Composition for nail polish top coat

Abstract

Composition intended for use on nails. The composition comprises a solvent system that includes at least one non-aqueous, volatile polar solvent; a water-insoluble nitrocellulose polymer; an acrylic copolymer with an acid value ranging from approximately 145 to approximately 170 mg of KOH per gram; and a cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid. Methods, including those for use as a top coat, are also proposed. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: COMPOSITION FOR NAIL VARNISH FINISH COAT FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to topcoat nail polish compositions, and in particular to topcoat compositions comprising certain acrylic polymers. CONTEXT

[0002] Consumers use nail polish to enhance the appearance of their nails or protect them from the attacks of their daily environment. This often requires a nail polish formulated to provide good shine.

[0003] Consumers also want durable nail polish. Lack of durability often manifests itself in unsightly flaking or peeling of the coating shortly after the original coating is applied, requiring, at least in part, a reapplication to attempt to recreate the aesthetic appearance of the original coating. Durability is often a delicate balance, as layers that are too soft can scratch and layers that are too stiff can chip.

[0004] At the same time, it is necessary to improve gloss and durability, especially for topcoats. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention relates to a topcoat nail polish composition (also referred to herein as a "topcoat nail polish composition" or simply a "composition"). The topcoat nail polish composition includes a solvent system. The solvent system comprises at least one non-aqueous volatile polar solvent. The topcoat nail polish composition further includes a water-insoluble nitrocellulose polymer and an acrylic copolymer with an acid number of about 145 and about 170 mg of KOH per gram. The topcoat nail polish composition further includes a cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid.

[0006] Advantageously, the acid number of the acrylic polymer may be between about 160 and about 170 mg of KOH per gram, and / or be present in a concentration by weight in the finishing nail polish composition which is about 0.5% to about 15% by weight.

[0007] It may also be advantageous for the cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid to be cellulose acetate butyrate (or to contain it) and / or to be present in a concentration by weight in the finishing nail polish composition from about 1% to about 3%.

[0008] It may also be advantageous for the composition to be substantially free of colorant.

[0009] It may also be advantageous for the at least one non-aqueous volatile polar solvent to include at least one volatile acetate, such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, such that when these compounds are present in a concentration by weight such that a total concentration by weight of ethyl acetate and butyl acetate in the composition of the topcoat nail polish is from about 50% to about 90%.

[0010] It may also be advantageous for the composition of the finishing nail polish to further include sucrose acetate butyrate and / or tributyl acetylcitrate.

[0011] It may also be advantageous for the water-insoluble nitrocellulose polymer to be nitrocellulose such that it is present in a concentration by weight in the composition of the topcoat nail polish which is from about 5% to about 15%.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, the composition of the finishing nail polish can meet a plurality, or even all of these requirements listed above.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of treating a nail is provided. The method includes applying to the nail the finishing nail polish composition described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0014] An implementation of the present technology is described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figure, in which:

[0015] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a graph of hardness over time for different compositions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] By the expression "at least one" is meant one or more and this therefore includes individual components as well as mixtures / combinations.

[0017] Outside of the working examples, or unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients (e.g. concentrations, ratios etc.) and / or reaction conditions are to be understood as being modified in all cases by the term "about", meaning to within 10% or 15% of the number indicated (e.g., "about 10%" means 8.5% to 11.5%, especially 9% to 11%, and about 2% means 1.7% to 2.3%, especially 1.8% to 2.2%). and "about 2%" means 1.7% to 2.2%).

[0018] Similarly, for ratios, the modifier "about" means within 10% or 15% of the number. For example, about 4:1 means from 3.4:1 to 4.6:1, preferably from 3.6:1 to 4.4:1. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, when the first ingredient in a ratio is less than the second, then a ratio may be expressed “inversely.” For example, if a second ingredient, B, is present in an amount or concentration 2.5 times that of ingredient A, this may be identified as an A:B ratio of 1:2.5. “About 1:10” means from 1:8.5 to 1:11.5, preferably from 1:9 to 1:11. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the modifier “about” also encompasses the exact number or ratio specified. Unless otherwise indicated, all concentrations stated as percentages are concentrations by weight and, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the entire topcoat nail polish composition.

