Hair styling composition

Abstract

According to an example aspect, there is provided a hair styling composition comprising a polymer mixture comprising hemicellulose and lignin, wherein the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.002 to 100 wt-%, calculated from the total weight of the composition.

Description

HAIR STYLING COMPOSITIONFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair styling composition comprising hemicellulose and lignin, a method of producing the same and a use of the composition, and a hair styling product comprising the hair styling composition. In particular, the present invention relates to replacing fossil-based film forming polymers with natural bio-based polymers in hair styling products. The present invention also concerns hair styling products having UV-absorbing properties.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS

[0002] Hairstyling products, also known as hair fixatives, are designed to give hair a desired form, increase volume, increase gloss, soften or stiffen hair and to keep their form temporarily. Hairstyling products can be divided into two categories according to their main raw material: polymer-based products, and smoothing products.

[0003] The polymer-based products give hair stiffness and hold, increase body and volume by increasing hair stiffness and by binding individual hair together. They form a thin film on individual hair and bind them together. The polymer-based products normally give a strong hold and dry hair feel. Hair spray, hair gel, hair mousse and hair wax- and other liquid hairstyling products work this way.

[0004] The smoothing products help straighten hair and give gloss by smoothening the outer layer of hair and by reducing friction. They enable restyling but lower hold and more wet like feel. These products have a conditioning effect on hair by applying waxes and softening products on the surface of hair. Products, such as hair creams, pomades, gloss sprays, conditioner sprays and oil sprays, have this effect.

[0005] Hair sprays are the most common hairstyling product, which is sprayed onto hair in the form of small droplets and as they dry, they bind hair together giving hold. In a polymer-based product, the polymers are dissolved in a solvent. The drops are formed as the liquid is forced through a nozzle. In an aerosol-based hair spray the force is made by a propellant gas whereas in a non-aerosol product the force is made by a mechanical pump.An aerosol product forms smaller droplets compared to a mechanical pump. Smaller droplets dry faster and give a dryer feel compared to a non-aerosol-based product.

[0006] Often cosmetic ingredients are effective in low concentration. For instant, antioxidants, preservatives, pH stabilizers, fragrance and thickeners are commonly used in relatively low concentrations and can be effective in concentration as low as, for example, 0.001 %. Film forming polymers are the most important ingredient in polymer-based hair styling products. Specialty products, for example, those designed for extreme hold or styling purposes, can contain up to 20 % film-forming polymers. Higher concentrations are typically seen in products that aim for unique textures or effects, like hair glue, sculpting gels or dry styling products used for intricate hairstyles.

[0007] A common problem with hair styling products is the use of fossil-based film forming polymers, which are not natural polymers but synthetic and seldom compostable, and thus the one of the major sources of micro plastics released from cosmetic products. When the polymers are washed from the hair or flake away, they form microplastics and end up in nature. Typically used film-forming polymers in hair styling products are for example polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate (VP / VA) copolymer. PVP is commonly used as it is compatible with both alcohols and water. One challenge with PVP is its sensitivity to humidity making it tacky and losing its hold when it comes in contact with water. The newer polymer VP / VA copolymer performs much better in humid environment giving better hold, but can cause problems when washing hair.

[0008] Furthermore, the hair styling products typically contain a solvent, such as water, alcohol, oil or combinations of these, a propellant, such as dimethyl ether (DME), propane or butane, surface active compounds, such as emulsifiers, softening and caring ingredients, such as synthetic and vegetable oils, sugar alcohols and carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, silicones and derivatives of silicones, preservatives, fragrances, dyes, and active components, such as vitamins and plant extracts. In hair mousses, typically polyquaterniums are used. Polyquaterniums are polycations and have a conditioning and antistatic function, that can be used together with film forming polymers.

[0009] The hair styling products may also comprise cationic biobased polymers or sugar alcohols. However, these modifications include extra price and often harsh and even toxic chemicals such as, (2,3-Epoxypropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (EPTAC) or (3-Chloro-2 -hydroxypropyl) trimethyl-ammonium (CHPTAC).

[0010] The main problem with hairstyling products is that they contain film forming and other synthetic polymers which aren’t natural and form microplastics in nature. Even modified natural polymers are considered non-natural and hence are a source of microplastics. In the recently adopted Commission guidelines on single-use plastic products in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019 / 904 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment clearly dictate which polymers are considered as natural and which are not. Within this directive both, water extracted hemicelluloses, extracted lignin and cellulose are considered “Not chemically modified” and hence natural polymers. In addition, there is a wider agenda on restricting the formation and especially use of microplastics, especially in cosmetics.

