Semi-solid cleansing composition

Abstract

A cleansing composition in the form of a balm, comprising a naturally occurring wax, the wax comprising at least about 10% by weight of cetearyl alcohol in the cleansing composition, and at least about 6.5% by weight of either hydrogenated castor oil or white wax, or a mixture thereof, in the cleansing composition, a naturally occurring wax, an oil, the oil being liquid at 20 ° C, at least about 50% by weight of the oil being caprylic / capric triglyceride or isopropyl myristate, or a mixture thereof, an oil, a surfactant, and optionally a skin softener, the cleansing composition being substantially free of water, a cleansing composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved cleansing composition for use in cleansing the skin surface. Specifically, the present invention is useful for cleansing the facial area of the skin and is particularly useful for cleansing various makeup products.

Background Art

[0002] There are many different forms of cleansers, and it can be useful to have a cleanser in the form of a balm that is capable of removing dirt, oil, grease, or makeup. Specifically, it is beneficial to have a cleansing balm that contains no synthetic waxes. The cleansing balm should be aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to apply to the skin and is preferably anhydrous. When the product is rinsed off the skin, the product readily emulsifies and enables the product, as well as dirt, oil, grease, or makeup, to be easily removed from the skin.

[0003] Furthermore, the cleansing balm can be stable at high temperatures, for example up to 50°C, without melting, or forming crystals or droplets therein. Conventional makeup cleansers lose stability at high temperatures, including those experienced during the summer. These unstable cleansers can become liquid and may leak or spill if the container in which the cleanser is housed is not properly stored. Furthermore, the lack of stability can cause undesirable aesthetics such as droplet or crystal formation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a cleansing composition in the form of a balm that meets the aforementioned criteria.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention includes an improved cleansing composition. The cleansing composition is in the form of a balm and is a naturally occurring wax, wherein the naturally occurring wax comprises at least about 10% by weight of cetearyl alcohol in the cleansing composition and at least about 6.5% by weight of either hydrogenated castor oil or cera alba, or a mixture thereof, in the cleansing composition, an oil, wherein the oil is liquid at 20 °C and at least about 50% by weight of the oil is either caprylic / capric triglyceride or isopropyl myristate, or a mixture thereof, a surfactant, and optionally a skin emollient. The cleansing composition is substantially free of water. The cleansing composition preferably has a hardness value of from about 25 grams to about 125 grams at 20 °C, which is desirable to maintain the cleansing composition in the form of a balm prior to use.

[0006] The present invention further provides the use of a cleansing composition as defined herein for removing at least one of dirt, oil, grease, or makeup from the skin.

[0007] The present invention further provides a method of cleansing the skin, comprising: (i) applying a cleansing composition as defined herein to an area of the user's skin; (ii) subsequently applying water to the area of the skin, thereby emulsifying the cleansing composition; and (iii) rinsing the area of the skin to remove the emulsified cleansing composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to a cleansing composition; the use of a cleansing composition for removing dirt, oil, grease, and makeup from the skin; and a method of cleansing the skin. Specifically, the cleansing composition is in the form of a balm (also described herein as a "cleansing balm"), which is defined herein as a substantially non-aqueous semi-solid material. Preferably, the cleansing composition has a hardness value as described in more detail below. The cleansing composition in the form of a balm can be stored in a suitable container and maintain its desired semi-solid state before being removed from the container and applied to the skin by the user. When applied to the skin, the balm attracts and removes unwanted materials such as dirt, oil, grease, or makeup from the skin. The balm is capable of rapidly and easily forming an emulsion when mixed with water, thereby enabling efficient and safe rinsing from the skin, and the attracted dirt, oil, grease, or makeup is taken away with the balm. In one exemplary method of using the balm, the user can remove a portion of the balm from its initial container, such as with the user's finger, and apply it to the desired part of the skin or face. Thereafter, the user applies water to the area of the skin or face to which the balm has been applied, thereby emulsifying the balm, and the emulsified balm can be removed by rinsing. It is desirable that the balm be removed from the skin within 5 minutes after application to the skin, or within 3 minutes after application to the skin, or within 1 minute after application to the skin. The balm can be removed from the skin after a period of time, which is from about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes, or from about 10 seconds to about 3 minutes, or from about 20 seconds to about 1 minute. The cleansing composition is desirably mild enough to be applied to the user's face without causing stinging or irritation, particularly in the area around the eyes of the face.

