Agents, cosmetics, and methods for repairing hair, improving the heat resistance of hair, improving the strength of hair, and improving the shine of hair, as well as a method for manufacturing hair cosmetics.

Abstract

This technology offers a simple way to repair hair, and can be applied to a wide range of products. [Solution] An agent for repairing hair, comprising one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below as an active ingredient, and for which the active ingredient is incorporated into a hair cosmetic to impart a hair repair effect to the cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup), (b) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup), (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is 50% by mass or more of pentasaccharides or more (low-saccharified reduced starch syrup), (d) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 or more and 35 or less (low-saccharified reduced starch syrup).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an agent, a cosmetic, and a method for repairing hair, improving the heat resistance of hair, improving the strength of hair, and improving the gloss of hair, which use medium-saccharified reduced maltose and / or low-saccharified reduced maltose as active ingredients, as well as a method for producing a hair cosmetic.

Background Art

[0002] Hair is formed of three layers: the "cuticle (hair cuticle)", the "cortex (hair cortex)", and the "medulla (hair medulla)" in order from the outside. The outermost cuticle region of the hair is composed of the "cuticle" and the "CMC (cell membrane complex)" that adheres the cuticles to each other. The cuticle is in the shape of colorless and transparent fish scales, overlapping like roof tiles while wrapping about 1 / 2 to 1 / 3 of the outer periphery of the hair, and enclosing the entire hair. The cuticle region occupies 10 to 15% of the entire hair and protects the inside of the hair from physical and chemical stimuli. Also, since it is located in the outermost layer, it affects the gloss, texture, and hardness of the hair. The inside of the cuticle is the cortex region, which is composed of the "cortex" that is in the shape of a cigar and longitudinally connected and relatively regularly arranged, and the "CMC" that adheres the cortices in the lateral direction. The cortex region occupies 85 to 90% of the entire hair, retains moisture, and affects the strength of the hair and the glossy feeling with movement. Also, since the melanin pigment that determines the hair color exists between the macrofibrils of the cortex, it also affects the hair color. The "medulla" is located in the central part of the hair and has a porous structure with many spaces like a sponge. Although its function was unknown in the past, in recent years, it has been reported that it affects the appearance of the hair such as transparency and gloss (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, in hair, the part that extends beyond the scalp is called the hair shaft, and this part is routinely damaged by chemical and physical factors such as exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet rays), friction, pulling, and bending from shampooing, brushing, and hair styling, heating from hair dryers and hair irons, and chemical irritation from perming agents, bleaching agents, and hair dyes. Although the cuticle originally has excellent resistance to chemical and physical irritation, it gradually deteriorates as such damage accumulates, leading to peeling and detachment. As a result, the cortex, which does not have resistance to irritation, is exposed, and internal proteins are dissolved and dehydrated. Damaged hair experiences phenomena such as split ends and breakage due to decreased strength, discoloration, and loss of shine, which impairs its beauty (Non-Patent Literature 2).

[0004] Therefore, there is a growing demand for repairing damaged hair. Traditionally, hydrolyzed keratin has been used as an ingredient to repair hair. Keratin is a major constituent protein in the cuticle, cortex, and medulla, and hydrolyzed keratin, a breakdown product of keratin, has been reported to penetrate into the hair shaft and improve its shine (Non-Patent Literature 3).

[0005] Furthermore, hair styling using high heat, such as with hair irons and curling irons, has become popular in recent years, especially among young women, due to its strong styling power and the convenience of being able to restore the original style with daily washing. However, high-temperature heating damages the hair, causing a decrease in tensile strength (breakage) (Non-Patent Literature 4). Against this backdrop, there is a growing demand for ways to suppress damage to hair caused by heat stress. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Takara Belmont Corporation, Lebel ALL YOUR OWN > LABORATORY > Hair Column > 2021.02.26 hair science Basic structure of hair ~The role of each part and the mechanism of hair growth~, [online] [Searched September 18, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / www.lebel.co.jp / laboratory / column / 3269 / > [Non-Patent Document 2] Masaaki Uemura, Kazuto Hamada, Japan Society of Cosmetic Scientists, Top > Library > Cosmetic Terminology > "Mo" List > Hair Damage, [online] [Searched September 18, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / www.sccj-ifscc.com / library / glossary_detail / 1779> [Non-Patent Document 3] Cosmetic Ingredients Journal, Cosmetic Ingredients Online, TOP > Hair Conditioning Ingredients > Basic Information, Purpose of Inclusion, and Safety of Hydrolyzed Keratin, Updated: December 5, 2021, Published: December 4, 2021, [online] [Searched September 18, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / cosmetic-ingredients.org / hair-conditioning-agents / 1248 / > [Non-Patent Document 4] Yamashita, Shinji et al., on heat damage to hair and its indicators, J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. Jpn. Note 46(3) 219-223 (2012). [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, hydrolyzed keratin has a distinctive odor, and there are concerns that high concentrations may negatively affect product quality. In other words, even considering the prior art, there is not a sufficient supply of technology that can effectively repair hair without restricting the freedom of formulation design. The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and aims to provide a technology that can be applied to a wide range of products, can easily repair hair, and can improve the heat resistance, strength, or shine of hair. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of diligent research, the inventors have discovered that medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup and / or low-saccharified reduced starch syrup can repair hair, improve hair heat resistance, improve hair strength, and improve hair shine. Based on these findings, the inventors have completed the following inventions.

[0009] (1) The hair repair agent according to the present invention contains one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below as an active ingredient, and is an agent for imparting a hair repair effect to a hair cosmetic by incorporating the active ingredient into the cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55, (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of 10 to 35.

[0010] (2) The agent for improving the heat resistance of hair according to the present invention (hair heat resistance improving agent) contains one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below as an active ingredient, and is an agent for imparting a hair heat resistance improving effect to a hair cosmetic by incorporating the active ingredient into the cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55, (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of 10 to 35.

[0011] (3) The agent for improving the strength of hair according to the present invention (hair strength improving agent) contains one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a) and (b) below as an active ingredient, and is an agent for imparting a hair strength improving effect to a hair cosmetic by incorporating the active ingredient into the cosmetic; (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 to 35, (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55.

