Kit and cosmetic process for skin

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kit comprising: (1) at least one article, comprising; (a) at least one substrate, and (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder, and (2) at least one composition comprising; (i) at least one cationic polymer, and (ii) at least one nonionic polymer, as well as a cosmetic process using the kit. The kit and cosmetic process according to the present invention can control sebum on the skin and remove comedones from the skin with reduced pain and / or reduced skin damage.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0003] KIT AND COSMETIC PROCESS FOR SKIN

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to a kit and a cosmetic process, both of which are useful for skin care.

[0006] BACKGROUND ART

[0007] Oiliness of skin is caused by excess secretion of oily / waxy matter from sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are found in greatest abundance on the face and scalp, though they are distributed throughout all skin sites except the palms and soles. Sebum contains triglycerides, waxes, squalene and metabolites of fat-producing cells. Although sebum keeps hair and skin supple, excess sebum can contribute to concentrating of homy cells at the opening of sebaceous follicles on the surface of the skin, which causes constriction in the follicular opening, leading to a keratin plug. This can result in blackheads, whiteheads, significant irritation, redness, tissue damage and acne. Comedones here mean both whiteheads and blackheads.

[0008] There are a number of commercially available products which intend to control sebum and comedones on the skin.

[0009] The use of mineral clays as medicinal and cosmetic tools for sebum control has been popular on the market for a long time. Clays are used to absorb excess oil or sebum, dirt, and toxins from the skin while simultaneously exfoliating and improving skin circulation.

[0010] WO 2015 / 075143 describes an applicator body composition comprising at least one clay and at least one water-soluble polymer, which can be provided in the form of a face mask.

[0011] WO 2024 / 034324 describes a sheet-like cosmetic product comprising a water-soluble or water- dispersible substrate, and a coating layer on the substrate, wherein the coating layer comprises at least one clay and at least one water-soluble binder.

[0012] On the other hand, pore-cleansing strips or packs, which are to remove a keratin plug from pores on the skin and contain a water-soluble polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol, have also been popular on the market for a long time. These conventional pore-cleansing strips or packs are useful to remove comedones from the skin.

[0013] However, the above conventional pore-cleansing strips or packs needs a lot of force to be peeled off from the skin, and therefore, they tend to cause pain and / or skin damage, when being peeled off from the skin.

[0014] DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0015] An objective of the present invention is to provide a kit and a cosmetic process both of which can control sebum on the skin and remove comedones from the skin with reduced pain and / or reduced skin damage. The above objective of the present invention can be achieved by a kit comprising:

[0016] (1) at least one article, comprising;

[0017] (a) at least one substrate, and

[0018] (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder, and

[0019] (2) at least one composition comprising;

[0020] (i) at least one cationic polymer; and

[0021] (ii) at least one nonionic polymer.

[0022] The (a) substrate of the (1) article in the kit according to the present invention may be porous, preferably a woven or non-woven sheet, and more preferably a paper.

[0023] The (b1) clay in the (b) coating layer of the (1) article in the kit according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of kaolin, hectorites, montmorillonites, bentonites, and a mixture thereof.

[0024] The (b2) water-soluble binder in the (b) coating layer of the (1) article in the kit according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of starch, pullulan, cellulose, cellulose derivative, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a mixture thereof.

[0025] The (i) cationic polymer in the (2) composition in the kit according to the present invention may be selected from (co)polyamines, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

[0026] The (i) cationic polymer in the (2) composition in the kit according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of polylysine, chitosan, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

[0027] The amount of the (i) cationic polymer(s) in the (2) composition in the kit according to the present invention may range from 0.01% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 1% to 10 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0028] The (ii) nonionic polymer in the (2) composition in the kit according to the present invention may be selected from nonionic polysaccharides.

[0029] The (ii) nonionic polymer in the (2) composition in the kit according to the present invention may be selected from nonionic celluloses, preferably from nonionic cellulose ethers, and more preferably from the group consisting of methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0030] The (ii) nonionic polymer in the (2) composition in the kit according to the present invention may be selected from nonionic polysaccharides derived from microorganisms, and preferably from the group consisting of cardollan, xanthan gum, gellan gum, dextran, pullulan, sclerotium gum and mixtures thereof.

[0031] The amount of the (ii) nonionic polymer(s) in the (2) composition in the kit according to the present invention may range from 0.001% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 10 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0032] The above objective of the present invention can also be achieved by a cosmetic process for skin, preferably face skin, and more preferably nose skin, comprising the steps of:

[0033] (1) applying onto the skin (2) at least one composition comprising

[0034] (i) at least one cationic polymer, preferably as defined above, and

[0035] (ii) at least one nonionic polymer, preferably as defined above;

[0036] (2) applying onto the skin after step (1) at least one article comprising

[0037] (a) at least one substrate, preferably as defined above, and

[0038] (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay, preferably as defined above, and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder, preferably as defined above;

[0039] (3) leaving the (1) article on the skin; and

[0040] (4) peeling off the (1) article from the skin.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the article of the kit or used in the cosmetic process according to the present invention.

