FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure provides a method for exposing hair tresses to air
pollution that closely mimicks the real life scenario and subsequently a method to
quantify particulate matter deposited on hair fibers. Also, there is provided an anti-
5 pollution formulation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] India is considered one of the most air polluted countries in the world.
According to a study conducted by Yale University, India is ranked 174 for air
10 quality among 178 countries. In another study conducted by center for science and
environment in India it was revealed that the air pollution in New Delhi was 60 times higher than the level considered safe and thereby catapulting New Delhi as the most polluted city in the world ahead of Beijing. The major air pollutant in metros in India comes from the transport sector with diesel vehicles being the main contributors.
15 [003] One of the waste products that are produced by engines during the combustion
of diesel is diesel particulate matter (DPM) that gets emitted into the air through the exhaust. These fine particulate matter then eventually gets deposited on hair making it dull and rough. Therefore, effective measures need to be developed in order to protect our hair from such toxic particulate matter.
20 [004] EP 1080714 A2 describes "two-in-one" detergent compositions comprised of
at least one water soluble silicone agent, at least one cationic conditioning agent, and a detergent. These compositions are suitable for use in shampoos, baths, and shower gels. Also described is a novel delivery system for depositing benefit agents into and onto the skin, nails, and/or hair comprised of at least one water soluble silicone and at
25 least one cationic conditioning agent.
[005] US 20110150799 A1 describes compositions and methods for the preparation of a composition comprising a block copolymer and ester-terminated polyester amide solubilized in a compatible solvent. The disclosed compositions are long-lasting,
2

transfer resistant, flexible, and water-proof capable of complexing the active
ingredient to provide such benefits. The disclosed compositions are useful for
formulating cosmetics, personal care products, cosmeceuticals, and the like.
[006] Although various studies have been carried out with respect to identification
5 of compositions and methods that possess properties of inhibiting deposition of
particulate matter on hair, there still remains a requirement of better and safer options.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
10 quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment
of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period in the range of 10 – 20 mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period in the range of 2 – 4 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate
15 matter.
[008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) at least one UV protector; (e) at least one preservative; (f) at least one conditioning agent; (g) at least one solvent; and (h) at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation inhibits
20 direct binding of particulate matter on hair.
[009] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin; (ii) glycerin; (iii) xanthum gum; (iv) at least one UV protector; (v) at least one preservative; (vi) at least one conditioning agent; (vii) at
25 least one solvent; and (viii) at least one denaturing agent; and (b) contacting said
formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects against direct binding of particulate matter on hair.
3

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter
will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended
claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified
form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of
5 the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0011] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are
included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be
10 better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed
description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0012] Figure 1 depicts the graphical representation of direct binding of particulate
matter on hair tresses treated with different treatments after water rinse, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
15 [0013] Figure 2 depicts the graphical representation of direct binding of particulate
matter on hair tresses treated with different treatments after SDS wash, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] Figure 3 depicts the ferrous ion chelating activity of Politus and placebo
formulation at different dilution in water, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
20 [0015] Figure 4 depicts the DPPH chelating activity of Politus and placebo
formulation at different dilution in water, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0016] Figure 5 depicts the film formation activity of Politus, when the formulation
was applied on hair fibers as observed under scanning electron microscope, in
25 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4

[0017] Figure 6 depicts the film formation activity when Politus was applied on 24 well plate and stained with crystal violet solution, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] Figure 7 depicts the graphical representation of the smoothness of the hair
5 fibers after treating with different treatments, using the “KES-SE” friction tester by
Kato Tech, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to
variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be
10 understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications.
The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features. Definitions
15 [0020] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain
terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and
20 completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0021] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0022] The terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed
25 as “consists of only”.
[0023] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood
5

to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0024] The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to”.
“Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.
5 [0025] The “term polluted traffic areas” is used to denote areas with high traffic
density, preferably between the times of 7.30- 10.00 am and 5.00-8.30 pm in a metropolitan city.
[0026] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
10 which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the preferred methods, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference. [0027] As the pollution is increasing day by day and the exposed parts of the body,
15 like hair are the most affected ones, hair damage and hair fall are common problems
faced by men and women today. Although research is going on in finding a solution for the different hair problems, one of the major problems is the deposition of particulate matters on hair. A solution for this problem is the need of the day. Present disclosure provides a solution to this problem, by proving a method for quantification
20 of direct binding of particulate matter on hair as well as by providing a formulation to
inhibit deposition of particulate matter on hair.
[0028] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only. Functionally-equivalent products, compositions, and methods
25 are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period in the
6

