Lungicide and pediculicide based on Laureth-4 and MIPA-Laureth sulfate

Abstract

The present invention aims to combat lice and nits. In particular, the invention relates to a new pediculicide and niticide agent, used alone or as an adjuvant with another pediculicide and niticide agent, said agent according to the present invention advantageously consisting essentially of Laureth 4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate.

Description

Title of the invention: Lenticide and pediculicide agent based on Laureth-4 and MIPA-Laureth sulfate technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of head lice and nit control. In particular, the present invention relates to a new pediculicide and niticide agent, used alone but also usable as an adjuvant in combination with another pediculicide and niticide agent, said agent according to the present invention consisting essentially of Laureth-4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate. State of the art

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] In the treatment of head lice, several approaches can be implemented, for example, mechanical action or the application of an anti-lice treatment.

[0007] Thus, it is possible to comb the hair to remove lice, which die quickly once separated from their host, but this solution often only eliminates some of the lice and therefore cannot be used alone, except for very young children. This solution then requires repeating the operation many times.

[0008] The most common alternative approach is therefore to apply an insecticide and anticide product to the scalp.

[0009] 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, were 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, their effectiveness decreases over time due to enzymatic adaptation, so this type of product has fallen out of favor.

[0010] Topical treatments based on siloxanes, particularly dimethicone, such as those described in application WO-01 / 19190, have also been developed. 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, these products are described as endocrine disruptors, making their future ban as components in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields likely. As a result, users are once again abandoning this type of product.

[0011] Insecticidal products based on siloxanes and fatty acid esters are also known, such as those described in EP 1,499,184. These products work by dissolving the chitin that covers the louse's exoskeleton, causing dehydration and then death. They are notably known under the trade name Resultz®, 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 residue. A second application, or even two, may be necessary. Additional applications are needed to eliminate hatched nits after a 7-day interval. These products also make hair greasy and are flammable.

[0012] Microemulsion-type formulations described in application FR0955753 have also been developed. However, these formulations are only fully effective against lice after a period of one hour, which is long compared to current consumer demands, and their effectiveness against nits is not complete.

[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, are not very stable in their container. The interaction of the silica particles with the container, and especially with glass containers, leads to heterogeneous gelation of the formulation and, consequently, poor product stability. Therefore, the formulation is incompatible with a product that is easy to use for consumers seeking an effective and simple-to-use product.

[0014] Thus, there is still a need for new anti-lice formulations that are easy to use, inexpensive, free from toxic insecticides, non-flammable and very effective against both head lice and nits. Summary of the invention

[0015] In this context, the inventors surprisingly discovered the pediculicidal and lenticidal efficacy of ingredients described as surfactants or emulsifying agents in the cosmetics field, namely a mixture of Laureth-4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate. This agent alone is routinely used as a surfactant in cosmetic products such as oils, shampoos, and hair mousses.

[0016] However, the inventors have observed that Laureth-4, and Mipa-laureth sulfate, marketed under the trade name LUMOROL® by the company Zschimmer & Schwarz and more particularly LUMOROL K5229, also known as INCI Laureth-4 (and) MIPA-Laureth Sulfate (and) Propylene Glycol, exhibits pediculicidal and lenticidal activity never before described.

[0017] Thus, to meet the needs of consumers seeking a new anti-lice formulation that is effective, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and easily rinsed, the invention proposes a new pediculicidal and lenticidal agent consisting essentially of Laureth 4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate; preferably, said agent also consists essentially of Laureth 4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate and Propylene glycol. This agent is preferably known by the trade name Lumorol K5229®.

[0018] Thus, according to a particularly preferred object, the present invention relates to this agent, essentially composed of Laureth 4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, and Propylene Glycol, for its use in preventing and / or controlling head lice and / or nits. Such uses have never been reported in the prior art, the agent being known only as a surfactant in the field of cosmetics, in particular to facilitate the application and rinsing of hair.

