Hair cosmetic composition and production method therefor

Abstract

A hair cosmetic composition according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: component (A): a quaternary ammonium salt represented by formula (a1); component (B): a higher alcohol comprising an alcohol (B1) having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 16 carbons and an alcohol (B2) having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 18 carbons; component (C): a polyhydric alcohol; and component (D): water. The content of component (A) is 1-4 mass%, the molar ratio of component (A) to component (B) is 1:4-1:6, and the content of component (C) is 0.2-10 mass%. In formula (a1), R1 is a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group with 12-36 carbons, or a straight-chain or branched-chain alkenyl group with 12-36 carbons, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently an alkyl group with 1-3 carbons or a hydroxyalkyl group with 1-3 carbon atoms, and X- is an anion.

Description

Hair cosmetic composition and method for producing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair cosmetic composition and a method for producing the same. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-167533, filed on September 28, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Cationic surfactants are used in hair cosmetics such as hair conditioners, treatments, and hair rinses. Quaternary ammonium salts with a chloride counter anion are the mainstream of cationic surfactants used in such applications. In recent years, to address irritation concerns and formulation regulations, the use of quaternary ammonium salts with a methyl sulfate counter anion has been investigated.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose hair cosmetic compositions containing behentrimonium methosulfate (hereinafter also referred to as BTMS) (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-83521 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-91336

[0005] However, hair cosmetic compositions containing BTMS have problems such as poor stability, a lack of a sticky feel upon application, and poor adhesion to hair, resulting in insufficient hair effects. These problems are known to be caused by the chemical structure of BTMS. For this reason, there are not many hair cosmetic compositions that use BTMS alone as the main base, and BTMS is often used in combination with a quaternary ammonium salt whose main counter anion is chloride ion. Furthermore, BTMS has poor solubility due to its structural characteristics, which results in the problem of a long time required for the production of hair cosmetic compositions.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a hair cosmetic composition that is excellent in stability, feel when used, and effect on hair, and a method for producing the same.

[0007] The present invention has the following aspects: <1> A hair cosmetic composition comprising: component (A): a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (a1), component (B): a higher alcohol composed of an alcohol (B1) having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 16 carbon atoms and an alcohol (B2) having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 18 carbon atoms, component (C): a polyhydric alcohol, and component (D): water, wherein the content of component (A) is 1 to 4 mass%, the molar ratio of component (A) to component (B) is 1:4 to 1:6, and the content of component (C) is 0.2 to 10 mass%. (In the formula, R １ is a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms or a linear or branched alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, R ２ , R ３ and R ４ are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X － is an anion.) <2> The hair cosmetic composition according to <1>, wherein the molar ratio of the alcohol (B1) to the alcohol (B2) is 4:1 to 1:4. <3> The hair cosmetic composition according to <1> or <2>, wherein the mass ratio of the component (C) to the component (A) is 0.05 to 3. <4> The hair cosmetic composition according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the content of the component (C) is 0.2 to 1.7 mass%. <5> A method for producing the hair cosmetic composition according to any one of <1> to <4>, comprising: producing a quaternary ammonium salt composition containing the component (A), the component (C), and a portion of the component (D), wherein the content of the component (A) is 70% by mass or more and less than 85% by mass, and the content of the component (C) is 15% by mass or more and less than 30% by mass; dissolving an oil phase raw material containing the quaternary ammonium salt composition and the component (B) at a temperature of 80°C or more to form an oil phase; adding an aqueous phase raw material containing the remainder of the component (D) to the oil phase at a temperature of 80°C or more, stirring, and cooling.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hair cosmetic composition that is excellent in stability, feel when used, and effect on hair, and a method for producing the same.

[0009] (Hair Cosmetic Composition) A hair cosmetic composition according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises component (A), component (B), component (C), and component (D). Examples of hair cosmetics include hair conditioners, hair treatments, and hair creams.

[0010] <Component (A)> Component (A) is a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (a1).

[0011]

[0012] (a1) In the formula, R １ is a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms or a linear or branched alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms. １ R may be either an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, and is preferably an alkyl group. １ When R is an alkyl group, the performance of the hair cosmetic composition can be further improved. １ R may be either a straight chain or a branched chain, and is preferably a straight chain. １ When R is a straight chain, the performance of the hair cosmetic composition can be further improved. １ The number of carbon atoms in R is 12 to 36, preferably 14 to 30, and more preferably 16 to 22. １ When the number of carbon atoms is within the above range, the performance of the hair cosmetic composition can be further improved.