range of 10 – 20 mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to
polluted traffic areas for a time period in the range of 2 – 4 hours; (d) washing off
particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate
matter.
5 [0030] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period in the range of 10 – 20 mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period in the range of 2 – 4 hours; (d) washing off
10 particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate
matter, wherein said hair product is selected from a group consisting of hair oils, hair serums, hair conditioners, and combinations thereof.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment
15 of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period of 10
mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period of 2 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate matter, wherein step (d) is carried out by incubating hair fibers with water for a time period in the range of 5 – 10 min at
20 room temperature and subsequently with a SDS solution for a time period of 18-24h
at room temperature.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period of 10
25 mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic
areas for a time period of 2 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate matter, wherein step (d) is carried out by incubating hair fibers with water for a time period in the range of 5 – 10 min at
7

room temperature and subsequently with a SDS solution for a time period of 18-24h at room temperature, wherein the SDS solution has a concentration in the range of 0.01- 0.5%
[0033] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
5 quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment
of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period of 10 mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period of 2 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate matter, wherein step (d) is carried
10 out by incubating hair fibers with water for a time period in the range of 5 – 10 min at
room temperature and subsequently with a SDS solution for a time period of 18-24h at room temperature, wherein the SDS solution has a concentration of 0.1%. [0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment
15 of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period of 10
mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period of 2 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate matter, wherein said hair product is selected from a group consisting of hair oils, hair serums, hair conditioners, and
20 combinations thereof, and step (d) is carried out by incubating hair fibers with water
for a time period in the range of 5 – 10 min at room temperature and subsequently with a SDS solution for a time period of 18-24h at room temperature.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment
25 of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period of 10
mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period of 2 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate matter, wherein said quantification
8

of step (d) is carried out by measuring the optical density of washed off particulate matter at a wavelength of 600nm.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment
5 of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period of 10
mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period of 2 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate matter, wherein said hair product is selected from a group consisting of hair oils, hair serums, hair conditioners, and
10 combinations thereof, wherein said quantification of step (d) is carried out by
measuring the optical density of washed off particulate matter at a wavelength of 600nm.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment
15 of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period of 10
mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period of 2 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate matter, wherein deposition of particulate matter on hair fibers is directly proportional to the amount of hair fibers.
20 [0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) treatment of hair fibers with hair product; (b) drying treated hair fibers for a time period of 10 mins; (c) exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted traffic areas for a time period of 2 hours; (d) washing off particulate matter attached to hair
25 fibers; and (e) quantifying washed off particulate matter, wherein said hair product is
selected from a group consisting of hair oils, hair serums, hair conditioners, and combinations thereof, and deposition of particulate matter on hair fibers is directly proportional to the amount of hair fibers.
9

[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation
comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) at least one UV
protector; (e) at least one preservative; (f) at least one conditioning agent; (g) at least
one solvent; and (h) at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation inhibits
5 the direct binding of particulate matter on hair.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glyceringlycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) at least one UV protector; (e) at least one preservative; (f) at least one conditioning agent; (g) at least one solvent; and (h) at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation
10 inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on hair, and the at least one UV protector
is benzophenone-4.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) at least one UV protector; (e) at least one preservative; (f) at least one conditioning agent; (g) at least
15 one solvent; and (h) at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation inhibits
direct binding of particulate matter on hair, and the at least one preservative is selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, and combinations thereof. [0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation
20 comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) at least one UV
protector; (e) at least one preservative; (f) at least one conditioning agent; (g) at least one solvent; and (h) at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on hair, and the at least one preservative is phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben,
25 isobutylparaben, and combinations thereof.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) at least one UV protector; (e) at least one preservative; (f) at least one conditioning agent; (g) at least
10