[0011] An object of the present invention is this to mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a truly bio-based natural polymer composition for hair styling products with film forming function, UV protection and anti -oxi dative properties. An object of the present invention is thus to develop the production of hair styling products with good hold and protective properties composing of natural unmodified polymers.SUMMARY

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hair styling composition comprising:- a polymer mixture comprising hemicellulose and lignin,wherein the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.002 to 100 wt-%, calculated from the total weight of the composition.

[0013] Significant benefits are gained with aid of the present composition. It enables replacing fossil-based polymers in hair styling products with a bio-based natural polymer mixture comprising hemicellulose and lignin. Hemicellulose is used to emulsify lignin particles in water enabling a stable water-soluble mixture, in a manner where lignin moieties and / or particles are surrounded by hemicelluloses. This provides the unexpected effect of forming a stable mixture of film forming polymer with UV-blocking effect. The hemicellulose emulsifies lignin particles in water, enabling a stable water-soluble mixture containing both hemicelluloses as a film forming agent and lignin as a UV-blocker and antioxidant, thus providing preferred properties for hair styling products. Both hemicelluloses and lignin perform as good or better compared to VP / VA copolymer. In fact, it has beendiscovered that lignin gives an even better hold for dry hair compared to hemicelluloses and both gave a better hold for dry hair compared to the reference VP / VA copolymer. Therefore, the present hair styling composition enables superior hairstyling formulations compared to traditional commercial products. This unexpected effect of applying the mixtures of hemicellulose and lignin enables hairstyling formulation containing only natural polymers.

[0014] One or more embodiments may comprise one or more features from the following itemized list:- the polymer mixture comprises 0.001 to 99.999 wt-% hemicellulose and 0.001 to 99.999 wt-% lignin- the ratio of hemicellulose and lignin is 1.00:0.05 to 1.00:0.70- the polymer mixture comprises up to 90.00 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 80.00 wt-%, hemicellulose- the polymer mixture comprises 0.01 to 20.00 wt-% hemicellulose- the polymer mixture comprises up to 90.00 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 90.00 wt-%, lignin - the polymer mixture comprises 0.01 to 20.00 wt-% lignin- the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.011 to 90.00 wt-%- the composition comprises less than 10 wt-%, such as less than 5 wt-%, of synthetic polymer- the hemicellulose is a hemicellulose extract obtained from an alkaline extraction process, a pressurized hot water extraction and / or an enzymatic treatment- the pressurized hot water extraction is conducted by contacting a hemicellulose containing raw-material with an aqueous medium at a temperature of up to 250 °C to provide the hemicellulose extract in the form of an aqueous stream containing dissolved hemicelluloses and dispersed colloidal substances- the lignin is obtained by an ethanol extraction of the hemicellulose containing rawmaterial after extraction of the hemicellulose extract- the raw-material is selected from a group of lignocellulosic materials, such as annual or perennial plants, wood or peat, cellulosic materials, such as natural fibres rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, and biomass, and mixtures thereof- the lignin comprises less than 1 wt-% of sulfur- the composition is in the form of a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, or an emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion- the composition further comprises one or more than one humectant, such as glycerin, panthenol, glycol, hydrolyzed protein and / or emollient- the composition further comprises one or more than one hair conditioning agent, such as natural oil, synthetic oil, polyethylene glycol, natural polymer, such as cellulose or pullulan, and / or synthetic polymer, such as silicone or silicone derivate- the composition comprises 0.10 to 1.00 wt-%, such as 0.30 to 0.70 wt-%, of the humectant(s) and / or hair conditioning agent(s), calculated from the total weight of the composition- the composition is in the form of a solid and / or dry product- the lignin has an average particle size of at least 0.1 pm, for example 0.1 to 150 pm, such as 4 to 15 pm

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for producing the hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, comprising:- mixing hemicellulose and lignin,wherein the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.002 to 100 wt-%, calculated from the total weight of the composition.

