Composition for lightening or conditioning skin

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition in the form of a gel for lightening or conditioning the skin, comprising, in a hydrophilic phase: i) at least one white particle; ii) at least one acrylic polymer; iii) at least one 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) polymer; and iv) glycerol. The invention also relates to a cosmetic process for lightening or conditioning the skin, comprising applying to the skin a composition according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to cosmetic compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions for lightening or conditioning skin, especially human skin. Background Art

[0002] The color of human skin depends on various factors and in particular on the season of the year, race and sex; it is primarily determined by the nature and concentration of the melanin produced by melanocytes. Melanocytes are specialized cells that synthesize melanin by means of specific organelles, namely melanosomes. In addition, certain individuals experience at different times in their lives the appearance of dark and / or colored spots on the skin, and more particularly on the hands, which give the skin an uneven appearance.

[0003] For various reasons, in particular those relating to greater comfort in use (softness, emollience, etc.), the compositions currently used for caring for and / or making up keratin materials, in particular the skin, are generally in the form of emulsions of the oil-in-water (O / W) type composed of an aqueous dispersed continuous phase and an oily dispersed discontinuous phase, or of the water-in-oil (W / O) type composed of an oily dispersed continuous phase and an aqueous dispersed discontinuous phase.

[0004] O / W emulsions are the hottest ones in the cosmetic field because they contain an aqueous phase as the external phase, which gives them a fresher, less greasy and lighter feel than W / O emulsions when applied to the skin.

[0005] However, conventional oil-in-water emulsions are not entirely satisfactory due to their natural characteristics, especially in lightening or conditioning the skin.

[0006] Efforts have been made to introduce conditioning active agents into oil-in-water emulsions. However, it has been difficult to obtain stable compositions that deliver good lightening or conditioning on the skin.

[0007] Efforts have also been made to introduce toning pigments into oil-in-water emulsions. Unfortunately, such pigments often negatively impact the stability of the emulsion, thereby complicating the manufacture of the emulsion to some extent.

[0008] There is also a need for products for lightening or conditioning the skin that have the right viscosity so that there are no droplets falling from the consumer's hands and the product is not difficult to apply when applying it to the skin.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to formulate compositions for lightening or conditioning the skin which can provide a lightening or conditioning effect on the skin and which have a suitable viscosity and are stable. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for lightening or conditioning the skin which can provide a lightening or conditioning effect on the skin and which has a suitable viscosity and is stable.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic method for lightening or conditioning the skin.

[0012] Thus, according to one aspect, the present invention provides a composition in the form of a gel for lightening or conditioning the skin, the composition comprising in a hydrophilic phase:

[0013] i) at least one white particle;

[0014] ii) at least one acrylic polymer;

[0015] iii) at least one 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) polymer; and

[0016] iv) Glycerol.

[0017] Firstly, the compositions according to the invention have a lightening or conditioning effect on the skin, in particular human skin.

[0018] Secondly, at 25°C, as measured with a Rheomat 100 Plus viscometer equipped with a spindle M4, the composition according to the present invention has a viscosity of 4500 to 16000 mPa.s, so that there are no drops falling from the consumer's hands and it is not difficult to apply the composition when applying it to the skin.

[0019] Furthermore, the compositions according to the invention are stable over time.

[0020] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a cosmetic method for lightening or conditioning the skin, which method comprises applying to the skin a composition as defined above.

[0021] Other subjects and features, aspects and advantages of the invention will emerge even more clearly on reading the detailed description and examples which follow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention belongs. When the definition of a term in this specification conflicts with the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention belongs, the definition described herein shall apply.

[0024] In the following text and unless otherwise indicated, the limits of the numerical ranges are included in the range, particularly in the expressions "between ... and ..." and "... to ...".

[0025] In addition, the expression "at least one" used in this specification is equivalent to the expression "one or more".

