Method for removing hair from skin area

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for removing hair from an area of skin, the method comprising the step of applying a shaving aid composition to the area of skin to be shaved, the shaving aid composition comprising water, at least one oil and at least one shear thinning structurant, and shaving the skin area to be shaved using a hair removal device comprising a care sheet having a perforated blade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for removing hair from a skin area, the method comprising the steps of applying a shaving aid composition to the skin area to be shaved, the shaving aid composition comprising water, at least one oil and at least one shear-thinning structuring agent, and shaving the skin area to be shaved using a hair removal device comprising a care sheet having a perforated blade. Background Art

[0002] When a conventional hair removal device having a plurality of straight blades oriented orthogonally to the handle axis is pulled or pushed along a linear direction perpendicular to the blade and parallel to the handle axis on the skin, it can only be used in a safe method for removing body hair. Such razors are known, for example, from US 2010 / 0319198 A1. When such a shaving razor is used in other directions, the cutting edge can cut into the skin.

[0003] The plurality of straight blades in a conventional shaving razor are typically oriented at a clearance angle (the angle between the clearance face and the contact surface with the skin) of about 20° relative to the skin surface to be shaved. These razors produce an extremely close shave, where the hair is cut close to the skin level. However, placing the exposed blade edge at an angle in close contact with the skin can result in cuts and incisions to the skin and thus skin irritation when the skin bulges into the gap between the blades.

[0004] Skin irritation can be reduced by applying a liquid shaving aid to the skin before removing hair with a hair removal device. This shaving aid fluid forms a liquid film between the blade edge and the skin to protect the skin from direct contact, and it lubricates the skin, which reduces the skin from bulging into the gap between the blades.

[0005] Furthermore, the contact area of these angled straight blades with the skin is extremely small, resulting in ultra-high pressure between the blade tips and the skin and thus a high shear rate in the thin fluid layer of the shaving aid. Therefore, special shaving aids are required to remain sufficiently lubricating and protective under these conditions. For this purpose, shaving foams, gels and soaps are commonly used with blade razors. Such shaving aid compositions are known, for example, from US2015 / 0121705 A1 and US2007 / 0137042 A1.

[0006] Many razor blade cartridges include a skin engaging member commonly referred to as a lubricating strip. These lubricating strips are typically located behind the blades such that when the user makes a shaving stroke, the skin contacts the blade before contacting the skin engaging member. Many different types of skin engaging members have been disclosed. See, for example, US 6,301,785B1, US2009 / 0223057 A1, and US2008 / 060201 A1. Some lubricating strips contain one or more types of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) having a water-insoluble polymer such as polystyrene.

[0007] Another alternative is to use a care sheet. When a care sheet is used as a hair removal device, the care sheet includes a plurality of perforated blades that include a cutting edge along at least a portion of the inner perimeter of each hole. The perforated blades can be used in any direction, thereby enabling more efficient shaving.

[0008] The care sheet is designed to achieve both close shaving and irritation-free shaving by placing the blades parallel to the skin. The clearance angle of the perforated blades is 0 degrees relative to the skin surface, which makes shaving very safe. In addition, skin protrusions are significantly reduced by forming a cutting edge along the inner perimeter of the plurality of perforated blades, which are surrounded by a solid substrate material that supports the skin and prevents the skin from protruding into the holes.

[0009] The skin safety and hair removal efficiency obtained by using a care sheet that includes a plurality of enclosed cutting edges are determined by the size of the enclosed cutting edges (referred to herein as perforated blades), the amount of skin support provided by the solid substrate material, the overall size of the care sheet, and the clearance angle of the perforated blades relative to the skin surface.

[0010] The hair removal efficiency is determined by the total cutting edge length of the care sheet, which can be determined by adding up the cutting edge lengths of all the perforated blades on the care sheet, whereby the cutting length of the perforated blade is a portion of the length of the inner perimeter of the hole that includes the cutting edge. This total cutting length should be maximized to increase the cutting efficiency.

[0011] The safety of shaving is determined by the contact area between the skin and the solid substrate material of the care sheet. For safe shaving, the contact area between the skin and the substrate of the care sheet should be maximized.

[0012] The overall performance of the care sheet is affected by transparency. The solid substrate material of the care sheet remains in contact with the skin during use and prevents excessive skin protrusion into the holes, thus achieving safe shaving. When the transparency of the care sheet is high, the skin cannot be sufficiently supported and can protrude into the holes, resulting in skin damage and irritation. When the transparency is low, there are only a small number of perforated blades or small perforated blades, which results in a low total cutting length and inefficient shaving.

[0013] When using a care sheet as a hair removal device, the following requirements must be met:

[0014] · A larger area of solid material in contact with the skin,

[0015] · The cutting edge must be oriented at a low clearance angle,

[0016] · Less pressure on the skin during use, and

[0017] · The direction of movement continuously changes above the skin.

[0018] For the method of using the above care sheet, a shaving aid customized according to the characteristics of the care sheet is required, and different types of shaving aids are needed.

[0019] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for removing hair from a skin area, which uses a care sheet and a customized shaving aid to have a good balance between safety and hair removal efficiency, and the customized shaving aid supports the safety and efficiency of the hair removal device including the care sheet. Summary of the Invention

[0020] This object is solved by a method for removing hair from a skin area having the features according to claim 1. Further dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] The present invention relates to a method for removing hair from a skin area, the method comprising the steps of: applying a shaving aid composition to the skin area to be shaved, the shaving aid composition comprising water, at least one oil and at least one shear-thinning structuring agent, and using a hair removal device comprising a care sheet having perforated blades to shave the skin area to be shaved.

[0022] Terms and Definitions

[0023] The term "comprising" in the claims and the description of the present application has the meaning of not excluding other components. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "consisting of" should be understood as a preferred embodiment of the term "comprising". If a defined group "comprises" at least a specific number of components, this should also be understood as the disclosed group preferably "consisting of" these components.

[0024] The following definitions are used to describe the present invention:

[0025] Care Sheet

[0026] The term "care sheet" in the personal care product of the present invention refers to a sheet including a plurality of n holes. The periphery or perimeter of the holes includes cutting edges for removing hair and exfoliating or other care on the skin.

[0027] The care sheet is ideally flat. A "flat" material generally has a planar surface without protrusions or depressions. As used herein, "flat" and "planar" may be used interchangeably.