[0009] The present invention provides a cleansing composition that provides optimal cleansing properties. As used herein, the term "optimal" refers to and includes equivalent and / or improved cleansing effectiveness when compared to known cleansers. Optimal does not necessarily mean 100% cleansing effectiveness, but rather is intended to mean effectiveness suitable for removing various materials such as dirt, oil, grease, makeup, or cosmetics from the skin and face. Optimal and / or efficient cleansing for various cosmetics is described in more detail below.

[0010] Other advantages provided by the cleansing composition of the present invention may include one or more of the following: visual aesthetics and skin-sensory aesthetics, stability in a semi-solid state at room temperature and high temperature, reduced stickiness, low irritation to the skin and eyes, achievement of a shorter application time to the skin with a lower required force, reduction in the amount of cleansing agent in the composition, and the ability to enable the cleansing composition to be free of silicone and / or antibacterial preservatives. The cleansing composition is stable at room temperature and high temperature, may be free of undesirable cracks, droplets, and / or crystals after formation, and has a desired hardness value prior to use as described below. This product is capable of emulsifying quickly and efficiently in the presence of water and enables rinsing off from the skin after application and mixing with water.

[0011] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "percent" refers to weight percent, and likewise, all amounts described herein are by weight. The term "substantially" as used herein means within 1%, or within 0.5%, or within 0.1% when used in this specification. By way of example, the term "substantially free of" a material means less than 1 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%, or less than 0.05 wt% of the material (e.g., the term "substantially non-aqueous" means less than 1 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%, or less than 0.05 wt% of aqueous material). The term "substantially all" of a material means greater than 99 wt%, greater than 99.5 wt%, or greater than 99.9 wt% of the material.

[0012] The cleansing composition of the present invention is desirably a substantially anhydrous material prior to use. The cleansing composition is substantially free of water. The cleansing composition may have less than about 1 wt%, or less than about 0.5%, or less than about 0.1%, or less than about 0.05% water of the cleansing composition. It is understood that ambient moisture in the air or trace amounts of water in the components (such as may occur with panthenol) may add small amounts of water to the composition, but there may be cases where it is desirable for the composition to be free of any added water.

[0013] Generally, the present invention includes a cleansing composition further comprising one or more of the following: a humectant, a skin softening agent, a preservative, a fragrance, an excipient, an extract, and a buffering agent. Various combinations of the above components are useful in the present invention.

[0014] The cleansing composition may include one or more antioxidants. The cleansing composition may include one or more antioxidants, one or more humectants, and optionally may include a fragrance component or fragrance component blend. The cleansing composition may be free of or substantially free of an antibacterial preservative.

[0015] The cleansing composition useful in the present invention may contain a skin softening agent. The cleansing composition useful in the present invention may be formulated to contain a combination of at least two skin softening agents. As used herein, "skin softening agent" refers to a material used for cleansing the skin, hair, and eyelashes, for preventing or alleviating dryness, or for protecting the skin. Non-limiting examples of skin softening agents include, for example, hydrophobic compounds such as vegetable oils, mineral oils (e.g., petrolatum), fatty acid esters (e.g., isopropyl palmitate, C12-C15 alkyl benzoate) (including fatty acid esters of glycerol).

[0016] The cleansing composition of the present invention is in the form of a balm. The balm remains semi-solid before use and is desirably considered "stable" when having a hardness value of about 25 grams to about 125 grams at 20 °C as measured according to the hardness value measurement method described below. The hardness value can be from about 25 grams to about 60 grams, or from about 25 grams to about 50 grams at 20 °C. Other suitable hardness values at 20 °C include from about 122 grams to about 124 grams, or from about 107 grams to about 109 grams, or from about 56 grams to about 58 grams, or from about 42 grams to 44 grams, or from about 27 grams to 29 grams, or about 123 grams, or about 108 grams, or about 57 grams, or about 28 grams, or about 43 grams. In addition, the balm also needs to be free of visible crystals or droplets before use and desirably avoid cracking in the absence of applied force thereon. The balm desirably remains stable in its container for at least 6 months or at least 1 year. Lack of stability can be evidenced by the formation of crystals or droplets in the balm, which can be seen with the naked eye without the need for a microscope. Lack of stability can also or alternatively be evidenced by melting at room temperature. Lack of stability can also or alternatively be evidenced by the formation of cracks in the balm that are not the result of applied force to the balm. The cleansing composition of the present invention is stable at room temperature (e.g., about 20 °C) and can be stable at high temperatures as described herein. Examples of high temperatures include a maximum temperature of 30 °C, a maximum temperature of 40 °C, or a maximum temperature of 50 °C. Being stable at various temperatures can be beneficial in some aspects. This is because the balm can be used in different geographical regions without the need to be kept in a refrigerated or cooled environment. Further, if the balm is stable at high temperatures, it can withstand a warm room or environment (including a warm or sunny day), which is particularly useful for consumers.

