Oily anti-lice composition based on liquid alkanes and its uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new oily composition based on liquid alkanes for preventing and / or treating pediculosis, in particular pediculosis of the head in humans or on animal fur.

Description

Title of the invention: Oily anti-lice composition based on liquid alkanes and its uses technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of head lice and nit control. In particular, the invention relates to a new oily composition based on liquid alkanes, and its uses.

[0002] State of the art

[0003] Lice are blood-sucking insects that can cause common and contagious parasitic diseases called pediculosis or pityriasis. Three types of lice in particular are responsible for these ectoparasitic diseases: - Pediculus humanus corporis, the body louse, lives in the seams and folds of clothing, only coming onto the skin to feed, and is responsible for body lice infestations. - Pthirus pubis, the pubic louse and louse of other areas of the body covered with coarse hair, or crab louse, responsible for pubic lice infestations, and - Pediculus humanus capitis: the head louse, responsible for pediculosis of the scalp and / or head lice.

[0004] Head lice infestation is the most widespread. It is a very common endemic disease affecting all countries and all socioeconomic backgrounds. It mainly affects children between 5 and 11 years old.

[0005] The head louse is a small, grayish insect that feeds on its host's blood three to five times a day. Its oval-shaped eggs, or nits, attach very firmly to the hair thanks to spumalin, a sticky substance secreted by the nits. Each nit is usually glued to a single hair, most often very close to the skin.

[0006] Head lice cannot jump or fly and are mainly transmitted through head-to-head contact. They can be present on the scalp for several months without the host realizing it, which hinders the implementation of adequate preventative measures and promotes transmission. The infestation is usually asymptomatic for the first three to four weeks, after which itching generally appears, due to the presence of allergenic substances in the parasites' saliva.

[0007] In the treatment of head lice, several approaches can be used. As a first-line treatment, it is possible to comb the hair to remove the lice, which die quickly once separated from their host, but this This solution only eliminates some of the lice and cannot be used alone, except for very young children. Therefore, the treatment must be repeated many times.

[0008] Therefore, the most common approach is to apply an insecticide to the scalp. Several treatments have been proposed. The first topical treatments developed were insecticide-based products, such as organophosphates like malathion, permethrins, or pyrethrins, combined with a synergistic agent such as piperonyl butoxide. These treatments, particularly those based on malathion, are considered effective. However, they are highly irritating to the scalp, have a strong, unpleasant odor, and are considered toxic and polluting to the environment. Furthermore, it has been observed that their effectiveness decreases over time due to enzymatic adaptation in the lice, so this type of product is no longer used.

[0009] Topical treatments based on siloxanes, particularly dimethicone, have also been developed, such as those described in application WO-01 / 19190. These products work by drowning the lice in an oily phase, causing them to suffocate. However, these products are not sufficiently effective, especially against nits, and require several repeated applications. Furthermore, they make hair greasy and are highly flammable. In addition, the silicones used are not biodegradable, which is harmful to the environment. Finally, recent studies have shown that siloxanes (silicones) are severe endocrine disruptors, which argues for limiting or even prohibiting their use.

[0010] Insecticidal products based on siloxanes and fatty acid esters, such as those described in patent application EP-1,499,184, are still known. These products work by dissolving the chitin that covers the louse's exoskeleton, causing dehydration and then death. They are known under the trade name Resultz® and are composed of 50% cyclomethicone, which is highly flammable, and 50% isopropyl myristate. However, their effectiveness against adult lice is highly variable, and their efficacy against nits has not been established. Furthermore, these products cannot be applied to children under 4 years of age, and their use is cumbersome, requiring application to dry hair, a contact time of at least 8 hours, and several shampoos of the hair and scalp to remove the product and reduce the oily appearance of the hair.A new application, or even two additional applications, are necessary to eliminate hatched nits after a 7-day interval. These products also make hair greasy and are flammable.

[0011] Microemulsion-type formulations have also been developed and are described in particular in application FR0955753; however, these formulations are not They are only fully effective against lice after an application time of one hour, which is long compared to current consumer demand. Furthermore, their effectiveness against nits is not complete.

[0012] Products based on sodium chloride have been described with satisfactory efficacy compared to current standards. However, due to their salt content, they leave hair rough and difficult to style. The viscous nature of the formulations is also incompatible with a more user-friendly spray form.