[0013] R ２ , R ３ and R ４ are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. ２ , R ３ and R ４ are each independently preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a methyl group. ２ , R ３ and R ４ This can further improve the performance of the hair cosmetic composition.

[0014] X － is an anion. － is the counter ion of the quaternary ammonium ion. －Examples of the anion include chloride anion, iodide anion, bromide anion, alkyl sulfate ion having 1 to 5 carbon atoms (methyl sulfate anion, ethyl sulfate anion, etc.), hydrogen sulfate anion, lactate anion, citrate anion, etc. － As X, a chloride anion or an alkyl sulfate ion having 1 to 5 carbon atoms is preferred, an alkyl sulfate ion having 1 to 5 carbon atoms is more preferred, a methyl sulfate anion or an ethyl sulfate anion is even more preferred, and a methyl sulfate anion is particularly preferred. － This can further improve the performance of the hair cosmetic composition.

[0015] Component (A) includes R １ is an alkyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, and R １ More preferred are alkyltrimethylammonium compounds in which R is an alkyl group having 14 to 30 carbon atoms, １ More preferred are alkyltrimethylammonium compounds in which R is an alkyl group having 16 to 22 carbon atoms, １ is any one of an alkyl group having 22 carbon atoms (behenyl group), a stearyl group (having 18 carbon atoms) and a cetyl group (having 16 carbon atoms), or a mixture thereof. Among these, behentrimonium methosulfate, steartrimonium methosulfate, cetrimonium methosulfate, and alkyltrimethylammonium compounds obtained by mixing these are preferred.

[0016] The content of component (A) is 1 to 4% by mass, preferably 1 to 3% by mass, based on the total mass of the hair cosmetic composition. When the content is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the stability is superior. When the content is equal to or less than the upper limit, the stability, feel during use, and effect on hair are superior.

[0017] <Component (B)> Component (B) is a higher alcohol composed of an alcohol (B1) having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 16 carbon atoms and an alcohol (B2) having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 18 carbon atoms. The inclusion of component (B) improves stability, feel during use, and effects on hair.

[0018] The alcohol (B1) may be, for example, R ５ It is represented by OH. ５ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 16 carbon atoms. ５ R may be either a straight chain or a branched chain, and is preferably a straight chain. ５ The alcohol (B1) may be saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated. As the alcohol (B1), cetanol is preferred.

[0019] The alcohol (B2) may be, for example, R ６ It is represented by OH. ６ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 18 carbon atoms. ８ R may be either a straight chain or a branched chain, and is preferably a straight chain. ８ The alcohol (B2) may be saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated. As the alcohol (B2), stearyl alcohol is preferred.

[0020] In component (B), the molar ratio of alcohol (B1) to alcohol (B2) (hereinafter also referred to as (B1):(B2)) is preferably 4:1 to 1:4, more preferably 3:1 to 1:4. When (B1):(B2) is within the above range, the stability, feel during use, and effect on hair are superior.

[0021] The molar ratio of component (A) to component (B) (hereinafter also referred to as (A):(B)) is 1:4 to 1:6, and particularly preferably 1:5 to 1:6. When (A):(B) is within the above range, the product is excellent in stability, feel during use, and effect on hair. The content of component (B) is set according to the content of component (A) so that the ratio (A):(B) is within the above range.

[0022] <Component (C)> Component (C) is a polyhydric alcohol. The inclusion of component (C) improves stability, usability, and hair effects. Furthermore, by incorporating component (C) into a quaternary ammonium salt composition described below, the melting point of the quaternary ammonium salt composition can be adjusted to a melting point suitable for producing a hair cosmetic composition, improving blendability. A portion of component (C) may be blended separately from the quaternary ammonium salt composition.

[0023] Examples of component (C) include butylene glycol, propylene glycol, pentanediol, hexanediol, hexylene glycol, trimethylpentanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, diglycerol, glycerin, triglycerol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol. Of these, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,11-undecanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, diglycerol, triglycerol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol are preferred as component (C). That is, component (C) includes polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, of which polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, dihydric alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms are more preferred, and 1,3-butylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol are even more preferred.

