Lubricating member comprising polyglutamic acid

Abstract

A lubricating member for a hair removal device wherein the lubricating member comprises a lubricating material wherein the lubricating material comprises a polyglutamic acid (PGA) material. Also disclosed is a lubricating composition comprising: a matrix material and a lubricating material wherein the lubricating material comprises a PGA material and the PGA comprises at least 5% by weight of the lubricating composition. A method of forming a corresponding lubricating member is also disclosed. A razor cradle has a body having a top surface extending along a first plane and an opposing bottom surface extending along a second plane. A protrusion extends from the top surface. An elastomeric ring is positioned on the protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lubricating members and lubricating compositions, and in particular to lubricating members and lubricating compositions comprising polyglutamic acid materials and hair removal devices including the lubricating members. Background Art

[0002] Hair removal devices, such as razors, and hair removal heads, such as razor cartridges, often incorporate shaving aids to provide lubrication benefits during use. Shaving aids can take a variety of forms. One common form is a lubricating member or lubristrip, which is typically integrated into a hair removal head, such as a razor cartridge, to provide lubrication during shaving. Another common form is a "wing" or "soap wing," which is disposed on the exterior of the cartridge and is typically attached to the cartridge. Other common forms include lubricating compositions that can be used separately from the hair removal device or dispensed from a container within the hair removal device.

[0003] Shaving aids include lubricants and may optionally include a matrix material in which the lubricant is dispersed. The lubricant is typically at least partially composed of polyethylene oxide (PEO). PEO is a high molecular weight, water-soluble polymer, and when activated by water during shaving, PEO is deposited on the skin, adding a lubricating layer. PEO in water is a viscoelastic fluid, and the rheological properties are directly related to the coefficient of friction (CoF) of the fluid.

[0004] As the consumer market is shifted towards more sustainable and natural landscapes, the interest in replacing synthetic materials such as PEO in combing product formulations increases. In addition, PEO is often stored together with butylated hydroxytoluene, which may be considered negative. Although PEO substitutes have been considered, these substitutes do not generally provide viscoelastic properties that help combing formulations to protect the skin, such as by providing a buffering effect between a razor blade and the skin. For example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (which is a thickener for use in skin care compositions) can provide lubricity during shaving, but has a cyclic molecular structure believed to suppress the flexibility of the main chain, thereby helping to obtain a lubricant with all desired properties. Therefore, it is still necessary to find a substitute for PEO that keeps the desired properties of PEO, including skin lubrication. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lubrication member for a hair removal device is provided, wherein the lubrication member comprises a lubrication material including a polyglutamic acid (PGA) material.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lubricating composition is provided, wherein the lubricating composition comprises a matrix material and a lubricating material. The lubricating material comprises a polyglutamic acid (PGA) material, wherein the PGA material accounts for at least 5% by weight of the lubricating composition.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of forming a lubricating member for use on a hair removal device is provided, the method comprising: providing a matrix material; providing a lubricating material, wherein the lubricating material is a polyglutamic acid material; blending the matrix material with the lubricating material to form a mixture; and forming a lubricating member from the mixture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same elements.

[0009] Figures 1A to 1H is a perspective view of a razor cartridge including various lubrication components according to the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a graph showing the viscosity and elastic modulus of various lubricating member formulations.

[0011] Figure 3 is a bar graph showing the average performance scores of various lubricating member formulations during the use test.

[0012] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for forming a lubrication member for use on a hair removal device according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a graph depicting the viscosity gain for a series of mixtures of PGA and PEO. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure relates to lubricating members and hair removal devices including the lubricating members, wherein the lubricating members comprise a lubricating material including a polyglutamic acid (PGA) material and optionally a matrix material. The present disclosure also relates to methods of forming lubricating members for use on hair removal devices. The present disclosure also relates to lubricating compositions comprising a matrix material and a lubricating material including a PGA material. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the lubricating materials of the present disclosure replace and / or supplement polyethylene oxide (PEO) with a PGA material while maintaining desired properties, such as skin lubrication.

[0015] PGA materials are currently used in a variety of industries, such as water treatment, drug delivery and skin care preparations. With regard to skin care preparations, PGA materials are generally used to retain moisture (i.e., as a moisturizer) to reduce wrinkles and other aging effects, and to promote wound healing. PGA materials are generally not used for their lubricating properties. Surprisingly, it was found that PGA materials with sufficiently high contents (e.g., at least 5% by weight of the lubricating member or composition) were used in lubricating components and lubricating compositions to deliver sufficient lubrication during shaving. PGA materials are natural products that can be produced using fermentation, and can be used to replace synthetic materials currently found in lubricating components and compositions or to reduce their amounts. In particular, it was surprisingly found that PGA materials can be used as effective substitutes for PEO, having a lower melting temperature than PGA materials, while still maintaining the desired properties of PEO.

[0016] Hair removal devices

[0017] According to some examples of the present disclosure, lubrication members are found to be particularly suitable for use in hair removal devices. Hair removal devices typically include a hair removal head and a handle and / or gripping portion to which the hair removal head is permanently or removably / attachably mounted. The hair removal device can be manual or electric and can be used for wet and / or dry applications. In some examples, the hair removal head can include a wide scraping surface, such as when the hair removal device is used with a depilatory, or includes blades when the device is a razor. In other examples, the hair removal head can be a razor blade cartridge 10, such as Figure 1A as shown in .

[0018] The hair removal head is pivotally connected to a connecting structure, which is in turn or independently (e.g., permanently fixed) connected to the handle. In some examples, the connecting structure includes at least one arm to releasably engage the hair removal head. The hair removal head may be integral with the handle so that the hair removal device is discarded as a whole, or may include a detachable hair removal head that forms part of a shaving system, wherein the detachable hair removal head is decoupled from the handle and disposed of, and a new detachable hair removal head is coupled to the same handle.