[0019] Laureth-4 is the INCI name of the surfactant, which is an ethoxylated derivative of lauryl alcohol. The chemical name of this compound is polyethylene glycol dodecyl ether or polyethylene glycol lauryl ether. Specifically, the CAS number of Laureth-4 is 68439-50-9. Finally, it can be obtained from plants or produced entirely by synthesis.

[0020] The basic physical and chemical properties that characterize Laureth-4 are as follows: - a clear or slightly cloudy liquid, with a color value on the Hazen scale of no more than 70, - a faint but characteristic odor - low solubility in water (it forms cloudy solutions), - very good solubility in weakly aliphatic alcohols (for example the methanol, ethanol), as well as acetone, - the pH of an aqueous solution containing it at a concentration of 1% ranging from 5.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline), - its molar mass is approximately 370g / mol, - the density of the pure substance is 0.91 g / ml (at a temperature of 50°C), - The solidification point is approximately 8°C. - the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) is approximately 9.0, - Aqueous solutions containing it are resistant to acids, hard water and partially to alkalis, it is stable at low pH, and it has very good degreasing properties.

[0021] Therefore, Laureth-4 is a surfactant used as an ingredient in many personal care and hygiene products, as a surfactant.

[0022] MIPA-Laureth Sulfate is also a surfactant used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is a clear liquid. Its chemical formula is C42H80O8. In particular, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate is an anionic surfactant. It is produced from palm oil and has a much higher oil content (up to 30%) compared to other surfactants. Surfactants of the same type. MIPA-Laureth Sulfate is the name derived from this system for the monoisopropanolamine salt ethoxylated with ethylene lauryl oxides.

[0023] Chemically, this compound is a vegetable fatty alcohol ether that has been saponified with monoisopropanolamine sulfate. More specifically, it is a monoisopropanolamine salt of lauryl ether sulfate based on a natural C12-C14 fatty alcohol ethoxylate in propylene glycol. It is a mild anionic surfactant. In particular, its CAS number is 1187742-72-8. It is manufactured by a semi-synthetic process using natural raw materials and is biodegradable.

[0024] Thus, according to a particularly preferred object of the present invention, the pediculicidal and lenticidal agent is essentially made up of a mixture of Laureth-4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate and Propylene glycol.

[0025] Propylene glycol, CAS number 57-55-6, is a colorless, slightly viscous, low-volatility, and practically odorless liquid. It is highly hygroscopic, miscible with water and many organic solvents, including ethanol, acetone, and diethyl oxide. It is insoluble in hydrocarbons. Propylene glycol (PG), also known as propane-1,2-diol, 1,2-dihydroxypropane, or methyl glycol, is a diol with the chemical formula CH3-CHOH-CH2OH and has numerous industrial and agropharmaceutical applications.

[0026] When the agent according to the present invention also comprises propylene glycol, the latter is present at a level of 1 to 5% by weight of the total weight of the pediculicidal agent according to the present invention.

[0027] Preferably, the agent according to the invention consists essentially of: - Laureth-4, which represents between 25 and 50% by weight of the total weight of the pediculicidal agent, - MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, which represents between 25 and 50% by weight of the total weight of the pediculicidal agent, and - Propylene Glycol which represents between 1 and 5% by weight of the total weight of the pediculicidal agent.

[0028] According to another object of the invention, the inventors have also found that the pediculicidal agent according to the present invention, in combination with other pediculicidal and lenticidal agents, significantly improves their pediculicidal and lenticidal effects. Thus, the present invention also relates, according to one object, to the use of the pediculicidal agent according to the invention as an adjuvant.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention also provides a composition in the form of an oily solution comprising the pediculicidal agent according to the invention and at least one oily phase. This is thus advantageously formulated in combination with at least one oily phase to prevent and / or treat pediculosis.

