Personal care compositions having visually distinct aqueous and oil phases

Abstract

Disclosed is a multi-phase personal care composition comprising an aqueous phase and an oil phase comprising a fatty ester and a resorcinol derivative, wherein the weight ratio of fatty ester to resorcinol derivative is from 10:1 to 1000:1, and wherein the aqueous phase is visually distinct from and in physical contact with the oil phase.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to multi-phase personal care compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to multi-phase personal care compositions comprising an aqueous phase and an oil phase comprising a fatty ester and a resorcinol derivative, wherein the aqueous phase is visually distinct from and in physical contact with the oil phase. [Background technology]

[0002] Resorcinol derivatives have cosmetic benefits for skin and hair. Certain resorcinol derivatives, particularly 4-substituted resorcinol derivatives, are useful in cosmetic compositions for skin-lightening benefits.

[0003] However, when resorcinol derivatives are incorporated into personal care compositions, the color of the composition tends to change due to a number of factors. Without wishing to be bound by theory, one hypothesis for the cause of discoloration is oxidation. Discoloration of resorcinol derivatives useful in skin-whitening compositions is particularly unpleasant for consumers seeking skin-whitening benefits. Many attempts have been made to minimize these drawbacks, but to date have met with limited success.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a method for preventing the aesthetically undesirable discoloration of resorcinol derivatives in personal care compositions. The present inventors have developed a multi-phase personal care composition containing a resorcinol derivative in an oil phase that is visually distinct from the aqueous phase. Surprisingly, it has been found that the discoloration problem can be significantly improved by incorporating a fatty ester into the oil phase. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a multi-phase personal care composition comprising an aqueous phase and an oil phase comprising a fatty ester and a resorcinol derivative, wherein the weight ratio of fatty ester to resorcinol derivative is from 10:1 to 1000:1, and wherein the aqueous phase is visually distinct from and in physical contact with the oil phase.

[0006] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising a cosmetic container, a multi-phase personal care composition of the present invention, and instructions for using the kit.

[0007] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a personal care product, the method comprising the step of manually shaking a cosmetic container containing the multi-phase personal care composition of the present invention.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for providing a skin lightening benefit to an individual's skin, the method comprising the steps of: (i) shaking, by a human hand, a cosmetic container containing a multi-phase personal care composition of the present invention, and topically applying the resulting product.

[0009] All other aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Except in the examples or where otherwise expressly stated, all numbers herein expressing quantities of materials or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or uses may be understood as modified by the term "about."

[0011] All amounts are by weight of the composition unless otherwise specified.

[0012] It should be noted that in any specified numerical range, any particular upper limit may be accompanied by any particular lower limit.

[0013] For the avoidance of doubt, the term "comprising" is intended to mean "including" but not necessarily "consisting of" or "composed of." In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

[0014] Regardless of the fact that the claims may be found to be multiple dependent or non-overlapping, the disclosure of the invention found herein is multiple dependent on one another and should be considered to encompass all embodiments as found in the claims.

[0015] Where features are disclosed with respect to a particular embodiment of the invention (e.g., a composition of the invention), such disclosure should be considered to apply mutatis mutandis to any other embodiment of the invention (e.g., a method of the invention).

[0016] As used herein, "visually distinct" refers to the areas occupied by each phase being separately visible to the human eye as distinct, separate areas in contact with one another (i.e., they are not an emulsion or dispersion of particles less than 100 microns).

[0017] As used herein, "multiphase" refers to at least two phases that occupy separate and distinct physical spaces within the container in which they are stored, but are in direct contact with each other (i.e., they are not separated by a barrier).

[0018] As used herein, "transparent" refers to at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 85% of light having a wavelength of 550 nm being transmitted through a 1 cm thick sample as measured by a UV-vis spectrometer (e.g., Perkin-Elmer Lambda 650S) at 25° C. "Opaque" as used herein refers to no more than 50%, preferably no more than 30%, of light being transmitted by the same method.