[0019] As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an", when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of the elements claimed or described.

[0020] As used herein, the term "at least one" means one or more and therefore includes individual components as well as mixtures / combinations.

[0021] In this document, the terms “include”, “includes” and “including” are intended to be non-limiting.

[0022] The term "film former", or "film-forming agent" or "film-forming polymer" or "film-forming resin" as used herein refers to a polymer or resin that leaves a film on the substrate to which it is applied, for example, after a solvent accompanying the film former has evaporated, been absorbed into and / or dissipated on the substrate. A "silicone film former" is a film former that comprises at least one silicone (a silicone atom bonded directly to an oxygen atom and also to a carbon atom such as in an organic moiety).

[0023] “Liquid” or “liquid cosmetic” or “liquid lipstick” or “composition liquid" means a composition having a fixed volume, which flows to cover the bottom and takes the shape of the part of the container it fills and is slightly compressible (as stated in General Chemistry, Fourth Edition 2005, p. 434. This is intended to exclude conventional stick-based lipsticks which are formed by molding and do not flow as a liquid would.

[0024] “Substituted” as used herein means comprising at least one substituent. Non-limiting examples of substituents include atoms, such as oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms, as well as functional groups, such as amine groups, ether groups, alkoxy groups, acyloxyalkyl groups, oxyalkylene groups, polyoxyalkylene groups, carboxylic acid groups, amine groups, acylamino groups, amide groups, halogen-containing groups, ester groups, thiol groups, sulfonate groups, thiosulfate groups, siloxane groups, and polysiloxane groups. The one or more substituent(s) may be further substituted.

[0025] “Substantially free” as used herein means that although it is preferable that no amount of the specific component is present in the composition, it is possible that there may be small amounts thereof in the compositions of the invention provided that such amounts do not substantially affect at least one, preferably most, of the advantageous properties of the compositions of the invention. In some embodiments, substantially free means less than about 2% of the identified ingredient, such as less than about 1%, such as less than about 0.5% relative to the composition as a whole (or a particular component, if indicated). By "anhydrous" is meant substantially free of water.

[0026] The numerical ranges comprise the evaluation criteria and are intended to include all combinations and sub-combinations. For example, from about 5%, 10% or 15% to about 20%, 50% or 60% may refer to about 5% to about 20%, from about 5% to about 50%, from about 5% to about 60%, from about 10% to about 20%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 10% to about 60%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 15% to about 50% or from about 15% to about 60%. As used herein, a ratio range is intended to include each specific ratio within the sub-ranges and a combination of sub-ranges between the given ranges.

[0027] The compositions and methods of the present invention may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

[0028] The finishing nail polish compositions of the present invention include a solvent system, a water-insoluble nitrocellulose polymer, an acrylic polymer, and a cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid. Each of these will be discussed in more detail herein. SOLVENT SYSTEM

[0029] The topcoat nail polish compositions of the present invention include a solvent system. The function of the solvent system is to dissolve or disperse various components in the topcoat nail polish composition and to evaporate at a suitable rate to allow the relatively rapid formation of a film having desirable gloss and durability properties.

[0030] The solvent system comprises at least one non-aqueous volatile polar solvent. The non-aqueous volatile polar solvent is (1) "volatile" in that it evaporates at a rate at least as fast as butyl acetate; (2) is polar in that it includes at least one polar functional group (e.g., alcohol, ether, ester, ketone, hydroxyl, amine, amino, carboxyl, carbonyl, and the like), and (3) "non- aqueous” in that it is not water and, in some embodiments, is not completely miscible in water in all concentrations at standard temperature and pressure.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent includes an ester, such as one or more acetate compounds. In particularly notable embodiments, the acetate compound is selected from ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more acetate compounds are used as the majority portion of the at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent, meaning that the proportion by weight of the one or more acetate compounds in the total amount of at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent is greater than 50%, such as greater than about 75%, such as greater than about 90%.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent is present in the topcoat nail polish composition in a concentration by weight that is from about 50% or 60% to about 75%, 80% or 90%. In notable embodiments, the at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent comprises, has a majority fraction (and more particularly at least about 90% of the totally volatile, non-aqueous polar solvents) that is a mixture of volatile acetates such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate. In other notable embodiments, the topcoat nail polish composition has a total concentration by weight of ethyl acetate and butyl acetate in the topcoat nail polish composition of from about 50% to about 90%.