[0030] Preferably, the composition comprises: - Between 5 and 95% of the agent according to the invention, by weight of the total weight of the composition, more preferably between 5 and 30% of the agent according to the invention, by weight of the total weight of the composition, and / or - between 5 and 95% of the oily phase, by weight of the total weight of the composition, more preferably between 70 and 95% of the oily phase, by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0031] The oily phase present in the composition according to the invention can be any oil suitable for use on the skin and scalp. However, in the context of the present invention, an oily phase chosen from isopropyl myristate, a mixture of polyethylene glycol ester glycerides, one or more caprylocapric triglycerides, one or more silicones, one or more vegetable or mineral oils, and combinations thereof, is preferred.

[0032] Silicones are certainly suitable but their use will be greatly limited because they are not biodegradable and are suspected of being endocrine disruptors.

[0033] For example, vegetable oil can be olive oil, mineral oil can be paraffin or isododecane.

[0034] Advantageously, the composition in the form of an oily solution makes it possible to drown and asphyxiate the parasites, in particular lice and nits, and thus enhance the pediculicidal efficacy of the agent according to the invention.

[0035] Indeed, the surfactant properties of Laureth-4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate dissolve the chitin of the parasites' exoskeleton and lower the surface tension of the composition, thereby facilitating and improving its penetration into the parasites (lice and nits), thus contributing to strengthening and optimizing the effectiveness of the present composition according to the invention. Finally, the intrinsic properties of the agent according to the invention facilitate the rinsability and foaming of the composition according to the invention, thus making the product easier for the consumer to use.

[0036] The composition according to the invention is therefore rinseable, which facilitates the rinsing step and thus avoids tedious and multiple rinsing steps after application. The rinseable nature of the composition according to the invention therefore facilitates its use, particularly on the scalp or the coat of animals, as the treatment can be carried out in a single step without the need to apply additional shampoo, which is particularly advantageous when the product is intended primarily for children.

[0037] According to another object of the invention, the composition may also include at least one additional ingredient selected from an antioxidant agent, a pediculicidal agent distinct from the agent according to the present invention, a repellent agent, a preservative agent, a gelling agent and combinations thereof.

[0038] When the composition according to the invention includes at least one antioxidant agent, this is preferably chosen from butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole or ascorbyl palmitate.

[0039] When the composition according to the invention comprises at least one pediculicidal compound, this may be chosen from malathion, permethrins, pediculicidal plant essences, and substances described as inhibitors of nit growth such as Famesol and Nerolidol.

[0040] When the composition according to the invention comprises at least one repellent compound, this may be chosen from essences, for example anise essence, tea tree oil, myrtle essence, lavender essence, neem oil, citronella, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR 3535), DET (Diethyltoluamide), essential oils of lemon, rose geranium, cineole rosemary, tea tree, and celery essential oil.

[0041] When the composition according to the invention comprises at least one antioxidant agent, this preferably represents at most 1%, by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0042] When the composition according to the invention includes at least one repellent agent, this preferably represents at most 2%, by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0043] When the composition according to the invention includes at least one pediculicidal agent, this preferably represents at most 5%, by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0044] Advantageously, the composition in the form of an oily solution according to the invention has total pediculicidal and lenticidal efficacy in a single application lasting at most 5 minutes, preferably lasting less than or equal to 2 minutes.

[0045] In addition, the low viscosity of the preparations allows them to be offered in the form of fluid foaming lotions or easy-to-apply sprays.

[0046] The invention therefore relates specifically to a composition in the form of a rinse-off oily solution comprising preferably from 5 to 95% of the agent consisting essentially of Laureth-4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, and Propylene Glycol, for topical application to the scalp and hair, for use in the prevention or treatment of head lice in humans, or for application to animal fur for the prevention or treatment of animal lice. This composition may advantageously comprise one or more acceptable excipients.

[0047] Thus, the invention also relates to a composition comprising the agent according to the invention, applied to the hair, for its use to prevent and / or control head lice and / or nits.