[0026] Throughout this application, the term "comprising" should be interpreted as covering all specifically mentioned features as well as optional, additional, unspecified features. As used herein, the use of the term "comprising" also discloses embodiments in which features other than the specifically mentioned features are not present (i.e., "consisting of ...").

[0027] Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​expressing quantities of ingredients and the like used in the specification and claims are to be understood as modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values ​​and parameters set forth herein are approximations that can vary as required depending on the desired purpose.

[0028] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "keratin material" is intended to cover human skin. According to the present invention, most particularly contemplated is human skin, in particular the skin of the face, neck, back and hands.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages in the present invention are by weight.

[0030] According to a first aspect, the composition in gel form according to the invention comprises in a hydrophilic phase:

[0031] i) at least one white particle;

[0032] ii) at least one acrylic polymer;

[0033] iii) at least one 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) polymer; and

[0034] iv) Glycerol.

[0035] White granules

[0036] The cosmetic composition according to the invention comprises at least one white particle.

[0037] The term "white" is intended to refer to particles having a color of white and its derivatives (off-white, alabaster white, etc.) as opposed to the primary and derivative colors.

[0038] In some embodiments, the white particles used are inorganic particles.

[0039] In particular, white particles have a lightness value L* close to 100 in the CIELab76 system.

[0040] Preferably, the white particles are characterized by a particle size of 0.3 μm <D50<40μm。

[0041] The volume mean size (D50) is a parameter of the particle size distribution which refers to the maximum particle size below which 50% of the sample volume exists (see page 10 of "A Basic Guide To Particle Characterization", published by Malvern Instruments Limited in 2012).

[0042] The volume average size (D50) of particles can be measured by static light scattering using a commercial particle size analyzer, such as the MasterSizer 3000 machine from Malvern. Data are processed according to the Mie scattering theory. This theory is accurate for isotropic particles, which makes it possible to determine the "effective" particle size in the case of non-spherical particles. This theory is particularly described in Van de Hulst, HC's publication "Light Scattering by Small Particles", Chapters 9 and 10, Wiley, New York, 1957.

[0043] The white particles according to the invention have a continuous effect which is governed by the resolving power of the eye. Since said power is about 40 μm, particles having a volume average size (D50) of less than 40 μm, preferably less than 25 μm and even better less than or equal to 6 μm are considered. However, particles having a D50 greater than 0.3 μm and preferably 0.5 μm are taken so as not to have too great a loss of opacity, which would be extremely detrimental to the desired effect.

[0044] Therefore, the composition of the invention preferably comprises at least white particles having a volume size (D50) of less than 40 μm, preferably between 0.3 and 25 μm and better still between 0.3 and 6 μm, or even between 0.5 and 3 μm.

[0045] These particles can be made of one material, or can be a composite material. For example, these particles can be selected from boron nitride, silica, pearl, mica, synthetic mica, mica-based pearlescent pigment particles, composite particles comprising titanium dioxide and a substrate selected from alumina, silica, barium sulfate, glass, mica and synthetic mica, or a mixture thereof.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the particles are boron nitride particles.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the particles are composite particles comprising a titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide matrix.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the particles are composite particles comprising titanium dioxide and a mica substrate.

[0049] The white particles are advantageously boron nitride particles, which preferably have a volume average size of 0.3 to 6 μm.

[0050] Preferably, the white particles according to the invention have an average refractive index between 1.4 and 2.2. This is because, if the particles have a refractive index higher than 2.2, the opacity of the composition is too high, and if the index is lower than 1.4, the brightening effect is insufficient. The average refractive index is defined as the sum of the refractive indices weighted by the weight content in the particles.

[0051] As examples of composite particles, there can be mentioned, for example, mica (60%) platelets covered with TiO2 (40%), which have an average refractive index of 1.9 (0.6×1.5+0.4×2.5); titanium oxide (40%) contained in an alumina matrix (60%), which has an average refractive index of 1.96 (0.6x1.6+0.4x2.5).