[0012] (4) The agent for improving the shine of hair according to the present invention (hair shine improving agent) contains one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a) and (b) below as an active ingredient, and is an agent for imparting a hair shine improving effect to a hair cosmetic by incorporating the active ingredient into the cosmetic; (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 to 35, (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55.

[0013] (5) The hair repair cosmetic according to the present invention contains the above-described hair repair agent as an active ingredient.

[0014] (6) The hair heat resistance improving cosmetic according to the present invention contains the above-described hair heat resistance improving agent as an active ingredient.

[0015] (7) The hair strength improving cosmetic according to the present invention contains the above-described hair strength improving agent as an active ingredient.

[0016] (8) The hair gloss improving cosmetic according to the present invention contains the above-described hair gloss improving agent as an active ingredient.

[0017] (9) The first aspect of the method for repairing hair according to the present invention includes a step of bringing one or more reducing malt sugars selected from the following (a) to (e) into contact with the hair; (a) A reducing malt sugar (medium saccharified reducing malt sugar) having a sugar composition in which the monosaccharide is less than 30% by mass and the pentasaccharide or more is less than 50% by mass, (b) A reducing malt sugar (medium saccharified reducing malt sugar) obtained by reducing a maltose having a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less, (c) A reducing malt sugar (low saccharified reducing malt sugar) having a sugar composition in which the pentasaccharide or more is 50% by mass or more, (d) A reducing malt sugar (low saccharified reducing malt sugar) obtained by reducing a maltose having a dextrose equivalent of 10 or more and 35 or less.

[0018] (10) The first aspect of the method for improving the heat resistance of hair according to the present invention includes a step of bringing one or more reducing malt sugars selected from the following (a) to (e) into contact with the hair; (a) A reducing malt sugar (medium saccharified reducing malt sugar) having a sugar composition in which the monosaccharide is less than 30% by mass and the pentasaccharide or more is less than 50% by mass, (b) A reducing malt sugar (medium saccharified reducing malt sugar) obtained by reducing a maltose having a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less, (c) A reducing malt sugar (low saccharified reducing malt sugar) having a sugar composition in which the pentasaccharide or more is 50% by mass or more, (d) A reducing malt sugar (low saccharified reducing malt sugar) obtained by reducing a maltose having a dextrose equivalent of 10 or more and 35 or less.

[0019] (11) A first aspect of the method for improving the strength of hair according to the present invention comprises the step of bringing one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a) and (b) below into contact with the hair; (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 to 35, (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55.

[0020] (12) A first aspect of the method for improving the shine of hair according to the present invention comprises the step of bringing one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a) and (b) below into contact with the hair; (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 to 35, (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55.

[0021] (13) A second aspect of the method for repairing hair according to the present invention comprises the step of blending one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below into a hair cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55, (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of 10 to 35.

[0022] (14) A second aspect of the method for improving the heat resistance of hair according to the present invention comprises the step of blending one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below into a hair cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55, (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of 10 to 35.

[0023] (15) A second aspect of the method for improving the strength of hair according to the present invention comprises the step of blending one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a) and (b) below into a hair cosmetic; (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 to 35, (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55.

[0024] (16) A second aspect of the method for improving the shine of hair according to the present invention comprises the step of blending one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a) and (b) below into a hair cosmetic; (c) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup (low-saturated reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 to 35, (a) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup) obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and less than or equal to 55.

[0025] (17) The method for producing a hair cosmetic according to the present invention comprises the step of blending one or more agents selected from the above-mentioned hair repair agents, hair heat resistance improving agents, hair strength improving agents and hair shine improving agents as raw materials. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, damaged hair can be repaired. This can improve or enhance the strength of the hair, improve or prevent cuticle peeling and detachment, improve or enhance the shine of the hair, or improve heat resistance. In other words, it can contribute to the restoration of healthy hair or the maintenance of healthy hair.

[0027] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat resistance of hair can be improved. This helps to suppress damage to hair caused by heat loads from hair dryers, hair irons, curling irons, etc., and contributes to maintaining healthy and beautiful hair.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the strength of the hair can be improved. This can contribute to preventing or suppressing split ends and breakage, and thereby contribute to restoring or maintaining healthy and strong hair.

[0029] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shine of the hair can be improved. This can contribute to the restoration or maintenance of healthy and beautiful hair.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by simply applying medium-to-low saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-to-low saccharification reduced starch syrup to the hair or incorporating it as an ingredient in hair cosmetics, it is possible to repair hair, improve heat resistance, increase strength, or improve shine. Medium-to-low saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-to-low saccharification reduced starch syrup is a safe substance that has no distinctive odor and has been used as a conventional food. According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain hair cosmetics that can repair hair, improve heat resistance, increase strength, or improve shine without limiting the freedom of formulation design or without concerns about skin irritation or safety. If such hair cosmetics are used, for example, as hair styling products, hair tonics, or shampoos, and these are used on a daily basis, it is possible to care for hair damage on a daily and continuous basis, and effects such as restoration to or maintenance of healthy and beautiful hair can be expected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This table shows the raw materials used in this example. [Figure 2] This bar graph shows the tensile breaking strength of hair treated with a treatment containing the test substances (stearyl alcohol, sorbitol, medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup, and low-saccharification reduced starch syrup). [Figure 3] This bar graph shows the tensile breaking strength of hair treated with a treatment containing hydrolyzed keratin or 1-10% by mass of low-saccharification reduced starch syrup. [Figure 4] This is a scanning electron microscope image showing the surface of hair treated with a treatment containing the test substances (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup and low-saccharified reduced starch syrup). [Figure 5] This is a polarized light microscope image showing a cross-section of hair treated with a treatment containing low-saccharification reduced starch syrup. [Figure 6] This bar graph shows the gloss level of hair after spraying it with a hair mist containing the test substances (sorbitol, medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup, and low-saccharification reduced starch syrup). [Figure 7]This is a photograph showing the appearance of hair after spraying it with a hair mist containing the test substances (medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup and low-saccharified reduced starch syrup). [Figure 8] This bar graph shows the tensile breaking strength of hair that was subjected to heat load treatment after being sprayed with a hair mist containing the test substances (BG, medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup, and low-saccharification reduced starch syrup). [Figure 9] This bar graph shows the amount of work required to break hair after it has been subjected to heat load treatment following the application of a hair mist containing the test substances (BG, medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup, and low-saccharification reduced starch syrup). [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of hair IR spectrum measurement (quoted from Fig.-1 in Satoshi Inamori et al., Hair Cross-Sectional Analysis Using Microscopic IR, J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. Jpn. Vol.50, No.3 2016, pp. 209-216). [Figure 11] These are the IR spectra of hair that was sprayed with water (Sample 2) or a low-saccharification reduced starch syrup aqueous solution (Sample 3) and then subjected to heat load treatment, or hair that was not subjected to heat load treatment (Sample 1). [Figure 12] This bar graph shows the peak intensity ratio at 1040 cm⁻¹ / 1650 cm⁻¹ for hair that was sprayed with water (Sample 2) or a low-saccharification reduced starch syrup aqueous solution (Sample 3) and then subjected to heat load treatment, or for hair that was not subjected to heat load treatment (Sample 1). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0033] In this invention, hair refers to the body hair of a human or animal.