[0017] As described above, the cleansing composition of the present invention contains a naturally occurring wax, and the naturally occurring wax contains at least about 10% by weight of cetearyl alcohol in the cleansing composition and at least about 6.5% by weight of hydrogenated castor oil or white wax (also referred to as beeswax) in the cleansing composition, or a mixture thereof. Typically, the cleansing composition does not contain or substantially does not contain a synthetic wax, such as cera microcristallina. The naturally occurring wax may further contain glyceryl stearate, or cetearyl olivate, or sorbitan olivate, or glyceryl behenate, or a combination thereof. The total amount of the naturally occurring wax present in the composition may be in an amount of about 16.5% to about 50% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 16.5% to about 40% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 20% to about 30% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 21% to about 39% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0018] Ceteareth alcohol can be present in an amount of at least about 12% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 14% by weight of the cleansing composition. Ceteareth alcohol can be present in an amount of about 10% to about 30% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 10% to about 25% by weight of the cleansing composition, preferably about 25% by weight of the cleansing composition. When white wax is used, it can be present in an amount of at least about 6.5% by weight of the cleansing composition, or at least about 10% by weight of the cleansing composition, or at least about 12% by weight of the cleansing composition. White wax can be present in an amount of about 6.5% to about 30% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 10% to about 14% by weight of the cleansing composition, preferably about 12% by weight of the cleansing composition. When hydrogenated castor oil is used, it is desirable for hydrogenated castor oil to be present in an amount of at least about 6.5% by weight of the cleansing composition, or at least about 9% by weight of the cleansing composition. Hydrogenated castor oil can be present in an amount of about 6.5% to about 30% by weight of the cleansing product, or about 9% to about 25% by weight of the cleansing product. When a mixture of white wax and hydrogenated castor oil is used, it can be present in an amount of at least about 8% by weight of the cleansing composition, or at least about 10% by weight of the cleansing composition, or at least about 12% by weight of the cleansing composition. The mixture of white wax and hydrogenated castor oil can be present in an amount of about 6.5% to about 30% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 8% to about 25% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 10% to about 14% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0019] The cleansing composition can include a combination of cetearyl alcohol and white wax, or a combination of cetearyl alcohol and hydrogenated castor oil, or a combination of cetearyl alcohol, white wax, and hydrogenated castor oil. Further, the cleansing composition can include a combination of white wax, hydrogenated castor oil, cetearyl alcohol, and glyceryl stearate. Naturally occurring waxes can include white wax and cetearyl alcohol. Naturally occurring waxes can include hydrogenated castor oil and cetearyl alcohol. Naturally occurring waxes can consist of white wax and cetearyl alcohol. Naturally occurring waxes can consist of hydrogenated castor oil and cetearyl alcohol. Other combinations of naturally occurring waxes are contemplated herein.

[0020] When hydrogenated castor oil and cetearyl alcohol are used in combination, the cetearyl alcohol can be present in a greater weight amount than the hydrogenated castor oil. When white wax and cetearyl alcohol are combined and used, the cetearyl alcohol can be present in a greater weight amount than the white wax. When cetearyl alcohol is used in combination with a mixture of hydrogenated castor oil and white wax, the cetearyl alcohol can be present in a greater weight amount than the hydrogenated castor oil / white wax mixture.

[0021] The cleansing composition contains an oil, the oil is liquid at 20 °C, and at least about 50% by weight of the oil is caprylic / capric triglyceride or isopropyl myristate, or a mixture thereof. The oil may be present in an amount of about 30% to about 65% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 35% to about 55% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 35% to about 45% by weight of the cleansing composition, preferably about 39% to about 40% by weight of the cleansing composition. The total weight of the oil present in the cleansing composition may be greater than the total weight of the naturally occurring wax. Examples of the oil may include caprylic / capric triglyceride, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, and combinations thereof. The oil may contain isopropyl myristate or the oil may consist of isopropyl myristate.

