Local skin care composition

Abstract

The skin care composition is an emulsion having a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The continuous phase contains water and glycerin. The dispersed phase contains at least two skin softeners. The composition also contains feel-improving particles and an emulsifier. In some examples, the feel-improving particles can include modified corn starch and colloidal oatmeal. The emulsifier is cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid. The composition can be used to soothe inflamed skin, relieve itchy, dry, inflamed skin, and / or impart moisture to the skin and soften the skin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a topical skin care emulsion composition that can contain a relatively high level of glycerin and two or more skin softening agents. The present disclosure further relates to a method of using such a topical skin care composition to calm inflamed skin, relieve itchy, dry, inflamed skin, provide moisture, and soften the skin.

Background Art

[0002] Skin can become itchy, red, flaky, dry, cracked, scaly, hard, inflamed, and / or rough. These skin conditions can be caused by eczema, psoriasis, and / or xerosis. These conditions may be multifactorial in etiology and can occur as a response to the environment (e.g., cold climate, or immune triggers such as an allergic response), underlying disease, medications, and / or changes in age. Such skin conditions can be of an acute nature (i.e., occurring in a single independent episode) or more chronic (i.e., affecting an individual over a long period of time). When symptoms of unhealthy skin occur, people suffering from the condition generally desire to relieve the symptoms as quickly as possible.

[0003] Topical emollients are problematic and can be used to treat dry and / or inflamed skin, and the most effective emollients can have a relatively high level of glycerin and / or skin softening agents. However, the use of high levels of glycerin and / or skin softening agents can cause a trade-off between a pleasant skin feel and the heavy and / or sticky feel of many effective emollients, which is generally not preferred by consumers. Instead, consumers desire emollients that are very effective and have a silk-like texture that appears to be quickly absorbed by the skin. It can also be difficult to emulsify the composition with high levels of glycerin and / or skin softening agents, which can cause phase instability and can appear as an oil layer separated from the emollient, among other things.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a topical skin care product that is phase-stable and contains a relatively high level of glycerin and / or skin softeners with low tackiness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A skin care composition comprising: (a) a continuous phase comprising (i) about 45 to about 85% by weight of water and (ii) about 4 to about 18% by weight of glycerin; (b) a dispersed phase comprising (i) about 0.5 to about 10% by weight of an ester containing about 10 to about 28 carbon atoms and (ii) about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of a fatty alcohol containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms, the dispersed phase containing at least two waxy skin softeners; (c) about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of a feel-improving particle selected from siloxane, starch, colloidal oatmeal, or a mixture thereof; and (d) an emulsifier comprising cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid in an amount of 2% by weight or less.

[0006] A skin care composition comprising: (a) a continuous phase comprising (i) about 55 to about 85% by weight of water and (ii) about 5 to about 12% by weight of glycerin; (b) a dispersed phase comprising (i) at least two waxy skin softeners selected from cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, petrolatum, shea butter, or a mixture thereof in an amount of about 1 to about 15% by weight and (ii) a liquid skin softener selected from dimethicone, isopropyl isostearate, or a mixture thereof in an amount of about 3 to about 10% by weight; (a) about 0.1 to about 3% by weight of colloidal oatmeal; and (b) an emulsifier comprising cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid in an amount of about 0.1 to about 2% by weight.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] This specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention, but it is believed that the invention can be more readily understood from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Topical skin care compositions containing relatively high levels of glycerin (e.g., from about 6.5% to about 18%) and at least two skin softening agents in combination with an emulsifier comprising cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid can be phase stable, can be effective in treating problem, dry, and / or inflamed skin, and at the same time appear to be rapidly absorbed by the skin and have a silk-like texture that consumers prefer without feeling too heavy. Adding siloxanes, starches, and / or colloidal oatmeal to the skin care composition can further improve the aesthetic properties and in some cases, the effectiveness.

[0009] Skin softening agents can soften, moisturize, and / or protect against irritation of the skin and assist in the solubility of various skin care beneficial ingredients. However, skin softening agents can have a range of polarities that can make it difficult to select an effective emulsifier.

[0010] Also, since emulsifiers are generally used at the lowest level that provides the desired product viscosity and stability to give the best product performance, it can be advantageous for the emulsifier to be efficient. If the emulsifier is only effective when used at a relatively high level, the product is difficult to spread and instead of being absorbed by the skin, the product may remain as a white layer on the skin. In these cases, the product may feel heavy and / or sticky. In addition, it is preferable to utilize an emulsifier that does not further add an undesirable skin feel by giving a skin feel such as that of wax, heavy, and / or coated after application.

[0011] Adhesion generally refers to the peak force required to separate an object from a composition after the object has been brought into contact with the composition. At least some users associate good moisturizing properties with a high adhesion, particularly during and / or shortly after application of the product (e.g., less than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 minutes, or even less than 1 minute after application). However, an increase in adhesion typically is accompanied by an increase in stringiness, and the moisturizer feels heavy on the user's skin. Also, while users may tolerate or even desire some degree of stringiness and / or heaviness during and / or immediately after application as a signal of moisturizing properties, it may be undesirable for the stringiness to persist for a time longer than, for example, 1, 5, 7, 10 minutes, or even longer than 20 minutes after application of the product.

[0012] The composition can have an average adhesion of less than 750 g, or less than 725 g, or less than 710 g, or less than 705 g for 20 - 40 minutes. The composition can have an average adhesion of from about 250 g to about 750 g, or from about 400 g to about 725 g, or from about 500 g to about 710 g, or from about 550 g to about 705 g for 20 - 40 minutes.

[0013] The composition can be opaque. The composition can have a percent transmittance (%T) of less than 70%, or less than 60%, or less than 50%, or less than 40%, or less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5% at 600 nm according to the percent transmittance method described below.

[0014] Furthermore, the skin care composition may be a physically stable emulsion. The composition is physically stable if there is no phase separation by visual detection or the change in viscosity is less than 40% when stored in a glass bottle tightly closed by finger between t = 0 (i.e., immediately after the composition is prepared) and the freeze-thaw cycle where the sample is held at -18°C for 24 hours and then returned to room temperature or stored at 40°C for 1 month and then returned to room temperature. As used herein, "visual detection" means that under illumination at least equivalent to the illuminance of a standard 100-watt incandescent bulb, a human observer at 30 cm can visually identify with the naked eye (excluding standard corrective lenses adapted to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, or other corrected vision) if the product separates into two distinct layers within a 2-ounce clear glass bottle.

[0015] Definitions As used herein, "improving the appearance of" means providing a measurable desirable change or benefit in the appearance of the skin, which can be quantified, for example, by a reduction in redness, inflammation, and / or scaling of plaques.

[0016] As used herein, "molecular weight" refers to the weight average molecular weight unless otherwise specified. The molecular weight is measured using gel permeation chromatography ("GPC"), an industry standard method.

[0017] As used herein, "skin care" means regulating and / or improving the condition of the skin. By way of some non-limiting examples, improving the appearance and / or feel of the skin by providing a smoother, more uniform appearance and / or feel, increasing the thickness of one or more layers of the skin, improving the elasticity or resilience of the skin, improving the firmness of the skin, and reducing the greasy, shiny, and / or dull appearance of the skin, improving the hydration or moisturization of the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and / or wrinkles, improving skin exfoliation or flaking, plumping the skin, improving the barrier properties of the skin, improving the skin tone, reducing the appearance of redness or skin discoloration, calming the feel of inflamed skin, and / or improving the brightness, gloss, or transparency of the skin, preventing damage to the skin via an antioxidant approach including UVA and UVB-induced damage, preventing the formation of acne, balancing the skin microbiome, or preventing rosacea.

[0018] As used herein, "skin care active" means a compound or combination of compounds that, when applied to the skin, provides acute and / or chronic benefits to the skin or to cell types commonly found in the skin. A skin care active can regulate and / or improve the skin or cells associated therewith (e.g., improve skin elasticity, hydration, skin barrier function, and / or cell metabolism).

[0019] As used herein, "skin care composition" means a composition that contains a skin care active and regulates and / or improves the condition of the skin.

[0020] As used herein, "substantially free of" means less than 0.5%, less than 0.25%, less than 0.1%, less than 0.05%, and / or less than 0.01%.

[0021] As used herein, "treatment period" means the length and / or frequency of time that a material or composition is applied to the target skin surface.