[0028] Total pore area A

[0029] The care sheet includes a number n of pores, each pore having a pore area a on the skin contact surface i (i = 1 to n). The sum of all the pore areas a of all n pores i yields the total pore area A calculated according to the following formula:

[0030] i = 1 to n

[0031] Total cutting length L

[0032] The care sheet includes a number n of pores, each pore having a pore cutting length l i , which corresponds to the length of the part of the perimeter of the pore including the cutting edge. The sum of all the pore cutting lengths l of all n pores i yields the total cutting length L calculated according to the following formula:

[0033] i = 1 to n

[0034] Total cutting area S

[0035] The care sheet is surrounded by a frame member. The area of the care sheet surrounded by the frame member and not covered by the frame member is the cutting area S.

[0036] Contact area C

[0037] The contact area is the area of the solid material of the care sheet in contact with the skin and is defined by:

[0038] C = S – A

[0039] Transparency T

[0040] The transparency T of the care sheet is defined as the ratio of the total pore area A to the cutting area S.

[0041]

[0042] Clearance face and clearance angle

[0043] The clearance face is the surface of the cutting blade passing over the skin; the angle between the clearance face and the skin surface is the clearance angle α.

[0044] Rake face

[0045] The rake face is the surface of the cutting blade over which the ends of the hairs to be removed slide during cutting. The cutting bevel of the cutting blade is surrounded by the rake face and the clearance face and is represented by the bevel angle θ. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] (A) According to the present invention, a method for removing hair from a skin area comprises the steps of: applying a shaving aid composition to the skin area to be shaved, the shaving aid composition comprising water, at least one oil and at least one shear-thinning structurant,

[0047] wherein the shaving aid composition has a polar component with a surface free energy of 30 mJ / m 2 to 80 mJ / m 2 ;

[0048] (B) shaving the skin area to be shaved using a hair removal device (10), the hair removal device comprising a planar care sheet (40) having a plurality of perforated blades (430).

[0049] Shaving Aid Composition and Its Physical Properties

[0050] Regarding the shaving aid composition, the composition must provide sufficient lubrication with low resistance such that the hair removal device can move across the skin in every direction parallel to the skin with a relatively large contact area without stick-slip. Further, the shaving aid composition should provide a buffering action on the skin which reduces or eliminates the feeling of the cutting edge (scraping) on the skin. Another aspect, the shaving aid composition should exhibit chemical stability over an extended duration of use (up to 5 minutes) without altering the fluid by component evaporation or skin penetration. Further, it is preferred that the shaving aid composition is rinsable after use.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the shaving aid composition has a polar component with a surface free energy (SFE) of 40 mJ / m 2 to 60 mJ / m 2 Since the razor surface components of extremely low polarity (PTFE-coated care sheet and metal frame member) γ P <3 mJ / m 2 and on the skin γ P <8 mJ / m 2 , this results in:

[0052] · High surface tension (blade: >30 mJ / m 2 , skin: >15 mJ / m 2 )

[0053] · Large contact angle (care sheet: >100°, skin: >80°)

[0054] This results in the formation of droplets between the razor and the skin surface, which provide two functions:

[0055] · A lubricating mechanism similar to a ball bearing

[0056] · A buffer layer of the shaving aid composition between the two surfaces

[0057] This effect is enhanced by the presence of water, which has a relatively polar SFE component (γ P <50mJ / m 2 ) compared to the preferred shaving aid, making it energetically favorable for the shaving aid to bind to any residual water.

[0058] According to another preferred embodiment, the shaving aid composition has a contact angle of 100° to 180°, more preferably 110° to 150°, on the surface of the care sheet.

[0059] Surface energy, contact angle, and their measurement values

[0060] Surface energy (SFE) defines how a material wets, spreads, and adheres to another surface. SFE is typically divided into two components, a dispersive (or sometimes called non-polar) component and a polar component. The dispersive component describes the available van der Waals-type interactions on the surface. All surfaces have van der Waals interactions, and these interactions generally increase with the increasing molecular weight of the compound. The polar component describes the molecular groups available for interaction via polar interactions (such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, or Lewis acid / Lewis base interactions). Surfaces with a high polar component are more hydrophilic than surfaces with little to no polar component.

[0061] At a shear rate of 1 second -1 -1, the surface tension of a high-viscosity fluid with a viscosity greater than 5 Pascal seconds is determined by a thin film of these materials. The evaluation is carried out immediately after spreading the thin film onto a microscope slide. Personal care product ingredients (the frame member and the care sheet) are measured as solid materials. According to ASTM D7334-08, using a video recorded at 200 frames per second for 5 seconds, contact angle analysis is used to determine the surface energy of a solid or very viscous liquid film. Water and diiodomethane are dispensed onto the thin film of the high-viscosity fluid or solid material sample, and the wetting of the resulting droplets is captured in a curve form. The contact angle is extracted from the video using First TenAngstrom software (version number: 2.1, build number: 378). The Fowkes equation of state is used to convert the contact angle into surface energy components.

[0062] At a shear rate of 1 second -1When measuring the total surface tension of a low-viscosity sample of a shaving aid having a viscosity equal to or less than 5 Pascal seconds, the Wilhelmy plate technique is used in accordance with Method C of ASTM D1331-20. According to ASTM D7334-08, except for samples where the solvent used is the shaving aid fluid, the non-polar (dispersive) component of the surface energy is derived from the wetting characteristics on Teflon. Images of droplets on the Teflon surface are captured, and the contact angle is extracted from the images using First Ten Angstrom software (version number: 2.1, build number: 378). The dispersive component of the surface tension is derived using the primary Fowkes equation of state, assuming that the polar SFE component of Teflon is 0 mJ / m 2 The polar component of the liquid is calculated by subtracting the dispersive component from the total surface free energy.

[0063] The surface tension is measured using an instrument Krüss K-100, and the contact angle is measured using an FTA Model 200 dynamic contact angle analyzer.

[0064] According to another preferred embodiment, the shaving aid composition has a storage modulus G' of 150 Pa to 1500 Pa, more preferably 250 Pa to 1000 Pa.

[0065] According to another preferred embodiment, the shaving aid composition has a loss modulus G'' of 50 Pa to 500 Pa, more preferably 100 Pa to 200 Pa.

[0066] Regarding rheological properties, the preferred shaving aid composition according to the present invention exhibits shear-dependent viscosity that decreases with increasing shear rate, i.e., it exhibits shear-thinning viscous flow.