[0016] One or more embodiments may comprise one or more features from the following itemized list:- the mixing comprises: mixing hemicellulose and lignin to provide a polymer mixture;providing a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, alcohol or emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion; and mixing the polymer mixture and the solution, alcohol or emulsion to produce a hair styling composition- the mixing comprises: providing a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, alcohol or emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion; mixing the hemicellulose and the solution, alcohol or emulsion to produce a hemicellulose composition; and mixing the lignin and the hemicellulose composition to produce a hair styling composition- the mixing comprises mixing the lignin and the hemicellulose composition to produce a hair styling composition comprising a polymer mixture of the hemicellulose and lignin- the mixing is conducted at a room temperature- the method further comprises, after or simultaneously to the mixing, heating the polymer mixture, solution, alcohol, emulsion or hair styling composition, to a heating temperature of up to 100 °C, such as 25 to 75 °C- the method further comprises configuring the polymer mixture or hair styling composition to a hair styling product- the hemicellulose is a hemicellulose extract obtained from an alkaline extraction process, a pressurized hot water extraction and / or an enzymatic treatment- the pressurized hot water extraction is conducted by contacting a hemicellulose containing raw-material with an aqueous medium at a temperature of up to 250 °C to provide the hemicellulose extract in the form of an aqueous stream containing dissolved hemicelluloses and dispersed colloidal substances- the temperature of the aqueous medium is adjusted to a temperature in the range of 100 to 170 °C, for example to a temperature in the range of 110 to 160 °C, such as 120 to 150 °C- the aqueous medium is water or steam, or a combination thereof- the lignin is obtained by an ethanol extraction of the hemicellulose containing rawmaterial after extraction of the hemicellulose extract- the dissolved hemicelluloses are selected from the group of xylanes, such as glucuronoxylans or arabinoxylans, glucomannans, xyloglucans, mannans, uronic acids and alginates, and combinations thereof

[0017] According to a third aspect, there is provided a hair styling product comprising the hair styling composition.

[0018] According a fourth aspect, there is provided use of the hair styling composition as or in a hair styling product, such as a hairspray, hair gel, hair mousse, hair wax, hair cream, pomade, gloss spray, conditioner- or oil spray, hair powder, dry shampoo, hair lacquer, hair styling spray, hair styling liquid, gloss and / or shine spray, hair conditioner spray or solution, or hair conditioning colloid.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIGURE 1 illustrates a sensory analysis between PV / VA copolymer and lignin formulation;

[0020] FIGURE 2 illustrates a sensory analysis between PV / VA copolymer and arabinoxylan formulation;

[0021] FIGURE 3 illustrates a sensory analysis between PV / VA copolymer and Mixture B;

[0022] FIGURE 4 illustrates a sensory analysis between PV / VA copolymer and Mixture D; and

[0023] FIGURE 5 illustrates a sensory analysis between PV / VA copolymer and Mixture E (AX first).EMBODIMENTSDefinitions

[0024] In the present context, the term “bio-based” refers to polymers or composition produced from natural sources either chemically synthesized from a biological material or entirely biosynthesized by living organisms.

[0025] In the present context, the term “natural polymer” means a polymer of natural origin, which includes those that have been subsequently chemically or physically modified (but retains at least 50 % of its molecular structure from the original natural source).

[0026] In the present context, the term “synthetic film-forming polymer” or “synthetic polymer” means a polymer, which is purely synthetic, or not of natural origin, especially those polymers, which are made by radical polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers or by polycondensation.

[0027] In the present context, the term “average particle size” refers to the number average particle size based on a largest linear dimension of the particles (also referred to as “diameter”) as determined using a technique known to those skilled in the art, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and / or a Light Scattering technique.

[0028] In the present context, the term “average particle size” refers to the D50 value of the cumulative volume distribution curve at which 50 % by volume of the particles have a diameter less than that value.

[0029] In the present context, the “sulfur free” refers to a sulfur content less than 1 wt-

[0030] Weight percentages (wt-%) refer to the weights in the total composition. In the claims, the wt-% are of the total weight of the composition.

[0031] Unless otherwise stated, properties that have been experimentally measured or determined herein have been measured or determined at room temperature. Unless otherwise indicated, room temperature is 25 °C.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, properties that have been experimentally measured or determined herein have been measured or determined at atmospheric pressure. Unless otherwise indicated, atmospheric pressure is 101.325 kPa.Embodiments

[0033] The present embodiments relate to replacing fossil-based polymers with a mixture of hemicellulose and lignin in hair styling products. The combination of hemicellulose and lignin gives both biobased film-forming properties and UV protection and the surprising effect that a combination of the two gives better properties compared to using them separately.

[0034] Hemicelluloses, such as arabinoxylans (AX), are natural film forming water soluble polymers used in hair styling products. Hemicelluloses, such as arabinoxylans, are also known to be efficient emulsifiers for example, in oil-in-water applications. The drawback with hemicelluloses is that they are highly water soluble and hence tend to lose their effect in humid and wet environments. Lignin is a known UV blocker for both UV-A and UV-B radiation which have low water solubility but good solubility in, for example, ethanol. Arabinoxylan and lignin offer extra benefits for hair and skin, allowing them to be used in greater amounts compared to conventional synthetic polymers. The present embodiments enable to combine advantageous properties of the hemicellulose and lignin.

