Semi-Solid Gel Compositions for Non-Greasy Hair Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leave-in compositions for keratinous substrates often result in greasiness and residue, while also being difficult to apply due to their liquid viscosity, and they fail to meet consumer demand for environmentally conscious, naturally-based products that provide smoothing, shine, and frizz reduction.
Innovation Solution
A solid or semi-solid gel composition combining a gelling oil phase and a lamellar crystalline aqueous gel phase, which transforms into a liquid gel upon application of shear forces, providing a unique texture that delivers moisture, smoothness, and manageability without greasiness or residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If leave-in compositions comprising oil are used to treat keratinous substrates, then smoothing, shine, and conditioning properties are improved, but the compositions make the substrates appear excessively greasy and leave residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the oil composition from liquid to solid gel form. The solid gel composition comprises oil (30-70 wt%) combined with gelling agents and structurant materials that create a semi-solid matrix, transforming the delivery system while maintaining the cosmetically active oil components that provide shine and smoothing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining oil phases with gelling agents (such as waxes, fatty alcohols, or natural polymers) and structurant materials. This composite solid gel formulation allows the oil to be delivered in a controlled manner, providing cosmetic benefits without the excessive greasiness associated with free oil applications
2Ease of operation
If liquid viscosity compositions are used for leave-in treatment, then ease of application is improved, but the compositions are difficult to manipulate and apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter by transforming the composition from liquid to solid gel state. The solid gel structure provides a firm, manageable consistency that is easy to dispense and apply, while the oil content ensures smooth distribution on the keratinous substrate without the runniness of liquid formulations
3Ease of operation
If creamier formulations are used to improve manipulateability, then ease of operation is improved, but the formulations become sticky and leave residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates a solid gel composite that combines the benefits of creamy formulations (ease of manipulation) with oil-based conditioning (smoothness without stickiness). The specific combination of gelling agents, structurant materials, and oil phases creates a non-sticky solid gel that is easy to apply and distributes smoothly without leaving a sticky residue
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 imparts moisture, detangling, ease of blow drying, smoothness, a natural feeling, and improved manageability to hair and skin, outperforming standard leave-in oil compositions in terms of cosmetic properties and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The solid or semi-solid gel composition according to the disclosure can transform to a liquid gel composition upon application of shear forces
Implementation Method 2
The unique microstructure and solid-to-liquid transformation properties result from a gelling oil phase that is well dispersed in a continuous lamellar crystalline aqueous gel phase
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are semi-solid gel compositions comprising (a) a gelling oil phase comprising: i) at least one oil gelator; ii) at least one fatty alcohol; and iii) at least one fatty compound other than (ii); wherein said gelling oil phase is present in an amount of from at least about 50% by weight, relative to the weight of the total composition; and (b) a lamellar crystalline aqueous gel phase comprising: i) water and optionally at least one polyol present in an amount up to about 50% by weight, relative to the weight of the total composition; ii) at least one lamellar crystalline phase structurant; and iii) at least one emulsifier. The disclosure also relates to methods of treating keratinous substrates.