[0052] The refractive index of some materials is listed in Table 1:

[0053] Table 1

[0054] Material Refractive Index Mica 1.4-1.7 Bismuth oxychloride 2.15 <![CDATA[Fe3O4]]> 2.4 <![CDATA[TiO2 (anatase)]]> 2.5 <![CDATA[TiO2 (rutile)]]> 2.7 Boron Nitride 1.74 Alumina (amorphous) 1.6

[0055] By way of example of particles, mention may be made of boron nitride particles, such as PUHP1030L from Saint Gobain Ceramics and UHP-1010 from Carborundum.

[0056] According to one particularly preferred embodiment, use will be made of boron nitride particles having a volume mean size D50 of less than 6 μm, for example those sold under the name PUHP1030L by Saint Gobain Ceramics having a volume mean size of 3 μm.

[0057] Advantageously, the white particles are present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 1% by weight, preferably from 0.15% to 0.8% by weight and more preferably from 0.2% to 0.7% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0058] Acrylic polymer

[0059] The composition of the present invention comprises at least one acrylic polymer.

[0060] The acrylic polymer is selected from acrylic acid homopolymers and copolymers containing one or more monomers selected from acrylic acid, substituted acrylic acid, and salts and esters of these acrylic acid and substituted acrylic acid.

[0061] The term "copolymer" is understood to mean both copolymers obtained from two types of monomers and copolymers obtained from more than two types of monomers, such as terpolymers obtained from three types of monomers.

[0062] Their chemical structure more particularly comprises at least one hydrophilic unit and at least one hydrophobic unit.The term "hydrophobic group" or "hydrophobic unit" is intended to mean a group having a saturated or unsaturated and linear or branched hydrocarbon chain comprising at least 8 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 30 carbon atoms.

[0063] Preferably, the acrylic polymer is selected from the following copolymers:

[0064] At least one monomer of the following formula (1):

[0065]

[0066] wherein R1 represents H or CH3 or C2H5, i.e., acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or ethacrylic acid monomer, and

[0067] At least one unsaturated carboxylic acid (C 10 -C 30 ) alkyl ester type monomers, which correspond to the monomers of the following formula (2):

[0068]

[0069] wherein R2 represents H or CH3 or C2H5 (i.e., acrylate, methacrylate or ethacrylate units), and preferably H (acrylate units) or CH3 (methacrylate units), and R3 represents C 10 -C 30 alkyl.

[0070] Unsaturated carboxylic acid C 10 -C 30 The alkyl esters are preferably selected from lauryl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate and the corresponding methacrylates, such as lauryl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, decyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate and dodecyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof.

[0071] Preferably, the acrylic acid polymer is cross-linked.

[0072] Among acrylic polymers of this type, use will more particularly be made of copolymers obtained by polymerization of:

[0073] (i) acrylic acid,

[0074] (ii) an ester of the above formula (2), wherein R2 represents H or CH3, and R3 represents an alkyl group having 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and

[0075] (iii) A crosslinking agent which is a well-known copolymerizable polyethylenically unsaturated monomer such as diallyl phthalate, allyl (meth)acrylate, divinylbenzene, (poly)ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and methylenebisacrylamide.

[0076] Use will more particularly be made of those comprising 95 to 60% by weight of acrylic acid (hydrophilic units), 4 to 40% by weight of acrylic acid C 10 -C 30 alkyl esters (hydrophobic units) and 0 to 6 wt% of a crosslinking polymerizable monomer, or those comprising: 98 to 96 wt% of acrylic acid (hydrophilic units), 1 to 4 wt% of acrylic acid C 10 -C 30 Alkyl ester (hydrophobic unit) and 0.1 wt% to 0.6 wt% of a crosslinking polymerizable monomer, such as those described above.

