JP7638644B2 - Hair cleansing composition - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hair cleansing composition.

Hair is damaged by the living environment (ultraviolet rays and heat from sunlight), daily hair care routines (friction from washing and brushing), and chemical treatments (coloring, perms, etc.). Furthermore, because daily hair care routines take time and effort, people tend to perform careless hair care routines or skip necessary steps, which can also cause the condition of their hair to deteriorate. Therefore, there is a demand for hair cosmetics that allow for efficient, stress-free hair care routines.

Among conventional hair cosmetics, hair cleansing agents are required to have improved operability, such as lathering on hair, ease of application, and rinsing, from the viewpoints of ease of hair care and reducing hair damage by preventing hair tangling.
In response to such demands, a foam-type hair cleanser that is discharged from a non-gas type foam-discharging container that does not use a propellant has been proposed. Foam-type hair cleansers have the characteristics of being easy to apply because they foam well and quickly blend into the hair, and leaving little residue behind after rinsing. In addition, non-gas type foam-discharging containers have a smaller environmental impact when disposed of than aerosol containers that use propellants, and there is no need to consider corrosion prevention for metal containers, so there is a high degree of freedom in the composition of the contents.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a cleaning agent composition prepared by filling a pump former with a cleaning liquid containing an N-long-chain acylamino acid surfactant, an alkyldimethylaminoacetate betaine, a fatty acid alkylolamide, and one or more polyhydric alcohols selected from 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol in specific ratios provides a good foam feel (smoothness, creaminess) and sufficient cleaning effect, and does not cause clogging during use.
Patent Document 2 discloses that a detergent composition containing more than 10% by weight of an active ingredient of a surfactant, having a viscosity of 30 mPa·s or less (30° C.), and containing substantially no solvent, has a low viscosity suitable for use in pump foamers, is less irritating to the skin, etc., has high foaming properties and excellent cleaning power, and also has a good feel when used and excellent stability.
Patent Document 3 discloses that a hair wash composition containing a surfactant including an anionic surfactant, polypropylene glycol, and polyoxypropylene polyglyceryl ether in specified ratios has excellent appearance when discharged foam, excellent foaming and foam quality during hair washing, and can suppress squeaking during hair rinsing, even when filled into a foam-discharging container for use.
Patent Document 4 discloses that a hair wash composition which contains a surfactant including an anionic surfactant, a cationic polymer, and a polyoxypropylene polyglyceryl ether, and is filled into a foam-discharging container for use, ensures basic performance such as good foam dischargeability and storage stability at low temperatures (−5° C.), while producing good foam volume and quality during hair washing (in the presence of sebum) and further exhibits excellent smoothness during hair rinsing.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-218744 JP 2002-87942 A JP 2017-66114 A JP 2018-177652 A

When the hair cleanser composition is applied to hair using a non-gas type foam discharge container, it is mixed with air in the foam discharge container and extruded through a mesh to be discharged in the form of a foam. However, when the hair cleanser composition stored in a low temperature environment such as -5°C is discharged from the foam discharge container, there is a problem that discharge failure occurs. It has been found that this discharge failure is caused by the low stability of the hair cleanser composition when stored in a low temperature environment, and the precipitation of the components of the composition causes clogging of the mesh. Therefore, there is a demand for improving the storage stability of the hair cleanser composition in a low temperature environment.
On the other hand, when trying to improve the dischargeability from a foam-discharging container or the storage stability in a low-temperature environment, the components of the hair cleanser composition are restricted. For example, in order to improve the feel of hair when rinsing with water after washing the hair with the hair cleanser composition, it is effective to increase the amount of surfactant, add a polymer, an oil, etc. However, when these methods are adopted, the viscosity of the hair cleanser composition increases, the dischargeability from a foam-discharging container decreases, and the storage stability in a low-temperature environment also tends to decrease.
The techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 do not achieve a balance between the stability (non-precipitation) and dischargeability of the detergent in a low-temperature environment and the usability (foam performance and rinsing performance), and improvements are needed.

The present invention aims to provide a hair cleanser composition that has excellent storage stability in a low-temperature environment, has excellent foam texture when discharged from a foam discharge container, and also has good foaming and foam quality when washing hair, and can impart smoothness when rinsing hair, and a hair cleanser using the hair cleanser composition.