[0013] More recently, formulations based on an oily solution consisting of at least one oily dispersing phase in which benzyl alcohol is dispersed were described in application WO2019 / 053134. However, these formulations, particularly those based on silica particles, can be unstable in their container. Indeed, the interaction of the silica particles with the container, and especially glass containers, can lead to heterogeneous gelation of the formulation and, consequently, product instability.

[0014] There is therefore still a need for new anti-lice formulations that are eco-friendly, rapidly biodegradable, plant-based (including non-GMO), easy to use, inexpensive, free of toxic insecticides and silicone oils, non-flammable, and highly effective against both head lice and nits. Summary of the invention

[0015] To meet this need, the invention proposes a composition in the form of an oily solution for use in the prevention and / or treatment of head lice, comprising between 30 and 100% liquid alkanes, by weight of the total weight of the composition, which are rapidly biodegradable and of plant origin (non-GMO). Preferably, the biodegradable liquid alkane represents between 30% and 70% by weight of said composition, more preferably between 40 and 60%.

[0016] According to an object of the present invention, the composition may also include one or more surfactants, thereby making the composition rinsable. Preferably, at least one surfactant is present in the composition at a level of at least 1% by weight of the total weight of the composition. The at least one surfactant has a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance less than or equal to 5. Preferably, the surfactant represents between 1% and 15% by weight of said composition, more preferably between 1% and 10%.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the surfactant is preferably chosen from among cationic, anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants. More preferably, the surfactant is Propylene glycol monolaurate type II, more commonly known by its trade name, Lauroglycol®.

[0018] According to another object of the invention, the composition may comprise at least two surfactants, the combination of at least two surfactants has an overall hydrophilic / lypophile balance less than or equal to 5.

[0019] According to another object, the composition may also include at least one vegetable oil. The vegetable oil then represents at least 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the liquid vegetable oil represents between 10% and 60% by weight of said composition.

[0020] The present composition according to the invention is preferably in the form of an oily solution and exhibits total pediculicidal and lenticidal efficacy in a single application lasting less than 15 minutes, preferably 5 minutes or less. Furthermore, when one or more surfactants are present in the composition according to the invention, it is very easily rinsed off and extremely easy to use, even for children.

[0021] According to another object, the composition according to the invention may also comprise other ingredients. Furthermore, the composition may comprise at least one ingredient selected from an antioxidant agent, a pediculicide, a lice repellent, a preservative, and combinations thereof.

[0022] When the composition includes an antioxidant agent, it shall represent at most 1% by weight of the composition. Advantageously, the antioxidant agent shall be selected from butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, and ascorbyl palmitate.

[0023] When the composition includes a pediculicidal substance, this substance shall represent at most 1% by weight of the composition. Preferably, the pediculicidal substance shall be chosen from malathion, permethrins, plant essences or natural pediculicidal oils, and nit growth inhibitors.

[0024] When the composition includes a repellent substance, this represents at most 1% by weight of the composition. Preferably, the repellent substance is chosen from myrtle oil, citronella, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR 3535), DET (Diethyltoluamide), essential oils of lemon, lavender, rose geranium, cineole rosemary, celery and tea tree.

[0025] When the composition includes a preservative agent, it shall represent at most 3% by weight of the composition.

[0026] Furthermore, the composition according to the invention has a low viscosity, which allows it to be offered in the form of fluid lotions or easy-to-apply sprays. According to one embodiment, it is also possible to gel these compositions by adding a gelling agent, which can be advantageous in order to prevent the composition from running into the eyes of the subjects being treated, particularly children. Preferably, it represents between 3 and 10% by weight of the composition. The gelling agent can be chosen from siloxane copolymers and polyamide copolymers.

[0027] The invention therefore has as its particular object the composition in the form of a solution oily, possibly rinseable, for use in topical application on the scalp and hair in the prevention and / or treatment of head lice in humans or, according to a variant, on animal fur in the prevention and / or treatment of animal lice.