[0019] The term "resorcinol derivative" preferably refers to a compound in which at least one hydrogen atom on the ring structure and / or hydroxy group of resorcinol is replaced by an alkyl group or a phenylalkyl group. Preferably, the resorcinol derivative is a 4-substituted resorcinol. The resorcinol derivative useful in the present invention preferably has the following formula (I): [ka]

[0020] In the formula, each R1 and R2 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C 18 In a preferred embodiment, R1 and R2 both represent hydrogen, and R3 represents an alkyl group or a phenylalkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. More preferably, R1 and R2 both represent hydrogen, and R3 represents an alkyl group or a phenylalkyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0021] Preferably, the resorcinol derivative comprises 2-methylresorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, 4-methylresorcinol, 4-ethylresorcinol, 4-propylresorcinol, 4-butylresorcinol, 4-pentylresorcinol, 4-hexylresorcinol, 4-heptylresorcinol, 4-octylresorcinol, 4-nonylresorcinol, 4-decylresorcinol, phenylethylresorcinol, 4-acetylresorcinol, or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the resorcinol derivative comprises 2-methylresorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, 4-methylresorcinol, 4-ethylresorcinol, 4-propylresorcinol, 4-butylresorcinol, 4-pentylresorcinol, 4-hexylresorcinol, 4-heptylresorcinol, 4-octylresorcinol, 4-nonylresorcinol, 4-decylresorcinol, phenylethylresorcinol, 4-acetylresorcinol, or a mixture thereof. Even more preferably, the resorcinol derivative is selected from 4-ethylresorcinol, 4-butylresorcinol, 4-hexylresorcinol, phenylethylresorcinol, or a mixture thereof. Even more preferably, the resorcinol derivative comprises 4-hexylresorcinol. Most preferably, the resorcinol derivative is 4-hexylresorcinol.

[0022] The amount of the resorcinol derivative is preferably in the range of 0.00001 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.0001 to 8% by weight, even more preferably 0.001 to 5% by weight, even more preferably 0.02 to 2% by weight, and most preferably 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the total amount of the composition. The amount of the resorcinol derivative is preferably in the range of 0.00001 to 15% by weight, more preferably 0.0001 to 10% by weight, even more preferably 0.001 to 7% by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 4% by weight, and most preferably 0.5 to 2% by weight of the total amount of the oil phase.

[0023] As used herein, fatty ester refers to an ester having a linear chain length of at least 6 carbon atoms, preferably at least 8 carbon atoms. The linear component of the fatty ester can be derived from a fatty acid, a fatty alcohol, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the fatty ester can be a linear fatty ester, a branched fatty ester, a benzoic acid ester, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the fatty ester is a linear fatty ester, a branched fatty ester, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the fatty ester is liquid at 25°C and atmospheric pressure.

[0024] Preferably, the fatty ester is an ester of a carboxylic acid having 1 to 22 carbon atoms and an alcohol having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the carboxylic acid has 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms. Preferably, the alcohol has 2 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 15 carbon atoms. Preferably, the fatty ester is a monoester.

[0025] Preferably, the fatty ester is cetyl octanoate, stearyl heptanoate, stearyl caprylate, stearyl octanoate, lauryl octanoate, myristyl heptanoate, oleyl octanoate, myristyl propionate, cetyl acetate, cetyl propionate, cetyl octanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl linoleate, isopropyl tallowate, isopropyl ricinoleate, methyl laurate, methyl linoleate, methyl myristate, methyl stearate acrylate, methyl ricinoleate, methyl caprylate, methyl oleate, methyl palmitate, methyl behenate, methyl soyate, methyl tallowate, isopropyl behenate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl soyate, propyl oleate, butyl oleate, butyl stearate, methyl coconate, methyl raldate, isobutyl palmitate, butyl myristate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl myristate, ethyl oleate, ethyl stearate, isobutyl stearate, isobutyl myristate, isodecyl neopentanoate or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the fatty ester is selected from myristyl propionate, cetyl acetate, cetyl propionate, isodecyl neopentanoate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl laurate, methyl laurate, methyl linoleate, methyl myristate, methyl stearate, methyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, butyl stearate, isobutyl palmitate, butyl myristate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl myristate, isobutyl stearate, isobutyl myristate, or a mixture thereof. Even more preferably, the fatty ester comprises myristyl propionate, cetyl propionate, isodecyl neopentanoate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, methyl myristate, methyl stearate, or a mixture thereof. Even more preferably, the fatty ester comprises isopropyl myristate. Most preferably, the fatty ester is isopropyl myristate.