[0033] According to certain other embodiments, the at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent includes one or more monohydric alcohols, such as a C2-C5 monohydric alcohol such as ethanol or isopropanol. In certain embodiments, the one or more monohydric alcohols are used as a minor portion of the at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent, meaning that the proportion by weight of the one or more monohydric alcohols in the total amount of at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent is less than 50%, such as less than about 25%, such as less than about 10%. WATER-INSOLUBLE NITROCELLULOSE POLYMER

[0034] The finishing nail polish compositions of the present invention include a water-insoluble nitrocellulose polymer (e.g., cellulose nitrate). The nitrocellulose polymer may be formed by nitrating cellulose by exposure to acids such as nitric acid and / or sulfuric acid. Desirably, the nitrocellulose is soluble in the solvent system and more particularly soluble in the one or more non-aqueous volatile polar solvents. The water-insoluble nitrocellulose polymer serves as a film former in the nail polish composition. finishing. Nitrocellulose may be present in a concentration by weight in the finishing nail polish composition of about 5%, 6% or 7% to about 10%, 12% or 15% by weight.

[0035] ACRYLIC POLYMER HAVING AN ACID VALUE OF ABOUT 145 MG OF KOH PER GRAM TO ABOUT 170 MG OF KOH PER GRAM

[0036] The finishing nail polish compositions of the present invention include an acrylic (co)polymer having an acid number (also referred to as acid value) that ranges from about 145 mg KOH per gram to about 170 mg KOH per gram. The acid number or acid value is a reflection of the relative amount of carboxyl groups in the acrylic (co)polymer and is generally measured using a titration, as known to those skilled in the art. The acrylic (co)polymer having an acid number will be formed from one or more types of ethylenically unsaturated monomeric substituents.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the acid number of the acrylic polymer may be from about 160 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram.

[0038] According to certain other embodiments, the acid number of the acrylic polymer may be greater than 150 mg of KOH per gram, especially from greater than 150 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram.

[0039] According to certain other embodiments, the acid number of the acrylic polymer is from about 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150 or 160 mg of KOH per gram to about 160 or 170 mg of KOH per gram.

[0040] The present inventors have discovered that the use of these relatively high acid value acrylates provides a combination of beneficial properties, particularly when used in combination with other formulation components detailed herein.

[0041] The acrylic (co)polymer having an acid number ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram may have an INCI designation of, for example, acrylate copolymer.

[0042] In some embodiments, the acrylic polymer having an acid number ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram may have a softening point, as measured by the Bail & Ring method, known to those skilled in the art, ranging from 110°C to about 125°C.

[0043] Suitable acrylic polymers having an acid number ranging from about 145 mg KOH per gram to about 170 mg KOH per gram include those available from Estron Chemical, Inc. of Calvert City, KY and marketed under the trade names EPOMATT G-152, EPOMATT G-154 or ISOCRYL G-265.

[0044] The acrylic copolymer with an acid value ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram is present in a concentration by weight in the composition top coat nail polish position which is from about 0.5%, 1% or 2% to about 5%, 10% or 15% by weight.

[0045] CELLULOSE ESTER OF AT LEAST ONE C2-C4 ORGANIC ACID

[0046] The topcoat nail polish compositions of the present invention include a cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid. The cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid may be useful for plasticizing the resulting film formed from the topcoat nail polish composition. Examples of suitable cellulose esters include those soluble in C2-C4 alcohols and / or ethyl acetate. In some embodiments, the C2-C4 organic acid is or includes acetic acid and butyric acid. In some embodiments, the cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid is (or includes) cellulose acetate butyrate ("CAB").