[0022] The cleansing composition contains a surfactant, and the surfactant may include a nonionic, anionic, or amphoteric surfactant, or a combination of surfactants. The surfactant may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 30% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 10% to about 20% by weight of the cleansing composition, or about 16% to about 25% by weight of the cleansing composition. Examples of surfactants useful in the cleansing composition include, for example, polysorbate 80, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, PEG-8 caprylic / capric glyceride, and combinations thereof. For example, the surfactant may contain polysorbate 80 or the surfactant may consist of polysorbate 80. The surfactant used in the cleansing composition can serve as an emulsifier, so that when combined with water (for example, while rinsing the balm from the skin), it is desirable that the balm can be emulsified. To enable rapid and easy rinsing of the balm from the skin, it is desirable that the balm begins to emulsify within 10 seconds after contact with water, or within 7 seconds after contact with water, or within 5 seconds after contact with water.

[0023] The cleansing composition may contain a skin softening agent, and the skin softening agent or blend of skin softening agents is useful for cleansing the skin. As used herein, "skin softening agent" refers to a material used for cleansing the skin, hair, and eyelashes, for preventing or alleviating dryness, or for protecting the skin. Examples of skin softening agents useful herein include linear or branched hydrocarbon skin softening agents such as decane, isohexadecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, squalene, hexadecane, or isoparaffin; hydrophobic compounds such as vegetable oils; mineral oils (e.g., petrolatum); fatty acid esters of glycerol, fatty acid esters containing linear or branched alkyl esters (e.g., isopropyl palmitate, C12 - C15 alkyl benzoate); stearic acid esters such as isopropyl isostearate, decyl isostearate (including simple isostearic acid and highly mono - branched decyl isostearate formed from isostearic acid with an increased proportion of mono - branched molecules compared to simple isostearic acid), and hexyl isostearate; and combinations thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0024] The cleansing composition may contain one skin softening agent or may contain two or more skin softening agents. The skin softening agent may be present in a total amount of about 3 wt% to about 15 wt% of the cleansing composition, or about 5 wt% to about 10 wt% of the cleansing composition, or about 7 wt% to about 8 wt% of the cleansing composition. Each individual skin softening agent may independently be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% of the cleansing composition, or about 1 wt% to about 5 wt% of the composition, or about 1.4 wt% to about 3.5 wt% of the composition, or about 1.8 wt% to about 2.8 wt% of the composition.

[0025] The composition may include a blend of skin softeners as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2019 / 0336407, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This blend of skin softeners includes a first stearic acid ester, a second stearic acid ester, and a branched hydrocarbon in a weight ratio of about 2:2:1, or alternatively in a weight ratio of about 1:1:1.1 to about 1:1:3. By way of example, the first stearic acid ester may be decyl isostearate, the second stearic acid ester may be isopropyl isostearate, and the branched hydrocarbon may be isohexadecane. Preferably, the skin softener may include or consist of a blend of isohexadecane, decyl isostearate, and isopropyl isostearate. Other skin softeners are useful in cleansing compositions as described above.

[0026] The cleansing composition may not contain or may substantially not contain an antibacterial preservative. The cleansing composition may include an antioxidant such as tocopheryl acetate. When used, the antioxidant may be present in an amount of about 0.05 wt% to about 0.5 wt% of the cleansing composition, or about 0.1 wt% to about 0.25 wt% of the cleansing composition, or about 0.1 wt% of the cleansing composition.

[0027] The cleansing composition may additionally include one or more humectants such as panthenol or glycerin. When used, the humectant may be present in an amount of less than about 1 wt%, or less than about 0.5 wt%, or less than about 0.25 wt%.

[0028] The cleansing composition may additionally include one or more fragrances or fragrance blends, including essential oils or other fragrance components. When used, the fragrance is present in a total weight of about 0.001 wt% to about 0.5 wt% of the composition, or about 0.01 wt% to about 0.2 wt% of the composition, or about 0.1 wt% of the composition. It is desirable that the balm does not contain or is substantially free of added colorants or dyes. The balm is desirably opaque and white, avoiding having a grayish tint.

[0029] As described above, the cleansing composition is stable and semi-solid at room temperature. The compositions described herein are desirably housed in a suitable container that can be repeatedly opened and closed and that allows the user to remove a portion of the balm for use on the skin. Suitable containers include jars, bottles, tubes, sachets, etc., with bottles and jars having rigid sides being preferred.

[0030] The present invention includes not only the cleansing compositions described herein, but also methods of using the cleansing compositions. In use, the user opens the container and removes a portion of the balm composition by finger, hand, or using a tool such as a spoon or stick, and applies the balm composition to the desired portion of the skin. For example, the user may apply the balm composition to the face, including the eye area. The balm may be rubbed onto the targeted portion of the skin using the user's hand or finger, or a sponge, cotton ball, wipe, or other device. The cleansing composition may be applied while the skin is wet or dry. The user may apply any desired amount, such as 1 cm 3 to 20 cm 3 , or more, as desired.