[0019] The hair removal head typically includes one or more blades positioned generally between a first end and a second end, the one or more blades including a forwardly extending tip (also commonly referred to as a blade "edge"). Figure 1A , wherein the hair removal head is a razor cartridge 10, which may include a housing 12. One or more razor blades 20 may be incorporated into the housing 12, wherein each blade 20 includes a blade edge including a blade tip 22.

[0020] A variety of razor cartridges may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,173 generally describes A razor commercially available from The Gillette Company and comprising a razor cartridge having a plurality of blades. Non-limiting examples of suitable razor cartridges (with and without fins, guards, and / or shaving aids) include razors commercially available from The Gillette Company under the trade name The lubricating member can be used with any currently available razor or shaving system, including those with two, three, four or more blades. In such cases, the hair removal device is a razor and the hair removal head is a razor blade cartridge. Another example of a hair removal device is a scraping tool used with a hair removal composition (i.e., a depilatory). Additionally, the hair removal device can be a liquid dispensing razor (LDR), which is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,216,514.

[0021] See also Figure 1A In some examples, at least one lubricating member 18 is located on a portion of the housing 12 that contacts the skin during the hair removal process (i.e., the lubricating surface). The blade tips of one or more razor blades 20 are exposed on the lubricating surface of the housing 12. One or more lubricating members 18 may be located at the front and / or rear of the blades 20. For example, the feature "front" of one or more blades 20 is positioned so that the surface to be treated with the hair removal device (e.g., the user's skin) encounters the feature before it encounters the blades 20. The feature "rear" of one or more blades 20 is positioned so that the surface to be treated with the hair removal device encounters the feature after it encounters the blades 20.

[0022] exist Figure 1A In the example shown in , the lubrication member 18 is positioned on the cover 16 of the razor cartridge 10. In other examples, multiple lubrication members can be provided on the hair removal head, wherein the multiple lubrication members can be the same or different in physical shape / structure and / or chemical composition. The lubrication members can be placed together (e.g., adjacent to each other) at the front or rear of the blade, including side by side, or separately, with one at the front of the blade and another at the rear. In some examples, such as Figures 1B to 1E In the example shown in , the lubrication member may be positioned as a "wing" on the exterior of the razor cartridge (or hair removal head). Figures 1B to 1DAs shown in , if the remainder of the razor cartridge 10 is in a locked position, such as locked into a rest position, one or both of the lubrication members 18A, 18B may bend forwards and backwards.

[0023] The lubrication member may be separate from or attached to the hair removal device or head. The lubrication member may be attached to the hair removal device or head by any suitable attachment means such as an adhesive or interference fit, or may be at least partially contained within a container such as a tray. Exemplary embodiments of lubrication members contained within a container include U.S. Patent Application Publications 2011 / 0041865 and 2012 / 0023763. Figure 1F to Figure 1H As shown in FIG. 1 , the lubricating member 18 may be formed in the container 40 by any means. The lubricating member 18 may be compressed directly in the container 40, such as Figure 1G or compressed to Figure 1H In the box shown in .

[0024] In some examples, such as Figures 1A to 1C As shown in , the blade holder 10 includes a guard 14 including at least one elongated flexible protrusion (not separately labeled) to engage the skin of a user. At least one flexible protrusion may include a flexible fin that is generally parallel to one or more blades 20. At least one flexible protrusion may additionally or alternatively include a flexible fin that includes at least one portion that is generally not parallel to one or more blades. Non-limiting examples of suitable guards include those used in current razor blades and include those disclosed in U.S. Patents 7,607,230 and 7,024,776 (disclosing elastomeric / flexible fin rods); and U.S. Patent Application Publications 2008 / 0034590 (disclosing curved guard fins) and 2009 / 0049695A1 (disclosing elastomeric guards having a guard having at least one channel extending between an upper surface and a lower surface). In some examples, the lubrication member is positioned on the blade holder, located behind the guard and in front of the blade. In another example, the lubrication member is positioned on the cartridge, in front of the guard. This example can be particularly useful for delivering the lubrication member before contact with the guard.

[0025] Lubricating materials

[0026] Lubricating member and / or lubricating composition may include lubricating material, and this lubricating material includes polyglutamic acid (PGA) material that provides lubrication during shaving.In some examples, lubricating material may also include additional PGA material, polyethylene oxide (PEO), carbohydrate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, polyhydroxymethyl acrylate, polyvinyl imidazoline, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, copolymer of PEO and polypropylene oxide (PPO), guar gum, cellulose, modified cellulose and their mixture.Preferably, lubricating material is PGA material.In some examples, lubricating material may include PGA material and one or more second lubricating materials, and this second lubricating material includes one or more of PEO and carbohydrate.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, in some examples, lubricating member and / or lubricating composition may include lubricating material accounting for at least 5% by weight of lubricating member or composition, and preferably at least 10% by weight. In some examples, lubricating material may account for 5% to 90% by weight of lubricating member or composition. In some specific examples, lubricating material may account for 5% to 80% by weight of lubricating member or composition, and preferably 30% to 70% by weight. In other specific examples, lubricating material may account for 30% to 70% by weight of lubricating member or composition, especially when lubricating material only includes PGA material. In the example where lubricating material is included in a container such as a tray, lubricating material may include PGA material accounting for 100% by weight of lubricating member or composition. It is not desirable to be bound by theory, it is believed that the amount of PGA material is required to be greater than or equal to 5% by weight of lubricating member or composition, and preferably greater than or equal to 10% by weight, to achieve viscoelasticity and other properties comparable to conventional lubricating member or composition (such as conventional lubricating member or composition including PEO as main lubricating material).