one solvent; and (h) at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on hair, and the at least one conditioning agent is PEG-12 dimethicone.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation
5 comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) at least one UV
protector; (e) at least one preservative; (f) at least one conditioning agent; (g) at least one solvent; and (h) at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation inhibits the direct binding of particulate matter on hair, and the at least one solvent is ethyl alcohol.
10 [0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation
comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) at least one UV protector; (e) at least one preservative; (f) at least one conditioning agent; (g) at least one solvent; and (h) at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on hair, and the at least one denaturing agent is
15 diethyl phthalate.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) benzophenone-4; (e) butyl paraben; (f) PEG – 12 dimethicone; (g) ethyl alcohol; and (h) diethyl phthalate, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on
20 hair.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin; (b) glycerin; (c) xanthan gum; (d) benzophenone-4; (e) phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, and combinations thereof; (f) PEG – 12 dimethicone; (g) ethyl
25 alcohol; and (h) diethyl phthalate, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of
particulate matter on hair.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said formulation of
11

0.04 – 0.1 %; (b) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation in the range
of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (c) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation in
the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (d) benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said
formulation in the range of 0.01 – 0.07 %; (e) butyl paraben having weight
5 percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.6 %; (f) PEG – 12 dimethicone
having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.2 – 0.8 %; (g) ethyl alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 15 – 20 %; and (h) diethyl phthalate having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.5 – 2 %, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on
10 hair.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.04 – 0.1 %; (b) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (c) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation in
15 the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (d) benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said
formulation in the range of 0.01 – 0.07 %; (e) phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, and combinations thereof having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.6 %; (f) PEG – 12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range
20 of 0.2 – 0.8 %; (g) ethyl alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation in
the range of 15 – 20 %; and (h) diethyl phthalate having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.5 – 2 %, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on hair. [0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation
25 comprising of: (a) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said formulation of
0.08 %; (b) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.22 %; (c) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.28 %; (d) benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.05 %; (e) a
12

butyl paraben having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.35 %; (f) PEG – 12
dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.5 %; (g) ethyl
alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation of 18.5 %; and (h) diethyl
phthalate having weight percentage in said formulation of 1 %, wherein said
5 formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on hair.
[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a formulation comprising of: (a) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.08 %; (b) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.22 %; (c) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.28 %; (d)
10 benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.05 %; (e)
phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, and combinations thereof having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.35 %; (f) PEG – 12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.5 %; (g) ethyl alcohol having weight percentage in the said
15 formulation of 18.5 %; and (h) diethyl phthalate having weight percentage in said
formulation of 1 %, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on hair.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein said composition is for topical application.
20 [0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition
as described herein, wherein said composition is in the form of an aerosolized spray. [0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein said composition is in the form of oil. [0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition
25 as described herein, wherein said composition is in the form of a gel.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein said composition is in the form of a cream.
13

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a
formulation comprising: : (i) soya lecithin; (ii) glycerin; (iii) xanthan gum; (iv) at
least one UV protector; (v) at least one preservative; (vi) at least one conditioning
5 agent; (vii) at least one solvent; and (viii) at least one denaturing agent; and (b)
contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects against direct binding of particulate matter on hair.
[0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a
10 formulation comprising: : (i) soya lecithin; (ii) glycerin; (iii) xanthan gum; (iv) at
least one UV protector; (v) at least one preservative; (vi) at least one conditioning agent; (vii) at least one solvent; and (viii) at least one denaturing agent; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects against direct binding of particulate matter on hair, wherein the at least one preservative is selected
15 from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben,
butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, and combinations thereof. [0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a formulation comprising:(i) soya lecithin; (ii) glycerin; (iii) xanthan gum; (iv)
20 benzophenone-4; (v) butyl paraben; (vi) PEG – 12 dimethicone; (vii) ethyl alcohol;
and (viii) diethyl phthalate; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects against direct binding of particulate matter on hair. [0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a
25 formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said
formulation of 0.04 – 0.1 %; (ii) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (iii) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (iv) benzophenone-4 having
14

weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.01 – 0.07 %; (v) butyl
paraben having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.6 %; (vi)
PEG – 12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range
of 0.2 – 0.8 %; (vii) ethyl alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation in
5 the range of 15 – 20 %; and (viii) diethyl phthalate having weight percentage in said
formulation in the range of 0.5 – 2 %; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects against direct binding of particulate matter on hair. [0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a
10 formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said
formulation of 0.04 – 0.1 %; (ii) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (iii) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (iv) benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.01 – 0.07 %; (v)
15 phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben,
isobutylparaben, and combinations thereof having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.6 %; (vi) PEG – 12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.2 – 0.8 %; (vii) ethyl alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 15 – 20 %; and (viii)
20 diethyl phthalate having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.5 – 2
%; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects against direct binding of particulate matter on hair.
[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a
25 formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said
formulation of 0.08 %; (ii) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.22 %; (iii) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.28 %; (iv) benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.05 %;
15