[0048] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention, the examples and figures that follow. Detailed description of the invention

[0049] Definition

[0050] For the purposes of the invention, "Laureth 4 and MIPA Laureth sulfate and Propylene Glycol" means a mixture of a non-ionic surfactant (Laureth 4), and an anionic surfactant with strong foaming and detergent properties (MIPA Laureth Sulfate and Propylene Glycol, marketed under the trade name LUMOROL K5229®).

[0051] By "rinsable" in the sense of the invention is meant the action of rinsing with tap water the agent or composition according to the invention present on the hair or skin without having to add an additional soap or shampoo in addition to the agent or composition.

[0052] For the purposes of this invention, "oily solution" means an oily liquid formulation obtained under moderate stirring at room temperature with the other ingredients comprising the composition such as an antioxidant, an insecticidal substance, a repellent, a hair detangling agent, or an oily phase.

[0053] The present invention therefore relates to a pediculicide and lenticide agent consisting essentially of Laureth 4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate.

[0054] Preferably, said agent also contains propylene glycol. Also, the agent is preferably composed essentially of Laureth 4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate and Propylene glycol.

[0055] This can be used alone or possibly in association with another pediculicidal agent, the agent according to the present invention is then considered as an adjuvant, preferably the other pediculicidal agent is distinct from that of the present invention.

[0056] The inventors then discovered, surprisingly, that this agent exhibited quite remarkable pediculicidal and niticidal properties, given its routine use as a surfactant in the cosmetics industry. Thus, according to one aspect, the invention relates to an agent according to the present invention, for its use in preventing and / or controlling head lice and / or nits.

[0057] The invention also relates to a composition in the form of a rinseable oily solution comprising the pediculicide and lenticide agent consisting essentially of a mixture of a non-ionic surfactant (Laureth 4) and an anionic surfactant with strong foaming and detergent properties (MIPA Laureth Sulfate and Propylene Glycol), said mixture advantageously representing at least 5% by weight of the total weight of the composition, preferably between 5 and 95% by weight of the total weight of the composition. Said composition may also contain one or more acceptable excipients.

[0058] The agent according to the invention, consisting essentially of Laureth-4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate and Propylene Glycol, is a lipophilic dispersing phase and thus represents the basis of the oily solution of the composition according to the invention. Therefore, when the composition includes other ingredients, these are all dissolved under moderate stirring at room temperature or at a moderate temperature below 60°C in this oily phase. Preferably, the oily solution does not contain water.

[0059] Preferably, when the agent according to the invention is incorporated into a composition, it represents at least 5% by weight of the total weight of the composition, even more preferably between 5 and 95% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0060] When it comprises between 5 and 95% of the agent according to the invention, by weight of the total weight of the composition, the composition further comprises another oily phase, preferably this representing between 5 and 95%, by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0061] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises: - Between 5 and 30% of the agent according to the invention, by weight of the total weight of the composition, and - between 70 and 95% of an oily phase, by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0062] The exoskeleton of lice is composed of chitin covered by a protective wax, thus complicating lice control. Due to the mechanism of action of the agent, which consists primarily of Laureth-4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, which surprisingly dissolves this wax, the wax no longer fulfills its protective function and causes dehydration, leading to the death of the lice and, remarkably, the nits. Indeed, the wax layer retains water and is essential for the survival of both the lice and the nits. Thus, Laureth-4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate kill lice by dehydration.

[0063] Advantageously, a composition comprising between 5 and 30% of the agent according to the invention, by weight of the total weight of the composition, makes it possible to obtain very good efficacy on lice and nits, from 2 minutes after application of the composition according to the invention.

[0064] Thus, the composition advantageously comprises an oily phase in addition to the agent according to the invention. The addition of this extra oily phase allows to improve the organoleptic characteristics of the preparations by playing on their fragrance and viscosity.

