Enhanced Rinse-off Conditioner Compositions with Improved Microcapsule Deposition

Publication ID: 24-11857659_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Rinse-off Conditioner Compositions with Improved Microcapsule Deposition,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857659_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857659_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,659.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present invention relates to enhanced rinse-off conditioner compositions comprising microcapsules with improved deposition efficiency on substrates, providing better conditioning and moisturizing benefits.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed rinse-off conditioner compositions comprising microcapsules with an oil-based core and a polymeric shell coated with a cationic polymer. However, these compositions may suffer from limited deposition efficiency of microcapsules on substrates, leading to reduced conditioning and moisturizing benefits. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing novel microcapsule compositions and methods for improving deposition efficiency, thereby enhancing the overall performance of rinse-off conditioner compositions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced rinse-off conditioner compositions of the present invention comprise core-shell microcapsules with a hydrophobic core and a polymeric shell coated with a cationic polymer, specifically a copolymer of polyquaternium-7 and polyquaternium-11. These microcapsules are combined with up to 3 wt % by weight of a non-ionic surfactant, which improves deposition efficiency on substrates such as hair, skin, or fabric. Additionally, the compositions may include a moisturizing agent selected from the group consisting of glycerin, panthenol, and argania spinosa kernel oil, which enhances the conditioning and moisturizing benefits. A method for improving deposition efficiency of microcapsules on a substrate is also disclosed, comprising preparing a rinse-off conditioner composition according to the present invention and applying it to the substrate.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept introduces novel microcapsule compositions with improved deposition efficiency, achieved through the use of a specific cationic polymer copolymer and a non-ionic surfactant. This combination is not disclosed in the original patent and provides a non-obvious solution to the problem of limited deposition efficiency.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different types of cationic polymers or surfactants, varying the concentration of microcapsules and additives, or incorporating additional ingredients such as UV-absorbing agents or fragrances. The inventive concept may also be adapted for use in different rinse-off conditioning applications, such as skin or fabric care.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced rinse-off conditioner compositions of the present invention have significant commercial potential in the personal care industry, particularly in the hair care and skin care segments. The improved deposition efficiency and conditioning benefits of these compositions make them attractive for use in a wide range of products, from shampoos and conditioners to body washes and lotions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61K8/416
A A61 A61K8/11
A A61 A61K8/31
A A61 A61K8/342
A A61 A61K8/361
A A61 A61K8/737
A A61 A61K8/88
A A61 A61K8/898
A A61 A61K8/922
A A61 A61K8/927
A A61 A61Q5/02
A A61 A61Q5/12
A A61 A61Q19/007
A A61 A61K2800/33
A A61 A61K2800/412
A A61 A61K2800/5426
A A61 A61K2800/624

Field of Art

Cosmetic and personal care formulations, specifically rinse-off conditioning compositions with microcapsule technologies, involving polymer chemistry, surfactant science, and topical delivery systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A formulation chemist with expertise in cosmetic science, having advanced degrees in chemistry or chemical engineering, familiar with polymer modifications, surfactant interactions, and microcapsule encapsulation technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A person skilled in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core microcapsule conditioning technology. The disclosed modifications involve routine optimization of known parameters such as polymer composition, surfactant interactions, and additional functional ingredients. These variations would be considered straightforward adaptations within the established technological framework of the original patent.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Core-shell microcapsules with oil-based core and polymeric shell coated with cationic polymer
PTD Variation
Introducing specific copolymer of polyquaternium-7 and polyquaternium-11 as shell coating
Obviousness Reasoning
Selection of alternative cationic polymer copolymers represents a predictable design choice for modifying microcapsule surface properties, well within routine experimentation for a skilled formulation chemist
Source Patent Element
Rinse-off conditioner composition with quaternary ammonium salts
PTD Variation
Adding non-ionic surfactant up to 3 wt% to improve microcapsule deposition
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying surfactant composition to enhance deposition efficiency is a known technique in cosmetic formulation, representing an obvious optimization of existing technological approaches
Source Patent Element
Conditioning composition with microcapsule slurry
PTD Variation
Incorporating moisturizing agents like glycerin, panthenol, and argania spinosa kernel oil
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding well-known moisturizing ingredients to enhance conditioning performance represents a standard formulation strategy that would be obvious to a skilled formulation scientist
Source Patent Element
Rinse-off conditioner with polymeric microcapsule shell
PTD Variation
Including UV-absorbing agents like octinoxate and octocrylene
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating protective agents into cosmetic formulations is a common practice, representing a predictable enhancement that a skilled artisan would readily conceive
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857659 and the present published technical disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious. The disclosed microcapsule composition modifications represent routine optimization and combination of known techniques in cosmetic formulation, lacking any inventive step beyond the predictable application of established scientific principles.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,659
TitleRinse-off conditioner compositions comprising microcapsules
Assignee(s)FIRMENICH SA