair, the following studies were carried out. Example 2A# - Ultra-bleached hair

[0144] Eight strands (SI to 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 approximately 55 °C for approximately 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then seven of the strands (SI to S7) were subjected to the following treatment routines (strand S8 was not treated after the bleaching composition was rinsed from the hair).

[0145] The SI strand was cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand thoroughly until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner 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 thoroughly rinsed. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days.

[0146]

[0147]

[0148]

[0149]

[0150]

[0151]

[0152]

[0153]

[0154] Strands S2 to S7 were each cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand thoroughly. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner was applied and distributed to ensure complete coverage of the hair, left on for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately afterward, one of the compositions IA to 1F (Table 2A) was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure complete coverage of the hair, left on for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. This treatment protocol was repeated every day for five days. [Table 2] TABLE 2A IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F Wick S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 The integrity of the hair fibers in each of the strands SI to S8 was studied after the first and fifth days. Elasticity was assessed to determine whether the hair fibers had stretched and, if so, whether they had returned to their original state (lower elasticity, i.e., healthy), whether the fibers had stretched easily and remained stretched (higher elasticity, i.e., damaged), or whether the hair fibers had broken during the test. The evaluation was performed by stretching a standardized amount of wet hair fibers, with two experts independently assessing each strand. The experts were trained to stretch the area of ​​the strand being evaluated by applying a uniform manual tensile force using their hands / fingers. The behavior of the strand was rated by each expert on a 6-level scale as follows, with the result reported for each strand being the average of the two: 0 = Natural and healthy hair (no damage); 1 = low elasticity (when stretched, the hair fibers exhibit slight elasticity, returning to their initial state after the test); 2 = Moderate elasticity (when stretched, the hair fibers exhibit elasticity, returning to their initial state after the test); 3 = High elasticity (when stretched, hair fibers exhibit elasticity and some hair fibers do not return to their initial state after the test);

[0155] 4 = Very high elasticity (when stretched, the hair fibers exhibit elasticity and the majority of hair fibers do not return to their initial state after the test); and

[0156] 5 = Immediate rupture (when stretched, the hair fibers exhibit a high elasticity and break during testing).

[0157] The results showed that the hair fibers of strands S2 to S7, treated with one of the compositions IA to 1F, surprisingly exhibited lower elasticity than the fibers of strands SI or S8 both after day 1 ([Fig. 1A]) and day 5 ([Fig. 1B]). In other words, the hair of strands SI and S8 was damaged by the aggressive bleaching process, resulting in increased elasticity, while the damaged strands S2 to S7 were repaired by treatment with one of the compositions IA to 1F. Example 2B# - Straightened and ultra-bleached hair

[0158] Eight strands (S9-S16) of Caucasian hair that had previously been straightened using formaldehyde 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 approximately 55 °C for approximately 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then seven of the strands (S9 to S15) were subjected to the following treatment routines.

[0159] Strand S9 was cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand thoroughly. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure complete coverage. It was left on for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in flat iron serum were applied to the hair. The treatment was repeated a second time. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days.

[0160] Strands S10 to S15 were each cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, working the shampoo into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately afterwards, one of the compositions IA to 1F (Table 2B) was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was completely coated; it was left to rest for approximately

[0161]

[0162]

[0163]

[0164]

[0165]

[0166]

[0167] The hair was rinsed thoroughly after five minutes. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner was applied and distributed to ensure complete coverage. It was left on for approximately five minutes, and then the hair was rinsed thoroughly again. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in flat iron serum were then applied. This treatment protocol was repeated daily for five days. [Table 3] TABLE 2B IA IB IC 1D 1E 1F Wick S10 SU S12 S13 S14 S15 The integrity of the hair fibers of each of the strands S9 to S16 was studied in the same way as described in example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers of the strands S10 to S15, treated with one of the compositions IA to 1F, surprisingly exhibited lower elasticity than the fibers of the strands S9 and S16 both after day 1 ([Fig.2A]) and day 5 ([Fig.2B]). Examples 2A and 2B therefore demonstrate that treating hair damaged by aggressive chemical processes with a composition as disclosed repairs the damage in an unexpected way, leaving the hair less elastic than without treatment. Example 3 - Compositions Compositions 2A to 2E according to the disclosure were prepared as indicated in Table 3. [Table 4] [Tables 3] 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E Basic amino 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) 1.6 1.6 1.6 2.5 1.6 (cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride and / or stearamide / propyl dimethylamine) Cocamidopropyl betaine 1.1 1.1 1.1 0.2 Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.8 1.0 1.5 1.5 0.4 Auxiliary component(s) (pH adjusters, preservatives, vitamins, extracts) <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 Solvents (water and non-aqueous solvents) QS QS QS QS QS Measured pH 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 4.0

[0168] The compositions contained a synergistic combination of components: carboxylic acids (citric acid), osmolytes (glycine betaine) and amino acids (arginine).