[0024] The content of component (C) is 0.2 to 10% by mass, preferably 0.2 to 5% by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 3% by mass, even more preferably 0.2 to 1.7% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.2 to 1.3% by mass, relative to the total mass of the hair cosmetic composition. When the content is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the composition exhibits excellent blendability, stability, feel during use, and effects on hair. When the content is equal to or less than the upper limit, the composition exhibits excellent stability, feel during use, and effects on hair.

[0025] The mass ratio of component (C) to component (A) (hereinafter also referred to as (C) / (A)) is preferably 0.05 to 10, more preferably 0.05 to 5, even more preferably 0.05 to 3, particularly preferably 0.05 to 1.7, and most preferably 0.07 to 1.3. When (C) / (A) is equal to or greater than the above lower limit, blendability is better. When (C) / (A) is equal to or less than the above upper limit, blendability, stability, feel when used, and effect on hair are better.

[0026] <Component (D)> Component (D) is water. Examples of component (D) include pure water, ion-exchanged water, distilled water, tap water, and well water. The content of component (D) is determined appropriately depending on the formulation of the hair cosmetic composition, etc.

[0027] <Other Components> The hair cosmetic composition may further contain other components in addition to component (A), component (B), component (C), and component (D). Examples of other components include higher alcohols other than component (B), monoalcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (hereinafter also referred to as component (E)), silicones, surfactants other than component (A), oily components other than higher alcohols and silicones, solvents, pH adjusters, viscosity adjusters, humectants, antistatic agents, plant extracts, polymers, vitamins, protein hydrolysates, amino acids, UV absorbers, hair protection components, hair softeners, antioxidants, preservatives, sequestering agents, excipients, colorants, fragrances, etc. The total amount of components (A) to (D) and other components is 100% by mass.

[0028] The higher alcohol is an alcohol having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 10 to 36 carbon atoms. Examples of higher alcohols other than component (B) include lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, undecanol, tridecanol, and pentadecanol. These higher alcohols may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0029] Component (E) is a so-called short-chain monoalcohol. Examples of component (E) include ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, and heptanol. These components (E) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of component (E) is preferably 1.8% by mass or less, more preferably 0.75% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the hair cosmetic composition, and even more preferably substantially free. With regard to component (E), "substantially free" means 0.16% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the hair cosmetic composition.

[0030] Silicones are blended to improve the feel of hair, such as finger-combability, etc. Specific examples of silicones include dimethyl silicone, methyl phenyl silicone, cyclic dimethyl silicone, cyclic silicone, methyl hydrogen silicone, alcohol-modified silicone, aliphatic alcohol-modified silicone, alkyl-modified silicone, polyether-modified silicone, epoxy-modified silicone, fluorine-modified silicone, dimethyl polysiloxane, and amino-modified silicone. Specifically, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, methylpolysiloxane (dimethicone), dimethylsiloxane-methylstearoxysiloxane copolymer, dimethylsiloxane-methylcetyloxysiloxane copolymer, dimethylsiloxane-methyl(polyoxyethylene)siloxane copolymer, dimethylsiloxane-methyl(polyoxyethylene)siloxane-methyl(polyoxypropylene)siloxane copolymer, dimethylsiloxane-methyl(polyoxypropylene)siloxane copolymer, stearyloxytrimethylsiloxane, stearoxymethylpolysiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane, tetradecamethylhexasiloxane, tetrahydrotetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane, dodecamethylsiloxane, Examples of silicones include cyclohexasiloxane, tris(tributoxysiloxy)methylsilane, trimethylsiloxysilicate, bisphenyldodecamethylhexasiloxane, hexadecylmethylcyclopolysiloxane, hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane, poly(oxyethylene-oxypropylene)methylpolysiloxane copolymer, polyoxyethylene-methylpolysiloxane copolymer, polyoxypropylene-methylpolysiloxane copolymer, polymethylmethacrylate-dimethylpolysiloxane graft copolymer, methylcyclopolysiloxane, methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, methylpolycyclosiloxane, methylpolysiloxane, methylpolysiloxane-cetylmethylpolysiloxane-poly(oxyethylene-oxypropylene)methylpolysiloxane copolymer, etc. These silicones may be used alone or in combination of two or more.The content of silicones is, for example, 0 to 30 mass %, 0 to 10 mass %, or 0 to 5 mass % relative to the total mass of the hair cosmetic composition.