(v) butyl paraben having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.35 %; (vi) PEG –
12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.5 %; (vii) ethyl
alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation of 18.5 %; and (viii) diethyl
phthalate having weight percentage in said formulation of 1 %; and (b) contacting
5 said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects against direct binding of
particulate matter on hair.
[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a formulation comprising: : (i) soya lecithin; (ii) glycerin; (iii) xanthan gum; (iv) at
10 least one UV protector; (v) at least one preservative; (vi) at least one conditioning
agent; (vii) at least one solvent; and (viii) at least one denaturing agent; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation improves smoothness of hair. [0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
15 inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a
formulation comprising: : (i) soya lecithin; (ii) glycerin; (iii) xanthan gum; (iv) benzophenone-4; (v) butyl paraben; (vi) PEG – 12 dimethicone; (vii) ethyl alcohol; and (viii) diethyl phthalate; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation improves smoothness of hair.
20 [0065] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.04 – 0.1 %; (ii) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (iii) xanthan gum having weight percentage
25 in the said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (iv) benzophenone-4 having
weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.01 – 0.07 %; (v) butyl paraben having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.6 %; (vi) PEG – 12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range
16

of 0.2 – 0.8 %; (vii) ethyl alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation in
the range of 15 – 20 %; and (viii) diethyl phthalate having weight percentage in said
formulation in the range of 0.5 – 2 %; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair,
wherein said formulation improves smoothness of hair.
5 [0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of
inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.08 %; (ii) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.22 %; (iii) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.28
10 %; (iv) benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.05 %;
(v) butyl paraben having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.35 %; (vi) PEG – 12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.5 %; (vii) ethyl alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation of 18.5 %; and (viii) diethyl phthalate having weight percentage in said formulation of 1 %; and (b) contacting
15 said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation improves smoothness of hair.
[0067] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin; (ii) glycerin; (iii) xanthan gum; (iv) benzophenone-4; (v) butyl paraben; (vi) PEG – 12 dimethicone; (vii) ethyl alcohol;
20 and (viii) diethyl phthalate; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair, wherein
said formulation protects hair from damage by free radicals.
[0068] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said
25 formulation of 0.04 – 0.1 %; (ii) glycerin having weight percentage in said
formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (iii) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.5 %; (iv) benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range of 0.01 – 0.07 %; (v) butyl
17

paraben having weight percentage in said formulation in the range of 0.1 – 0.6 %; (vi)
PEG – 12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation in the range
of 0.2 – 0.8 %; (vii) ethyl alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation in
the range of 15 – 20 %; and (viii) diethyl phthalate having weight percentage in said
5 formulation in the range of 0.5 – 2 %; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair,
wherein said formulation protects hair from damage by free radicals.
[0069] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising: (a) obtaining a formulation comprising: (i) soya lecithin having weight percentage in the said
10 formulation of 0.08 %; (ii) glycerin having weight percentage in said formulation of
0.22 %; (iii) xanthan gum having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.28 %; (iv) benzophenone-4 having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.05 %; (v) butyl paraben having weight percentage in said formulation of 0.35 %; (vi) PEG – 12 dimethicone having weight percentage in the said formulation of 0.5 %; (vii) ethyl
15 alcohol having weight percentage in the said formulation of 18.5 %; and (viii) diethyl
phthalate having weight percentage in said formulation of 1 %; and (b) contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects hair from damage by free radicals. [0070] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with
20 reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible.
EXAMPLES
[0071] The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which is
intended to illustrate the working of the disclosure and not intended to take
25 restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless
defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
18