[0169] Example 4 - Assessment of damage repair

[0170] In order to evaluate the ability of the compositions according to the disclosure to minimize, prevent or repair damage to hair, the following studies were carried out.

[0171] A comparator product, Cl, had the following list of ingredients on the packaging: Water (Aqua), 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, 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, described as a "pre-shampoo hair treatment that reduces breakage and split ends for visibly healthier-looking hair," is presented as part of a system that claims to "reform broken disulfide bonds damaged by chemical treatments, heat, and styling." Instructions for Composition Cl are to use the product before the shampoo ("Cl-S") and conditioner ("Cl-C") that are part of this system, both of which list bis-aminopropyldiglycol dimaleate as the active ingredient.

[0172] Example 4A - Ultra-bleached hair: Elasticity and resistance

[0173] Five strands (S 17 to S21) of virgin Caucasian hair were bleached with a composition prepared by mixing a commercial bleaching powder with A commercially available oxidizing composition (40V hydrogen peroxide) was mixed at a ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing composition) and treated at a temperature of approximately 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and then four of the strands (S17 to S20) underwent the following treatment routines (strand S21 was not treated after rinsing the hair bleaching composition).

[0174] The S17 strand was cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand thoroughly until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner 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 thoroughly rinsed. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0175] Strands S18 and S19 were each cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand thoroughly. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner was applied and distributed to ensure complete coverage of the hair, left to rest for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Then, one of the 2D (S18) or 2B (S19) compositions was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure complete coverage of the hair, left to rest for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0176] The S20 strand was treated with composition Cl by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it to ensure that the hair was completely coated. Composition Cl was left on the hair for a resting period of approximately five minutes, after which the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately afterwards, the strand was cleaned with shampoo Cl-S by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, working the shampoo into a lather, leaving it on the strand for a period of approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately afterwards, conditioner Cl-C was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was completely coated, left to rest for a resting period of approximately five minutes, and then The strand was thoroughly rinsed. This treatment protocol was repeated four more times.

[0177] Once the five treatments of strands S17 to S20 were completed, the integrity of the hair fibers of each of the strands S17 to S21 was studied in the same way as described in Example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers of strands S18 and S19, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, exhibited lower elasticity than the fibers of strands S17 and S20-S21 ([Fig.3]).

[0178] Next, the strength was evaluated using a Dia-Stron fiber tensile testing instrument known as the MTT (Miniature Tensile Tester). The results showed that the hairs in strands S18 and S19, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, were surprisingly stronger than the hairs in strands S17 or S20, meaning that a greater force was required to break the individual hair fibers in strands S18 and S19. [Fig. 4A] shows the breaking strength (MPa) for a control strand (CTL), consisting of the same hair but unbleached, 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 strength of the control strand (CTL) was more than twice 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 strength of the treated strands increased compared to that of strand S17. Unexpectedly, the increase in breaking strength for strands S18 and S19 was considered statistically significant compared to that of strand S20, meaning that compositions 2D and 2B repaired the hair to a greater extent than the comparative compositions.

[0179] Example 4B - Straightened and ultra-bleached hair: Elasticity

[0180] Four strands (S22 to S25) of Caucasian hair that had been previously The hair strands, which had been straightened using formaldehyde, were bleached with a mixture of commercially available bleaching powder and commercially available oxidizing agent (40V hydrogen peroxide) at a ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing agent) and treated at approximately 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and over a five-week treatment period, each of the four strands underwent the following routine twice a week.

[0181] First, the strands were cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, and leaving it on the strand for a period for about one minute, then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure the hair was fully coated. It was left to sit for about five minutes, then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in flat iron serum were applied to the hair.

[0182] Three of the strands (S22 to S24) were subjected to the following additional treatment routines once a week during the 5-week period.

[0183] Strand S22 was cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand thoroughly. A hair mask was applied and left on the hair, after which the hair was rinsed. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure complete coverage. It was left on for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in flat iron serum were applied to the hair.