[0026] The amount of fatty ester is preferably in the range of 3 to 60% by weight, more preferably 8 to 55% by weight, even more preferably 15 to 50% by weight, even more preferably 25 to 45% by weight, and most preferably 28 to 42% by weight of the total amount of the composition. The amount of fatty ester is preferably in the range of 10 to 98% by weight, more preferably 25 to 95% by weight, even more preferably 35 to 92% by weight, even more preferably 45 to 80% by weight, and most preferably 55 to 75% by weight of the total amount of the oil phase. The weight ratio of fatty ester to resorcinol derivative is 10:1 to 1000:1, more preferably 20:1 to 500:1, and most preferably 50:1 to 300:1.

[0027] To improve the feel of the composition, it is preferred that the composition further comprises a volatile oil.The term "volatile oil" is understood to mean an oil that can evaporate in less than one hour at 25°C and atmospheric pressure when in contact with the skin.Volatile oils are volatile liquid cosmetic oils that have a non-zero vapor pressure, particularly in the range of 0.13 Pa to 40,000 Pa, preferably in the range of 1.3 Pa to 13,000 Pa, and preferably in the range of 1.3 Pa to 1,300 Pa, at 25°C and atmospheric pressure.

[0028] Preferred volatile oils include hydrocarbon volatile oils, volatile silicone oils, or mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon volatile oils are preferably C8 to C6 16It is an isoalkane. More preferably, the hydrocarbon volatile oil comprises isododecane, isodecane, isohexadecane, or a mixture thereof. The term "silicone oil" is understood to mean an oil containing at least one silicon atom, in particular containing an Si-O group. Volatile silicone oils that can be used in the present invention can be selected in particular from silicone oils having a flash point preferably in the range of 40°C to 102°C, more preferably 55 to 95°C. Preferred volatile silicone oils are linear or cyclic silicone oils having 2 to 7 silicon atoms, which may contain an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferably, the volatile silicone oil is selected from cyclopolydimethylsiloxanes (INCI name: cyclomethicone), such as cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane or dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane; linear silicones, such as heptamethylhexyltrisiloxane, heptamethyloctyltrisiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane or dodecamethylpentasiloxane, or mixtures thereof.More preferably, the volatile silicone oil is cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, or mixtures thereof.

[0029] Preferably, the volatile oil comprises isododecane, isodecane, isohexadecane, volatile dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane or a mixture thereof.More preferably, the volatile oil is selected from isododecane, isodecane, isohexadecane cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane or a mixture thereof.Even more preferably, the volatile oil comprises isohexadecane.

[0030] The amount of volatile oil is preferably in the range of 1 to 25% by weight, more preferably 8 to 55% by weight, even more preferably 3 to 18% by weight, and most preferably 6 to 12% by weight of the total amount of the composition. Preferably, the amount of volatile oil is 20 to 100% by weight, more preferably 80 to 100% by weight of the total amount of fatty ester and volatile oil.

[0031] Preferably, the composition comprises a retinoid. Typically, the retinoid is selected from retinyl esters, retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the retinoid comprises retinol, retinyl esters, or a mixture thereof, and even more preferably, the retinoid is selected from retinol, retinyl esters, or a mixture thereof.

[0032] The term "retinol" includes the following isomers of retinol: all-trans-retinol, 13-cis-retinol, 11-cis-retinol, 9-cis-retinol, 3,4-didehydro-retinol, 3,4-didehydro-13-cis-retinol; 3,4-didehydro-11-cis-retinol; and 3,4-didehydro-9-cis-retinol. Preferred isomers are all-trans-retinol, 13-cis-retinol, 3,4-didehydro-retinol, and 9-cis-retinol. The most preferred retinol is all-trans-retinol due to its wide commercial availability. Retinyl esters are esters of retinol. The term "retinol" is defined above. Retinyl esters suitable for use in the present invention are preferably C1-C2 isomers of retinol. 30 Esters, more preferably C2-C of retinol 20 Esters, most preferably C2, C3 and C of retinol 16The retinyl ester for use in the present invention is preferably selected from retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, retinyl oleate, retinyl propionate, or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the retinyl ester is selected from retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate, or a mixture thereof. Most preferably, the retinyl ester is selected from retinyl palmitate, retinyl propionate, or a mixture thereof.

[0033] Particularly preferred retinoids are selected from all-trans-retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate, or mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the retinoid is selected from retinyl palmitate, retinyl propionate, or mixtures thereof.

[0034] Preferably, the retinoid is used in the composition in an amount of from 0.0001% to 8% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 0.0005% to 3% by weight, even more preferably from 0.1 to 1% by weight, and most preferably from 0.2% to 0.8% by weight of the composition.