The present inventors have found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by a hair wash composition which contains an anionic surfactant including a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, a nonionic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant, in which the mass ratio of the anionic surfactant to the amphoteric surfactant is a predetermined value or more, and which is filled into a foam-discharging container for use.
That is, the present invention provides the following [1] and [2].
[1] A hair wash composition comprising: component (A): an anionic surfactant containing a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (A1); component (B): a nonionic surfactant; and component (C): an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(A)/(C)] is 14.0 or more, and the hair wash composition is filled into a foam-discharging container for use.
[2] A hair cleanser comprising the hair cleanser composition according to the above [1] filled in a foam-dispensing container.

The present invention provides a hair cleanser composition that has excellent storage stability in a low-temperature environment, has excellent foam texture when discharged from a foam discharge container, and also has good foaming and foam quality when washing hair, and can impart smoothness when rinsing hair, as well as a hair cleanser using the hair cleanser composition.

[Hair cleansing composition]
The hair wash composition of the present invention (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "hair wash composition") comprises:
Component (A): An anionic surfactant containing polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (A1),
Component (B): a nonionic surfactant, and Component (C): an amphoteric surfactant,
wherein the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(A)/(C)] is 14.0 or more, and the hair wash composition is filled into a foam-discharging container for use.

<Definition>
In the present invention, "comprising component X" or "containing component X" also means "comprising component X blended therein."
In the present invention, storage stability at -5°C is used as an index of "storage stability in a low-temperature environment". If the storage stability at -5°C is excellent, the composition can be suitably used as a hair cleansing composition filled in a non-gas type foam-discharging container even in a usage environment in a cold region. Hereinafter, "storage stability in a low-temperature environment" will be simply referred to as "low-temperature stability".
In addition, in the present invention, "the texture of the foam discharged from a foam dispensing container in a low temperature environment" is an indicator of the texture (foam quality) of the foam discharged from a non-gas type foam dispensing container at 5°C.

The reason why the hair wash composition of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration exhibits the effects of the present invention is not clear, but is presumed to be as follows.
The hair wash composition of the present invention contains an anionic surfactant containing polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (A1) as component (A), a nonionic surfactant as component (B), and an amphoteric surfactant as component (C). The hair wash composition contains component (A) to impart cleansing properties. Furthermore, the hair wash composition contains component (A1), which is thought to improve foaming and foam quality during hair washing, as well as suppress precipitation in the hair wash composition and improve storage stability in a low-temperature environment.
It is believed that components (B) and (C) also contribute to improving the cleansing properties of the hair cleanser composition, and that the inclusion of component (B) improves the speed of lathering, the fineness of the foam, and the smoothness when rinsing hair, while the inclusion of component (C) improves the amount of foam and the smoothness of the foam when washing hair. In addition, by having a mass ratio [(A)/(C)] of component (A) to component (C) in the hair cleanser composition of a predetermined value or more, it is possible to suppress an increase in the viscosity of the hair cleanser composition and precipitation of the blended components in the hair cleanser composition even in a low-temperature environment, and therefore it is believed that the dischargeability is improved and the texture of the foam discharged from the foam discharge container is improved.

<Component (A): Anionic Surfactant>
The hair wash composition contains an anionic surfactant as component (A). The hair wash composition can be imparted with cleansing properties by containing component (A). The hair wash composition of the present invention also contains a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate as component (A1) from the viewpoints of imparting cleansing properties while improving low-temperature stability, foaming during hair washing, and foam quality.

(Component (A1): Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate)
The polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (A1) may be a compound represented by the following general formula (1).
R ¹ -O-(CH ₂ CH ₂ O) _p -SO ₃ Y (1)
In formula (1), ^R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, p represents the average number of moles added and is a number of 0.25 to 20, and Y represents an alkali metal or ammonium.

