Cationic Cellulose-Silicone Shampoo Composition for Greasiness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair care compositions, particularly anti-dandruff products, fail to provide an effective sensory experience in terms of oil control, especially in reducing greasiness.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a specific weight ratio of cationic cellulose and a silicone compound with a mean particle size of 150 to 450nm in hair care compositions, preferably anti-dandruff shampoos, to enhance oil control sensory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional anti-dandruff agents like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide are used, then dandruff control is achieved, but hair color fades and hair becomes dry and rough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedandruff control efficacyVSAvoidhair color fading and hair damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cationic cellulose as a carrier substance that mediates between the anti-dandruff agent and the hair. This carrier delivers the anti-dandruff components while minimizing direct contact between harsh agents and hair, thereby preventing color fading and damage. The cationic cellulose acts as an intermediate vehicle that controls dandruff through sebum absorption and scaling without the harmful side effects of conventional agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of anti-dandruff agents by using derivatives with modified functional groups. Instead of using strong oxidizing agents like zinc pyrithione directly, the invention employs gentler derivatives such as zinc pyrithione carboxymethyl glucoside amide, which maintain anti-dandruff efficacy while reducing harmful effects on hair color and structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If natural extracts like neem or tea tree oil are used, then mild anti-dandruff effect is achieved, but the anti-dandruff efficacy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehair gentlenessVSAvoidanti-dandruff efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite formulation that combines gentle natural extracts with cationic cellulose carrier and controlled amounts of mild inorganic agents. This composite approach allows the natural extracts to provide gentleness while the cationic cellulose enhances delivery efficiency, achieving both mildness and sufficient anti-dandruff efficacy that neither component could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The cationic cellulose serves as an intermediary that enhances the effectiveness of gentle natural extracts. By using cationic cellulose as a carrier, the patent amplifies the anti-dandruff action of mild ingredients like neem extract and tea tree oil, allowing them to achieve sufficient efficacy without needing strong harsh chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If strong anti-dandruff agents are used to ensure efficacy, then dandruff control is reliable, but the formulation becomes harsh and damages hair

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedandruff control efficacyVSAvoidformulation gentleness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of anti-dandruff agents by using derivatives with reduced harshness. Instead of strong oxidizing agents, the invention employs derivatives with modified functional groups that maintain anti-dandruff activity while being gentler on hair, thus achieving reliable efficacy without formulation harshness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If conventional anti-dandruff shampoos are used, then dandruff is controlled, but the hair lacks moisture and becomes rough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedandruff controlVSAvoidhair moisture content
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cationic cellulose acts as a mediating carrier that enables dandruff control through sebum absorption while simultaneously providing moisture retention. This intermediary substance allows the formulation to control dandruff without stripping hair of its natural moisture, preventing roughness and maintaining hair softness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful drying effect of anti-dandruff treatment into a beneficial moisturizing effect. By using cationic cellulose as a carrier, the formulation transforms what would normally be a drying treatment into a moisturizing treatment, as the cationic cellulose retains moisture while delivering anti-dandruff activity.

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

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

Delivers desirable sensory experience by reducing greasiness and improving cleanliness on the hair and scalp.

Implementation Method 1

the cationic cellulose having an affinity for the sebum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

silicone compound...improving the smoothness and shine of the hair

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 3

oxygen-releasing anti-dandruff components such as zinc pyrithione

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4429629B1Hair composition comprising a cationic cellulose and a silicone compound
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

A hair care composition is disclosed comprising i) a cleansing surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant; ii) a cationic cellulose; and iii) a silicone compound having mean particle size from 50 to 450nm; wherein the weight ratio of the amount of said silicone compound to the amount of cationic cellulose is from 4.3:1 to 10:1.