[0034] In this invention, "repairing hair" means reducing the degree of damage to the hair. As shown in the examples described later, medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup acts on the inside of the hair (at least one of the cuticle region, cortex region, or medulla region), reducing damage and restoring it to a healthy state or bringing it closer to a healthy state.

[0035] As mentioned above, when hair is damaged, it experiences a decrease in strength, peeling or detachment of the cuticle, and a decrease in shine. Therefore, whether the hair has been repaired (whether the degree of hair damage has decreased) can be confirmed by these phenomena. Specifically, by measuring and comparing the tensile strength of hair with and without the present invention, if the former has a higher tensile strength, it can be evaluated that the hair has been repaired by the present invention. Alternatively, by observing and comparing the cuticle with and without the present invention, if the former shows less peeling or detachment of the cuticle, it can be evaluated that the hair has been repaired by the present invention. Or, by observing or measuring the glossiness of hair with and without the present invention, if the former is observed to be shinier, or if the glossiness measurement is higher, it can be evaluated that the hair has been repaired by the present invention.

[0036] "Improving hair strength" means increasing the strength of the hair. However, "improving hair strength" includes cases where the strength does not change but decreases when the present invention is not used, or cases where the strength decreases but the degree of decrease is smaller compared to when the present invention is not used. Hair strength can be confirmed by performing a tensile strength test (a test that measures the maximum stress until a single strand of hair breaks when pulled) as is commonly practiced in this art.

[0037] "Improving hair shine" means increasing the shine of the hair. However, "improving hair shine" includes cases where the shine does not change but decreases when the present invention is not used, or cases where the degree of decrease is smaller compared to when the present invention is not used, even if the shine does decrease. Hair shine can be checked visually, or it can be measured using a commercially available gloss meter.

[0038] "Hair heat resistance" refers to the property of hair to resist heat damage. In other words, it refers to the property of not being affected by heat, or being less susceptible to heat damage (or, if heat damage occurs, the degree of damage is small).

[0039] "Improving the heat resistance of hair" means increasing the heat resistance of hair. However, "improving the heat resistance of hair" includes cases where the heat resistance does not change but decreases when the present invention is not used, or cases where the degree of decrease is smaller compared to when the present invention is not used, even if the heat resistance does decrease.

[0040] The heat resistance of hair can be confirmed by measuring the degree of hair damage that occurs when heat is applied to the hair, as shown in the examples described later. In this case, the degree of hair damage can be confirmed, for example, by measuring the tensile strength of the hair as described above, or by measuring the cysteic acid content, which is a general indicator of hair damage. That is, by measuring and comparing the degree of damage to hair subjected to heat load with and without the present invention, if the degree of hair damage is smaller in the former case, it can be evaluated that the heat resistance has been improved by the present invention.

[0041] "Hair cosmetics" refer to cosmetics (including quasi-drugs) intended for use on the scalp and hair. Specific examples of hair cosmetics include styling products such as styling products, hair creams, hair mists, hair waters, hair foams, and hair gels; hair nourishing products such as hair lotions, hair treatments, hair conditioners, hair masks, and hair packs; scalp treatments; hair coloring products such as color treatments, color rinses, hair manicures, and hair dyes; shampoos and other hair washing products; and hair rinses.

[0042] "Reduced starch syrup" is a type of sugar alcohol obtained by reducing starch syrup, and is also called hydrolyzed hydrogenated starch, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, or maltooligosaccharide alcohol. Here, starch syrup is a substance obtained by saccharifying starch with acid or enzymes, and is a mixture of monosaccharides (glucose) and polysaccharides (oligosaccharides, dextrin, etc.). Therefore, reduced starch syrup is also a mixture containing two or more sugar alcohols from among monosaccharide sugar alcohols and polysaccharide (disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, or pentasaccharide or more) sugar alcohols.

[0043] Reduced starch syrup can be classified into three types depending on the degree of saccharification: (a) high-saccharification reduced starch syrup (sugar composition of 30-50% monosaccharides, 20-50% disaccharides, and 25% or less trisaccharides or higher), (a) medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup (sugar composition of less than 30% monosaccharides and less than 50% pentasaccharides or higher), and (c) low-saccharification reduced starch syrup (sugar composition of 50% or more pentasaccharides). The present invention uses medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup (a) and / or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup (c) as active ingredients.

[0044] In the present invention, the sugar composition of the medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup can be exemplified by, for example, (a) above, (e) a sugar composition in which monosaccharides are 2-10% by mass, disaccharides are 15-55% by mass, trisaccharides are 15-65% by mass, tetrasaccharides are 1-15% by mass, and pentasaccharides or more are 1-38% by mass.

[0045] Furthermore, the sugar composition of low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can be exemplified by, for example, (c) above, (f) a sugar composition in which monosaccharides are 1-10% by mass, disaccharides are 6-21% by mass, trisaccharides are 7-23% by mass, tetrasaccharides are 5-13% by mass, and pentasaccharides or more are 50-82% by mass.