[0043] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0044] After diligent research, the inventors have surprisingly discovered that a combination of an article comprising at least one coating layer disposed on a substrate, comprising at least one clay and at least one water-soluble binder, and a composition comprising at least one cationic polymer and at least one nonionic polymer, can control sebum on the skin and remove comedones from the skin with reduced pain and / or reduced skin damage.

[0045] The term “control sebum” here includes to reduce the amount of sebum on the skin and / or to delay the increase in the amount of sebum on the skin over time.

[0046] Thus, the present invention relates to a kit and a cosmetic process based on the above combination.

[0047] The kit according to the present invention comprises:

[0048] (1) at least one article, comprising

[0049] (a) at least one substrate, and

[0050] (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder; and

[0051] (2) at least one composition comprising

[0052] (i) at least one cationic polymer, and

[0053] (ii) at least one nonionic polymer.

[0054] The cosmetic process according to the present invention comprises the steps of:

[0055] (1) applying onto the skin (2) at least one composition comprising

[0056] (i) at least one cationic polymer, and

[0057] (ii) at least one nonionic polymer;

[0058] (2) applying onto the skin after step (1) at least one article comprising

[0059] (a) at least one substrate, and

[0060] (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder;

[0061] (3) leaving the (1) article on the skin; and

[0062] (4) peeling off the (1) article from the skin. The kit and cosmetic process according to the present invention can control sebum on the skin and remove comedones from the skin with reduced pain and / or reduced skin damage.

[0063] Hereinafter, the kit and cosmetic process according to the present invention will be explained in a more detailed manner.

[0064] [Kit]

[0065] The kit according to the present invention comprises:

[0066] (1) at least one article, comprising

[0067] (a) at least one substrate, and

[0068] (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder; and

[0069] (2) at least one composition comprising

[0070] (i) at least one cationic polymer, and

[0071] (ii) at least one nonionic polymer.

[0072] The kit according to the present invention can control sebum on the skin and remove comedones from the skin with reduced pain and / or reduced skin damage.

[0073] The kit according to the present invention can reduce the amount of sebum on the skin and / or delay the increase of sebum amount on the skin over time.

[0074] When applying the (1) article onto a skin which has been treated with the (2) composition, comedones on the skin can be adhered well to the (1) article. Thus, by removing the (1) article from the skin by peeling off from the skin, the comedones can also be removed from the skin effectively.

[0075] Furthermore, the force necessary to peel off the (1) article from the skin is not as high compared to conventional cosmetic products used to remove comedones. Therefore, the kit according to the present invention can remove comedones from the skin with reduced pain and / or reduced skin damage.

[0076] The kit according to the present invention is a cosmetic product, preferably a cosmetic product for a keratin substance, and more preferably a cosmetic product for caring for and / or conditioning a keratin substance. The keratin substance here means a material containing keratin as a main constituent element, and examples thereof include the skin, scalp, lips, and the like. Preferably, the keratin substance here is the skin, more preferably the face skin, and even more preferably the nose skin.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the kit according to the present invention is a skincare product, preferably a face skin care product, and more preferably a nose skin care product. It is preferable that the kit according to the present invention be used for treating or caring for oily skin, for example, treating or caring for oily facial skin.

[0078] (Article)

[0079] The (1) article of the kit according to the present invention comprises: (a) at least one substrate; and (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder.

[0080] Substrate

[0081] The (1) article of the kit according to the present invention comprises (a) at least one substrate as a support. A single type of a substrate may be used, but two or more different types of substrates may be used in combination.

[0082] The (a) substrate can be in the form of a sheet or a film.

[0083] A thickness of the (a) substrate is not particularly limited, but the (a) substrate may have a thickness ranging from 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably from 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm, and more preferably from 0.03 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0084] The basis weight of the (a) substrate is not particularly limited, but the (a) substrate may have a weight of from 10 g / m2to 140 g / m2, preferably from 20 g / m2to 130 g / m2, and more preferably from 30 g / m2to 120 g / m2.

[0085] It is preferable that the (a) substrate be water-absorbable. Thus, it is preferable that the (a) substrate be dry.

[0086] The (a) substrate may be porous or non-porous, preferably porous, which means that the substrate includes voids or holes.

[0087] The (a) substrate may be formed by fibers such as filaments and staples.

[0088] In one embodiment, the (a) substrate may be selected from woven or non-woven sheets such as woven or non-woven fabrics. The term “non-woven” sheet means a sheet including fibers in which individual fibers are arranged in a disordered manner that are neither woven nor knit. It is preferable that the (a) substrate be selected from non-woven sheets such as non-woven fabrics.

