FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[001] Generally speaking, the present technology relates to a conditioning formula in powder form to be reconstituted in an aqueous medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[002] The conditioners available on the market are mainly made up of water. The water can represent up to about 80% of the total mass of the product. Therefore, consumers largely pay for water, water transport and a bottle, generally made of plastic. Since most people have access to high quality water at home, there is no need for it to travel such great distances. Consequently, a conditioner concentrate in solid form makes it possible to reduce by about 95% the CO2 emissions linked to the transport of water contained in traditional products. The volume of a conditioning tablet or powder is about 200 times smaller and its weight 300 times less than that of a conventional conditioner, thus representing a proportional saving on transport.

[003] Therefore, the conditioners currently on the market have drawbacks which would benefit from being remedied.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[004] According to one aspect, the present technology relates to a conditioner in powder form to be reconstituted in water for medium-term use. When dissolved in water, the conditioner in powder form becomes a cream with a consistency similar to that of traditional conditioners. The resulting creamy conditioner is comparable to a traditional conditioner in that it has the characteristics that can be found in a traditional conditioner.

[005] According to another aspect, the present technology relates to a conditioner in powder form comprising a system of conditioning agents, a system of thickening agents, a system of preservative agents, and which can be reconstituted for use in a cream form.

[006] According to another aspect, the present technology also relates to a method of use of the conditioner of the present technology. The method includes providing a conditioner in powder form (loose or compressed into a tablet), transferring the product into a container and in a predetermined quantity of water, and waiting a certain time to ensure complete dissolution and development of optimal viscosity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[007] Description of well-known ingredients, manufacturing tools and processing techniques have been omitted so as not to unnecessarily cloud the technology with details. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the technology, are given for purposes of illustration only, and are not limiting. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or arrangements in the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concepts will be suggestive to those with knowledge of the field of technology.

[008] The terminology used here is intended to describe only particular embodiments and is not intended to be restrictive of the technology. As used herein, the singular of the terms "a", "one", "the" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprise" (as well as all forms of "comprise" such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (as well as all forms of "have" such as "has" and "having"), "include" (as well as all forms of "include" such as "includes" and "including") and "contains" (as well as all forms of "contain" such as "contains" and "containing") are open linking verbs.

[009] According to certain aspects, the subject matter of the present technology is a conditioner in powder form to be reconstituted in an aqueous medium, such as, for example, in water.

[010] According to certain aspects, the conditioner of the present technology is for medium-term use. For example, medium-term use means use over a period of about one (1) month to about six (6) months.

[011] Once completely dissolved in an aqueous medium and having reached a consistency which is similar to that of yogurt, the conditioner has a consistency similar to that of conventional conditioners. Once reconstituted, the resulting creamy conditioner does not compromise on texture, scent and conditioning effect, creating a conditioner with softening and detangling effects from a powder and a recommended quantity of water.

[012] Currently, the market offers a large selection of creamy conditioners. However, there are no conditioners in powder form to be reconstituted for medium-term use and offering the same capillary properties. Solid conditioner bars and herbal powders do exist, but their use is different from conventional creamy conditioners, and they do not offer the same sensory experience or benefits on the hair.

[013] According to certain aspects, the present technology relates to a conditioner in powder form to be reconstituted for medium-term use which, on contact with a predetermined quantity of aqueous solvent, becomes hydrated and thickens to form a conditioner. According to certain aspects of the present technology, the ratio of powder in the aqueous solvent (e.g., water) is about 40 g of conditioner in powder form to about 350 g of water, therefore about 350 mL of water. The reconstituted conditioner has sensory attributes similar to those of conventional conditioners as well as benefits for the hair (hydration, softness, detangling, etc.) thanks to the addition of specific conditioning agents, in certain embodiments.

[014] According to one or more embodiments, at least some of the ingredients used in the preparation of the conditioner in powder form of the present technology must have good solubility in water, meaning that, on contact with the required quantity of water, at least some of the ingredients will be soluble. Otherwise, one or more ingredients that are not entirely soluble could require the addition of a solubilizing or dispersing agent, in certain embodiments. Depending on how the conditioner in powder form is reconstituted, the thickening agents used must have a good solubility in cold water and a good ability to disperse.

