Biodegradable Complexing Agents for Hair Bleaching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bleaching agents for hair lightening, particularly those using hydrogen peroxide and peroxodisulfate salts, cause significant hair damage and are not environmentally friendly due to the use of non-biodegradable complexing agents like HEDP and EDTA, which also lead to excessive heat during application on hair with high metal content.

Innovation Solution

A bleaching agent comprising hydrogen peroxide, persulfate, a biodegradable complexing agent of the specific formula (I), and a radical inhibitor, which together provide effective hair lightening while minimizing damage and heat generation, using a combination of separately packaged preparations to form an application mixture for application and rinsing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional complexing agents (HEDP, EDTA) are used in bleaching agents, then hydrogen peroxide stability is improved and metal ion complexing is effective, but biodegradability deteriorates and ecological profile worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen peroxide stabilityVSAvoidecological profile

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of complexing agents from conventional non-biodegradable types (HEDP, EDTA) to biodegradable alternatives with specific molecular characteristics (formula I with defined R1-R6 groups and metal ions M1-M2), maintaining complexing functionality while improving biodegradability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biodegradable complexing agents that decompose after use, replacing persistent non-biodegradable agents. This allows the complexing function to be temporary and renewable, aligning with sustainable cosmetic formulations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Temperature

If conventional complexing agents (HEDP, EDTA) are used in bleaching agents, then temperature control during application is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature increase during applicationVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of complexing agents to achieve biodegradability while maintaining the temperature control function through appropriate molecular structure selection (formula I with specific substituents and metal ion combinations)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If longer application times and repeated bleaching processes are used to lighten dark hair, then bleaching performance is improved, but hair damage worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebleaching performanceVSAvoidhair damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces biodegradable complexing agents as intermediaries that sequester metal ions and modulate the oxidative activity of peroxides, enabling more controlled and efficient melanin oxidation that achieves desired lightening with reduced structural damage to keratin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical environment parameters through biodegradable complexing agents, creating optimal conditions for selective melanin oxidation while preserving hair structural integrity, allowing effective lightening with shorter application times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If conventional complexing agents are used in bleaching agents, then hydrogen peroxide decomposition is prevented, but ecological sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen peroxide stabilityVSAvoidecological sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters from conventional non-biodegradable complexing agents to biodegradable alternatives with specific molecular structures (formula I), maintaining peroxide stability while achieving ecological sustainability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves comparable or superior bleaching performance to traditional agents with reduced hair damage and lower temperature profiles, even on hair with high metal content, using biodegradable components that are more environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

the complexing agents are intended to prevent the decomposition of hydrogen by metal ions accumulated in the hair fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplexation:

Implementation Method 2

The oxidizing agents included in bleaching agents are able to lighten the hair fiber through the oxidative destruction of the hair's own pigment melanin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

at least one radical inhibitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadical inhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS20230201089A1Agents for improved oxidative lightening of keratin fibres

Publication Date: 2023.06.29 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to agents for lightening keratinous fibers, in particular human hair, comprising(a) at least one oxidizing agent,(b) at least one complexing agent of the general formula (I),and(c) at least one radical inhibitor.