[0028] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention and the examples that will follow. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] Definition

[0030] For the purposes of this invention, "biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO)" are defined as alkanes that are 100% derived from responsibly sourced plant biomass. Palm oil, which is non-GMO, traceable back to the plantations, and covered by a Mass Balance certificate according to the RSPO standard, is an example. They are also readily biodegradable, with a biodegradability of between 86% and 89% after 28 days, according to OECD Protocol 301B. From a chemical standpoint, alkanes are linear or branched C12-16 derivatives or branched C17-18 alkanes. Examples include alkanes corresponding to CAS 90622-53-0 or CAS 2081854-12-6. More preferably, the alkanes according to the invention are marketed by the SEPPIC Company under the brand names Emogreen L15 and L19 and c69 under CAS number 64742-46-7.

[0031] By "rinsable" in the sense of the invention is meant the action of rinsing with warm tap water the composition according to the invention present on the hair or skin without having to add an additional soap or shampoo in addition to the composition.

[0032] For the purposes of this invention, "oily solution" means a homogeneous oily solution. Preferably, when the composition comprises several ingredients, this is obtained by moderately stirring the other ingredients of the composition, such as a surfactant and / or one or more vegetable oils, at room temperature.

[0033] The term "hydrophilic / lipophilic balance" or "HLB" in the context of this invention refers to a characteristic quantity of a surfactant that is measured by a method, proposed in 1949 by Griffin, which allows for the quantification of the equilibrium between the hydrophilic and lipophilic parts of the surfactant molecule; this equilibrium is linked to its solubility in water. The scale ranges from 0 to 20: the higher the value, the greater the solubility in water. According to Davies' method, it corresponds to the following equation:

[0034] [Math.l]

[0035] Surfactants are often used in mixtures and in this case the HLB value of a Binary mixture is calculated in a first approximation by the linear relationship following the Brochette equation (Brochette, 1999: Elaboration et étude des émotions. Engineering Techniques, Process Engineering Treatise J2150:1-18) with ml: mass of surfactant 1 in the formulation, m2: mass of surfactant 2 in the formulation, HLB1: HLB value of surfactant 1, HLB2: HLB value of surfactant 2.

[0036] [Math.2]

[0037] The HLB values ​​are thus additive. Also, by "overall hydrophilic / lipophilic balance" or "overall hydrophilic / lipophilic balance" or "overall hydrophilic / lipophilic equilibrium" or "overall HLB" in the sense of the invention, we mean the sum of the HLB values ​​of the different surfactants present in the solution.

[0038] Composition

[0039] The present invention therefore relates to a composition in the form of an oily or possibly gelled solution for use in the prevention or treatment of pediculosis, comprising at least 30% of at least one biodegradable liquid alkane of plant origin (non-GMO), by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0040] Alkanes are well-known ingredients in the cosmetics industry for their sensory properties and are widely used. Historically, they have been of synthetic or mineral origin and are therefore not suitable for more natural and environmentally friendly compositions. Therefore, the present invention relates solely to alkanes of purely plant origin, certified and approved in particular by COSMOS and / or ECOCERT.

[0041] Thus, the alkanes according to the invention are 100% derived from plant biomass and are responsibly sourced. For example, palm oil is non-GMO, traceable back to the plantations, and covered by a Mass Balance certificate according to the RSPO standard. Furthermore, the alkanes according to the invention are also readily biodegradable, with a biodegradability of between 86% and 89% after 28 days, according to OECD Protocol 301B.

[0042] Chemically, the alkanes according to the invention are linear or branched C12-16 alkanes or branched C17-18 alkanes. More preferably, the alkanes according to the invention are the alkanes under CAS number 90622-53-0 or CAS 2081854-12-6.

[0043] In a particularly preferred manner, the alkanes according to the invention are C15-19 alkanes, notably marketed by the SEPPIC Company under the brand names Emogreen L15 and L19 and c69.

[0044] Also, the composition according to the invention comprises at least one biodegradable liquid alkane of plant origin (non-GMO), said alkane is a lipophilic dispersing phase which represents the basis of the oily solution of the present composition.

[0045] Most preferably, the composition according to the invention, in the form of an oily solution, does not include water.

[0046] Preferably, the biodegradable liquid alkane of plant origin (non-GMO) represents at least 30% by weight of the total weight of the composition according to the invention, more preferably between 30 and 70% by weight of the total weight of the composition, even more preferably between 40 and 60% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0047] Advantageously, between 50 and 100% of biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO), by weight of the total weight of the composition, makes it possible to obtain very good efficacy on lice and nits five minutes after application of the composition according to the invention.

