COMPOSITION FOR THE ABSORPTION OF SKIN SWEAT AND / OR BODY MOISTURE

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent composition, the use of said composition for the absorption of skin sweat and / or body moisture, a non-therapeutic cosmetic method comprising a step of applying said composition to the skin, the topical use of said composition in the prevention and / or treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, and a process for producing said composition. FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED STATE OF THE ART The present invention falls within the technical sector of compositions suitable for absorbing skin sweat and / or body moisture. As is well known, several pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic products exist on the market capable of performing these functions. Talc, in particular, has been used for many years in powder form for application to the skin. Talc possesses particularly interesting properties, including: extreme softness (it has a value of 1 on the Mohs scale); the presence of magnesium phyllosilicate with a tetrahedral structure; a lamellar structure; a greasy feel; good anti-adhesive properties; hydrophobic and anhydrous properties; adequate flowability; good ability to absorb lipophilic substances; an acceptable color; and low production costs. Thanks to these characteristics, talc has found wide application in the cosmetics industry for its absorbent, refreshing and velvety properties, particularly for the treatment of delicate skin, such as that of newborns and children, to prevent irritation. However, the geological formation process of talc brings with it some challenges, as the chemical-physical processes, temperatures, and pressures involved can lead to the formation of other fibrous minerals. These fibrous formations (asbestos) must be absolutely avoided and monitored to ensure talc safety. Choosing a safe source of talc is a crucial element. - 1 ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird is essential for ensuring the absence of asbestos and, at the same time, a low heavy metal content. Additionally, inhaling talcum powder is known to cause respiratory problems, especially in children and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. It is also important to underline that the annual rate of talc consumption is higher than the rate of formation of the mineral, effectively constituting an unsustainable supply in the long term. In this context, several alternative formulations have been developed with the aim of addressing (or at least limiting) the disadvantages associated with the use of talc. Typically, these formulations include starch and a sliding agent that prevents caking. However, these formulations have demonstrated objective limitations in terms of water-repellent and / or absorbent properties compared to talc. In particular, starches have absorbent properties, but are unable to satisfactorily absorb oily substances and / or saline solutions (such as sweat). Furthermore, the sliding agents used in these formulations have limitations in terms of toxicity. Therefore, there is a particularly keen need in the sector to provide formulations capable of overcoming the disadvantages associated with the use of talc while guaranteeing the same performance in terms of water-repellent and absorbent properties that characterise this product. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION In order to overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art, a composition comprising or consisting of: a) A filling agent consisting of starch, more preferably rice starch, corn starch or mixtures thereof; b) A sliding agent, preferably said sliding agent being selected from magnesium carbonate hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, silica, lauroyl lysine and mixtures thereof, - 2 ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird even more preferably called sliding agent being magnesium carbonate hydroxide; c) An absorbent consisting of cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, methoxycellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose or mixtures thereof; d) A hydrophobic agent consisting of a salt of a fatty acid or a mixture of salts of fatty acids, more preferably said hydrophobic agent being a calcium salt of a fatty acid, even more preferably calcium stearate; e) Optionally, a perfuming agent. The present invention also provides for the use of said composition for the absorption of skin sweat and / or body moisture (where said composition is applied topically). The present invention also provides for the topical use of said composition in the prevention and / or treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, more preferably in the prevention and / or treatment of dermatitis, even more preferably contact dermatitis. The present invention also relates to a non-therapeutic cosmetic method comprising a step of applying said composition to the skin. For the purposes of this document, a cosmetic method means applying said composition to the skin (or in any case to the external surfaces of the human body) for the purpose of modifying its appearance and / or maintaining it in good condition. In particular, this method can be used to absorb skin sweat and / or body moisture. The invention also refers to a process for making said composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As previously stated, a composition has been developed comprising or consisting of: - 3 ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird a) A filling agent consisting of starch, more preferably rice starch, corn starch or mixtures thereof; b) A sliding agent, preferably said sliding agent being selected from magnesium carbonate hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, silica, lauroyl lysine and mixtures thereof, even more preferably said sliding agent being magnesium carbonate