Disintegrative scrub agent and use thereof

Abstract

To provide a disintegrative scrub agent that is gentle on the skin, offers a pleasant feel, and is environmentally sustainable even after disintegration, and cosmetics and facial cleansers containing the disintegrative scrub agent.SOLUTION: A disintegrative scrub agent contains inorganic spherical particles with an average particle size of 1 μm or more, and a binder that is dissolved or dispersed in water. The disintegrative scrub agent has an average particle size of 50 μm or more.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a disintegrable scrub agent, and a cosmetic composition and a facial cleanser containing the disintegrable scrub agent. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, body care products such as skin cleansers and massage creams have been formulated with granular scrubbing agents to enhance their cleaning and massaging effects. Scrubbing agents are broadly divided into those that have a scrubbing sensation when first used, but gradually disintegrate and become smaller during use, losing the scrubbing sensation (also called disintegrating scrubbing agents), and those that maintain their particle shape and scrubbing sensation during use (also called non-disintegrating scrubbing agents).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a disintegrating scrubbing agent that contains non-spherical particles having an average particle diameter of 50 to 500 nm, in which multiple silica fine particles having an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 nm are bonded together, and has (i) an average particle diameter [μm] of 0.5 to 50, (ii) a pore volume [cm 3 / g] is 0.5 to 5.0, (iii) the mode of pore size [nm] is 2 to 50, (iv) the average shape factor is 0.8 to 1.0, and (v) the average compressive strength [kgf / mm 2 and (vi) a sodium content of 10 ppm or less.

[0004] In addition to those using silica particles as described above, conventional scrubbing agents that have been used include, for example, synthetic resin particles, particles made from crushed plant seeds such as walnuts and apricots, and particles of natural waxes such as candelilla wax and carnauba wax. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6631987 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] A disintegrating scrubbing agent made of synthetic resin is formed from microplastic beads made by finely pulverizing synthetic resin. Since the microplastic beads have a low specific gravity, are difficult to decompose, and are hydrophobic, they are easily released into the environment without being sufficiently removed in sewage treatment facilities and the like, and are likely to cause marine pollution. When microplastic beads are released into the natural world, they remain for a long time, remain in the ecosystem, and may accumulate and have various effects. In addition, particles made by crushing plant seeds often have an irregular shape and sharp cut surfaces, so they can scratch the skin, have a bad feel, and are difficult to control the color. Furthermore, natural wax particles are expensive because the natural wax itself is a natural product. The porous silica particles described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 are an environmentally friendly material that can be stably supplied, but are not satisfactory in terms of the feel after disintegration.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a disintegrable scrubbing agent which is gentle on the skin even after disintegration, has a good feel, and is environmentally friendly, as well as a cosmetic and a facial cleanser which contain the disintegrable scrubbing agent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by using a scrubbing agent containing specific inorganic particles and a binder, and have completed the present invention based on this finding.

[0009] That is, the present invention relates to the following. (1) A disintegratable scrubbing agent comprising inorganic spherical particles having an average particle size of 1 μm or more and a binder that dissolves or disperses in water, the average particle size being 50 μm or more. (2) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (1) above, wherein the inorganic spherical particles are silica particles. (3) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (2) above, wherein the silica particles are at least one of porous silica particles and non-porous silica particles. (4) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (1) above, wherein the binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of natural organic polymer compounds, synthetic organic polymer compounds, semi-synthetic polymer compounds, and water-soluble salts. (5) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (4) above, wherein the binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose fiber, chitosan fiber, and agar. (6) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (1) above, wherein the inorganic spherical particles have an average particle size of 1 to 300 μm. (7) The disintegrable scrubbing agent according to (1) above, wherein the inorganic spherical particles have an average circularity of 0.85 or more after the disintegrable scrubbing agent has disintegrated. (8) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (1) above, which contains 70 to 99.9% by mass of the inorganic spherical particles. (9) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (1) above, containing 0.1 to 30% by mass of the binder. (10) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (1) above, further comprising a coloring pigment. (11) The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to (1) above, wherein the compressive strength of the disintegratable scrubbing agent after immersion in water for 12 hours is 3 MPa or less. (12) A cosmetic or facial cleanser comprising the disintegratable scrub agent according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) The cosmetic or facial cleanser according to (12) above, which is in cream or gel form. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The disintegratable scrubbing agent of the present invention has a spherical particle shape after disintegration, which causes little skin irritation, and is composed of inorganic particles, which has no adverse effect on the environment. By using the disintegratable scrubbing agent of the present invention, it is possible to provide cosmetics and facial cleansers that are gentle on the skin, provide a moderate cleansing feeling and massage effect, and are also environmentally friendly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <Disintegrating scrubbing agent> The disintegrating scrubbing agent of the present invention comprises inorganic spherical particles having an average particle size of 1 μm or more and a binder that dissolves or disperses in water, and has an average particle size of 50 μm or more. The disintegrating scrubbing agent is an aggregate of inorganic spherical particles in which each of the inorganic spherical particles contained as a constituent unit is bound and granulated by the binder. By using spherical particles as constituent units, no sharp corners are generated after disintegration, and the skin is not injured, so skin irritation can be reduced.

