Compositions for controlled release of actives

Abstract

Topical film forming compositions that are able to efficiently deliver active ingredients to keratinic surfaces in a timed release manner comprise a combination of acrylates copolymer and acrylates / VA copolymer, and a combination of propane-1,3 diol and glycerin. The sizes of the pores that develop in the dried film may be controlled or fine tuned.

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention is in the field of topical preparations for keratinic 5 surfaces. More specifically, the invention pertains to film forming compositions that are able to efficiently deliver active ingredients to the skin, in a controlled release manner. Background of the Invention In the following co-owned applications, US15 / 632903 (now US patent 10   11103439), US15 / 906372 (now US patent 10813874), US17 / 029147, US17 / 176527, US16 / 816995, US16 / 197858, US16 / 381806 (now US patent 10507175), US16 / 267441 (now US patent 10980717), US17 / 189768, and US16 / 827876 (now US patent 11129788), (all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety) the applicant has disclosed specific combinations of acrylates / VA copolymer and acrylates 15 copolymer in an aqueous base, and various useful properties of these combinations depending on the application and the presence of certain other ingredients. Upon application to a skin surface, these compositions, although water based, dry to a film that is clear, flexible and comfortable. In US16 / 267441 (now US patent 10,980,717), we disclosed reduced-ethanol 20 perfume compositions that comprise (by total weight of the composition) about 5060% of water, 3-30% of aromatic ingredients, 4.5-18.5% of acrylates / VA copolymer, 0.25-1.0% of acrylates copolymer, (wherein the weight ratio of acrylates / VA copolymer to acrylates copolymer is in the range of 10:1 to 30:1), one or more plasticizers, which may be up to 4.5% of glycol (butanediol, propanediol, pentylene 25 glycol) or up to 5% alcohol with the proviso that the weight ratio of acrylates / VA copolymer to total plasticizer is in the range of 1:1 to 10:1. It was noted that, in general, more plasticizer in the aqueous phase tends to increase the size of surface pores that develop in the film as the acrylates / VA copolymer - acrylates copolymer composition dries. Controlling this pore size is key to controlling the release of 30 fragrance as a function of time. Compared to the present invention, we note that diffusion of fragrance molecules into the air from aromatic ingredients located in the pores of a dried film is not the same as release of active ingredients from the pores of a dried film into skin, which is driven by osmotic pressure. 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 In US16 / 827876 (now US patent 11,129,788), we disclosed spray-on film forming compositions that comprise (by total weight of the composition) about 70-85% of water, 4.7-14% of acrylates / VA copolymer, 0.05-2.5% of acrylate copolymer, 1-5% of plasticizer (which may be any one of glycerin, propanediol, butylene glycol, or 5 combinations thereof). The weight ratio of acrylates / VA copolymer to acrylates copolymer was reported to be in the range 1.8:1 to 280:1, preferably 10:1 to 100:1, more preferably 10:1 to 30:1, and most preferably 20:1. It was reported that the plasticizer has an effect on the porosity of the dried film. It was also reported that when these compositions are applied to a substrate and allowed to dry, the dried film 10 will have an average porosity between 0.25pm to 3.0pm. It was further noted that the pore size makes the compositions disclosed therein, useful as a delivery vehicle for active ingredients. In particular, a pore size of 0.9pm to 2.5pm is particularly useful for controlled or sustained release of active ingredients. Examples of active ingredients that may be incorporated into the aqueous phase, or an oil phase, were 15 disclosed. None of the foregoing references discloses the following more robust delivery system for controlled release of actives. A reference herein to a patent document or any other matter identified as prior art, is not to be taken as an admission that the document or other matter was known 20 or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims. Summary of the Invention In some embodiments, the invention provides a robust delivery system for 25 controlled release of actives that is comfortable on the skin for extended periods of time, that resists contact transfer, but that is easily removed by rubbing under water. Topical compositions for controlled release of active ingredients comprise 20% to 60%, by weight, of a combination of acrylates copolymer and acrylates / VA copolymer, wherein the weight ratio of acrylates / VA copolymer to acrylates copolymer 30 ranges from 10:1 to 30:1, preferably 15:1 to 25:1, more preferably about 20:1. The compositions also comprise 5.5% - 10%, preferably 6%-7% of a combination of propane-1,3 diol and glycerin, wherein the weight ratio of propane-1,3 diol and glycerin ranges from about 1:1 to about 4:1, preferably from about 2:1 to about 3:1. 