[0031] When the user has applied the product to the target area and completed rubbing it in sufficiently, the user can rinse the product off the skin. Rinsing can include applying water and rubbing with the hands or a cloth, or can include using a wet product such as a towel. The user applies water to the skin and rubs with the hands or a cloth, enabling the applied balm to emulsify in the presence of water. As described above, the balm of the present invention begins to form an emulsion within about 10 seconds, 7 seconds, or 5 seconds when mixed with water, enabling the user to prepare the emulsified balm quickly and easily and rinse it off the skin. Once the emulsion has formed, the user can then wash the face according to normal practice to remove the emulsified balm along with dirt, oil, makeup, or other materials cleansed from the skin. The method described herein can be practiced without any components, ingredients, or steps not specifically disclosed herein, or can include additional components or steps not explicitly disclosed herein.

[0032] The compositions described herein are useful for removing various cosmetic products from a user's skin, and specifically are useful for efficiently removing at least one of mascara, foundation, lipstick, and eyeliner. Mascara has a reputation as a difficult cosmetic material to remove from the skin. This is because mascara adheres a high concentration of film-forming substances and contains a relatively high concentration of hydrophobic materials. Additionally, mascara contains a high concentration of carbon-based dark pigments, resulting in a dark color. Moreover, since mascara is typically applied to the eyes or eyelashes, gentle, low-pressure, non-planar application is required for cleansing. Eyeliner exhibits its own removal difficulty as it contains titanium dioxide, iron oxide, mica, silica, and higher concentrations of pigments / colorants, which can be more difficult to remove. Additionally, like mascara, eyeliner is often applied to the eyes or eye area, and gentle, lower-pressure, non-planar application is required for cleansing. Foundation also presents some difficulty. Foundation is typically an emulsion and may contain silicone, which remains on the skin. Today's cosmetics are developed for "24-hour" use, in which case the cosmetics remain on the user's skin for an extended period. These "long-lasting" waterproof cosmetics have a high resistance to transfer, making them difficult to remove.

[0033] It is desirable to provide a composition that sufficiently, effectively, and thoroughly removes at least one, at least two, or all three of the aforementioned cosmetic materials. Sufficient removal of the cosmetic may include removing at least about 95% of the cosmetic from the skin, or at least about 99% of the cosmetic from the skin, or at least about 99.9% of the cosmetic from the skin. Further, it is desirable to provide a composition that does not leave an oily or sticky residue on the surface of the skin after rinsing, because such oily cleansers can be difficult to remove and can leave the user with a feeling of uncleanliness. In addition, it is beneficial for the cleansing composition to be low-irritating or non-irritating to the skin, particularly the eyes. Products with few or no visual defects such as crystals, cracks, or discoloration are preferred. Further, it is desirable to be able to provide a composition that can maintain a semi-solid state at room temperature while also allowing the user to remove a portion of the product and apply it to the skin. The present invention provides a cleansing composition that has the desirable properties defined herein and also provides suitable cleansing ability.

[0034] As described above, the present invention relates to a composition that can be used to effectively and efficiently clean various cosmetics on the surface of the user's skin. The composition of the present invention can, for example, efficiently remove foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, pomade, brush mascara, concealer, highlighter, and / or eyeliner. Further, the composition of the present invention can be substantially free of silicone, and more desirably, can be completely free of silicone.

[0035] A method for preparing a cleansing composition in the form of a balm comprises combining a naturally occurring wax, wherein the naturally occurring wax comprises at least about 10 wt% cetearyl alcohol of the cleansing composition and at least about 6.5 wt% of either hydrogenated castor oil or white wax, or a mixture thereof, of the cleansing composition, an oil that is in liquid form at 20°C, wherein at least about 50 wt% of the oil is either caprylic / capric triglyceride or isopropyl myristate, or a mixture thereof, a surfactant, and optionally a skin softener together to form a balm that is stable at room temperature. The combining step can be rearranged, and in one method, the steps include first providing a liquid oil or, if two or more oils are used, combining the liquid oils to form an oil base. Next, the naturally occurring wax is added together with the oil to form a composition of wax and oil. Then, if desired, the formulation can be heated to melt the naturally occurring wax. The wax and oil composition can be heated to a temperature of up to about 60°C to form a heated wax and oil composition in the form of a fluid liquid.

