FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a process for shaping or altering the shape of hair, for example, by straightening the hair using a composition containing a polysaccharide material and silicones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetic and personal care products for use on keratinous substrates such as skin and hair are available commercially in various forms, for example, as creams, lotions, gels, pastes, and powders. Regardless of the form, these products have to achieve and provide certain benefits and attributes such as efficaciousness, cosmeticity, desirable texture, stable formulations, and ease and convenience of use and application. Thus, in order to meet changing consumer needs and preferences, manufacturers of such products continuously seek to re-formulate and create new products with enhanced efficacy, while still remaining stable, safe to use, as well as improving the manufacture, transport, and storage of these products. In addition, manufacturers continue to test the use of new raw materials and ingredients or new product forms that would help deliver the desired attributes and properties with respect to viscosity, texture, stability and efficacy.

One area where manufacturers are always seeking to improve in is in the area of hair cosmetic products such as those products designed to change the appearance, shape or configuration of hair. Examples of such hair cosmetic products are hair relaxers or hair straighteners which can relax or straighten curly or kinky hair, including wavy hair. Straightening or relaxing the curls of very curly hair may increase the manageability and ease of styling of such hair. Hair relaxers may either be applied in a hair salon by a professional or in the home by the individual consumer.

One type of composition that can be applied onto hair in order to change its shape and make it more manageable is an alkaline composition. Alkaline hair relaxing/straightening consists of hydrolysis of the keratin of the hair with various alkaline agents, such as inorganic hydroxides, for instance sodium hydroxide, or organic hydroxides, such as guanidine hydroxide, or organic amines. Hair relaxing/straightening products that employ sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are also called lye-based products and products that use other alkaline agents such as lithium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, organic hydroxides and other non-hydroxide compounds, for example, organic amines, generally fall under the category of no-lye products. The process of treating hair with the above-described relaxing/straightening products may also include heating and/or physically changing the shape of the hair by use of a brush or a comb.

Still, it is desirable to find alternatives and/or improvements to the alkaline lye- and no-lye-based products and process described above which may damage to the hair by weakening and/or causing dryness of the hair fibers. However, the discovery of new compositions and processes for changing the shape of hair may pose challenges to manufacturers and formulators because the incorporation of new ingredients into the compositions may negatively impacting their performance, cosmetic attributes, and formulation stability. New processes of treating and changing the shape of hair may also impact the performance of the compositions, processing times and quality of use.

Attributes of products for treating hair that can affect their performance and/or desirability to consumers include texture, form or appearance (liquid, cream, gel, lotion or powder), ease of application, viscosity or rheology, ease of use, storage, effect on the quality and feel of the hair, and safety. For example, hair relaxing and straightening products should have a viscosity such that they do not have a thin consistency. This means that they should not run or drip readily when applied onto the hair fibers so as to avoid contacting the skin with the product and to ensure that the active or straightening agents in the product are deposited onto the hair fibers and remain on the fibers during the treatment or processing period.

The present invention provides a process for shaping or altering the shape of hair, such as by straightening the hair, in an easy and efficacious manner, using a composition that contains a combination of a chitosan, preferably neutralized, and a beta-glucan, a silicone material, a cationic silicone material, a thickening agent and a cosmetically acceptable solvent wherein the composition is non-alkaline such that the pH of the composition ranges from about 2 to less than about 7. The process includes the steps of brushing the hair, heating the hair at a temperature of at least about 40°C, applying said composition onto the hair, optionally, heating the hair which may be accompanied by combing, and optionally, washing/contacting the hair with water or with an intermediate agent, followed by water. The hair may also optionally be washed/contacted with an intermediate agent, and/or with water before the step of brushing the hair.

It was surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the composition of the present invention is stable and has a viscosity that corresponds to a non-drip, and homogeneous consistency that facilitates the ease of application of the composition onto hair fibers, thereby resulting in an effective process of shaping or altering the shape of hair.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for shaping hair or altering the shape of hair, the process comprising the steps of:

(1 ) brushing the hair;

(2) heating the hair at a temperature of at least 40°C;

(3) applying onto the hair, a composition containing:

(a) at least one polysaccharide material comprising chitosan and beta-glucan;

(b) at least one silicone material comprising at least one alkoxylated siloxane amine;

(c) at least one cationic silicone material comprising amodiemthicone;

(d) at least one thickening agent selected from cellulose-based thickening agents, acrylic acid- and/or acrylate-based thickening agents, and mixtures thereof; and

(e) a cosmetically acceptable solvent selected from water, an organic solvent, and mixtures thereof;

where in the pH of the composition ranges from 2 to less than 7;

(4) optionally, heating the hair at a temperature of not more than 100°C while optionally combing the hair; and

(5) rinsing the hair with water or contacting the hair with an intermediate agent, followed by rinsing with water.

Preceding steps (1) and (2) above, the process of the present invention may include a step of rinsing the hair with water or contacting the hair with an intermediate agent such as a shampoo or a conditioner, followed by rinsing with water. The heating step (2) in the above-described process may also be accompanied by a smoothing action on the hair, preferably performed with a mechanical or physical device, for example, the plates of a flat iron or a hair brush.

In certain embodiments, the heating step (2) in any one of the above- described processes is accomplished at a temperature higher than 100°C.