[0067] The storage modulus and the loss modulus are measures of the respective abilities of the shaving aid to store energy through elastic deformation or dissipate energy through viscous flow when the fluid moves and is squeezed between the care sheet and the skin, while the hair removal device moves over the skin in multiple directions.

[0068] Rheological properties and their measurement

[0069] Oscillatory frequency sweep provides insights into the viscoelastic properties of the fluid. The oscillatory frequency sweep involves applying a small sinusoidal (clockwise then counterclockwise) strain to the sample, scanning the oscillatory frequency, and monitoring the resulting stress response, from which viscoelastic information can be obtained. This test is used to determine the relative proportion of viscous or elastic properties within the deformation time scale, which is expressed as the storage modulus (G') and the loss modulus (G'') relative to the frequency. The storage modulus and the loss modulus are measures of the respective abilities of the material to store energy through elastic deformation or dissipate energy through viscous flow during each oscillatory deformation cycle.

[0070] At 20 °C, an oscillatory frequency sweep was performed after a 60 - second equilibration time. The sample was exposed to an oscillatory frequency sweep from 100 rad / s to 0.1 rad / s at 0.1% oscillatory strain. The tests were conducted on a research rheometer (DHR2, TA Instruments) equipped with an advanced Peltier plate measurement system with 40 mm crossed - roller geometry, and the test interval was set at 500 μm. A solvent trap lid was used to minimize drying of the sample at the edges of the exposed geometry.

[0071] Shaving Aid Composition and Its Chemical Composition

[0072] The shaving aid composition of the present invention comprises at least one oil, at least one shear - thinning structurant, at least one additive, and water.

[0073] Oil

[0074] The shaving aid composition may comprise at least one oil to form an oil - in - water emulsion or a water - in - oil - in - water emulsion. The oil can be used to solubilize, disperse, or carry materials that are not suitable for water or water - soluble solvents. The oil can be a fluid at room temperature. These oils can be volatile or non - volatile. "Non - volatile" means that the material exhibits a vapor pressure of no more than about 0.2 mm Hg at 25 °C and one atmosphere, and / or the material has a boiling point of at least about 300 °C at one atmosphere. "Volatile" means that the material exhibits a vapor pressure of at least about 0.2 mm Hg at 20 °C. Volatile oils can be used to provide a fresher feel when a thick and greasy film is not desirable. Suitable oils include hydrocarbons, esters, amides, ethers, siloxanes, and mixtures thereof.

[0075] Preferably, at least one oil is selected from the group consisting of:

[0076] · Hydrocarbons, preferably straight - chain, branched - chain, or cyclic alkanes and alkenes having 20 to 65 carbon atoms,

[0077] · Esters, preferably esters from fatty acids or alcohols,

[0078] · Amides, preferably N - acetyl - N - butylaminopropionate, isopropyl N - lauroylsarcosinate, butyl phthalimide, isopropyl phthalimide, and N,N - diethyltoluamide,

[0079] · Ethers, preferably saturated and unsaturated fatty ethers of polyols and their alkoxylated derivatives,

[0080] · Siloxanes, preferably polysiloxanes, and

[0081] · Mixtures thereof.

[0082] Suitable hydrocarbon oils include straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic alkanes and alkenes. The chain length can be selected according to the desired functional properties such as volatility. Suitable volatile hydrocarbons can have between 5 and 20 carbon atoms, or alternatively, between 8 and 16 carbon atoms.

[0083] Other suitable oils include esters. These esters include esters having a hydrocarbon group chain derived from fatty acids or alcohols (e.g., monoesters, polyol esters, and dicarboxylic and tricarboxylic esters). Here, the hydrocarbon groups of the esters can contain or have other compatible functional groups covalently bonded thereto, such as amide and alkoxy moieties (e.g., ethoxy or ether bonds, etc.). Exemplary esters include, but are not limited to: isopropyl isostearate, hexyl laurate, isohexyl laurate, isohexyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, decyl oleate, isodecyl oleate, cetyl stearate, decyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, dihexyl decyl adipate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, oleyl stearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl myristate, lauryl acetate, cetyl propionate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, butyloctyl salicylate, phenethyl benzoate, dicaprylyl carbonate, dioctyl malate, dioctyl maleate, isononyl isononanoate, dipropylene glycol didecanoate, diisopropyl adipate, dibutyl adipate, and oleyl adipate. Other suitable esters are further described in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook of the Personal Care Product Council, 13th Edition, 2010, under the functional classification of "esters". Other esters suitable for use in personal care compositions include those known as polyol esters and glycerol esters.

[0084] Other suitable oils include amides. Amides include compounds having an amide functional group, being liquid at 25 °C and insoluble in water. Suitable amides include, but are not limited to, N-acetyl-N-butylaminopropionate, isopropyl N-lauroylsarcosinate, butyl phthalimide, isopropyl phthalimide, and N,N,-diethyltoluamide. Other suitable amides are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,872,401.

[0085] Other suitable oils include ethers. Suitable ethers include saturated and unsaturated fatty ethers of polyols and their alkoxylated derivatives. Exemplary ethers include, but are not limited to, C 4-20 alkyl ethers of polypropylene glycol and di-C 8-30 alkyl ethers. Suitable examples of these materials include PPG-14 butyl ether, PPG-15 stearyl ether, PPG-11 stearyl ether, dioctyl ether, dodecyl octyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

[0086] Suitable silicone oils include polysiloxanes. The polysiloxane may have a viscosity of from about 0.5 centistokes to about 1,000,000 centistokes at 25°C. Such polysiloxanes may be represented by the following general chemical formula:

[0087] R 3 SiO[R 2 SiO] x SiR 3

[0088] wherein R is independently selected from hydrogen or C 1-30 a straight-chain or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, phenyl group or aryl group, trialkylsilyloxy group; and x is an integer from 0 to about 10,000, and x is selected to obtain the desired molecule. In certain embodiments, R is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. Commercially available polysiloxanes include polydimethylsiloxane, which is also known as polydimethylsilicone, examples of which include the DM-Fluid series from Shin-Etsu, the series sold by Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., and the Dow 200 series sold by Dow Corning Corporation. Specific examples of suitable polydimethylsiloxanes include Dow 200 fluids having viscosities of 0.65 centistokes, 1.5 centistokes, 50 centistokes, 100 centistokes, 350 centistokes, 10,000 centistokes, 12,500 centistokes, 100,000 centistokes and 300,000 centistokes (also sold as PMX-200 Silicone Fluids).