[0089] It may be preferable that the (a) substrate be a paper.

[0090] It may be preferable that the (a) substrate comprise at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer.

[0091] The term “water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer” here means that the polymer can dissolve or disperse in water upon immersion in water at 25 °C within from several seconds to several days such as 3 days without stirring. In one embodiment, the “water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer” can dissolve or disperse upon immersion in water at 25°C in less than a few minutes.

[0092] The water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer may be in the form of fibers.

[0093] As the water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer, water-soluble or water-dispersible, synthetic or natural polymer may be used.

[0094] As the water-soluble polymer, mention may be made of: polysaccharides including starches, pullulans, cellulose derivatives, and combinations thereof; proteins, such as proteins of plant origin, such as wheat or soya proteins; proteins of animal origin, such as keratins, for example keratin hydrolysates and sulphonic keratins; acrylic polymers or copolymers, such as polyacrylates or polymethacrylates; vinyl polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidones, copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and of malic anhydride, the copolymer of vinyl acetate and of crotonic acid, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinyl acetate, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of caprolactam, or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); anionic, cationic, amphoteric or nonionic chitin or chitosan polymers; gums arable, guar gum, xanthan compounds or karaya gum; alginates and carrageenans; glycoaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid and its compounds; shellac resin, gum sandarac, dammars, elemis or copals; deoxyribonucleic acid; mucopolysaccharides, such as chondroitin sulphates; and their mixtures.

[0095] Advantageously, the water-soluble polymer used in the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of cellulose derivatives, and polyvinyl alcohol, and a mixture thereof. Preferred examples of the cellulose derivatives include cellulose ethers, notably methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and quaternized cellulose compounds.

[0096] As commercially available products of t the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymer, mention can be made of those available under the trade names METHOCEL K35, METHOCEL A15LV, METHOCEL Premium E5 LV and K35 LV from Dow chemical co.

[0097] The water-dispersible polymer may be selected from water-insoluble polymers. The term “water insoluble” here indicates that the polymer does not dissolve upon immersion in water at 25°C within several days such as 3 days without stirring.

[0098] As the water-insoluble polymer, mention may be made of: water-insoluble synthetic polymers, such as polyester, polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene, and polyethylene), polyamide (e.g., Nylon 6, and Nylon 66), viscose, (meth)acrylics, (meth)acrylates, polyvinylidene chloride, and polyurethane; and water-insoluble natural polymers, such as cellulose (e.g., wood pulp, cotton, hemp, jute, and flax fibers), silk, and keratin (e.g., wool and camel hair fibers).

[0099] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the (a) substrate comprises natural fibers, in particular cellulose fibers such as wood pulp.

[0100] The (a) substrate can be made by a conventional process such as a casting method for preparing a substrate in the form of a film, or a paper making method to prepare a substrate in the form of a paper.

[0101] As the (a) substrate, a commercially available sheet may be used. As non-limiting examples of commercially available sheet, mention can be made of water-soluble papers obtainable from Nippon Paper Papylia in Japan, SmartSolve Industries in the US, and Aquasol Cooperation in the US, and fibrous material such as nonwoven / woven materials made of PVA fiber obtainable from Kuraray etc. One example of the commercially available sheet for the (a) substrate is a water- soluble paper sold under the name of 30MDP obtainable from Nippon Paper Papylia in Japan. Coating Laver

[0102] The (1) article of the kit according to the present invention comprises (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the (a) substrate. One coating layer may be disposed on one side of the (a) substrate, or two or more coating layers may be disposed on one side or both sides of the (a) substrate.

[0103] It may be preferable that one or more (b) coating layers be disposed on one side of the (a) substrate. It may be more preferable that one (b) coating layer be disposed on one side of the (a) substrate.

[0104] The amount of the (b) coating layer(s) may be 1 g / m2or more, preferably 3 g / m2or more, more preferably 5 g / m2or more, and even more preferably 10 g / m2or more, and / or may be 200 g / m2or less, preferably 100 g / m2or less, more preferably 70 g / m2or less, and even more preferably 50 g / m2or less.

[0105] The amount of the (b) coating layer(s) may range from 1 g / m2to 200 g / m2, preferably from 3 g / m2to 100 g / m2, more preferably from 5 g / m2to 70 g / m2, and even more preferably from 10 g / m2to 50 g / m2.

[0106] The (b) coating layer comprises (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder. In other words, the (b1) clay and the (b2) water-soluble binder are present on the (a) substrate.

[0107] The ingredients in the (b) coating layer will be described in a detailed manner below.

[0108] (b1) Clay

[0109] The (b) coating layer comprises (b1) at least one clay. A single type of clay may be used, but two or more different types of clays may be used in combination.