In certain embodiments, the composition in the above-described process is allowed to remain on the hair for a predetermined amount of time sufficient to shape or alter the shape of the composition.

In preferred embodiments, the composition in the above-described process is a hair straightening composition. In yet other preferred embodiments, said hair straightening composition is allowed to remain on the hair for a predetermined amount of time sufficient as to achieve a desired degree of hair straightening.

In other embodiments, the intermediate agent has a neutral pH and is selected from a shampoo and a conditioner.

According to the present invention, the composition in the above- described process is in the form of gel.

The compositions in the above-described process are stable over time, that is, they do not exhibit phase separation and they can be stored for several months without modification and with very little change or fluctuation in the viscosity and/or rheology and pH of the composition.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the expression "at least one" means one or more and thus includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditions are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about," meaning within 5% to 10% of the indicated number.

"Keratinous substrates" as used herein, include, but are not limited to skin, lips, and keratin or keratinous fibers such as hair and eyelashes.

"Volatile", as used herein, means having a flash point of less than about 100°C.

"Non-volatile", as used herein, means having a flash point of greater than about 100°C.

"Active material" as used herein with respect to the percent amount of an ingredient or raw material, refers to 100% activity of the ingredient or raw material.

The compositions and processes of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for straightening hair, the process comprising the steps of:

(1) brushing the hair;

(2) heating the hair at a temperature of at least 40°C;

(3) applying onto the hair, a composition containing:

(a) at least one polysaccharide material comprising chitosan and beta-glucan;

(b) at least one silicone material comprising at least one alkoxylated siloxane amine;

(c) at least one cationic silicone material comprising amodimethicone;

(d) at least one thickening agent selected from cellulose-based thickening agents, acrylic acid- and/or acrylate-based thickening agents, and mixtures thereof; and

(e) a cosmetically acceptable solvent selected from water, an organic solvent, and mixtures thereof;

wherein the pH of the composition ranges from 2 to less than 7;

(4) optionally, heating the hair at a temperature of not more than 00X while optionally combing the hair; and

(5) rinsing the hair with water or contacting the hair with an intermediate agent, followed by rinsing with water.

In certain embodiments, the heating step (2) is preferably accomplished by use of device such as a flat iron device, a blow dryer, or a hair dryer. When a hair dryer or blow dryer is used, the hair may be brushed with a hair brush.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for straightening hair, the process comprising the steps of:

(1) brushing the hair;

(2) heating the hair at a temperature of at least 40°C;

(3) applying onto the hair, a composition containing:

(a) at least one polysaccharide material comprising chitosan and beta-glucan;

(b) at least one silicone material comprising at least one alkoxylated siloxane amine;

(c) at least one cationic silicone material comprising amodimethicone;

(d) at least one thickening agent selected from cellulose-based thickening agents, acrylic acid- and/or acrylate-based thickening agents, and mixtures thereof; and

(e) a cosmetically acceptable solvent selected from water, an organic solvent, and mixtures thereof;

wherein the pH of the composition ranges from 2 to less than 7;

(4) optionally, heating the hair at a temperature of not more than 100°C while optionally combing the hair; and

(5) rinsing the hair with water or treating the hair with an intermediate agent, followed by rinsing with water;

wherein step (1) is preceded by a step of rinsing the hair with water or contacting the hair with an intermediate agent, followed by rinsing with water;

wherein step (2) is accompanied by a smoothing action on the hair using a mechanical or physical device; and

wherein the intermediate agent has a neutral pH and is selected from a shampoo or a conditioner.

In certain embodiments, the heating step (2) is preferably accomplished by use of device such as a flat iron device, a blow dryer, or a hair dryer. When a hair dryer or blow dryer is used, the hair may be brushed with a hair brush.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for straightening hair, the process comprising the steps of:

(1 ) brushing the hair;

(2) heating the hair at a temperature of from about 150°C to about 50°C; (3) applying onto the hair, a composition containing:

(a) at least one polysaccharide material comprising chitosan and beta-glucan;

(b) at least one silicone material comprising at least one alkoxylated siloxane amine;

(c) at least one cationic silicone material comprising amodimethicone;

(d) at least one thickening agent selected from cellulose-based thickening agents, acrylic acid- and/or acrylate-based thickening agents, and mixtures thereof; and

(e) a cosmetically acceptable solvent selected from water, an organic solvent, and mixtures thereof;

wherein the pH of the composition ranges from 2 to less than 7;

(4) heating the hair at a temperature of not more than 100°C while optionally combing the hair; and

(5) rinsing the hair with water or treating the hair with an intermediate agent, followed by rinsing with water;

wherein step (1) is preceded by a step of rinsing the hair with water or contacting the hair with an intermediate agent, followed by rinsing with water;

wherein step (2) is accompanied by a smoothing action on the hair using a mechanical or physical device; and

wherein the intermediate agent has a neutral pH and is selected from a shampoo or a conditioner.

In an embodiment, the smoothing action on the hair is preferably performed with a mechanical or physical device, for example, the plates of a flat iron.

In other embodiments, the composition in the above-described processes is allowed to remain on the hair for a predetermined amount of time sufficient to shape or alter the shape of the composition.

In preferred embodiments, the composition in the above-described processes is allowed to remain on the hair for a predetermined amount of time sufficient as to achieve a desired degree of hair straightening.

