Polyphenol Hair Styling Composition for Frizz Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers with curly or wavy hair seek temporary straightening solutions that do not involve heat or harsh chemicals, while also desiring additional benefits like softness, smoothness, and frizz control, as traditional products often leave a greasy feel or cause damage.

Innovation Solution

Compositions comprising polyphenols, nonionic polysaccharide polymers, cationic surfactants, emulsifiers, and optionally silicones or oils, which are applied to hair without the need for heat or reducing agents, providing temporary straightening and sensory benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional heavy galenics or oils are used in hair-straightening products, then straightening effect is achieved, but greasy or oily feeling is left on the hair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehair straighteningVSAvoidgreasy or oily feeling

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using a specific combination of polyphenol (0.01-10%), nonionic polysaccharide polymer (0.01-5%), and cationic surfactant (0.01-10%), replacing traditional heavy oils and galenics. This parameter change achieves straightening effect while avoiding greasy feeling through the synergistic interaction of these components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite formulation combining polyphenol, nonionic polysaccharide polymer, and cationic surfactant in specific ratios. This composite material approach allows the product to achieve multiple functions: straightening, frizz control, and non-greasy finish, as each component contributes different properties that complement each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Shape

If styling gels are used to provide hold and straightening effects, then straightening is achieved, but flaking occurs on the hair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehair straighteningVSAvoidflaking

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the formulation parameters by replacing traditional styling gel polymers with a specific combination of nonionic polysaccharide polymer and cationic surfactant. This parameter change eliminates the flaking issue while maintaining hold and straightening effects through the unique properties of the polysaccharide-surfactant complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If heat or chemical treatments are used in hair straightening products, then straightening effect is achieved, but damage to hair fibers and scalp irritation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehair straighteningVSAvoidhair fiber damage and scalp irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal (heat) and aggressive chemical systems with a mild chemical system based on polyphenol, nonionic polysaccharide, and cationic surfactant. This substitution achieves straightening through gentler mechanisms that do not compromise hair fiber integrity or irritate the scalp, as evidenced by the absence of damaging agents in the formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If consumers desire temporary straightening without heat or harsh chemicals, then safety is improved, but additional benefits like softness, smoothness, and frizz control are often compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehair damage and scalp irritationVSAvoidsensorial benefits (softness, smoothness, shine, frizz control)

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional composition where a single formulation delivers multiple benefits: straightening, frizz control, softness, smoothness, and shine. The polyphenol provides antioxidant protection and softness, the nonionic polysaccharide polymer delivers hold and smoothness, while the cationic surfactant adds frizz control and shine, making the product universally beneficial for multiple hair concerns simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 compositions effectively straighten curly or wavy hair temporarily while enhancing softness, smoothness, and frizz control without the drawbacks of traditional methods, such as greasiness or hair damage.

Implementation Method 1

at least one polyphenol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Implementation Method 2

at least one polyphenol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction:

Implementation Method 3

at least one nonionic polysaccharide polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilm formation:

Implementation Method 4

at least one cationic surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Implementation Method 5

at least one cationic surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Implementation Method 6

at least one emulsifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsification: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20230019615A1Compositions and methods for styling hair

Publication Date: 2023.01.19 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The disclosure relates to compositions comprising (a) at least one polyphenol; (b) at least one nonionic polymer; (c) at least one cationic surfactant; (d) at least one emulsifier; and (e) at least one solvent. The compositions optionally further comprise at least one silicone compound and/or at least one oil. The compositions can be used for styling hair, for example temporarily straightening the hair and/or for reducing frizz of hair. The disclosure also relates to methods of using the compositions to style hair, straighten hair, and/or reduce frizz of hair.