[0065] Preferably, the oily phase that can be incorporated into the composition according to the invention is chosen from isopropyl myristate (MIP), a mixture of polyethylene glycol ester glycerides, one or more caprylocapric triglycerides, one or more silicones, one or more vegetable oils, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, isopropyl myristate is chosen as the oily phase.

[0066] By way of example, natural vegetable oils may be chosen from olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, 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, nigella oil, rosehip oil, camellia oil, and combinations thereof.

[0067] According to another object, the composition according to the invention may also comprise other ingredients dispersed in the oily solution. Thus, the composition also comprises at least one additional ingredient selected from an antioxidant agent, a pediculicidal agent distinct from the agent according to the invention, a repellent agent, a gelling agent, a preservative agent, and combinations thereof.

[0068] This 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 - possibly a gelling agent, which can be chosen from among siloxane and polyamide copolymers (such as Oléocraft LP20), and / or - possibly a preservative agent, such as benzoic acid.

[0069] Preferably, the antioxidant agent, when present in the composition according to the invention, represents at most 1% by weight of the composition,

[0070] Preferably, the pediculicidal substance present in the composition represents at most 2% by weight of the composition in order to avoid undesirable effects, including toxicity and irritation.

[0071] Preferably, the repellent substance present in the composition represents at most 5% by weight of the composition.

[0072] 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%.

[0073] 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%.

[0074] 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 irritant, non-toxic, very little or no flammable, biodegradable and free from endocrine-disrupting effects.

[0075] The composition is intended to be used as a product for the prevention and / or control of head lice and / or nits, in particular for application to the hair and / or scalp or to the coat of animals, for example horses.

[0076] The composition according to the invention is preferably applied to dry or slightly damp hair.

[0077] Thus, the invention also relates to a composition according to the invention, applied to the hair, for its use to prevent and / or control head lice and / or nits.

[0078] Thus, the composition according to the invention can be used in particular in the form of a shampoo, in the form of a foaming lotion or in the form of a spray, these three forms being particularly easy to use for applications on the hair and scalp.

[0079] According to a particular application method, dry hair is impregnated with the composition according to the invention, and then rinsed with water between 2 minutes and one hour after application. Advantageously, it is not necessary to repeat the application after 7 days given the remarkable effectiveness of the composition according to the invention on nits.

[0080] Furthermore, and particularly advantageously, the composition according to the invention leaves the hair silky, combable and aesthetically perfect, unlike to products of the prior art which leave hair greasy, sticky, rough and which require additional shampooing to remove the product after application.

[0081] Furthermore, the composition according to the invention exhibits significant dissolving power, particularly with respect to spumalin, a strong natural glue secreted by nits that makes it difficult for them to detach. Thus, the present composition according to the invention is also intended for controlling nits.

[0082] Finally, the composition according to the invention can be obtained by any suitable process. This may, in particular, be a process consisting of carrying out the following successive steps at room temperature: - Mix Laureth-4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, and Propylene Glycol; optionally, add an additional oil phase. - possibly adding an antioxidant to the oil phase, - possibly adding a preservative to the oil phase.

[0083] 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 against different commercial products. Examples

[0084] Example 1 - Agent according to the invention

[0085] A first example of an agent according to the invention is described in Table 1 below. This consists of a mixture of Laureth-4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, and Propylene glycol, also known under the trade name Lumorol K5229®.

[0086] [Tables 1] EXAMPLE 1 - Agent according to the invention: Laureth-4 47.5, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate 47.5, Propylene Glycol 5. Percentages expressed as WAV 100

[0087] The pediculicidal agent according to example 1 can be obtained by mixing at room temperature the following ingredients, namely Laureth-4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, and Propylene glycol.

[0088] Example 2 - Composition according to the invention

[0089] The characteristics of the composition according to example 2 are presented in Table 2 below.