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 When these compositions are applied to a substrate, such as the a keratinic surface, and allowed to dry, the dried film will have an average porosity between about 0.1 pm to and 10pm. In a first aspect, there is provided a topical aqueous composition for controlled 5 release of active ingredients comprising: a film former that comprises acrylates / vinyl acetate copolymer and acrylates copolymer in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 30:1, wherein the weight of the acrylates / vinyl acetate copolymer and acrylates copolymer combined comprise 20%-60% of the weight of the total composition; 10          a porosity adjuster that comprises propane-1,3 diol and glycerin in a weight ratio of 1:1 to 4:1, wherein the weight of the propane-1,3 diol and glycerin combined comprise 5.5% to 10% by total weight of the composition; and one or more cosmetically acceptable active ingredients at a total concentration of 0.0001% to 10%, by weight of the composition, wherein the molecular weight of the 15 active ingredients range from 90 to 300 g / mol, and when the composition is applied to a substrate and allowed to dry, the active ingredient accumulates in pores that develop in the film, with an average pore size ranging from about 1.5 pm to about 3.0 pm, wherein the active ingredient is salicylic acid. In a second aspect, there is provided a method of making a delivery system for 20 controlled release of active ingredients, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a topical aqueous composition according to the first aspect above; b) applying the composition to a substrate; and c) allowing the composition to dry to a film, such that pores develop in the film, wherein the active ingredients accumulate in the pores that develop in the film. 25 Detailed Description Except in operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts or ratios of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use are to be 30 understood as modified by the word "about." All amounts are presented as percentages by weight of the final composition, unless otherwise specified. Throughout the present specification, "film former" or the like refers to a polymer that leaves a film on the substrate to which it is applied, for example, after a 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 solvent accompanying the film former has evaporated, absorbed into and / or dissipated on the substrate. “Comprise” means that a list of elements may not be limited to those explicitly recited. 5 Acrylates / VA Copolymer A first main ingredient of the invention is acrylates / VA copolymer (INCI name), C15H26O4, also known as ethenyl acetate; 2-ethylhexyl prop-2-enoate (IUPAC names); CAS number 25067-02-1. For detailed information, see PubChem 10 Compound Database; CID=168269. In cosmetics, this tacky material often functions as a binder, film former, adhesive and / or hair fixative. When deployed in aqueous cosmetic systems 15 acrylates / VA copolymer can impart a film on the skin or hair. The pure acrylates / VA copolymer film features a temperature dependence, such that a water rinse of about 38°C or more will degrade the film, and allow it to be removed from a surface, while retaining its integrity at temperatures at or below normal skin temperature (i.e. 36.5 -37.5°C). 20         Acrylates / VA copolymer is commercially available, for example, as Vinysol 2140L from Daido Chemical Corp. Vinysol 2140L is a 46.6% aqueous mixture of acrylates / VA copolymer. Vinysol 2140L is reported to have a pH of 4.5, a viscosity of 2,000 mPa-s, a calculated glass transition temperature (Tg) of -9°C, while the film exhibits a break elongation of 1,200%, and a break strength of 1.2MPa (when spread 25 to a thickness 0.1mm). By itself, the acrylates / VA copolymer is somewhat too rigid for consumer acceptance. Acrylates Copolymer To address the problem of high rigidity, the acrylates / VA copolymer was 30 combined with acrylates copolymer, C14H22O6, also known as ethyl prop-2-enoate; 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate or 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid (IUPAC names); CAS number 25133-97-5. This acrylates copolymer has a lower Tg than acrylates / VA copolymer. For detailed information, see PubChem Compound Database; CID=168299. In various types of cosmetic formulations, acrylates copolymer has a 5 wide variety of uses including as film formers, hair fixatives, binders, and suspending agents, viscosity enhancers, antistatic agents and adhesives. Acrylates copolymer is commercially available, for example, as Daitosol 5000AD from Daito Kasei Kogyo Co. Daitosol 5000AD is a 50% aqueous mixture of acrylates copolymer. Daitosol 5000AD is reported to have a pH of 5.5 - 7.5, a 10 viscosity of 50 - 100 mPa-s, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about -14°C. Topical aqueous compositions of the present invention comprise a film former that comprises acrylates / VA copolymer and acrylates copolymer in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 30:1, wherein the weight of the acrylates / VA copolymer and acrylates 15 copolymer combined comprise 20%-60% of the weight of the total composition. Preferably the weight ratio of acrylates / VA copolymer to acrylates copolymer is about 15:1 to 25:1, and more preferably about 20:1, such as 19:1 to 21:1. For example, one embodiment of a useful composition comprises 40% acrylates / VA copolymer and 2% acrylates copolymer. 