[0036] Next, a surfactant, any skin softener, any antioxidant, a humectant, and a fragrance are added to the heated wax and oil composition. Then, the combined blend is mixed, which can be achieved with any desired mixing device and mixing speed. The heated composition is still in fluid liquid form and can be placed in a container such as a jar or bottle. The composition can be filled to any desired level in the container to form a filled container. When the filled container is cooled, for example, to room temperature, the cleansing composition becomes stable and semi-solid in the form of a balm. The container can be sealed and provided to the consumer. In use, the consumer can easily open the container, for example, by removing the lid or cap, dispense a portion of the cleansing composition, and apply it to the skin. The consumer needs to close the container after use.

[0037] The hardness value refers to the amount of force required to penetrate the outer surface of the cleansing composition in the form of a balm in the stored state. The greater the amount of force required, the "harder" the balm becomes, the greater the hardness value, and vice versa. During storage, such as before use, the cleansing composition should be a semi-solid material that is not free-flowing but not too hard for the consumer to use. The user should be able to take out a portion of the composition using a finger or tool and apply it to the skin surface. By application, the composition is sufficiently warmed and the hardness decreases, thereby enabling application. As can be understood, the hardness value of the cleansing composition in the form of a balm before use is an important indicator of whether the product is suitable for use in this form. If the product is too hard, it is not easy for the user to apply it to the skin, and if the product is too soft, it cannot be sufficiently maintained as a balm product.

[0038] The hardness value can be measured using a penetration test with a texture analyzer. For example, the hardness value can be measured at 20 °C using a Texturometer (TA.XT-plus, Stable Micro Systems, UK), which is equipped with a force captor and a cylindrical probe with a diameter of 2 mm. The probe penetrates the product by vertical displacement, and the sensor measures the maximum positive force during penetration, expressed in grams. Each measurement is repeated 4 to 6 times, and the average value of the hardness value is obtained.

[0039] The present invention will be better understood through the following examples. These examples are of an illustrative nature and are not intended to limit to any specific combination of elements.

Examples

[0040] Examples E1 to E5 are sample compositions that provide suitable stability and effectiveness in the cleansing composition in the form of a balm. Examples C1 to C7 are sample compositions that did not provide a suitable cleansing composition in the form of a balm for one or more reasons specified below.

[0041] The following examples each contain a combination of one or more oils (liquid at 20°C), one or more waxes (solid at room temperature, e.g., approximately 20°C), one or more surfactants, and optionally one or more skin softeners, with an optional fragrance added to each of the cleansing compositions of the examples. Each cleansing composition is intended to be maintained in a semi-solid state at room temperature and can be removed from the container and applied to the user's skin surface.

[0042] Each sample was evaluated for its color, its hardness value, its emulsifying ability during rinsing, and other aesthetic observations. The optimal composition has the highest score for each category, although the composition does not necessarily have to have the highest evaluation score for each of these categories. Overall, the categories help to determine whether the composition is adequate as a cleansing balm.

[0043] Color means the color of the cleansing composition and the ability of light to pass through the cleansing composition, with an opaque whiteness being a desired characteristic of the composition. The color and opacity of each composition were evaluated and the scores are reflected below. A score of W means the color was white or very close to white and opaque. A score of SG means the formulation was slightly gray or slightly translucent. A score of G means the formulation was gray, translucent, or yellowish.

[0044] The hardness value refers to the amount of force required to penetrate the outer surface of the cleansing composition in the form of a balm in the stored state. The greater the amount of force required, the "harder" the balm becomes, the greater the hardness value, and vice versa. During storage, such as before use, the cleansing composition should be a semi-solid material that is not free-flowing but not too hard for the consumer to use. The user should be able to take out a portion of the composition using a finger or tool and apply it to the skin surface. By the application, the composition is sufficiently warmed and the hardness is reduced, thereby enabling the application. Each composition was evaluated for its hardness value with respect to its suitability for this purpose. As can be understood, the hardness value of the cleansing composition in the form of a balm before use is an important indicator as to whether the product is suitable for use in this form. If the product is too hard, it is not easy for the user to apply it to the skin, and if the product is too soft, it is not sufficiently maintained as a balm product.

[0045] The hardness value was measured using a penetration test with a Texturometer (TA.XT-plus, Stable Micro Systems, UK) at approximately 20°C. The Texturometer was equipped with a force captor and a cylindrical probe with a diameter of 2 mm. The probe penetrated the product by vertical displacement, and the sensor measured the maximum positive force during penetration expressed in grams. Each measurement was repeated 4 to 6 times, and the average values are shown in the following table.