[0012] (Inorganic spherical particles) The inorganic spherical particles constituting the disintegrative scrubbing agent are formed from an inorganic compound. Since the disintegrative scrubbing agent contains particles made of an inorganic compound as a constituent unit, there is no adverse effect on the environment, such as marine pollution.

[0013] Examples of inorganic compounds include silica, calcium carbonate, hydroxyapatite, alumina, zirconia, iron oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, calcium titanate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, and calcium silicate. Among them, silica is preferable, and the silica may be porous, non-porous, or hollow. In addition, the inorganic compound may be surface-treated or may be a mixed composition. For example, spherical porous silica that imparts a light feel may be blended with spherical hydroxyapatite or spherical activated carbon that has an oleic acid adsorption ability, or surface-treated spherical silica that has hydroxyapatite supported on spherical porous silica to have an oleic acid adsorption ability may be blended in part.

[0014] The inorganic spherical particles are preferably porous or non-porous particles. Porous particles can provide a light feel. In addition, other functional components can be supported inside the porous particles. Non-porous particles can reduce the amount of binder added to obtain a scrubbing agent with the same feel compared to porous particles, and the scrubbing agent itself does not adsorb other substances such as active ingredients.

[0015] Among these, from the viewpoints of low environmental impact and ease of imparting various functions due to diverse pore structures and surface properties, the inorganic spherical particles are preferably silica particles, and porous silica particles or nonporous silica particles are more preferable.

[0016] The inorganic spherical particles have an average particle size of 1 μm or more, and if the disintegrating scrubbing agent is an aggregate of particles having this particle size, it can maintain a smooth feel even after disintegration. The inorganic spherical particles have an average particle size of preferably 2 μm or more, more preferably 3 μm or more, and from the viewpoint of maintaining a smooth feel even after disintegration, it is preferably 300 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or less, and even more preferably 10 μm or less. Specifically, the inorganic spherical particles have an average particle size preferably in the range of 1 to 300 μm, more preferably 2 to 100 μm, even more preferably 3 to 20 μm, and particularly preferably 3 to 10 μm.

[0017] The average particle size of the inorganic spherical particles in the disintegrating scrubbing agent can be measured using a particle size distribution measuring device or by observation with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Examples of particle size distribution measuring devices include Microtrack Bell's "Microtrack MT3300EX II" (trade name). When performing SEM observation, the average particle size is determined by measuring 100 particles at random. When the number of inorganic spherical particles in the disintegrating scrubbing agent is less than 100, the particle size of all inorganic spherical particles visible in the SEM image is measured and determined. The particle size is determined by the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the particle. In addition, when it is difficult to accurately grasp the particle size due to the shape or shade of the inorganic spherical particles, it is preferable to perform image processing and evaluation using the image processing software ImageJ.

[0018] The inorganic spherical particles of this embodiment preferably have an average circularity of 0.85 or more. When the average circularity is 0.85 or more, the particle shape becomes close to a sphere, so that the particles spread well when applied to the skin and are less likely to damage the skin. The average circularity is preferably 0.90 or more, and particularly preferably 0.95 or more. The upper limit of the average circularity is not particularly limited, and is most preferably 1.

[0019] The average circularity of the inorganic spherical particles in the disintegratable scrubbing agent can be confirmed by, for example, disintegrating the disintegratable scrubbing agent using an ultrasonic cleaner and then measuring the shape of the particles. The specific method for measuring the average circularity is as follows. Distilled water is added to the disintegrating scrubbing agent, and the inorganic spherical particles obtained after the dispersion treatment using an ultrasonic cleaner and the moisture is removed by drying are photographed using a scanning electron microscope (e.g., JCM-7000, manufactured by JEOL Ltd.), and the area and perimeter of the particles are obtained using image analysis software (e.g., image analysis software attached to the particle image analyzer "Morphologi4" manufactured by Malvern Instruments), and are calculated using the following formula. The circularity of 20 inorganic spherical particles is calculated, and the average value is taken as the average circularity. Circularity = perimeter of a circle with equal projected area / perimeter of a particle Circumference of a circle with the same projected area: When a particle is observed from directly above, the area of ​​the particle's shadow projected on the plane below is calculated, and a circle with an area equal to this area is calculated, and the length of the contour of that circle is calculated. Particle perimeter: The length of the outline of the particle's shadow projected on a flat surface when the particle is observed from directly above

[0020] The average circularity of inorganic spherical particles can also be determined by measuring any 20 inorganic spherical particles in a photographic projection obtained by photographing a disintegrating scrubbing agent with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The circumscribed circle diameter (DL) and inscribed circle diameter (DS) of each of the 20 inorganic spherical particles are measured, and the ratio of the inscribed circle diameter (DS) to the circumscribed circle diameter (DL) (circularity, DS / DL) is calculated and averaged to obtain the average circularity.

