P&G files patent for hair care product designed for hard water



P&G’s latest patent focuses on a common issue that many consumers face: the diminished performance of personal care products in hard water. Over 85% of U.S. homes are estimated to have hard water.

Tackling the effects of hard water on cleansing

Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, significantly impacts the performance of personal care products like shampoos and body washes. The dissolved minerals form metal ions that bind to surfactants, reducing their ability to foam and cleanse effectively.

As described in the patent, “using a personal care composition such as a shampoo, conditioner, or body wash in hard water tends to result in less lather production, as compared to soft water.” This leads to a less satisfying experience for consumers, especially since lather is commonly associated with cleaning efficacy.

P&G’s new formulation addresses this issue by incorporating acyl taurate surfactants and N-alkyl acyl taurate surfactants, which provide “improved lather in hard water” and allow the product to maintain performance, even in high mineral content environments. This is a breakthrough for consumers who live in areas with hard water, as it promises to deliver a superior experience without compromising on effectiveness.

Consumer preference for sulfate-free products

The patent also highlights the growing consumer demand for sulfate-free products, which are perceived as being milder and gentler on the hair and skin. However, these formulations often come with drawbacks.

As explained in the patent, “recent trends indicate a desire by consumers to replace their sulfated cleansing compositions with milder, sulfate-free versions,” but conventional sulfate-free products are often “perceived as less effective due to poor foaming and lathering properties compared to their sulfated counterparts.”



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