[0028] Lubricating materials can include water-soluble polymers, particularly PGA materials, which can have a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 daltons, preferably 1 million daltons, and more preferably 2 million daltons or more. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that lubricating materials with higher molecular weights lead to better performance of lubricating members or compositions. As discussed below, lubricating members comprising PGA materials with a molecular weight of 2 million daltons behave similarly to lubricating members comprising PEO.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, the water-soluble polymer exhibits the necessary flexibility that is considered to limit viscoelastic properties and lubricity. Preferably, the water-soluble polymer comprises a PGA material, which may include PGA, PGA salts, and PGA derivatives. The preferred PGA material may have the following general formula:

[0030]

[0031] Wherein n can have a value greater than 700.

[0032] PGA materials are naturally derived polymers that can be produced via renewable methods such as fermentation. Specifically, PGA materials can be obtained from bacterial fermentation of soybeans using known methods. PGA materials that can be used in the present invention may include PGA derivatives (i.e., materials in which CH bonds are replaced by CR bonds, where R represents a non-hydrogen portion) cross-linked PGA materials and various PGA salts, such as but not limited to γ-PGA (H form), Na-PGA, K-PGA, Ca-PGA, Mg-PGA, NH4-PGA and mixtures thereof.

[0033] It was also found that PGA together with PEO provided a surprising synergistic effect on lubricity measures. Increased lubricity is associated with increased viscosity when the lubricating material is dissolved in water. Figure 5 The viscosity gain of a series of mixtures of PGA and PEO is depicted. The figure depicts the viscosity gain of a mixture of PGA with a high MW PEO compared to the viscosity gain of a mixture of a low MW PEO with the same high MW PEO. The PGA / PEO mixtures were evaluated as 0.5% (w / w) aqueous solution and 1.0% (w / w) aqueous solution. The PGA / PEO ratio was varied from 100:0 to 0:100, with intermediate ratios forming curves and depicting the increased synergy in the PGA / PEO mixtures over the synergy in the PEO / PEO mixtures.

[0034] Matrix material

[0035] Lubricating member and / or lubricating composition can comprise matrix material, and this matrix material provides structural integrity to lubricating member or composition, and can improve the life of lubricating material by reducing the tendency of lubricating material to be mechanically eroded. Advantageously, matrix material can be solid at standard temperature and pressure. Lubricating member or composition can comprise 1 wt % to 77 wt %, preferably 10 wt % to 40 wt %, and more preferably 20 wt % to 40 wt % matrix material.

[0036] The matrix material may include a polymer or a molecular structurant. In some examples, the polymer may include a matrix polymer, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Examples of lubricating members including EVA can be found in, for example, U.S. Patents 5,349,750 and 10,682,778. In other examples, the polymer may include a polymer matrix material, such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS). Examples of lubricating members including HIPS can be found in, for example, U.S. Patents 8,236,214 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2013 / 0042482. Other examples of matrix polymers may include ethyl cellulose; polycaprolactone (PCL); polyethylene, polypropylene; polystyrene; butadiene-styrene copolymers (e.g., medium impact polystyrene and HIPS); polyacetal; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer; polyurethane; and blends such as polypropylene / polystyrene blends, and mixtures thereof. Examples of lubricating members including PCL can be found in, for example, U.S. Patents 6,301,785. In one example, the polymer includes one of EVA or HIPS.

[0037] Lubricating components containing HIPS are typically formed by extruding a mixture heated to about 200°C and exposed to shear during extrusion. These high processing temperatures and high shear conditions may limit the stability of the lubricating material and / or the activity of compatible stabilizers. Therefore, it may be preferred to use a lower temperature processable polymer matrix material (such as EVA, which requires a lower processing temperature of about 130°C) or a melt-formed composition.

[0038] The lubricating composition and the melt-formed lubricating component may include a non-polymeric structurant as part of the matrix material, wherein the non-polymeric structurant has a melting temperature of less than 100° C. In some examples, the non-polymeric structurant may include one or more lipophilic structurants. Lipophilic structurants suitable for use herein include C 12 or greater, preferably C 12 To C 22 , more preferably C 20 To C 22 Chain length fatty acyl, such as fatty acids, salts of fatty acids (ie, "soaps"), fatty alcohols and esters, triglycerides, waxes, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are C 12 To C 22 Alcohols, acids and soaps, specifically cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. In one example, the structurant includes behenyl alcohol.

[0039] Suitable lipophilic structurants also include natural waxes, synthetic waxes and silicone waxes. As used herein, the term "wax" includes, but is not limited to, any material that is solid at 45°C, preferably at 25°C; and is very slightly soluble in water, preferably practically insoluble in water according to the definition of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) in 31 / NF 26, Vol. 2, "General Notices", p. Xvii. According to this definition, this means that 1000 to 10,000 parts of water are required to dissolve 1 part of solute and more than 10,000 parts of water are required to dissolve 1 part of solute, respectively.

[0040] Wax can include natural wax, synthetic wax or their mixture. Natural wax can be plant, animal or mineral origin. Non-limiting examples of suitable natural wax include beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) wax, jojoba wax, Oryza Sativa (Rice) bran wax, lemon peel wax, soy wax, sunflower wax and their mixture.

[0041] Non-limiting examples of suitable synthetic waxes include hydrogenated jojoba wax, synthetic silicon-based jojoba wax, hydrogenated microcrystalline wax, microcrystalline wax, synthetic silicon-based hydrogenated rice bran wax, ceresin, ozokerite, paraffin wax, behenyl beeswax, synthetic silicon-based hydrogenated beeswax, synthetic silicon-based hydrogenated candelilla wax, synthetic silicon-based carnauba wax, synthetic silicon-based hydrogenated lemon peel wax, synthetic silicon-based hydrogenated soy wax, synthetic silicon-based hydrogenated sunflower wax, and mixtures thereof. Preferred natural and synthetic waxes are beeswax, microcrystalline wax, candelilla wax, ozokerite, and mixtures thereof.