[0022] As used herein, "viscosity" means the viscosity at about 0.10 s as determined by the rheology test method described below in this specification. -1

[0023] As used herein, "Brookfield viscosity" means the viscosity determined by the Brookfield viscosity test method described below.

[0024] Unless otherwise specifically stated, all percentages are by weight of the cosmetic composition. Unless otherwise specifically stated, all ratios are weight ratios. All ranges include their endpoints and are combinable. The number of significant digits does not represent a limitation on the quantity being expressed nor on the accuracy of the measured value. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, all quantities are understood to be modified by the term "about". Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements are understood to have been made under ambient conditions of about 21 °C, and "ambient conditions" means conditions of about 1 atmosphere and about 50% relative humidity. All weights associated with the listed ingredients are based on active levels and, unless otherwise specified, do not include carriers or by-products that may be present in commercially available materials. All numerical ranges include narrower ranges. The upper and lower range limitations separated are compatible in creating further ranges not explicitly separated.

[0025] The compositions of the present invention can include, consist essentially of, or consist of the essential and optional components described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that a composition or component includes additional components only to the extent that the additional components do not substantially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

[0026] Composition ​The skin care composition can be a stable emulsion having a continuous aqueous phase (e.g., water-in-oil or water-in-oil-in-water emulsion) or a continuous oil phase (e.g., oil-in-water or oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion) and a dispersed phase. The emulsifier can promote the formation of the emulsion and can also assist in maintaining the stability of the product.

[0027] In some examples, the skin care composition is sufficiently thin in viscosity to be dispensed from a pump or squeezed from a container (e.g., a tube) without the liquid surface undulating or easily spilling, and can be easily spread over the skin of the user, including but not limited to the face, eye area, hands, neck, and / or other parts of the body.

[0028] About 0.10 s -1 The viscosity at can be 550 Pa·s or more, or 600 Pa·s or more, or 1500 Pa·s or more, or 2000 Pa·s or more, or 2500 Pa·s or more, or 3000 Pa·s or more. The average viscosity can be about 550 Pa·s to about 6000 Pa·s, or about 600 Pa·s to about 5500 Pa·s, or about 800 Pa·s to about 5000 Pa·s, or about 1000 Pa·s to about 3000 Pa·s. About 0.10 s -1 The viscosity at can be determined by the rheology test method described below in this specification.

[0029] The Brookfield viscosity can be about 10 Pa·s to about 200 Pa·s, or about 12 Pa·s to about 150 Pa·s, or about 15 Pa·s to about 125 Pa·s, or about 20 Pa·s to about 100 Pa·s, or about 22 Pa·s to about 75 Pa·s. The Brookfield viscosity can be determined by the Brookfield viscosity test method described hereinafter.

[0030] Emulsifier The skin care composition may contain an emulsifier. Preferred emulsifiers can promote the formation of emulsions, stabilize the composition, and act with polymers to thicken the skin care composition.

[0031] The skin care composition may contain from about 0.10% to about 2%, or from about 0.2% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.4% to about 1.2%, or from about 0.6% to about 0.8% of an emulsifier. The skin care composition may contain less than 2%, or less than 1.75%, or less than 1.5%, or less than 1.25%, or less than 1%, or less than 0.8% of an emulsifier.

[0032] The emulsifier can be cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid (commercially available as Olivem® 1000 from HallStar®).

[0033] In another example, additional emulsifiers can be used. Examples of additional emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following. - A mixture of wax esters made from a natural source-derived fatty alcohol having an average carbon chain length in the range of about C12 to about C22 and a fatty alcohol - A mixture of esters made from a natural sugar or polysaccharide anhydride derived from a natural source having an average carbon chain length in the range of about C12 to about C22 and a fatty acid. The mixture of esters can be made from an anhydride of a natural or naturally-derived sugar containing a polysaccharide and a sugar alcohol. In particular, the mixture of esters can be made from the following anhydrides of natural or naturally-derived sugars. Glucose, sucrose, dextrose, lactose, fructose, starch, cellulose, sugar alcohols such as glycol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, polyglycitol, or combinations thereof.

[0034] A dermatologically acceptable carrier The continuous phase may include a dermatologically acceptable carrier (which may also be referred to as the "carrier"). The phrase "dermatologically acceptable carrier" means that the carrier is suitable for topical application to keratinous tissues, has good aesthetic properties, is compatible with the active substances in the composition, and does not give rise to any undue concerns regarding safety or toxicity. The carrier may be present at a level of about 50% to about 95%, about 52% to about 90%, about 55% to about 85%, or alternatively about 60% to about 80% based on the weight of the composition.

[0035] The carrier can be in a wide variety of forms. In some cases, the form and characteristics of the carrier can be determined by the solubility or dispersibility of the constituents (e.g., extracts, sunscreen active substances, additional constituents). Non-limiting examples of product forms include dispersions and emulsions. The oil phase of the emulsion may include silicone oils, esters, ethers, triglycerides, and mixtures thereof. The aqueous phase may include water and water-soluble components (e.g., water-soluble humectants, conditioning agents, antibacterial agents, wetting agents, and / or other skin care active substances). In some cases, the aqueous phase may include constituents other than water, such as but not limited to water-soluble humectants, conditioning agents, antibacterial agents, wetting agents, and / or other water-soluble skin care active substances. In some cases, the non-aqueous constituents of the composition include wetting agents such as glycerin and / or other polyols.

[0036] In some cases, the compositions herein are in the form of an oil-in-water (``O / W'') emulsion that provides a light and non-greasy sensory feel. Suitable O / W emulsions herein can include a continuous aqueous phase of greater than 50% by weight of the composition, with the balance being a dispersed oil phase. The aqueous phase can contain from 1% to 99% water, based on the weight of the aqueous phase, along with any water-soluble and / or water-miscible components. In these cases, the dispersed oil phase is typically present at less than 30% by weight of the composition (e.g., 1% to 20% by weight, 2% to 15% by weight, 3% to 12% by weight, 4% to 10% by weight, or even 5% to 8% by weight) to help avoid some of the undesirable tactile effects of the oily composition. The oil phase can include one or more non-volatile oils (e.g., vegetable oils and / or silicone oils). Some non-limiting examples of oils that may be suitable for use in the present composition are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,446,265 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0196464.

[0037] The carrier can contain one or more dermatologically acceptable diluents. As used herein, a ``diluent'' refers to a substance that can disperse, dissolve, or otherwise incorporate the skin care active agents herein. Some non-limiting examples of hydrophilic diluents include water, organic hydrophilic diluents such as lower monohydric alcohols (e.g., C1-C4) and low molecular weight glycols and polyols, glycerol, butylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, sorbitol esters, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, ethanol, isopropanol, sorbitol esters, butanediol, ether propanol, and combinations thereof.

[0038] Skin softener The dispersed phase may contain one or more skin softeners. The skin softener may be a waxy skin softener and / or a liquid skin softener. The liquid skin softener may be an oil that may contain esters, alkanes, triglycerides, non-volatile silicones, and combinations thereof. In another example, the skin softener may be a waxy skin softener such as a fatty alcohol having a melting point higher than 40 °C or higher than 50 °C.

[0039] The skin care composition may contain about 1% to about 30%, or about 2% to about 25%, or about 3% to about 23% of a skin softener, or about 5% to about 22%, or about 7% to about 20% of one or more skin softeners. In another example, the skin care composition may contain about 7% to about 30%, or about 9% to about 27%, or about 12% to about 25%, or about 15% to about 24%, or about 17% to about 22% of a skin softener. In another example, the skin care composition may contain about 3% to about 20%, or about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10%, or about 6% to about 9% of a skin softener.

[0040] In some examples, the skin care composition may contain a liquid skin softener and a waxy skin softener. The weight ratio of the waxy skin softener to the liquid skin softener may be about 1:5 to about 3:1, or about 1:4 to about 5:2, or about 1:3 to about 2:1, or about 1:2 to about 7:4. In another example, the weight ratio of the waxy skin softener to the liquid skin softener may be greater than about 1:1, or greater than about 3:2, or greater than about 5:3. In another example, the weight ratio of the waxy skin softener to the liquid skin softener may be about 1:1 to about 4:1, or about 3:2 to about 3:1, or about 5:3 to about 2:1. In another example, the weight ratio of the waxy skin softener to the liquid skin softener may be about 1:5 to about 1:1, or about 1:4 to about 4:5, or about 1:3 to about 3:5.