described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may vary. 5
Example 1
Study of particulate matter deposition
[0072] To study the deposition of particulate matter on hair, 4 hair tresses of similar
length and weight were prepared. Emphasis was taken that the hair originated from
10 the same individual to rule out discrepancies resulting from different individual hair
due to the hair’s physiochemical properties. To the three hair stresses, 300 µl of either hair oil, a leave on hair serum or Politus was applied, respectively, by hand and distributed equally along the length of the hair tress. The 4th hair tress was left as such without any treatment and was taken as the negative control.
15 [0073] Following the application of the various treatments, the hair tresses were
allowed to air dry for 10 minutes, and thereafter, all 4 hair tresses were tied to the rear view mirror of a bus. The bus travelled for about 2 hours in the peak traffic time in Bangalore. Afterwards the hair tresses were removed and taken for assessment of particulate matter (PM) deposition to the lab.
20 [0074] Initially photos of the hair tresses were taken and any gross differences
between the hair tresses were noted down based on the appearance. Thereafter, the hair tresses were placed in a 200 ml PET bottle containing 50 ml of distilled water and the lid was closed. The PET bottles were placed on an orbit shaker at 500 rpm for 5 minutes at room temperature (RT). Thereafter, the 50 ml of distilled water
25 containing impurities that were trapped on the hair tresses was transferred to a 50 ml
flacon tube. The 50 ml was then centrifuged at 14500 rpm for 5 minutes. Supernatant was discarded and the pellet was resuspended in 1 ml of distilled water and the OD was measured at 600 nm.
19

[0075] The hair tresses were then placed into a fresh 200 ml PET bottle and 50 ml of
0.1 % SDS was added into it. The hair tresses were incubated overnight on an orbital
shaker at 500 rpm. Next day, the 50 ml was transferred to a 50 ml falcon, centrifuged
at 14500 rpm for 5 minutes. Supernatant was discarded and the pellet was
5 resuspended in 1 ml of distilled water and the OD was measured at 600 nm.
[0076] Figure 1 shows the amount of particulate matter dissolved in distilled water when the hair tresses were washed with distilled water. A graphical representation of the particulate matter present in distilled water wash is shown in Figure 1, the absorbance was taken at 600 nm. As evident from Figure 1, the highest amount of
10 particulate matter was on the hair tresses treated with Politus formulation. Maximum
absorbance of 0.97 was observed with the sample treated with Politus, followed by the one treated with leave on serum. It was difficult to remove the particulate matter attached to the hair tresses treated with the hair oil. Hence, this particular formulation i.e. Politus is most efficient in removing particulate matter with a mere water rinse
15 and there is no need to use a detergent based formulation to was hair, after the use of
Politus.
[0077] Figure 2 depicts the graphical representation of absorbance measured at 600 nm where the hair tresses were further washed with sodium dodecyl sulfate. Here, it was observed that minimum amount of particulate matter (OD of 0.41) was present in
20 the Politus wash, followed by the hair oil and leave on serum respectively. This
shows that a single wash with water is sufficient to remove most of the particulate matter present on the hair tress treated with Politus formulation, leaving the hair well protected from the exposure of toxic particles. From these two data, it is evident that Politus is better than other options available in inhibiting particulate matter binding to
25 hair.
Example 2
Ferrous ion chelating assay
20

[0078] The ferrous ion chelating potential of the extract at different concentrations was investigated according to the method of Decker and Welch (1990) and Wang et al. (2009b) with minor modifications. In this, 2 mM ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) solution and 5mM ferrozine solution were prepared and diluted 20 times at the time of 5 experiment. 50μl of diluted FeSO4 and 50μl of the extract were mixed in a microplate and the reaction was initiated by the addition of 50μl of diluted ferrozine. The solutions were well mixed and allowed to stand at 25°C for 10 min. After incubation, the absorbance was measured at 562 nm. Water was used as positive control instead of sample. Distilled water was used as blank instead of ferrozine, which was used for 10 error correction. EDTA was used as reference standard. The percentage scavenging activity was determined as followed.
% scavenging activity= [1- (sample absorbance/control absorbance)] X 100
[0079] Figure 3 depicts the ferrous ion chelating activity of Politus and placebo
15 formulation at different dilution in water. For this experiment, EDTA was taken as a
positive control. For this assay, different dilutions of EDTA were used including 1
mM, 500 µM, 200 µM, 100 µM. The ferrous ion chelating activity of Politus and
placebo at different dilutions of 1:05, 1:10 and 1:20 was tested. The ferrous ion
chelating activity of Politus at different dilutions was almost comparable to that of
20 EDTA at a concentration of 200 µM. EDTA at a concentration of 200 µM showed a
ferrous ion chelating activity of 20.75 % and Politus at a dilution of 1:5 gave a
ferrous ion chelating activity of 28.39 % which was even more than EDTA at a
concentration of 200 µM. Even at a 1:10 dilution of Politus, its ferrous ion chelating
activity was 27.77 %, which was far more than EDTA at 200 µM concentration. At a
25 dilution of 1:20 the ferrous ion chelating activity of Politus was 17.21 % which was
still comparable with EDTA at a concentration of 200 µM. Ferrous ion chelating activity of Politus further helps in combating pollution, since it can chelate heavy metals such as iron.
[0080] Example 3
21