[0077] According to the invention, among the above polymers, acrylate / acrylic acid C 10 -C 30 Alkyl Esters Copolymer (INCI name: Acrylates / Acrylate C 10 -C 30 Alkyl ester crosslinked polymers). These copolymers can be used as 1342, 1382, Pemulen TR-1, and Pemulen TR-2 were commercially available from BF Goodrich.

[0078] Advantageously, the acrylic polymer is present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.2% to 2% by weight and more preferably from 0.3% to 1% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0079] AMPS Polymers

[0080] The composition of the present invention comprises at least one 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) polymer.

[0081] AMPS polymers may be crosslinked or non-crosslinked homopolymers or copolymers comprising at least acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomers, optionally in a partially or fully neutralized form with ammonia, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Representative AMPS polymers are known under the name AMPS Those commercially available from THE LUBRIZOL CORPORATION.

[0082] The AMPS polymer is preferably completely neutralized or nearly completely neutralized, ie, at least 90% neutralized.

[0083] When the polymer is crosslinked, the crosslinking agent may be chosen from polyolefin unsaturated compounds commonly used for the crosslinking of polymers obtained by free-radical polymerization.

[0084] Examples of crosslinkers that may be mentioned include divinylbenzene, diallyl ether, dipropylene glycol diallyl ether, polyethylene glycol diallyl ether, triethylene glycol divinyl ether, hydroquinone diallyl ether, ethylene glycol or tetraethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, methylenebisacrylamide, methylenebismethacrylamide, triallylamine, triallyl cyanurate, diallyl maleate, tetraallylethylenediamine, tetraallyloxyethane, trimethylolpropane diallyl ether, allyl (meth)acrylate, allyl ethers of alcohols of the sugar series or allyl ethers or vinyl ethers of other polyfunctional alcohols, and also allyl esters of phosphoric acid and / or vinylphosphonic acid derivatives, or mixtures of these compounds.

[0085] Preferably, the crosslinking agent is chosen from methylenebisacrylamide, allyl methacrylate and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA).The degree of crosslinking is generally between 0.01 and 10 mol % and more particularly between 0.2 and 2 mol % relative to the polymer.

[0086] The AMPS polymers according to the invention are water-soluble or water-dispersible. In this case, they are:

[0087] - "homopolymers" comprising only AMPS monomers and, if they are cross-linked, one or more cross-linking agents, such as those defined above;

[0088] - or copolymers obtained from AMPS and one or more hydrophilic or hydrophobic ethylenically unsaturated monomers and, if they are crosslinked, from one or more crosslinking agents, such as those defined above. When the copolymers contain hydrophobic ethylenically unsaturated monomers, these monomers may not contain fatty chains and are preferably present in small amounts.

[0089] For the purposes of the AMPS polymers according to the present invention, the term "aliphatic chain" refers to any hydrocarbon-based chain containing at least 7 carbon atoms.

[0090] The term "water-soluble or water-dispersible" means a polymer that, when introduced into an aqueous phase at 25°C to a mass concentration equal to 1%, makes it possible to obtain a macroscopically homogeneous and transparent solution, i.e. a solution having a maximum transmittance value of at least 60%, and preferably at least 70%, through a sample 1 cm thick, at a wavelength equal to 500 nm.

[0091] "Homopolymers" according to the invention are preferably crosslinked and neutralized.

[0092] The AMPS homopolymer according to the invention is preferably an optionally crosslinked and / or neutralized 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid homopolymer, such as is available from Clariant under the name Hostacerin Poly(2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) is sold under the CTFA name: ammonium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate.

[0093] The water-soluble or water-dispersible AMPS copolymer according to the present invention contains a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a hydrophobic monomer or a mixture thereof.

[0094] The water-soluble comonomers may be ionic or nonionic.