In certain preferred embodiments, step (3) is preceded by steps (1) and (2) in the above-described processes. Preferably, the above-described process comprises the steps of; (1) First, brushing hair which has been optionally pre-rinsed with water or pre-contacted with an intermediate agent, followed by rinsing with water;

(2) Second, heating the hair at a temperature of at least 40°C, preferably, at a temperature higher than 10O°C, and more preferably, at a temperature of from about 150°C to about 250°C, while smoothing the hair using a mechanical or physical device, preferably, a flat iron device;

(3) Third, applying onto the hair, any one of the above-described compositions of the invention;

(4) Fourth, heating the hair at a temperature of not more than 100°C, preferably by use of a blow dryer or a hair dryer, while optionally combing the hair; and

(5) Fifth, rinsing the hair with water or treating the hair with an intermediate agent, followed by rinsing with water;

wherein the intermediate agent has a neutral pH and is selected from a shampoo or a conditioner;wherein step (1) is optionally preceded by a step of rinsing the hair with water or contacting the hair with an intermediate agent such as a shampoo or a conditioner, followed by a step of rinsing the hair with water.

According to the present invention, the compositions in the above- described processes are preferably, in the form of a gel.

In certain embodiments, the chitosan of the polysaccharide material of the composition in the above-described processes is in neutralized form.

In certain embodiments, the alkoxylated siloxane amine is bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 aminoethyl PG-propyl dimethicone.

In other embodiments, the cationic silicone material comprising amodimethicone further comprises nonionic surfactants and/or quaternary ammonium compounds which are preferably chosen from fatty quaternary ammonium compounds.

It was surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the process of the invention, when utilized on hair in combination with the non-alkaline composition of the present invention, resulted in effectively straightened hair.

It was also surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the composition of the invention was stable over time and had a smooth, non-drip, and homogenous texture/consistency and effectively straightened hair.

The non-drip consistency of the compositions of the present invention is desirable because it helps the compositions to remain on the hair for a predetermined amount of time as to achieve the desired degree of straightening of the hair.

POLYSACCHARIDE MATERIAL

The present invention employs at least one polysaccharide material comprising chitosan and beta-glucan.

In certain embodiments, the chitosan comprising the polysaccharide material of the present invention has a molecular weight ranging from about 50 kilodalton to about 120 kilodalton, such as from about 50 kilodalton to about 80 kilodalton, or such as from about 110 kilodalton to about 120 kilodalton.

In preferred embodiments, the chitosan comprising the polysaccharide material of the present invention has a molecular weight of about 110 kilodalton.

In other preferred embodiments, the chitosan comprising the polysaccharide material of the present invention has a molecular weight of about 120 kilodalton.

In some embodiments, the chitosan comprising the polysaccharide material of the present invention is of vegetable origin.

In a preferred embodiment, the polysaccharide material of the present invention is commercially available from KitoZyme SA under the tradename ZENVIVO AQUA OR EX KIOSMETINE-CSH and comprises 80% by weight of chitosan of vegetable origin and having a molecular weight of about 110 kilodalton, 10% by weight of beta-glucan, and 10% by weight of water, all weights being based on the total weight of the polysaccharide material.

The at least one polysaccharide material comprising chitosan and beta-glucan can be employed in the composition of the present invention in an amount ranging from about 1 to about 5% by weight, preferably from about 1.5 to about 4.5% by weight, or more preferably from about 2 to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges there between.

In certain embodiments, the chitosan in the polysaccharide material is employed in the composition of the present invention in an amount ranging from about 0.8 to about 4% by weight, or preferably from about 1.2 to about 3.6% by weight, or more preferably from about 1.6 to about 3.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges therebetween. In yet other embodiments, the chitosan in the polysaccharide material is employed in the composition of the present invention is employed in an amount of about 1.4%, or about 1.6%, or about 1.8%, or about 2%, or about 2.2%, or about 2.6%, or about 2.8%, or about 3%, or about 3.2%, or about 3.4%, by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

SILICONE MATERIAL COMPRISING AN ALKOXYLATED SILOXANE AMINE

The present invention employs at least one silicone material comprising at least one alkoxylated siloxane amine.

Preferably, the alkoxylated siloxane amine is a siloxane polymer with at least one functional amino terminal group and having the formula (structure):

N

where m+n has an average value of 41 and o+p has an average value of 3. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the alkoxylated silxoane amine is Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone, also known as Dimethicone Bisamino Hydroxypropyl Copolyol. Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone is commercially available from the company Momentive Performance Materials under the tradename of Silsoft-A 843 which comprises 30% by weight of Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone, 66% by weight of dipropylene glycol and 4% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the material Silsoft-A843.

The at least one alkoxylated siloxane amine may be employed in the composition of the present invention in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 2% by weight, or more preferably from about 0.15 to about 1 % by weight, or more preferably from about 0.2 to about 0.6% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

In certain embodiments, the alkoxylated siloxane amine is employed in the compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 0.1%, or about 0.15%, or about 0.2%, or about 0.25%, or about 0.3%, or about 0.35%, or about 0.4%, or about 0.45%, or about 0.5%, or about 0.55%, or about 0.6%, or about 1 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. CATIONIC SILICONE MATERIAL

The cationic silicone material of the present invention comprises amodimethicone.