[0035] According to an aspect, there is provided a hair styling composition comprising:- a polymer mixture comprising hemicellulose and lignin,wherein the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.002 to 100 wt-%, calculated from the total weight of the composition.

[0036] Considerable advantages are achieved with the present composition. It enables replacing fossil-based polymers in hair styling products with a bio-based natural polymer mixture comprising hemicellulose and lignin. Hemicellulose is used to emulsify lignin particles in water enabling a stable water-soluble mixture, in a manner where lignin moieties and / or particles are surrounded by hemicelluloses. This provides the unexpected effect of forming a stable mixture of film forming polymer with UV-blocking effect. The hemicellulose emulsifies lignin particles in water, enabling a stable water-soluble mixture containing both hemicelluloses as a film forming agent and lignin as a UV-blocker and antioxidant, thus providing preferred properties for hair styling products. Both hemicelluloses and lignin perform as good or better compared to VP / VA copolymer. In fact, it has been discovered that lignin gives an even better hold for dry hair compared to hemicelluloses and both gave a better hold for dry hair compared to the reference VP / VA copolymer. Therefore, the present hair styling composition enables superior hairstyling formulations compared to traditional commercial products. This unexpected effect of applying the mixtures of hemicellulose and lignin enables hairstyling formulation containing only natural polymers.

[0037] The total amount of hemicellulose and lignin can be 0.002 to 99.008 wt-%, for example 0.011 to 90.00 wt-%.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the polymer mixture comprises 0.001 to 99.999 wt-% hemicellulose and 0.001 to 99.999 wt-% lignin.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the ratio of hemicellulose and lignin is 1.00:0.05 to 1.00:0.70. It was surprisingly noticed that a stable solution of the hemicellulose and lignin can be achieved by keeping the ratio of hemicellulose to lignin high enough so that the hemicelluloses are able to stabilize the lignin moieties and / or particles.

[0040] An amount of the hemicellulose can be greater than an amount of the lignin in the polymer mixture. For example, the amount of the hemicellulose can be 0.1 to 20 times greater than the amount of the lignin.

[0041] The polymer mixture can comprise up to 90.00 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 80.00 wt-%, hemicellulose.

[0042] The polymer mixture can comprise 20.00 to 80.00 wt-% hemicellulose.

[0043] The polymer mixture can comprise 0.01 to 20.00 wt-%, for example 0.01 to 10.00 wt-%, hemicellulose.

[0044] The polymer mixture can comprise up to 90.00 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 90.00 wt-%, lignin.

[0045] The polymer mixture can comprise 20.00 to 90.00 wt-% lignin.

[0046] The polymer mixture can comprise 20.00 to 0.01 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 10.00 wt-%, lignin.

[0047] The hemicellulose can be selected from a group of xylanes, such as glucuronoxylans or arabinoxylans, glucomannans, xyloglucans, mannans, uronic acids and alginates, and combinations thereof.

[0048] The composition can be essentially free of synthetic polymers, such as synthetic film-forming polymers. By “essentially free”, it is meant that there is at most 1 wt-% of the synthetic polymer in the hair styling composition, calculated from the total weight of the composition.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises less than 10 wt-%, such as less than 5 wt-%, of synthetic polymer. The synthetic polymer can be selected from a group of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer (VP / VA) copolymer, and mixtures thereof.

[0050] The hemicellulose can be a hemicellulose extract obtained from an alkaline extraction process, a pressurized hot water extraction and / or an enzymatic treatment.

[0051] The pressurized hot water extraction can be conducted by contacting a hemicellulose containing raw-material with an aqueous medium at a temperature of up to 250 °C to provide the hemicellulose extract in the form of an aqueous stream containing dissolved hemicelluloses and dispersed colloidal substances.

[0052] The lignin can be obtained by an ethanol extraction of the hemicellulose containing raw-material after extraction of the hemicellulose extract.

[0053] The raw-material can be selected from a group of lignocellulosic materials, such as annual or perennial plants, wood or peat, cellulosic materials, such as natural fibres rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, or biomass, and mixtures thereof.

[0054] The lining can be essentially sulfur-free. Therefore, the lignin can comprise less than 1 wt-% of sulfur.

[0055] The hair styling composition may be in any suitable physical form. Suitable forms include, but are not limited to, low to moderate viscosity liquids, lotions, milks, mousses, sprays, gels, creams, pastes, clays, bars, conditioners, and the like.