[0021] In the present invention, the inorganic spherical particles are preferably white particles. If the color of the particles is white, when the disintegrating scrubbing agent contains a color pigment, the color pigment has high color development, the color becomes vivid, and the disintegrating scrubbing agent can be given design. The white color of the inorganic spherical particles is such that the WB value indicating the whiteness is 90 or more when measured using a spectrophotometer (for example, SE7700 manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.).

[0022] (binder) The binder is a component for binding inorganic spherical particles together to form an aggregate of inorganic spherical particles. The inorganic spherical particles are bound together by the binder, and the aggregate maintains its shape and a certain strength. On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the disintegratable scrubbing agent, the binding force of the binder disappears, and the scrubbing agent disintegrates and separates into individual inorganic spherical particles, resulting in no scrubbing sensation.

[0023] The binder used is one that dissolves or disperses in water. The binder dissolves or disperses in water, so that the disintegrating scrubbing agent disintegrates with a moderate force in a wet state. The binder must not cause adverse effects on the environment, such as marine pollution, and must have a binding force that disintegrates the disintegrating scrubbing agent when force is applied. In this specification, the binder dissolves or disperses in water means that the disintegrating scrubbing agent disintegrates and is broken down into spherical particles, which are the constituent units, when the disintegrating scrubbing agent is mixed with water and stirred.

[0024] Examples of binders that dissolve or disperse in water include natural organic polymer compounds, synthetic organic polymer compounds, semi-synthetic polymer compounds, water-soluble salts, etc., and it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of these. One type of binder may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0025] Examples of natural organic polymeric compounds include polysaccharides (e.g., cellulose, starch, alginate, dextran, pullulane, polyhyaluronic acid, and derivatives thereof), chitin, chitosan, poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (e.g., poly(β-hydroxybutyrate), poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate)), poly(3-hydroxy fatty acids), fibrin, agar, agarose, and the like.

[0026] Examples of synthetic organic polymer compounds include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), methyl cellulose (MC), ethyl cellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and the like.

[0027] Examples of the semi-synthetic polymer compounds include carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and cationic guar gum.

[0028] Examples of water-soluble salts include sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, barium chloride, aluminum chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, ammonium aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, sodium aluminum sulfate, sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, barium nitrate, and ammonium nitrate.

[0029] The binder may be a fibrous material obtained by fiberizing the above-mentioned compound. By using a fibrous material as a binder, it is possible to impart a smooth feel to the disintegratable scrubbing agent after disintegration, and it is also possible to impart a binding force between the inorganic spherical particles with a small amount of the binder.

[0030] Of the above, the binder is preferably a natural organic polymer compound in that it has no adverse effect on the environment, more preferably polysaccharides, chitin, chitosan, and agar, still more preferably cellulose, chitosan, and agar, and particularly preferably cellulose fiber obtained by fiberizing cellulose, chitosan fiber obtained by fiberizing chitosan, and agar. As for the cellulose fiber and chitosan fiber, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and chitosan nanofiber, which are nanofibers having a fiber width of 100 nm or less and an aspect ratio of 100 or more, are particularly preferred in terms of imparting particle strength and imparting a moist feeling after loosening.

[0031] (Color pigments) The disintegrable scrubbing agent of the present invention may contain a pigment for coloring. By containing a coloring pigment, the disintegrable scrubbing agent can be given any color, thereby improving the design.

[0032] Examples of color pigments include metal oxides such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, iron (III) oxide, yellow iron oxide, red iron oxide, black iron oxide, Prussian blue, ultramarine, chromium oxide, and chromium hydroxide; metal complexes such as manganese violet and cobalt titanate; inorganic pigments such as carbon black; synthetic organic pigments such as Red No. 3, Red No. 104, Red No. 106, Red No. 201, Red No. 202, Red No. 204, Red No. 205, Red No. 220, Red No. 226, Red No. 227, Red No. 228, Red No. 230, Red No. 401, Red No. 405, Red No. 505, Orange No. 203, Orange No. 204, Orange No. 205, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 401, Blue No. 1, and Blue 404; and natural organic pigments such as β-carotene, caramel, and paprika color.