[0042] Non-limiting examples of suitable silicone waxes include: stearoxytrimethylsilane such as DC580 wax, C 580 wax available under the trade name DC AMS-C30 Cosmetic Wax, 30 To C 45 Alkyl polymethicone, stearoxymethylsilane available under the trade name DC Silkywax 10, C 24 To C 54 Alkyl polymethyl silicone such as DC ST-Wax 30, C 30 To C 45 Alkyldimethylsilyl, polypropylsilsesquisilicone available under the trade name DC SW-8005 resin wax, and mixtures thereof.

[0043] The lipophilic structurant and / or lubricating member or composition may contain 10% to 60% of a foaming surfactant. Examples of lubricating compositions containing foaming surfactants can be found in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 9,119,796. Foaming surfactants are defined as surfactants that produce foam or soap bubbles when combined with water and mechanically agitated. Foaming surfactants include anionic foaming surfactants and amphoteric foaming surfactants and mixtures thereof. Anionic foaming surfactants include sarcosinates, sulfates, sulfonates, isethionates, taurates, phosphates, alkenyl lactylates, glutamates, fatty acid alkali metal salts (i.e., soaps) having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

[0044] Liquid Phase

[0045] The lubricating member may also comprise a liquid phase of 1 wt % to 70 wt %, preferably 5 wt % to 60 wt %, and more preferably 10 wt % to 40 wt % of the lubricating member. In one aspect, the liquid phase comprises a hydrophobic material or a mixture thereof. The liquid phase may provide many beneficial effects of use, such as lubricity, skin feel, skin health, and a cool feel. The liquid phase is typically contained in the solid lubricating member by a matrix material.

[0046] In one example, the liquid phase may have a melting point of 45°C or less, preferably 40°C or less, even more preferably 30°C or less, most preferably 25°C or less. The melting point is determined according to ASTM D5440-93. Preferably, the liquid phase and the hydrophobic material are liquid at 25°C. The use of a liquid phase enables materials such as lipophilic structurants to be easily added and mixed when they melt. In another example, the liquid phase hydrophobic material or a mixture thereof may be very slightly soluble and have a melting point of 45°C or less as defined above, and are miscible with each other. In another example, the melting point of the mixture of the liquid phase and the lipophilic structurant is preferably 45°C to 5°C lower than the melting point of the lubricating material and / or the water-soluble polymer.

[0047] Liquid phase components suitable for use herein include, for example, natural oils, synthetic oils, silicone oils, petrolatum, triglycerides, butters, or mixtures thereof. As used herein, the term "oil" includes, but is not limited to, any non-aqueous substance that is very slightly soluble in water, preferably almost insoluble in water, according to the USP definition. Since petrolatum is a complex mixture of component materials, it can be considered a lipophilic structurant or liquid phase.

[0048] The oil may be selected from natural oils, synthetic oils, silicone oils and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable natural oils include acetylated castor oil, acetylated hydrogenated castor oil, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwifruit), seed oil, Adansonia Digitata oil, Aleurites Moluccana seed oil, Anacardium Occidentale (Cashew) seed oil, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) oil, Arctium Lappa seed oil, Argania Spinosa (Argania Spinosa) kernel oil, Argemone Mexicana oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) kernel oil, Bertholletia Excelsa (Borago Officinalis) seed oil, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) seed oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Calmeria Napoca) seed oil, Camellia Sinensis (Camellia) seed oil, and Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Kissi Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Caprylic / Capric / Lauryl Triglyceride, Caprylic / Capric / Linoleic Triglyceride, Caprylic / Capric / Myristic / Stearic Triglyceride, Caprylic / Capric / Stearic Triglyceride, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Carthamus Tinctorius (Hybrid Safflower) Seed Oil, CarthamusTinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Carum Carvi (Caraway) Seed Oil, Carya Illinoensis (Pecan) Seed Oil, Castor Oil Benzoate, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil, Cibotium Barometz Oil, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Job's Tears) Seed Oil, Corylus Americana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil, Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, ElaeisGuineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Gossypium (Cotton) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Hybrid Sunflower) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Human Placental Lipids, Hydrogenated Low-Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated C12-18 Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Fish Oil, Hydrogenated Lard, Hydrogenated Herring Oil, Hydrogenated Mink Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Hydrogenated Deep Sea Fish Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Peanut Oil, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Hydrogenated Shark Liver Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Sunflower Oil, Hydrogenated Beef Tallow, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Isatis Tinctoria (Walnut) Seed Oil, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Seed Oil, Lauric / Palmitic / Oleic Triglycerides, Umnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Unum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Lupinus Albus (White Lupin) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Maleated Soybean Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Marmot Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Mint) Seed Oil, Menhaden Oil, Mink Oil, Moringa pterygosperma seed oil, Mortierella oil, neat's foot oil, Nelumbium Speciosum flower oil, Nigella Sativa seed oil, Oenothera Biennis (evening primrose) oil, Olea Europaea (olive) fruit oil, Olea Europaea (olive) shell oil, deep sea fish oil, Orbignya Cohune seed oil, Orbignya Oleifera seed oil, Oryza Sativa (rice) bran oil, Oryza Sativa (rice) germ oil, Ostrich oil, Oxidized corn oil, Oxidized hazelnut oil, Papaver Orientale (poppy) seed oil, PassifloraEdulis Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Pistacia Vera Seed Oil, Placental Lipids, Prunus Amygdalus Amara (Bitter Almond) Kernel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Prunus Avium (Sweet Cherry) Seed Oil, Prunus Cerasus (Bitter Cherry) Seed Oil, Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Salmon Oil, Sage (Salvia) Hispanica Seed Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Shark Liver Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Seed Oil, Soybean Lipids, Sphingolipids, Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil, Telphairia Pedata Oil, Vegetable Oils, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Mineral Oil, and mixtures thereof.

[0049] Suitable synthetic oils include hydrocarbons, esters, alkanes, olefins, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples include isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isohexadecane, isododecane, polyglyceryl triisostearate, and mixtures thereof.