hydroxide; c) An absorbent consisting of cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, methoxycellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose or mixtures thereof; d) A hydrophobic agent consisting of a salt of a fatty acid or a mixture of salts of fatty acids, more preferably said hydrophobic agent being a calcium salt of a fatty acid, even more preferably calcium stearate; e) Optionally, a perfuming agent. Indeed, it has been surprisingly found that this composition exhibits water-repellent and absorbent properties comparable (or even superior) to those of talc, while simultaneously not exhibiting the latter's disadvantages. Specifically, the composition according to the present invention is characterized by the complete absence of fibrous formations (asbestos) and, consequently, by a better safety profile than talc. The composition according to the present invention is also characterized by high versatility. This is because it is possible to: • easily modulate the hydrophobic character of the composition by modifying the quantity of the hydrophobic agent and / or • easily modulate the absorbent power of the composition by modifying the quantity of the absorbent agent. In a preferred embodiment: • said filling agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 50 and 90%; - 4 ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird • said sliding agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 5 and 20%; • said absorbent agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 0.5 and 45% and • said hydrophobic agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 0.5 and 5%. In a further preferred embodiment: • said filling agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 50 and 85%; • said sliding agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 10 and 15%, more preferably equal to 13%; • said absorbent agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 0.5 and 40% and • said hydrophobic agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 1 and 3%, more preferably equal to 2%. In a further preferred embodiment: • said filling agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 50 and 60%; • said sliding agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 10 and 15%; • said absorbent agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 25 and 40% and • said hydrophobic agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 0.5 and 5%. This filling agent can be either a modified or native starch, preferably heat-treated. This is because native starches are soluble when hot but insoluble when cold and for them - 5 ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird nature products are hygroscopic and have a residual moisture content of more than 7% (even when heat-treated). This parameter is important as it can negatively impact the composition's flowability, leading to a greater tendency to caking and bacterial contamination. In one embodiment, said starch is rice starch or corn starch. Alternatively, a mixture of rice starch and corn starch may be used. The weight ratio of rice starch to corn starch in said mixture may vary between 0.1 and 10, more preferably between 0.5 and 4, and even more preferably between 1 and 1.5. Said filling agent may be present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 50 and 90%. In a preferred embodiment, said absorbent agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 0.5 and 45%, more preferably between 5 and 40% (even more preferably between 10 and 35%). In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent agent is cellulose. Cellulose, in fact, has some useful characteristics for the composition according to the present invention. In particular, it: - it has a capillary fibrous nature which contributes significantly to the absorbent capacity of the composition; - it is linked to low costs and high sustainability; - it is insoluble in both hot and cold water, thus preventing agglomeration phenomena. This hydrophobic agent may consist of a salt (such as a calcium salt, a magnesium salt or a potassium salt) of a fatty acid or a mixture of fatty acid salts, such as salts of saturated fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid and arachidic acid. For example, said hydrophobic agent may consist of calcium stearate, magnesium stearate or mixtures thereof, more preferably said hydrophobic agent consists of calcium stearate. — 6 — ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird The presence of this hydrophobic agent increases the lipophilic nature of the composition, preventing it from getting wet quickly and triggering the phenomenon of starch kneading (with consequent agglomeration). Furthermore, the presence of said hydrophobic agent allows the quantity of the slip agent to be limited. This feature is important because slip agents can have NOAEL values ​​(No Observed Adverse Effect Level, a parameter used in toxicology to express the maximum dose of a xenobiotic that can be administered without appreciable toxic effects), which do not allow the use of such an ingredient in large quantities. Said hydrophobic agent is present in a quantity that does not cause excessive stickiness of the composition on the skin (with consequent difficulty in removing residues of the composition, for example from the hands). For example, said hydrophobic agent can be present in a concentration by weight of the total weight of the composition between 0.1 and 10%, more preferably between 0.5 and 5%, and even more preferably between 1 and 3% (for example, a concentration by weight equal to 2%). As previously stated, said sliding agent is selected from magnesium carbonate hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, silica, lauroyl lysine and mixtures thereof, even more preferably said sliding agent being magnesium carbonate hydroxide. Said sliding agent may be present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 5 