[0031] Examples of surfactants other than component (A) include cationic surfactants other than component (A), nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene (hereinafter also referred to as POE) alkyl ethers, POE alkylphenyl ethers, POE-polyoxypropylene (hereinafter also referred to as POP) alkyl ethers, POE sorbitan fatty acid esters, and POE propylene glycol fatty acid esters. Specific examples of POE alkyl ethers include POE lauryl ether, POE cetyl ether, POE stearyl ether, and POE behenyl ether. Examples of anionic surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate, POE lauryl ether sodium sulfate, sodium stearoyl methyl taurate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium tetradecenesulfonate, and POE lauryl ether phosphate and salts thereof. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include 2-undecyl-N,N,N-(hydroxyethylcarboxymethyl)-2-imidazoline sodium, cocoamidopropyl betaine, lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, etc. The content of surfactants other than component (A) is, for example, 0 to 5.0% by mass, based on the total mass of the hair cosmetic composition.

[0032] Oily components other than higher alcohols and silicones include hydrocarbons, fats and oils, waxes, higher fatty acids, alkyl glyceryl ethers, esters, etc. Hydrocarbons include α-olefin oligomers, light isoparaffin, light liquid isoparaffin, synthetic squalane, vegetable squalane, squalane, polybutene, liquid isoparaffin, liquid paraffin, mineral oil, ozokerite, ceresin, paraffin, polyethylene powder, microcrystalline wax, petrolatum, etc. Examples of oils and fats include shea butter, jojoba oil, olive oil, camellia oil, tea seed oil, camellia oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, sesame oil, beef tallow, cocoa butter, corn oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, rice bran oil, rice germ oil, wheat germ oil, Job's tears oil, grape seed oil, almond oil, avocado oil, carrot oil, macadamia nut oil, castor oil, linseed oil, coconut oil, mink oil, and egg yolk oil. Examples of waxes include beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, jojoba seed oil, and lanolin. Examples of higher fatty acids include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, isostearic acid, hydroxystearic acid, oleic acid, undecylenic acid, linoleic acid, ricinoleic acid, and lanolin fatty acids. Examples of alkyl glyceryl ethers include batyl alcohol (monostearyl glyceryl ether), chimyl alcohol (monocetyl glyceryl ether), selachyl alcohol (monooleyl glyceryl ether), and isostearyl glyceryl ether.Examples of esters include triethylhexanoin, diisopropyl adipate, diisobutyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, 2-hexyldecyl adipate, diisostearyl adipate, isopropyl myristate, cetyl octanoate, cetyl isooctanoate, isononyl isononanoate, isodecyl isononanoate, isotridecyl isononanoate, diisopropyl sebacate, octyldodecyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate, stearyl stearate, hexyl laurate, myristyl myristate, decyl oleate, oleyl oleate, hexyldecyl dimethyloctanoate, and methyl methyl octanoate. triisodecyl stearic acid, isostearyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, lauryl lactate, cetyl lactate, myristyl lactate, octyldodecyl lactate, lanolin acetate, isocetyl stearate, isocetyl isostearate, cholesteryl 12-hydroxystearate, ethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexylate, dipentaerythritol fatty acid esters, N-alkyl glycol monoisostearate, cetyl caprate, glyceryl tricaprylate, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, diisostearyl malate, dioctyl succinate, diethoxyethyl succinate, lanolin derivatives, etc. The content of oily components other than higher alcohols and silicones is, for example, 0 to 30% by mass, 0 to 10% by mass, or 0 to 7.5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the hair cosmetic composition.

[0033] The hair cosmetic composition may be in the form of a gel, a cream, etc. The hair cosmetic composition may be filled in a container.

[0034] (Method for Producing Hair Cosmetic Composition) A preferred method for producing a hair cosmetic composition includes producing a quaternary ammonium salt composition (hereinafter also referred to as a "quaternary salt composition") containing the component (A), the component (C), and a portion of the component (D), wherein the content of the component (A) is 70% by mass or more and less than 85% by mass, and the content of the component (C) is 15% by mass or more and less than 30% by mass; dissolving the oil phase raw material containing the quaternary salt composition and the component (B) at a temperature of 80°C or more to form an oil phase; adding an aqueous phase raw material containing the remainder of the component (D) to the oil phase at a temperature of 80°C or more; stirring; and cooling.