[015] As used herein, the term "reconstitution" is understood to mean that the conditioner is dissolved in the quantity of aqueous solvent before use.

[016] As used herein, the term "gentle" is understood to mean that the conditioner in powder form is formulated with conditioning agents that are respectful of the scalp, the hair and the environment. Therefore, this means avoiding silicones, molecules known to be irritating, asphyxiating and/or toxic to aquatic organisms.

[017] As used herein, the term "conditioning effect" is understood to mean that after using the reconstituted conditioner, the hair has better manageability, better detangling as well as a soft and silky feel, once the hair is dry.

[018] According to certain aspects, the conditioner in powder form according to the present technology comprises: at least one conditioning agent, at least one thickening agent, at least one preservative, and, optionally, one or more additives.

[019] The conditioner in powder form of the present technology, when dissolved in an aqueous solvent, forms a cream of a consistency similar to that of conventional conditioners. Once reconstituted, the resulting creamy conditioner does not compromise on texture, scent and conditioning effect, creating a gentle conditioner from a powder and a recommended quantity of water. The gentle property means that the conditioner must have a pH adapted to that of the hair, i.e., slightly acidic in order to tighten the hair scales and improve the conditioning effect due to the interaction of opposite charges. This means that the conditioner ideally has a pH between 4.5 and 5.0. The conditioning effect means that the reconstituted conditioner leaves hair detangled, hydrated, shiny and soft after use.

[020] In certain embodiments, the conditioner in powder form may be found in the form of loose powder, or be compressed to form a tablet. Therefore, according to this last aspect, the present technology also relates to conditioner tablets comprising the conditioner in powder form of the present technology which has been compressed.

[021] The conditioning agents are provided in the conditioner in powder form of the present technology in order to provide cosmetic qualities and benefits to the hair through the reconstituted conditioner. It includes solid conditioning agents with good solubility in cold water in order to be compatible with the reconstitution mode of the conditioner in powder form in a recommended quantity of water. They may include, but are not limited to, rice, tapioca or com starch, polyols such as erythritol, sorbitol or xylitol, inulin, sodium hyaluronate, lauroyl arginine, hydrolysates proteins, vitamins B5 or E, panthenol, and plant powders, oil or milk, derivatives of vegetable oils such as caprylic/capric triglyceride and cationic conditioners derived from polymers of plant origin such as guar gum. In some embodiments, the conditioning agent may include caprylic/capric triglyceride, which is commercially available as a white to cream-colored powder, and from several sources. The content of conditioning agent, such as caprylic/capric triglyceride, necessary to achieve the desired effects on the hair, may be between about 10% and about 50% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the conditioning agent content may be about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40% or about 50% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the conditioning agent may include rice milk powder, which is commercially available as a white to cream-colored powder, and from several sources. The content of conditioning agent, such as rice milk powder, necessary to achieve the desired effects on the hair, may be between about 0.5% and about 15% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the conditioning agent content may be about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 2.5%, about 3%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, about 5%, about 5.5%, about 6%, about 6.5%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10% or about 11% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the conditioning agent may include panthenol, which is commercially available as a white to cream-colored, free-flowing powder, and from several sources. The content of conditioning agent, such as panthenol, necessary to achieve the desired effects on the hair, may be between about 0.5% and about 15% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the conditioning agent content may be about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 2.5%, about 3%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, about 5%, about 5.5%, about 6%, about 6.5%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10% or about 11% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the conditioning agent may include guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, which is commercially available as a tan to yellow free-flowing powder, and from several sources. The content of conditioning agent, such as guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, necessary to achieve the desired effects on the hair, may be between about 0.5% and about 15% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the conditioning agent content may be about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 2.5%, about 3%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, about 5%, about 5.5%, about 6%, about 6.5%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10% or about 11% of the total mass of the powder.