20 Porosity Adjuster As so far described, compositions according to the present invention, are water-based, but dry to a porous film upon application to the skin. As the film dries, molecules of the active ingredient(s) accumulate in the pores of the dried film, which 25 prevents a significant amount of agglomeration of the active ingredient(s). This ensures that the size of particles of the active ingredient(s) remain small enough to penetrate the skin. Subsequently, under the action of osmotic pressure, these active molecules are released from the pores of the film, into the skin. In general, however, there is a need to further adjust the porosity so that the 30 incorporated molecules are not released too slowly or too rapidly. Released too slowly, and the active ingredient may not have a desired effect in the skin. Released too quickly, and the active ingredient is more likely to irritate the skin. We have discovered how to control the release of active materials from the film described 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 above by adjusting the porosity of the film, and doing it without destroying the many useful properties of the film, especially its breathability. By breathability, we mean the air permeability of the dried film. Typically, upon drying, compositions of the present invention have been observed to permit the passage of air even at ambient 5 pressures as low as 1 psi. Maintaining the breathability of the dried film is important for the comfort of the user. The porosity (or pore size) is controlled by including a porosity adjuster in the composition. The porosity adjuster comprises propane-1,3 diol and glycerin in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to 4:1, and wherein the weight of the propane-1,3 diol and 10 glycerin combined comprise about 5.5% to 10% of the weight of the total composition. Preferably the weight ratio of propane-1,3 diol to glycerin is about 1:1 to 3:1, more preferably 2:1 to 2.5:1. Preferably, the combined weight of propane-1,3 diol and glycerin ranges from about 5.5% to about 7%, more preferably about 6%, by total weight of the composition. For example, a total of 6% porosity adjuster from the 15 combination 4% propane-1,3 diol and 2% glycerin satisfies this requirement. As noted, we have observed that the sizes of the pores in the dried film may be controlled, or fine tuned, with a combination of propane-1,3 diol and glycerin, as defined above. In general, a greater (lesser) amount of porosity adjuster will result in films with larger (smaller) pores, on average. With the concentrations disclosed 20 above, it is possible to create films in which the average pore size ranges from about 0.1pm to and 10pm, and wherein the range of pore sizes about the average can be finely tuned. For example, it is possible to create polymeric films wherein 75%-90% of the pore sizes are within about 1pm, while the other 10%-25% of pore sizes will be above and below this range. For example, we have created polymeric films according 25 to the present invention wherein about 80% of the pore sizes range from 1.752.75pm, about 10% range from 1.00-1.75pm, and about 10% range from 2.753.75pm. The larger pores may release active ingredients more quickly than is ideal, but the amount of active ingredient released is relatively small and not likely to cause irritation. Because all or most of the active is captured in pores of similar size (within 30 about 1pm), the release of most of the active is controllable. If the distribution of pore sizes is too wide, then a controlled release that is suitable for the topical personal care market is less likely to be achieved. In compositions of the invention, it is 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 preferable if 75%-90% of the pore sizes within the dried polymeric film are within about 2pm, more preferably 1.5pm, most preferably 1.0pm. Active ingredients 5         Active ingredients may be incorporated into the aqueous phase or oil phase (if there is one). Non-limiting examples of hydrophilic (water soluble) actives include: algae extract, alpinia speciosa leaf extract, Alteromonas ferment extract, ascorbyl acid glucoside (AA2G), citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit extract, crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) flower extract, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed yeast protein, 10 Lactobacillus ferment, matricaria (chamomile) extract, lens esculenta (lentil) fruit extract, paeonia suffruticosa (peony) root extract, panthenol, pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract and saccharum officinarum extract. Non-limiting examples of hydrophobic (oil soluble) actives include Anthemis nobilis oil, bht (butylated hydroxytoluene), caffeine, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, salicylic acid, vitamin A, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and 15 tocopheryl acetate. Concentration of all active ingredients combined will typically vary between 0.0001% to about 10%, by weight of the composition. Water Compositions of the invention are aqueous, and typically comprise at least 20 about 25% of water by weight of the total composition. Preferably, the total amount of water is at least 50%. This amount of water is that from all sources, such as that in Vinysol 2140L and Daitosol 5000AD. 