[0056] Spray formulations may be dispensed from containers that include aerosol dispensers or pump spray dispensers.

[0057] When the spray formulation is dispensed from a pressurized aerosol container, a propellant may be used to force the composition out of the container. The propellant can be a liquefiable gas or a halogenated propellant. The propellant can be selected from a group of dimethyl ethers (DMEs) and hydrocarbon propellants, such as propane, n-butane, isobutane, CFCs, or CFC-replacement propellants.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the composition can be in the form of a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, or an emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion. By “alcoholic solution”, it is meant a solution comprising alcohol and a solvent, such as water. The alcohol can be selected from a group of ethanol, ethyl alcohol, propanol alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, isopropanol alcohol, benzyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and lauryl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more than one humectant and / or one or more than one hair conditioning agent. The humectant(s) can be selected from a group comprising glycerin, panthenol, glycol, hydrolyzed protein and emollient, and mixtures thereof. The hair conditioning agent(s) can be selected from a group of natural oil, synthetic oil, polyethylene glycol, natural polymer, such as cellulose or pullulan, or synthetic polymer, such as silicone or silicone derivate, and mixtures thereof.

[0060] The composition can comprise 0.10 to 1.00 wt-%, such as 0.30 to 0.70 wt-%, of the humectant(s) and / or hair conditioning agent(s), calculated from the total weight of the composition.

[0061] The composition can further comprise one or more than one stabilizer and / or thickening agent.

[0062] The stabilizer(s) or thickening agent(s) can be selected from a group of acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate, amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine, carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluronic acid, hydrated silica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp, locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate, sodium carboxymethyl dextran, sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and biosaccharide gum, and mixtures thereof.

[0063] The total amount of stabilizer(s) and thickening agent(s) can be, for example, 0.01 to 10 wt-%, calculated from the total weight of the composition.

[0064] The hair styling composition can further comprise one or more than one preservative. The preservative(s) can be selected from a group of glycerin containing compounds (e.g., glycerin or ethylhexylglycerin or phenoxyethanol), benzyl alcohol, parabens (e.g., methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben), sodium benzoate, ethylenediamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA), potassium sorbate, and grapefruit seed extract, and mixtures thereof.

[0065] The hair styling composition can further comprise one or more than one additive, for example, fragrance, dye or active component, such as a vitamin or a plant extract.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the composition is in the form of a solid and / or dry product.

[0067] When the composition is in the form of the solid and / or dry product, the lignin can have an average particle size of at least 0.1 pm, for example 0.1 to 150 pm, such as 4 to 15 pm.

[0068] According to an aspect, there is provided a method for producing the hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, comprising:- mixing hemicellulose and lignin,wherein the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.002 to 100 wt-%, calculated from the total weight of the composition. The hemicellulose and lignin can be mixed to provide a polymer mixture.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the mixing comprises:- mixing hemicellulose and lignin to provide a polymer mixture;- providing a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, alcohol or emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion; and- mixing the polymer mixture and the solution, alcohol or emulsion to produce a hair styling composition.

[0070] Alternatively, the mixing can comprise:- providing a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, alcohol or emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion;- mixing the hemicellulose and the solution, alcohol or emulsion to produce a hemicellulose composition; and- mixing the lignin and the hemicellulose composition to produce a hair styling composition.The mixing enables producing the hair styling composition comprising a polymer mixture of the hemicellulose and lignin. It was surprisingly noticed that mixing the hemicellulose with solution, alcohol or emulsion before adding the lignin in the composition enables producing a stabile composition having a better hold than if the lignin is added first.

[0071] According to embodiment, the hemicellulose and lignin can be mixed at the ratio of 1.00:0.05 to 1.00:0.70. It was surprisingly noticed that a stable solution of the hemicellulose and lignin can be achieved by keeping the ratio of hemicellulose to lignin high enough so that the hemicelluloses are able to stabilize the lignin moieties and / or particles.

[0072] An amount of the hemicellulose can be greater than an amount of the lignin. For example, the amount of the hemicellulose can be 0.1 to 20 times greater than the amount of the lignin.

[0073] The polymer mixture can comprise 0.001 to 99.999 wt-% hemicellulose and 0.001 to 99.999 wt-% lignin.

[0074] The polymer mixture can comprise up to 90.00 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 80.00 wt-%, hemicellulose.

[0075] The polymer mixture can comprise 20.00 to 80.00 wt-% hemicellulose.

[0076] The polymer mixture can comprise 0.01 to 20.00 wt-%, for example 0.01 to 10.00 wt-%, hemicellulose.