[0046] Furthermore, "sugar composition" refers to the percentage of the total mass of each sugar relative to the total mass of sugars. In other words, it is the percentage of the mass of each sugar relative to the total mass of sugars, which is set to 100.

[0047] The sugar composition can be determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Specifically, reduced starch syrup or starch syrup is subjected to HPLC as a sample to obtain a chromatogram. In this chromatogram, the sum of the areas of all peaks corresponds to the "total mass of sugars," and the area of ​​each peak corresponds to the "mass of each sugar." Therefore, the mass percentage of each sugar in the sample can be calculated as the ratio of the area of ​​each peak to the sum of the areas of all detected peaks. The HPLC conditions can be set appropriately according to standard procedures, but the following conditions are examples. HPLC conditions Column; MCI GEL CK04S (10mm ID x 200mm) Eluent; high purity water Flow rate; 0.4mL / min Injection volume: 20μL Column temperature: 65°C Detection; Differential refractive index detector RI-10A (Shimadzu Corporation)

[0048] "Dextrose Equivalent (DE)" is the percentage of reducing sugars in a sample relative to the total solid content, measured as glucose. It is used as an indicator of the degree of saccharification in corn syrup. The maximum DE is 100, meaning that all of the solid content is glucose. A lower DE indicates a higher proportion of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.

[0049] In other words, examples of DE for the raw starch syrup of the medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup include those greater than 35, 37 or more, 48 or less, 50 or less, 55 or less, or (a) greater than 35 and 55 or less.

[0050] Furthermore, examples of DE for the raw starch syrup of low-saturation reduced starch syrup include 10 or more, 12 or more, 14 or more, 30 or less, 32 or less, 35 or less, or (e) 10 or more and 35 or less.

[0051] The DE of corn syrup can be measured by the following method. 《Method for measuring DE》 Accurately weigh 2.5 g of the sample and dissolve it in water to make 200 mL. Measure 10 mL of this solution, add 10 mL of 1 / 25 mol / L iodine solution (Note 1) and 15 mL of 1 / 25 mol / L sodium hydroxide solution (Note 2), and leave in the dark for 20 minutes. Next, add 5 mL of 2 mol / L hydrochloric acid (Note 3) and mix, then titrate with 1 / 25 mol / L sodium thiosulfate solution (Note 4). When the solution turns slightly yellow near the titration endpoint, add 2 drops of starch indicator (Note 5) and continue the titration. The titration endpoint is reached when the color of the solution disappears. Determine the blank value using water and calculate DE using the following formula 1. TIFF2026058338000002.tif49165

[0052] (Note 1) 1 / 25 mol / L iodine solution: Place 20.4 g of potassium iodide and 10.2 g of iodine in a 2 L volumetric flask, dissolve with a small amount of water, then add water to the mark. (Note 2) 1 / 25 mol / L sodium hydroxide solution: Place 3.2 g of sodium hydroxide in a 2 L volumetric flask, dissolve it with a small amount of water, and then add water up to the mark. (Note 3) 2 mol / L hydrochloric acid: Gradually add 150 mL of hydrochloric acid to 750 mL of water while stirring. (Note 4) 1 / 25 mol / L sodium thiosulfate solution: Place 20 g of sodium thiosulfate in a 2 L volumetric flask, dissolve it with a small amount of water, and then add water to the mark. (Note 5) Starch indicator: Dissolve 5 g of soluble starch in 500 mL of water, and then dissolve 100 g of sodium chloride in this solution.

[0053] Reduced starch syrup may be used as is if it is commercially available, or it may be manufactured and used according to a method known to those skilled in the art. Examples of commercially available medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup include "Aqua All #1", "Sweet OL", and "SE 57" (all from B Food Science), while examples of commercially available low-saccharification reduced starch syrup include "Aqua All #2", "Sweet NT", "SE 30", and "SE 100" (all from B Food Science), and "PO-10" and "PO-20" (both from Mitsubishi Corporation Life Science).

[0054] A known method for producing reduced starch syrup involves a reduction reaction in which hydrogen is added to the raw material, starch syrup (raw sugar). For example, in a reduction reaction by hydrogenation, a 40-75% by mass aqueous solution of raw sugar is charged into a high-pressure reactor together with a reduction catalyst. The reaction is carried out while mixing and stirring at a hydrogen pressure of 4.9-19.6 MPa and a reaction solution temperature of 70-180°C until no further hydrogen absorption is observed. After that, the reduction catalyst is separated, and the mixture is decolorized and desalted by ion exchange resin treatment, activated carbon treatment if necessary, and then concentrated to a predetermined concentration to produce high-concentration reduced starch syrup.

[0055] Medium- and low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can be used by contacting the hair. In this case, the medium- and low-saccharification reduced starch syrup may be used as is, or it may be used in a form that comes into contact with the hair, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or quasi-drugs. Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and quasi-drugs containing medium- and low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can be used for purposes such as repairing hair, improving hair's heat resistance, improving hair's strength, or improving hair's shine.

[0056] In other words, the present invention also provides a method for repairing hair, improving the heat resistance of hair, improving the strength of hair, or improving the shine of hair, which includes the step of bringing medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup into contact with hair.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for repairing hair, improving the heat resistance of hair, improving the strength of hair, or improving the shine of hair, which includes a step of incorporating medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup into a hair cosmetic.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for producing a hair cosmetic, comprising the step of incorporating one or more agents selected from the above-mentioned hair repair agents, hair heat resistance improving agents, hair strength improving agents, and hair shine improving agents as raw materials. That is, the present invention also provides a method for producing a hair cosmetic, comprising the step of incorporating medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup as a raw material for the purpose of repairing hair, improving hair heat resistance, improving hair strength, or improving hair shine.

[0059] Methods for bringing medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup into contact with hair include, for example, spraying or applying the active ingredient or a product such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or quasi-drugs containing it (sometimes referred to as "active ingredient, etc.") to the hair, immersing the hair in a solution of the active ingredient, etc., or impregnating a sheet-like material with the active ingredient, etc. and attaching it to the hair. The active ingredient, etc. may be used in a manner that involves rinsing it off after contact for a certain period of time (rinse-off method) or in a manner that does not involve rinsing it off (leave-on method).