[0090] [Tables2] EXAMPLE 2 Percentages expressed in WAV POUXIT XF 80 Agent according to example 1 20 100

[0091] The composition is then presented in the form of a clear foaming lotion, easy to apply to the hair and rinseable, and is prepared by mixing at room temperature the Pouxit XF product and the agent according to example 1, previously prepared.

[0092] Example 3 - Composition according to the invention

[0093] The characteristics of the composition according to example 3 are presented in Table 3 below.

[0094] [Tables3] EXAMPLE 3 Percentages expressed WAV POUXIT FLASH 80 Agent according to example 1 20 100

[0095] The formulation is presented in the form of a translucent foaming lotion that is easy to apply to the hair or in the form of a spray and rinseable; it is prepared by mixing at room temperature the Pouxit Flash product and the agent according to Example 1, previously prepared.

[0096] Example 4 - Composition according to the invention

[0097] The characteristics of the composition according to example 4 are presented in Table 4 below.

[0098] [Tables4] EXAMPLE 4 Percentages expressed WAV APAISYL XPERT 80 Agent according to example 1 20 100

[0099] The formulation is then in the form of a gelled solution and is prepared by mixing at room temperature the Apaisyl Xpert product and the agent according to example 1, previously prepared.

[0100] Example 5 - Composition according to the invention

[0101] The characteristics of the composition according to example 5 are presented in Table 5 below.

[0102] [Tables5] EXAMPLE 5 Percentages expressed in WAV RESULTZ 80 Agent according to example 1 20 100

[0103] The formulation is in the form of a translucent solution that is easy to apply as a foaming lotion or spray to the hair and is rinse-off. It is prepared by mixing the Resultz product and the agent according to Example 1, previously prepared, at room temperature.

[0104] Example 6 - Composition according to the invention

[0105] The characteristics of the composition according to example 6 are presented in Table 6 below.

[0106] [Tableauxô] POUXIT XF / LUMOROL 10 Percentages expressed WAV POUXIT XF 90 Agent according to example 1 10 100

[0107] The formulation is in the form of a foaming lotion or a spray and is prepared by mixing at room temperature the Pouxit XF product and the agent according to Example 1, previously prepared.

[0108] Example 7 - Composition according to the invention

[0109] The characteristics of the composition according to example 7 are presented in Table 7 below.

[0110] [Tables7] Pouxit Flash / LUMOROL 10 Percentages expressed WAV Pouxit Flash 90 Agent as per example 1 10 100

[0111] The formulation is in the form of a translucent solution that is easy to apply as a foaming lotion or spray on the hair and is rinseable and is prepared by mixing at room temperature the Pouxit Flash product and the agent according to Example 1, previously prepared.

[0112] Example 8 - Efficacy tests of the agent according to the invention

[0113] Pediculicidal and niticidal efficacy tests of the agent according to Example 1 were carried out. Mortality in lice and nits was observed after 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes and 60 minutes of application of the agent to the scalp.

[0114] The pediculicidal and ovicidal activities of these compositions were tested in the laboratory on the human body louse according to the following procedure.

[0115] 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 disc of white filter paper and exposed to 1 g of the test preparation. The lice remained in contact with the substance for 5 minutes. They were removed from the filter paper and washed under tap water for 1 minute. After treatment, the lice were transferred to a fresh disc of filter paper and incubated overnight at optimal temperature and humidity. Mortality was determined after 24 hours.

[0116] Lice were placed on human hair every two days for 5 days and left for 24–48 hours to allow for egg-laying. Fifty eggs aged 2–6 days were treated in the same way as the lice. The number of hatched and unhatched eggs was counted after 10 days.

[0117] As a control, lice treated with 40% ethyl alcohol were used. Each exposure time was tested in three copies.

[0118] The results are expressed as a percentage of dead lice and are presented in Table 8 below.