[0050] Non-limiting examples of suitable silicone oils include polydimethylsiloxanes (including partial esters of polydimethylsiloxane and fatty acids derived from natural / synthetic oils), cyclomethicone, phenylated silicones, polyphenyltrimethicone, trimethylpentaphenyltrisiloxane, silicone polyether block copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0051] Suitable silicone polyether copolymers may contain 1 wt % to 50 wt % PEO, 20 wt % to 90 wt % PPO and 1 wt % to 20 wt % silicone. Preferably, the silicone polyether copolymer contains at least 40 wt %, more preferably at least 50 wt %, most preferably at least 60 wt % PPO. In addition, the silicone polyether copolymer preferably contains at least 10 wt %, more preferably at least 15 wt %, most preferably 15 wt % to 30 wt % PEO. In addition, the silicone polyether block copolymer contains 1 wt % to 20 wt %, preferably 10 wt % to 20 wt %, more preferably 15 wt % silicone.

[0052] While silicone polyether block copolymers are known in the art to provide a variety of benefits, such as foaming, defoaming, wetting, degassing, and lubricity, it has been found that selecting silicone block copolymers with 20 to 90 wt % PPO and 1 to 50 wt % PEO also provides improved lubrication while ensuring the desired water dispersion level and / or solubility level compared to silicone polyether block copolymers with less or no PPO and more PEO. In addition, although present at low levels in the polymer, the inclusion of 1 to 20 wt % silicone by weight of the silicone polyether block copolymer provides the desired lubricity level.

[0053] The copolymer is a block copolymer and may have a linear block or side chain graft structure. The silicone polyether block copolymer preferably has a ratio of PEO units to PPO units of 3.0 to 0.1, preferably 2.0 to 0.1, more preferably 0.6 to 0.25. The silicone polyether block copolymer preferably has a ratio of PEO units to PPO units to silicone units of 20:65:15.

[0054] The silicone polyether copolymer may have a molecular weight of 10,000 to 19,000 Daltons, more preferably 10,000 to 15,000 Daltons. Suitable silicone polyether copolymers can be Brand products are available from Momentive, including L7210, L7602, L7220, L7230, L7500, preferably L7210 and L7602.

[0055] Non-limiting examples of commercially available silicone oils include Dow Corning 200 fluid, Dow Corning 244, Dow Corning 245, Dow Corning 344, and Dow Corning 345 (available from Dow Corning Corp.); SF-1204 and SF-1202 silicone fluids (available from GE Silicones), GE 7207 and 7158 (available from General Electric Co.); and SWS-03314 (available from SWS Silicones Corp.), the Viscasil series (sold by General Electric Company), SF 1075 methyl-phenyl fluid (sold by General Electric Company), and 556 cosmetic grade fluid (sold by Dow Corning Corp.), Silshine 151 (sold by Momentive), PH1555 and PH1560 (sold by Dow Corning) and Silwets such as Silwets 7210, 7230 and 7220 (available from Momentive).

[0056] Suitable triglycerides may have the formula:

[0057]

[0058] wherein R, R' and R" may be the same as or different from one or both of the others, and wherein each of R, R' and R" is a fatty acid, and the triglyceride is solid at 25°C.

[0059] Suitable oils that can be used to form triglycerides include, but are not limited to, those listed herein. Suitable fatty acids for forming triglycerides include, but are not limited to, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, lauric acid (C 12 ), myristic acid (C 14 ), palmitic acid (C 16 ), stearic acid (C 18 ), arachidic acid (C 20 ) and mixtures thereof.

[0060] Specific sources of triglycerides suitable for inclusion herein include shea butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) seed oil, cocoa butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango) seed oil, kohlrabi oil, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are shea butter, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof.

[0061] Preferred liquid phase components may be selected from capric and / or caprylic triglycerides, olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, petrolatum, isopropyl isostearate, polydimethylsilicones, phenylated silicones, silicone polyether block copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Silicone polyether block polymers are particularly advantageous because they can facilitate the dispersion of water-soluble polymers in lipophilic structurants as discussed below, and can also improve lubricity.

[0062] Optional beneficial agent

[0063] According to the present disclosure, the lubricating member may optionally further comprise a hydrophobic compound or a mixture thereof. In one example, the lubricating member may comprise 1 wt % to 40 wt %, preferably 5 wt % to 40 wt %, more preferably 10 wt % to 40 wt %, even preferably 12 wt % to 30 wt % of a hydrophobic compound and / or a mixture thereof. Suitable hydrophobic compounds include natural oils, waxes and / or fats; synthetic waxes or oils; triglycerides; skin active agents; sensates; perfume oils; silicones; and mixtures thereof. Hydrophobic compounds can provide many benefits of use, such as lubricity, skin feel, skin health, and a cool feel.

[0064] The hydrophobic compound may include skin active agents such as, but not limited to, oil-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin E derivatives, including vitamin E acetate and tocopheryl nicotinate; oil-soluble vitamin A derivatives such as retinyl palmitate; lanolin; ceramides; sterols and sterol esters; salicylic acid; camphor; eucalyptol; essential oils; peppermint oil; ISO E [(1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)ethanone] (International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.); and mixtures thereof.

[0065] In some examples, the hydrophobic compound may include one or more sensates. Of the synthetic coolants, many are derivatives of menthol or are structurally related to menthol, i.e., contain cyclohexane moieties and are derived with functional groups including carboxamides, ketals, esters, ethers, and alcohols. Non-limiting examples include menthamine ethyl oxalate (trade name Menthamine ethyl oxalate), available from Symrise), menthyl lactate (such as available from Symrise ML Natural), and menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate, also known as menthyl PCA (trade name Purchased from Givaudan).