[0089] Suitable polydimethylsiloxanes include those represented by the following chemical formula:

[0090] R 3 SiO[R 2 SiO] x [RR'SiO] y SiR 3

[0091] wherein R and R' are each independently hydrogen or C 1-30 a straight-chain or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, aryl group or trialkylsilyloxy group; and x and y are each integers from 1 to 1,000,000, and x and y are selected to obtain the desired molecular weight. Suitable siloxanes include phenyl dimethyl siloxane (Botansil TMPD-151, obtained from Botanigenics, Inc.), diphenyldimethylsiloxane (KF-53 and KF-54, obtained from Shin-Etsu), phenyltrimethylsiloxane (556 Cosmetic Grade Fluid, obtained from Dow Corning), or trimethylsilyloxyphenyldimethylsiloxane (PDM-20, PDM-200, or PDM-1000, obtained from Wacker-Belsil). Other examples include alkylpolydimethylsiloxanes in which at least R' is a fatty alkyl group (e.g., C 12-22 ). A suitable alkylpolydimethylsiloxane is cetyl dimethicone in which R' is a C16 straight chain and R is methyl. Cetyl dimethicone can be purchased from Dow Corning under the trade name 2502 Cosmetic Fluid or from Evonik Goldschmidt GmbH under the trade names Abil Wax 9801 or 9814.

[0092] Cyclic siloxanes are a class of silicone oils that can be used in shaving aid compositions. Such siloxanes have the following general formula:

[0093]

[0094] wherein R is independently selected from hydrogen or C 1-30 a straight-chain or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, phenyl group or aryl group, trialkylsilyloxy group; and wherein n = 3 - 8 and mixtures thereof. Generally, mixtures of cyclic polymethylsiloxanes are used, wherein n is 4, 5, and / or 6. Commercially available cyclic polymethylsiloxanes include UltraPure Fluid of Dow Corning UP-1001 (i.e., n = 4), Dow Corning 's PMX-0245 (i.e., n = 5), Dow Corning 's PMX-0245 (i.e., n = 6), Dow Corning's 245 fluid (i.e., n = 4 and 5), and Dow Corning's 345 fluid (i.e., n = 4, 5, and 6).

[0095] Quaternary siloxanes are another class of silicone oils that can be used in shaving aid compositions. Quaternary siloxanes can be composed of at least one silicon block and at least one non-silicon block containing a quaternary nitrogen group, wherein the number of non-silicon blocks is one more than the number of silicon blocks.

[0096] The concentration level of the oil phase component(s), alone or in combination, can range from 2 wt% to less than 15 wt% of the base composition. Some preferred concentration levels include from about 2 wt% to about 12 wt% and from about 5 wt% to about 14 wt% of the base composition.

[0097] Shear-thinning structurant

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one shear-thinning structurant is selected from the group consisting of: clays and gums, microgels, superabsorbent polymers, gel networks formed from aliphatic amphiphiles, and mixtures thereof.

[0099] As used herein, the term "microgel" refers to crosslinked polymer entities that swell and bind water to stabilize fluids and impart shear-thinning properties. They can be provided in solid or liquid form. Preferred polymers include, but are not limited to: polyacrylamide, hydroxyethyl acrylate / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, sodium acrylate / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, ammonium polyacrylate, sodium acrylate / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate / dimethylacrylamide crosslinked polymer, hydroxyethyl acrylate / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer (available from Seppic) or carboxylic acid polymers (carbomers) such as Ultrez 10, Carbopol 934, Carbopol 980, and ETD 2050 (available from Lubrizol) or ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP copolymer, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP copolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / behenyl ether-25 methacrylate crosslinked polymer (available from Clariant). The most preferred electrolyte-sensitive polymer is polyacrylamide (polyacrylamide & C13-14 isoparaffin & laureth-7) obtained under the trade name Sepigel 305.

[0100] The term "superabsorbent polymer" should be understood to mean a polymer that in its dry state is capable of spontaneously absorbing at least 20 times its own weight of an aqueous fluid, especially water and in particular distilled water. Such superabsorbent polymers are described in the work "Absorbent Polymer Technology, Studies in Polymer Science 8" by L. Brannon-Pappas and R. Harland, published by Elsevier, 1990.

[0101] These polymers have a high ability to absorb and retain water and aqueous fluids. After absorbing the aqueous liquid, the particles of the polymer impregnated with the aqueous fluid thus remain insoluble in the aqueous fluid and thus retain their separate granular state.

[0102] The superabsorbent polymer used in the compositions of the present invention is preferably provided in particulate form, which upon hydration swells to form soft beads having a number average diameter of 10 μm to 1000 μm.

[0103] The superabsorbent polymer for use in the present invention is preferably a crosslinked acrylic acid homopolymer or copolymer, which is preferably neutralized and which is provided in particulate form.

[0104] Those mentioned (especially those made of polymers) may be selected from: crosslinked sodium polyacrylate, such as those sold by Avecia under the names Octacare X100, X110, and RM100, those sold by SNF under the names Flocare GB300 and Flosorb500, those sold by BASF under the names Luquasorb 1003, Luquasorb 1010, Luquasorb 1280, and Luquasorb 1100, those sold by Grain Processing Corporation under the names Water Lock G400 and G430 (INCI name: acrylamide / sodium acrylate copolymer), or AquaKeep 10SH NF, Aqua Keep 10SH NFC, sodium acrylate crosslinked polymer - 2 supplied by Sumitomo Seika; acrylic polymers (homopolymers or copolymers), especially starch grafted with sodium polyacrylate, such as those sold by Sanyo Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. under the names Sanfresh ST - 100C, ST100MC, and IM - 300MC (INCI name: sodium polyacrylate starch); acrylic polymers (homopolymers or copolymers), especially hydrolyzed starch grafted with acrylamide / sodium acrylate copolymer, such as those sold by Grain Processing under the names Water Lock A - 240, A - 180, B - 204, D - 223, A - 100, C - 200, and D - 223 (INCI name: starch / acrylamide / sodium acrylate copolymer).

[0105] Preferably, the superabsorbent polymer is sodium polyacrylate starch, which exhibits a number - average size of less than or equal to 100 μm, preferably less than or equal to 50 μm, in the non - swollen state, for example, a number - average size in the range of 2 μm to 100 μm, with a median particle size of 25, or preferably a number - average size in the range of about 2 μm to about 40 μm, with a median particle size of 12. In 1% water, the viscosity of the solution is preferably in the range of 20 Pas to 30 Pas, even more preferably in the range of 22 Pas to 29 Pas at pH 4, and in the range of 23 Pas to 28 Pas at pH 7. Preferred superabsorbent polymers include Makimousse 12 and Makimouse 25 supplied by Kobo Products Inc.