[0048] The mechanism of action of biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) consists of obstructing the respiratory openings of lice and nits called spiracles, thus causing an osmotic shock which instantly destroys the digestive system of the parasites, thus causing their immediate death.

[0049] The composition according to the invention may also include other ingredients, the ingredients are then all mixed under moderate agitation at room temperature or under a moderate temperature below 60°C.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the composition also comprises: - at least 1% of at least one surfactant having a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance less than or equal to 5, and - at least 10% of at least one vegetable oil, the percentages being given by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0051] Also, when biodegradable liquid alkanes are associated with a surfactant having a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance of less than 5, the composition according to the invention is easily rinsed and leaves hair non-greasy and silky.

[0052] The composition in the form of a rinseable oily solution then preferably comprises at least 1% of at least one or more surfactants having a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance less than or equal to 5, the composition is easily rinsed and therefore usable in a single step without the need for the application of a traditional shampoo.

[0053] Furthermore, the surfactant reduces the surface tension of the medium, which facilitates the penetration of the formulation into the lice and nits, thus contributing to the increased effectiveness of the composition. The surfactant present in the composition according to the invention is preferably chosen from cationic, anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants or mixtures thereof.

[0054] Said surfactant present in the composition preferably represents between 1% and 15% by weight of the total weight of said composition, more preferably

[0055]

[0056]

[0057]

[0058]

[0059] between 1% and 10%. This is particularly advantageous for giving the formulation a particularly rinsable character. According to another aspect of the invention, the composition may also comprise a combination of at least two surfactants whose hydrophilic / lipophilic ratio is less than or equal to 5. The combination of at least two surfactants is particularly suitable for optimizing and improving the penetration of the formulation into lice and nits, as well as facilitating rinsing of the hair. Indeed, since the nature of hair, particularly in humans, is highly heterogeneous, the combination of at least two surfactants is especially beneficial for improving the rinsing efficiency of the solution after application. As an example, we can cite below the surfactants having a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance (HLB) less than or equal to 5 and allowing to obtain a miscible solution with at least one biodegradable liquid alkane of plant origin (non-GMO): - Glycol Distearate HLB = 1 - Sorbitan Trioleate or Span 85 HLB = 1.8 - Propylene Glycol Isostearate HLB = 2.5 - Glycol Stearate HLB = 2.9 - Lauroglycol™ 90, Propylene glycol monolaurate (type II) HLB 3 - Sorbitan Sesquioleate HLB = 3.7 - Glyceryl Stearate HLB = 3.8 - Lecithin HLB = 4 - Sorbitan Oleate or Span 80 HLB = 4.3 - Sorbitan Monostearate NF HLB = 4.7 - Sorbitan Stearate HLB = 4.7 - Sorbitan Isostearate HLB = 4.7 - Steareth-2 HLB = 4.9 Oleth-2 HLB = 4.9 - Lauroglycol™ FCC, Propylene glycol monolaurate (type I) HLB =5 Preferably, the surfactant is Propylene glycol monolaurate type II, marketed under the trade name Lauroglycol®, which also has a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance of 5. The composition may also include at least one vegetable oil to improve the organoleptic characteristics of the preparations by influencing their fragrance and viscosity. For example, natural vegetable oils can be chosen from olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, isopropyl myristate (MIP), oils from seeds such as sesame oil, linseed oil and hemp oil; oils from nuts such as walnut oil and hazelnut oil; oils from seeds such as grapeseed oil and pumpkin seed oil; sweet almond oil, coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, black cumin oil, rosehip oil, camellia oil, and combinations thereof.

[0060] Preferably, the vegetable oil represents at least 10% by weight of the total weight of said composition, more preferably between 10 and 60%. Particularly advantageously, the liquid vegetable oil represents between 30% and 60% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0061] According to a preferred object, vegetable oil is a mixture of vegetable oils, at least two vegetable oils, at least three vegetable oils. Said vegetable oils are preferably chosen from the oils listed above, and their mixture.