[0077] The polymer mixture can comprise up to 90.00 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 90.00 wt-%, lignin.

[0078] The polymer mixture can comprise 20.00 to 90.00 wt-% lignin.

[0079] The polymer mixture can comprise 20.00 to 0.01 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 10.00 wt-%, lignin.

[0080] The mixing can be conducted at a room temperature.

[0081] Alternatively, the method can further comprise, after or simultaneously to the mixing, heating the polymer mixture, solution or emulsion to a heating temperature of up to 100 °C, such as 25 to 75 °C. The elevated temperature assists the hemicelluloses to stabilize the lignin moieties and / or particles.

[0082] The hemicellulose can be a hemicellulose extract obtained from an alkaline extraction process, a pressurized hot water extraction and / or an enzymatic treatment.

[0083] The alkaline extraction process can comprise treating an aqueous solution of hemicellulose containing raw material with hydrochloric acid (HC1) to provide isolated hemicellulose.

[0084] The alkaline extraction process can further comprise steps of:- removing an aqueous phase from the aqueous solution thereby providing a residue, - delignifying the residue of by treatment with aqueous chlorite, such as sodium chlorite,- removing an aqueous phase to provide a second residue,- treating the second residue at room temperature with aqueous hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide and a reducing agent, such as thionite, preferably sodium dithionite,- adding an acid, such as HCI, to precipitate cellulose in an aqueous solution, and - isolating the hemicellulose from the aqueous solution.

[0085] The pressurized hot water extraction can be conducted by contacting a hemicellulose containing raw-material with an aqueous medium at a temperature of up to250 °C to provide the hemicellulose extract in the form of an aqueous stream containing dissolved hemicelluloses and dispersed colloidal substances.

[0086] The temperature of the aqueous medium can be adjusted to a temperature in the range of 100 to 170 °C, for example to a temperature in the range of 110 to 160 °C, such as 120 to 150 °C.

[0087] The aqueous medium can be selected from water or steam, or a combination thereof.

[0088] The alkaline extraction process or the pressurized hot water extraction can optionally comprise subsequent enzymatic treatment.

[0089] The enzymatic treatment can comprise a treatment of the isolated hemicellulose or the hemicellulose extract with an enzyme, for example, amylase.

[0090] The lignin can be obtained by an ethanol extraction of the hemicellulose containing raw-material after extraction of the hemicellulose extract.

[0091] The dissolved hemicelluloses can be selected from the group of xylanes, such as glucuronoxylans or arabinoxylans, glucomannans, xyloglucans, mannans, uronic acids and alginates.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises configuring the polymer mixture or hair styling composition to a hair styling product. The configuring can comprise, for example, adding one or more than one humectant and / or hair conditioning agent, one or more than one stabilizer and / or thickening agent, one or more than one preservative, and / or one or more than one additive or active component. Alternatively, or in addition, the configuring can comprise, for example, adjusting pH, filtering, extracting, heating and / or cooling the polymer mixture, polymer mixture solution or polymer mixture emulsion.

[0093] The method can further comprise adding synthetic polymer to the polymer mixture or hair styling composition, wherein the composition comprises less than 10 wt-%, such as less than 5 wt-%, of the synthetic polymer.

[0094] The method can further comprise mixing a solvent, such as water, alcohol or alcohol solution, or an emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion, with the polymer mixture or hair styling composition.

[0095] The method can further comprise adding one or more than one humectant, such as glycerin, panthenol, glycol, hydrolyzed protein and / or emollient, and / or hair conditioning agent, such as natural oil, synthetic oil, polyethylene glycol, natural polymer, such as cellulose or pullulan, or synthetic polymer, such as silicone or silicone derivate, to the polymer mixture or hair styling composition.

[0096] According to an aspect, there is provided a hair styling product comprising the hair styling composition.

[0097] According to an aspect, there is provided use of the hair styling composition as or in a hair styling product, such as a hairspray, hair gel, hair mousse, hair wax, hair cream, pomade, gloss spray, conditioner- or oil spray, hair powder, dry shampoo, hair lacquer, hair styling spray, hair styling liquid, gloss and / or shine spray, hair conditioner spray or solution, or hair conditioning colloid.