In certain embodiments, the cationic silicone material is in the form of an aqueous emulsion and comprises amodimethicone.

In other embodiments, the cationic silicone material comprising amodimethicone that is in the form of an emulsion further comprises nonionic surfactants and/or quaternary ammonium compounds. The quaternary ammonium compounds are preferably chosen from fatty quaternary ammonium compounds containing at least one alkyl chain having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms. The anion of the quaternary ammonium compound can be a common ion such as chloride, ethosulfate, methosulfate, acetate, bromide, lactate, nitrate, phosphate, or tosylate and mixtures thereof. The long chain alkyl groups can include additional or replaced carbon or hydrogen atoms or ether linkages. Other substitutions on the quaternary nitrogen can be hydrogen, benzyl or short chain alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprising the cationic silicone material of the present invention is chosen from behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.

In preferred embodiments, the cationic silicone material of the present invention is an aqueous emulsion and can be chosen from mixtures of amodimethicone, trideceth-6 and cetrimonium chloride (commercially available as XIAMETER MEM-8299 EMULSION from the company, Dow Corning) or a mixture of amodimethicone, trideceth-12 and cetrimonium chloride or a mixture of amodimethicone, trideceth-5 and trideceth-10, or combinations thereof (commercially available as BELSIL ADM LOG 1from the company, Wacker).

The amodimethicone in the cationic silicone material may be present in the composition of the present invention in an amount of from about 0.1% to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.25% to 2% by weight, and more preferably from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight, by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

THICKENING AGENT

The compositions according to various embodiments of the disclosure can further comprise at least one component chosen from thickening agents, also referred to interchangeably herein as thickeners or rheology modifiers/rheology modifying agents. Thickening agents are generally used to modify the viscosity or rheology of compositions.

Non-limiting examples of thickening agents that may be used according to various embodiments of the disclosure are chosen from cellulose-based thickening agents, acrylic-based thickening agents, acrylic acid- and/or acrylate-based, and mixtures thereof and include those conventionally used in cosmetics, such as polymers of natural origin and synthetic polymers.

The thickening agents may be chosen from, for example, hydrophilic thickeners, for example cellulose polymers, cellulose gums, and cellulose derivatives such as methylcelluloses, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, and ethylhydroxyethylcelluloses. As used herein, the term "hydrophilic thickener" is meant to indicate that the thickening agent is soluble or dispersible in water. Non-limiting examples of hydrophilic thickeners include carbomers, homopolymers or copolymers of acrylic or methacryfic acids or the salts thereof and the esters thereof, such as the products sold under the names VERSICOL F® or VERSICOL K® by Allied Colloid, ULTRAHOLD 8® by Ciba-Geigy, polyacrylates and polymethacry!ates such as the products sold under the names LUBRAJEL and NORGEL by Guardian, or under the name HISPAJEL by Hispano Chimica, and polyacrylic acids of SYNTHALEN K type, polyacrylamides, copolymers of acrylic acid and of acrylamide sold in the form of the sodium salt thereof, such as under the names RETEN® by Hercules, the sodium polymethaerylate such as sold under the name DARVAN 7® by Vanderbilt, polyacrylic acid/alkyl acrylate copolymers of PEMULEN type, as well as mixtures thereof.

Other exemplary hydrophilic thickeners include associative polymers. As used herein, the term "associative polymer" is intended to mean any amphiphilic polymer comprising in its structure at least one fatty chain and at least one hydrophilic portion. The associative polymers may be anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphoteric.

Non-limiting examples of associative anionic polymers that may also be chosen include anionic polymers comprising at least one hydrophilic unit of oiefinic unsaturated carboxyiic acid type, and at least one hydrophobic unit exclusively of (Cio-C ₃₀ )alkyl ester of unsaturated carboxyiic acid type.

fn certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the thickening copolymers are chosen from the copolymers resulting from the polymerization of:

(1) at least one monomer of formula (I):

wherein Ri is chosen from H or CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ , providing acrylic acid, methacry!ic acid, or ethacrylic acid monomers, and

(2) at least one monomer of (Cio-C ₃₀ )alkyl ester of unsaturated carboxyiic acid type corresponding to the monomer of formula (II):

CH ₂ =CH(R ₂ )COOR ₃ (II) wherein F¾ is chosen from H or CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ , providing acrylate, methacrylate or ethacrylate units, R ₃ denoting a C ₀ -C ₃ o alkyl radical, such as a C12-C22 aikyl radical.

Non-limiting examples of (Cio-C ₃ o)alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids are for example chosen from lauryl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate and the corresponding methacrylates, such as lauryl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, decyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate and dodecyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof.

Additionally, crosslinked thickening polymers may be chosen according to further exemplary embodiments. For example, such polymers may be chosen from polymers resulting from the polymerization of a mixture of monomers comprising:

(1) acrylic acid,

(2) an ester of formula (II) described above, in which R ₂ is chosen from H or CH ₃ , R ₃ denoting an alkyl radical having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and

(3) a crosslinking agent, which is a well-known copolymerizable po!yethylenic unsaturated monomer, such as diallyl phthalate, allyl (meth)acrylate, divinylbenzene, (poly)ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and methylenebisacrylamide.