[0035] By preparing a quaternary salt composition having the above composition in advance using component (A) together with a portion of components (C) and (D), the solubility is improved. Furthermore, the flaking property is improved, allowing the composition to be easily flaked. The flaky composition is easy to handle during the production of the hair cosmetic composition. This improves blendability and shortens the time required to produce the hair cosmetic composition.

[0036] <Quaternary Salt Composition> The quaternary salt composition contains component (A), component (C), and a portion of component (D) among the components constituting the hair cosmetic composition. The quaternary salt composition preferably contains all of component (A) blended into the hair cosmetic composition. The quaternary salt composition may contain some or all of component (C) blended into the hair cosmetic composition.

[0037] The content of component (A) is 70% by mass or more and less than 85% by mass, preferably 70% by mass or more and less than 80% by mass, based on the total mass of the quaternary salt composition. When the content is equal to or more than the lower limit, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium salt is increased, making handling easier. When the content of component (A) is equal to or less than the upper limit, the quaternary salt composition has excellent solubility and flaking suitability.

[0038] The content of component (C) is 15% by mass or more and less than 30% by mass, and preferably 20% by mass or more and less than 30% by mass, relative to the total mass of the quaternary salt composition. When the content of component (C) is equal to or more than the above-mentioned lower limit, the quaternary salt composition has excellent solubility and flaking suitability. When the content of component (C) is equal to or less than the above-mentioned upper limit, the quaternary salt composition has excellent solubility and flaking suitability.

[0039] The content of component (D) may be greater than 0% by mass relative to the total mass of the quaternary salt composition. The lower limit of the content of component (D) is preferably 1.0% by mass or greater, more preferably 2.0% by mass or greater, and even more preferably 3.0% by mass or greater. The upper limit of the content of component (D) is typically 15% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 8.0% by mass or less. The lower limit and the upper limit can be appropriately combined. For example, the content can be greater than 0% by mass and 15% by mass or less, 1.0 to 10% by mass, 2.0 to 8.0% by mass, or 3.0 to 8.0% by mass. When the content of component (D) is greater than or equal to the lower limit, color stability, flaking suitability, and dispersibility in an aqueous medium can be improved. When the content of component (D) is less than or equal to the upper limit, flaking suitability can be improved.

[0040] The quaternary salt composition may contain a portion of component (B). The quaternary salt composition may further contain components other than components (A), (B), (C), and (D). Examples of the other components include those similar to those described above. In the quaternary salt composition, the total amount of components (A), (B), (C), (D), and other components is 100% by mass.

[0041] In the quaternary salt composition, the total content of component (B) and higher alcohols other than component (B) is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably substantially free, relative to the total mass of the quaternary salt composition. "Substantially free" refers to an amount that does not affect the effects of blending. In the case of higher alcohols (component (B) and higher alcohols other than component (B)), "substantially free" means 5% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the quaternary salt composition.

[0042] The content of component (E) in the quaternary salt composition is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably substantially free of component (E), relative to the total mass of the quaternary salt composition. "Substantially free of component (E)" means 5% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the quaternary salt composition.

[0043] Examples of the dosage form of the quaternary salt composition include flakes, blocks, pellets, and slurries. Among these, from the viewpoint of easier handling, flakes and pellets are preferred as dosage forms of the quaternary salt composition, with flakes being more preferred. Note that a flake form refers to a form in which multiple flakes exist independently. Each flake has a thickness of 0.1 to 2 mm and a length of 0.3 to 3 cm in a plan view, for example. A flake-shaped quaternary salt composition can be crushed or cut with little force.

[0044] <Production of Quaternary Salt Composition> The quaternary salt composition is produced by a known production method. The production method of the quaternary salt composition typically includes a step of quaternizing a tertiary amine (quaternization step). An example of the production method of the quaternary salt composition is shown below.

[0045] The method for producing the quaternary salt composition of the present embodiment includes a quaternization step, an adjustment step, and a solidification step.

[0046] The quaternization step is a step of quaternizing a tertiary amine to obtain a reaction product containing the quaternary amine. In the quaternization step, for example, a quaternizing agent is added to the tertiary amine in a solvent.

[0047] Examples of the tertiary amine include tertiary amines represented by the following formula (a11):

[0048] R １ -N(R ２ ) (R ３ ) ... (a11)

[0049] R in formula (a11) １ , R ２ , R ３ are R in formula (a1), respectively. １ , R ２ , R ３ is.