[0062] According to a particularly preferred object, the composition according to the invention consists exclusively of at least 50% biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO), at least 5% of at least one surfactant having a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance less than or equal to 5, and at least 45% liquid vegetable oil, the percentages being given by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0063] According to another object, the composition according to the invention may also comprise other ingredients dispersed in the oily solution, in addition to the surfactant(s). These may include, in particular: - an antioxidant agent, such as butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, or ascorbyl palmitate, which helps prevent the oxidation of the oil phase and thus its rancidity, and / or - a pediculicidal substance, which improves the effectiveness of the composition, such as malathion, permethrins, plant essences or natural pediculicidal oils such as anise oil, tea tree oil, myrtle oil, lavender oil, neem oil and nit growth inhibitors such as Farnesol and Nerolidol, and / or - a lice-repellent substance, such as myrtle oil, citronella, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR 3535), DET (Diethyltoluamide), essential oils of lemon, lavender, rose geranium, cineole rosemary, celery and tea tree, and / or - a gelling agent, which can be chosen from among siloxane and polyamide copolymers (such as Oléocraft LP20), and / or - a preservative agent, such as benzoic acid.

[0064]

[0065]

[0066]

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[0070]

[0071]

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[0073] Preferably, the antioxidant agent, when present in the composition according to the invention, represents at most 1% by weight of the composition. Preferably, the pediculicidal substance present in the composition represents at most 1% by weight of the composition in order to avoid undesirable effects, including toxicity and irritation. Preferably, the repellent substance present in the composition represents at most 1% by weight of the composition Preferably the gelling agent when present in the composition according to the invention, represents at most 30% by weight of the composition, even more preferably between 1 and 15%. Preferably the preservative agent when present in the composition according to the invention represents at most 3% by weight of the composition, preferably between 0.1 and 3%. The composition according to the invention most preferably has one or more of these characteristics, preferably all of them: stable, transparent, water-rinsable and very little or no irritation, non-toxic, very little or no flammability, biodegradable and devoid of endocrine-disrupting effects, unlike siloxane or silicone-type derivatives. Process The composition according to the invention can be obtained by any suitable process. In particular, this may involve a simple re-homogenization step when the composition consists exclusively of biodegradable liquid alakane. When the composition comprises several ingredients, the process may consist of carrying out the following steps at room temperature: - solubilization of the surfactant(s) in biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO), possibly accompanied by a vegetable oil, - possibly adding an antioxidant to the oil phase, - possibly adding a preservative to the oil phase. If you wish to gel the mixture, you can add the following steps: - Heat to approximately 50°C and disperse the polysiloxane and polyamide copolymer, - Allow the mixture to cool. The composition according to the invention can be used in particular as a lotion or as a spray, both forms being particularly easy to use for application to the hair and scalp. According to one embodiment, the composition, when it includes a gelling agent, can also be presented as gel form.

[0074] The composition is of particular interest as a product for the prevention and / or control of head lice and / or nits, especially for application to the hair and / or scalp or to the coat of animals such as horses.

[0075] The composition according to the invention can be applied indifferently to dry or wet hair.

[0076] A particular method of application consists of saturating dry hair with the composition according to the invention and rinsing the hair with shampoo for formulations without surfactants or directly with warm water when they contain a surfactant between two minutes and one hour after application.

[0077] Advantageously, it is not necessary to repeat the application after 7 days given the remarkable effectiveness of the composition on nits.

[0078] According to another advantage, the composition according to the invention leaves the hair silky, combable and aesthetically perfect, unlike prior art products which leave the hair greasy, sticky, rough after application.

[0079] Furthermore, the composition according to the invention exhibits significant dissolving power, particularly with respect to spumaline, a strong natural glue secreted by nits that makes it difficult for them to detach. Thus, the application of the formulations facilitates the removal of nits.

[0080] The invention is now illustrated by examples of compositions according to the invention and by tests of pediculicidal and lenticidal efficacy, in particular comparative tests with respect to the product marketed under the name POUXIT® Classic. Examples

[0081] Example 1: Liquid formulation

[0082] The formulation of the oily solution according to Example 1 is presented in Table 1.

[0083] [Tables 1] Ingredients % Biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin - EMOGREEN L19 100 TOTAL 100

[0084] The formulation then takes the form of a lotion that is easy to apply to the hair.

[0085] Example 2: Liquid formulation

[0086] The formulation of the oily solution according to Example 2 is presented in the Table 2.