For example, acrylate/Ci ₀ -C ₃ o alkyl acrylate copolymers (INCI name: Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer), such as the products sold by Lubrizol under the trade names PEMULEN™ TR1 , PEMULEN™ TR2, CARBOPOL® 1382 and CARBOPOL® EDT 2020 may be chosen.

Other thickening agents that may be optionally be used in the invention are crosslinked copolymers comprising from 2.5% to 65% (meth)acry!ic acid residues, from 10% to 80% C2-C4 alkyl (meth)acrylate residues, from 2% to 25% Iipophilically modified (meth)acrylate residues and residues of a crosslinker that has no ester or amide functionality.

Cationic associative polymers that may be chosen include, but are not limited to, quaternized cellulose derivatives and polyacrylates containing amine side groups.

Exemplary non-ionic associative polymers include celluloses modified with groups comprising at least one fatty chain, for instance hydroxyethyl celluloses modified with groups comprising at least one fatty chain, such as alkyl groups, e.g. C ₈ -C ₂ 2 alkyl groups, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups, such as cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, also known as Natrosol® Plus (sold by the company Ashland); Bermocoll EHM 100 (sold by the company Berol Nobel), Amercell Polymer HM-1500® sold by Amerchol (hydroxyethylcellulose modified with a polyethylene glycol (15) nonylphenyl ether group, sold by the company Amerchol), celluloses modified with polyalkylene glycol alkylphenyl ether groups, and mixtures thereof.

Other examples are hydroxyethylcelluloses such as Cellosize® QP3L, QP4400H, QP30000H, HEC30000A and Polymer PCG10 (Amerchol), Natrosol™ 250HHR®, 250MR, 250M, 250HHXR, 250HHX, 250HR, HX (Hercules) and Tylose® H1000 (Hoechst); hydroxypropylcelluloses, for instance Klucel® EF, H, LHF, MF and G (Ashland); carboxymethylcelluloses, for instance Blanose® 7M8/SF, refined 7M, 7LF, 7MF, 9M31 F, 12M31XP, 12M31 P, 9M31XF, 7H, 7M31 , 7H3SXF (Ashland), Aquasorb® A500 (Hercules), Ambergum® 1221 (Hercules), Cellogen® HP810A, HP6HS9 (Montello) and Primellose® (Avebe).

Exemplary and non-limiting celluloses include hydroxyethylcelluloses and hydroxypropylcelluloses. The products sold under the names KLUCEL EF, KLUCEL H, KLUCEL LHF, KLUCEL MF, KLUCEL G, by the company ASHLAND, CELLOSIZE POLYMER PCG-10 by the company AMERCHOL, may be chosen in various embodiments.

Another suitable example of a thickening agent is a product known by the INCl name of polyacrylate-1 crosspolymer (Carbopol® Aqua CC, from the company, Lubrizol).

It is contemplated that, in at least certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the thickening agents of the disclosure may include compounds such as gellifying and viscosity modifying agents.

The amounts of thickening agents in the compositions of the disclosure may range from about 0.05% to about 2% by weight, or such as from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, or such as from about 0.25% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges therebetween. COSMETICALLY ACCEPTABLE SOLVENT

The cosmetically acceptable solvent of the present invention is selected from water, organic solvents, and mixtures thereof. A water that is suitable for use in the invention may be a floral water such as cornflower water and/or a mineral water such as Vittel water, Lucas water or La Roche Posay water and/or a spring water and/or tap water and/or well water.

The organic solvent that may comprise the cosmetically acceptable solvent of the present is water-miscible (at room temperature: 25°C). The water- miscible organic solvent can be chosen from monoalcohols containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as ethanol or isopropanol; polyols especially containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and preferentially containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol or diethylene glycol; glycol ethers (especially containing from 3 to 16 carbon atoms) such as mono-, di- or tripropylene glycol (C1-C4)alkyl ethers, mono-, di- or triethylene glycol (C1-C4)alkyl ethers, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the organic solvent is chosen from polyols.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the organic solvent is chosen from monoalcohols.

The cosmetically acceptable solvent may also comprise any water- soluble or water-dispersible compound that is compatible with water or an aqueous phase, such as the above-described acrylic acid-/acrylate-based thickening agents, liquid fatty substances such as natural and synthetic oils, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the cosmetically acceptable solvent comprises

100% water by weight.

In particular, the cosmetically acceptable solvent of the invention may comprise water in a content ranging from about 45% to about 100% by weight, or from about 50% to about 90% by weight, or from about 50% to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges there between.

QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS

The at least one quaternary ammonium compound of the present invention may be chosen, for example, from: quaternary ammonium salts such as tetra alkyl ammonium, alkylamidoalkyltrialkyl ammonium, trialkylbenzyl ammonium, trialkylhydroxyalkyl ammonium and alkylpyridinium chlorides and bromides; imidazoline derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound of the present invention is chosen from fatty quaternary amine compounds containing at least one alkyl chain having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms. The anion of the quaternary ammonium compound can be a common ion such as chloride, ethosulfate, methosulfate, acetate, bromide, lactate, nitrate, phosphate, or tosylate and mixtures thereof. The long chain alkyl groups can include additional or replaced carbon or hydrogen atoms or ether linkages. Other substitutions on the quaternary nitrogen can be hydrogen, benzyl or short chain alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl or combinations thereof.