[0046] The ability of the composition to be rinsed off the skin after application by the user was also evaluated. This is referred to as emulsification upon rinsing, and specifically refers to the ability of the composition to create an emulsion when water is added, which enables the balm to be rinsed off the skin to which it has been applied. A score of + indicates that the composition emulsified sufficiently in the presence of water, a score of ++ indicates sufficient emulsification, a score of +++ indicates better emulsification, and a score of ++++ indicates the best emulsification characteristics. A score of - indicates that the composition did not emulsify properly and was thus not considered acceptable for use as a cleansing balm. Emulsification upon rinsing was measured by human inspection, and the results describe the individual personal evaluations of the rinsing ability of the samples.

[0047] Finally, each composition was observed for other characteristics. For example, the composition can be observed for its texture, its stability, its color, or other characteristics. A sufficiently stable composition has a smooth texture, few or no visible cracks, no visible crystalline or granular texture, and should not form droplets on its surface or within the body of the composition. Visual aesthetics were determined by visual inspection alone, without the aid of instruments such as a microscope.

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049] Each of Examples E1-E3 was white and opaque, had sufficient hardness values, could be emulsified in the presence of liquid, and appeared visually stable. E1 had the highest hardness value, and its sensory perception (sufficiently solid and can be applied to the skin after being removed from the container) was inferior to E2, but still acceptable. In terms of hardness values, E3, E4, and E5 were preferred. Examples E4 and E5 had sufficient hardness values, could be emulsified in the presence of liquid, and appeared visually stable, but these samples appeared gray / translucent in color. Although the color of Examples E4 and E5 was not ideal, these compositions passed the hardness value and emulsification test, and were considered visually stable with no visual crystals or phase separation. Thus, Examples E4 and E5 were also considered successful cleansing balms.

[0050] [Table 2]

[0051] [Table 3]

[0052] Compositions C1-C7 were prepared and tested for the aforementioned properties. As seen in Tables 2 and 3 above, each failed one or more of the criteria measured. Examples C1, C2, and C4 were not hard enough to be considered suitable cleansing balms. Furthermore, Example C4 visually exhibited phase separation and granular texture, and therefore failed the visual aesthetics test. Example C3 failed the visual aesthetics test in that it exhibited crystal formation. Examples C5-C7 each had adequate hardness values, but failed the emulsification test, all visually exhibited phase separation, and Examples C5 and C6 also exhibited granular texture.

[0053] Example C3 passed the hardness value, color, and emulsification criteria. However, it should be noted that the formation of visible crystals was considered a failure because visual properties and texture requirements are considered important in the formation of a useful cleansing balm. Lower levels of hydrogenated castor oil and cetearyl alcohol may have been factors in the formation of visible crystals.

[0054] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) A cleansing composition in the form of a balm, comprising: a. A naturally occurring wax, wherein the naturally occurring wax contains at least about 10% by weight of cetearyl alcohol in the cleansing composition, and at least about 6.5% by weight of either hydrogenated castor oil or white wax, or a mixture thereof, in the cleansing composition, the naturally occurring wax; b. An oil, wherein the oil is liquid at 20°C, and at least about 50% by weight of the oil is caprylic / capric triglyceride or isopropyl myristate, or a mixture thereof, the oil; c. A surfactant; d. Optionally, a skin softener, and wherein the cleansing composition is substantially free of water. The cleansing composition. (2) The cleansing composition according to embodiment 1, further comprising a humectant and / or an antioxidant. (3) The cleansing composition according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the cleansing composition has a hardness value of about 25 grams to about 125 grams at 20°C, optionally about 25 grams to about 60 grams at 20°C. (4) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the composition begins to form an emulsion within 10 seconds in the presence of water. (5) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the composition is substantially free of synthetic wax.

[0055] (6) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the composition is substantially free of antibacterial preservatives. (7) The total amount of the naturally occurring wax present is from about 16.5% to about 50% by weight of the cleansing composition, optionally from about 16.5% to about 40% by weight of the cleansing composition, and optionally from about 21% to about 39% by weight of the cleansing composition, the cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6. (8) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the naturally occurring wax comprises cetearyl alcohol and hydrogenated castor oil. (9) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the naturally occurring wax comprises cetearyl alcohol and white wax. (10) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the naturally occurring wax further comprises glyceryl stearate.