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 Optional Ingredients Compositions of the invention may also comprise preservatives as needed, typically up to about 2% by weight of the composition. Also, viscosity modifiers, and / or pH adjusters may be used as needed to create a consumer acceptable 5 product, typically at levels of less than 1% by weight of the composition. At these levels, preservatives, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters do not seem to adversely affect the controlled release of actives from the dried polymeric film. Some preferred embodiments of the present invention are single phase aqueous compositions that have little to no oil or silicone. In other preferred 10 embodiments, however, the compositions are lightly emulsified oil-in-water emulsions. The emulsion embodiments are useful when the composition will be used to deliver at least one oil soluble active (such as vitamin E acetate) to a keratinic surface. The emulsion embodiments may comprise one or more surfactants or emulsifiers having an HLB between 8 and 12, and comprise no more than 2% of the total composition, 15 typically between 0.01% to 2% of the total composition. Agents that significantly interfere with the structure of the dried film may negatively affect the controlled release of actives from the dried polymeric film. Therefore, it is preferred if compositions of the invention comprise a total of no more than 0.5% of structuring agents, for example 0.0001% to 0.5% of structuring agents, 20 such as Carbopol®, wax, clay (such as bentonite) or stearic acid. More preferably, compositions of the invention comprise a total of no more than 0.001% of structuring agents. Most preferably, compositions of the invention comprise no structuring agents. A useful exception to this rule is sodium stearate. Unlike many structuring agents, sodium stearate is partly hydrophilic, which makes it suitable for an aqueous 25 system. Although sodium stearate is partly hydrophobic, its use has not appeared to compromise the objectives of the present invention. This makes it especially useful in embodiments of the present invention when a structuring agent may be needed. Sodium stearate may be used as a structuring agent from 0.0001% to 4% by weight of the total composition. More than that amount will begin to disrupt the acrylic bond 30 strength which may negatively affect the controlled release of actives from the dried polymeric film. We note that polyurethane tends to make compositions of the invention very rigid, as well as negatively affect the controlled release of actives from the dried 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 polymeric film. Therefore, film forming compositions of the invention comprise no more than 0.5%, for example 0.0001% to 0.5%, of polyurethane. More preferably, compositions of the invention comprise no polyurethane. 5 Active Delivery When a composition according to the present invention is applied to a substrate and allowed to dry, the dried film comprises pores in which molecules of the active ingredient accumulate. Thereafter, osmotic pressure drives active molecules out of the pores of the film, and into the skin. 10          In practice, the porosity of the dried film will be chosen based on the molecular weight of the active material, and on desired rate of release. In general, the greater the molecular weight of an active ingredient, the greater the pore size needed to allow molecules of the active ingredient to accumulate in the pores of the film. The rate of release will be chosen based on the tendency of the active to irritate the skin verses 15 the intended benefit. A slower release rate (smaller porosity) may be required to avoid unacceptable levels of irritation, but too low a release rate may not provide a noticeable benefit. By routine trial and error, a film with a specific pore size profile and release rate can be obtained for each specific active. For example, in useful compositions according to the present invention 20 wherein the active ingredient was glycolic acid (hydrophilic; molecular weight of 76.05g / mole), average pore sizes were about 1.5pm. In other compositions according to the present invention, wherein the active ingredient was salicylic acid (hydrophobic; molecular weight of 138 g / mole), useful average pore sizes ranged from about 1.6pm to about 3.0pm. More generally, for molecular weights in the range 25 of about 30 to about 90 g / mole, useful average pore sizes may range from about 0.1pm to about 1.5pm. For molecular weights in the range of 90 - 300 g / mole, useful average pore sizes may range from about 1.5pm to about 3.0pm. When the pore size of the dried film is adjusted, based on the molecular weight of the active molecule, then topical compositions according to the present invention exhibit a controlled 30 release of the active ingredient so as to significantly reduce or eliminate inflammation or irritation of the skin. The following examples demonstrates the controlled release of salicylic acid from compositions according to the present invention that comprise 1% salicylic acid. 