[0033] (Other Ingredients) The disintegrating scrub agent may contain other functional ingredients. Examples of the other functional ingredients include water, oil ingredients, water-miscible organic solvents, UV absorbers, antioxidants, preservatives and antibacterial agents, fragrances, surfactants, thickeners, inorganic powders, acids, alkalis, sugars, moisturizers, plant extracts, whitening agents, vitamins, hormones, antipruritics, anti-inflammatory agents, astringents, keratin softening and peeling agents, and bacteriostatic agents. The content ratio of these functional ingredients may be appropriately adjusted depending on the purpose of use.

[0034] The color pigment and other components can be contained in the disintegratable scrubbing agent by being supported on the surfaces of inorganic spherical particles, or in the pores of porous inorganic spherical particles.

[0035] (composition) The disintegrable scrubbing agent of the present invention preferably contains inorganic spherical particles in the range of 70 to 99.9% by mass. When the content of inorganic spherical particles is 70% by mass or more, the binder is appropriately present on the particle surface, so that a scrubbing agent that is smooth and gentle on the skin even after disintegration can be obtained, and when the content is 99.9% by mass or less, the binder sufficiently binds the particles to form particle aggregates. The content of inorganic spherical particles is more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, and more preferably 99% by mass or less, and even more preferably 97% by mass or less.

[0036] The disintegratable scrubbing agent of the present invention preferably contains a binder in the range of 0.1 to 30% by mass. If the binder content is 0.1% by mass or more, the inorganic spherical particles can be bound to form aggregates, and if it is 30% by mass or less, the particle binding strength does not become too strong and appropriate disintegratability can be imparted. The binder content is more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 3% by mass or more, and more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0037] When the disintegrable scrubbing agent contains a color pigment, the content of the color pigment is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 10 mass %, more preferably 0.03 to 5 mass %, and even more preferably 0.05 to 1 mass %.

[0038] (Physical properties of disintegrating scrubbing agent) The disintegrable scrubbing agent of the present invention has an average particle size (D50) calculated by volume of 50 μm or more. When the average particle size of the disintegrable scrubbing agent is 50 μm or more, a scrubbing sensation is felt at the beginning of use. The average particle size of the disintegrable scrubbing agent is preferably 60 μm or more, more preferably 70 μm or more, even more preferably 100 μm or more, and particularly preferably 150 μm or more. Also, from the viewpoint of feeling an appropriate scrubbing sensation, it is preferably 3 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, even more preferably 1.5 mm or less, particularly preferably 1 mm or less, and most preferably 500 μm or less. Specifically, the average particle size of the disintegrable scrubbing agent is preferably in the range of 50 μm to 3 mm, and the following preferred orders are 60 μm to 2 mm, 70 μm to 1.5 mm, 100 μm to 1 mm, and 150 to 500 μm.

[0039] The average particle size of the disintegrative scrubbing agent can be measured using a particle size distribution measuring device or a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0040] The disintegratable scrubbing agent of the present invention maintains its particle size and shape when soaked in water or gently stirred, but is disintegrated into its constituent spherical particles when subjected to strong shear or ultrasonic waves.

[0041] The disintegrable scrubbing agent preferably has a compressive strength of 3 MPa or less after immersion in water for 12 hours (hereinafter also simply referred to as "after water immersion"). If the compressive strength of the disintegrable scrubbing agent after water immersion is 3 MPa or less, it is not too hard and gradually disintegrates on the skin during use, providing an appropriate scrubbing feeling and achieving the effects of the present invention. The compressive strength after water immersion is more preferably 2 MPa or less, and even more preferably 1 MPa or less.

[0042] The compressive strength is determined by measuring the compressive strength of 10 particles having a particle size of 500 to 1000 μm using a compression tester (for example, MCT-510 manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) and averaging the measured values.

[0043] The disintegrating scrub agent of the present invention preferably has an average circularity of 0.85 or more after disintegration of inorganic spherical particles. If the average circularity of the inorganic spherical particles after disintegration is 0.85 or more, the particle shape becomes close to a sphere, so that the spreading when applied to the skin is good and the skin is not easily damaged. The average circularity is preferably 0.90 or more, more preferably 0.95 or more. The upper limit of the average circularity is not particularly limited, and is most preferably 1.