[0047] The cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid may be, for example, cellulose acetate butyrate commercially available from Eastman Chemical such as CAB-381-0.5.

[0048] The cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid may be present in a concentration by weight in the topcoat nail polish composition that is from about 0.5%, or from 1% to about 2% 3%, or 5%.

[0049] In some embodiments, the acrylic copolymer of an acid value ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram and the cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid may be present in a weight concentration ratio of acrylic copolymer of an acid value ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram to a weight concentration of cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid (e.g., CAB) that is in a range of about 0.5:1, 1:1, 1.5:1, 2.0:1 to about 3.0:1, 4.0:1, 5.0:1, or 10:1. OTHER INGREDIENTS

[0050] The finishing nail polish compositions of the present invention may include various other ingredients without significantly compromising the beneficial properties.

[0051] For example, in some embodiments, plasticizers other than cellulose acetate butyrate may be included in the topcoat nail polish composition. Examples of such other plasticizers include polar molecules having multiple ester groups such as those having a molecular weight in a range of about 250 or 400 to about 1,000 or 1,500. Examples include sucrose acetate butyrate and acetyl tributyl citrate. In some embodiments, the topcoat nail polish composition includes an ingredient selected from a group consisting of sucrose acetate butyrate and acetyl tributyl citrate. Acetyl tributyl citrate is marketed under the trademark Citroflex by Vertellus, or under the Uniplex brand by Unitex Chemical of Greensboro, North Carolina.

[0052] Other examples of plasticizers include dipropylene glycol dibenzoate and 1,2-propylene glycol dibenzoate, trioctyl citrate, triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate or tributyl citrate. Sucrose acetate butyrate is marketed as SAIB 90 by Eastman Chemical of Kingsport, TN.

[0053] These other plasticizers may be present in concentrations ranging from about 1%, 2% or 3% to about 10%, 15% or 25% by weight.

[0054] As another example, in some embodiments, additional polymers or resins may be included in the topcoat nail polish composition. Alkyd resins are an example of a suitable additional resin or polymer. An example of a suitable alkyd resin is a phthalic anhydride / glycerin / glycyl decanoate copolymer, such as ALUKIDIR ODE 230 70 E available from Dainppon Ink & Chemicals of Tokyo, Japan. Another example of a suitable resin is an aldehyde-ketone resin, e.g., a copolymer comprising an aromatic ketone. Potential aldehyde-ketone resins may include, but are not limited to, those described in Publication No. 2009 / 0012245, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,183,372 and 7,101,958, or those marketed by Evonik Industries under the brand name TEGO® Variplus, in particular TEGO® Variplus SK.

[0055] As another example, according to some embodiments, matting agents may also be included in the topcoat nail polish composition. Examples include silica, aluminosilicates, borosilicates, etc. These matting agents may be present in concentrations ranging from about 0.25%, 0.5% or 1% to about 1%, 2% or 5% by weight.

[0056] As another example, according to certain embodiments, hydrocarbon oils may also be included in the finishing nail polish composition. "Hydrocarbon oil" means a compound that is liquid at room temperature, insoluble in water and hydrophobic in nature. Hydrocarbon oils used in accordance with the invention are typically synthetic oils, mineral, vegetable or animal oils, unsaturated fatty alcohols, and esters of fatty acids and lower C2 to C4 mono or polyalcohols.

[0057] The one or more hydrocarbon oils may be present in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 20% by weight, more preferably from about 1% to about 10% by weight, and even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight.

[0058] As another example, in some embodiments, non-polar silicone copolymers may be included in the topcoat nail polish composition. In some embodiments, the non-polar silicone copolymer may comprise repeating units of at least one polar (meth)acrylate unit and co vinyl polymers grafted with at least one non-polar silicone chain. Non-limiting examples of such copolymers are acrylates / dimethicone copolymers such as those commercially available from Shin-Etsu, for example, the product marketed under the trade name KP-543 or KP-545, or acrylates / stearyl acrylate / dimethicone acrylates copolymers, such as those commercially available from Shin-Etsu, for example, the product marketed under the trade name KP-561, and acrylates / behenyl acrylate / dimethicone acrylates copolymer, such as those commercially available from Shin-Etsu, for example, the product marketed under the trade name KP-562.

