Autoxidizable hair dye containing preparations

Abstract

An autoxidizable hair preparation capable of coloring hair when applied thereto and exposed to the atmosphere comprising N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine or an acid addition salt thereof and a triol selected from the group consisting of 1,2,4-benzenetriol and 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene. The preparation is applied at multiple spaced intervals of time until the desired color build-up is attained. Also prepares the composition by preforming a solution of the triol by storing the corresponding triacetate in acid solution for a period of time then adding the N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine.

Description

This invention relates to a process for gradually coloring hair over a relatively long period of time using, as the coloring agent, autoxidizable organic compounds. It also concerns certain compositions of matter that are useful for this purpose and to a method for preparing these compositions.

It is known in the prior art that human hair can be colored over a period of time through the use of certain lead salt compositions. However, these lead salt compositions (so-called "color restorers") have an inherent limitation in the shade quality that can be achieved with them. This is a weak yellow or yellow-orange coloration and is dependent on the formation of lead sulfide. Furthermore, lead salts are known to be highly toxic when ingested and therefore, do present some hazard in use.

It has now been found that a gradual coloration of the hair over a period of time, and particularly grey hair, may be effectively accomplished by means of repeated applications of a composition containing autoxidizable organic compounds in solution. These materials may also be incorporated in a composition which can also serve as a hair grooming agent so that the hair may simultaneously be colored and groomed during the application of these compositions.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a safe method for gradually coloring hair over a period of time.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a composition that is useful in carrying out the aforesaid process.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method for preparing said composition.

Other and more detailed objects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.

It has been found, in accordance with the present invention, that an autoxidizable hair coloring composition giving natural looking, drab and long-wearing hair color can be obtained by employing a composition comprising a mixture of N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine or an acid addition salt thereof (e.g. sulfate, chloride, etc.) and 1,2,4-benzenetriol. In place of the said benzenetriol, there may also be employed 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene. It has been further found that after the desired drab color is developed on hair through the use of these compositions, the hair maintains these desired drab shades for relatively long periods of time even on exposure to the air in a room.

Several references in the prior art have suggested the use of benzenetriols in hair coloring compositions. In this connection, attention is invited to U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,162,458; 3,214,472; 3,236,734; 2,733,186; 2,975,101; 710,134; 754,948; 754,949; 745,532; 824,519; 827,439. Other references of interest relating to the hydrolysis of 1,2,4-triacetoxybenzene are as follows: Ber. 31, (1898) p. 1247; Ber. 32 (1899) p. 282 and J.C.S. 1934 p. 1625. However, none of these references suggest the claimed compositions or processes.

To compare the relative merits of autoxidation dyeing properties of the present compositions on hair samples as to depth of shade and the lasting qualities of the colorings, the experiments described below were carried out. The results obtained with the present composition were compared with the results obtained from the autoxidation of the individual components of this composition (i.e. N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine sulfate or 1,2,4-benzenetriol) or compositions containing other oxidation intermediates. The following test conditions were employed in this study:

a. All the compositions employed were aqueous solutions containing 0.014M of each test compound, 0.03% sodium sulfite, and 1.5% triethanolamine; the pH of each composition was adjusted to 8 using sulfuric acid.

b. Gray hair swatches were inpregnated with each composition four times at room temperature (twice a day for 2 days), then shampooed, rinsed and air dried. Color readings were taken immediately and again after exposure of the swatches to the atmosphere for four months.

b. The color readings of L, a, b were obtained with Hunter Color/Difference Meter D25D2.

The results of these tests are summarized in the Table below. The color results are given visually as well as in Hunter units L, a, b where L is lightness (0 = black, 100 = white), +a is red, -a is green, +b is yellow and -b is blue.