[0060] The time, temperature, and concentration of the active ingredient when the medium-saccharification / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup is brought into contact with the hair are not particularly limited and can be appropriately set according to the type and use of the product containing the active ingredient, the quality and amount of hair to be treated, the degree of damage, the age of the person being treated, and other attributes.

[0061] Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and other products can be manufactured by known conventional methods, except for the use of medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup as a raw material. That is, depending on the type of product, its use, the type and amount of other raw material components, and the desired feel, the active ingredients can be appropriately blended by methods known to those skilled in the art. Since reduced starch syrup is a polyhydric alcohol, it can be handled in the same way as other conventionally blended polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and pentylene glycol when manufacturing products.

[0062] The product may contain ingredients other than medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup (for example, surfactants, solvents, dispersion media, other polyhydric alcohols, preservatives, chelating agents, pH adjusters, other sugars such as sorbitol, colorants, animal and plant extracts, vitamins, inorganic salts, organic salts, solubilizers, bactericides, humectants, antioxidants, wetting agents, UV absorbers, thickeners, fragrances, cationic polymers, cooling agents, chilling agents, oils, etc.) as long as they do not impair the characteristics of the present invention.

[0063] The amount of medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup / low-saccharification reduced starch syrup blended in a product can be appropriately set according to the type of product, its intended use, the expected usage, the types and amounts of other raw materials, and the desired feel. For example, assuming the total mass of the product is 100% by mass, the lower limit of reduced starch syrup (solid content) can be 0.1% or more, 0.3% or more, 0.5% or more, 0.7% or more, 0.9% or more, 1.0% or more, 1.2% or more, 1.4% or more, 1.6% or more, 1.8% or more, 2.0% or more, 2.2% or more, 2.4% or more, 2.6% or more, 2.8% or more, 3.0% or more, or 3.2% by mass. Examples of the above include 3.4% by mass or more, 3.6% by mass or more, 3.8% by mass or more, 4.0% by mass or more, 4.2% by mass or more, 4.4% by mass or more, 4.6% by mass or more, 4.8% by mass or more, 5.0% by mass or more, and examples of the upper limit include 50% by mass or less, 45% by mass or less, 40% by mass or less, 35% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 25% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, and so on.

[0064] The method according to the present invention may include other steps, as long as they do not impair the features of the present invention. Examples of such steps include weighing raw materials, mixing, stirring, filtering, sterilization, cooling, heating, applying the product such as a cosmetic to the hair, and packaging. Furthermore, the method according to the present invention may exclude medical procedures.

[0065] The present invention will be described below based on various embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the features shown in these embodiments. [Examples]

[0066] <Test Method> Unless otherwise specified, the tests were conducted using the following methods. (1) Raw materials The sugar alcohols used were those shown in Table 1. The other raw materials used were those shown in Figure 1. [Table 1]

[0067] The hair used for the tests included human black hair A (product code BS-B3A, Beaulux Co., Ltd.) (approximately 10g per bundle, approximately 30cm), human black hair B (product code BM-B15, Beaulux Co., Ltd.) (approximately 2g per bundle, approximately 15cm), the aforementioned commercially available human black hair A that had been bleached using a commercially available bleaching agent (bleached hair A), or commercially available bleached hair (human brown special color (5LV), product code 5LV-A, Beaulux Co., Ltd.) (approximately 1g per bundle, approximately 10cm) (bleached hair B). The test hair was pre-washed with 0.1 mL of an aqueous solution containing 10% by mass of sodium laureth sulfate (per 10g of hair) before being subjected to the tests.

[0068] (2) Preparation of shampoo The shampoo was prepared using the formulations shown in Table 2, following the steps [1]-[4] below. [1] Polyquaternium-10 was weighed into a container, and purified water was added to make a 2% by mass aqueous solution, which was then stirred at room temperature. [2] The materials other than polyquaternium-10 and phenoxyethanol were weighed into a separate container and heated and stirred at 75°C to 80°C. [3] and [2] were cooled while stirring until the temperature reached 35°C to 40°C, and then [1] was added and stirred so that the final concentration of polyquaternium-10 in the shampoo was 0.4% by mass. After cooling [4] and [3] to room temperature, phenoxyethanol was added, and purified water was added as needed to adjust the total volume, thus completing the preparation. [Table 2]

[0069] (3) Preparation of the treatment Treatments were prepared using the formulations shown in each example, following the steps [1]-[5] below. [1] Water and the test substance (sugar alcohol or hydrolyzed keratin) were measured into a container and heated and stirred at 75°C to 80°C. [2] Cetearyl alcohol, the test substance (stearyl alcohol), vegetable squalane, and behentrimonium chloride were weighed into a separate container and heated and stirred at 75°C to 80°C. [3] and [2] were mixed with [1] using a homomixer. [4] and [3] were cooled to 35°C to 40°C, and the total volume was adjusted by adding phenoxyethanol and the necessary amount of water. [5] and [4] were degassed, and the preparation was completed.

[0070] (3) Making hair mist Hair mist was prepared using the formulations shown in each example, following the steps [1]-[5] below. [1] The surfactant, polyhydric alcohol, and preservative (ingredients of formulation (A)) were weighed and combined, and then heated and dissolved at 80°C. [2] The water and the test substance (materials of formulation (B)) were weighed and combined, and then heated to approximately 70°C to dissolve. [3] [1] was mixed with [2]. After allowing [4] and [3] to cool to about 40°C, ethanol (material of formulation (C)) was mixed in, and water was added as needed so that the final total volume was 100 parts by weight. [5] and [4] were filled into a spray container to complete the preparation.

[0071] (5) Shampooing and conditioning the hair The shampooing and conditioning treatment was carried out according to the following steps [1]-[3]. [1] Apply 100 μL of shampoo per 10 g of hair, lather by massaging it in, then rinse by massaging with an appropriate amount of water under a shower. [2] Apply 0.5g of treatment per 10g of wet hair, then leave for 1 minute. Next, rinse by massaging with an appropriate amount of water under the shower. [3] After removing moisture from the hair by sandwiching it between towels, it was air-dried using a hairdryer.

