Leave-in Hair Spray Using Cationic Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leave-in sprays for hair often weigh down hair due to the use of silicone compounds and synthetic cationic polymers, which are difficult to wash out and can build up, making styling challenging, and also have poor biodegradability, failing to meet environmental and natural ingredient demands.
Innovation Solution
A leave-in spray formulation containing isoamyl laurate, a combination of cationic surfactants including esterquats and amidoamines, and optionally other cationic surfactants, with a high water content and absence of silicone compounds, providing natural and biodegradable care for hair without weighing it down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone compounds are used as conditioning ingredients in leave-in sprays, then the hair receives good conditioning and protection, but the hair becomes weighed down and difficult to style
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing silicone compounds with cationic polymers and natural ingredients. This substitution maintains the conditioning function through electrostatic interaction with negatively charged hair surfaces while eliminating the heavy, non-washable film that causes hair to feel weighed down
2Reliability
If silicone compounds and synthetic cationic polymers are used in leave-in sprays, then conditioning performance is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of ingredients by substituting persistent synthetic silicones with biodegradable alternatives including cationic polymers and natural ingredients. This maintains effective conditioning through cationic-hair interaction while ensuring environmental compatibility and washability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite formulation combining multiple cationic polymers and natural ingredients working synergistically. This combination provides robust conditioning performance while each component remains biodegradable, solving the environmental persistence issue of traditional silicones
3Reliability
If leave-in spray contains conditioning ingredients, then hair care is improved, but the ingredients build up on hair and are difficult to wash out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular characteristics of conditioning ingredients by using smaller cationic polymer molecules and natural compounds that can interact with hair through electrostatic forces but do not form permanent films. These ingredients can be effectively removed during regular shampooing, preventing buildup while maintaining care benefits
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 formulation effectively cares for hair by reducing the force required for combing, improving hair shine, and maintaining a light, well-groomed feel without building up on the hair, while being environmentally friendly and easy to use, as demonstrated by user studies and in vitro testing.
Implementation Method 1
positively charged compounds (cationic compounds) that interact with the negatively charged structures on the hair surface
Implementation Method 2
lipophilic components that can interact with the lipophilic compounds in the cuticle
Implementation Method 3
The leave-in spray according to the invention reduces the force required for combing
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
Leave-in spray intended for cosmetic use on human head hair, which does not weigh down the hair but nevertheless provides good care.