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 Table 1 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Control 1 Control 2 Blank Skin % % % % % Water 19.05 22.05 17.05 93.00 24.05 -- Xanthan gum 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.00 0.20 — Phenoxyethanol 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.00 0.60 — Propane-1,3 diol 4.00 2.00 5.00 0.00 5.00 -- Vinysol 2140L 60.00 60.00 60.00 0.00 60.00 — Daitosol 5000AD 3.00 3.00 3.00 0.00 3.00 — Alcohol 3.00 3.00 3.00 0.00 3.00 -- Hyaluronic Acid 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 1.00 — Glycerin 2.00 1.00 3.00 0.00 3.00 — Ucon™ Fluid 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 0.00 -- Salicylic Acid 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 — Polyquaternium-6 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.00 0.15 — pH 4.20 4.11 4.09 2.73 4.43 Vinysol 2140L - 46.6% aqueous mixture of acrylates / VA copolymer. Daitosol 5000AD - 50% aqueous mixture of acrylates copolymer. UCON™ Fluid - 99.95% PPG-14 butyl ether / 0.05% BHT (acts as a solubilizer for 5 salicylic acid). Table 2 - Pore size Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Average 2.24 1.61 2.89 Median 2.09 1.57 2.95 Std Deviation 0.50 0.31 0.56 Table 3 - Migration of Salicylic Acid out of film per hour (measured by fluorescence, arbitrary units) Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Control 1 Control 2 Blank Skin 1st hour post application 1.15 2.06 3.16 2.07 0.07 0.04 2nd hour post application 2.97 2.86 3.73 2.59 0.10 0.06 6th hour post application 4.57 4.23 4.79 3.86 0.08 0.05 24th hour post application 2.43 2.17 1.41 0.85 0.07 0.05 2023282920   17 Jun 2026 Control 2 and Blank Skin provide a baseline for the fluorescence measurements. As Table 3 shows, there was little migration of salicylic acid from Control 2. Control 2, without the porosity adjuster (i.e. the combination of propane-1,3 diol and glycerin) is an ineffective delivery system for the active ingredient. 5           In contrast, Control 1 exhibited significant migration of salicylic acid. However, Control 1 has a significantly lower pH and greater cationic charge than Examples 1, 2 and 3 and Control 2. In general, a lower pH and greater cationic charge increase penetration of actives into skin. However, the low pH is not suitable for topical skin products. Thus, examples 1, 2 and 3 according to the present invention provide 10 alternative means of significant active delivery. Furthermore, at 24 hours, there is comparatively little salicylic acid released from Control 1. This is because Control 1 is undergoing free release, in contrast to Examples 1, 2 and 3 which exhibit a controlled release, meaning a more gradual release over time. Based on the standard deviation of migration amounts reported in Table 3, Example 2 gave better results (more 15 controlled release) than Examples 1 and 3. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all modifications that are within the scope of this invention are intended to be covered in 20 the appended claims.

Claims

1. A topical aqueous composition for controlled release of active ingredients comprising:5      a film former that comprises acrylates / vinyl acetate copolymer and acrylatescopolymer in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 30:1, wherein the weight of the acrylates / vinyl acetate copolymer and acrylates copolymer combined comprise 20%-60% of the weight of the total composition;a porosity adjuster that comprises propane-1,3 diol and glycerin in a weight ratio of 10        1:1 to 4:1, wherein the weight of the propane-1,3 diol and glycerin combinedcomprise 5.5% to 10% by total weight of the composition; andone or more cosmetically acceptable active ingredients at a total concentration of 0.0001% to 10%, by weight of the composition, wherein the molecular weight of the active ingredients range from 90 to 300 g / mol, and when the composition is applied to15 a substrate and allowed to dry, the active ingredient accumulates in pores that develop in the film, with an average pore size ranging from about 1.5 pm to about 3.0 pm, wherein the active ingredient is salicylic acid.

2. The topical aqueous composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of 20 acrylates / vinyl acetate copolymer to acrylates copolymer ranges from 15:1 to 25:1.

3. The topical aqueous composition according to claims 1 or claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of propane-1,3 diol to glycerin ranges from 1:1 to 3:1.25   4. The topical aqueous composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein thepropane-1,3 diol and glycerin combined comprise 5.5% to 7% by total weight of the composition.

5. A method of making a delivery system for controlled release of active ingredients,30 the method comprising the steps of:a) providing a topical aqueous composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4;b) applying the composition to a substrate; and2023282920   17 Jun 2026c) allowing the composition to dry to a film, such that pores develop in the film, wherein the active ingredients accumulate in the pores that develop in the film.