[0072] <Example 1> Evaluation of hair strength (1) Preparation of the treatment Treatments were prepared according to test method (3) using the formulations shown in Table 3. Sample 1 was a treatment without the test substance, Sample 2 was a treatment containing stearyl alcohol, Sample 3 was a treatment containing sorbitol, Sample 4 was a treatment containing medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup, and Sample 5 was a treatment containing low-saccharified reduced starch syrup. Stearyl alcohol is conventionally known as an ingredient that gives hair firmness and body. Sorbitol is conventionally known as an ingredient that gives hair suppleness. [Table 3]

[0073] (2) Measurement of tensile fracture strength Using the treatments of samples 1 to 5, hair (human black hair A) was shampooed and treated according to test method (4). Hereinafter, hair treated with samples 1 to 5 will be referred to as samples 1 to 5. After air-drying, the hair was temperature- and humidity-controlled by being placed in an environment of 25°C and 50% humidity for more than 2 hours. Then, a 10 cm section from the center of each hair was placed in a single hair mechanical testing machine (model MTT690, Diastron). A tensile test (a test in which a single hair is pulled until it breaks and the load at that time is measured) was performed in the gas phase, and the diameter and breaking strength of the hair were measured. The breaking strength was expressed as the value obtained by dividing the hair diameter by the area (mgf / μm2). Measurements were performed on 20 samples (20 hairs) for each sample, and the mean value was calculated for 10 samples after excluding the top 25% and bottom 25% in terms of elongation rate. Statistical analysis of the values ​​between each sample was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The fracture strength (average value) of each sample is shown in Figure 2.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, the breaking strength of samples 2 and 3 tended to be greater than that of sample 1, but the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, the breaking strength of samples 4 and 5 was significantly greater than that of sample 1 (p<0.001). In other words, hair treated with a treatment containing stearyl alcohol or sorbitol did not show a significant improvement in breaking strength, but hair treated with a treatment containing medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup showed a significant improvement in breaking strength. From these results, it became clear that medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can improve the strength of hair.

[0075] <Example 2> Examination of the concentration of the active ingredient (1) Preparation of the treatment Treatments were prepared according to test method (3) using the formulations shown in Table 4. Sample 1 was a treatment without the test substance, Samples 2-5 were treatments containing low-saccharification reduced starch syrup in solid content amounts of 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%, respectively, and Sample 6 was a treatment containing hydrolyzed keratin. Hydrolyzed keratin is a hydrolyzed product of keratin protein, a component of hair, and is conventionally known as an ingredient that has hair repair effects, such as penetrating into the hair and improving shine. [Table 4]

[0076] (2) Measurement of tensile fracture strength Using the treatments of Samples 1 to 6, hair (human black hair A) was shampooed and treated according to test method (4). Hereinafter, the hair treated with Samples 1 to 6 will be referred to as Samples 1 to 6. Subsequently, the breaking strength was measured according to the method described in Example 1(2). The results are shown in Figure 3.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3, all of samples 2 to 5 had greater breaking strength than sample 1. In particular, samples 4 and 5 had high breaking strength, reaching values ​​equivalent to or greater than those of sample 6, which contained hydrolyzed keratin. In other words, hair treated with a treatment containing 1 to 10% by mass of low-saccharification reduced starch syrup showed improved breaking strength. Furthermore, hair treated with a treatment containing 5 to 10% by mass of low-saccharification reduced starch syrup showed a significant improvement in breaking strength. From these results, it became clear that medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can improve hair strength regardless of the concentration used.

[0078] <Example 3> Observation of the hair surface and cross-section (1) Preparation of the treatment Treatments were prepared according to test method (3) using the formulations shown in Table 5. Sample 1 was a treatment without the test substance, Sample 2 was a treatment containing medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup, and Sample 3 was a treatment containing low-saccharification reduced starch syrup, each in a solid content of approximately 5% by mass. [Table 5]

[0079] (2) Shampoo and treatment Using the treatments of Samples 1-3, hair (bleached hair A) was shampooed and treated according to test method (4). Hereinafter, hair treated with Samples 1-3 will be referred to as Samples 1-3. After air-drying, the hair was temperature and humidity controlled by placing it in an environment of 25°C and 50% humidity for 2 hours (Samples 1-2), or in an environment of 25°C and 80% humidity for 24 hours (Sample 3).

[0080] (3) Observation of the hair surface The central 5 cm of the hair from Example 3(2) was cut and placed on a stage, and observed at a magnification of 350x using a scanning electron microscope (model number: JCM-7000, JEOL Ltd.). The results are shown in Figure 4.

[0081] As shown in Figure 4, in sample 1, numerous fragments of detached cuticles (indicated by filled-in arrows) were observed on the hair surface. In addition, relatively large areas where the cuticle had peeled off and the cortex was exposed (indicated by outlined arrows) were observed. Furthermore, the tips of the cuticles appeared slightly peeled and lifted across the entire hair surface. In contrast, in samples 2 and 3, no detached cuticle fragments were observed, and there were no areas where the cortex was exposed. Moreover, in samples 2 and 3, the cuticles were flat and firm across the entire hair surface, resulting in a smooth finish. From these results, it is clear that medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can suppress cuticle peeling, detachment, and cortex exposure, and make the cuticle surface flat and smooth.

[0082] (4) Observation of hair cross-section For Example 3(2), samples 1 and 3 were frozen by ice embedding at approximately 5 cm from the tip of the hair. The frozen samples were sliced ​​using a microtome (Litratome REM-710, manufactured by Daiwa Koki Kogyo Co., Ltd.) to prepare 3 μm thick hair cross-sectional sections. The prepared hair cross-sectional sections were placed on glass slides and observed using a polarizing microscope (ECLIPSE LV100POL, manufactured by Nikon Solutions Corporation). The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, in sample 1, there was a gap between the cuticle region and the cortex region, and the cuticle layer appeared to be lifted. In addition, the outermost layer (outer surface) of the cuticle region was uneven. In contrast, in sample 3, there was no gap between the cuticle region and the cortex region, and the outermost layer of the cuticle region was smooth without any unevenness. From these results, it became clear that medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can act on the cuticle region or cortex region, repairing the inside of the hair and making the surface smooth.