Thus, examples of the at least one quaternary ammonium compound of the present invention include but are not limited to: Behentrimonium chloride, Cocotrimonium chloride, Cethethyldimonium bromide, Dibehenyldimonium chloride, Dihydrogenated tallow benzylmonium chloride, disoyadimonium chloride, Ditallowdimonium chloride, Hydroxycetyl hydroxyethyl dimonium chloride, Hydroxyethyl Behenamidopropyl dimonium chloride, Hydroxyethyl Cetyldimonium chloride, Hydroxyethyl tallowdimonium chloride, myristalkonium chloride, PEG-2 Oleamonium chloride, PEG-5 Stearmonium chloride, PEG-15 cocoyl quaternium 4, PEG-2 stearalkonium 4, lauryltrimonium chloride; Quaternium-16; Quaternium-18, lauralkonium chloride, olealkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, Polyquaternium-5, Polyquaternium-6, Polyquaternium- 7, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-37, Polyquaternium-39, Polyquaternium-47, cetyl trimonium chloride, dilauryldimonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, dicetyldimonium chloride, soyatrimonium chloride, stearyl octyl dimonium methosulfate, behentrimonium methosulfate (18- MEA), stearalkonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.

In preferred embodiment, the at least one quaternary ammonium compound is chosen from behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.

The at least one quaternary ammonium compound may be present in the composition of the present invention in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 2.5% by weight, such as from about 1 to about 2.2% by weight, or from about 1.5 to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the compositions, including all ranges and subranges there between. INTERMEDIATE AGENT

The intermediate agent of the present invention may be may be any conventional shampoo or conditioner composition. Preferably, the intermediate agent has a neutral pH.

AUXILIARY INGREDIENTS

The compositions according to the invention may also comprise any auxiliary ingredient usually used in the field under consideration, selected, for example, from emulsifying agents, conditioning agents, natural and synthetic oils, humectants, shine agents, fillers, colorants, pigments, chelating agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

It is a matter of routine operations for a person skilled in the art to adjust the nature and amount of the additives present in the compositions in accordance with the invention such that the desired cosmetic properties and stability properties thereof are not thereby affected.

NEUTRALIZATION

The chitosan comprising the polysaccharide material of the present invention is preferably employed in a neutralized form. Thus, the polysaccharide material containing the chitosan of the present invention is combined with a neutralizing acid in water or in an aqueous solution before the polysaccharide material is added into the composition of the present invention.

The neutralizing acid is employed in an amount sufficient to neutralize the chitosan contained in the polysaccharide material of the present invention.

Suitable neutralizing acids may be chosen from mineral such as hydrochloric acid, orthophosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, or sulfonic acids, and organic acids such as carboxylic acids, for instance glycolic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, butyric acid, butyric acid derivatives, hexanoic acid and hexanoic acid derivatives, pentanoic acid and pentanoic acid derivatives, glyceric acid, gluconic acid, and mixtures thereof.

The neutralizing acid of the present invention is preferably chosen from glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the neutralizing acid is glycolic acid. In other embodiments of the present invention, the neutralizing acid is lactic acid.

In yet other embodiments, the neutralizing acid is not ascorbic acid. In certain embodiments, the neutralizing acid is used in an amount such that the pH of the compositions of the invention is from about pH 2 to less than about 7, preferably, from about pH 3 to about 6, or more preferably from about pH 3.5 to about 5 or even more preferably from about pH 3.5 to about 4.

In yet other embodiments, the neutralizing acid is used in an amount such that the pH of the compositions of the invention is about 3.6, or about 3.8 or about 4, or about 4.2.

All numbers expressing pH values are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" which encompasses up to +/- 0.2. For example, a pH value of about 7.0 refers to 7 +/- 0.2.

The at least one neutralizing acid of the present invention may be employed in an amount of from about 0.1 % to about 3% by weight, or such as from about 0.1 % to about 2.5% by weight, or such as from about 0.15% to about 2% by weight, or such as from about 0.2% to about 1 % by weight, or such as from about 0.25% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of the present invention, including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

The compositions of the present invention are in the form of a gel.

In other embodiments, the composition of the present invention has a viscosity of from about 25 M3 to about 70M3, such as from about 30 M3 to about 70 M3, or such as from about 32 M3 to about 68.5 M3, or such as at about 32 M3, or such as at about 64.2 about 68.5 3,as measured by a a Rheomat RM180 at 25°C. Preferably, the composition of the present invention has a viscosity of less than about 69.5 M3.

In certain preferred embodiments, the composition of the present invention has a viscosity ranging of about 32 M3 to about 68.5 M3 and a pH ranging from about pH 2 to less than about 7.

In some preferred embodiments, the composition of the present invention has a viscosity of from about 64.2 M3 to about 68.5 M3 and a pH ranging from about pH 3.5 to about 4.

All numbers expressing viscosity values are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" which encompasses up to +/- 0.2. For example, a viscosity value of about 64.2 M3 refers to 64.2 +/- 0.2 M3.

In preferred embodiments, the composition of the present invention is a hair straightening composition.

The composition of the present invention is stable such that the straightening efficacy of the composition is preserved until the composition is ready to be used.