The number of carbon atoms in the linear or branched alkyl group for ^R1 is preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 18, from the viewpoints of low-temperature stability, improving foaming and foam quality during hair washing, and availability.
Specific examples of R ¹ in formula (1) include 2-ethylhexyl, n-octyl, nonyl, n-decyl, isodecyl, undecyl, n-dodecyl, lauryl, tridecyl, myristyl, pentadecyl, palmityl, heptadecyl, stearyl, isostearyl, nonadecyl, icosyl, hemineicosyl, and docosyl. Among these, R ¹ is preferably a straight-chain alkyl group, more preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of n-octyl, n-decyl, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, and stearyl, even more preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of n-decyl, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, and stearyl, and even more preferably a lauryl group.
Furthermore, ^R1 may be an alkyl group derived from a plurality of fatty acids contained in natural products such as coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, beef tallow, lard, or fish oil, etc. In this case, the compound represented by the formula (1) is obtained as a mixture of a plurality of compounds having different alkyl groups.

In formula (1), p represents the average number of moles added and is a number of 0.25 or more and 20 or less. From the viewpoints of low-temperature stability, improving foaming and foam quality during hair washing, and availability, p is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 1 or more, and preferably 15 or less, more preferably 10 or less, and even more preferably 5 or less. The specific range of p in formula (1) is 0.25 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 15, more preferably 0.5 to 10, and even more preferably 1 to 5.
In formula (1), Y represents an alkali metal or ammonium. The alkali metal is preferably lithium, sodium, or potassium. The ammonium may be an alkyl ammonium or an alkanol ammonium.
From the viewpoints of low-temperature stability, improving foaming and foam quality during hair washing, and availability, Y is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, and ammonium, and more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium and ammonium.

Specific examples of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (A1) represented by formula (1) include sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, and the like, each of which has an average added mole number p of oxyethylene groups of 0.25 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 15, more preferably 0.5 to 10, and even more preferably 1 to 5.
A specific example of sodium laureth sulfate is "EMAL 227" manufactured by Kao Corporation, and a specific example of ammonium laureth sulfate is "EMAL 125A" manufactured by Kao Corporation.
The component (A1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

(Component (A2): Anionic surfactant other than component (A1))
The hair wash composition may further contain an anionic surfactant (A2) other than the component (A1).
Examples of the anionic surfactant (A2) other than the component (A1) include alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkylsulfonates, saturated or unsaturated fatty acid salts, alkyl or alkenyl ether carboxylates, α-sulfofatty acid salts, N-acylamino acid salts, phosphoric acid mono- or diester salts, and sulfosuccinic acid ester salts. One or more of these can be used.
The hydrocarbon group such as an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, or the constituent fatty acid of the anionic surfactant preferably has 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms.
Examples of the counter ion of the anionic group of the anionic surfactant include alkali metal ions such as sodium ion and potassium ion; alkaline earth metal ions such as calcium ion and magnesium ion; ammonium ion; and alkanol ammonium having 1 to 3 alkanol groups having 2 or 3 carbon atoms (for example, monoethanol ammonium, diethanol ammonium, triethanol ammonium, triisopropanol ammonium, etc.).

The component (A2) can be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Among the above, as the anionic surfactant (A2) other than component (A1), from the viewpoints of improving low-temperature stability, foam quality during hair washing, and smoothness during hair rinsing, one or more types selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether carboxylates are preferred, and alkyl ether carboxylates are more preferred.
Examples of the alkyl sulfate include sodium lauryl sulfate, etc. Examples of the alkyl ether carboxylate include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether acetates such as sodium laureth acetate.
Specific examples of sodium lauryl sulfate include "EMAL 10PT" manufactured by Kao Corporation, and specific examples of sodium laureth acetate include "KAO AKIPO RLM-45NV" and "KAO AKIPO RLM-100NV" manufactured by Kao Corporation.

<Component (B): Nonionic Surfactant>
The hair wash composition contains a nonionic surfactant as component (B). By using component (B), the hair wash composition of the present invention can improve the cleansing properties and can also provide quick lathering, fine foam, and smoothness during rinsing of hair.

Nonionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, alkyl glucosides, alkyl alkanolamides, alkyl glyceryl ethers, higher fatty acid sucrose esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and alkyl saccharides.