[0044] The average circularity of the inorganic spherical particles after disintegration can be confirmed by, for example, disintegrating the disintegratable scrubbing agent using an ultrasonic cleaner and then measuring the shape of the particles. The specific method for measuring the average circularity is as follows. Distilled water is added to the disintegrating scrubbing agent, and the inorganic spherical particles obtained after the dispersion treatment using an ultrasonic cleaner and the moisture is removed by drying are photographed using a scanning electron microscope (e.g., JCM-7000, manufactured by JEOL Ltd.), and the area and perimeter of the particles are obtained using image analysis software (e.g., image analysis software attached to the particle image analyzer "Morphologi4" manufactured by Malvern Instruments), and are calculated using the following formula. The circularity of 20 inorganic spherical particles is calculated, and the average value is taken as the average circularity. Circularity = perimeter of a circle with equal projected area / perimeter of a particle Circumference of a circle with the same projected area: When a particle is observed from directly above, the area of ​​the particle's shadow projected on the plane below is calculated, and a circle with an area equal to this area is calculated, and the length of the contour of that circle is calculated. Particle perimeter: The length of the outline of the particle's shadow projected on a flat surface when the particle is observed from directly above

[0045] <Method of manufacturing disintegratable scrubbing agent> The method for producing the disintegratable scrubbing agent of the present embodiment includes granulating inorganic spherical particles with a binder.

[0046] Examples of the granulation method include crushing granulation, stirring granulation, rolling granulation, compression granulation, spray granulation, extrusion granulation, and fluidized bed granulation. The granulation conditions can be appropriately selected depending on the granulation method. Hereinafter, the method for producing the disintegrating scrubbing agent will be described using the crushing granulation method as an example.

[0047] In the crushing granulation method, first, inorganic spherical particles, a binder, and a solvent are mixed to prepare a slurry. The order of mixing is not particularly limited, and the binder may be added to a dispersion liquid in which inorganic spherical particles are dispersed in a solvent, the inorganic spherical particles may be added to a solution or dispersion liquid in which a binder is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent, or the mixture of inorganic spherical particles and a binder may be mixed with a solvent. As the solvent, water, alcohol, a mixture of water and alcohol, etc. can be used.

[0048] The total solids concentration in the slurry is preferably in the range of 1 to 40% by mass. If the total solids concentration is 1% by mass or more, a decrease in production volume can be suppressed, and if it is 40% by mass or less, the inorganic spherical particles and the binder can be uniformly dispersed and mixed without excessively increasing the slurry viscosity. The total solids concentration is more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less.

[0049] After mixing the components, they are uniformly dispersed using a dispersing device, such as a Three-One Motor or an ultrasonic dispersing device.

[0050] The treatment time may be adjusted appropriately depending on the uniformity of the slurry, and is preferably within the range of, for example, 10 to 120 minutes, more preferably 20 to 90 minutes, and even more preferably 30 to 60 minutes.

[0051] The intensity of the treatment can be appropriately adjusted depending on the equipment used, and the particle size of the disintegrative scrubbing agent can be adjusted depending on the intensity.

[0052] Next, the resulting slurry is subjected to solid-liquid separation to obtain a cake. The separation can be performed by a known method, such as pressure filtration, suction filtration, natural filtration, and centrifugation.

[0053] The cake is a large molded body on the order of centimeters that reflects the size of the selected filter, so it is preferable to crush it using a crusher. The crushing conditions are not particularly limited, and it is preferable to crush it until it becomes a size appropriate for the application.

[0054] The cake is dried to remove moisture. Drying is carried out at 60 to 160° C., preferably 80 to 140° C., and more preferably 100 to 120° C., for 2 to 12 hours, preferably 2 to 8 hours, and more preferably 2 to 4 hours.

[0055] The cake after drying may be crushed and classified. Crushing and classification can be performed by a known method, such as crushing using a mill, mixer, or spatula, or classification using a classification sieve. The classified residue can be added again to the slurry to be used as a raw material.

[0056] In the crushing granulation method, a disintegrating scrubbing agent can be prepared as described above.

[0057] <Uses of disintegrating scrubbing agents> The disintegratable scrubbing agent of the present invention can be suitably used as an additive to a body composition. The disintegratable scrubbing agent of the present invention is less irritating to the skin, and has the effect of removing dirt and aged keratinocytes from the skin, while also providing a feeling of use and a massaging effect.

[0058] <Body composition> The body composition of the present invention contains the disintegrating scrub agent of the present invention. The formulation of the body composition is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include paste, solid, liquid, cream, gel, etc. Among these, the formulations that best exhibit the effects of the present invention are cream and gel.

[0059] Examples of body compositions include cosmetics, facial cleansers, etc. Specific examples of cosmetics include face cleansing cosmetics, body cleansing cosmetics, foot cleansing cosmetics, etc.