In an embodiment, the present invention also relates to a composition containing:

(a) from 2% to 4% by weight of at least one polysaccharide material comprising chitosan and beta-glucan;

(b) at least one silicone material comprising from 0.2% to 0.6% by weight an aikoxylated siloxane amine selected from bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone;

(c) from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight of at least one emulsifying agent comprising at least one fatty alcohol;

(d) from 0.25% to 0.5% by weight of at least one thickening agent selected from cellulose-based thickening agents, acrylic acid- and/or acrylate-based, and mixtures thereof;

(e) a cosmetically acceptable solvent selected from water, an organic solvent, and mixtures thereof; and

wherein the pH of the composition ranges from 2 to less than 7.

In an embodiment, the silicone material in the above-described composition further comprises an organic solvent comprising dipropylene glycol.

In another embodiment, the above-described composition further comprises from 1 % to 2% by weight of at least one quaternary ammonium compound. Preferably, the least one quaternary ammonium compound is selected from behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, and mixtures thereof;

In a preferred embodiment, the above-described composition further comprises at least one neutralizing agent selected from organic acids, mineral acids, alkalizing agents, and mixtures thereof.

In other embodiments, the thickening agent in the above-described composition is selected from hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, carbomer, and mixtures thereof.

The invention also concerns a process of shaping or altering the shape of hair, for example, by straightening hair. The process comprises the steps of:

(a) optionally, contacting hair with an intermediate agent;

(b) rinsing the hair with water;

(c) brushing the hair with a hair brush or other suitable device or means with at least 20 strokes;

(d) applying heat to the hair while smoothing the hair, preferably by passing a flat iron device through the hair with at least 10 passes or strokes;

(e) applying, using ann applicator device, any one of the above- described compositions of the present invention onto the hair;

(f) allowing the composition to remain on the hair for a period of time;

(g) optionally, heating the hair and optionally, smoothing the hair, preferably with a physical device;

(h) contacting/washing the hair with an intermediate agent and/or with water.

In certain embodiments, the intermediate agent in the process above is a shampoo or conditioner, preferably having a neutral pH.

In certain embodiments, the composition is allowed to remain (leave-on time) on the keratin fibers, for example, from about 1 to about 60 minutes, or such as from about 5 to about 45 minutes, or such as from about 5 to about 30 minutes, or such as from about 10 to about 20 minutes, or such as at about 20 minutes, or such as at about 10 minutes.

Suitable devices for brushing or smoothing the hair include a hair brush, comb, or flat iron. The smoothing action on the hair may also include running the fingers through the hair.

A suitable applicator device is an applicator brush.

Heat (at a temperature of at least 40°C) can be applied to the hair while the smoothing action is performed on the hair. The heat source can be chosen from a blow dryer, a flat iron, a hair dryer, a heat lamp, a heat wand, or other similar devices.

In addition, Independently of the embodiment use, the composition present on the fibers or hair is left in place for a time, generally, from about 1 to about 60 minutes, such as from about 5 to about 45 minutes, or such as from about 5 to about 20 minutes, or such as from about 10 to about 20 minutes, or such as of about 20 minutes or such as of about 10 minutes.

It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the compositions of the present invention have a non-drip consistency that is still easy to spread on keratin fibers, such as hair.

It has surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the application of the composition onto the fibers results in satisfactory straightening of hair.

The hairstraightening effects obtained using the compositions and process of the present disclosure may also be durable, i.e., wash or shampoo resistant.

The degree of straightening the hair may be evaluated by visually assessing the reduction in curliness and/or waviness and/or frizziness of the hair after contacting the hair with the composition of the invention. Another type of evaluation can also involve measuring the length of the hair as well as the width of the bulk of hair before and after contacting the hair with the composition.

It was surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the hair contacted with the compositions of the invention did not feel as rough and visually appeared to be more smooth, extended and straight compared to hair contacted with conventional or traditional straightening compositions.

The compositions of the present invention may be packaged in any suitable container such as a tube, a jar or a bottle. In certain embodiments, the composition can be packaged in a tube or bottle, for example, a squeeze tube or squeeze bottle.

Additionally, the applicator device can be attached or connected to the opening of the packaging tube or bottle wherein the applicator device is a brush or a comb with teeth such that the ends of the teeth have openings from which the composition of the invention can flow through and be applied directly onto the hair.

As used herein, the process and composition disclosed herein may be used on the hair that has not been artificially dyed, pigmented or permed.

As used herein, the process and composition disclosed herein may be also used on the hair that has been artificially dyed, pigmented or permed.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective measurements. The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention without limiting the scope as a result.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples are intended to be non-restrictive and explanatory only, with the scope of the invention being defined by the claims.

The ingredient amounts in the compositions/formulas described below are expressed in % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition/formula.

