Cationic Polymer Silicone Shampoo for Higher Hair Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic compositions for washing and conditioning keratin fibers, particularly human hair, suffer from insufficient silicone deposition and damage due to aggressive cleaning treatments, leading to poor cosmetic properties such as frizz, lack of smoothness, and manageability.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic composition comprising cationic or quaternized (meth)acrylamide polymers, an oil-in-water silicone emulsion with specific particle size and viscosity, and nonionic emulsifiers, along with surfactants, to enhance silicone deposition and improve hair condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If detergent surfactants are used for washing hair, then washing power is improved, but cosmetic properties deteriorate due to damage to hair fibre

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing powerVSAvoiddamage to hair fibre

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines detergent surfactants with conditioner components (cationic polymers and silicones) into a single composition. This merging allows the washing function and conditioning function to work simultaneously, so that the hair is cleaned while being protected and conditioned, eliminating the need for separate washing and conditioning steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of surfactants on hair into a beneficial effect by adding conditioner components that specifically protect and repair the hair fibre. The cationic polymers and silicones counteract the damaging effects of surfactants, transforming the overall effect from harmful to beneficial for hair health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cationic polymers and silicones are used to improve cosmetic properties, then hair smoothness and manageability are improved, but silicone deposit on hair becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic propertiesVSAvoidsilicone deposit on hair

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the silicone emulsion, including particle size (D50 between 50-350 nm) and viscosity (40,000-100,000 mPa·s). By optimizing these parameters, the silicone can be effectively deposited on hair while maintaining good cosmetic properties. The controlled particle size ensures proper deposition without excessive buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an oil-in-water emulsion as an intermediary vehicle to deliver silicone to the hair. The emulsion contains the silicone in a controlled manner, allowing for gradual and uniform deposition on the hair surface. This intermediary system ensures that the silicone is delivered in a form that is easy to apply and distributes evenly, improving both deposit quantity and cosmetic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If aggressive cleaning treatment is applied, then washing power is improved, but lipids and proteins on hair surface are gradually removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning powerVSAvoidloss of lipids and proteins

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful loss of lipids and proteins into a beneficial effect by incorporating conditioner components that replenish and protect these substances. The cationic polymers and silicones in the composition help restore the lipid and protein content of the hair, transforming the overall effect from substance loss to substance replenishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning by including conditioner components that protect the hair fibre from the aggressive cleaning action of surfactants. The cationic polymers and silicones form a protective layer on the hair surface before and during washing, cushioning against the harmful effects and preventing excessive removal of lipids and proteins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 composition increases silicone and dye deposition on hair, improving hair feel and manageability, providing smoothness, reduced frizz, and enhanced combing and detangling.

Implementation Method 1

one or more polymers comprising at least one cationic or quaternized (meth)acrylamide unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an oil-in-water type silicone emulsion... increasing silicone... deposition on hair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS12605326B2Cosmetic composition comprising a polymer comprising at least one cationic (meth)acrylamide unit, a particular silicone and at least one surfactant

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising one or more polymers comprising one or more cationic or quaternized acrylamide and/or methacrylamide unit(s); a particular oil-in-water-type silicone emulsion; one or more surfactants; and optionally one or more direct dye(s)/pigment(s). The invention also relates a cosmetic process for washing and/or condition keratin fibres using said cosmetic composition.