[0041] The composition may contain at least two skin softeners. The first skin softener may be a waxy skin softener such as a fatty alcohol, and the second skin softener may be a liquid skin softener such as a fatty ester. Fatty alcohols and fatty esters generally have different polarities, which can make it difficult to find an emulsifier capable of emulsifying both skin softeners. Further, it can be difficult to keep the emulsion stable over a wide range of temperatures that consumer skin care products may encounter during their lifetime, including transportation, handling, storage in an unclimate-controlled space (e.g., a warehouse or a gym bag in a user's vehicle), and / or use. In one example, the use of an emulsifier containing cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid for emulsifying a fatty alcohol and a fatty ester can result in a stable emulsion having desirable tactile properties including stickiness preferred by consumers. In one example, the emulsifier contains cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid, the waxy skin softener is a fatty alcohol such as ethyl alcohol, and the liquid skin softener is a fatty ester such as isopropyl isostearate.

[0042] Liquid skin softener The skin care composition may contain from about 0.5% to about 15%, or from about 1% to about 13%, or from about 3% to about 11%, or from about 4% to about 9%, or from about 5% to about 7% of the liquid skin softener.

[0043] The liquid skin softener may be derived from petroleum such as petrolatum and / or mineral oil, or a combination thereof. The liquid skin softener may be a natural-derived oil that is a vegetable oil. Examples of vegetable oils include, but are not limited to, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, canola oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, high oleic sunflower oil, mid oleic sunflower oil, sunflower oil, palm stearin oil, palm kernel olein oil, safflower oil, babassu oil, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, palm kernel oil may be the selected oil. In another embodiment, coconut oil may be the selected oil. In another embodiment, the vegetable oil may be a combination of palm kernel oil and coconut oil.

[0044] The skin care composition may comprise one or more of the following liquid skin softeners. - Alkanes or isoalkanes having a total carbon in the range of about C8 to C60, including but not limited to, squalane, squalene, coconut alkane, coconut / palm kernel alkane, C9-12 alkane, C10-13 alkane, C13-15 alkane, C15-19 alkane, C14-22 alkane, C30-34 alkane, C9-20 isoalkane, C10-12 isoalkane, C12-15 isoalkane, isohexadecene, C32-54 isoalkane, or combinations thereof. - Esters formed from alcohols having from 1 to 6 carbons and acids having from about 6 to 22 carbons, including but not limited to isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, isoamyl laurate, shea butter ethyl ester, shea butter cetyl ester, shea butter decyl ester, shea butter oleyl ester, jojoba ester, coco - caprylate / caprate, ethyl caprate, ethylhexyl caprate, isoamyl caprylate / caprate, argan oil isostearyl ester, babassu seed oil ethyl ester, camelina sativa seed oil ethyl ester, castor oil / olive oil ester, coconut oil decyl ester, coconut oil ethyl ester, linseed oil ethyl ester, olive oil decyl ester, olive oil ethylhexyl ester, palm kernel oil triacetin ester, palmitoyl serine / silk amino acid methyl ester, rapeseed oil decyl ester, safflower seed oil decyl ester, sunflower seed oil cetyl ester, sunflower seed oil ethyl ester, trehalose isostearate, or combinations thereof. - Triglycerides having three carbon chains with a carbon chain length in the range of about C7 - C18, including but not limited to triheptanoin, caprylic / capric triglyceride, C10 - 19 triglyceride, caprylic / capric / lauric triglyceride, hydrogenated C12 - C18 triglyceride, triethylhexanoin, or combinations thereof. - Non - volatile silicone fluids, including but not limited to dimethicone, amodimethicone, or combinations thereof.

[0045] Wax - like skin softener The skin care composition may contain from about 0.1% to about 22%, or from about 0.2% to about 19%, or from about 0.5% to about 17%, or from about 1% to about 15%, or from about 1.5% to about 13%, or from about 2% to about 12% of a waxy skin softening agent. In one example, the skin care composition may contain from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about 15%, or from about 9% to about 14%, or from about 11% to about 13% of a waxy skin softening agent. In another example, the skin care composition may contain from about 1% to about 5%, or from about 2% to about 4%, or from about 2% to about 3% of a waxy skin softening agent.

[0046] One or more waxy skin softening agents may be solid at room temperature and may have an average carbon chain length in the range of from about 12 to about 28, or from about 12 to about 22, or from about 12 to about 18, or from about 16 to about 22, or from 16 to about 18.

[0047] The skin care composition may contain a waxy skin softening agent such as wax, butter, fatty alcohol, or a combination thereof. Examples of waxy skin softening agents include, but are not limited to, beeswax, jojoba wax, shea butter, palm kernel wax, lanolin wax, shellac wax, rice bran wax, carnauba wax, ozokerite, cocos nucifera (coconut) butter, cocoa butter, goat butter, acrocomia aculeata seed butter, cupuaçu butter, carnauba, candelilla, or a combination thereof.

[0048] Examples of fatty alcohols include monohydric alcohols having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, although longer-chain alcohols having more than 30 carbons may also be used. The fatty alcohol may be saturated or unsaturated. The fatty alcohol may be straight-chain or branched-chain. In one example, the waxy skin softener may include a straight-chain saturated fatty alcohol having a terminal hydroxyl. Examples of fatty alcohols include decyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, icosyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, batyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, brassica alcohol, coconut alcohol, hydrogenated jojoba alcohol, jojoba alcohol, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the fatty alcohol may have an average carbon chain length of about 12 to about 28, or about 12 to about 22, or about 16 to about 22, or about 16 to about 18. Alternatively, the fatty alcohol may have an average chain length of about 12 to about 18.

[0049] The waxy skin softener may be an ester formed from an alcohol having 1 to 6 carbons and an acid having about 10 to about 28 carbons, or about 10 to 22 carbons. The waxy skin softener may be an ester of glycerin and one or more C10-C22 fatty acid chains. In some examples, the waxy skin softener may be glyceryl monostearate. The waxy skin softener may be a monoester of glycerin and one C10-C22 fatty acid chain. In one example, the waxy skin softener is glyceryl stearate.

[0050] Humectant The continuous phase and / or the dispersed phase may contain one or more humectants. The composition may contain from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 6% to about 18%, or from about 7% to about 16%, or from about 7.5% to about 15%, or from about 9.5% to about 12.5% of the humectant. A humectant is a substance that provides a water retention effect on the skin. A humectant has an affinity for the hydrogen bonds of water molecules and the hydrophilic molecular functional groups of the skin, and thus binds itself to the internal water molecules as well as the skin molecules, retaining water on the outer surface and the upper stratum corneum of the skin, thereby increasing the overall content in the skin itself. The topical application of a cosmetic product containing a humectant (e.g., glycerin) can be associated with an improvement in the barrier function, an increase in the epidermal thickness, and an improvement in the general appearance of the skin.

[0051] The topical skin care composition may contain a humectant selected from the group consisting of sugars and sugar alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, amino acids and their derivatives, such as proline and arginine aspartate, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol and water and codium tomentosum extract, collagen amino acids or peptides, creatinine, diglycerol, biosaccharide gum-1, glucamine salts, glucuronates, glutamates, polyethylene glycol ethers of glycerin (such as glycereth 20), glycerin, glycerol monopropoxylate, glycogen, hexylene glycol, honey, and their extracts or derivatives, hydrolyzed hydrogenated starch, hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides, inositol, keratin amino acids, glycosaminoglycans, methoxy PEG-10, methyl gluceth-10, methyl gluceth-20, methyl glucose, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, N-acetylglucosamine salts, polyethylene glycol and their derivatives (such as PEG-15 butanediol, PEG-4, PEG-5 pentaerythritol, PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-9), pentaerythritol, 1,2-pentanediol, PPG-1 glyceryl ether, PPG-9, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid and its salts, such as glyceryl pca, saccharide isomerate, sericin, silk amino acids, sodium acetyl hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium polyaspartate, sodium polyglutamate, sorbeth 20, sorbeth 6, sugars and sugar alcohols and their derivatives, such as glucose, mannose and polyglycerol sorbitol, trehalose, trehalose dihydrate, triglycerol, trimethylolpropane, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane salts, and yeast extract, and mixtures thereof.

[0052] Non-limiting examples of sugars and sugar alcohols include glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, trehalose, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, ribitol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, iditol, volemitol, fucitol, inositol, maltitol, meso-erythritol, and / or lactitol. In one example, the sugar includes trehalose.