Among the above, from the viewpoint of imparting quick lathering and smoothness during rinsing of hair, component (B) is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, alkyl glucosides, alkyl alkanolamides, and alkyl glyceryl ethers, more preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, alkyl glucosides, alkyl alkanolamides, and alkyl glyceryl ethers, even more preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers and alkyl glyceryl ethers, and still more preferably polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, or a combination of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers and alkyl glyceryl ethers.
The alkyl group in the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, alkyl glucoside, alkyl alkanolamide, alkyl glyceryl ether, and alkyl saccharide, the alkenyl group in the polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ether, and the fatty acid in the polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, higher fatty acid sucrose ester, and polyglycerin fatty acid ester preferably has 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms.

The polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether may be a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether or a polyoxypropylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group preferably having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and even more preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The average number of moles of oxyethylene groups and oxypropylene groups added is preferably from 1 to 30, more preferably from 3 to 20, and even more preferably from 5 to 18, from the viewpoint of imparting smoothness during rinsing of hair.
Specific examples of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers include "EMULGEN 103" (laureth-3: PEG-3 lauryl ether), "EMULGEN 108" (laureth-6: polyoxyethylene (6) lauryl ether), "EMULGEN 116" (laureth-16: polyoxyethylene (16) lauryl ether), "EMULGEN 306" (steareth-6: polyoxyethylene (6) stearyl ether), and "Kao Sofucare GP-1" (polyoxypropylene (3) caprylyl ether), all manufactured by Kao Corporation.

The alkyl glucoside preferably has an alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof include "Mydol 10" (decyl glucoside) and "AG-124" (lauryl glucoside), both manufactured by Kao Corporation.
The alkyl alkanolamide is preferably a fatty acid ethanolamide or fatty acid diethanolamide having an acyl group having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and even more preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof include "Aminone PK-02S" (palm kernel oil fatty acid diethanolamide), "Aminone L-02" (lauric acid diethanolamide), and "Aminone C-11S" (coconut oil fatty acid N-methylethanolamide), all manufactured by Kao Corporation.
The alkyl glyceryl ether is preferably an alkyl glyceryl ether having an alkyl group having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and even more preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof include "Penetol GE-EH" (ethylhexyl glyceryl ether) and "Penetol GE-ID" (isodecyl glyceryl ether), both manufactured by Kao Corporation.

The component (B) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Among the above, from the viewpoint of imparting smoothness during rinsing, component (B) is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers or polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group preferably having 8 or more and 22 or less carbon atoms, more preferably having 8 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and even more preferably having 8 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms, and having an average added mole number of oxyethylene groups and oxypropylene groups of preferably 1 or more and 30 or less, more preferably 3 or more and 20 or less, and even more preferably 5 or more and 18 or less, and alkyl glyceryl ethers having an alkyl group preferably having 8 or more and 22 or less carbon atoms, more preferably having 8 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and even more preferably having 8 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms.

<Component (C): Amphoteric Surfactant>
The hair wash composition contains an amphoteric surfactant as component (C). By using component (C), the hair wash composition of the present invention can improve the cleansing performance, low-temperature stability, foam texture when discharged, and foam volume and foam smoothness during hair washing.
Examples of amphoteric surfactants include betaine type surfactants, amine oxide type surfactants, amino acid type surfactants, etc. Among these, betaine type surfactants are preferred from the viewpoints of low temperature stability and improving foaming and foam quality during hair washing.

Examples of betaine type surfactants include carboxybetaine types such as alkyldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine and fatty acid amidopropyl betaine; sulfobetaine types such as alkylsulfobetaine and alkylhydroxysulfobetaine; imidazoline betaine types; and phosphobetaine types.

The alkyl dimethylamino acetic acid betaine preferably has an alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Specific examples include lauryl dimethylamino acetic acid betaine and stearyl dimethylamino acetic acid betaine.
The fatty acid amidopropyl betaine preferably includes those having an acyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms. Specific examples include lauric acid amidopropyl betaine [lauramidopropyl betaine], palm kernel oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine [cocamidopropyl betaine], etc.

The alkyl sulfobetaine preferably includes an alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Specific examples of alkyl sulfobetaine include lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, myristyl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, myristyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, coconut oil fatty acid dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, etc.