The abbreviations in the Table have the following significance:

BHE = N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p- phenylenediamine sulfate PPD = p-phenylenediamine PTD = p-toluenediamine sulfate Benz T = 1,2,4 benzenetriol

TABLE I __________________________________________________________________________ Compounds I a b Visual Observation __________________________________________________________________________ BHE, original 29.1 +0.8 + 8.2 Light yellow brown BHE, after 4 months 28.8 +1.4 + 7.5 Slightly redder PPD, original 37.6 +0.5 +10.8 Very light yellow brown PPD, after 4 months 28.3 +1.9 + 6.8 Redder and much darker PTD, original 37.0 +1.7 +10.6 Very light orange brown PTD, after 4 months 29.8 + 4.0 + 9.0 Much redder and darker Benz T, original 28.4 +2.2 + 7.2 Light red brown Benz T, after 4 months 29.3 +2.6 + 7.0 Unchanged BHE + Benz T, original 19.8 -0.2 + 2.7 Dark drab brown BHE + Benz T, after 4 mos. 20.6 -0.3 + 2.8 Unchanged PPD + Benz T, original 17.2 +0.5 + 3.5 Dark brown PPD + Benz T, after 4 mos. 17.4 +1.4 + 3.2 Slightly redder PTD + Benz T, original 17.7 +0.7 + 3.7 Dark brown PTD + Benz T, after 4 mos. 17.9 +1.3 + 3.5 Slightly redder __________________________________________________________________________

As can be seen from Table I, the color produced with the combination of BHE and Benz T is drabber than the other combinations and remains drabber after exposure to the atmosphere for 4 months. It is therefore eminently suitable for use by men. BHE by itself is drabber than PPD or PTD initially and is much more stable after exposure to room air. Apparently, PPD and PTD continue to slowly oxidize after the swatch is shampooed which means that a person using either as an autoxidizable hair color would not know what the final color of his hair would be.

Because of the tendency of the triols to rapidly oxidize, in accordance with the present invention, they are preferably prepared just prior to use in preparing the present composition by storing the triacetate at room temperature to 50.degree.C for 12 to 24 hours with ethanol and dilute sulfuric acid. Each triol is formed by transesterification as follows: ##EQU1## The reaction mixture is then added in its entirety without separation to the rest of the formulation, where the pH is adjusted with a suitable alkali.

The composition of the present invention is most conveniently applied in the form of a hair grooming composition which will simultaneously groom and color the hair. The autoxidizable compounds are usually contained in solution in the composition. In a typical application, enough composition is applied to thoroughly wet hair (approximately 15 g. on the average), followed by simple combing into the desired style. No shampooing or rinsing is required after application as is the case for the usual hair coloring product. The extent of the hair coloring is determined by the concentration of the autoxidizable organic compounds and the number of applications, the latter determined at the discretion of the user.

The quantity of N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine sulfate and triol that may be employed may vary somewhat. In general, however, the former (i.e. BHE) will comprise between about 0.05% to 1.0% by weight and preferably between about 0.1% to 0.5% of the composition, while the latter (i.e. the triol) will comprise between 0.02% and 1.0% by weight and preferably between about 0.05% to 0.2%.

In addition to the reactive autoxidizable ingredients, the present composition will preferably contain a hair grooming agent. Some typical materials that may serve this purpose are the quaternized vinyl-pyrrolidone copolymers, carboxyvinyl polymers, etc. Plasticizers, conditioners and slip agents may also be chosen from a variety of compounds such as polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, silicone copolymer, etc.

The above ingredients are chosen to make a liquid or gel type of composition. For repeated use, an aerosol foam is particularly suitable since the ingredients are protected against degradation by air. Common Freons such as 12, 114 or 152A are suitable as well as hydrocarbon propellants.

The pH of the composition is ordinarily adjusted to the range 4 to 11 and preferably 6 to 8 with an alkalizing agent, e.g. ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, etc.

An antioxidant is useful to prevent premature oxidation of the intermediates during shelf storage. This may be chosen from such things as sodium sulfite, ascorbic acid, sodium hydrosulfite, etc. The level of antioxidant can vary between 0.03 to 1% to be determined by storage stability needs. The quantity and type of antioxidant also determine the rate of the hair coloring reaction.