[0106] Relative to the total weight of the composition, the superabsorbent polymer can be present in the composition of the present invention as an active material in an amount in the range of, for example, 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably 0.05% to 6% by weight, preferably 0.1% to 4% by weight, preferably 0.1% to 3% by weight, and in fact even 0.1% to 2% by weight.

[0107] As used herein, the term "gel network" refers to a lamellar or vesicular solid crystalline phase comprising at least one aliphatic amphiphile. Gel networks have been used in cosmetic creams and hair conditioners for many years. The gel network is a re-solidified liquid crystal gel phase formed from an aliphatic amphiphile (such as cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol) and a hydrophilic phase (such as water). It is formed by undergoing melting and then re-solidifying in the hydrophilic phase. The gel network will generally have a lower thermal transition than the melting temperature of the aliphatic amphiphile itself.

[0108] The gel network in the present invention may comprise one or more fatty alcohols. Fatty alcohols generally include monohydric alcohols having 8 - 22 carbon atoms, but longer chain alcohols having more than 30 carbon atoms may be used. The fatty alcohol may be saturated or unsaturated. The fatty alcohol may be straight-chain or branched-chain. Specifically, the phase may comprise a straight-chain saturated fatty alcohol having a terminal hydroxyl group. Suitable fatty alcohols include decanol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol. By weight of the composition, the phase may comprise from about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%, 5% to about 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 15%, 20% of the fatty alcohol.

[0109] The shaving aid composition of the present invention may comprise from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition, alternatively from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of the composition, alternatively from about 0.25% to about 3% by weight of one or more shear-thinning structurants.

[0110] Additives

[0111] Preferably, at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of: emulsifiers, skin care actives (especially vitamins, peptides and peptide derivatives, glycosamines), humectants, conditioners, exfoliants, anti-microbials, anti-dandruff agents, skin brighteners (sunless), tanning agents, fragrances, preservatives, chelating agents, sensates, desquamating actives, anti-acne actives, local anesthetics, tanning actives, anti-microbial actives, sun protection actives, visual skin enhancing minerals, opacifiers, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, minerals, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, wetting agents, particles, and mixtures thereof.

[0112] Generally speaking, the shaving aid composition may comprise one additive from the following additives:

[0113] Emulsifier

[0114] The shaving care composition of the present invention comprises from about 0.1% to about 20%, alternatively from about 0.5% to about 15%, alternatively from about 1.0% to about 12% by weight of the composition of one or more emulsifiers.

[0115] Non-limiting examples of emulsifying surfactants for use in the compositions of the present invention are disclosed in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition (1986), published by Allured Publishing Corporation; and McCutcheon's Functional Materials, North American Edition (1992). Preferred emulsifiers are nonionic surfactants / emulsifiers. Non-limiting emulsifiers useful herein include those selected from the group consisting of alkyl glucosides, alkyl polyglucosides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, alkoxylated fatty alcohols, amine oxides, and mixtures thereof. Most preferred are alkoxylated fatty alcohols and alkyl glucosides and mixtures thereof. Other surfactants include anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof. Anionic surfactants include: sarcosinates, sulfates, sulfonates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, taurates, phosphates, alkenyl lactates, glutamates, soaps such as sodium, potassium and lower alkanolamine (preferably triethanolamine) salts of C12-22 (preferably C14-18) fatty acids. Typical fatty acids include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid and mixtures thereof. Preferred fatty acids are palmitic acid and stearic acid.

[0116] Humectants

[0117] The compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more humectants. When present, the compositions of the present invention may comprise from about 1% to about 30%; alternatively from about 2% to about 20%; or alternatively from about 3% to about 15% of humectants. One class of exemplary humectants are polyols. Suitable polyols include polyalkylene glycols and alkylene glycols and their derivatives, including propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and their derivatives; sorbitol; hydroxypropyl sorbitol; erythritol; threitol; pentaerythritol; xylitol; glucitol; mannitol; hexylene glycol; butylene glycol (e.g., 1,3-butylene glycol); pentylene glycol; hexanetriol (e.g., 1,2,6-hexanetriol); glycerol; ethoxylated glycerol; and propoxylated glycerol.

[0118] Other suitable humectants include sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, guanidine; glycolic acid and glycolates (e.g., ammonium and quaternary alkylammonium); lactic acid and lactates (e.g., ammonium and quaternary alkylammonium); aloe vera in any of its various forms (e.g., aloe vera gel); hyaluronic acid and its derivatives (e.g., salt derivatives such as sodium hyaluronate); lactamide monoethanolamine; acetamide monoethanolamine; urea; panthenol; sodium pyroglutamate (NaPCA), water-soluble poly(meth)acrylate glycerol esters lubricants such as ) and mixtures thereof.

[0119] Particles

[0120] The compositions of the present invention may comprise from about 0.001% to about 40%, alternatively from about 1% to about 30%, and alternatively from about 2% to about 20% of one or more particulate materials and / or cosmetic powders. Non-limiting examples of suitable powders include inorganic powders (e.g., iron oxides, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silica), organic powders, composite powders, optical brightener particles, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. These particles can be, for example, plate-shaped, spherical, elongated or needle-shaped, or irregular in shape; surface-coated or uncoated; porous or non-porous; charged or uncharged; and can be added to the compositions of the present invention as powders or predispersions. In one embodiment, the particulate material is hydrophobically coated.

[0121] Suitable organic powder particulate materials include, but are not limited to, polymer particles selected from methylsilsesquioxane resin microspheres, such as Tospearl TM 145A (Toshiba Silicone); polymethyl methacrylate microspheres, such as Micropearl TM M 100 (Seppic); crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane spherical particles, such as Trefil TM E 506C or Trefil TM E 505C (Dow Corning Toray Silicone); polyamide spherical particles, such as nylon-12 and Orgasol TM 2002D Nat C05 (Atochem); polystyrene microspheres, such as Dyno particles sold under the name Dynospheres TM and ethylene acrylate copolymers sold under the name FloBead TM EA209 (Kobo); aluminum starch octenyl succinate, such as Dry Flo TM (Akzo Nobel); polymethylsilsesquioxane-coated tapioca particles, such as Dry Flo TS TM(Akzo Nobel); polyethylene microspheres, such as Microthene TM FN510-00 (Equistar), silicone resin, polymethylsilsesquioxane silicone polymer, flaky powder made of L-lauroyl lysine, and mixtures thereof.