The alkyl hydroxy sulfobetaine preferably has an alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and at least one hydroxy group. Specific examples of alkyl hydroxy sulfobetaine include lauryl dimethyl sulfo(hydroxyethyl) betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfo(hydroxypropyl) betaine [lauryl hydroxysultaine], myristyl dimethyl sulfo(hydroxyethyl) betaine, myristyl dimethyl sulfo(hydroxypropyl) betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfo(hydroxypropyl) betaine, bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl) sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl) sulfopropyl betaine, etc.

Examples of the imidazoline betaine type amphoteric surfactant include N-acylaminoethyl-N-2-hydroxyethylaminocarboxylates, such as N-coconut oil fatty acid acyl-N'-carboxymethyl-N'-hydroxyethylethylenediamine (also known as sodium cocoamphoacetate or 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine), N-coconut oil fatty acid acyl-N'-carboxyethyl-N'-hydroxyethylethylenediamine (sodium cocoamphopropionate), and N-lauroyl-N'-carboxymethyl-N'-hydroxyethylethylenediamine sodium (sodium lauroamphoacetate).
Examples of the phosphobetaine type include lauryl hydroxyphosphobetaine.

The component (C) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Among the above, from the viewpoint of improving low-temperature stability, and foaming and foam quality during hair washing, component (C) is more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a carboxybetaine type and an imidazoline-based betaine type, even more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of an alkyldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, a fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, and a 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine, and even more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of lauric acid amidopropyl betaine and a 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine.

<Content>
The hair wash composition of the present invention has excellent storage stability in a low-temperature environment and the texture of the foam discharged from a foam-dispensing container, and also has good foaming and foam quality during hair washing and can impart smoothness during rinsing. From the viewpoint of providing a hair wash composition that can provide smoothness during rinsing, it is preferable that the content of each component is within the following range.

The content of component (A) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 5.0% by mass or more, more preferably 8.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 10.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 12.0% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of imparting cleansing properties. In addition, from the viewpoint of improving dischargeability and the texture of the foam when discharged, it is preferably 30.0% by mass or less, more preferably 25.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 20.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 18.0% by mass or less. The specific range of the content of component (A) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 5.0 to 30.0% by mass, more preferably 8.0 to 25.0% by mass, even more preferably 10.0 to 20.0% by mass, and even more preferably 12.0 to 18.0% by mass.

The content of component (A1) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 4.0% by mass or more, more preferably 5.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 8.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 10.0% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving the cleansing properties, low-temperature stability, and foaming and foam quality during hair washing. Also, from the viewpoint of improving the dischargeability and the texture of the foam during discharge, it is preferably 30.0% by mass or less, more preferably 25.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 20.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 18.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 17.0% by mass or less. The specific range of the content of component (A1) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 4.0 to 30.0% by mass, more preferably 5.0 to 25.0% by mass, even more preferably 8.0 to 20.0% by mass, even more preferably 8.0 to 18.0% by mass, and even more preferably 10.0 to 17.0% by mass.

The content of component (A1) in component (A) is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 85% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, and may be 100% by mass, from the viewpoint of improving cleansing properties, low-temperature stability, and foaming and foam quality during hair washing.

The content of component (B) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.15% by mass or more, from the viewpoints of providing quick foaming, fine foam, and smoothness during rinsing, and is preferably 10.0% by mass or less, more preferably 8.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3.0% by mass or less, from the viewpoints of improving low-temperature stability and smoothness during rinsing. The specific range of the content of component (B) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 0.01 to 10.0% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 8.0% by mass, even more preferably 0.10 to 5.0% by mass, and even more preferably 0.15 to 3.0% by mass.

The content of component (C) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.10% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving the texture of the foam when discharged, the speed of foaming, and the fineness of the foam, and is preferably 8.0% by mass or less, more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 3.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving the low-temperature stability. The specific range of the content of component (C) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 0.01 to 8.0% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 5.0% by mass, even more preferably 0.10 to 3.0% by mass, and even more preferably 0.10 to 2.0% by mass.