[0060] The content of the disintegrating scrubbing agent in the body composition can be adjusted appropriately depending on the application and purpose, such as the feeling of use, massage effect, and relief of skin irritation, and on the dosage form. In addition, known scrubbing agents may be used in appropriate combination within the scope that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0061] The components other than the disintegrating scrub agent in the body composition are not particularly limited, and known components can be used. For example, oily components such as fats and oils, waxes, hydrocarbons, silicones, fatty acid esters, higher alcohols, and higher fatty acids; powders such as inorganic powders and organic powders; inorganic salts; fragrances; colorants; various surfactants such as nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants; alcohols such as lower alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, sugars, and sterols; solvents; thickeners; gelling agents; ultraviolet absorbers; antioxidants; reducing agents; oxidizing agents; moisturizing agents; preservatives; antibacterial agents; pH adjusters; acids and alkalis; whitening agents; vitamins and their derivatives; anti-inflammatory agents; anti-inflammatory agents; blood circulation promoters, etc.

[0062] The body composition can be produced by mixing the disintegrable scrubbing agent and the ingredients other than the disintegrable scrubbing agent in any order according to a conventional method.

[0063] As described above, the present specification discloses the following configurations. <1> A disintegrable scrubbing agent comprising inorganic spherical particles having an average particle size of 1 μm or more and a binder that dissolves or disperses in water, the average particle size being 50 μm or more. <2> The inorganic spherical particles are silica particles. <1> The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1. <3> The silica particles are at least one of porous silica particles and non-porous silica particles. <2> The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1. <4> The binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of natural organic polymer compounds, synthetic organic polymer compounds, semi-synthetic polymer compounds, and water-soluble salts. <1> ~ <3> 10. The disintegrating scrubbing agent according to claim 9 . <5> The binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose fiber, chitosan fiber, and agar. <4> The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1. <6> The inorganic spherical particles have an average particle size of 1 to 300 μm. <1> ~ <5> 10. The disintegrating scrubbing agent according to claim 9 . <7> The inorganic spherical particles have an average circularity of 0.85 or more after the disintegratable scrubbing agent has disintegrated. <1> ~ <6> 10. The disintegrating scrubbing agent according to claim 9 . <8> The inorganic spherical particles are contained in an amount of 70 to 99.9 mass %. <1> ~ <7> 10. The disintegrating scrubbing agent according to claim 9 . <9> The binder is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by mass. <1> ~ <8> 10. The disintegrating scrubbing agent according to claim 9 . <10> The said further comprising a color pigment. <1> ~ <9> 10. The disintegrating scrubbing agent according to claim 9 . <11> The compressive strength of the disintegratable scrubbing agent after immersion in water for 12 hours is 3 MPa or less. <1> ~ <10> 10. The disintegrating scrubbing agent according to claim 9 . <12> The above <1> ~ <11> A cosmetic or facial cleanser comprising the disintegratable scrub agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5. <13> The above composition is in the form of a cream or gel. <12> The cosmetic or facial cleanser according to claim 1. EXAMPLES

[0064] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these. Examples 1 to 17 are examples, and Examples 18 and 19 are comparative examples.

[0065] (Example 1) 5.0 g of spherical porous silica "Sunsphere H-121" (solid content concentration 95.0 mass%, D50 = 12 μm, average circularity 0.95) manufactured by AGC Si-Tech Co., Ltd. was weighed out, 100.0 g of distilled water was added, and the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes with a three-one motor. 40.0 g of binder-containing water slurry ("BiNFi-sIMa-10002" manufactured by Sugino Machine Co., Ltd. (solid content concentration = 2.1 mass%) containing cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as a binder was added thereto, and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour with a three-one motor. The obtained slurry was subjected to solid-liquid separation using a pressure filter, and the obtained cake was crushed (3 seconds x 3 times) using a mixer (Osaka Chemical Co., Ltd., laboratory mixer OML-1). The crushed cake was left to stand and dried at 110°C for 2 hours to remove moisture. The particles after drying were loosely aggregated, and were roughly crushed using a rubber spatula and a stainless steel sieve. Specifically, stainless steel sieves with 710 μm and 425 μm openings were used, and the particles were crushed by pressing a rubber spatula against the 710 μm opening sieve, passing through the sieve, and the particles remaining on the 425 μm opening sieve were collected to obtain the CNF-containing silica particle aggregates of Example 1 (white when visually observed).

[0066] (Example 2) The same operation as in Example 1 was carried out except that the amount of the binder-containing water slurry added was 7.3 g, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates of Example 2 (white when visually observed).

[0067] (Example 3) The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out except that the amount of the binder-containing water slurry added was 3.9 g, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates of Example 3 (white when visually observed).

[0068] (Example 4) The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out, except that the amount of binder-containing water slurry added was 2.2 g and the mesh sizes of the sieves used were 425 μm and 150 μm, to obtain CNF-containing silica particle aggregates (white when visually observed) in Example 4.