[0087] [Tables2] Ingredients % Biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin - EMOGREEN L19 50 Lauroglycol™ FCC, Propylene glycol monolaurate 5 Linseed oils 48 TOTAL 100

[0088] The manufacturing process is described below. Under stirring at room temperature, biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO), liquid vegetable oils, and Lauroglycol® (Lauroglycol™ FCC, Propylene glycol monolaurate) are mixed. The formulation is a transparent lotion that is easy to apply to the hair as a lotion or spray and is rinse-out.

[0089] Example 3: Gel formulation

[0090] The formulation of the gelled solution of Example 3 is presented in Table 3.

[0091] [Tables3] Ingredients % Biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin -EMOGREEN L15 40 Lauroglycol™ FCC, Propylene glycol monolaurate 5 MIP 50 SP Oleocraft LP-20 5 100

[0092] The manufacturing process is described below. Under stirring at room temperature, the biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) EMOGREEN L19 are mixed with Lauroglycol® and MIP. The mixture is then heated to 50°C and Oléocraft® is added under vigorous stirring. It is allowed to cool slowly. The formulation is in the form of a gelled solution.

[0093] Example 4: Liquid formulation

[0094] The formulation of the oily solution in Example 4 is shown in Table 4

[0095] [Tables4] Ingredients % Biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin -EMOGREEN L15 40 Span 80® (Polysorbate 80) 10 Sunflower oil 50 100

[0096] The manufacturing process is described below. Under stirring at room temperature, the biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) EMOGREEN L15, Span 80®, and sunflower oil are mixed. The formulation is a clear solution that is easy to apply as a lotion or spray to the hair and is rinse-out.

[0097] Example 5: Gel formulation

[0098] The formulation of the gelled solution of Example 5 is shown in Table 5

[0099] [Tables5] Ingredients % Biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) EMOGREEN L15 83.5 Span 80® 7.5 Linseed oils 4 SP Oleocraft LP-20 5 100

[0100] The manufacturing process is described below. Under stirring at room temperature, the biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) EMOGREEN L15, linseed oil, and Span80® are mixed. The mixture is heated to 50°C under vigorous stirring, and Oléocraft® LP 20 is added. The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature under stirring. The formulation is in the form of a gelled solution.

[0101] Example 6: Liquid formulation

[0102] The formulation of the oily solution of Example 6 is shown in Table

[0103] [Tableauxô] Ingredients % Biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin -EMOGREEN L15 40 Span 85® 15 MIP 45 100

[0104] The manufacturing process is described below. Under stirring at room temperature, the biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) EMOGREEN L15, Span 85®, and MIP are mixed. The formulation is a clear solution that is easy to apply as a lotion or spray to the hair and is rinse-out.

[0105] Thus, the formulations according to examples 1 to 6 are particularly suitable for the claimed use.

[0106] Efficacy tests of the composition according to the invention in comparison with another composition.

[0107] Pediculicidal and lenticidal efficacy tests of compositions according to the different examples 1 to 6 in comparison with an oily formulation based on dimethicone marketed under the name POUXIT® Classic and with a control are described below.

[0108] The pediculicidal and ovicidal activities of POUXIT® Classic and Examples 1 to 6 were tested in the laboratory on human body lice according to the following procedure.

[0109] Lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) are reared in the laboratory according to the method described by Cole (1966). For each test, 50 lice (10 males, 10 females, and 30 nymphs) were placed on a 7 cm diameter white filter paper disc and exposed to 1 g of the test preparation. The lice remained in contact with the substance for 5 minutes for the formulations described in the present invention and for one hour for POUXIT CLASSIC, according to the operating procedure recommended by the operating laboratory. They were removed from the filter paper, washed with shampoo, and rinsed under tap water for 1 minute. After treatment, the lice were transferred to a fresh filter paper disc and incubated overnight at optimal temperature and humidity. Mortality was determined after 24 hours.

[0110] Lice were placed on human hair every two days for 5 days and left for 24–48 hours to lay eggs. Fifty eggs aged 2–6 days were treated in the same way as the lice. The number of eggs that hatched and unhatched was counted after 10 days.

[0111] As a control, lice treated with 40% ethyl alcohol were used. Each exposure time was tested in three copies. The results are expressed as a percentage of dead lice.

[0112] The compositions tested are presented in Table 7.