[0059] The non-polar silicone copolymer may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight. Preferably, the non-polar silicone copolymer may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.6% by weight.

[0060] In some notable embodiments, the topcoat nail polish composition may include certain components such as water and / or colorants (coloring agent). However, in other embodiments, it is generally preferred that the topcoat nail polish composition be substantially free of water and / or colorants.

[0061] Colorants from which the nail polish composition may be substantially free may include dyes, pigments, pearls, effect pigments and the like that are commonly used in color cosmetics or in color nail polishes.

[0062] Examples of fat-soluble dyes are, for example, Sudan Red, DC Red 17, DC Green 6, [3-carotene, Sudan Brown, DC Yellow 11, DC Violet 2, DC Orange 5 and Quinoline Yellow.

[0063] Suitable pigments may be white or colored, inorganic and / or organic, and coated or uncoated. Examples include inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide, optionally surface-treated, zirconium or cerium oxides and iron or chromium oxides, manganese violet, ultramarine blue, chromium hydrate, and ferric blue. Organic pigments also include carbon black, D & C type pigments and lakes based on cochineal carmine or barium, strontium, calcium or aluminium, such as D&C Red Nos. 10, 11, 12 and 13, D&C Red No. 7, D&C Red Nos. 5 and 6, and D&D Red No. 34, as well as lakes such as D&C Yellow Lake No. 5 and D&C Red Lake No. 2.

[0064] Pearlescent pigments include, for example, among white pearlescent pigments, such as mica coated with titanium oxide or bismuth oxychloride, colored pearlescent pigments, such as mica coated with titanium oxide with iron oxides, mica coated with titanium oxide with in particular ferric blue or oxide of chrome, or mica coated with titanium oxide with an organic pigment of the above-mentioned type and pearlescent pigments based on bismuth oxychloride.

[0065] Finishing nail polish compositions of the present invention may be made by methods known in the art, such as, for example, by optionally premixing certain ingredients in the one or more solvents and mixing various ingredients together thoroughly to provide a homogeneous mixture. METHODS OF USE

[0066] The topcoat nail polish compositions may be applied to a nail such as a fingernail or toenail. In some embodiments, the nail has a previously applied color coating formed thereon and the topcoat nail polish composition is applied over the previously applied color coating formed on the nail. The topcoat nail polish composition may be applied to the nail / previously applied color coating formed thereon by commonly used methods such as brushing or spraying.

[0067] The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention without limiting its scope. The percentages are given on a weight basis. EXAMPLES

[0068] Example 1: Flexibility test

[0069] Compositions were prepared to evaluate the flexibility of films formed from five polymeric materials. In particular, the following materials were evaluated: (1) an acrylic copolymer having an acid value of between 130 mg KOH per gram and 150 mg KOH per gram [Example C1]; (2) an acrylic copolymer having an acid value of between 145 mg KOH per gram and 165 mg KOH per gram [Example E1, consistent with embodiments of the invention]; (3) an acrylic copolymer having an acid value of between 160 mg KOH per gram and about 170 mg KOH per gram [Example E2, consistent with embodiments of the invention]; (4) cellulose acetate butyrate [Example C2]; (5) an acrylic copolymer having an acid number of 0 mg KOH per gram [Example C3].

[0070] A test solution of each of the above materials was prepared by dissolving various materials at a concentration by weight in 40% ethyl acetate (except for Example C3, which was 50% active). The test solutions were evaluated using a tapered mandrel test, ASTM test D522-93a (2008), “Standard Test Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of Attached Organic Coatings.”