[0122] The composition of the present invention may also comprise interference pigments, including hydrophobically modified interference pigments. As used herein, "interference pigment" refers to platelet-shaped lamellar particles having two or more layers of controlled thickness. The layers have different refractive indices, thereby producing a characteristic reflected color that results from the interference of normally two but sometimes more light reflections from different layers of the platelet-shaped particles. An example of an interference pigment is mica having TiO 2 、Fe 2 O 3 、silica, tin oxide and / or Cr 2 O 3 film-layered mica, and includes pearlescent pigments. Interference pigments are commercially available from a number of suppliers, such as Rona (Timiron TM and Dichrona TM ), Presperse (Flonac TM ), Engelhard (Duochrome TM ), Kobo (SK-45-R and SK-45-G), BASF (Sicopearls TM ), and Eckart (Prestige TM ). In one embodiment, the average diameter of the longest side of an individual particle of the interference pigment is less than about 75 microns and alternatively less than about 50 microns.

[0123] According to a preferred embodiment, the shaving aid composition consists of:

[0124] a) 55 wt% to 97 wt% water,

[0125] b) 2 wt% to less than 15 wt% of at least one oil,

[0126] c) 1 wt% to 10 wt% of at least one shear-thinning structurant, and

[0127] d) 0 wt% to 20 wt% of at least one additive,

[0128] wherein components a) to d) total 100 wt% of the shaving aid composition.

[0129] According to another preferred embodiment, the shaving aid composition consists of:

[0130] a) 60% to 92% by weight of water,

[0131] b) 5% to 14% by weight of at least one oil,

[0132] c) 2% to 8% by weight of at least one shear - thinning structuring agent, and

[0133] d) 0.5% to 18% by weight of at least one additive,

[0134] wherein the components a) to d) total 100% by weight of a shaving aid composition.

[0135] Preferably, the hair removal device comprises at least one care sheet having a perforated blade. The care sheet is preferably a flat sheet having a perforated blade in a cutting zone, which cutting zone is the surface of the care sheet exposed within an opening of a frame member. Alternatively, the hair removal device may comprise more than one care sheet, such as 2, 3, 6, 7 or 10. Due to geometric reasons, a hair removal device preferably comprising 6 or 7 care sheets is preferred.

[0136] In addition, a single care sheet preferably has a total pore area A of 10 mm 2 to 400 mm 2 , more preferably 20 mm 2 to 200 mm 2 , and even more preferably 40 mm 2 to 120 mm 2 and a total cutting zone area S in the range of preferably 100 mm 2 to 800 mm 2 , more preferably 200 mm 2 to 600 mm 2 , and even more preferably 250 mm 2 to 480 mm 2 such that the transparency T = A / S is in the range of preferably 5% to 60%, more preferably 10% to 50%, and even more preferably 15% to 30%. It has been found that such transparency optimally supports the skin so that it hardly protrudes into the pores and maximizes the cutting length for effective shaving.

[0137] Preferably, during shaving, the skin - contacting surface of the frame member or the cutting zone of the care sheet or both are in contact with the skin to be shaved.

[0138] Preferably, the care sheet is fixed to the head with a frame member having an opening to expose the surface of the care sheet, wherein the frame member is more preferably made of a non - corrosive metal capable of bending, preferably made of aluminum or steel.

[0139] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface of the frame member and / or the care sheet is hydrophobic or coated with PTFE. Preferably, the surface of the frame member and / or the care sheet has a polar component of surface energy of 0.1 mJ / m 2 to 10 mJ / m 2 and, more preferably, 1 mJ / m 2 to 5 mJ / m 2 .

[0140] In summary, the following aspects are the main advantages of the present invention:

[0141] · The two-dimensional flat care sheet contains holes with cutting edges and can thus be used in all directions, enabling more effective shaving.

[0142] · The cutting edges in the holes move parallel to the skin (the clearance angle is 0 degrees), increasing safety as they span the unevenness above the skin surface.

[0143] · The area around the holes supports the skin, reducing the bulge in front of the tip of the cutting blade, which also increases safety.

[0144] · The pressure applied to the skin is lower, reducing skin irritation.

[0145] · If the lubricant is a moisturizer (preferred), it can remain on the skin after hair removal and does not need to be rinsed off.

[0146] · The solution can be used away from the bathroom.

[0147] · The care sheet according to the present invention also has a relatively large contact area, thus generating more friction between the device and the skin.

[0148] · It has been found that the force applied by the user on this care sheet is the same as that applied on a conventional razor, resulting in a much lower pressure on the skin due to the large contact area of the care sheet, and thus a thicker fluid layer of the shaving aid can be maintained, achieving a lower shear rate.

[0149] The following drawings and examples further illustrate the present invention, which show specific embodiments according to the present invention. However, these specific embodiments should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way as described in the claims and the general part of the specification.

[0150] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0151] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hair removal device according to the present invention,

[0152] Figure 2 is a top view of a care sheet according to the present invention,

[0153] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a hair removal device according to the present invention,

[0154] Figure 4 is a top view of the second surface of a care sheet according to the present invention,

[0155] Figures 5a to 5d is a top view of the second surface of an alternative care sheet having a different shape according to the present invention,

[0156] Figure 6a is a graph showing surface energy data of contact angle and polar surface energy component regarding a first selected shaving aid composition,

[0157] Figure 6b is a graph showing surface energy data of contact angle and polar surface energy component regarding a second selected shaving aid composition,

[0158] Figure 6c is a graph showing surface energy data of contact angle and polar surface energy component regarding a third selected shaving aid composition,

[0159] Figure 7a is a graph showing rheological property data of storage modulus G' and loss modulus G'' regarding a first selected shaving aid composition, and

[0160] Figure 7b is a graph showing rheological property data of storage modulus G' and loss modulus G' regarding a first selected shaving aid composition. Detailed Description

[0162] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hair removal device 10 having a head 11 and a handle 30. The head 11 includes a housing 20 and a frame member 50 that is attached to the housing 20 and disposed on a care sheet 40 having a plurality of perforated blades 430. In this example, the care sheet 40 and the frame member 50 have a hexagonal shape. Other shapes are also included in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5 below.

