Chlorophyll Derivative Malodor Reduction in Permanent Wave Hair Treatments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Permanent wave operations in hair result in malodor due to the use of reducing agents like Thioglycolic Acid, Thiolactic Acid, Cysteine, Cysteamine, and Bisulfite, which are entrapped in hair, causing persistent and unpleasant odors that are not effectively reduced by existing treatments.

Innovation Solution

The use of chlorophyll derivatives of water-soluble alkaline divalent cations such as magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, and zinc, formulated in propylene glycol and glycerol, is employed as pre-treatments, additives in waving lotions, or post-treatments to reduce malodor, with concentrations ranging from 0.0001% to 0.008% by weight, effectively reducing the odor associated with hydrogen sulfide release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional reducing agents (Thioglycolic Acid, Thiolactic Acid, Cysteine, Cysteamine, Bisulfite) are used in permanent wave operations, then the hair permanent wave effect is achieved, but malodor is generated and trapped in hair causing persistent unpleasant odors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermanent wave effectVSAvoidmalodor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces chlorophyll derivatives as an intermediary substance that absorbs and neutralizes malodorous compounds (hydrogen sulfide and other reducing agent residues) trapped in hair. The chlorophyll derivative acts as a mediator between the malodorous hair and the environment, binding to odor molecules through adsorption and preventing their release, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving permanent wave效果 and eliminating malodor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful malodorous residues (hydrogen sulfide, reducing agent by-products) into a beneficial outcome by using chlorophyll derivatives to bind and neutralize these odor-causing substances. The harmful odor molecules are transformed into bound complexes that are retained in hair without releasing unpleasant smells, effectively converting the harmful factor into a benign state

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

2Reliability

If high concentration of reducing agents is used to enhance permanent wave effect, then the waving effect is improved, but the intensity and duration of malodor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaving effect intensityVSAvoidodor intensity and duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chlorophyll derivative serves as a mediator that can handle and neutralize higher concentrations of malodorous compounds generated from intense permanent wave treatments. By applying chlorophyll derivatives after the permanent wave operation, the system can tolerate higher reducing agent concentrations while the chlorophyll binds and sequesters the resulting odor molecules, preventing their release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If hair porosity is increased to improve chemical penetration and permanent wave effect, then the permanent wave penetration is improved, but the binding affinity of odoriferous residues with hair increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical penetrationVSAvoidbinding affinity of odor residues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chlorophyll derivative acts as an intermediary that selectively binds to odoriferous residues in porous hair without requiring additional porosity. The chlorophyll molecules insert themselves between the odor molecules and the hair matrix, forming stable complexes that are retained in the porous structure without requiring the hair to be highly porous, thus decoupling penetration needs from odor retention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 chlorophyll derivative compositions achieve a significant reduction in malodor, demonstrated by over 50% decrease in hydrogen sulfide levels, as shown in head space analysis, and are retained in hair fibers, masking or eliminating odors even after shampooing and rewetting, as confirmed by salon testing and olfactory evaluations.

Implementation Method 1

chlorophyll derivatives of water-soluble alkaline divalent cations such as magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, and zinc... effectively reducing the odor associated with hydrogen sulfide release

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8367049B2Method and composition for reducing malodor in permanently waved hair
Publication Date: 2013.02.05 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

By formulating permanent wave compositions with chlorophyll derivatives of water soluble alkaline divalent cations selected from the group consisting of magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, and zinc, an easily employed malodor reducing composition is achieved for use with conventional reducing agents employed for permanently waving hair. In accordance with the present invention, chlorophyll derivative compositions soluble in propylene glycol and glycerol are employed in pre-treatments, waving lotions, or as additives to the waving lotions using various different reducing agents salts and esters of TGA, TLA, Cysteine, Cysteamine, and Bisulfite.