Water is ordinarily the major constituent of the composition and can vary over a wide range dependent in large measure on the quantity of other additives. Thus, the water content may vary between 50 to 95%.

An alcohol, glycol or derivative thereof is added as a solubilizing agent in the range of 0 to 30% depending on the rest of the composition.

The following Examples are given to further illustrate the present invention. The following terms used in these Examples or elsewhere have the meaning ascribed to them below.

Gafquat 755: quaternized vinylpyrrolidone copolymer; has a minimum of 19% solids in a water vehicle and have an average M.W. over 1,000,000.

Emulphor AM 650: polyoxyethylated (10) isostearyl alcohol (10 moles of ethyleneoxide).

Brij 35: polyoxyethylated (23) lauryl ether (23 moles of ethyleneoxide).

Silicone SF-1066: dimethyl polysiloxane/polyethyleneoxide/polypropyleneoxide copolymer vis. 1200 - 1500 centistokes at 25.degree.C.; s.g. at 20.degree.C. 1.04.

BHE: N, N, bis (2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine sulfate.

Propellant 152 a: 1, 1 difluoroethane.

Propellant 114: 1,2 -dichloro -1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane.

Propellant 12: dichlorodifluoromethane.

Carbopol 941: A water soluble polymer of acrylic acid crossed linked with about 1% of a polyallyl ether of sucrose having an average of 5.8 allyl groups for each sucrose molecule (M.W. of the order of 1,000,000).

UCON-LB-1715: Polypropylene glycol butyl ether - viscosity is 1715 Saybolt universal seconds at 100.degree.F.

UCON LB-3000: polypropylene glycol butyl ether - viscosity is 3000 Saybolt universal seconds at 100.degree.F.

EXAMPLE 1, AEROSOL FOAM

a. The triol is prepared by weighing 1.26 g. 1,2,4-benzenetriacetate, 30 g. ethyl alcohol (approx.), 0.4 g. conc. sulfuric acid into a container which should have little or no headspace remaining.

Cap the container and place in a 50.degree. C oven for 16 hours (approx.). A clear solution will result containing 0.63 g. triol, 1.323 g. ethyl acetate and excess alcohol. Set aside until step (h).

b. Mix at room temperature 140 g. water, 200 g. ethyl alcohol and 20 g. Gafguat 755 until uniform.

c. Mix at 50.degree. C 0.53 g. Emulphor AM 650, 0.40 g. Brij 35 and 0.13 g. perfume until a clear solution is obtained.

d. Add (b) to (c) and mix until uniform.

e. Add 0.67 g. stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and mix until lumps dissolve.

f. Add 0.53 g. Silicone SF 1066 to batch and mix until uniform.

g. Add 1.47 g. of BHE and 0.60 g. sodium sulfite and mix until uniform.

h. Add triol solution and mix until uniform.

i. Adjust pH with triethanolamine to 7.8 - 8.1 (4 to 5 g.).

j. Q.S. with water to 1,000 g.

A clear, colorless solution is obtained with the following composition:

BHE 0.147% 1,2,4-benzenetriol 0.063 ethyl acetate 0.132 sodium sulfite 0.060 triethanolamine 0.4 ethyl alcohol (95%) 23 Gafquat 755 2.000 Emulphor AM 650 0.053 perfume 0.013 stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride 0.067 Silicone SF-1066 0.053 Brij 35 0.04 water q.s. 100.0

To 94 g. of above composition, 6 g. of a propellant blend of 152A/114/12 (30/35/35) is added to obtain a quick breaking aerosol foam.

The composition after being applied twice a day for two days (total of four) to gray hair gives a natural-looking medium drab brown shade.