[0095] Among the ionic water-soluble comonomers, examples that may be mentioned include the following compounds and their salts:

[0096] - (meth)acrylic acid,

[0097] -styrenesulfonic acid,

[0098] - vinylsulfonic acid and (meth)allylsulfonic acid,

[0099] -vinylphosphonic acid,

[0100] -Maleic acid,

[0101] -itaconic acid,

[0102] -crotonic acid,

[0103] - A water-soluble vinyl monomer of the following formula (A):

[0104]

[0105] in:

[0106] -R1 is selected from H, -CH3, -C2H5 and -C3H7

[0107] -X1 is selected from alkyl ethers of the -OR2 type, wherein R2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon-based group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms and substituted by at least one sulfonic acid group (-SO3-) and / or sulfate group (-SO4-) and / or phosphoric acid group (-PO4H2-).

[0108] Among the nonionic water-soluble comonomers, examples that may be mentioned include:

[0109] - (meth)acrylamide,

[0110] - N-vinylacetamide and N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide,

[0111] - N-vinylformamide and N-methyl-N-vinylformamide,

[0112] - maleic anhydride,

[0113] -ethyleneamine,

[0114] - N-vinyllactams containing a cycloalkyl group having 4 to 9 carbon atoms, for example n-vinylpyrrolidone, N-butyrolactam and N-vinylcaprolactam,

[0115] - vinyl alcohol of formula CH2=CHOH,

[0116] - A water-soluble vinyl monomer of the following formula (B):

[0117]

[0118] in:

[0119] -R 15 Selected from H, -CH3, -C2H5 and -C3H7

[0120] -X2 is selected from -OR 16 Type of alkyl ether, where R 16 is a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon-based group containing 1 to 6 carbons, optionally substituted by a halogen atom (iodine, bromine, chlorine or fluorine); a hydroxyl group (—OH); an ether.

[0121] By way of example, mention is made of glycidyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate and (meth)acrylic esters of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyalkylene glycols.

[0122] Among the hydrophobic comonomers without fatty chains, examples that may be mentioned include:

[0123] - styrene and its derivatives, such as 4-butylstyrene, α-methylstyrene and vinyltoluene,

[0124] - vinyl acetate of formula CH2=CH-OCOCH3;

[0125] - vinyl ethers of the formula CH2=CHOR, in which R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon-based group containing 1 to 6 carbons;

[0126] - acrylonitrile,

[0127] -caprolactone,

[0128] - vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride,

[0129] - silicone derivatives which, after polymerization, give silicone polymers, for example methacryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane and silicone methacrylamide,

[0130] - A hydrophobic vinyl monomer of the following formula (C):

[0131]

[0132] in:

[0133] -R 23 Selected from H, -CH3, -C2H5 and -C3H7

[0134] -X3 is selected from:

[0135] -OR 24 Type of alkyl ether, where R 24 is a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon-based group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0136] For example, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, tert-butyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, and isobornyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate are mentioned.

[0137] The AMPS polymers of the invention preferably have a molar mass of 50 000 g / mol to 10 000 000 g / mol, preferably 80 000 g / mol to 8 000 000 g / mol and even more preferably 100 000 g / mol to 7 000 000 g / mol.

[0138] Examples of water-soluble or water-dispersible AMPS homopolymers according to the invention that may be mentioned include crosslinked or non-crosslinked polymers of sodium acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonate, such as the commercial product 800 (CTFA name: sodium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate); or ammonium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate. For example, cross-linked AMPS copolymers are HMS, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE / STEARETH-25 METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER; NON-CROSSLINKED AMPS COPOLYMER SNC, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / steareth-8 methacrylate copolymer.