[0035] Preferably, the composition contains a nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the nonionic surfactant includes: a) a condensation product of an aliphatic alcohol having 8 to 22 carbon atoms in either a linear or branched configuration with ethylene oxide, such as a condensation product of coconut alcohol with 2 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of coconut alcohol; b) a condensation product of an alkylphenol having a C6 to C15 alkyl group with 5 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkylphenol; c) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, such as a polyoxyethylene sorbitan C6 to C24 fatty acid ester; or d) an alkyl glucoside or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the nonionic surfactant is an alkyl glucoside. Alkyl glucosides as used herein include alkyl polyglucosides.

[0036] A preferred alkyl glucoside is RO-(G) n wherein R is a branched or linear alkyl group which may be saturated or unsaturated, G is a sugar group, and the degree of polymerization n may have a value of 1 to 10, and preferably R is a C5 to C 20 wherein G is selected from C5 or C6 monosaccharide residues, n has a value of 1 to 6, and more preferably R is selected from C6 to C 16 where G is glucose, and n has a value of 1 to 6.

[0037] More preferably, the composition contains a fatty acid amide. Preferably, the fatty acid amide contains at least 6 carbon atoms. Suitable fatty acids include saturated and unsaturated, linear or branched fatty acids. Since longer chain lengths of the fatty acid amide are more beneficial for skin conditioning, suitable fatty acids preferably contain 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and most preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, amides of essential fatty acids are used because essential fatty acids provide skin nutrition. Examples of essential fatty acids include, but are not limited to, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, homo-gamma-linolenic acid, and mixtures thereof. Linoleic acid is most preferred because it is also a precursor to ceramides.

[0038] Amides suitable for use in the present invention can be simple amides (i.e., those containing a -CONH group), N-alkylamides, N,N-dialkylamides, mono-alkanolamides, and di-alkanolamides. Suitable alkyl or alkanol groups contain 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Preferred amides included in the present invention are mono- and di-alkanolamides, particularly of essential fatty acids. Alkanolamides are more commonly available than alkylamides.

[0039] Preferred fatty acid amides are selected from the mono- and diethanolamides of linoleic acid, palmitic acid and coconut oil.

[0040] The fatty acid amide may be included in an amount ranging from 0.0001 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 4% by weight, and most preferably from 0.1 to 1% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

[0041] Preferably, the composition further comprises a triglyceride. More preferably, the composition comprises caprylic / capric triglyceride, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred triglyceride is caprylic / capric triglyceride. Preferably, the amount of triglyceride is 0.001 to 12% by weight of the composition, more preferably 0.1 to 8% by weight, and even more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight.

[0042] Preferably, the composition contains a polyhydric alcohol. The polyhydric alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, hexylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, isoprene glycol, ethoxylated glycerol, propoxylated glycerol, or mixtures thereof. The most preferred polyhydric alcohol is glycerol, also known as glycerin. The amount of polyhydric alcohol may range from 5 to 35% by weight of the composition, preferably from 8 to 25% by weight, and more preferably between 12 and 18% by weight.

[0043] The composition may comprise water in an amount of from 10 to 90% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 15 to 78% by weight of the composition, even more preferably from 20 to 65% by weight, and most preferably from 25 to 50% by weight.

[0044] The composition may contain optional ingredients including moisturizers, whitening agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, fragrances or combinations thereof.

[0045] Vitamin B3 compounds (including derivatives of vitamin B3), such as niacin, nicotinic acid or niacinamide, are preferred skin lightening agents according to the present invention, most preferably niacinamide.

[0046] Preferably, the composition is a two-phase liquid composition. Preferably, both the aqueous phase and the oil phase are transparent. Preferably, the weight ratio of the aqueous phase to the oil phase is in the range of 1:8 to 8:1, more preferably 1:4 to 4:1, and even more preferably 1:2 to 2:1.

[0047] The multi-phase personal care composition may be provided to a consumer in any suitable manner, although it is preferred that the composition be provided in a cosmetic container, which preferably has a volume of 2 to 250 mL, more preferably 5 to 100 mL, even more preferably 8 to 60 mL, and even more preferably 10 to 50 mL.

[0048] Preferably, the kit of parts comprises a cosmetic container, a multi-phase personal care composition according to the present invention, and instructions for use of the kit. Preferably, the instructions include a step of mixing the aqueous phase and the oil phase by any suitable method, for example, by shaking the container by hand for at least 1 second, preferably for 2 seconds to 5 minutes, more preferably for 3 seconds to 1 minute. Thus, a homogeneous personal care product is formed. Preferably, the personal care product is opaque.