[022] Thickening agents are useful in the practice of the present technology and include thickeners which must have good solubility in cold water and a good ability to disperse easily, to be compatible with the reconstitution method of the conditioner under powder form and to form a cream of the desired consistency. They may include, but are not limited to, xanthan gum, guar gum, sclerotium rolfsii gum, cellulose gum, sodium alginate, carrageenan, white clay or aloe juice powder. In some embodiments, the thickening agent may be guar gum, which is commercially available as a white to cream-colored, free-flowing powder, and from several sources. The content of thickening agent, such as guar gum, used to obtain the desired viscosity, may be between about 1% and about 30% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the thickening agent content may be about 5%, about 10%, about 15% or about 20% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the thickening agent may be aloe juice powder, which is commercially available as a cream to brown-colored, free-flowing powder. The content of thickening agent, such as aloe juice powder, to obtain the desired viscosity, may be between about 0.1% and about 5% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the thickening agent content may be about 0.5%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2% or about 3% of the total mass of the powder. It is understood that one or more thickening agents may be used to obtain the desired consistency, compared qualitatively with that of the conditioners of indirect competitors.

[023] Preservatives may be provided in the conditioner in powder form according to the present technology in order to protect the reconstituted conditioner from mold, yeast and bacteria. Examples of preservatives useful in the present technology include preservatives that are solid and have a good solubility in cold water in order to be compatible with the reconstitution method of the conditioner in powder form in the recommended quantity of water. They may include, but are not limited to, grapefruit seed extract, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, naticide, leucidal, or potassium sorbate. In some embodiments, the preservative may be sodium benzoate, which is commercially available as a white powder, and from several sources. The content of preservative, such as sodium benzoate, used to achieve the desired protection factor, may be between about 0.1% and about 7% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the preservative content may be about 0.5%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 2.5%, about 3%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, about 5%, about 5.5%, about 6%, about 6.5% or about 7% of the total mass of the powder. It is understood that one or more preservatives may be used synergistically in order to obtain better protection of the conditioner in reconstituted powder form. In some embodiments, the preservative may be potassium sorbate, which is commercially available as a white to cream- colored powder or granule, and from several sources. The content of preservative, such as potassium sorbate, used to achieve the desired protection factor, may be between about 0.1% and about 5% of the total mass of the powder. In some embodiments, the preservative content may be about 0.5%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 2.5%, about 3%, about 3.5%, about 4%, or about 4.5% of the total mass of the powder.

[024] The conditioner in powder form, according to certain embodiments of the present technology, may also include one or more additional additives in order to optimize the formulation. Additives may include, but are not limited to, for example, pH adjusters, antioxidants, fragrances or dyes. When these are present in the conditioner formula in powder form to be reconstituted in the aqueous solvent for medium-term use, they may be present between about 0.01% and about 10% of the total mass of the shampoo. In some embodiments, the mass content of additives may include about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, or even about 9% of the total mass of the shampoo. In some embodiments, fragrances may be used, which may include any fragrances derived from natural sources, including, but not limited to, aromatic oils or essential oils. In some embodiments, one or more pH adjusters may be used, which may include, but are not limited to, citric acid, lactic acid, or gluconolactone. In some embodiments, one or more antioxidants may be used, which may include, but are not limited to, tocopherols or trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate. In some embodiments, one or more dyes may be used, which may include, but are not limited to, natural powder dyes, liquid dyes, or plant or fruit extracts. In some embodiments, additional additives may not be provided in a solid form like other ingredients, as long as the final conditioner in powder form is dry after their addition. Ingredients in powder form, therefore dry, must be able to absorb moisture or oiliness so that the final powder obtained is dry or substantially dry. Otherwise, the additive solvent must evaporate during production, mixing or during a rest period. As used herein, substantially dry may include less than about 5%, or less than about 4%, or less than about 3%, or less than about 2%, or less than about 1% humidity.

[025] The conditioner in powder form according to the present technology may be prepared, generally, by combining free-flowing powders in a suitable container in order to create a powdery mixture of said ingredients. As used, powder may refer to any solid bulk, fine or raw ingredient, including, but not limited to, dusts, granules or crystalline powders. The term free- flowing powder refers to the fluidity of the powder, more specifically its ability to flow through the preparation steps necessary for mixing the conditioner in powder form.