and 20%, more preferably between 10 and 15%, even more preferably equal to 13%. This perfuming agent can be, for example, a fragrance composition of either synthetic or natural origin, or even natural essential oils. The fragrance composition can consist of more persistent base notes, heart notes that define the olfactory characteristics of the perfume, and more volatile top notes, possibly citrus, that enhance its freshness. This perfuming agent may be present in a concentration by weight relative to - 7 ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird to the total weight of the composition between 0.01 and 5%, more preferably between 0.1 and 0.5% In one embodiment: • said filling agent consists of a mixture of rice starch and corn starch, more preferably the weight ratio of rice starch to corn starch varies between 0.5 and 4 (even more preferably the weight ratio of rice starch to corn starch varies between 1 and 1.5), and / or • said sliding agent is magnesium carbonate hydroxide. In one embodiment: • said sliding agent is magnesium carbonate hydroxide; • said absorbent agent is cellulose and • said water-repellent agent is calcium stearate. In one embodiment: • said filling agent consists of a mixture of rice starch and corn starch, more preferably the weight ratio between rice starch and corn starch varies between 1 and 1.5; • said sliding agent is magnesium carbonate hydroxide; • said absorbent agent is cellulose and • said water-repellent agent is calcium stearate. The composition according to the present invention may have a bulk density equal to or less than 0.4 g / ml, more preferably equal to or less than 0.33 g / ml. Even more preferably, said composition has a bulk density ranging between 0.4 and 0.2 g / ml. The bulk density of a powder is the ratio of the mass of an uncompacted powder sample to its volume, including the contribution of the interparticle void space. Therefore, the bulk density depends both on the density of the powder particles and on their spatial arrangement within the powder layer. According to one of the methodologies described in the European Pharmacopoeia (section 2.9.34. "Bulk density and bulk density"), the bulk density of a powder is 8. ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird Tapped Density of Powders, Method 1: Measurement in a Graduated Cylinder), these bulk density values ​​are measured by gently placing approximately 100 g (m) of the sample under examination (weighed to an accuracy of 0.1%) into a 100 ml graduated cylinder capable of reading to 1 ml, without compacting. If necessary, carefully level the powder without compacting it and read the apparent volume (V0) of the unsettled powder to the nearest graduated unit. Calculate the bulk density in grams per millilitre using the formula m / V0. The bulk density is expressed in grams per millilitre (1 g / ml = 1000 kg / m3), since the measurements are made using graduated cylinders. Therefore, the bulk density values ​​indicated above correspond to apparent volume (V0) values ​​equal to or greater than 2.5 ml / g, more preferably equal to or greater than 3 ml / g. Even more preferably, said apparent volume varies between 2.5 and 5 ml / g. The composition may also include other ingredients known in the art, such as additional absorbent agents, refreshing agents, antimicrobial agents, antioxidant agents and / or colouring agents. The present invention also provides for the use of said composition for the absorption of skin sweat and / or body moisture (where said composition is applied topically). The present invention also extends to the topical use of said composition in the prevention and / or treatment of pathological (and particularly inflammatory) skin conditions and, more preferably, in the prevention and / or treatment of dermatitis, even more preferably contact dermatitis. Specifically, contact dermatitis refers to an inflammation of the skin resulting from certain chemical and physical stimuli. Such stimuli may be represented, for example, by sweat (sweat dermatitis) or by prolonged contact of the skin with substances such as feces and urine. Further stimuli may be represented, for example, by irritants such as—9— ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird cleaners or solvents. The composition according to the present invention can also be used for the prevention and / or treatment of chafing. The composition has a soothing effect on irritation. The composition according to the present invention can also be used to prevent and / or treat prickly heat (i.e., an inflammation of the skin caused by obstruction of the sweat glands and subsequent retention of sweat). The composition according to the present invention can also be used to absorb sebum (for example, excess sebum present in the hair or other areas of the body). This way, it is possible to limit the proliferation of Malassezia yeasts, which are the main cause of the flaking and inflammation that characterize seborrheic dermatitis (excess sebum is in fact a factor that favors the proliferation of these yeasts). The present invention also provides a non-therapeutic cosmetic method comprising an application step to (intact) skin of said composition. Specifically, said method can be used to absorb skin perspiration and / or body moisture. For example, said composition can be used in antiperspirant and / or deodorant products (particularly solid products or liquid products in which the composition according to the invention can be suspended), such as underarm deodorants. The invention also relates to a process for producing said composition. Specifically, the filling agent, the flow agent, the absorbent agent, the hydrophobic agent, and any additional components are mixed together until a homogeneous composition is obtained. For example, said composition may be made by mixing the filling agent, the flow agent, the absorbent agent, the hydrophobic agent and any other additional ingredients in a mixer for a time interval of between 1 and 20 minutes, more preferably 3 minutes. ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird The mixing phase can be carried out using equipment known in the sector, such as a horizontal paddle mixer for powders. Any perfuming agent can also be added after the first mixing step, subsequently carrying out further mixing for a time interval between 1 and 20 minutes, more preferably equal to 5 minutes. EXAMPLES Example 1 - comparison of the properties of compositions according to the present invention with compositions of the state of the art In order to evaluate the absorbent properties of compositions according to the present invention, comparative tests were carried out by analyzing the compositions according to the present invention indicated in Table 1 with the samples according to the prior art AD. Table 1 - compositions according to the present invention Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Ingredient Weight Concentration (% m / m) Weight Concentration (% m / m) Weight Concentration (% m / m) Weight Concentration (% m / m) Rice Starch (Oryza Sativa Starch) 52.00 39.65 30.00 45.00 Corn Starch (Zea Mays Starch) 17.65 35.00 24.65 38.65 Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide 13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 Cellulose 15.00 10.00 30.00 1.00 Calcium Stearate 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 FRAGRANCE COMPOSITION 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 These compositions were obtained by mixing rice starch, corn starch, magnesium carbonate hydroxide, cellulose, calcium stearate for 3 minutes via ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird horizontal paddle mixer for powders with a variable speed from 10 to 100 rpm. The fragrance agent was then added. Finally, the mixture was mixed again for five minutes. The AD samples according to the prior art used for the test are reported below: • Sample A: Commercial product “Johnson&Johnson - Johnson's Cornstarch Powder” - composition consisting of: Zea Mays starch (corn), tricalcium phosphate, perfume. • Sample B: Alkagin Intimate Powder” - composition consisting of: Zea Mays (corn) starch, Triticum vulgare (wheat) starch, Oryza sativa (rice) starch, zinc oxide, tapioca starch, hydrated silica, magnesium stearate, propylene glycol, aldioxa, calendula officinalis flower extract, malva sylvestris (mallow) extract, Tilia tomentosa extract, ethyl linoleate, water, methylparabens, sodium dehydroacetate, perfume. • Sample C: Commercial product “Talcamid” - composition consisting of: Zea Mays starch, Oryza Sativa starch, Calcium starch octanylsuccinate, Magnesium stearate, Silica, Lactic acid, Calcium lactate. • Sample D: Commercial product EuPhidra AmidoMio “Finissima Powder” - composition consisting of: Oryza Sativa starch (rice), aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, zinc oxide, magnesium stearate, silica. In particular, the water, oil, and sweat absorption capacities were analyzed. These properties were measured according to the method standardized in ISO 787-5:1980 ("Determination of oil absorption value"). The method is based on adding linseed oil from a burette to the sample being analyzed. After each addition, the oil is rubbed into the product until conglomerates form. The addition of oil is stopped when a soft paste forms. The result is expressed in grams of oil per 100 g of product. The same methodology was also applied for the measurement of water and ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird sweat. Table 2 - Experimental results of comparative tests Sample Water absorption Oil absorption Sweat absorption Apparent volume ml / g Bulk density g / ml Sample 1 (composition according to the invention) 88.10 72.10 118.2 3.1 0.32 Sample 2 (composition according to the invention) 84.20 67.00 119 3.1 0.32 Sample 3 (composition according to the invention) 94 73 148.2 3.2 0.31 Sample 4 (composition according to the invention) 76.8 71.8 114.1 3.0 0.33 Perfumed talcum powder (composition according to the prior art) 32 35 72.6 2.2 0.45 Sample A (composition according to the prior art) 63.6 37 88.9 1.5 0.67 Sample B (composition according to the prior art) 58.78 35.91 93.3 1.8 0.56 Sample C (composition according to the prior art) 58.2 54.6 84.3 2.3 0.43 Sample D (composition according to the prior art) 79.5 34.25 113.5 1.9 0.53 As can be seen from Table 2, samples 1-4 (i.e. the compositions according to the present invention) have a capacity to absorb sweat significantly higher than the prior art compositions (including talc). ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird scented). It can also be observed how as the concentration of cellulose increases, the specific absorbency increases (especially for sweat). In addition, it can be noted that none of the compositions according to the prior art are able to provide performances comparable to the compositions according to the present invention for all three parameters evaluated.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A composition comprising or consisting of: a) A bulking agent consisting of starch, more preferably rice starch, corn starch or mixtures thereof; b) A sliding agent, preferably said sliding agent being selected from magnesium carbonate hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, silica, lauroyl lysine and mixtures thereof, still more preferably said sliding agent being magnesium carbonate hydroxide; c) An absorbent agent consisting of cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, methoxycellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose or mixtures thereof; d) A hydrophobic agent consisting of a salt of a fatty acid or a mixture of salts of fatty acids, more preferably said hydrophobic agent being a calcium salt of a fatty acid, still more preferably calcium stearate; e) Optionally, a perfuming agent.