[0066] The hydrophobic compound may be selected from capric and / or caprylic triglycerides, grape seed oil, olive oil, microcrystalline wax, shea butter, cocoa butter, lanolin, essential oils, peppermint oil, isohexadecane, petrolatum, silicone polymers containing waxes and oils (selected from polydimethylsilicone, phenylated silicone and mixtures thereof) and mixtures thereof.

[0067] In some examples, the lubricious component may optionally include any other ingredients commonly found in commercially available lubricious components and more general skin care products. Thus, the lubricious component may include other conventional lubricious component ingredients, including water-swellable release enhancers such as cross-linked polyacrylates (e.g., 2% to 7% by weight), colorants, skin sensation / care actives such as water-soluble cationic polymers, surfactants, soaps (including discontinuous soaps), antioxidants, preservatives, emollients, beard softeners, astringents, medicaments, plasticizers, additional lubricants, depilatories / keratolytic materials, viscosity enhancers, skin soothing agents, fragrances, volume enhancers, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-itch / anti-irritation materials, and mixtures thereof. These ingredients may fall within the definition of a hydrophobic compound as used herein and should be included for the purpose of determining the amount of the hydrophobic compound.

[0068] Composition

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] An exemplary lubrication member according to the present disclosure may include a PGA material embedded in a HIPS matrix at a level of 5% to 90% by weight of the lubrication member and may be processed at a temperature between 300°F and 500°F. In one specific example, the lubrication member may include HIPS (34.875%); PGA material (54.875%); 10% of a processing aid including polycaprolactone (CAPA 6506) and polyethylene glycol (Carbowax 4600PEG); and 0.25% of an antioxidant (Irganox). The lubrication member is formed by extrusion at a temperature greater than 365°F.

[0073] Manufacturing / Processing Methods

[0074] Lubricating member can be formed using any method known in the art, such as molding (including melt forming), pressing, dipping, spraying, spinning, calendaring, printing and extruding. Some or all components of lubricating member can be blended before molding or extruding. For best results, it is preferred that component is dry before blending. In summary, the method comprises the following steps: providing a feed comprising lubricating material and any additional material (such as matrix material and / or additional optional ingredients) that can be included, and forming a mixture to form a solid lubricating member by molding, pressing, dipping, spraying, calendaring, printing and / or extruding the mixture. According to the manufacturing method used, optional additional steps may be included, such as heating the feed to a suitable processing temperature, mixing and shearing. Lubricating member can be formed separately from the hair removal device or directly formed on a part (including the hair removal head) of the hair removal device.

[0075] PGA material can be provided as granular powder. The powder can have an average particle size of 250 microns. Preferably, the particles have an average particle size distribution of 10 microns to 1200 microns, and preferably 50 microns to 1000 microns, more preferably 840 microns. Alternatively, the particle size can be such that 90% of the particles pass through a 20-mesh screen, i.e., 90% of the diameter of the particles is less than about 840 microns. The mesh size is defined as the number of openings in a square inch of the screen, i.e., a 20-mesh screen will have 20 openings in a square inch. In one example, the lubricating member can include a PGA material in the form of discrete particles, wherein at least 90% of the discrete particles have a size less than 840 microns. According to ASTM E2651-19 Part 14 (laser diffraction), the particle size is measured using a Beckman Coulter LS13 320XR particle size analyzer with a dry powder module.

[0076] Figure 4 An exemplary method 400 for forming a lubricating member for use in a hair removal device according to the present disclosure is illustrated. At 402, a matrix material is provided. As described above, the matrix material can be a polymer, such as EVA or HIPS, and / or a molecular structurant, such as behenyl alcohol. At step 404, a lubricating material is provided. As described above, the lubricating material can preferably be a PGA material. At 406, the matrix material is blended with the lubricating material to form a mixture. At 408, a lubricating member is formed from the mixture, after which method 400 can end. In one example, forming the lubricating member can include a process selected from the group consisting of: extrusion, melt forming, molding, pressing, and printing.

[0077] Extrusion

[0078] The lubricating component can be extruded. When the lubricating component comprises a matrix material that is a matrix polymer (such as HIPS or EVA), extrusion is particularly preferred. The lubricating component can be pre-mixed before mixing with the matrix polymer. The extrusion process usually includes blending the components, which usually requires heating to melt the matrix material.

[0079] The blend components can be obtained, for example, by HAAKE TM The extrusion is performed (e.g., with shear applied) using a 3 / 4 inch (about 1.91 cm) diameter extruder of System 90 (Thermo Scientific) at a barrel pressure of 1000 psi to 2000 psi (about 6.90 MPa to 13.8 MPa), a rotor speed of 10 rpm to 50 rpm, and a temperature of 150° C. to 185° C., and a die temperature of 170° C. to 185° C. Alternatively, a 1 1 / 4 inch (about 3.18cm) single screw extruder, wherein the processing temperature is 175°C to 200°C, preferably 185°C to 190°C, the screw speed is 20rpm to 50rpm, preferably 25rpm to 35rpm, and the extrusion pressure is 1800psi to 5000psi (about 12.4MPa-34.5MPa), preferably 2000psi to 3500psi (about 13.8MPa-24.1MPa). The extruded lubricated member can be cooled to 25°C by any conventional means (i.e., air cooling).

[0080] The matrix polymer is typically heated above its glass transition temperature. The matrix polymer may be selected to allow for lower processing temperatures. For example, the matrix polymer may be EVA and may have a glass transition temperature of less than 130°C.

[0081] The blended components can be extruded through a Rondol 18 18 mm diameter extruder with a barrel pressure of 500 psi to 1000 psi, a rotor speed of 10 rpm to 50 rpm, and a temperature of 100° C. to 160° C. and a die temperature of 100° C. to 160° C. Alternatively, 1 1 / 2 inch single screw extruder, wherein the processing temperature is 100°C to 160°C, preferably 110°C to 130°C, the screw speed is 20rpm to 50rpm, preferably 25rpm to 50rpm, and the extrusion pressure is 1800psi to 7500psi, preferably 4000psi to 6500psi. Other extrusion conditions may also be used. The extruded strip is cooled to 25°C. In one example, one or more feeds may be preheated, or they may be fed at ambient temperature. Methods for forming an extruded lubricated member comprising EVA are further described in U.S. Patent No. 5,349,750 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2017 / 0334082 and 2018 / 0117780.