[0069] (Example 5) The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out, except that in addition to the spherical porous silica (Sunsphere H-121, manufactured by AGC Si-Tech Co., Ltd.) and distilled water, 0.05 g of iron (III) oxide grade 1 manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd. was added as a color pigment, and ultrasonic dispersion treatment was carried out for 5 minutes, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates (visually red) of Example 5.

[0070] (Example 6) The same procedure as in Example 5 was carried out except that 0.05 g of ultramarine blue (EC-62, inorganic pigment) manufactured by Ferro was added as a color pigment, to obtain CNF-containing silica particle aggregates of Example 6 (visually blue).

[0071] (Example 7) The same procedure as in Example 5 was carried out except that 0.05 g of yellow iron oxide (BAYFERROX 915) manufactured by LANXESS was added as a color pigment, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates (visually yellow) of Example 7.

[0072] (Example 8) The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out, except that 73.0 g of "Cellenpia TC-01A" (solid content concentration = 1.1 mass%) manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. was added as the binder-containing aqueous slurry, and the mesh sizes of the sieves used were 1.18 mm and 710 μm, to obtain CNF-containing silica particle aggregates of Example 8 (white when visually observed).

[0073] (Example 9) The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out, except that 14.3 g of "Cellenpia TC-01A" (solid content concentration = 1.1 mass%) manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. was added as the binder-containing aqueous slurry, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates (white when visually observed) of Example 9.

[0074] (Example 10) The same procedure as in Example 9 was carried out except that 3.9 g of the binder-containing water slurry was added, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates of Example 10 (white when visually observed).

[0075] (Example 11) The same procedure as in Example 9 was carried out except that 2.2 g of the binder-containing water slurry was added, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates of Example 11 (white when visually observed).

[0076] (Example 12) The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out, except that 87.5 g of chitosan ES nanofiber manufactured by Hokkaido Soda Co., Ltd. (a water slurry with a solid content concentration of 0.6 mass% nanofibers produced by the electrospinning (ES) method) was added as the binder-containing water slurry, thereby obtaining chitosan nanofiber-containing silica particle aggregates (visually white) of Example 12.

[0077] (Example 13) The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out, except that 43.8 g of chitosan nanofiber "EFo-08002" (solid content concentration = 2.0 mass%) manufactured by Sugino Machine Co., Ltd. was added as the binder-containing aqueous slurry, and the mesh sizes of the sieves used were 425 μm and 150 μm, to obtain chitosan nanofiber-containing silica particle aggregates (white when visually observed) of Example 13.

[0078] (Example 14) The same procedure as in Example 13 was carried out except that 7.3 g of the binder-containing water slurry was added, to obtain chitosan nanofiber-containing silica particle aggregates of Example 14 (white when visually observed).

[0079] (Example 15) The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out except that 5.0 g of spherical nonporous silica "Sunsphere NP-100" (solid content = 99.5 mass%, D50 = 9 μm, average circularity 0.94) manufactured by AGC Si-Tech Co., Ltd. was added as the raw silica, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates (white when visually observed) of Example 15.

[0080] (Example 16) The same procedure as in Example 15 was carried out, except that 14.6 g of "Cellenpia TC-01A" (solid content concentration = 1.1 mass%) manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. was added as the binder-containing aqueous slurry, to obtain CNF-containing silica particle aggregates (white when visually observed) of Example 16.

[0081] (Example 17) The same procedure as in Example 16 was carried out except that 5.0 g of spherical nonporous silica "Sunsphere NP-30" (solid content = 99.5 mass%, D50 = 4 μm, average circularity 0.95) manufactured by AGC Si-Tech was added as the raw silica, and 3.5 g of the binder-containing water slurry was added, thereby obtaining CNF-containing silica particle aggregates (white when visually observed) of Example 17.

[0082] (Example 18) The same procedure as in Example 2 was carried out, except that 5.0 g of Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.'s "Mizukasil P-78D" (D50 = 14 μm, average circularity 0.80) was added as the raw silica, to obtain CNF-containing silica particle aggregates (white when visually observed) of Example 18.

[0083] (Example 19) MSGEL manufactured by AGC Si-Tech Co., Ltd. (porous silica, D50=78 μm, average circularity 0.96, visually white) was used.

[0084] The following evaluations were carried out on the silica particles of Examples 1 to 19. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0085] <Agglomerate particle size> The particle size of the aggregates was measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device (Microtrack Bell, MT3300EX II) by directly placing the aggregates in a chamber and measuring them without applying strong shear such as ultrasonic dispersion treatment, and the 50% volume equivalent particle size was calculated.