[0053] Non-limiting examples of polyhydric alcohols include glycerin, diglycerin, glycerol, erythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, maltitol, mannose, inositol, triethylene glycol, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, PCA), zinc PCA, and derivatives and mixtures thereof.

[0054] In one example, the humectant is glycerin. The composition may contain from about 5% to about 25%, or from about 6% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about 17%, or from about 7.5% to about 15% glycerin.

[0055] Polymer The continuous phase and / or the dispersed phase may include one or more polymers. The polymer can assist in thickening the skin care composition and can also assist in providing a smooth, silk-like feel during and after application to the skin.

[0056] The composition may contain more than 0.01%, or more than 0.05%, or more than 0.1%, or more than 0.15%, or more than 0.2%, or more than 0.3%, or 0.4% or more of the polymer. The composition may contain 1.6% or less, or 1.4% or less, or 1.3% or less, or 1.0% or less of the polymer. In some examples, the composition is a moisturizer such as a cream or lotion and may contain from about 0.01% to about 3%, or from about 0.05% to about 2.5%, or from about 0.1% to about 2%, or from about 0.15% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.2% to about 1.2%, or from about 0.25% to about 0.75% of the polymer.

[0057] In other examples, the composition may include sodium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate, hydroxyethyl acrylate / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, sodium acrylate / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP copolymer, sodium acrylate copolymer, polyacrylate crosspolymer-11, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, carbomer, acrylate / C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, and combinations thereof. In other examples, the topical skin care composition may include a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers, polysaccharides, gums, crosslinked vinyl ether / maleic anhydride copolymers, crosslinked poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the topical skin care composition may include a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers, and mixtures thereof, more preferably a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] Vitamins and their derivatives The continuous and / or dispersed phase may contain a safe and effective amount of one or more vitamins and derivatives thereof. Non-limiting examples of vitamins and derivatives thereof include B3 compounds such as niacinamide, niacin nicotinic acid, tocopheryl nicotinate, B5 compounds such as panthenol, retinoids, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinyl propionate, vitamin A compounds including carotenoids (provitamin A) and natural and / or synthetic analogs of vitamin A, vitamin E compounds, or tocopherols including tocopherol sorbate and tocopherol acetate, ascorbate salts, ascorbyl esters of fatty acids, and ascorbic acid derivatives such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, and ascorbyl sorbate) vitamin C compounds, and derivatives of any of the foregoing active substances may be included. As used herein, the term "derivative" means a structure that is a variation of the basic compound that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, although not shown.

[0059] Thickening agent The continuous and / or dispersed phase may contain one or more thickening agents. The thickening agent may include natural gums, cellulose thickeners, or combinations thereof.

[0060] Natural gums are polysaccharides of natural origin that can increase viscosity in solution even at low concentrations. Natural gums can be used as thickeners, gelling agents, stabilizers, and can assist in keeping emulsions more stable. Most often, these gums are found in the woody elements of plants or the seed coats. Natural gums can be classified according to their origin. Natural gums can also be classified as non-charged or ionic polymers (polyelectrolytes), examples of which are as follows. Natural gums obtained from seaweeds, such as agar; alginic acid; sodium alginate, and carrageenan. Natural gums obtained from non-marine plant resources include gum arabic from the sap of the Acacia tree; ghatti gum from the sap of the Anogeissus tree; tragacanth gum from the sap of the Astragalus shrub; karaya gum from the sap of the Sterculia tree. Examples of non-charged gums include guar gum from guar beans, locust bean gum from the seeds of the carob tree; beta-glucan from oats or wheat bran; ticca gum, an older base for chewing gum obtained from the Ticca tree; damar gum from the sap of the Shorea tree; glucomannan from the konjac plant; mastic gum, chewing gum from ancient Greece obtained from the mastic tree; psyllium seed husk from the Plantago plant; spruce gum, chewing gum of Native Americans obtained from the spruce tree; tara gum from the seeds of the tara tree. Natural gums produced by bacterial fermentation include gellan gum and xanthan gum.

[0061] Examples of cellulose thickeners that can be used in skin care compositions can include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, or combinations thereof.

[0062] Touch-improving particles The continuous phase and / or the dispersed phase may comprise one or more feel-improving particles. The topical skin care composition may comprise from 0.001% to 25% by weight (e.g., from 0.01% to 20% by weight, from 0.05% to 15% by weight, from 0.1% to 10% by weight, or even from 0.2% to 5% by weight) of feel-improving particles. For example, the composition may comprise spherical or non-spherical particles having an average particle size of less than 125 μm (e.g., 100 μm, 75 μm, 50 μm, 40 μm, 30 μm, less than 20 μm, or even less than 15 μm). In some cases, it may be desirable to select a particle size of from 2 μm to 40 μm (e.g., 10 to 25 μm). If the particles are too large, they may impart a gritty feel when the composition is applied to sensitive skin. The particle size can be determined by any suitable method known in the art, such as by using a Coulter counter device, a laser diffraction device (e.g., LA-960 manufactured by Horiba Scientific), a dynamic or static image analysis device (e.g., Camsizer® manufactured by Horiba Scientific), or optical microscopy (e.g., ASTM designation E20-85 entitled "Standard Practice for Particle Size Analysis of Particulate Substances in the Range of 0.2 to 75 Micrometers by Optical Microscopy", ASTM Volume 14.02, 1993).

[0063] Some non-limiting examples of particles that may be suitable include polymer particles selected from methylsilsesquioxane resin microspheres (e.g., the TOSPEARL® series of spherical silicone resin beads manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.), microspheres of polymethyl methacrylate (Micropearl™ M 100 manufactured by Seppic), spherical silicone elastomer particles of crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (e.g., KSP-100, KSP-101, KSP-102, KSP-103, KSP-104, and KSP-105, all manufactured by Shin Etsu), spherical particles of polyamide, such as nylon-12 and Orgasol® 2002D Nat C05 manufactured by Atochem, polystyrene microspheres (e.g., Dynospheres™ manufactured by ThermoFisher Scientific), ethylene acrylate copolymers (e.g., FloBead® EA209 manufactured by Kobo), octenyl succinic acid aluminum starch (e.g., the Dry Flo® series of coated and uncoated spherical starch particles manufactured by Akzo Nobel), microspheres of polyethylene (e.g., Microthene® FN510-00 manufactured by Equistar), and combinations thereof.

[0064] Another example of a material that can provide desirable tactile properties is a silicone elastomer. Silicone elastomers can help reduce the tackiness of the composition (e.g., caused by a non-volatile oil) and can provide a smoother feel upon application. Some non-limiting examples of silicone elastomers are the crosslinked organopolysiloxane (or siloxane) elastomers described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003 / 0049212. The elastomers can be emulsifiable and non-emulsifiable silicone elastomers. As used herein, "emulsifiable" means a crosslinked organopolysiloxane elastomer having at least one polyoxyalkylene 30 (e.g., polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene) or polyglycerin moiety, whereas "non-emulsifiable" means a crosslinked organopolysiloxane elastomer essentially free of polyoxyalkylene or polyglycerin moieties. Some non-limiting examples of silicone elastomers that may be suitable for use herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0243835, 2003 / 0049212, and 2002 / 0022040, and U.S. Patents Nos. 5,412,004, 5,837,793, and 5,811,487.

[0065] Still other examples of materials that can provide desirable tactile properties include low melting point waxes (e.g., hydrocarbon waxes and / or silicone waxes). Low melting point waxes can be selected to give a dry feel upon initial contact and a smooth feel during use (i.e., when melted). Low melting point waxes can also facilitate spreading, rubbing, or otherwise applying the skin care composition when melted. Some non-limiting examples of silicone waxes that may be suitable for use herein are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0197286. The melting point of the low melting point wax herein is typically selected to be below the average human body temperature of about 37°C. For example, the low melting point wax may have a melting point of 25°C to 37°C (e.g., 28°C to 35°C) and can be determined using the drop melting point described in ASTM D127.

[0066] Still other examples of materials that can provide desirable tactile properties are starches. Starches can be sourced from corn, wheat, potato, rice, cassava, and tapioca. Starches may be unmodified, modified, or partially hydrolyzed. Modified starches can include cationic starches, hydroxyethyl starches, carboxymethylated starches, and polylactic acid grafted starches, and polycaprolactone grafted starches. Starch hydrolyzates can include dextrin and maltodextrin, preferably containing a dextrose equivalent of 30 or less. Preferably, the starch is corn starch and / or modified corn starch.