[0184] Strand S23 was cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand thoroughly. Immediately afterward, Composition 2C was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure complete coverage. It was left to rest for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner was applied and distributed to ensure complete coverage. It was left to rest for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in flat iron serum were applied to the hair.

[0185] The S24 strand was treated with composition Cl by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it to ensure that the hair was completely coated. Composition Cl was left on the hair for a resting period of approximately five minutes, after which the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately afterwards, the strand was cleaned with shampoo Cl-S by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, lathering the shampoo, and allowing it to remain on The strand was left on for approximately one minute, then rinsed thoroughly until all shampoo was removed. Immediately afterward, Cl-C conditioner was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure complete coverage. It was left on for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in flat iron serum were then applied to the hair.

[0186] After the five-week treatment period, the elasticity and resistance of the hair fibers of each of the strands S22 to S25 were studied in the same manner as described in Example 2A. The results showed that the hair fibers of strand S23, treated with composition 2C, exhibited lower elasticity than the fibers of either strand S22 or S24 and S25.

[0187] Example 4C - Straightened and ultra-bleached hair: Resistance

[0188] Four strands (S26 to S29) of Caucasian hair that had been previously The hair strands, which had been straightened using formaldehyde, were bleached with a mixture of commercially available bleaching powder and commercially available oxidizing agent (40V hydrogen peroxide) at a ratio of 1:1.5 (bleaching powder:oxidizing agent) and treated at approximately 55°C for about 45 minutes. The strands were rinsed, and over a five-week treatment period, each of the four strands was subjected to the following routine.

[0189] First, the strands were cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for about one minute, and then rinsing the strand thoroughly. Immediately afterward, a commercially available conditioner was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure complete coverage. It was left on for about five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in flat iron serum were then applied to the hair.

[0190] Three of the strands (S27 to S29) were subjected to the following additional treatment routines once a week during the 5-week period.

[0191] Strands S27 and S28 were cleaned with a commercially available shampoo by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo to the strand, working the shampoo into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. One of the compositions 2B (S28) or 2D (S27) was applied to the hair and left on the hair, after which the hair was rinsed. Immediately afterwards, A commercially available conditioner was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure complete coverage. It was left on for approximately five minutes, after which the strand was thoroughly rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and a leave-in flat iron serum were then applied to the hair.

[0192] The strand S29 was treated with composition Cl by applying the composition to the strand and distributing it to ensure that the hair was completely coated. Composition Cl was left on the hair for approximately five minutes, after which the strand was thoroughly rinsed. Immediately afterward, the strand was washed with shampoo Cl-S by wetting the strand, applying the shampoo, working it into a lather, leaving it on the strand for approximately one minute, and then rinsing the strand until all the shampoo was removed. Immediately afterward, conditioner Cl-C was applied to the strand and distributed to ensure that the hair was completely coated, left to rest for approximately five minutes, and then the strand was thoroughly rinsed.A leave-in conditioning product and a leave-in serum for use with flat irons were applied to the hair.

[0193] MTT tests were carried out in the same manner as described in Example 4A. The results showed that the hairs in strands S27 and S28, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, were surprisingly stronger than the hairs in strands S26 or S29, meaning that a greater force was required to break the individual hair fibers in strands S27 and S28. Figure 4B shows the breaking strength (MPa) for a control strand (CTL), made of the same hair but unbleached, strand S26, which was bleached but without further treatment, strands S27 and S28, treated with compositions 2D and 2B respectively, and strand S29, treated with the comparative compositions. As Figure 4B shows, the breaking strength of the control strand (CTL) was approximately three times greater than that of strand S26, demonstrating the significant damage caused by the bleaching process.After five (5) treatments with composition 2B (strand S28) and 2D (strand S27), the breaking strength of the treated strands increased compared to strand S26, and the improvement was considered statistically significant. However, [Fig. 4B] shows that the breaking strength of the strand treated with the comparative composition (S29) did not show any improvement.

[0194] Examples 4A to 4C thus demonstrate that treating hair damaged by aggressive chemical processes with a composition as disclosed unexpectedly repairs the damage. The damage repair achieved with the compositions as disclosed is also surprisingly more important than that obtained with a commercial product that claims to do the same. Example 5 - Compositions

[0195] Compositions 3A to 3C according to the disclosure were prepared as indicated in Table 4.