DPPH assay
[0081] DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) free radical method is an
anti-oxidant assay based on electron-transfer that produces a violet solution in
methanol. The free radicals are stable at room temperature and are reduced in the
5 presence of an antioxidant molecule, giving rise to a colorless ethanol solution. For
this assay, 10µl of the formulation was added to 190 µl of 100 µM DPPH solution and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature (RT) in the dark. Thereafter, the OD was measured at 517nm.
10 DPPH chelating activity (%) = (A0-A1)/A0 x 100
A1 = Absorbance of sample
A0 = Absorbance of –ve control
As positive control Trolox at 10 mM and Quercetin at 10 mg/ml were taken.
15
[0082] Progressive thinning of scalp hair results in a gradual decline in natural protection of the scalp from UVR (ultraviolet rays). Photochemical impairment of the hair includes degradation and loss of hair proteins as well as degradation of hair pigment. Ultra violet B (UVB) radiation is responsible for hair protein loss and ultra
20 violet (UVA) radiation is responsible for hair colour changes. Absorption of radiation
in photosensitive amino acids of the hair and their photochemical degradation produces free radicals. They have adverse impact on hair proteins, especially keratin. Melanin can partially immobilize free radicals and block their entrance in keratin matrix. Many studies suggest that UVR may also have negative effects on hair
25 growth. As evident from Figure 4 DPPH chelating activity of Politus is much better
than placebo, when 100 % Politus was applied on the hair follicles, it gave a two-fold higher chelation of DPPH radicals of 25.41 %, which shows that it can combat ultraviolet radiations. Even at a dilution of 1:1 DPPH chelating activity of Politus is over of 100 % placebo. Trolox and quercetin were used as positive controls for the
22

experiment. Thus, it can be inferred that Politus can protect hair from free radicals as a result of pollutants present in the environment and thereby keeps hair healthy.
23

Example 4
Film forming activity of Politus
[0083] In order to demonstrate the film formation activity of Politus, the formulation
was applied on hair fibers, dried and thereafter Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
5 images at a magnification of 15000 X were taken. To further substantiate the film
formation, Politus was coated on wells of a 24 well plate, and thereafter stained with crystal violet solution.
[0084] Figure 5 shows the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), under 15000X magnification. As compared with the negative control, when Politus was applied on
10 the hair fibres, a film or coating was formed on the hair fibres that distinctively
covered the cuticle structure. It can act as a coating composition to combat polluting agents present in environment. Thus, the present formulation when applied on hair follicles forms a film or coating that prevents particulate matter in the air from directly binding to hair.
15 [0085] Figure 6 further confirms the film forming activity of the Politus. When the
Politus formulation was applied on the wells of a 24 well plate, and subsequently stained with crystal violet,a purple film was visible to the naked eye.. This further confirms the film forming activity of the Politus formulation.
20 Example 5
Smoothness study
[0086] The smoothness of hair fibers was measured using the “KES-SE” friction tester by Kato Tech. MMD (fluctuation of average frictional coefficient) is correlated with the smoothness and roughness that we feel when rubbing objects. The bigger the
25 MMD value is, the rougher it is. The sensor unit’s design features a load and surface
treatment that mimics a fingertip, allowing for quantification similar to that of the human fingertip.
24