2. Composition according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 0.5 and 45%, more preferably between 5 and 40%.

3. Composition according to claim 1, wherein: • said filling agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 50 and 90%; • said sliding agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 5 and 20%; • said absorbent agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 0.5 and 45% and • said hydrophobic agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition between 0.5 and 5%.

4. Composition according to claim 1, wherein: - 15 ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird • said filling agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 50 and 85%; • said sliding agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 10 and 15%, more preferably equal to 13%; • said absorbent agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 0.5 and 40% and • said hydrophobic agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 1 and 3%, more preferably equal to 2%.

5. Composition according to claim 1, wherein: • said filling agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 50 and 60%; • said sliding agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 10 and 15%; • said absorbent agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 25 and 40% and • said hydrophobic agent is present in a concentration by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition of between 0.5 and 5%.

6. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent agent is cellulose.

7. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: • said filling agent is constituted by a mixture of rice starch and corn starch, more preferably the weight ratio between rice starch and corn starch varies between 0.5 and 4, and / or • said sliding agent is magnesium carbonate hydroxide.

8. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: • said filling agent is constituted by a mixture of rice starch and corn starch, more preferably the weight ratio between rice starch and corn starch varies between 1 and 1.5; • said sliding agent is magnesium carbonate hydroxide; - 16 ANVD / MAOT / P2563IT Bird & Bird • said absorbent agent is cellulose and • said hydrophobic agent is calcium stearate.

9. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said composition has an overall density equal to or less than 0.4 g / ml, more preferably said composition has an overall density ranging between 0.4 and 0.2 g / ml.

10. Composition according to any of claims 1 to 9 for topical use as a medicinal product in the prevention and / or treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, more preferably in the prevention and / or treatment of dermatitis, even more preferably contact dermatitis.

11. Non-therapeutic cosmetic method comprising a step of applying to the skin a composition according to any of claims 1 to 9.

12. A process for producing a composition according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the filling agent, the flow agent, the absorbent agent, the hydrophobic agent and any further components are mixed together until a homogeneous composition is obtained.