[0056] (11) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the cetearyl alcohol is present in a greater weight amount than the weight amount of the hydrogenated castor oil or white wax, or a mixture thereof. (12) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the total amount of surfactant present is from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the cleansing composition. (13) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the surfactant comprises polysorbate 80, and optionally the surfactant consists of polysorbate 80. (14) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the composition comprises a skin softening agent. (15) The cleansing composition according to embodiment 14, wherein the total amount of skin softening agent present is from about 3% to about 15% by weight of the cleansing composition, and optionally from about 5% to about 10% by weight of the cleansing composition.

[0057] (16) The cleansing composition according to embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the skin softening agent comprises at least one stearic acid and at least one branched hydrocarbon. (17) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 14 to 16, wherein the skin softening agent contains isocetane, decyl isostearate, and isopropyl isostearate. (18) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the total weight of the oil present is greater than the total weight of the naturally occurring wax. (19) The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the oil contains isopropyl myristate. (20) The oil consists of isopropyl myristate, and the naturally occurring wax consists of white wax and cetearyl alcohol, The cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, 9, and 12 to 19, wherein the cetearyl alcohol is present in an amount greater than the white wax.

[0058] (21) Use of the cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20 for removing at least one of dirt, oil, grease, or makeup from the skin. (22) A method of cleansing the skin, comprising: (i) applying the cleansing composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20 to a region of the user's skin; (ii) subsequently applying water to the region of the skin to thereby emulsify the cleansing composition; (iii) rinsing the region of the skin to remove the emulsified cleansing composition. (23) The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the emulsified cleansing composition remains on the region of the skin for a period of about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes.

Claims

1. A cleansing composition in the form of a balm, comprising: a. A naturally occurring wax, wherein the naturally occurring wax comprises at least about 10 wt% cetearyl alcohol of the cleansing composition, and at least about 6.5 wt% of either hydrogenated castor oil or white wax, or a mixture thereof, of the cleansing composition, the naturally occurring wax; b. An oil, wherein the oil is liquid at 20 °C, and at least about 50 wt% of the oil is either caprylic / capric triglyceride or isopropyl myristate, or a mixture thereof, the oil; c. A surfactant; d. Optionally a skin softener, and the cleansing composition is substantially free of water, the cleansing composition.

2. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, further comprising a humectant and / or an antioxidant.

3. The cleansing composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleansing composition has a hardness value of about 25 grams to about 125 grams at 20 °C, optionally about 25 grams to about 60 grams at 20 °C.

4. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition begins to form an emulsion within 10 seconds in the presence of water.

5. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of synthetic wax.

6. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of antibacterial preservatives.

7. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the total amount of the naturally occurring wax present is about 16.5 wt% to about 50 wt% of the cleansing composition, optionally about 16.5 wt% to about 40 wt% of the cleansing composition, optionally about 21 wt% to about 39 wt% of the cleansing composition.

8. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the naturally occurring wax comprises cetearyl alcohol and hydrogenated castor oil.

9. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the naturally occurring wax comprises cetearyl alcohol and white wax.

10. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the naturally occurring wax further comprises glyceryl stearate.

11. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the cetearyl alcohol is present in a weight amount greater than the weight amount of the hydrogenated castor oil or white wax, or a mixture thereof.

12. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the total amount of surfactant present is from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the cleansing composition.

13. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises polysorbate 80, and optionally the surfactant consists of polysorbate 80.

14. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a skin softening agent.

15. The cleansing composition according to claim 14, wherein the total amount of skin softening agent present is from about 3% to about 15% by weight of the cleansing composition, optionally from about 5% to about 10% by weight of the cleansing composition.

16. The cleansing composition according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the skin softening agent comprises at least one stearic acid and at least one branched hydrocarbon.

17. The cleansing composition according to claim 14, wherein the skin softening agent comprises isohexadecane, decyl isostearate, and isopropyl isostearate.

18. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the total weight of the oil present is greater than the total weight of the naturally occurring wax.

19. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the oil comprises isopropyl myristate.

20. The oil consists of isopropyl myristate, the naturally occurring wax consists of white wax and cetearyl alcohol, The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the cetearyl alcohol is present in an amount greater than the white wax.

21. Use of the cleansing composition according to claim 1 for removing at least one of dirt, oil, grease, or makeup from the skin.

22. A method of cleansing the skin, comprising: (i) applying the cleansing composition according to claim 1 to an area of the user's skin; (ii) subsequently applying water to the area of the skin, thereby emulsifying the cleansing composition; (iii) rinsing the area of the skin to remove the emulsified cleansing composition.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the emulsified cleansing composition remains on the area of the skin for a period of time, and the period of time is from about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes.

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