[0098] The hair styling composition can be used to replace 0.001 to 100 wt-% of a synthetic or natural hairstyling polymer in the hair styling product, calculated from the total weight of the composition of the hair styling product. For example, the hair styling composition can be used to replace 90-100 wt-%, such as 95-100 wt-%, of a synthetic or natural hairstyling polymer in the hair styling product, calculated from the total weight of the composition of the hair styling product.Example 1

[0099] In this experiment we compared a reference VP / VA copolymer against lignin extracted from oat husks dissolved in 60% (w / w) ethanol. The recipe for the hairstyling spray is shown in Table 1.Table 1. Recipe for tested formulations in grams.VP / VACopolymer LigninWater 88.75 92.83Polymer 2.00 0.79Ethanol 9.00 6.13Glyserin 0.25 0.25Sum 100 100

[0100] Sensory analysis of the products on a mannequin hair was performed. Sensory testing is considered a useful test method for hairstyling products (Benson et al., 2019). For the reference product all sensory testing results were normalized to level 3 and the lignin product was compared against that. The higher the number the better the result in Figure 1.Example 2

[0101] In this experiment we compared a reference VP / VA copolymer against hemicellulose arabinoxylan (AX) extracted from oat husks. The recipe for the hairstyling spray is shown in Table 2.Table 2. Recipe for tested formulations in grams.VP / VACopolymer ArabinoxylanWater 88.75 88.75Polymer 2.00 2.00Ethanol 9.00 9.00Glyserin 0.25 0.25Sum 100 100

[0102] Sensory testing was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Figure 2.Example 3

[0103] In this example we tested several formulations shown in Table 3 to determine the stability of different lignin and hemicellulose mixtures. Hemicellulose arabinoxylan (AX) was mixed with water before adding the lignin in the mixture E (AX first).Table 3. Composition of the tested formulations in weight percentages (wt-%).A B C D E (AX first) Water 88.00 77.50 68.50 87.50 87.50Lignin 0.70 1.40 2.10 0.18 0.70Ethanol 9.30 18.60 27.90 9.83 9.30Hemicellulose 1.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 2.00Glyserin 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50Sum 99.5 100 100 100 100Temperature 60-70 °C 30 °C 30 °C 30 °C 60-70 °CStability Stable Instable Instable Stable Stable

[0104] The tests show that a stable solution of lignin and hemicellulose can be achieved by keeping the ratio between hemicellulose-to-lignin high enough so that the hemicelluloses are able to stabilize the lignin moieties and / or particles. Another way is to mix the ingredients at elevated temperature. In addition, it was surprisingly noticed that mixing the hemicellulose with water before adding the lignin in the mixture enables producing a stabile mixture having a better hold than if the lignin is added first.

[0105] Sensory testing was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.Example 4

[0106] A hair styling cream composition was prepared. The cream composition contained hemicellulose-lignin film-forming complex comprising 3.5 wt-% hemicellulose and 0.3 wt-% lignin, calculated from the weight of the cream composition. During preparation of the cream composition, dry lignin was dissolved in 60 vol-% ethanol to produce 15 vol-% lignin-ethanol solution. The content of the lignin-ethanol solution in the final cream composition was 2 wt-%. Furthermore, humectants, rheology modifiers, emulsifier system, emollients, botanical actives, preservative system, and pH adjusters were added to the cream composition. The cream composition was applied to hair and tested for hairstyling performance. Table 4 shows results from the test. It was noticed that the cream composition provided several useful properties. For example, the cream composition formed a lignin-hemicellulose based film improving hold, and it provided improved curl memory and resistance to deformation.Table 4. The composition of the tested hair styling cream composition and the test results.

[0107] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0108] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention.

[0109] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.CITATION LISTNon-Patent literatureBenson, H., Roberts, M., Leite-Silva, V. & Walters, K. 2019. Cosmetic Formulation: Principles and Practice, edited by Heather A. E. Benson, et al., Taylor & Francis Group. 413-430.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hair styling composition comprising:- a polymer mixture comprising hemicellulose and lignin,wherein the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.002 to 100 wt-%, calculated from the total weight of the composition.

2. The hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer mixture comprises 0.001 to 99.999 wt-% hemicellulose and 0.001 to 99.999 wt-% lignin.

3. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of hemicellulose and lignin is 1.00:0.05 to 1.00:0.70.

4. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer mixture comprises up to 90.00 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 80.00 wt-%, hemicellulose.

5. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer mixture comprises 0.01 to 20.00 wt-% hemicellulose.

6. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer mixture comprises up to 90.00 wt-%, such as 0.01 to 90.00 wt-%, lignin.

7. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer mixture comprises 0.01 to 20.00 wt-% lignin.

8. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.011 to 90.00 wt-%.

9. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises less than 10 wt-%, such as less than 5 wt-%, of synthetic polymer.

10. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hemicellulose is a hemicellulose extract obtained from an alkaline extraction process, a pressurized hot water extraction and / or an enzymatic treatment.