[0071] Cold rolled steel test strips are used as substrates (22 gauge, 0.8 mm thick), preferably 100 mm x 150 mm length / width. Strips are cleaned with a volatile solvent to remove residual oil. The test strips are coated evenly and allowed to air dry. The samples dried with the coating are conditioned for at least about 2 hours and with 50% relative humidity. A conical mandrel measuring apparatus is used, equipped with a long, smooth steel cone of 200 ml with a diameter of 3 mm at one end and 38 mm at the other.

[0072] With the operating lever of the apparatus in the horizontal position, the test specimen is slid between the mandrel and the drawbar with the finished side toward the drawbar. The sample is securely fixed in a vertical position adjacent to the mandrel by placing the long edge behind the clamping bar so that the panel is always positioned against the narrow end of the mandrel.

[0073] The lever is moved about 180° at a uniform speed to bend the sample about 135°.

[0074] To determine the crack resistance under more simulated use conditions, the bending time should be about 1 s. The bent surface of the sample is immediately examined by eye for any cracks.

[0075] The test results found that Example C1 exhibited a crack after day 1; Example C2 exhibited a crack after day 1; Example C3 exhibited a crack and further significant warping after day 1; Example E1 and Example E2 exhibited minimal cracking.

[0076] Example 2: Hardness

[0077] Compositions were prepared to evaluate the hardness of films formed from three polymeric materials. In particular, the following materials were evaluated: (1) an acrylic copolymer having an acid value of between 130 mg KOH per gram and 150 mg KOH per gram [Example C4]; (2) an acrylic copolymer having an acid value of between 145 mg KOH per gram and 165 mg KOH per gram [Example E3, consistent with embodiments of the invention]; (3) an acrylic copolymer having an acid value of between 160 mg KOH per gram and 170 mg KOH per gram [Example E4, consistent with embodiments of the invention].

[0078] A test solution of each of the above materials was prepared by dissolving different materials at a concentration by weight of ethyl acetate of 40%. The test solutions were evaluated at different times after application to a glass plate with a 6 mil thick film (two layers). The hardness was evaluated using a Persoz pendulum hardness reader.

[0079] To perform the test, a 5 x 4 inch glass plate and a 6 mil Bird applicator are thoroughly cleaned with acetone and wiped with KLEENEX paper until dry. The glass plate is placed in the center of a machine automatic stretching of an Erichsen Dry Time apparatus. The stretching machine speed is set to 25 mm / s. The Bird applicator is placed on the glass plate and is flush with the moving bar. Three ml of test composition are placed across the width of the glass plate. The position of the glass is maintained and the start button is pressed on the stretching machine to form a homogeneous film along the entire length of the plate without moving the position on the plate. The film is stretched using the 6 mil Bird applicator. The stretching bar is reset and residue is cleaned with acetone from the glass plate and the stretching machine. The film is allowed to dry for approximately 24 hours (1 day) and the initial hardness value is recorded. Additional measurements are taken 5, 7, 10 and 14 days after the initial stretching.

[0080] As shown in [Fig.l], the test results indicated that Example E3 and Example E4 exhibited fairly linear hardness over time. In contrast, Example C4 exhibited non-linear hardness over time, with days 1 through 5 showing a relatively small increase in hardness, followed by a sharp increase and an increase above the hardness of Examples E3 and E4. The hardness profile of Example C4 is, in some cases, less than desirable, as it remains soft (and thus prone to deformation), particularly by day 5, and then becomes quite high (and then potentially prone to chipping).

[0081] Example 3: Shine

[0082] The topcoat nail polish compositions were prepared to evaluate the gloss or shine of films formed from three test topcoat nail polish compositions. More specifically, a topcoat nail polish composition (1) comprising an acrylic copolymer having an acid value of between 160 mg KOH per gram and about 170 mg KOH per gram but excluding a cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid [Example C5]; and a topcoat nail polish composition (2) comprising an acrylic copolymer having an acid value of between 160 mg KOH per gram and about 170 mg KOH per gram and comprising a cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid (CAB) [Example E5, according to embodiments of the invention]. The top coat nail polish compositions were otherwise identical (example E5, which had no CAB, was compensated for ("qs”) with additional ethyl acetate.