[0082] Injection Molding

[0083] The lubricating member can be injection molded. To injection mold the lubricating member, the blended components can first be extruded into pellets. This can be done in 1 1 / 4 inch or 1 1 / 2 inch (about 3.18cm or 3.81cm) single screw extruder, the temperature is 120 ℃ to 180 ℃, preferably 140 ℃ to 150 ℃, wherein the screw speed is 20 rpm to 100 rpm, preferably 45 rpm to 70 rpm. Then, the pellets (with or without remelting) are molded in a single-material molding machine or a multi-material molding machine, which can be a single cavity or multiple cavities, optionally equipped with a hot runner system. The processing temperature can be 165 ℃ to 250 ℃, preferably 180 ℃ to 225 ℃. The injection pressure should be sufficient to completely fill the part without excessive flashing. Depending on the size, configuration and number of cavities, the injection pressure can range from 300 psi to 2500 psi (about 2.07 MPa-17.2 MPa). The cycle time depends on the same parameters and can range from 3 seconds to 30 seconds, with the optimal value generally being 6 seconds to 15 seconds.

[0084] Melt Forming

[0085] The lubricating member can be made using a melt forming method. Melt forming is particularly preferred when the lubricating member comprises a matrix material containing a molecular structuring agent such as behenyl alcohol. In such a method, the ingredients are heated and stirred until melted. The molten material is then transferred to a mold and the temperature is reduced. Optionally, pressure may be applied. Upon cooling, the lubricating member is removed from the mold.

[0086] The ingredients may be premixed in this or other ways. The method may include combining a lipid phase (e.g., comprising a lipophilic structurant) with a liquid phase, as previously discussed. The lipid phase and / or the liquid phase may contain a lubricating material, or the lubricating material may be added as a separate phase.

[0087] The lipid phase may comprise a lipophilic structurant. The lipid phase may comprise 10 to 70 wt %, preferably 10 to 60 wt %, more preferably 20 to 40 wt %, even more preferably 25 to 35 wt % of the lipophilic structurant of the lubricating member.

[0088] suppress

[0089] The lubricating member may be provided in the form of tablets, bars or other solid forms including compressed powders. For such examples, a lubricating member may be manufactured wherein the lubricating material and other solid dry components (if included) are provided in granular form and mixed. The granular material is solid at 25°C and preferably has a melting point of 30°C or higher. Thus, the lubricating member may contain 10% to 90% by weight of the lubricating material granular material.

[0090] The lubricating member may contain 40% to 90% lubricating material.The lubricating member may be formed by compression, such as cold compression as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0041865.

[0091] The lubricious member may contain greater than 90% lubricious material, up to and including 100% lubricious material (without the preservative of the present invention).The lubricious member may be formed by compression, such as ultrasonic compression as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0023763.

[0092] As used herein, the terms "compression", "compression molding" and "compression compaction" refer to a process of reducing the bulk density of particles or powders by applying pressure to form a solid. Typically, this is done without applying external shear forces or heat. Preferably, compression compaction is done at a temperature below the melting point of at least one (preferably all) of the particle components, preferably at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Thus, the particles retain their integrity after the compression process and are typically visible to the naked eye after the compression process is completed.

[0093] In some examples, an additional energy source (such as heat or ultrasonic energy) may be applied during or after compression to increase inter-particle bonding and increase the rigidity of the resulting lubricating component. The application of additional energy preferably does not result in any significant melting of the particulate material. Preferably, the method does not require an extrusion or injection molding step or the application of an energy source such as heat.

[0094] Thus, the lubricating member can be provided in the form of a compressed solid formed from the particles. The lubricating member is preferably compressed directly into a preform or container (such as a tray). This can be achieved using any method and equipment known in the art, such as a molding press. Prior to compression, the bulk density of the granular material is typically 300 kg / m 3 Up to 600kg / m 3, and after compression increases to 1000kg / m 3 Up to 1200kg / m 3 Thus, after compression, the bulk density may increase by 200% to 400%. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it has been found that using particle compression manufacturing, preferably cold particle compression (i.e., at a temperature of 25°C or less), to form the lubricating member enables the incorporation of a highly lubricating component therein without adversely affecting the water solubility and lubricating properties of the water-soluble polymer. This also allows flexibility in the size of the resulting lubricating member to be used in multiple razor cartridges.

[0095] print

[0096] The lubricating material may be printed onto a razor cartridge that may include components such as, but not limited to, a lubricating member or composition, a razor blade, and a cartridge housing.

[0097] The lubrication member or composition may be modified using a lubrication control printed pattern as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0199990.

[0098] Test Method

[0099] Rheological testing

[0100] Testing was performed to compare the viscous (loss) modulus and elastic (storage) modulus of various lubricating components. The samples were solutions of 0.5% lubricating materials listed in Table 1 below, 0.5% phenoxyethanol preservative, and water.

[0101]

[0102] Supplier: *Bloomage Biotechnology**Dow TM Chemicals

[0103] At TA Instruments TM The samples were tested using a frequency sweep on an Ares G2 rheometer with the settings listed in Table 2 below.

[0104]

[0105] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown in, the sample containing PGA material (sample 1) has a higher viscous modulus and elastic modulus than the sample containing PEO (samples 2 to 5). As discussed below, these higher moduli are considered to be converted into the improved performance of PGA materials in lubricating members. Additionally, it is not expected to be bound by theory, and it is believed that the lubricating member with PGA material has less wire drawing than the lubricating member containing PEO. Because wire drawing is considered to be a negative quality by consumers, compared with the lubricating member containing PEO, it is believed that the PGA material with lower wire drawing can cause consumers to think that the lubricating member containing PGA material has higher quality.