[0139] Examples of water-soluble or water-dispersible AMPS copolymers according to the invention that may be mentioned include:

[0140] - acrylamide / sodium acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonate cross-linked copolymers, such as in the commercial product 305 (CTFA name: polyacrylamide / C 13 -C 14 Isoparaffin / laureth-7) or sold under the trade name SEPPIC Copolymer used in commercial products sold as 600 (CTFA name: acrylamide / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate / isohexadecane / polysorbate 80);

[0141] - copolymers of AMPS and vinylpyrrolidone or vinylformamide, for example sold by the company Clariant under the name AVC (CTFA name: ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP copolymer) is a copolymer used in commercial products sold but neutralized with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide;

[0142] - copolymers of AMPS and sodium acrylate, for example AMPS / sodium acrylate copolymers, for example those sold by the company SEPPIC under the name EG (CTFA name: acrylamide / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate / isohexadecane / polysorbate-80) is a copolymer used in commercial products sold;

[0143] - copolymers of AMPS and hydroxyethyl acrylate, for example AMPS / hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymers, for example those sold by the company SEPPIC under the name NS (CTFA name: Hydroxyethyl Acrylate / Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (and) Squalane (and) Polysorbate-60) is a copolymer used in commercial products sold as NS;

[0144] -Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate / Steareth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer.

[0145] More particularly, the preferred polymer is sodium acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonate homopolymer, such as in the commercial product and AMPS / hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymers, such as used in the commercial product sold under the name Simulgel NS, or ammonium acryloyldimethyl taurate / steareth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer.

[0146] Advantageously, the AMPS polymer is present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 1.5% by weight, preferably from 0.2% to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0.3% to 0.7% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0147] glycerin

[0148] According to a first aspect, the composition according to the invention comprises glycerol.

[0149] Advantageously, glycerol is present in an amount ranging from 25% to 80% by weight, preferably from 25% to 60% by weight and more preferably from 30% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0150] For the purposes of the present invention, preferably the weight ratio of AMPS polymer to glycerol is between 1:200 and 1:20, preferably between 1:150 and 1:40.

[0151] Other polyols

[0152] Preferably, the composition according to the invention further comprises at least one additional polyol other than glycerol.

[0153] Preferably, the composition according to the invention comprises, in addition to glycerol, a further polyol containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, for example at least one diol, such as propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene glycol and pentylene glycol.

[0154] In some embodiments, the composition according to the present invention comprises at least one additional polyol selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

[0155] In a very preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol.

[0156] Advantageously, if present, the additional polyol other than glycerol is present in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight, preferably from 15% to 45% by weight and more preferably from 18% to 35% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0157] In the presence of a further polyol in addition to glycerol, the composition according to the invention can deliver a fresh feeling to the skin.

[0158] For the purposes of the present invention, preferably the weight ratio of acrylic acid polymer to further polyol other than glycerol is between 1:200 and 1:20, preferably between 1:150 and 1:30.

[0159] Additional active ingredients

[0160] Besides the white particles, the composition according to the invention may comprise further active ingredients customary in the cosmetic field.

[0161] According to some embodiments, the composition of the present invention comprises at least one additional active ingredient having an effect on the skin, such as antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and Polygonum cuspidatum root extract, free radical scavengers such as ferulic acid, moisturizers, lipid regulators (liporegulator), anti-acne agents, antiseborrhoeic agents (antiseborrhoeic agents), anti-aging agents, softeners, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-inflammatory agents, refreshing agents, scarring agents, vascular protectors, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, exfoliants, antiperspirants, deodorants, skin conditioning agents, desensitizing agents, immunomodulators and nourishing agents, hygroscopic agents, soothing active ingredients and sebum absorbing ingredients.

[0162] Preferably, the additional active ingredients contained in the composition according to the invention are water-soluble.

[0163] Additional active ingredients and their concentrations can be adjusted based on the desired properties of the compositions of the present invention.

[0164] Adjuvants

[0165] In a known manner, the compositions according to the invention may also contain one or more further adjuvants customary in cosmetics or dermatology.

[0166] Examples of additional adjuvants that may be mentioned include preservatives, pH adjusters, fragrances, pigments, and mixtures thereof.

[0167] A person skilled in the art can select the amount of further adjuvants so as not to adversely affect the end use of the composition according to the invention.