[0050] The quaternizing agent is appropriately selected from compounds that convert a tertiary amine into a quaternary ammonium salt structure, such as methyl chloride, methyl bromide, methyl iodide, dimethyl sulfate, and diethyl sulfate.

[0051] Examples of the solvent include organic solvents, water, and mixtures thereof. Examples of the organic solvent include the above-mentioned component (C), higher alcohols (component (B), higher alcohols other than component (B)), and component (E).

[0052] In the quaternization step, the amount of the tertiary amine to be added is preferably, for example, 70 to 300 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the solvent.

[0053] In the quaternization step, the amount of the quaternizing agent to be added is, for example, preferably 95 to 100 mol, more preferably 97 to 100 mol, and even more preferably 99 to 100 mol, per 100 mol of the tertiary amine.

[0054] In the quaternization step, an alkali metal compound may be added. Examples of alkali metal compounds include sodium hydrogen carbonate. When an alkali metal compound is added in the quaternization step, the amount added is preferably, for example, 1.0 to 3.0 mol per 100 mol of the tertiary amine.

[0055] The rate of addition of the quaternizing agent relative to the tertiary amine is, for example, 0.3 to 0.6 moles per minute relative to the tertiary amine.

[0056] The reaction temperature in the quaternization step is, for example, 80 to 100°C.

[0057] In the quaternization step, it is preferable to carry out an aging operation after adding a predetermined amount of a quaternizing agent to the tertiary amine. In the aging operation, the reaction mixture is aged, for example, at 80 to 100°C for 30 to 120 minutes while stirring.

[0058] The adjusting step is a step of adjusting the contents of polyhydric alcohol (i.e., component (C)) and water (i.e., component (D)) in the reaction product obtained in the quaternization step. In the adjusting step, components (C) and (D) are newly added, taking into account the amounts of components (C) and (D) added in the quaternization step, so as to obtain the desired composition of the quaternary salt composition. In this way, a slurry-like quaternary salt composition is obtained in the adjusting step.

[0059] After either the quaternization step or the adjustment step, a step of distilling off amine salts (amine removal step) may be performed. Examples of the amine removal step include a method of distilling off low-boiling point components while maintaining a temperature of 50 to 100°C and a vacuum degree of 1 to 100 kPa. However, since the quaternary salt composition has excellent color stability at high temperatures, it is preferable not to perform the amine removal step. By not performing the amine removal step, productivity can be further improved.

[0060] The solidification step is a step of solidifying the slurry quaternary salt composition into a desired solid form. Examples of the solidification step include pouring the slurry quaternary salt composition into a container and cooling it to form a block of the quaternary salt composition. The block of the quaternary salt composition may be further pulverized into flakes. Alternatively, the solidification step may involve contacting the slurry quaternary salt composition with a cooling plate to form a thin film, which is then scraped off to form a flake-shaped quaternary salt composition. Examples of equipment used in this production method include a drum flaker. In a drum flaker, the slurry quaternary salt composition is poured onto the surface of a rotating drum and cooled to solidify into a thin film. The thin film of the quaternary ammonium salt composition is then scraped off with a scraper to obtain a flake-shaped quaternary salt composition. Alternatively, the slurry quaternary salt composition may be cut while being extruded through a die, or may be dropped into a cooling medium to form a pellet-shaped quaternary salt composition.

[0061] <Production of Hair Cosmetic Composition> An oil phase raw material containing the quaternary salt composition and component (B) is dissolved at a temperature of 80°C or higher to form an oil phase, and an aqueous phase raw material containing the remainder of component (D) is added to the oil phase at a temperature of 80°C or higher, followed by stirring and cooling, thereby obtaining an emulsion hair cosmetic composition. When the quaternary salt composition contains a portion of component (C), the remainder of component (C) can be added, for example, to either or both of the oil phase and the aqueous phase.

[0062] The temperature at which the oil phase raw materials are dissolved is 80° C. or higher. At a temperature of 80° C. or higher, the quaternary salt composition and other oil phase raw materials are easily dissolved together. The upper limit of the temperature is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 90° C.

[0063] The temperature when adding the water phase ingredients to the oil phase ingredients and stirring is 80°C or higher. At a temperature of 80°C or higher, a liquid crystal structure is likely to be formed. The upper limit of the temperature is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 90°C. Stirring can be carried out using a known stirrer such as a homomixer. The cooling temperature may be, for example, about 20 to 40°C.