The total content of components (A), (B), and (C) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 10.0% by mass or more, more preferably 12.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 15.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 15.5% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving the cleansing property, foaming and foam quality during hair washing. Also, from the viewpoint of improving low-temperature stability and dischargeability, and from the viewpoint of improving smoothness during hair rinsing, it is preferably 35.0% by mass or less, more preferably 25.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20.0% by mass or less. The specific range of the total content of components (A), (B), and (C) in the hair cleansing composition is preferably 10.0 to 35.0% by mass, more preferably 12.0 to 25.0% by mass, even more preferably 15.0 to 20.0% by mass, and even more preferably 15.5 to 20.0% by mass.

The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) in the hair cleansing composition [(A)/(B)] is preferably 3.0 or more, more preferably 4.0 or more, even more preferably 5.0 or more, and even more preferably 7.0 or more, from the viewpoint of improving the cleansing ability and low-temperature stability. Also, from the viewpoint of improving the smoothness of hair during rinsing, it is preferably 200 or less, more preferably 150 or less, even more preferably 100 or less, and even more preferably 60 or less. The specific range of the mass ratio [(A)/(B)] is preferably 3.0 to 200, more preferably 4.0 to 150, even more preferably 5.0 to 100, and even more preferably 7.0 to 60.

The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) in the hair cleansing composition [(A)/(C)] is 14.0 or more, preferably 14.3 or more, and more preferably 15.0 or more, from the viewpoint of improving the cleansing ability and low-temperature stability. In addition, from the viewpoint of improving the texture of the foam when discharged and the foaming and foam quality when washing hair, it is preferably 300 or less, more preferably 250 or less, even more preferably 200 or less, and even more preferably 100 or less. The specific range of the mass ratio [(A)/(C)] is 14.0 or more, preferably 14.0 to 300, more preferably 14.0 to 250, even more preferably 14.0 to 200, even more preferably 14.3 to 100, and even more preferably 15.0 to 100.

The mass ratio of component (A) to the total amount of components (B) and (C) in the hair cleansing composition [(A)/{(B)+(C)}] is preferably 4.0 or more, more preferably 4.5 or more, and even more preferably 5.0 or more, from the viewpoints of improving low-temperature stability, foam texture during discharge, and cleansing properties. In addition, from the viewpoints of improving foaming and foam quality during hair washing and improving smoothness during hair rinsing, it is preferably 100 or less, more preferably 80 or less, and even more preferably 60 or less. The specific range of the mass ratio [(A)/{(B)+(C)}] is preferably 4.0 to 100, more preferably 4.5 to 80, and even more preferably 5.0 to 60.

<Aqueous medium>
The hair wash composition usually contains an aqueous medium. Examples of the aqueous medium include water and water-soluble organic solvents. Examples of the water-soluble organic solvent include lower alcohols such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, and low-molecular-weight diols and triols having 6 or less carbon atoms such as 1,3-butylene glycol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol. Among these, it is preferable that the aqueous medium contains water.
The content of the aqueous medium in the hair wash composition is preferably 60 to 90% by mass, more preferably 70 to 88% by mass, from the viewpoints of improving foam quality and foam dischargeability.

<Other ingredients>
The hair cleansing composition may contain other components as appropriate within the scope of the present invention, such as antioxidants, oils, polymers, antidandruff agents, vitamins, bactericides, anti-inflammatory agents, preservatives, chelating agents, moisturizers, ceramides, fragrances, ultraviolet absorbing agents, and pH adjusters, which are typically incorporated into hair cleansing compositions.

(Method for producing hair cleansing composition)
The method for producing the hair wash composition is not particularly limited. For example, the hair wash composition can be produced by blending components (A) to (C) and other components used as necessary in the manner described in the Examples, and mixing the blended components using a known stirring device or the like.