[026] Powders that do not flow freely may be added to the mixture. Non-free-flowing powders may include, but are not limited to, essential or aromatic oils, vegetable oil powders, fragrance powders, and powders that are dispersible, but insoluble, and may exhibit emollient or exfoliating properties. The final mixture in the form of a homogeneous powder may be obtained by any suitable method. In some embodiments, an electric grinder may be used to prepare the powders, as well as to mix the ingredients together. A ribbon blender could also be used to mix the powders, and the resulting mixture passed through a sieve.

[027] Once the ingredients are mixed, the conditioner in powder form is completely or almost completely dry. Once dissolved and rehydrated in the recommended quantity of water, the reconstituted conditioner may be used like a conventional conditioner, in that it has a similar consistency. The water used for dissolution and rehydration does not need to be at a specific temperature, in other words, reconstitution will work with cold, temperate, warm, or hot water, but not boiling. A mass of about 40 grams of powder must be added to a quantity of 350 milliliters of water, in the bottle provided, in order to obtain the correct content of each of the ingredients. In some embodiments, vigorous shaking of the bottle will disperse and wet the ingredients to facilitate dissolution and reconstitution. A waiting time may be required to allow optimal viscosity to develop. Once the waiting time has elapsed, the reconstituted conditioner in powder form can be used like a conventional conditioner.

[028] In certain embodiments, the conditioner in powder form is free of certain ingredients which are considered to have a negative impact on the health of the planet and humans. For example, the conditioner in powder form to be reconstituted in water may be free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, silicones, ingredients derived from or of animal origin, mineral oil, PEGs or ingredients derived from the petrochemical industry.

[029] According to certain embodiments, the conditioner in powder form aims to meet certain requirements established by the technology holder. For example, the conditioner in powder form to be reconstituted in water may contain a majority of ingredients of natural origin or derived from natural or synthetic sources, but identical to those found in nature, and biodegradable.

[030] The conditioner in powder form, once reconstituted in the recommended quantity of water and following the recommended method of preparation, is used like a traditional conditioner. In this sense, it is understood that the creamy conditioner obtained should be applied to the user's hair, concentrating the product on the lengths and avoiding application to the roots. In some embodiments, the creamy conditioner is left on the hair for a period of time varying between about 30 seconds and 3 minutes. The time period may include, for example, between about 20 seconds and 5 minutes, and about 1 minute and 2 minutes. The conditioner is then rinsed from the lengths of the user's hair with water as when using a conventional conditioner. EXAMPLES

[031] Tables 1, 2 and 3 provide examples of compositions of conditioners in powder form to be reconstituted in an aqueous medium according to some embodiments of the present technology. able 2, Composition B of the conditioner in powder form

Table 3, Composition C of the conditioner in powder form

[031] The components presented in Tables 1, 2 and 3 are typically in the form of free- flowing powders. The components are weighed and then mixed together in a container to create a powdery mixture. For the components that are in liquid form or are viscous oils, such as the fragrance and tocopherols, these components are weighed and mixed together in a separate container to create a liquid mixture. The liquid mixture is then added to the powdery mixture, and all the components are thoroughly mixed until the liquid is evenly absorbed by the powder. As a result, the final mixture assumes the form of a homogeneous dry or nearly completely dry powder. To prepare a reconstituted conditioner, the powdered conditioner is dissolved in water in specific proportions to achieve a creamy consistency. For instance, 40 grams of the powder are typically added to 350 milliliters of water in a bottle. To facilitate the dissolution and reconstitution process, the bottle is vigorously shaken, ensuring that the ingredients disperse and become fully wetted. Depending on the product, a waiting period of one to five hours may be required to allow the product to develop its optimal viscosity. Once this waiting period has elapsed, the reconstituted conditioner can be employed in the manner of a conventional conditioner.

[032] The concentrations presented in Tables 1 , 2 and 3 should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values cited. Instead, unless otherwise noted, each of these values is intended to denote both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a value stated as 50% means "about 50%".

[033] All references cited in this specification, and their references, are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety where appropriate for teachings of additional or alternative details, features, and/or technical background.

[034] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.