[0119] [Tables8] Lice mortality (average expressed in %) Nit mortality (average expressed in %) Agent - Example 1 (1 min) 100 100 Agent - Example 1 (5 min) 100 100 Agent - Example 1 (15 min) 100 100 Agent - Example 1 (60 min) 100 100

[0120] The inventors have thus observed that the agent according to the invention, namely a mixture of Laureth-4, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, and Propylene glycol (Lumorol K 5229), applied alone, without excipients and any other oily phase, carries a remarkable and astonishing pediculicidal and lenticidal activity which is total from the first minute of contact with both lice and nits.

[0121] Example 9 - Efficacy tests of the composition according to the invention

[0122] Pediculicidal and niticidal efficacy tests of the composition according to the invention, namely a mixture of the agent according to Example 1 and an oily phase, namely isopropyl myristate, were also carried out. Mortality in lice and nits was observed after 5 minutes of application of the composition according to the invention to the scalp and compared to the effect of the oily phase alone.

[0123] The pediculicidal and ovicidal activities of these compositions were tested in the laboratory on human body lice according to the operating procedure described in example 8.

[0124] The results are presented in Table 9 below.

[0125] [Tables9] Example of composition: Lice mortality (average expressed in %) after 5 minutes and rinsing; Nit mortality (average expressed in %) after 5 minutes of contact and rinsing; Isopropyl myristate (100%) 65 72; Composition comprising: - Isopropyl myristate: 60% - Agent according to example 1: 40% 85 85; Composition comprising: - Isopropyl myristate: 95% - Agent according to example 1: 5% 80 85

[0126] The inventors have found that the agent according to example 1 associated with an oily phase, namely isopropyl myristate, between 60 and 95% by weight of the total weight of the composition makes it possible to improve the lenticidal and pediculicidal performance very significantly.

[0127] Example 10 - Comparative efficiency tests

[0128] The inventors then compared the effectiveness of the composition according to the invention with several commercially available pediculicide products, namely the following products.

[0129] The Pouxit XF product marketed by Cooper laboratories, which claims a pediculicidal action in 15 minutes. Its composition includes in particular the following ingredients: Dimethicone (4%); l,6,10-Dodecatrien-3-ol,3,7,ll-trimethyl; PEG / PPG Dimethicone co-polymer; Silica Silylate.

[0130] The Pouxit Flash product claims an action in 5 minutes and its composition is as follows: Dimethicone (80% w / v), diisopropyl adipate, diisopropyl sebacate, lauryl alcohol, tocopheryl acetate.

[0131] The APAISYL XPERT product, marketed by P&G laboratories, is presented in the form of a microemulsion that is effective after one hour of application, and described in patent EP2470006. It includes the following ingredients: Labrasol® (Caprylocaproyl macrogol-8 glycerides), Lauroglycol® (Propylene glycol monolaurate), Labrafil® (Oleoyl macrogol-6 glycerides), Isopropyl myristate, PEG 200.

[0132] Takeda Laboratories' Resultz Foaming Lotion claims to provide action within 8 hours. Its composition is based on a combination of 50% Isopropyl Myristate and 50% Cyclomethicone.

[0133] The inventors then compared the pediculicidal performance of these products with the composition according to the invention.

[0134] Pediculicidal and lenticidal efficacy tests of a composition according to examples 2 to 7 in comparison with the products marketed under the name Pouxit XF, Pouxit Flash, Apaisyl Xpert, and Resultz were carried out.

[0135] The pediculicidal and ovicidal activities of these compositions were tested in the laboratory on human body lice according to the procedure described in Example 8.

[0136] The results are expressed as a percentage of dead lice and are presented in the tables below.

[0137] [TableauxlO] COMPOSITE Mortality of lice (average expressed in %) after 15 minutes and rinsing Mortality of nits (average expressed in %) after 15 minutes of contact and rinsing Pouxit XF 60 40 Composition - Example 2 85 75 Composition - Example 6 80 60

[0138] It is thus observed that the addition of quantities between 10 and 20% of the agent according to example 1 to the pediculicidal composition marketed under the name Pouxit XF makes it possible to improve the lenticidal and pediculicidal performance very significantly.