[0196] [Table 5]

[0197] [Tables4] 3A 3B 3C 3D Basic amino 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, fragrance) <2 <2 <2 <2 Solvents (water and non-aqueous solvents) QS QS QS QS

[0198] Compositions 3A to 3D, which contained a synergistic combination of components (carboxylic acids (citric acid), osmolytes (glycine betaine), and amino acids (arginine)), were expected to minimize, prevent, and / or repair damage to the hair. The compositions were also expected to improve the elasticity and tensile strength of the treated hair fibers. Example 6# - Additional Compositions

[0199] The following compositions, according to the disclosure, may be prepared and are intended to minimize, prevent, or similarly repair damage to hair. The compositions should also improve the elasticity and strength of the treated hair fibers.

[0200] [Table 6]

[0201] [Tables5] 4A 4B 4C 4D 4E 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 3.0 2.0 9.8 Lactic acid 2.0 10 2.0 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 Solvent(s) (water and / or non-aqueous solvents) QS QS QS QS QS

[0202] The above examples demonstrate that the compositions and processes according to the disclosure repair damaged hair in amazing and unexpected ways, prevent or minimize further damage to hair, and give hair beneficial reduced elasticity.

Claims

Claims

1. Keratin fiber processing composition comprising: (a) at least one compound selected from amino acids or their salts; (b) at least one osmolyte; (c) at least one compound selected from carboxylic acids or their salts; and (d) water, - wherein the total amount of amino acids and their salts is at least about 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, - wherein the total amount of osmolytes is at least about 0.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, - wherein the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts is at least about 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and - wherein the pH of the composition is less than 7.

2. Composition according to claim 1, comprising a) at least one amino acid selected from the compounds of formula (I) or their salts: ÇOOH (I) H — C — N(H)PR in which: - p is an integer equal to 1 or 2, and - when p = 1, R forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising from 5 to 8 ring links, preferably 5 ring links, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from a hydroxyl or an alkyl (in Cl-C4); or - when p = 2, R represents a hydrogen atom or a saturated alkyl group (in C1-C12), linear or branched, preferably an alkyl group (in C1-C4), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups selected from -S-, -NH- or -C(NH)-, and / or optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, -CONH2, NH-C(NH)-NH2, or an imidazole ring.

3. Composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a) at least one amino acid selected from arginine, glycine, proline, methionine, serine, lysine, histidine, their salts, or combinations of two or more of these.

4. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising (b) at least one osmolyte selected from carbohydrate sugars, polyamines, betaines, or combinations of two or more of these, preferably comprising at least one betaine selected from the compounds of formula (II) or its salts: (R1)(R2)(R3)m-A+-CR4R5-(X)nY (II) wherein: - RI, R2 and R3 are selected independently from C1-C4 alkyl groups; - A is N or S; - m and n are independently 0 or 1; - X is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C6 divalent alkyl group, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from a hydroxyl (-OH) or an amino (-NH2); and - Y is -COO- or -OSO3-;provided that: • when A is S, then m = 0 and R4 and R5 are independently chosen from a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon chain (in C1-C10), saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (including aromatic and polycyclic chains), optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups chosen from -S-, -N=, -NH-, or -C(NH)-, and / or optionally substituted with one or more groups chosen from a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -CONH2; • when A is N and m = 0, R4 represents a saturated, linear or branched hydrogen atom or alkyl (C1-C8), and R5 forms, together with the nitrogen atom, a saturated heterocycle comprising 5 to 8 ring links, optionally substituted with one or more groups chosen from a hydroxyl or alkyl (C1-C4); and • when A is N and m = 1, then R4 and R5 are chosen independently from a hydrogen atom or a chain; saturated, unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic (including aromatic and polycyclic chains) hydrocarbon (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 a hydroxyl (-OH), an amino (-NH2), -SH, -COOH, or -conh2.

5. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising (b) at least one compound of formula (II) selected from valine betaine, glutamic acid betaine, glutamine betaine, trimethyl lysine, glycine betaine, histidine betaine, N-methyl histidine 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, their salts or combinations of two or more of these, preferably comprising glycine betaine.

6. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising (c) at least one compound 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.

7. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 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.

8. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 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 the most preferably from about 1.5% to about 3.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

9. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the total amount of carboxylic acids and their salts ranges from about 3% to about 15%, preferably from about 3% to about 12%, more preferably from about 3.5% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

10. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pH of the composition ranges from about 2 to about 6, preferably from about 2.5 to about 5, more preferably from about 2.5 to about 4.5, and most preferably from about 3 to about 4.

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