[0067] Still other examples of materials that can provide desired tactile properties are natural powders, and examples of natural powders include, for example, clay, diatomaceous earth, fuller's earth, silica, silica shell or spherical silica, fumed silica, spherical silica, hydrated silica, silylated silica, mica, mica titanate, talc, corn starch, rice starch, glyceryl starch, soybean flour, walnut shell powder, agar, sericite, dextran, nylon, silk powder, chalk, calcium carbonate, bismuth oxychloride, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, aluminum starch octenyl succinate, bentonite, hectorite, kaolin, maltodextrin, montmorillonite, zinc laurate, zinc myristate, zinc rosinate, alumina, attapulgite, tin oxide, titanium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, or mixtures thereof.

[0068] The tactile improvement particles can include colloidal oatmeal. The topical skin care composition can include from about 0.001 wt% to about 25 wt%, or from about 0.007 wt% to about 20 wt%, preferably from about 0.5 wt% to about 10 wt%, more preferably from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt% or from about 1 wt% to about 3 wt% of colloidal oatmeal.

[0069] Colloidal oatmeal produced by grinding and / or processing oat groats into a powder is known to be used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as a skin protectant. To produce colloidal oatmeal, the oat groats may be ground and / or processed until no more than 3% of the total particles in the powder exceed 150 μm in size and no more than 20% exceed 75 μm in size. The small particle size can contribute to the ability to adhere to the skin and form an occlusive barrier when dispersed in water. For example, colloidal oatmeal has been used in solid soaps, bath powders, lotions, and poultices to treat skin damaged, inflamed, or irritated by various causes. Colloidal oatmeal may be derived from any oat species (i.e., Avena abyssinica, Avena byzantine, Avena nuda, Avena strigose, Avena sativa).

[0070] Other optional ingredients The continuous and / or dispersed phase may contain one or more additional components commonly used in cosmetic compositions (e.g., dyes, pigments, mica, insoluble particles, skin care active substances, anti-inflammatory agents, sunscreens, emulsifiers, buffers, rheology modifiers, chelating agents, combinations thereof, etc.), provided that the additional components do not alter the skin health or appearance effects provided by the composition such that they are not desired. The additional components may be present in the continuous and / or dispersed phase. When incorporated into the composition, the additional components must be suitable for use in contact with human skin tissue without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic reactions, etc. Some non-limiting examples of additional active substances include vitamins, minerals, peptides and peptide derivatives, glycosaminoglycans, sunscreens, oil control agents, microparticles, flavonoid compounds, hair growth control agents, antioxidants and / or antioxidant precursors, preservatives, protease inhibitors, tyrosinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizers, keratolytic agents, skin brighteners, sunless tanning agents, lubricants, anti-acne active substances, anti-cellulite active substances, chelating agents, anti-wrinkle active substances, anti-atrophy active substances, phytosterols, plant extracts, essential oils and / or plant hormones derived from plants, N-acyl amino acid compounds, antibacterial agents, and antifungal agents. In some examples, the composition may contain fragrances, particularly natural fragrances, or essential oils that impart an aroma, or colorants, particularly natural colorants. In some examples, the skin care composition may contain silicone elastomers solvated and supplied in non-volatile linear silicone fluids, silicone elastomers solvated and supplied in alkanes, esters or triglycerides, including but not limited to these. The chelating agent can be selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS), trisodium dicarboxymethylalanine, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, phytic acid, or combinations thereof.Other non-limiting examples of additional components and / or skin care actives that may be suitable for use in this specification are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002 / 0022040, 2003 / 0049212, 2004 / 0175347, 2006 / 0275237, 2007 / 0196344, 2008 / 0181956, 2008 / 0206373, 2010 / 00092408, 2008 / 0206373, 2010 / 0239510, 2010 / 0189669, 2010 / 0272667, 2011 / 0262025, 2011 / 0097286, 2012 / 0197016, 2012 / 0128683, 2012 / 0148515, 2012 / 0156146, and 2013 / 0022557, and U.S. Patents Nos. 5,939,082, 5,872,112, 6,492,326, 6,696,049, 6,524,598, 5,972,359, and 6,174,533.

[0071] Optional components may include natural or plant extracts containing extracts obtained from the following plants: Centella asiatica; Phytolacca decandra, Conium maculatum, Rhus toxicodendron, Sanguinaria canadensis, Berberis vulgaris, Matricaria chamomilla, Achillea millefolium, Aesculus hippocastanum, Hamamelis Virginiana, Populus alba, Populus Tremuloides, Cochlearia Officinalis, Lens Esculenta, Ervum lens, Scrophularia Nodosa, Veronica Officinalis, Althaea Officinalis, Sambucus Nigra, Malva Sylvestris, Nasturtium Officinale, Smilax Medica, Tussilago Farfara, Pimpinella Saxifraga, Vincetoxicum Hirundinaria, Avena sativa.

[0072] Optional components may be sensory materials. Sensory agents provide sensory benefits such as a warming sensation, a stimulating sensation, or a cooling sensation. Sensory agents may be selected from the group consisting of 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol, menthyl lactate, N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-p-menthane carboxamide, and combinations thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol, menthyl lactate, N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-ρ-menthane carboxamide, and combinations thereof. In one example, the sensory agent may be menthyl lactate.

[0073] When including optional components in the compositions of the present specification, it may be desirable to select components that do not form complexes with other components in the composition, particularly pH-sensitive components such as niacinamide, salicylates, and peptides, or otherwise do not have undesirable interactions. When present, the optional component may be included in an amount of from 0.0001 wt% to 50 wt%, from 0.001 wt% to 20 wt%, or even from 0.01 wt% to 10 wt% (e.g., 50 wt%, 40 wt%, 30 wt%, 20 wt%, 10 wt%, 5 wt%, 4 wt%, 3 wt%, 2 wt%, 1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, or 0.1 wt%) of the composition. Alternatively, the optional component may be included in an amount of from about 0.000001% to about 0.02%, preferably from about 0.00001% to about 0.01%, or from about 0.00001% to about 0.001%, more preferably from 0.0001% to about 0.001%.

[0074] Method of using a topical skin care composition A topical skin care composition can be used to calm inflamed skin, relieve itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, and / or provide moisture to soften the skin using such a topical skin care composition. The skin care composition can heal, relieve, calm, and / or repair dry, cracked skin. The skin care composition can create a protective barrier that can trap moisture and keep the skin in a hydrated state. The skin care composition can provide significant results to the user within a few days, a few weeks, and / or within one month or several months.

[0075] Using a topical skin care composition, the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, xerosis, which may include itching, redness, flaking, cracking, scaling, hardening, and / or roughness of the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes, and / or other dry skin and / or inflamed skin can be treated, relieved, and / or calmed. The treatment method may include the step of providing a topical skin care composition according to the present disclosure and the step of applying a safe and effective amount of the topical skin care composition to at least a part of the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes of a user in need thereof.

[0076] Itching, redness, flaking, cracking, scaling, hardening, and / or roughness may be associated with at least one skin, scalp, and / or mucosal condition selected from eczematous dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and / or xerosis. Other conditions in which these symptoms may be experienced are also contemplated. The topical skin care composition may also be applied to the skin in need thereof, including but not limited to the affected area, the surrounding skin, and generally the entire body skin, both in the presence and absence of active inflammation. A portion of the skin, scalp, and / or mucosa of the user in need thereof may currently be suffering from one or more of rash, scaling, lesions, cracks, and / or bumps, or none of the above may be present. The term "skin, scalp, and / or mucosa in need thereof" means that it is construed narrowly as the affected area where itching, redness, flaking, dryness, and / or roughness are present, and / or the affected area where active inflammation is present, and / or broadly as the skin of the body as a whole. The topical skin care composition may provide the benefit of alleviating, preferably rapidly alleviating, itching, redness, flaking, dryness, and / or roughness, as well as other troublesome symptoms associated with eczematous dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis during active inflammation. "Alleviation" means that the user can feel relief or improvement of the symptoms after applying the topical skin care composition. "Rapid alleviation" means that the user can feel relief or improvement of the symptoms immediately after applying the topical skin care composition, within about 1 day after applying the topical skin care composition, within about 4 days after applying the topical skin care composition, within about 1 week after applying the topical skin care composition, within about 2 weeks after applying the topical skin care composition, within about 4 weeks after applying the topical skin care composition, within about 8 weeks after applying the topical skin care composition, etc., generally within less than about 12 weeks after applying the topical skin care composition. Preferably, the topical skin care composition can provide the benefit of rapid alleviation of itching, redness, flaking, dryness, and / or roughness, as well as other troublesome symptoms associated with eczematous dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, xerosis, and / or psoriasis during active inflammation within 1 to 7 days after application of the topical skin care application.