[0113] [Tables?] COMPOSITION Contact time (minutes) Lice mortality (average expressed in %) Nit mortality (average expressed in %) POUXIT® CLASSIC 60 65 52 (Example 1) Non-rinseable liquid 100% alkanes 5 100 100 (Example 2) Rinseable liquid 50% alkanes 5 95 89 (Example 3) Rinseable gel 40% alkanes 5 89 88 (Example 4) Rinseable liquid 40% alkanes 5 90 89 (Example 5) Rinseable gel 83.5% alkanes 5 100 98 (Example 6) Rinseable liquid 40% alkanes 5 89 100 Control 60 8.0 12.0

[0114] Surprisingly, the inventors found with the composition according to example 1 that the biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) EMOGREEN L19 alone exhibit total pediculicidal activity after 5 minutes of contact with lice and especially nits, which to our knowledge has never been described before.

[0115] These results are to be compared with the poor performance of the reference product POUXIT® Classic based on dimethicone.

[0116] For the latter, after one hour of contact instead of five minutes for the formulations described in this invention, only 65% ​​of the lice and 52% of the nits are dead.

[0117] For all the compositions according to the invention, we observe perfect pediculicidal and especially lenticidal efficacy with only 5 minutes of contact, which is remarkable and never described for products without insecticide and made on the basis of biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) of the EMOGREEN type.

[0118] These new compositions according to the invention, based on biodegradable liquid alkanes of plant origin (non-GMO) of the EMOGREEN type, offer improved efficacy, requiring 5 minutes instead of one hour for most competing products, notably POUXIT® Classic. Furthermore, they offer superior organoleptic qualities, are rinseable when a surfactant is added, and thus allow for a one-step treatment without the need for shampooing.

[0119] Also, the compositions according to the invention make it possible to overcome all the disadvantages of the prior art and to meet the technical problem of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Composition in the form of an oily solution for use in the prevention or treatment of pediculosis, comprising a pediculicidal agent consisting of at least one liquid alkane, said liquid alkane representing at least 30% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

2. Composition for its use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the liquid alkane is a biodegradable, non-GMO alkane of natural origin.

3. Composition for its use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the composition also comprises: - at least 1% of at least one surfactant having a hydrophilic / lipophilic balance less than or equal to 5, and - at least 10% of at least one vegetable oil, the percentages being given by weight of the total weight of the composition.

4. Composition for its use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biodegradable liquid alkane represents between 30% and 70% by weight of said composition.

5. Composition for use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfactant constitutes between 1% and 15% by weight of said composition.

6. Composition for its use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfactant is selected from cationic, anionic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants.

7. Composition for its use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfactant is Propylene glycol monolaurate (type II).

8. Composition for use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition comprises at least two surfactants having an overall hydrophilic / lypophilic balance of less than or equal to 5.

9. Composition for its use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid vegetable oil represents between 10% and 60% by weight of said composition.

10. Composition for its use according to any one of the preceding claims cédentes, characterized in that the composition also includes: - at least one antioxidant agent, and / or - at least one pediculicidal substance, and / or - at least one lice-repellent substance, and / or - a preservative agent, and / or - a gelling agent.

11. Composition for its use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the antioxidant agent represents at most 1% by weight of the composition.

12. Composition for its use according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the antioxidant agent is selected from butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole and ascorbyl palmitate.

13. Composition for its use according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the pediculicidal substance represents at most 1% by weight of the composition.

14. Composition for its use according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the pediculicidal substance is selected from malathion, permethrins, plant essences or natural pediculicidal oils and nit growth inhibitors.

15. Composition for its use according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the repellent substance represents at most 1% by weight of the composition.

16. Composition for its use according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the repellent substance is selected from myrtle essence, citronella, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR 3535), DET (Diethyltoluamide), essential oils of lemon, lavender, rose geranium, cineole rosemary, celery and tea tree.

17. Composition for its use according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the preservative agent represents at most 3% by weight of the composition.

18. Composition for use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition is in the form of a lotion or spray.

19. Composition for its use according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the gelling agent is selected from siloxane copolymers and polyamide copolymers.

20. Composition for its use according to any one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that the gelling agent represents between 3 and 10% by weight of the composition.

21. Composition for use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is in a form suitable for topical application to the scalp and hair in the prevention or treatment of head lice in humans or to animal fur in the prevention or treatment of animal lice.