EXAMPLE 2, GEL

a. The triol is prepared by weighing 3.42 g. 1,2,4-benzenetriacetate, 50 g. ethyl alcohol (95%), 1 g. conc. sulfuric acid into a container which should have little or no headspace remaining. Cap the container and place in a 50.degree. oven for 18 hours (approx.). A clear solution will result containing 1.71 g. triol, 3.59 g. ethyl acetate and excess alcohol. Set aside until step (e).

b. Disperse 10 g. of Carbopol 941 in 750 g. cold water with vigorous agitation, continue agitation raising temperature to 40.degree.-50.degree. C, cool down to room temperature when smooth dispersion is obtained, continue stirring.

c. Add 4 g. BHE and 1.2 g. sodium sulfite.

d. Mix 0.13 g. perfume into 0.4 g. Brij 35 and add to main solution.

e. Add triol solution.

f. Add 43 g. triethanolamine, and adjust pH with triethanolamine and sulfuric acid to 7.9-8.1.

g. Q.S. with water to 1,000 g. to form a soft gel.

The composition after being applied twice a day for two days to gray hair gives a natural-looking drab brown shade.

EXAMPLE 3, LIQUID

a. The triol is prepared by weighing 2.8 g. 1,2,4-benzenetriacetate, 50 g. ethyl alcohol (95%), 1 g. conc. sulfuric acid into a container which should have little or no headspace remaining. Cap the container and place in a 50.degree. oven for 18 hours (approx.). A clear solution will result containing 1.4 g. triol, 2.94 g. ethyl acetate and excess alcohol. Set aside until step (e).

b. Mix together 100 g. UCON LB-1715, 100 g. UCON LB-3000, 500 g. ethyl alcohol, and 200 g. water to clear blend.

c. Add 1.47 g. BHE and 1.2 g. sodium sulfite.

d. Mix 0.13 g. perfume into 0.4 g. Brij 35 and add to main solution.

e. Add triol solution.

f. Add 1 g. triethanolamine, and adjust pH with triethanolamine and sulfuric acid to 7.9 - 8.1.

g. Q.S. with water to 1,000 g.

A clear near colorless solution is obtained with the following composition.

2,4,5 trihydroxytoluene 0.140%

N,n bis (2-hydroxyethyl)

p-phenylene diamine sulfate 0.147

sodium sulfite 0.120 triethanolamine 0.100 UCON LB-1715 10.00 UCON LB-3000 10.000 Brij 35 0.04 perfume 0.013 ethyl alcohol (95%) 50.00 ethyl acetate 0.294 D.I. Water to 100.00

In any of the above examples the perfume may be eliminated and replaced with an equal quantity of water.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An autoxidizable hair preparation capable of coloring hair when applied thereto and exposed to the atmosphere comprising an aqueous hair dye carrier and N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine or an acid addition salt thereof and a triol selected from the group consisting of 1,2,4-benzenetriol and 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene; said p-phenylenediamine and said triol being present in tinctorially effective amounts.

2. preparation according to claim 1 in the form of an aqueous solution.

3. The preparation according to claim 1 in the form of an aerosol composition also containing a propellant system.

4. The preparation according to claim 1 also including a hair grooming agent.

5. The preparation according to claim 4 wherein the grooming agent comprises about 0.1% to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

6. A method for gradually coloring hair which comprises applying to said hair at multiple spaced intervals of time the composition of claim 1 and permitting said composition applied to said hair to be exposed to the atmosphere after each application whereby a gradual build-up of color is developed in said hair.

7. The method according to claim 6 wherein the hair is neither shampooed nor rinsed directly after the hair coloring operation.

8. An autoxidizable hair preparation capable of coloring hair when applied thereto and exposed to the atmosphere comprising an aqueous hair dye carrier containing from about 0.05% to 1.0% by weight of N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine or an acid addition salt thereof and from about 0.02% to 1% by weight of a triol selected from the group consisting of 1,2,4-benzenetriol and 2,4,4-trihydroxytoluene.