[0077] The method may include providing a topical skin care composition according to the present disclosure. The topical skin care composition may be in any product form that allows a user to apply the composition to the user's skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes. Examples include, but are not limited to, the product forms disclosed herein. The topical skin care composition may be provided in a container depending on the product form, such as a jar, a squeeze tube, a bottle with a pump dispenser, a canister, or any such container known to those skilled in the art for delivering the topical skin care composition.

[0078] There are many formulation regimens for applying the topical skin care composition. The step of applying a safe and effective amount of the topical skin care composition to at least a portion of the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes of a user in need thereof may be carried out, as non-limiting examples, as follows. The user obtains the provided topical skin care composition and applies an extensive amount of the topical skin care composition to the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes in need thereof, preferably in an extensive application to any affected area and the area surrounding the affected area. The step of applying the topical skin care composition to a portion of the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes of a user in need thereof may include applying from about 0.01 g / m 2 to about 20 g / m 2 or from about 0.05 g / m 2 to 15 g / m 2 or from about 0.1 g / m 2 to about 10 g / m 2 of the topical skin care composition.

[0079] In non-limiting examples, the step of applying the topical skin care composition to a portion of the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes of a user in need thereof is repeated at least once within 24 hours, preferably at least twice, or more frequently. When applying twice a day, the first and second applications may be spaced at least 1 to 12 hours apart. Typically, the topical skin care composition may be applied in the morning and / or before bedtime at night.

[0080] The step of applying the topical skin care composition may be repeated during the treatment period. The treatment period is preferably a time sufficient to provide relief or improvement of those symptoms and also to improve skin health. The treatment period may be until the user experiences relief or improvement of the symptoms, but it is preferred that the treatment period continue even after the user experiences relief or improvement of the symptoms so that the topical skin care composition can gradually improve skin health. Long-term application of the topical skin care composition after the user experiences relief or improvement of the problematic skin symptoms can potentially reduce the frequency and / or severity of future occurrences of the problematic skin symptoms. The treatment period can be at least 2 consecutive days, at least 3 consecutive days, at least 4 consecutive days, at least 5 consecutive days, at least 6 consecutive days, at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks, at least 4 weeks, at least 5 weeks, at least 6 weeks, at least 7 weeks, at least 8 weeks, etc. The treatment period can span several months (i.e., 3 to 12 months) or several years. In non-limiting examples, the topical skin care composition may be applied at least once a day, preferably at least twice a day, during a treatment period of at least 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, or about 4 weeks. The topical skin care composition may be applied simultaneously in addition to any other prescription and / or non-prescription composition that the user may be taking.

[0081] In a non-limiting example, after applying a topical skin care composition to the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes of a user in need thereof, the topical skin care composition is not removed for at least 5 minutes. The Applicant has found that even when the topical skin care composition is left in place for at least 5 minutes without being removed, it is possible to alleviate or improve to some extent itching, redness, flaking, dryness, and / or roughness of the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes. Preferably, the topical skin care composition is not removed for at least 30 minutes, more preferably at least 1 hour, even more preferably at least several hours, or until the next application of the topical skin care composition. In applications such as when the topical skin care composition is used on the scalp as a rinse-off product, it is particularly beneficial for the topical skin care composition not to be removed for at least 5 minutes. The user may wash the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes, such as by using a bar soap or other conventional cleanser, prior to applying the topical skin care composition. The user may apply the topical skin care composition without washing the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes prior to application. After applying the topical skin care composition, the user may cover the topical skin care composition with, for example, a bandage. By covering with a bandage, it is possible to keep the topical skin care composition from being rubbed off the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes by external objects, allowing for longer exposure of the skin, scalp, and / or mucous membranes to the composition.

[0082] Test Method Rheology Test Method This method provides a suitable means for measuring the viscosity of the compositions of this specification. The equipment used in this method is a rheometer of the TA Instruments brand, or equivalent. This equipment is set to perform a rotational tilt under controlled stress conditions of 0.01 - 2000 Pa for 240 seconds using parallel plates with serrated upper and lower shapes having a diameter of 40 mm and a gap of 1.0 mm. The temperature is set to 25°C. The instrument protocol is set to collect 100 data points per decade in a logarithmic distribution, and the measurement is set to stop when the shear rate exceeds 110 s -1 -1.

[0083] After performing automated gap calibration, place a sample of approximately 5 grams at the center of the plate. Arrange the plate to provide a 1.05 mm gap and carefully remove any excess material extruded from the outer edge gap of the parallel plates. Next, move the plate by 0.05 mm for the last time to give a 1.00 mm gap and start the measurement. At the end of the run, save the data file for later plotting and analysis. Viscosity is reported in units of Pascal seconds (PaS) as the value at or near a shear rate of 0.10 s -1 and is reported in units of Pascal seconds (PaS) as the value at or near a shear rate of 0.10 s.

[0084] Brookfield Viscosity Test Method The Brookfield viscosity of the composition is determined using a BROOKFIELD® DV2 rotational viscometer at 5 rpm and 20 - 21 °C, using a Helipath equipped with Spindle TC 93.

[0085] Adhesion Method This method provides a suitable means for measuring the adhesiveness of the compositions described herein. In this method, a texture analyzer is used to bring a film formed from the composition into contact with a probe. Next, the texture analyzer measures the force required to separate the probe from the composition film. The adhesive force can be determined by this method. The adhesion method is configured to be performed over a period of 100 minutes. Without being limited by theory, the adhesive properties exhibited by the composition during the adhesion test are thought to approximate the adhesive properties exhibited by the composition during the first few minutes (e.g., less than 10 minutes, 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or 1 minute to 3 minutes) of use of the composition by the user.

[0086] Figure 4 shows an exemplary test setup for the adhesion test. The adhesiveness of a film formed from the composition of interest is measured using a TA.XT2i brand texture analyzer (Texture Technologies Corporation, available from MA), or an equivalent device. The texture analyzer is equipped with an adhesion probe 52 in the form of an acrylic cylinder with a flat surface having a diameter of 12.75 mm. During the test, the flat surface of the probe 52 is brought into contact with the surface of the film of the composition. Thus, the flat surface of the probe and the surface of the film must be parallel to each other during the test so that sufficient contact by the film is obtained over the effective test surface of the probe 52. The film is made by filling or overfilling (and then stretching) a rectangular groove 54 (e.g., length 25 cm × width 30 mm × depth 0.25 mm) with the composition to be tested.

[0087] The test is performed using an adhesion test protocol at a pre-test speed of 0.10 mm / sec, a test speed of 0.10 mm / sec, and a post-test speed of 1.0 mm / sec. The force applied is 200 g, the return distance is 4 mm, and the contact time is 5.0 seconds. The trigger type that designates sample contact is set automatically, and the trigger force is 5.0 g. The test is performed immediately after the film is prepared, at the following time increments: less than 1 minute (i.e., immediately after film preparation), 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes, 80 minutes, and 100 minutes. Each time point is performed on an area of the sample that has not been previously touched / tested. Each sample is run in triplicate and the average is recorded.

[0088] The average adhesion force between 20 and 40 minutes may be useful in determining whether the product is unacceptably sticky for the consumer. To calculate the average adhesion force between 20 and 40 minutes, the adhesion forces at 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 40 minutes are summed, divided by 3, and reported in units of grams (g).

[0089] Transmittance % Test Method Clarity can be measured by percent transmittance (%T) using ultraviolet / visible (UV / Vis) spectroscopy, which measures the transmission of UV / VIS light through a sample. A wavelength of 600 nm has been shown to be appropriate for characterizing the degree of light transmittance through the sample. Typically, it is best to follow the specific instructions regarding the particular spectrophotometer being used. Generally, the procedure for measuring percent transmittance begins by setting the spectrophotometer to 600 nm. Next, a calibration “blank” is run to calibrate the readout to 100 percent transmittance. Then, a single test sample is placed in a cuvette designed to fit the particular spectrophotometer, taking care to ensure that there are no air bubbles in the sample before measuring %T with a 600 nm spectrophotometer. Alternatively, multiple samples can be measured simultaneously using a spectrophotometer such as the SpectraMax M-5 available from Molecular Devices. Transfer multiple samples to a 96-well visible flat-bottom plate (Greiner part number 655-001), taking care to ensure that there are no air bubbles in the samples. Place the flat-bottom plate in the SpectraMax M-5 available from Molecular Devices and measure %T using Software Pro v.5 (trademark) software.

