Protease Shampoo Composition for Low-Buildup Hair Combability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hair-care compositions rely heavily on synthetic conditioning agents like polymeric siloxanes, which can build up on hair, cause environmental harm, and lead to stability and compatibility issues, while proteases have not been effectively utilized for improving hair combability.
Innovation Solution
A hair-care composition comprising proteases, surfactants, and optional salts, devoid of synthetic conditioning agents, is used to smooth hair surfaces by proteolytic activity, enhancing combability without the need for leave-in conditioners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If synthetic conditioning agents like polymeric siloxanes are used to improve hair combability and smoothness, then hair texture and manageability are improved, but the composition becomes heavy, greasy, and builds up on hair over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes synthetic conditioning agents (polymeric siloxanes, quaternary ammonium compounds) from the hair care composition, replacing them with proteases that provide conditioning effects through enzymatic action without building up on the hair surface
Solution Approach 2:
The proteases in the composition act on the hair surface to smooth cuticles and improve combability through enzymatic degradation of proteins, providing a self-cleaning and non-accumulating conditioning effect that eliminates the need for leave-in synthetic conditioners
2Ease of operation
If synthetic conditioning agents are used to improve hair smoothness and combability, then hair texture is improved, but the composition becomes difficult to remove completely even with regular shampooing
Solution Approach 1:
The proteases provide a temporary, non-permanent conditioning effect that is rinsed away with water, unlike synthetic conditioners that adhere strongly and require multiple shampooings to remove. The enzymatic action occurs during the wash and then dissipates, leaving no residue
3Ease of operation
If polymeric siloxanes and quaternary ammonium compounds are used as conditioning agents, then hair combability is improved, but the composition has stability and compatibility issues with certain surfactants and active ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic synthetic conditioning agents (polymeric siloxanes and quaternary ammonium compounds) that cause compatibility issues, replacing them with proteases that are compatible with a broader range of surfactants and active ingredients in the formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the conditioning agent from synthetic polymers to enzymes (proteases), fundamentally altering the composition's chemical properties to improve compatibility with other formulation components while maintaining combability benefits
4Ease of operation
If polymeric siloxanes and quaternary ammonium compounds are used as conditioning agents, then hair combability is improved, but the composition has negative environmental impact during production and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The proteases are biodegradable enzymes that break down naturally in the environment, replacing persistent synthetic polymers that accumulate and harm the ecosystem. The enzymatic conditioning agent decomposes completely after use, eliminating long-term environmental contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable proteases that can be safely discarded and naturally decomposed by microorganisms, replacing synthetic conditioners that resist degradation. The enzymatic action and subsequent breakdown of the protein-based conditioner leaves no harmful residues in the environment
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 effectively smoothes hair surfaces, improving combability and shine, reducing the need for synthetic conditioners, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is based on the discovery that proteases can be used to smoothen the hair surface... proteases are enzymes capable of degrading proteins... under conditions suitable for the protease of the composition to exert proteolytic activity on the hair, preferably the hair surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to hair-care compositions comprising a protease. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of proteases in shampoo compositions. Especially, the present invention is directed to the improvement of combability of hair by adding a protease to a hair treatment composition.