EXAMPLE 1 : COMPOSITIONS

TABLE 1 INVENTIVE GEL COMPOSITIONS

Commercially supplied by Kitozyme as ZENVIVO AQUA (EX KIOSMETINE-CSH): 80% by weight chitosan, 10% by weight beta-glucan and 10% by weight water Commercially supplied by Akzo Nobel as STRUCTURE CEL 8000 M

Commercially supplied by Momentive Performance Materials SILSOFT A 843: 30% by weight bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 aminoethyl PG-propyl dimethicone, 66% by weight dipropylene glycol, and 4% by weight water

Commercially supplied by Dow Corning as XIAMETER MEM-8299 EMULSION: 57.5% by weight amodimethicone, 4.92% by weight trideceth-6, 1% by weight cetrimonium chloride, and 36.58% by weight water

The compositions above were each prepared according to the general procedures:

Gel Compositions in Table 1 :

1. In a container, the cellulose material was added to water with agitation.

2. Sodium hydroxide (10% solution) was added to the container.

3. The silicone materials were added to the container.

4. While continuing with the agitation of the mixture in the container, the chitosan/beta-glucan material and glycolic acid were added to the container.

TABLE 2 COMPARATIVE GEL COMPOSITIONS

^{a d} see Table above for inventive composition

*amount of lactic acid from between 0.25 to 0.5% by weight, based on total weight of the composition in order to achieve a pH of 4.0 +/- 0.2. The comparative compositions above were prepared in a similar manner as the inventive compositions.

The consistency and texture of the inventive formulas allow for the formuias to be packaged jars, in tubes (e.g., squeeze tubes) or bottles (eg, applicator bottles).

The viscosities of the compositions above were measured using the Mettler RM 180 Rheomat, viscometer spindle #2, at 25°C (uD = Units of Deflection).

A viscosity measurement in M3 units ranging up to less than about 69.5 generally corresponded to a texture and consistency of a gel or a cream (such as a hair conditioner or a hair masque) and a viscosity measurement at greater than about 70 M3, such as in the range of M4 units, corresponded to a texture and viscosity of a paste or balm composition. Compared to a paste or balm compositions or to compositions that are very thick, the gel texture was much more desirable for ease of application of the composition into the hair, spreadability of the composition on the hair, and/or ease of brushing or combing the hair. The inventive compositions with the gel texture also did not readily drip off the hair contacted with the compositions and remained on the hair during the straightening processing time.

EXAMPLE 2 -STRAIGHTENING STUDIES ON HAIR AND PROCESSES FOR

STRAIGHTENING HAIR

These studies were conducted on curly or wavy, virgin hair (not chemically treated) using the inventive compositions and the comparative compositions.

GEL: For the inventive or comparative composition that was in gel form, the process of straightening the hair was performed according to one of two processes, Process 1 (inventive process) and Process 2 (comparative process which is based on traditional/conventional processes) .

For Process 1 (inventive process) the following steps were followed:

1. the hair was contacted with a shampoo (neutral pH);

2. the hair was rinsed with water;

3. the hair was brushed with a hair brush using 20 to 30 strokes;

4. the hair was smoothed and heated with a flat iron set at 230X and using 10 strokes (or passes); 5. the test composition (Inventive or comparative) was applied onto the hair using an applicator brush device (approximately 1 gram of the composition per gram of hair or approximately 300 grams per head of hair);

6. the composition was allowed to remain on the hair for about 10 minutes;

7. the hair was blow dried and the fingers were run through the hair;

8. the hair was contacted with a shampoo (neutral pH);

9. the hair was rinsed with water;

10. the hair was contacted with a conditioner (neutral pH); the hair was rinsed with water.

For Process 2 (comparative process), the following steps were followed:

1. The hair was contacted with a shampoo (neutral pH);

2. the hair was rinsed with water;

3. the hair was blow dried and the fingers were run through the hair;

4. the test composition (Inventive or comparative) was applied onto the hair using an applicator brush device (approximately 1 gram of the composition per gram of hair or approximately 300 grams per head of hair);

5. the composition was allowed to remain on the hair for about 10 minutes;

6. the hair was rinsed with water;

7. the hair was brushed with a hair brush for 20 to 30 strokes;

8. the hair was smoothed and heated with a flat iron set at 230°C and using 10 strokes (or passes);

9. the hair was contacted with a shampoo (neutral pH);

10. the hair was rinsed with water;

11. the hair was contacted with a conditioner (neutral pH)

12. the hair was rinsed with water.

TABLE 3 RESULTS OF TESTS ON HAIR

Observations compared to control (starting curly or

Test composition Process

wavy hair) after using process 1a, 1b, or 2 on hair

Formula A 1 Hair was effectively straightened; very good volume Observations compared to controi (starting curly or

Test composition Process

wavy hair) after using process 1a, 1 b, or 2 on hair

(invention) reduction, easy to apply on hair; easy to brush hair; on swatch good combability; good spreadability and adherence to fiber, excellent discipline

Formula C Hair was effectively straightened; easy to apply on hair; (invention) 1 easy to brush hair; good combability; good spreadability on swatch and adherence to fiber; very good volume reduction

Formula 2 Showed god volume reduction and discipline; however, (comparative) straightening performance was lower compared to that

1

on hair on head of observed for inventive compositions using process 1A; human volunteer

Formula 2 no straightening observed and the hair exhibited loose (comparative) discipline and no volume reduction

2

on hair on head of

human volunteer

Formula 3 1 Viscosity was comparable to that of the inventive (comparative) on compositions; showed less discipline compared with the swatch invention and less volume reduction.

ow discipline refers to hair with frizz and little volume

It is to be understood that the foregoing describes preferred embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.