Example

[0090] The following data and examples are provided to serve to illustrate the skin care compositions described herein. The compositions illustrated are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure since many variations of these are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All parts, percentages, and ratios herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

[0091] Examples in Tables 1 to 3 and Table 6 below were prepared by the following method. First, an aqueous phase was prepared by combining water with water-soluble components including, but not limited to, glycerin, chelating agents (e.g., disodium EDTA, EDDS), water-soluble skin care actives (e.g., panthenol), and antioxidants (e.g., hydroxyacetophenone). The aqueous phase was mixed and heated to at least about 50 °C but less than about 80 °C until the components were in solution and / or dispersed. The aqueous phase may contain from about 70% to about 98%, or from about 75% to about 95%, or from about 80% to about 94%, or from about 85% to about 93%, or from about 88% to about 92% water, based on the weight of the aqueous phase.

[0092] In a second vessel, an oil phase premix was prepared. The premix contained a liquid and waxy skin softener and one or more emulsifiers. The premix was mixed and heated to at least about 50 °C but less than about 80 °C until the components were completely dispersed in the premix.

[0093] The premix was added to the aqueous phase. The mixture was then milled to emulsify the oil phase premix in the aqueous phase, forming an emulsion in which the aqueous phase is the continuous phase and the oil phase is the dispersed phase. One or more additional components were added after emulsification while continuously mixing with an overhead mixer. The additional components may be added either before, after, or during cooling of the product to room temperature, and examples of additional components include, but are not limited to, polymeric thickeners (e.g., SEPILIFE™ NUDE, NATURSOL™ EMI 132), silicones, colorants, pigments, powders, mica, preservatives, fragrances, and additional skin actives.

[0094] The viscosities of the examples in the tables below were determined using the rheology test methods disclosed herein.

[0095] For the examples detailed in Tables 1 - 3 below, and in Figure 1, various emulsifiers were tested in a skin care composition. Each emulsifier was tested in a composition containing a skin softening agent that was either isohexadecene, a non - polar hydrocarbon oil, or triheptanoin, a triglyceride that is more polar than isohexadecene. An emulsifier may be acceptable to consumers if it helps build sufficient viscosity as shown when the composition has a viscosity of 550 Pa·s or greater according to the rheology test methods described herein. This viscosity is considered the minimum value required to produce an acceptable humectant composition, and compositions with higher viscosities may be more preferred by consumers. In some instances, the viscosity can be increased by adding more emulsifier and / or polymer. It may be preferable to select an emulsifier that results in compositions with sufficient viscosity with both isohexadecene and triheptanoin skin softening agents to show that the emulsifier builds viscosity across a range of products with different skin softening agent polarities. Also, many skin care products use more than one skin softening agent with different polarities to aid in the solubility of various skin care beneficial ingredients, which may improve the skin texture, complexion, or protect from UV damage.

[0096] Some examples were made with feel - improving particles, which were either modified corn starch or Zea mays corn starch (commercially available as AMAZE® HTP Pure from NOURYON®). When blended with either starch, no appreciable differences in viscosity and stability were found.

[0097]

Table 1

[0098]

Table 2

[0099]

Table 3

[0100] Product names and suppliers for Tables 1 to 3: 1. SEPILIFE (trademark) NUDE manufactured by SEPPIC (registered trademark) Corporation * Plant-based and renewable 2. AMAZE (registered trademark) HTP Pure manufactured by NOURYON (registered trademark) 3. MACKADERM (registered trademark) LIA MB manufactured by Solvay 4. TEGO (registered trademark) Care 450MB manufactured by Evonik 5. Barfix H manufactured by BARNET (registered trademark) Products 6. PLUROL (registered trademark) Stearique MB manufactured by GATTEFOSSE (registered trademark) 7. DERMOFEEL (registered trademark) NC MB manufactured by EVONIK (registered trademark) 8. HALLSTAR (registered trademark) GMS Pure manufactured by HALLSTAR (registered trademark) 9. GALOLIVE (registered trademark) Bioten manufactured by ACME-HARDESTY (registered trademark) 10. OLIVEM (registered trademark) 1000 manufactured by HALLSTAR (registered trademark) 11. PLANTASENS (registered trademark) Natural Emulsifier HP10 manufactured by CLARIANT (registered trademark) 12. PLANTASENS (registered trademark) Emulsifier CP5 manufactured by CLARIANT (registered trademark)

[0101] The emulsifiers used in Examples A-1 and 2 include the PEG-100 stearate emulsifier, which is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid. These compositions had viscosities acceptable to consumers. However, among consumers, there are those who prefer compositions that do not contain PEG.

[0102] Examples B-J contain emulsifiers that do not contain PEG. In addition, the emulsifiers in Examples B-J are natural or of natural origin and are biodegradable. Examples that had viscosities of 550 Pa·s or greater for both skin softeners were Examples E, G, and H. Examples E-1 and 2 were not preferred because both had a pronounced unpleasant odor that would be unpleasant to many consumers.

[0103] Example G-1 may be acceptable to consumers. However, Example G-2 is significantly sticky, which may make it difficult to spread the product on the user's skin, and the product may feel heavy and tacky after application or may be painful when applied to dry or damaged skin. This emulsifier may not be preferred because it does not produce products that consumers prefer across a range of skin softeners (see Figure 2, Table 4, and the accompanying text for additional data and discussion regarding the stickiness of Example G-2).

[0104] Both Examples H-1 and 2 had viscosities of 550 Pa·s or greater and did not have an odor that caused significant discomfort. In addition, both examples were stable emulsions with a smooth silk-like texture. The emulsifiers in Examples H-1 and 2 were cetearyl olive oil fatty acids. It is thought that other emulsifiers containing a mixture of wax esters made from fatty alcohols and fatty acids derived from natural sources (e.g., olive, palm, corn, palm, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, coconut, tallow, canola, castor) having a carbon chain length in the range of C12-C22 could be used in stable skin care compositions having sufficient viscosity (e.g., ≧550 Pa·s).

[0105] Figures 2 and Table 4 show the adhesive forces of Examples G-2 (Table 2) and H-2 (Table 3). The adhesive force was determined according to the adhesive force test method described herein. Both examples contain the skin softener triheptanoin at 6.0% and 0.20% of their respective emulsifiers. The emulsifier in Example G-2 was an olive oil fatty acid polyglyceryl-3 cetearyl ether emulsifier (commercially available as GALOLIVE® Bioten from ACME-HARDESTY®). Figure 1 shows that Examples G-1 and 2 had the highest viscosities among Examples B-J of the present invention, which was the first to indicate that GALOLIVE® Bioten would be preferred by consumers. However, Figures 2 and Table 4 show that Example G-2 has a greater adhesive force than Example H-2, particularly in the time range of 20 to 40 minutes of the adhesion method. The importance of the higher adhesive force is that Example G-2 is expected to feel sticky and stringy, especially when compared to Example H-2.

[0106] [Table 4]

[0107] Figure 3 shows the viscosities of Examples H-1 and H-2 after preparation, after freeze / thaw cycles, and after accelerated stability conditions (i.e., after storage at 50 °C for 2 weeks and 40 °C for 1 month) (see Table 3). If the viscosity varies by 40% or less over these conditions, the composition is considered stable and acceptable to consumers. Figure 3 shows that both Examples H-1 and H-2 meet the stability criteria and are acceptable to consumers.

[0108] Table 5 below shows the results of a consumer test by consumers who self-reported moderately to very severely dry, itchy, or cracked skin. In this test, each consumer applied one of the products from Table 6 or Table 7 to their hands and body daily for 4 weeks as needed. In each category, the products were evaluated as poor (0), fair (25), good (50), very good (75), or excellent (100) as shown in Table 6. Next, the total score was divided by the total number of consumers who used the product to determine the average score for each category.