[0168] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a composition in gel form for lightening or conditioning the skin comprising, in a hydrophilic phase, relative to the total weight of the composition:

[0169] i) 0.1% to 1% by weight of boron nitride;

[0170] ii) 0.3 to 1% by weight of acrylate / acrylic acid C 10 -C 30 Alkyl ester copolymers;

[0171] iii) 0.3% to 0.7% by weight of at least one 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) polymer selected from the group consisting of acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonate homopolymer, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate, AMPS / hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / steareth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer, and combinations thereof;

[0172] iv) 30 to 50 wt% glycerol; and

[0173] v) 18 to 35 weight percent of at least one additional polyol selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

[0174] The compositions according to the invention may be anhydrous.

[0175] "Anhydrous" means that water is not intentionally added, and the water content in the composition is less than 2 wt %, preferably less than 0.5 wt %, and especially less than 0.1 wt % relative to the total weight of the composition. In particular, no water is present in the composition.

[0176] The composition according to the invention may not comprise any surfactant.

[0177] Methods and uses

[0178] The composition according to the invention is intended for topical application and may in particular constitute a composition intended for lightening or conditioning the skin, and in particular human skin.

[0179] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a cosmetic method for lightening or conditioning the skin, comprising applying to the skin a composition as defined above.

[0180] In particular, the skin is human skin.

[0181] The invention is illustrated in greater detail by the following examples, which are given purely as non-limiting illustrations.

[0182] In the following examples, weight percentages are expressed relative to the total weight of the cosmetic composition. Example

[0183] The main raw materials used, their trade names and suppliers are listed in Table 2.

[0184] Table 2

[0185]

[0186]

[0187] Inventive Examples 1-5 and Comparative Examples 1-6

[0188] The compositions of Inventive Examples (IE.) 1-5 and Comparative Examples (CE.) 1-6 were prepared according to the amounts given in Table 3. The amount of each component is given in weight % of the total weight of the composition containing it.

[0189] Table 3

[0190]

[0191]

[0192] The composition of Comparative Invention 1-2 contains silica silylate instead of the acrylic polymer.

[0193] The composition of Comparative Invention 3-4 contains Poloxamer 338 instead of the acrylic acid polymer.

[0194] The composition of Comparative Invention 5 contains xanthan gum instead of the acrylic acid polymer.

[0195] The composition of Comparative Invention 6 contains Tween 20 instead of the acrylic acid polymer.

[0196] Preparation method:

[0197] Taking Inventive Example 1 as an example, the above composition was prepared as follows:

[0198] 1). Mix glycerol, dipropylene glycol and propylene glycol, and heat the mixture to 80°C;

[0199] 2). Adding ammonium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate and acrylates / C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer to the mixture under stirring;

[0200] 3). Add remaining ingredients to obtain the composition.

[0201] Evaluate

[0202] Each of the compositions of Inventive Examples 1-5 and Comparative Examples 1-6 was evaluated with respect to viscosity and stability.

[0203] Viscosity

[0204] The viscosity is measured at 25° C. using a Rheomat 100 Plus viscometer equipped with a spindle M4, at a shear rate of 200 rpm after the spindle has rotated in the sample for 10 minutes (after which time a stabilization of the viscosity and the spindle rotation speed is observed).

[0205] stability

[0206] Stability was assessed as follows:

[0207] 1) Fill 40 mL of sample into 60 mL glass bottles, and prepare six bottles for each composition to be tested;

[0208] 2) one bottle was placed in sunlight (for sunlight test), one bottle was placed at room temperature (RM, 20°C), one bottle was placed in a refrigerator at 4°C, one bottle was placed in an oven at 37°C, and one bottle was placed in an oven at 45°C (for stability test at different temperatures), and one bottle was placed in an oven with a temperature cycle from -20°C to 20°C every 24 hours (for cyclic stability); and

[0209] 3) Observe the appearance of the samples after 24 hours for sunlight test, after 2 months for stability test at different temperatures, or after 10 days for cycle stability.