[0106] Viscosity Synergy Test

[0107] The above discussion Figure 5 The viscosity synergy between PGA and PEO as described in the above. The samples were evaluated as mixtures of PGA and PEO or (control) mixtures of different PEO materials. Table 3 lists the lubricating materials tested. The samples were solutions of 0.5% (w / w) or 1.0% (w / w) lubricating materials listed in Table 3 below, 0.5% phenoxyethanol preservative and water.

[0108] Table 3: Lubricating materials

[0109]

[0110] Supplier: *Bloomage Biotechnology**Dow TM Chemicals

[0111] Using TA Instruments TM The samples were tested on an Ares G2 rheometer with the settings listed below.

[0112]

[0113] The synergistic effect of combined lubricating materials is shown as the viscosity gain of the material combination relative to either material alone. This can be calculated using the Gambill method, which compares the experimentally observed viscosity with the expected viscosity of the mixture.

[0114] The gain is defined as:

[0115]

[0116] where v m Calculated as:

[0117]

[0118] in:

[0119] xa = weight fraction of the first lubricating material

[0120] x b = weight fraction of the first lubricating material

[0121] v a =Viscosity of the first lubricating material (tested under the same conditions)

[0122] v b =Viscosity of the second lubricating material (tested under the same conditions)

[0123] Use Test

[0124] The following exemplary formulations of lubricating members were prepared according to the following Table 3. All values ​​are w / w %.

[0125]

[0126] Supplier: *Dow TM Chemicals**Shandong Freda Biotechnology

[0127] By adding 0.5 g of each powder blend to the Carver at 300°F and 4000 PSI. TM The sample lubricating member is produced in a hot pressing mold for 30 seconds. The test comprises a lubricating member (control) containing a PEO-based lubricating member or a lubricating member (test) according to the present disclosure, as shown in Table 3 above. Panelists hydrate the lubricating member, apply it to their skin, and then rate the performance of the lubricating member on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst performance and 5 being the best performance. Specifically, the lubricating member is rated for its gliding property on the skin (gliding property), providing an appropriate amount of lubrication (lubrication), being easy to rinse (rinsing) and making the skin feel smooth and / or soft (skin feel). The average performance rating is listed in Table 4 below.

[0128]

[0129] As shown in Table 4 and Figure 3 As shown in , the lubricating member containing PGA material (test) performed similarly to the lubricating member containing PEO (control).

[0130] Example Formulations

[0131] The following example demonstrates the production of samples of lubricating strips of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and PGA:

[0132] Material Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 EVA* 31.0％ 31.0％ 52.8％ PEO Coag* 36.8％ 0％ 0％ PGA** 20.0％ 56.8％ 35.0％ Processing aids*** 12.2％ 12.2％ 12.2％

[0133] Supplier: *Dow TMChemicals**Bloomage Biotechnology

[0134] ***PEG4600(Dow TM Chemicals), PCL CAPA 6506 (Ingevity), Ralox 35 (Wego), citric acid (Jungbunzlauer)

[0135] The illustrations presented herein are not intended to be actual views of any particular substrate, apparatus (eg, device, system, etc.), or method, but are merely idealized and / or schematic representations used to describe and illustrate various examples of the present disclosure.

[0136] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0137] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more of the references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0138] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lubricating member for a hair removal device, wherein the lubricating member comprises: Lubricating material, wherein the lubricating material comprises polyglutamic acid (PGA) material. 2 . The lubricating component of claim 1 , further comprising a matrix material, wherein the matrix material comprises one of a polymer or a molecular structurant.

3. The lubricating member of claim 2, wherein the polymer comprises at least one of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyacetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyurethane, or blends thereof, and wherein the molecular structurant comprises at least one of a fatty acid, a fatty acid salt, or a fatty alcohol. The lubricating member according to claim 1 , wherein the lubricating material is formed in a container.

5. The lubricating component of claim 1, wherein the PGA material has an average molecular weight in excess of 100,000 Daltons.

6. The lubricating member of claim 1, wherein the PGA material forms discrete particles, and wherein 90% or more of the discrete particles pass through a 20 mesh screen.

7. The lubricating member of claim 1, wherein the PGA material accounts for 5 wt% to 90 wt% of the lubricating member.

8. The lubricating member of claim 1, wherein the PGA material accounts for 30 to 70 weight % of the lubricating member.

9. The lubricating member of claim 1, further comprising a second lubricating material, the second lubricating material comprising at least one of polyethylene oxide or carbohydrate.

10. The lubrication member of claim 1, wherein the lubrication member is positioned on a hair removal device, the hair removal device comprising a. a housing having a lubricated surface; and b. At least one blade having a blade tip, wherein the blade tip is exposed on the lubricating surface of the housing, wherein the lubricating member is positioned on the lubricating surface of the housing.

11. The lubricating member of claim 1 , wherein the PGA material has the formula: wherein n has a value of at least 700.

12. A lubricating composition, comprising: Matrix material; and A lubricating material, wherein the lubricating material comprises a polyglutamic acid (PGA) material, wherein the PGA material comprises at least 5 weight percent of the lubricating composition.

13. The lubricating composition of claim 12, wherein the matrix material comprises a molecular structurant.

14. The lubricating composition of claim 12, wherein the molecular structurant comprises at least one of a fatty acid, a fatty acid salt, or a fatty alcohol.

15. A method of forming a lubrication member for use on a hair removal device, the method comprising: providing matrix materials; providing a lubricating material, wherein the lubricating material is a polyglutamic acid material; blending the matrix material with the lubricating material to form a mixture; as well as A lubricating member is formed from the mixture.

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