[0064] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0065] (Raw materials used) <Component (A)> A-1: ​​Behentrimonium methosulfate (R in formula (a1)) １ is a linear alkyl group having 22 carbon atoms, R ２ ~R ４ is a methyl group, X － is a compound in which the anion is a methyl sulfate anion). <Component (B)> B1-1: Cetyl alcohol. B2-1: Stearyl alcohol. <Component (C)> C-1: 1,3-butylene glycol. <Component (D)> Water: Ion-exchanged water.

[0066] (Production Example 1) 354.88 g (0.992 mol) of N,N-dimethyldocosylamine, 150.4 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, and 1.42 g of sodium bicarbonate were charged into a 1000 mL four-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer, and a nitrogen inlet tube, and the mixture was heated to 95°C. 124.7 g (0.988 mol) of dimethyl sulfate was added dropwise thereto over 4 hours, and the mixture was then aged at the same temperature for 30 minutes (quaternization step). After completion of the reaction, 33.1 g of water and 20.5 g of 1,3-butylene glycol were added and stirred for 30 minutes to obtain a slurry-like quaternary ammonium salt composition (preparation step). The slurry-like quaternary salt composition was then poured into a mold, and the thin film of the quaternary salt composition was scraped off to obtain a flake-like quaternary salt composition (solidification step). The resulting quaternary salt composition had a composition of 70% by mass of behentrimonium methosulfate, 25% by mass of 1,3-butylene glycol, and 5% by mass of water.

[0067] (Examples 1 to 3, Comparative Example 1) A quaternary salt composition, component (B), and component (D) were mixed as follows according to the formulation (% by mass) shown in Table 1 to prepare a hair conditioner composition (rinse-off type). The quaternary salt composition and component (B) were placed in a container and heated to 80°C or higher to dissolve, preparing an oil phase. While stirring the oil phase at a constant speed, the remaining amount of component (D), which had been heated to 80°C or higher, was gradually added and emulsified. Further, while maintaining the temperature at 80°C or higher, the mixture was stirred and mixed using a homomixer. Thereafter, the mixture was cooled to about room temperature to obtain a hair conditioner composition. In the table, the "remaining amount" of component (D) is the amount such that the total of all components is 100% by mass.

[0068] The following evaluations were carried out for each example. The results are shown in Table 1. <Blendability> Under the conditions where 350 g of hair conditioner composition was blended into a 500 mL container using the above manufacturing method, the container was visually observed from the start of heating during oil phase preparation until the quaternary salt composition was completely dissolved, and the time until complete dissolution (dissolution time) was measured, and blendability was evaluated according to the following criteria. Note that the number of seconds until the quaternary salt composition is completely dissolved varies depending on the container size, but this does not affect the evaluation results. A: Dissolution time is less than 10 minutes. B: Dissolution time is 10 minutes or more but less than 15 minutes. D: Dissolution time is 15 minutes or more.

[0069] <Stability> The viscosity of the produced hair conditioner compositions at 25°C (hereinafter also referred to as initial viscosity) was measured using a Brookfield viscometer. The hair conditioner compositions were allowed to stand at 25°C for 3 months. The viscosity of the hair conditioner compositions at 25°C after standing (hereinafter also referred to as viscosity after storage) was measured in the same manner as above. After standing, the hair conditioner compositions were also observed visually and microscopically for the presence or absence of separation between the oil and aqueous phases and the presence or absence of precipitation of needle-like crystals of the higher alcohol. Furthermore, the presence or absence of precipitation of the higher alcohol was confirmed by using differential scanning calorimetry (hereinafter also referred to as DSC) to determine the presence or absence of a melting point peak of the higher alcohol when the temperature was raised from 20°C to 90°C at a rate of 1°C / min. From these results, stability was evaluated according to the following criteria. A: No change in viscosity, no separation between the oil and aqueous phases, and no precipitation of the higher alcohol. B: No change in viscosity, no separation of oil and water phases, but slight precipitation of higher alcohol can be confirmed only by DSC measurement. C: There is a change in viscosity, no separation of oil and water phases, but precipitation of higher alcohol can be clearly observed by microscope and DSC. D: There is a change in viscosity, separation of oil and water phases, and precipitation of higher alcohol can be clearly observed by microscope and DSC.