[0210] If the composition remains as a homogeneous gel after all the stability tests at different temperatures and the cyclic stability test, the stability will be evaluated as passed, otherwise it will be evaluated as failed.

[0211] The viscosity and stability of the compositions according to the comparative examples and the inventive examples are listed in Table 4.

[0212] Table 4

[0213]

[0214] It can also be seen that the composition according to the invention has a viscosity suitable for topical application and is stable.

[0215] Additionally, the compositions of Inventive Examples 1-5 can deliver lightening or conditioning effects to the skin.

Claims

1. A composition in gel form for lightening or conditioning the skin, said composition comprising in a hydrophilic phase: i) at least one white particle; ii) at least one acrylic polymer; iii) at least one 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) polymer; and iv) Glycerol.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the white particles are selected from boron nitride, silica, pearls, mica, synthetic mica, mica-based pearlescent pigment particles, composite particles comprising titanium dioxide and a substrate selected from alumina, silica, barium sulfate, glass, mica and synthetic mica, or mixtures thereof.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the white particles are present in the composition in an amount of 0.1% to 1% by weight, preferably 0.15% to 0.8% by weight, more preferably 0.2% to 0.7% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acrylic polymer is selected from acrylic acid homopolymers and copolymers containing one or more monomers selected from acrylic acid, substituted acrylic acid and salts and esters of these acrylic acid and substituted acrylic acid.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acrylic polymer is selected from copolymers of: At least one monomer of the following formula (1): wherein R1 represents H or CH3 or C2H5, and At least one unsaturated carboxylic acid (C 10 -C 30 ) alkyl ester type monomers, which correspond to the monomers of the following formula (2): Wherein R2 represents H or CH3 or C2H5, and R3 represents C 10 -C 30 alkyl, Preferably, the acrylic polymer is selected from copolymers obtained by polymerization of: (i) acrylic acid, (ii) an ester of the above formula (2), wherein R2 represents H or CH3, and R3 represents an alkyl group having 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and (iii) a crosslinking agent selected from diallyl phthalate, allyl (meth)acrylate, divinylbenzene, (poly)ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and methylenebisacrylamide, More preferably, the acrylic polymer is acrylate / acrylic acid C 10 -C 30 Alkyl ester copolymers.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acrylic polymer is present in an amount of 0.1 to 3 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.3 to 1 wt%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

7. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the AMPS polymer is chosen from crosslinked or non-crosslinked homopolymers or copolymers comprising at least acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomers, optionally in partially or fully neutralized form with ammonia, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the AMPS polymer is selected from sodium acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonate homopolymer, or ammonium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate homopolymer, AMPS / hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, or ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / steareth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the AMPS polymer is present in an amount of 0.1 wt% to 1.5 wt%, preferably 0.2 wt% to 1 wt%, more preferably 0.3 wt% to 0.7 wt%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein glycerol is present in an amount ranging from 25% to 80% by weight, preferably from 25% to 60% by weight, more preferably from 30% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

11. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising another polyol in addition to glycerol, the polyol containing 2-10 carbon atoms, preferably, the other polyol is selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

12. The composition according to claim 11, wherein the further polyol other than glycerol is present in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight, preferably from 15% to 45% by weight, more preferably from 18% to 35% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the composition is anhydrous.

14. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising in the hydrophilic phase, relative to the total weight of the composition: i) 0.1% to 1% by weight of boron nitride; ii) 0.3 to 1% by weight of acrylate / acrylic acid C 10 -C 30 Alkyl ester copolymers; iii) 0.3 wt% to 0.7 wt% of at least one 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) polymer selected from the group consisting of acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonate homopolymer, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate, AMPS / hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / steareth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer, and combinations thereof; iv) 30 to 50 wt% glycerol; and v) 18 to 35 weight percent of at least one additional polyol selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

15. A cosmetic method for lightening or conditioning the skin, the method comprising applying to the skin a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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