[0139] [Tables] COMPOSITE Mortality in lice (average expressed in %) after 5 minutes and rinsing Mortality in nits (average expressed in %) after 5 minutes of contact and rinsing Pouxit FLASH 65 55 Composition - Example 3 85 75 Composition - Example 7 80 60

[0140] It is thus observed that the addition of quantities between 10 and 20% of the agent according to example 1 to the pediculicidal composition marketed under the name Pouxit Flash makes it possible to improve the lenticidal and pediculicidal performances very significantly.

[0141] [Tables 12] COMPOSITE Mortality in lice (average expressed in %) after 60 minutes and rinsing Mortality in nits (average expressed in %) after 60 minutes of contact and rinsing APAISYL XPERT 72 45 Composition - Example 4 90 77 APAISYL XPERT / LUMOR OL 10 80 60

[0142] It is thus observed that the addition of quantities between 10 and 20% of the agent according to example 1 to the pediculicidal composition marketed under the name Apaisyl Xpert makes it possible to improve the lenticidal and pediculicidal performances very significantly.

[0143] [Tables 13] COMPOSITE Mortality in lice (average expressed in %) after 5 minutes and rinsing Mortality in nits (average expressed in %) after 5 minutes of contact and rinsing RESULTZ 58 50 Composition - Example 5 85 75 RESULTZ / LUMOROL 10 80 60

[0144] It is thus observed that the addition of quantities between 10 and 20% of the agent according to example 1 to the pediculicidal composition marketed under the name Resultz makes it possible to improve the lenticidal and pediculicidal performances very significantly.

Claims

Demands

1. Pediculicide and lenticide agent consisting essentially of Laureth 4 and MIPA-Laureth Sulfate.

2. Agent according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is also essentially composed of propylene glycol.

3. Agent according to any one of the preceding claims, for its use in preventing and / or controlling head lice and / or nits.

4. Pediculicidal and lenticidal composition in the form of an oily solution, comprising an agent according to one of claims 1 or 2 and at least one oily phase.

5. Composition according to the preceding claim characterized in that the composition comprises: - between 5 and 95% of the agent according to one of claims 1 or 2, by weight of the total weight of the composition, and - between 5 and 95% of the oily phase, by weight of the total weight of the composition.

6. Composition according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the oily phase is selected from isopropyl myristate, a mixture of polyethylene glycol ester glycerides, one or more caprylocapric triglyceride(s), one or more silicone(s), one or more vegetable oil(s), and combinations thereof.

7. Composition according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the composition comprises: - Between 5 and 30% of the agent according to any one of claims 1 or 2, by weight of the total weight of the composition, and - between 70 and 95% of the oily phase, by weight of the total weight of the composition.

8. Composition according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the composition also comprises at least one additional ingredient selected from an antioxidant agent, a pediculicidal agent distinct from the agent according to any one of claims 1 or 2, a repellent agent, a gelling agent, a preservative agent, and combinations thereof.

9. Composition according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the antioxidant agent represents at most 1%, by weight of the total weight of the composition, said antioxidant agent being selected from butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, ascorbyl palmitate, and combinations thereof.

10. Composition according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the pediculicidal agent represents at most 5%, by weight of the total weight of the composition, said pediculicidal agent being selected from malathion, permethrins, Farnesol, Nerolidol and pediculicidal plant essences.

11. Composition according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the repellent agent represents at most 2%, by weight of the total weight of the composition, said repellent agent being selected from myrtle essence, citronella, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR 3535), DET (Diethyltoluamide), and essential oils of lemon, lavender, rose geranium, cineole rosemary, celery and tea tree.

12. Composition according to any one of claims 4 to 11, adapted for application to hair, for use in preventing and / or controlling head lice and / or nits.