[0084] <Example 4> Measurement of hair gloss (1) Making hair mist Hair mist was prepared according to test method (4) using the formulations shown in Table 6. Sample 1 was a hair mist that did not contain the test substance, while Samples 2-4 were hair mists containing 3% by mass (2.1% by mass in solid content) of sorbitol, medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup, and low-saccharified reduced starch syrup, respectively. [Table 6]

[0085] (2) Evaluation of hair mist spray and gloss Approximately 0.6g (5 pumps, per 5g hair bundle) of hair mist from samples 1-4 was sprayed onto hair (human black hair A), and then the hair was dried with cool air from a hairdryer for 2 minutes. Subsequently, a hair iron preheated to 180°C was applied to the hair for 5 seconds to heat it. Hereafter, the hair sprayed with samples 1-4 will be referred to as samples 1-4.

[0086] Samples 1-4 were illuminated and their appearance was visually observed. Additionally, a 0.5-bundle (5g) hair bundle was fixed to a width of 3cm, creating a 3cm x 3cm measurement area. A gloss meter (Glossymeter GL200, Courage+Khazaka) probe was applied to this area and moved gradually to measure the gloss (glossymeter units; gloss). Figure 6 shows the gloss measurement results, and Figure 7 shows photographs of the appearance of samples 1, 3, and 4.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6, the gloss values ​​were highest for Sample 1 < Sample 2 < Sample 3 < Sample 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, visual inspection also showed that Samples 3 and 4 had greater gloss than Sample 1. In other words, hair sprayed with hair mist containing medium- or low-grade reduced starch syrup had greater gloss compared to hair without these ingredients. These results clearly demonstrate that medium- or low-grade reduced starch syrup can improve hair shine.

[0088] As shown in the test results of Examples 1 to 4 above, medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup acts on the inside of the hair (cuticle region or cortex region), improving or suppressing multiple phenomena that occur with hair damage, such as a decrease in hair strength, peeling or detachment of the cuticle, and a decrease in hair shine. From these results, it is clear that medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can repair hair.

[0089] <Example 5> Evaluation of heat resistance: Tensile test (1) Making hair mist Hair mist was prepared according to test method (4) using the formulations shown in Table 7. As test substances, sample 1 contained 5% by mass of BG, while samples 2 and 3 contained 5% by mass (3.5% by mass in solid content) of medium-saccharified reduced starch syrup and low-saccharified reduced starch syrup, respectively. [Table 7]

[0090] (2) Hair mist spraying and heat load treatment Hair (human black hair B) was washed with 100 μL of an aqueous solution containing 8% by mass of sodium laureth sulfate (per 2 g of hair), dried with a hairdryer, and then conditioned by placing it in an environment of 25°C and 50% humidity for more than 2 hours. Next, approximately 50 μL of hair mist from samples 1-3 (per 2 g of hair bundle) was sprayed onto the hair and then air-dried. Subsequently, a hair iron heated to 180°C was applied to the surface of the hair at a speed of 3 cm / second, repeating this process 30 times to apply heat. This series of treatments—washing, spraying with hair mist, and applying heat—was considered one set, and the same treatment was performed 6 times on the same hair bundle. Hereinafter, hair sprayed with hair mist from samples 1-3 will be referred to as samples 1-3. In addition, hair that was washed only the same number of times (6 times) without hair mist spraying or heat application was used as the control sample.

[0091] (3) Tensile test Tensile tests were performed on the control sample and the hair of samples 1-3 according to the method described in Example 1(2), and the breaking strength and the amount of work required for the hair to break (J / m) were measured. 3 The following measurements were taken. Based on the measurement results, the rate of decrease in breaking strength and work done was calculated using equations 2 and 3 below, relative to the control sample. The rate of decrease can be said to reflect the degree of decrease in hair strength due to thermal load. The breaking strength and its rate of decrease are shown in Figure 8, and the work done and its rate of decrease are shown in Figure 9. Equation 2: Percentage decrease in breaking strength (%) = (Breaking strength of control sample (mgf / μm) 2 )-Breaking strength of sample 1 (mgf / μm 2 )) / Breaking strength of control sample (mgf / μm 2 ) × 100 Equation 3: Percentage decrease in work (%) = (Work of the control sample (J / m²) 3 )-Work done on sample 1 (J / m 3 )) / Work done by control sample (J / m 3 ) × 100

[0092] As shown in Figure 8, the fracture strength of sample 1 was significantly lower (p<0.01) than that of the control sample, with a reduction rate of approximately 9.53%. In contrast, although the fracture strengths of samples 2 and 3 were lower than that of the control sample, their reduction rates were approximately 5.20% and 2.42%, respectively, which were significantly smaller than the reduction rate of sample 1. Furthermore, the fracture strength of sample 2 tended to be higher than that of sample 1, and the fracture strength of sample 3 was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of sample 1.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the workload of sample 1 was significantly (p<0.01) lower than that of the control sample, with a reduction rate of approximately 17.0%. In contrast, although the workloads of samples 2 and 3 were lower than that of the control sample, their reduction rates were approximately 2.7% and 9.4%, respectively, which were significantly lower than the reduction rate of sample 1. Also, the workload of sample 2 was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of sample 1, and the workload of sample 3 tended to be higher than that of sample 1.

[0094] As described above, hair sprayed with a hair mist containing medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup showed less reduction in hair strength due to heat load compared to hair without these ingredients. In other words, hair in contact with medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup suffered less heat damage. From these results, it is clear that medium- or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can improve the heat resistance of hair.

[0095] <Example 6> Evaluation of heat resistance: IR measurement (1) Preparation of aqueous solution An aqueous solution containing 3% by mass (2.1% by mass in solids) of low-saccharification reduced starch syrup was prepared and designated as Sample 3. Water was designated as Sample 2.

[0096] (2) Heat load treatment Bleached hair (hair B) was washed with 100 μL (per gram of hair) of an aqueous solution containing 8% by mass of sodium laureth sulfate, and then dried with a hairdryer. Next, approximately 50 μL (per gram of hair) of either sample 2 or sample 3 was sprayed onto the hair, and then air-dried. Subsequently, as a heat load, a hair iron heated to 180°C was applied once at a speed of 0.5 cm / second, stroking the surface of the hair. Hereafter, the hair sprayed with samples 2 and 3 will be referred to as sample 2 and 3, respectively. Hair that was only washed without spraying with samples 2 and 3 or heat load will be referred to as sample 1.