11. The hair styling composition of claim 10, wherein the pressurized hot water extraction is conducted by contacting a hemicellulose containing raw-material with an aqueous medium at a temperature of up to 250 °C to provide the hemicellulose extract in the form of an aqueous stream containing dissolved hemicelluloses and dispersed colloidal substances.

12. The hair styling composition of claim 10 or 11, wherein the lignin is obtained by an ethanol extraction of the hemicellulose containing raw-material after extraction of the hemicellulose extract.

13. The hair styling composition of claim 11 or 12, wherein the raw-material is selected from a group of lignocellulosic materials, such as annual or perennial plants, wood or peat, cellulosic materials, such as natural fibres rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, and biomass, and mixtures thereof.

14. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lignin comprises less than 1 wt-% of sulfur.

15. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is in the form of a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, or an emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion.

16. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:- one or more than one humectant, such as glycerin, panthenol, glycol, hydrolyzed protein and / or emollient, and / or- one or more than one hair conditioning agent, such as natural oil, synthetic oil, polyethylene glycol, natural polymer, such as cellulose or pullulan, and / or synthetic polymer, such as silicone or silicone derivate.

17. The hair styling composition of claim 16, comprising 0.10 to 1.00 wt-%, such as 0.30 to 0.70 wt-%, of the humectant(s) and / or hair conditioning agent(s), calculated from the total weight of the composition.

18. The hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid and / or dry product.

19. The hair styling composition of claim 18, wherein the lignin has an average particle size of at least 0.1 pm, for example 0.1 to 150 pm, such as 4 to 15 pm.

20. A method for producing the hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims, comprising:- mixing hemicellulose and lignin,wherein the total amount of hemicellulose and lignin is 0.002 to 100 wt-%, calculated from the total weight of the composition.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the mixing comprises:- mixing hemicellulose and lignin to provide a polymer mixture;- providing a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, alcohol or emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion; and- mixing the polymer mixture and the solution, alcohol or emulsion to produce a hair styling composition.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the mixing comprises:- providing a solution, such as an aqueous or alcoholic solution, alcohol or emulsion, such as a water in oil, oil in water or silicone in water emulsion;- mixing the hemicellulose and the solution, alcohol or emulsion to produce a hemicellulose composition; and- mixing the lignin and the hemicellulose composition to produce a hair styling composition.

23. The method of any one of the preceding claims 20 to 22, wherein the mixing is conducted at a room temperature.

24. The method of any one of the preceding claims 20 to 23, further comprising, after or simultaneously to the mixing, heating the polymer mixture, solution, alcohol, emulsion or hair styling composition, to a heating temperature of up to 100 °C, such as 25 to 75 °C.

25. The method of any one of the preceding claims 20 to 24, further comprising configuring the polymer mixture or hair styling composition to a hair styling product.

26. The method of any one of the preceding claims 20 to 25, wherein the hemicellulose is a hemicellulose extract obtained from an alkaline extraction process, a pressurized hot water extraction and / or an enzymatic treatment.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the pressurized hot water extraction is conducted by contacting a hemicellulose containing raw-material with an aqueous medium at a temperature of up to 250 °C to provide the hemicellulose extract in the form of an aqueous stream containing dissolved hemicelluloses and dispersed colloidal substances.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the temperature of the aqueous medium is adjusted to a temperature in the range of 100 to 170 °C, for example to a temperature in the range of 110 to 160 °C, such as 120 to 150 °C.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein the aqueous medium is water or steam, or a combination thereof.

30. The method of any one of the preceding claims 26 to 29, wherein the lignin is obtained by an ethanol extraction of the hemicellulose containing raw-material after extraction of the hemicellulose extract.

31. The method of any one of the preceding claims 27 to 30, wherein the dissolved hemicelluloses are selected from the group of xylanes, such as glucuronoxylans or arabinoxylans, glucomannans, xyloglucans, mannans, uronic acids and alginates, and combinations thereof.

32. A hair styling product comprising the hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 19.

33. Use of the hair styling composition of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 19 as or in a hair styling product, such as a hairspray, hair gel, hair mousse, hair wax, hair cream, pomade, gloss spray, conditioner- or oil spray, hair powder, dry shampoo, hair lacquer, hair styling spray, hair styling liquid, gloss and / or shine spray, hair conditioner spray or solution, or hair conditioning colloid.

34. The use of claim 33, wherein the hair styling composition is used to replace 0.001 to 100 wt-% of a synthetic or natural hairstyling polymer in the hair styling product, calculated from the total weight of the composition of the hair styling product.

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