[0070] <Feeling when applied> A professional panel evaluated the feel (sticky feeling) when the hair conditioner composition was applied to a strand of hair according to the following criteria: A: Fairly good. B: Good. C: Poor. D: Fairly poor.

[0071] <Effect on Hair> 10 g of each of undamaged and damaged hair bundles was washed with shampoo, and then 1 g of the hair conditioner composition was evenly applied to each bundle. The hair bundles after natural drying were subjected to a sensory evaluation by a specialist panel for hair softness, degree of suppression of wavy and frizzy hair (hereinafter also referred to as "smoothness / frizzy hair suppression"), smoothness, finger-combability, manageability, and moisturized feel according to the following criteria. In the sensory evaluation, the undamaged and damaged hair bundles were evaluated separately. A: Very good. B: Good. C: Poor. D: Very poor.

[0072]

[0073] As shown in Table 1, Examples 1 to 3 were rated "B" or "A" for compatibility, stability, feel in use, and effect on hair. On the other hand, Comparative Example 1, in which the molar ratio of component (A):component (B) was 1:7, was rated "D" for stability, feel in use, and effect on hair.

[0074] (Examples 4 to 6, Comparative Examples 2 to 4) Hair conditioner compositions were prepared by mixing the quaternary salt composition, component (B), component (D), and other components as follows according to the formulation (mass %) shown in Table 2. The quaternary salt composition, component (B), and other components were placed in a container and heated to 80°C or higher to dissolve, preparing an oil phase. If a water-soluble preservative was used among the other components, it was dissolved in the remaining amount of component (D) to form an aqueous phase. While stirring the oil phase at a constant speed, the aqueous phase heated to 80°C or higher was gradually added and emulsified. Further, while maintaining the temperature at 80°C or higher, the mixture was stirred and mixed using a homomixer. The mixture was then cooled to approximately room temperature, yielding a hair conditioner composition. In the table, the "remaining amount" of component (D) is the amount such that the total of all components is 100% by mass. For each example, evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0075]

[0076] As shown in Table 2, Examples 4 to 6, like Examples 1 to 3, were rated "B" or "A" for compatibility, stability, feel in use, and effect on hair. These results confirmed that the present hair cosmetic composition is effective even when freely combined with other ingredients commonly used in hair conditioners and treatments. On the other hand, Comparative Example 2, in which the molar ratio of component (A):component (B) was 1:3, was rated "D" for stability, feel in use, and effect on hair. Comparative Example 3, in which the content of component (A) was less than 1% by mass and the content of component (C) was less than 0.2% by mass, was rated "D" for stability and feel in use, and "C" or "D" for effect on hair. Comparative Example 4, in which the content of component (A) was more than 4% by mass, was rated "D" for stability, "C" for feel in use, and "C" or "D" for effect on hair.

Claims

1. A hair cosmetic composition comprising: component (A): a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (a1); component (B): a higher alcohol consisting of an alcohol (B1) having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 16 carbon atoms and an alcohol (B2) having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 18 carbon atoms; component (C): a polyhydric alcohol; and component (D): water, wherein the content of component (A) is 1 to 4 mass%, the molar ratio of component (A) to component (B) (component (A):component (B)) is 1:4 to 1:6, and the content of component (C) is 0.2 to 10 mass%. ((a1), where R １ is a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms or a linear or branched alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms; R ２ , R ３ and R ４ are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X － is an anion.) 2. The hair cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of the alcohol (B1) to the alcohol (B2) (alcohol (B1):alcohol (B2)) is 4:1 to 1:

4.

3. A hair cosmetic composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio of said component (C) to said component (A) is 0.05 to 3.

4. A hair cosmetic composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of component (C) is 0.2 to 1.7% by mass.

5. A method for producing a hair cosmetic composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: producing a quaternary ammonium salt composition containing component (A), component (C) and a portion of component (D), wherein the content of component (A) is 70% by mass or more and less than 85% by mass and the content of component (C) is 15% by mass or more and less than 30% by mass; dissolving an oil phase raw material containing the quaternary ammonium salt composition and component (B) at a temperature of 80°C or more to form an oil phase; adding an aqueous phase raw material containing the remainder of component (D) to the oil phase at a temperature of 80°C or more, stirring and cooling.

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