[0087] Figure 7 depicts the smoothness of hair fibers as measured by using the
“KES-SE” friction tester. As evident from the Figure 7, when Politus was applied to
hair fibers, it smoothens the hair. Thus, Politus apart from protecting hair against the
effect of pollutants, also helps in smoothening of hair.
5 [001] Advantages of the present disclosure: Overall, the present disclosure relates to
a method of quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair, as well as a formulation for preventing different pollutants from contacting and acting directly on hair fibers. The proposed method is accurate, scalable, and economical compared to conventional methods. In addition, there is provided a formulation which prevents
10 harmful pollutants present in air from depositing on hair, by forming a protective
layer on the hair which can be easily washed out using a water rinse, and does not require further detergent-based washes to completely clean out hair. This formulation was found to possess anti-oxidant and ferrous chelating activity which could further combat the detrimental effects of pollution on hair. This formulation also renders the
15 hair smoother as detected by a KES-SE friction tester. Further, the identification of
this method and the formulation for combating air pollutants acting on hair cannot be arrived at without undue experimentation, and is thus not obvious to a person skilled in the art.
20
25

I/We Claim:
1. A formulation comprising:
a. soya lecithin;
5 b. glycerin;
c. xanthan gum;
d. at least one UV protector;
e. at least one preservative;
f. at least one conditioning agent;
10 g. at least one solvent; and
h. at least one denaturing agent, wherein said formulation inhibits direct binding of particulate matter on hair.
2. The formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one UV protector
is benzophenone-4, the at least one preservative is phenoxyethanol, methylparaben,
15 ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, and combinations
thereof, the at least one conditioning agent is PEG-12 dimethicone, the at least one solvent is ethyl alcohol, and the at least one denaturing agent is diethyl phthalate.
3. The formulation as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein soya lecithin
weight percentage in said formulation is in the range of 0.04-0.1%, glycerin weight
20 percentage in said formulation is in the range of 0.1-0.5%, xanthan gum weight
percentage in said formulation is in the range of 0.1-0.5%, benzophenone-4 weight percentage in said formulation is in the range of 0.01-0.07%, the combination of phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben isobutylparaben, and combinations thereof weight percentage in said formulation is
25 in the range of 0.1- 0.6%, PEG-12 dimethicone weight percentage in said formulation
is in the range of 0.2-0.8%, ethyl alcohol weight percentage in said formulation is in the range of 15-20%, and diethyl phthalate weight percentage in said formulation is in the range of 0.5- 2%.
26

4. The formulation as claimed in claim 3, wherein soya lecithin weight
percentage in said formulation is 0.08%, glycerin weight percentage in said
formulation is 0.22%, xanthan gum weight percentage in said formulation is 0.28%,
benzophenone-4 weight percentage in said formulation is 0.05%, the combination of
5 phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben
isobutylparaben, and combinations thereof weight percentage in said formulation is
0.35%, PEG-12 dimethicone weight percentage in said formulation is 0.5%, ethyl
alcohol weight percentage in said formulation is 18.5%, and diethyl phthalate weight
percentage in said formulation is 1%.
10 5. The formulation as claimed in any of the claims 1-4, wherein said formulation
improves smoothness of hair.
6. The formulation as claimed in any of the claims 1-4, wherein said formulation
protects hair from damage by free radicals.
7. A method of quantification of direct binding of particulate matter on hair
15 comprising:
a. treating hair fibers with a hair product;
b. drying treated hair fibers for a time period in the range of 10- 20 mins;
c. exposing dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) to polluted
traffic areas for a time period in the range of 2-4 hours to obtain hair fibers with
20 attached particulate matter;
d. washing off particulate matter attached to hair fibers obtained in step (c);
and
e. quantifying washed off particulate matter.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said hair product is selected from
25 the group consisting of hair oils, hair serums, hair conditioners, and combinations
thereof.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein drying of treated hair fibers is for
10 mins.
27

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the dried treated hair fibers obtained from step (b) are exposed to polluted traffic areas for 2 hours.
11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein step (d) is carried out by incubating hair fibers obtained in step (c) with water for a time period in the range of
5 5-10 min at room temperature, and subsequently with a SDS solution having a
concentration in the range of 0.01- 0.5% and for a time period of 18-24h at room temperature.
12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein quantifying washed off particulate
matter is carried out by measuring the optical density of washed off particulate matter
10 at a wavelength of 600nm.
13. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein deposition of particulate matter on hair fibers is directly proportional to the amount of hair fibers.
14. A method of inhibiting direct binding of particulate matter on hair comprising:
15 a. obtaining a formulation as claimed in any of the claims 1-4; and
b. contacting said formulation with hair, wherein said formulation protects against direct binding of particulate matter on hair.