[Hair cleansing agent]
The hair cleanser composition of the present invention is preferably used as a hair cleanser filled in a foam-discharging container. From the viewpoint of the effectiveness of the effects of the present invention, the foam-discharging container is preferably a non-gas type foam-discharging container.
Any non-gas type foam discharge container can be used as long as the filled hair cleanser composition can be mixed with air in the discharge container and discharged as foam. Examples include a pump foamer container in which the cylinder of the air chamber and the cylinder of the hair cleanser composition are pressurized by pressing the pump head, and the air and the hair cleanser composition are mixed and discharged as foam, and a squeeze foamer container in which the container is deformed and discharged by pressing the body part of the container that can be deformed by pressure.
From the viewpoint of adjusting the foam quality, it is preferable that a porous membrane filter such as a mesh is provided in the discharge flow path of the foam-discharging container for the hair wash composition.
Specific examples of non-gas type foam dispenser containers include foamer containers manufactured by Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd. and Yamato Can Co., Ltd. In addition, foam dispenser containers described in JP-A-7-315463, JP-A-8-230961, JP-A-2005-193972, etc. can also be used.

The present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

Examples 1 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 (Preparation and Evaluation of Hair Cleansing Compositions)
A hair cleanser composition of each example was prepared according to the formulation shown in Tables 1 to 3, and the hair cleanser composition or the hair cleanser filled in a foam-dispensing container described below was evaluated by the methods described below. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.
The blending amount (mass %) of each component shown in the table is the amount of active ingredient.

<Low temperature stability (-5℃ appearance)>
About 100 mL of each hair wash composition was filled into a 110 mL glass bottle, sealed, and left to stand for 3 days in a constant temperature room at -5° C. The appearance was visually observed and evaluated according to the following three-level evaluation criteria.
[Evaluation Criteria]
A: Transparent.
B: Translucent.
C: Cloudy, or precipitation, separation or sedimentation is observed.

<Foam quality when dispensed at 5°C>
About 100 mL of each hair cleansing composition was filled into a foam-discharging container that discharges foam by pressing the pump head (pump former, manufactured by Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd., mesh size of porous membrane filter provided in foam-discharging flow path: #200, number of mesh sheets: 2, liquid discharge amount per push: about 1 g, air discharge amount (foam discharge amount) per push: about 13 cm ³ , container volume: about 300 mL), which was then sealed and allowed to stand in a constant temperature room at 5° C. for 24 hours or more. The container was then placed on a horizontal table, and the pump head was pressed vertically all the way down to discharge foam. The state of the foam equivalent to 4 pushes discharged by this operation was visually evaluated by one expert panelist according to the following three-level scale.
[Evaluation Criteria]
A: The foam has a uniform texture.
B: The foam texture is generally uniform.
C: The foam texture is not uniform.

<Foaming when washing hair>
A Japanese female hair bundle measuring 30 cm in length, 6 cm in width, and 25 g in weight was thoroughly rinsed with warm water at 40° C., and then 1.0 g of each hair cleanser composition was dispensed from the foam dispenser container and evenly applied to the hair, and the hair was gently rubbed together to create a lather for about 30 seconds. The quality of lathering was sensorily evaluated by one expert panelist on the following 5-point scale. A score of 3 or more was considered to be acceptable.
[Evaluation Criteria]
5: The amount of foam increases very quickly, and a very large amount of foam is obtained.
4: The amount of foam increases quickly and a large amount of foam is obtained.
3: The amount of foam increases at a moderate speed, providing a sufficient amount of foam for washing hair.
2: The rate at which the amount of foam increases is somewhat slow, and the amount of foam is also somewhat small.
1: The rate at which the amount of foam increases is slow, and the amount of foam is also small.

<Foam quality when washing hair>
A Japanese female hair bundle having a length of 30 cm, a width of 6 cm, and a weight of 25 g was thoroughly rinsed with warm water at 40° C., and then 1.0 g of the hair cleanser composition of each example was dispensed from the foam dispenser container and evenly applied to the hair, and the hair was gently rubbed together to create a lather for about 30 seconds. The lather quality was sensorily evaluated by one expert panelist on the following 5-point scale. A score of 3 or more was considered to be acceptable.
[Evaluation Criteria]
5: Very fine, smooth, and of very good quality foam that easily blends into hair.
4: Fine, smooth, good quality foam that easily blends into hair.
3: The foam is fine and smooth, and easily absorbed into the hair. It is of fairly good quality.
2: The foam is slightly coarse and not very smooth.
1: The foam is coarse and not smooth; it is not of good quality.