[0097] (3) IR measurement For hair samples 1-3, approximately 5 cm from the tip was embedded in ice, and 5 μm thick cross-sectional sections of the hair were prepared using a microtome (Litratome REM-710, manufactured by Yamato Koki Kogyo Co., Ltd.). These hair sections were placed on a diamond cell, and infrared absorption spectra (IR spectra) were obtained by infrared spectroscopy using an infrared microscope (AIM-9000, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). The results are shown in Figure 11. The measurement conditions were as follows. Six samples were measured for each sample. Wavelength range: 4000-700 cm⁻¹, Resolution: 4 cm⁻¹, Number of integrations: 20, Aperture size: 10 × 10 μm, Apodization function: Sqr-Triangle, Detector: MCT.

[0098] Here, in the IR spectrum of hair, generally, as shown in Figure 10 (quoted from Fig.-1 of J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. Jpn. Vol.50, No.3 2016, p. 209-216, Satoshi Inamori et al., Cross-sectional analysis of hair using microscopic IR), a peak (amide I) due to the stretching vibration of C=O in the peptide bond of keratin protein is observed around 1650 cm⁻¹, and the intensity of this peak (absorbance) serves as an indicator of the protein content of the hair. Also, around 1040 cm⁻¹, a peak (-SO3) is observed in the sulfonic acid group of the cysteic acid residue. -A peak due to SO stretching is observed, and the intensity of this peak serves as an indicator of the cysteic acid content of the hair. Since cysteic acid is produced when SS bonds in hair are cleaved due to external stress such as ultraviolet rays, it is considered an indicator of the degree of hair damage (the greater the damage, the higher the cysteic acid content). In other words, the peak intensity around 1040 cm⁻¹ is an indicator of hair damage (the greater the damage, the higher the peak intensity). Therefore, in order to appropriately evaluate the cysteic acid content of the hair, a value corrected for protein content was calculated for each sample by dividing the "peak intensity at 1040 cm⁻¹" by the "peak intensity at 1650 cm⁻¹" (peak intensity ratio). The average value of 6 samples was calculated for each sample. The results are shown in Figure 12.

[0099] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the peak intensity ratio at 1040 cm⁻¹ / 1650 cm⁻¹ was significantly larger in sample 2 than in sample 1, while it was almost the same in sample 3. In other words, while the cysteic acid content increased in hair sprayed with water due to heat load, the hair sprayed with a low-saccharification reduced starch syrup aqueous solution showed almost no increase in cysteic acid content despite heat load. In other words, the production or increase of cysteic acid due to heat load was suppressed in hair that was in contact with low-saccharification reduced starch syrup. From these results, it is clear that medium-saccharification reduced starch syrup or low-saccharification reduced starch syrup can improve the heat resistance of hair.

Claims

1. An agent for repairing hair, comprising one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below as an active ingredient, and for which the active ingredient is incorporated into a hair cosmetic to impart a hair repair effect to the cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less, (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup containing 10 to 35 dextrose equivalents.

2. An agent for improving the heat resistance of hair, comprising one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below as an active ingredient, and for which the active ingredient is incorporated into a hair cosmetic to impart a heat resistance improving effect to the cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less, (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup containing 10 to 35 dextrose equivalents.

3. An agent for improving the strength of hair, comprising one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a), and (b) below as an active ingredient, and for which the active ingredient is incorporated into a hair cosmetic to impart a hair strength improving effect to the cosmetic; (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 to 35, (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of more than 35 and 55 or less.

4. An agent for improving the shine of hair, comprising one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a), and (b) below as an active ingredient, and for which the active ingredient is incorporated into a hair cosmetic to impart a hair shine-improving effect to the cosmetic; (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of 10 to 35, (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of more than 35 and 55 or less.

5. A cosmetic composition for repairing hair, comprising the agent described in claim 1 as an active ingredient.

6. A cosmetic composition for improving the heat resistance of hair, comprising the agent described in claim 2 as an active ingredient.

7. A cosmetic composition for improving hair strength, comprising the agent described in claim 3 as an active ingredient.

8. A cosmetic composition for improving the shine of hair, comprising the agent described in claim 4 as an active ingredient.

9. A method for repairing hair, comprising the step of bringing one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below into contact with the hair; (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less, (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup containing 10 to 35 dextrose equivalents.

10. A method for improving the heat resistance of hair, comprising the step of bringing one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below into contact with the hair; (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less, (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup containing 10 to 35 dextrose equivalents.

11. A method for improving hair strength, comprising the step of bringing one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a), and (b) below into contact with the hair; (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of 10 to 35. (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of more than 35 and 55 or less.

12. A method for improving the shine of hair, comprising the step of bringing one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a), and (b) below into contact with the hair; (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of 10 to 35. (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of more than 35 and 55 or less.

13. A method for repairing hair, comprising the step of incorporating one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below into a hair cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less, (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup containing 10 to 35 dextrose equivalents.

14. A method for improving the heat resistance of hair, comprising the step of incorporating one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (a) to (d) below into a hair cosmetic; (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent of more than 35 and 55 or less, (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup containing 10 to 35 dextrose equivalents.

15. A method for improving hair strength, comprising the step of incorporating one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a), and (b) below into a hair cosmetic; (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of 10 to 35. (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of more than 35 and 55 or less.

16. A method for improving the shine of hair, comprising the step of incorporating one or more reduced starch syrups selected from (c), (d), (a), and (b) below into a hair cosmetic; (c) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition consists of five or more saccharides, (e) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of 10 to 35. (a) Reduced starch syrup in which the sugar composition is less than 30% by mass of monosaccharides and less than 50% by mass of pentasaccharides or more, (i) Reduced starch syrup obtained by reducing starch syrup with a dextrose equivalent content of more than 35 and 55 or less.

17. A method for producing a hair cosmetic, comprising the step of blending an agent described in any one of claims 1 to 4 as a raw material.

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