[0163] Figure 2 shows a circular care sheet 40 of the present invention in a top view looking onto the skin contact surface 41. The care sheet 40 includes a perforated blade 430 having a hole perimeter 431 surrounding a hole area a i The cutting edge 435 is formed along at least a portion of the hole perimeter 431 located at the skin contact surface 41, thereby creating a closed cutting edge.

[0164] In the hair removal device 10, the frame member 50 is disposed on the care sheet 40 and covers the peripheral region 451 on the skin contact surface 41 and exposes the cutting region 60 surrounded by the peripheral region 451. That is, the cutting region 60 is a part of the skin contact surface 41 that is visible when the frame member 50 is attached to the housing 20 of the head 11 of the hair removal device 10.

[0165] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the head 11 of the hair removal device according to the present invention. The head 11 includes a frame member 50 disposed on the care sheet 40. The care sheet 40 includes a skin contact surface 41 facing the skin surface 90 to be shaved. Similarly, the frame member 50 includes a surface 51 facing the skin surface 90. Through the opening of the frame member 50, a part of the skin contact surface 41 exposed toward the skin surface 90 is referred to as the cutting region 60. When used to remove hair from the skin surface 90, the shaving aid 80 flows between the skin surface 90 and the skin-facing surfaces 41 and 51 of the hair removal device 10.

[0166] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a preferred hexagonal care sheet 40 according to the present invention, which has alternative numbers and arrangements of octagonal holes.

[0167] Figures 5a to 5d Further shows a top view of the first surface of the care sheet according to the present invention, which has alternative numbers and arrangements of circular holes.

[0168] Consumer testing

[0169] To evaluate which shaving aid formulations are preferred in use and which formulations are unsuitable, several shaving aid fluids are formulated and evaluated during the use of the Figure 1 shown hair removal device. The shaving aids are evaluated using the method according to the present invention, which includes applying the shaving aid to the skin to be shaved and then using the Figure 1 shown hair removal device to remove hair from the skin. Before using the method according to the present invention, the shaving aid is directly applied to the dry skin and the shaving aid is repeatedly applied to the wet skin after washing the skin to perform the method.

[0170] The performance of the method is evaluated by the test candidate on a five-point scale (5 = very good, 1 = poor) for several shaving attributes, including the overall performance of shaving, the closeness of shaving, hair removal efficiency, lubrication during shaving, shaving comfort, and safety. Preferred shaving aids achieve an average score greater than 3, while unsuitable shaving aids obtain an average score of 3 or lower.

[0171] The relative amounts of water, oil, and structurant for the different shaving aid fluids tested are given in Table 1. The overall shaving performance of Fluids A through C was rated above 3 and thus they are preferred for the method of the present invention. The overall shaving performance of Shaving Aid Fluids D through E was rated 3 or lower and thus they are not suitable for the method of the present invention.

[0172] Table 1

[0173] Shaving aid Water % Oil % Structurant % Additive % A 73 11 2 14 B 87 2 7 4 C 73 6 3 18 D 77 2 0.5 19.5 E 91 0 0 9 F 69 0 0 31

[0174] The shaving aids were prepared by the following methods:

[0175] Formulation A:

[0176] 1. In Tank A, add water and heat to 75 °C

[0177] 2. Add surfactant, chelating agent, polymer, and humectant.

[0178] 3. In Tank B, add oil and fatty alcohol and heat to 75 °C

[0179] 4. Add Tank B to Tank A and homogenize

[0180] 5. Neutralize with sodium hydroxide

[0181] 6. Cool to 40 °C

[0182] 7. Add preservative, fragrance, and vitamin.

[0183] Formulation B:

[0184] 1. In Tank A, add water and heat to 75 °C

[0185] 2. Add surfactant, fatty alcohol, chelating agent, polymer, and humectant.

[0186] 3. Add oil to Tank B and heat to 75 °C

[0187] 4. Add Tank B to Tank A and homogenize.

[0188] 5. Cool to 40 °C.

[0189] 6. Add preservative and fragrance.

[0190] Formulation C:

[0191] 1. In Tank A, add water and heat to 75 °C

[0192] 2. Add chelating agent and humectant

[0193] 3. In Tank B, mix surfactant oil and fatty alcohol and heat to 75 °C

[0194] 4. Add Tank B to Tank A and homogenize.

[0195] 5. Cool to 40 °C

[0196] 6. Add preservative, silicone, starch, fragrance and vitamin.

[0197] Formula D:

[0198] 1. In a tank, mix water, polymer and sorbitol, then heat to 60 °C

[0199] 2. Add surfactant and heat to 80 °C

[0200] 3. Add TEA

[0201] 4. Cool to 40 °C.

[0202] 5. Add oil, glycerol, preservative and fragrance

[0203] 6. Mix the concentrate with the foaming agent and package.

[0204] Formula E:

[0205] 1. In a tank, mix water and hydroxyethyl cellulose, then heat to 75 °C

[0206] 2. Add surfactant, chelating agent, polymer and wetting agent

[0207] 3. Cool to 40 °C. Add preservative and fragrance.

[0208] Formula F:

[0209] 1. In a tank, add water and heat to 75 °C

[0210] 2. Add surfactant, chelating agent, polymer and wetting agent.

[0211] 3. Cool to 40 °C. Add preservative, fragrance and vitamin.

[0212] A detailed list of the ingredients of the shaving aids tested is given in Table 2.

[0213] Table 2

[0214]

[0215]

[0216] Figures 6a to 6c is a graph showing the surface property data of the selected shaving aids tested in use. Solid black circles represent the shaving aids preferred in use, while white circles represent the shaving aids found unsuitable in use.Figure 6a Shows the polar component of the surface free energy in millijoules per square meter for preferred and unsuitable shaving aids, as well as for the skin (diamond symbols) and the surface of the solid material of the hair removal device (cross).

[0217] Shaving aid D represents a typical shaving aid for use with a conventional hair removal device comprising a plurality of straight blades. When used with the shaving device of the present invention comprising a care sheet having a plurality of cutting holes, shaving aid D is not preferred. For the method of the present invention, shaving aid D is too thin and does not provide sufficient lubrication and cushioning between the skin and the surface of the care sheet. This is because for shaving aid D, as can be seen in Figure 6, the polar component of the surface energy and the contact angle of the shaving aid on the device and skin surfaces are too low compared to the preferred shaving aids. A higher polar component of the surface energy and contact angle of the preferred shaving aid are required to form a fluid droplet between the razor and the skin surface, which creates the desired ball bearing-like lubrication mechanism and a buffer layer of the shaving aid composition between the two surfaces.