[0049] Preferably, the multi-phase personal care composition can be formed into a personal care product by manually shaking the cosmetic container, preferably for 1 second to 5 minutes, more preferably for 1 second to 1 minute. Preferably, the personal care product can be reconstituted into a multi-phase personal care composition by allowing it to stand for 3 minutes to 20 hours, more preferably for 10 minutes to 7 hours, and even more preferably for 15 minutes to 4 hours.

[0050] Preferably, the personal care composition (product) is a skin care composition (product). Skin care composition (product) refers to a composition (product) suitable for topical application to human skin, and is preferably a leave-on product. The term "leave-on" used in relation to the composition herein means a composition that is applied to the skin or rubbed onto the skin and remains on the skin. The term "skin" used herein includes the skin of the face (excluding eyelids and lips), neck, chest, abdomen, back, arms, armpits, hands and legs. Preferably, "skin" includes the skin of the face (excluding eyelids and lips) and armpits, and more preferably, skin means the skin of the face except for the lips and eyelids.

[0051] The following examples are provided to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0052] [Example] [Example 1] This example demonstrates the preparation of a multi-phase skin care composition. [Table 1]

[0053] The samples in Table 1 were prepared by mixing cocamide MEA at a temperature of 50-60°C, cooling to room temperature, and adding the other ingredients to obtain the aqueous phase. The oil phase ingredients were mixed together to obtain the oil phase. The aqueous phase and oil phase were mixed to obtain the sample.

[0054] [Example 2] This example demonstrates that the incorporation of a fatty ester improves discoloration of a multi-phase skin care composition.

[0055] Samples A, 1, and 2 were prepared as described in Example 1. All three samples were colorless and transparent. They were then packaged into three identical transparent bottles of equal volume. These packaged samples were placed in a preset temperature cabinet at 50°C for four weeks. Table 2 shows the color change after storage. [Table 2]

[0056] As shown in Table 2, the discoloration problem of the multi-phase composition containing the resorcinol derivative was significantly improved by including a fatty ester in the multi-phase composition.

Claims

1. (a) an aqueous phase; (b) an oil phase comprising a fatty ester and a resorcinol derivative; 1. A multi-phase personal care composition comprising: (i) the weight ratio of the fatty ester to the resorcinol derivative is from 10:1 to 1000:1; (ii) the aqueous phase is visually distinct from and in physical contact with the oil phase; (iii) The resorcinol derivative has the structure of formula (I): 【Chemistry 1】 [wherein each R 1 and R 2 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C18 alkyl group, and R 3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms or a phenylalkyl group.] Multi-phase personal care compositions.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the resorcinol derivative is selected from 4-ethylresorcinol, 4-butylresorcinol, 4-hexylresorcinol, phenylethylresorcinol, or mixtures thereof.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the resorcinol derivative comprises 4-hexylresorcinol.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resorcinol derivative is present in an amount of 0.00001 to 10% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

5. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the resorcinol derivative is present in an amount of 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fatty ester is an ester of a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms and an alcohol having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

7. The composition described in claim 6, wherein the fatty ester comprises isopropyl myristate.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the amount of said fatty ester ranges from 3 to 60% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

9. The composition described in claim 8, wherein the amount of the fatty ester is in the range of 28 to 42 weight percent of the total amount of the composition.

10. 10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the weight ratio of the fatty ester to the resorcinol derivative is from 50:1 to 300:

1.

11. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition further comprises a volatile oil.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the volatile oil is selected from isododecane, isodecane, isohexadecane cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, or mixtures thereof.

13. A composition described in any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a triglyceride.

14. The composition of claim 13, further comprising a triglyceride in an amount of 0.001 to 12% by weight of the composition.

15. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a retinoid.

16. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein both the aqueous and oily phases are clear.

17. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of the water phase to the oil phase is in the range of 1:8 to 8:

1.

18. A kit of parts comprising a cosmetic container, a multi-phase personal care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and instructions for use of the kit.

19. A method for preparing a personal care product, comprising the step of manually shaking a cosmetic container containing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. 18. A method of providing a skin lightening benefit to an individual's skin, comprising the steps of: i) shaking by a human hand a cosmetic container containing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 17; and ii) topically applying the resulting product.

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