[0109] From Table 5, Example 1 was compared to CeraVe® Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Example 2 was compared to CeraVe® Moisturizing Cream. It was found that Examples 1 and 2 were rated higher than the corresponding CeraVe® products in the following areas: overall evaluation, completely absorbed, enjoyable to use, provides moisture to the skin, reduces dryness throughout the day, skin feels healthy, and skin looks healthy. Example 2 also had a statistically higher score for tackiness / stickiness. Both Examples 1 and 2 had scores for tackiness / stickiness above 80, but this can be difficult to achieve in a skin care composition that provides a high level of moisture retention because they are formulated with relatively high levels of glycerin (Example 1 has 7.5% and Example 2 has 10%) and skin softeners (Example 1 has a total skin softener level of 7.5% and Example 2 has a total skin softener level of 19%).

[0110]

Table 5

[0111]

Table 6

[0112] Product names and suppliers for Table 6: 1. CARBOPOL® 980 polymer 2. VERSTATIL® PC 3. OLIVEM® 1000

[0113]

Table 7

[0114] Combination A. A skin care composition comprising: a. A continuous phase comprising: i. 45 - 85% water, preferably 55 - 85% water, ii. A continuous phase comprising 5% - 25%, preferably 6% - 20%, more preferably 4 - 18%, even more preferably 6.5% - 18%, even more preferably 7.5% - 15% glycerin, b. A dispersed phase comprising: i. 0.5 - 10% of an ester containing 10 - 28 carbon atoms, ii. A dispersed phase comprising at least two wax - like skin softeners comprising 0.1 - 5% of a fatty alcohol, wherein the fatty alcohol contains 12 - 22, c. 0.1 - 5% of a feel - improving particle selected from siloxane, starch, colloidal oatmeal, or a mixture thereof, and d. An emulsifier comprising cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid in an amount of 2% or less, a skin care composition. B. The skin care composition according to paragraph A, wherein the feel - improving particle comprises colloidal oatmeal. C. The skin care composition according to paragraph B, wherein the composition comprises 0.001% - 25%, preferably 0.007% - 20%, more preferably 0.5% - 10%, more preferably 1% - 5%, more preferably 1% - 3%, even more preferably 0.1 - 2% colloidal oatmeal. The skin care composition according to paragraphs B - C, wherein the composition further comprises additional feel - improving particles comprising modified corn starch. E. The skin care composition according to paragraph D, wherein the composition comprises 0.1% - 10%, preferably 0.5% - 8%, preferably 1% - 5%, more preferably 1% - 3%, even more preferably 1.5% - 2.5% of modified corn starch. F. The skin care composition according to paragraphs A - E, wherein the composition further comprises an additional wax - like skin softening agent selected from petrolatum, shea butter, or mixtures thereof. G. The skin care composition according to paragraphs A - F, wherein the composition further comprises a liquid skin softening agent. H. The skin care composition according to paragraph G, wherein the liquid skin softening agent is selected from dimethicone, isopropyl isostearate, or mixtures thereof. I. The skin care composition according to paragraphs G - H, wherein the weight ratio of the wax - like skin softening agent to the liquid skin softening agent is 1:5 - 3:1, preferably 1:4 - 5:2, more preferably 1:3 - 2:1, even more preferably 1:2 - 7:4. J. The skin care composition according to paragraphs G - H, wherein the weight ratio of the wax - like skin softening agent to the liquid skin softening agent is greater than 1:1, preferably greater than 3:2, more preferably greater than 5:3. K. The skin care composition according to paragraphs G - H, wherein the weight ratio of the wax - like skin softening agent to the liquid skin softening agent is 1:5 - 1:1, preferably 1:4 - 4:5, more preferably 1:3 - 3:5. L. The skin care composition according to paragraphs A - K, wherein the composition comprises 0.10% - 2% of an emulsifier, preferably 0.2% - 1.5% of an emulsifier, more preferably 0.4% - 1.2% of an emulsifier, even more preferably 0.6% - 0.8% of an emulsifier. M. The skin care composition according to paragraphs A - L, wherein the ester is selected from isopropyl isostearate, glyceryl stearate, or mixtures thereof. N. The skin care composition according to paragraphs A - M, wherein the fatty alcohol is cetyl alcohol. O. The skin care composition described in paragraphs A - N, wherein the composition contains 6.5% - 10% glycerin. P. The skin care composition described in paragraphs A - O, having an average adhesion force of less than 750 g, preferably less than 725 g, more preferably less than 710 g, even more preferably less than 705 g for 20 - 40 minutes, according to the adhesion method described herein. Q. The skin care composition described in paragraphs A - P, having a Brookfield viscosity of 10 Pa·s - 200 Pa·s, preferably 12 Pa·s - 150 Pa·s, more preferably 15 Pa·s - 125 Pa·s, even more preferably 20 Pa·s - 100 Pa·s, according to the Brookfield viscosity test method described herein. R. The skin care composition described in paragraphs A - Q, wherein the waxy skin softening agent contains cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, and petrolatum. S. The skin care composition described in paragraphs A - R, further containing niacinamide. T. The skin care composition described in paragraphs A - S, having a transmittance percentage (%T) at 600 nm of less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, preferably less than 50%, preferably less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, according to the transmittance % method. U. Use of the skin care composition described in paragraphs A - S for calming inflamed skin, relieving itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, and / or providing moisture to soften the skin.

[0115] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood to be strictly limited to the recited exact numerical values. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and the functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0116] All documents cited herein, including any patents or patent applications that are cross-referenced or related, and any patent application or patent for which this application claims priority or the benefit thereof, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless expressly excluded or limited otherwise. The citation of any document shall not be construed as an admission that such document is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or that such document alone or in combination with any other one or more references teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, any meaning or definition of a term in this document that conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference shall be given precedence in this document to the meaning or definition so given to the term.

[0117] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A skin care composition comprising: a. A continuous phase comprising: i. 45 to 85% water, preferably 55 to 85% water, ii. 4% to 25% glycerin, more preferably 5 to 18% glycerin, even more preferably 7.5% to 15% glycerin forming the continuous phase, b. A disperse phase comprising: i. 0.5% to 10% of an ester containing 10 to 28 carbon atoms, ii. 0.1% to 5% of a fatty alcohol containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and comprising at least two waxy skin softeners, c. 0.1% to 5% of a feel improving particle selected from siloxane, starch, colloidal oatmeal, or a mixture thereof, and d. An emulsifier comprising 2% or less of cetearyl olive oil fatty acid and sorbitan olive oil fatty acid forming the skin care composition.

2. The skin care composition according to claim 1, wherein the feel improving particle comprises colloidal oatmeal.

3. The skin care composition according to claim 2, comprising 0.5% to 10%, more preferably 1% to 5%, even more preferably 1% to 3% of the colloidal oatmeal.

4. The skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising additional feel improving particles comprising modified corn starch.

5. The skin care composition according to claim 4, comprising 0.1% to 10%, more preferably 0.5% to 5%, even more preferably 1 to 3% of the modified corn starch.

6. The skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an additional waxy skin softener selected from petrolatum, shea butter, or a mixture thereof.

7. The skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a liquid skin softener.

8. The skin care composition according to claim 7, wherein the liquid skin softener is selected from dimethicone, isopropyl isostearate, or a mixture thereof.

9. The skin care composition according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the weight ratio of the waxy skin softener to the liquid skin softener is 1:5 to 3:1, preferably 1:4 to 5:2, more preferably 1:3 to 2:1, even more preferably 1:2 to 7:

4.

10. The skin care composition according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the weight ratio of the waxy skin softening agent to the liquid skin softening agent is greater than 1:1, preferably greater than 3:2, more preferably greater than 5:

3.

11. The skin care composition according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the weight ratio of the waxy skin softening agent to the liquid skin softening agent is from 1:5 to 1:1, preferably from 1:4 to 4:5, more preferably from 1:3 to 3:

5.

12. The skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the composition contains 0.10% to 2% of the emulsifier, preferably 0.2% to 1.5% of the emulsifier, more preferably 0.4% to 1.2% of the emulsifier.

13. The skin care composition according to paragraphs A to L, wherein the ester is selected from isopropyl isostearate, glyceryl stearate, or a mixture thereof.

14. The skin care composition according to paragraphs A to M, which contains an average adhesion force of less than 750 g, preferably less than 725 g, more preferably less than 710 g, even more preferably less than 705 g, for 20 to 40 minutes according to the adhesion method described herein.

15. The skin care composition according to paragraphs A to M, which contains a Brookfield viscosity of 10 Pa·s to 200 Pa·s, preferably 12 Pa·s to 150 Pa·s, more preferably 15 Pa·s to 125 Pa·s, even more preferably 20 Pa·s to 100 Pa·s according to the Brookfield viscosity test method described herein.

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