[0218] It can be clearly seen that the preferred shaving aid has a polar component of surface free energy greater than about 40 mJ / m2. Figure 6b Shows the contact angles (in degrees) of preferred and unsuitable shaving aids when deposited on the care sheet of the hair removal device. It can be clearly seen that the preferred shaving aid has a contact angle greater than about 100° on the surface of the care sheet. Figure 6c Shows the contact angles (in degrees) of preferred and unsuitable shaving aids when deposited on the skin of the hair removal device. It can be clearly seen that the preferred shaving aid has a contact angle greater than about 80° on the skin surface.

[0219] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Is a graph showing the rheological properties of selected shaving aids tested in use. Solid black circles represent the preferred shaving aids in use, while white circles represent the shaving aids found to be unsuitable in use. Figure 7a Shows the storage modulus G' (in Pascals) for preferred and unsuitable shaving aids. Figure 7b Shows the loss modulus G' (in Pascals) for preferred and unsuitable shaving aids.

[0220] Shaving aid D represents a typical shaving aid for use with a conventional hair removal device comprising multiple straight blades. When used with the shaving device of the present invention comprising a care sheet having multiple cutting holes, shaving aid D is not desirable. For the method of the present invention, shaving aid D is too thin and does not provide sufficient lubrication and cushioning between the skin and the surface of the care sheet. This is because, as can be seen in Figure 7 for shaving aid D, the storage modulus and loss modulus are too low compared to the preferred shaving aid. A higher storage modulus and loss modulus of the preferred shaving aid are required to form a buffer layer of the shaving aid composition between the surface of the device and the surface of the skin.

[0221] It can be clearly seen that the preferred shaving aid has a storage modulus greater than about 150 Pascals. It can be clearly seen that the preferred shaving aid has a loss modulus greater than about 50 Pascals.

[0222] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be construed as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the recited value and a range functionally equivalent around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to represent "about 40 mm" or ±10% of the disclosed dimension.

[0223] 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 benefits therefrom, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor is it an admission that it alone or in any combination with any other one or more references teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, when 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 the term in this invention shall govern.

[0224] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for removing hair from a skin area, the method comprising the steps of: (A) applying a shaving aid composition to the skin area to be shaved, the shaving aid composition comprising water, at least one oil, and at least one shear-thinning structuring agent, wherein the shaving aid composition has a polar component with a surface free energy of from 30 mJ / m 2 to 80 mJ / m 2 ; (B) shaving the skin area to be shaved using a hair removal device (10), the hair removal device comprising at least one care sheet (40) having a perforated blade (430).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the shaving aid composition has a polar component with a surface free energy of 40 mJ / m 2 to 60 mJ / m 2 .

3. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaving aid composition has a storage modulus G' of 150 Pa to 1500 Pa, preferably 250 Pa to 1000 Pa, and / or the shaving aid composition has a loss modulus G'' of 50 Pa to 500 Pa, preferably 100 Pa to 200 Pa.

4. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaving aid composition has a contact angle of 100° to 180°, preferably 110° to 150°, on the surface of at least one care sheet.

5. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one oil is selected from the group consisting of: · hydrocarbons, preferably straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic alkanes and alkenes having 20 to 65 carbon atoms · esters, preferably esters from fatty acids or alcohols, · amides, preferably N-acetyl-N-butylaminopropionate, isopropyl N-lauroylsarcosinate, butyl phthalimide, isopropyl phthalimide, and N,N,-diethyltoluamide, · ethers, preferably saturated and unsaturated fatty ethers of polyols and their alkoxylated derivatives, · siloxanes, preferably polysiloxanes, and · mixtures thereof.

6. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one shear-thinning structuring agent is selected from the group consisting of: clays, gums, microgels, superabsorbent polymers, gel networks formed from aliphatic amphiphiles, and mixtures thereof.

7. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of: emulsifiers, skin care active substances (especially vitamins, peptides and peptide derivatives, glycosamines), humectants, conditioners, exfoliants, antimicrobial agents, antidandruff agents, skin brightening agents (without sunlight), tanning agents, fragrances, preservatives, chelating agents, sensates, desquamation active substances, anti-acne active substances, local anesthetics, tanning active substances, antimicrobial active substances, sunscreen active substances, visual skin enhancing minerals, opacifiers, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, minerals, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, wetting agents, particles, and mixtures thereof.

8. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaving aid composition consists of the following components: a) 55% to 97% by weight of water, b) 2% to less than 15% by weight of at least one oil, c) 1% to 10% by weight of at least one shear-thinning structuring agent, and d) 0% to 20% by weight of at least one additive, wherein components a) to d) total 100% by weight of the shaving aid composition.

9. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaving aid composition consists of the following components: a) 60% to 92% by weight of water, b) 5% to 14% by weight of at least one oil, c) 2% to 8% by weight of at least one shear-thinning structurant, and d) 1% to 18% by weight of at least one additive, wherein components a) to d) total 100% by weight of the shaving aid composition.

10. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one care sheet (40) is fixed to the head (11) by a frame member (50) having an opening to expose a cutting area (60) of the at least one care sheet, wherein the frame member (50) is preferably made of a non-corrosive metal capable of being bent, preferably made of aluminum or steel.

11. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one care sheet (40) is a flat sheet having a perforated blade (430) located within the cutting area (60).

12. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one care sheet (40) has a total pore area A of 10 mm 2 to 400 mm 2 , preferably 20 mm 2 to 200 mm 2 , even more preferably 40 mm 2 to 120 mm 2 and a cut area S in the range of 100 mm 2 to 800 mm 2 , preferably 200 mm 2 to 600 mm 2 , even more preferably 250 mm 2 to 480 mm 2 on the condition that the transparency T = A / S is in the range of 5% to 60%, preferably 10% to 50%, even more preferably 15% to 30%.

13. The method according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein during shaving, the skin contact surface (51) of the frame member (50) or the cutting area (60) of the at least one care sheet (40) or both are in contact with the skin (90) to be shaved.

14. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface (51) of the frame member (50) and / or the at least one care sheet (40) is hydrophobic or coated with PTFE, preferably having a polar component of surface energy of 0 mJ / m 2 to 10 mJ / m 2 and more preferably 1 mJ / m 2 to 5 mJ / m 2 of the surface energy.

15. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair removal device comprises 2, 3, 6, 7 or 10 care sheets.

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