<Smoothness when rinsing hair>
A Japanese female hair bundle, 30 cm long, 6 cm wide, and weighing 25 g, was thoroughly rinsed with 40°C warm water, and then 1.0 g of each hair cleanser composition was dispensed from the foam dispenser container and evenly applied to the hair, and the hair was gently rubbed together to create a lather for about 30 seconds. Thereafter, while rinsing with 40°C warm water, one expert panelist sensorily evaluated the smoothness of the hair during rinsing according to the following 5-point scale. A score of 3 or more was considered to be acceptable.
[Evaluation Criteria]
5: Very little squeak and a very smooth feel.
4: There is little squeak and it feels smooth.
3: There is a slight creaking sensation, but the feel is smooth.
2: There is a rather strong creaking sound and the smoothness is not satisfactory.
1: There is a lot of creaking and it feels not smooth.

The components listed in the table are as follows.
<Anionic Surfactant (A)>
(A1-1) Ammonium laureth sulfate: polyoxyethylene (1) alkyl (C10-16) ether ammonium sulfate, "EMAL 125A" manufactured by Kao Corporation
(A1-2) Sodium laureth sulfate: polyoxyethylene (2) sodium lauryl ether sulfate, "EMAL 227-PH11W" manufactured by Kao Corporation
(A2-1) Sodium laureth-11 carboxylate: sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether acetate, Kao Corporation's "Kao Akipo RLM-100NV"
(A2-2) N-long-chain acyl amino acid: N-coconut oil fatty acid acyl-L-sodium glutamate, "Amisoft CS-11" manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
<Nonionic Surfactant (B)>
PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether: Polyoxypropylene (3) Caprylyl Ether, Kao Corporation "Kao Sofcare GP-1"
Ethylhexyl glyceryl ether: "PENETOL GE-EH" manufactured by Kao Corporation
Laureth-16: Polyoxyethylene (16) lauryl ether, "Emulgen 116" manufactured by Kao Corporation
Steareth-6: Polyoxyethylene (6) stearyl ether, "Emulgen 306" manufactured by Kao Corporation
<Amphoteric Surfactant (C)>
Lauramidopropyl betaine: "Amphitol 20AB" manufactured by Kao Corporation
Sodium cocoamphoacetate: "Amphitol 20Y-B" manufactured by Kao Corporation

From Tables 1 and 2, it can be seen that the hair cleansing composition of this Example is excellent in all of the following: low-temperature stability, foam quality when dispensed at 5°C, foaming and foam quality during hair washing, and smoothness during rinsing. In contrast, as shown in Table 3, the hair cleansing composition of Comparative Example 1 not containing component (A1), Comparative Example 2 not containing component (B), Comparative Example 3 not containing component (C), and Comparative Example 4 in which the mass ratio [(A)/(C)] is less than 14.0, were inferior in all of the following: low-temperature stability, foam quality when dispensed at 5°C, foaming and foam quality during hair washing, and smoothness during rinsing.

The present invention provides a hair cleanser composition that has excellent storage stability in a low-temperature environment, has excellent foam texture when discharged from a foam discharge container, and also has good foaming and foam quality when washing hair, and can impart smoothness when rinsing hair, as well as a hair cleanser using the hair cleanser composition.

Claims (5)

Component (A): An anionic surfactant containing polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (A1),
Component (B): one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers and alkyl glyceryl ethers ; and Component (C): one or more amphoteric surfactants selected from the group consisting of carboxybetaine types and imidazoline betaine types .
Contains
the mass ratio of the component (A) to the total amount of the components (B) and (C) in the hair wash composition, [(A)/{(B)+(C)}], is 5.0 or more and 60 or less;
the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(A)/(C)] is 14.0 or more and 250 or less ;
The content of component (A1) in component (A) is 80 mass% or more,
The hair cleansing composition is filled into a foam-dispensing container for use. The hair wash composition according to claim 1 , wherein the content of the component (A) in the hair wash composition is 5.0% by mass or more and 30.0% by mass or less. The hair wash composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of the component (B) in the hair wash composition is 0.01% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less. The hair wash composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the total content of component (A), component (B) and component (C) in the hair wash composition is 15.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less. A hair cleansing agent comprising the hair cleansing composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 filled in a foam-discharging container.