[0086] <Graininess of aggregates> The aggregates were placed on the back of the hand and crushed with the fingers to confirm the granular feel according to the following criteria. Evaluation was carried out by five panelists based on the following criteria, and the most common evaluation score was adopted. A score of 1 to 4 was judged to be practical as a disintegrating scrubbing agent. [Evaluation Criteria] 5: The graininess is strong but cannot be separated with fingers 4: Strong graininess 3: Feel the graininess 2: Graininess is felt but is weak 1: No graininess

[0087] In addition, when the silica particles of Example 19 were evaluated for granularity, they felt very granular when rubbed with a finger, but did not crumble no matter how much they were rubbed.

[0088] <Particle strength> After immersing 10 mg of the aggregate in 5 g of distilled water and leaving it for 12 hours, the compressive strength of 10 particles with a particle size of 500 to 1000 μm was measured using a micro-compression tester (Shimadzu Corporation, MCT-510) and the average value was calculated. Note that since the minimum test force of this device, MCT-500, is 9.8 mN, the lower limit of the measurement of the compressive strength is 0.01 to 0.05 MPa, and the compressive strength below the lower limit was calculated as 0 MPa.

[0089] The compressive strength of the aggregates of Examples 1, 2 and 9 was measured, and it was 1.3 MPa in Example 1, below the lower limit of measurement in Example 2, and below the lower limit of measurement in Example 9.

[0090] <Average circularity after collapse> Distilled water was added to the aggregates, and the aggregates were treated with an ultrasonic cleaner at a frequency of 45 kHz for 10 minutes. The aggregates were then left to stand and dry at 110°C for 2 hours to remove moisture, and the resulting silica particles were photographed with a scanning electron microscope (JCM-7000, manufactured by JEOL Ltd.). The area and perimeter of the particles were determined using image analysis software (image analysis software included with the particle image analyzer "Morphologi4" manufactured by Malvern Instruments), and calculated using the following formula. The average circularity of 20 silica particles was determined as the average circularity. Circularity = perimeter of a circle with equal projected area / perimeter of a particle Circumference of a circle with the same projected area: When a particle is observed from directly above, the area of ​​the particle's shadow projected on the plane below is calculated, and a circle with an area equal to this area is calculated, and the length of the contour of that circle is calculated. Particle perimeter: The length of the outline of the particle's shadow projected on a flat surface when the particle is observed from directly above Regarding the judgment of whether or not the particles were spherical, those with an average circularity of 0.90 or more were evaluated as being spherical.

[0091] Regarding the average circularity after disintegration, distilled water was added to the silica particles to make a 1% water slurry, which was then subjected to ultrasonic treatment (10 minutes) and the particle size distribution was measured. The average circularity was equivalent to that of the raw silica particles constituting Examples 1 to 17: Sunsphere H-121 (D50 = 12 μm), Sunsphere NP-100 (D50 = 9 μm), and Sunsphere NP-30 (D50 = 4 μm).

[0092] [Table 1]

[0093] From the results in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 17, the size of the aggregates was an average particle diameter of 50 μm or more, giving a granular feel, and the particles became spherical after disintegration, making it pleasant to the touch. In Example 18, the particles were not spherical after disintegration, giving an unpleasant feel. In Example 19, the particles could not be crushed with fingers, and if crushed with too much force, they became crushed, which may damage the skin.

Claims

1. A disintegrable scrubbing agent comprising inorganic spherical particles having an average particle size of 1 μm or more and a binder that dissolves or disperses in water, the average particle size being 50 μm or more.

2. The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1 , wherein the inorganic spherical particles are silica particles.

3. The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 2, wherein the silica particles are at least one of porous silica particles and non-porous silica particles.

4. The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1, wherein the binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of natural organic polymer compounds, synthetic organic polymer compounds, semi-synthetic polymer compounds, and water-soluble salts.

5. The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 4, wherein the binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose fiber, chitosan fiber, and agar.

6. The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic spherical particles have an average particle size of 1 to 300 μm.

7. 2. The disintegrable scrubbing agent according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic spherical particles have an average circularity of 0.85 or more after the disintegrable scrubbing agent has disintegrated.

8. The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1, comprising 70 to 99.9% by mass of said inorganic spherical particles.

9. The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1, comprising 0.1 to 30% by mass of the binder.

10. The disintegratable scrubbing agent according to claim 1 , further comprising a color pigment.

11. 2. The disintegrable scrubbing agent according to claim 1, wherein the compressive strength of the disintegrable scrubbing agent after immersion in water for 12 hours is 3 MPa or less.

12. A cosmetic or facial cleanser comprising the disintegratable scrub agent according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The cosmetic or facial cleanser according to claim 12, which is in the form of a cream or gel.

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