[0083] A finishing nail polish composition, Example C6, was also evaluated, identical to the example similar to Example E5, except that the acrylic copolymer having an acid number between 160 mg KOH per gram and about 170 mg KOH per gram was replaced by an acrylic polymer having an acid number of 0 mg KOH per gram.

[0084] The samples were prepared by combining solvents, nitrocellulose, CAB and other plasticizers, other film-forming polymers, and other ingredients in a jar. The mixture was left to stand for 12 to 24 hours. It was then mixed for three minutes with the stock blender until uniform. The samples were then allowed to stand for 24 hours before testing to allow air bubbles to dissipate. The test nail polish compositions were evaluated by measuring gloss at 20° and 60°.

[0085] To measure gloss, a black and white Laneta card is placed on a suction plate. A film is stretched using a 6 mil Bird applicator over the card and allowed to dry for two hours under ambient conditions. A Byk-Gardener Micro-Tri-Glossmeter is powered into its holder and allowed to perform a self-diagnosis and calibration. If necessary, clean the standard glass plate with a glass cleaning cloth and start the calibration by pressing the mode dial. Readings at 20 and 60 are taken by pressing the start button.

[0086] The nail polish compositions and gloss results are shown in Table 1.

[0087] [Tables 1] COMPONENT EXAMPLE E5 EXAMPLE C5 EXAMPLE C6 Solvents, including acetates 74% 74% 75% Nitrocellulose 10% 10% 10% Acrylic copolymer, acid number 160-170 (mg KOH per gram) 5% 5% — Acrylic copolymer, acid number 0 (mg KOH per gram) — — 1.5% Cellulose acetate butyrate 1.5% 0% 3.5% Other film-forming polymers 1% 1% 1% Other plasticizers 10% 10% 10% Total 100% 100% 100% *apparent errors due to rounding Gloss (20°) 68.9 64.3 67.0 Gloss (60°) 85.6 84.3 86.0

[0088] Gloss evaluation

[0089] The results indicate surprisingly good gloss performance for the composition with both an acrylic copolymer with an acid value ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram; and a cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid.

Claims

Claims

1. A composition for use on nails, comprising: a solvent system comprising at least one non-aqueous volatile polar solvent; a water-insoluble nitrocellulose polymer; an acrylic copolymer of an acid number ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg KOH per gram; and a cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the acrylic copolymer has an acid number of between about 150 and about 170 mg of KOH per gram.

3. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the acrylic copolymer has an acid number of between about 160 and about 170 mg of KOH per gram.

4. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is substantially free of colorant.

5. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one volatile, non-aqueous polar solvent comprises at least one volatile acetate.

6. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid is cellulose acetate butyrate.

7. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the solvent system comprising at least one non-aqueous volatile polar solvent comprises ethyl acetate and butyl acetate each in a respective weight concentration such that a total weight concentration of ethyl acetate and butyl acetate in the composition is from about 50% to about 90%.

8. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the acrylic copolymer with an acid number ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram is present in a concentration by weight in the composition of about 0.5% to about 15% by weight.

9. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid is cellulose acetate butyrate, and the cellulose acetate butyrate is present in a concentration by weight in the composition from about 1% to about 3%.

10. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the solvent system comprising at least one non-aqueous volatile polar solvent comprises ethyl acetate and butyl acetate each in a respective weight concentration such that a total weight concentration of ethyl acetate and butyl acetate in the composition is from about 50% to about 90%, wherein the water-insoluble nitrocellulose polymer is nitrocellulose and wherein the nitrocellulose is present in a weight concentration in the composition that is from about 5% to about 15%, wherein the acrylic copolymer of acid value ranging from about 145 to about 170 mg of KOH per gram has an acid value ranging from greater than 150 to about 170 mg and is present in a weight concentration in the composition that is from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight,and wherein the cellulose ester of at least one C2-C4 organic acid is cellulose acetate butyrate and wherein the cellulose acetate butyrate is present in a concentration by weight in the composition that is from about 1% to about 3%.,

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