[0110] The term “clay” here refers to a naturally occurring material composed primarily of fine-grained minerals, which is generally plastic at appropriate water content and will harden when dried or fired. The (b1) clay is in the form of particles. Although clay usually contains phyllosilicates, it may contain other materials that impart plasticity and harden when dried or fired. Associated phases in clay may include materials that do not impart plasticity and organic matter. A common definition is that in the Penguin Dictionary of Science, namely “finely divided rock materials whose component minerals are various silicates, mainly of magnesium or aluminium origin”. Clay may include Kaolinite (typically defined as [Si4]Al4O10(OH)8.nH2O (n= 0 or 4)), Illite (typically defined as Mx[Si6.8Al1.2]Al3Fe0.025Mg0.75O20(OH)4), Vermiculite (typically defined as Mx[Si7Al]AlFe0.05Mg0.5O2(OH)4), Smectite (typically defined as Mx[Si8]Al3.2Fe0.2Mg0.6O2(OH)4, and Chlorite (typically defined as (Al(OH)2.55)4[Si6.8AlO1.2}Al3.4Mg0.6)20(OH)4).

[0111] Another definition, frequently used by chemists, is “a naturally occurring sediment or sedimentary rock composed of one or more minerals and accessory compounds, the whole usually being rich in hydrated aluminum silicate, iron or magnesium, hydrated alumina, or iron oxide, predominating in particles of colloidal or near-colloidal size, and commonly developing plasticity when sufficiently pulverized and wetted” (see Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology, Volume 5, page 544, 2nd edition, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, New York 1964). Example of clays are given in the book “Clay mineralogy, S. Caillere, S. Henin, M. Rautureau, 2nd edition 1982, Masson”. Clays may be of natural or synthetic origin. Hydrophilic clay includes smectites such as saponites, hectorites, montmorillonites, bentonites, beidellite. Hydrophilic clay includes synthetic hectorites (also called laponites) as the products sold by the company BYK-Chemie under the name Laporte Laponite XLG, Laponite RD, Laponite RDS (these products are sodium silicates and magnesium silicates in particular sodium, lithium and magnesium) bentonites as the product sold under the name Bentone® HC Rheox, magnesium silicates and aluminum products such as hydrated sold by Vanderbilt Company as ultra Veegum® , Veegum® HS, Veegum® DGT, or calcium silicates and particularly the synthetic form sold by the company Imerys under the name Micro-cel® C.

[0112] Fuller's earth consists chiefly of hydrated aluminum silicates that contain metal ions such as magnesium, sodium, and calcium within their structure. Montmorillonite is the principal clay mineral in fuller's earth, but other minerals such as kaolinite, attapulgite, and palygorskite among other components can also be included.

[0113] Lipophilic clay means clay swellable in a lipophilic medium, the clay swells and forms a colloidal dispersion. Lipophilic clays include modified clays such as the modified magnesium silicate (Bentone gel VS38 from Rheox) hectorites modified with an ammonium chloride fatty acid C10to C22, as hectorite modified with ammonium chloride distearyldimethylammonium (CTFAname: Disteardimonium hectorite) sold under the name “Bentone 38 CE” by Rheox or Bentone® 38V by ELEMENTIS.

[0114] The origin of such clay can be natural or synthetic mineral clay such as hectorite, bentonite, and quaternized derivatives thereof, for example which are obtained by reacting the minerals with a quaternary ammonium compound, such as stearalkonium bentonite, hectorites, quaternized hectorites such as Quatemium- 18 hectorite, carbonates such as propylene carbonate, bentones, and the like.

[0115] Non-limiting examples of the (b1) clay which can be used in the present invention are Fuller's earth, Pinatubo volacanic ash mud in the Philippines, Aleppo clay from Syria, Pulau tiga volcano mud from Malaysia, Nha Trang mud from Vietnam, White Kaolinite from Korea, Yellow Loess from Korea, Jeju volcanic clay from Korea, Guanziling mud from Taiwan, Wudalianchi volcanic mud from China, Black mud of Yuncheng salt lake from China, mineral mud from Tantou village in China, China clay (Kaolin), Maifan stone from China, Beppu onsen Fango from Japan, Kucha from Japan, Tanakura clay from Japan, Cambrian blue clay from Russia, Blue Lagoon mud from Iceland, Saki lake mud from Ukraine, Karlovy vary moor mud from Czech Republic, Heviz Georgikon moor mud from Hungary, Alpine moor mud from Austria, Bad wilsnack mud from Germany, Bavarian mineral slat mountain mud from Germany, Freiburg volcanic ash from Germany, Santorini mud from Greece, Mar menor mud from Spian, Ischian volcanic mud from Italy, Euganean thermal mud from Italy, Yellow clay-lllite from France, French Green Clay - Montmorrillonite, Calistoga mud from the U.S.A., Sacred clay and ormalite from the U.S.A., Redmond clay from the U.S.A., Arctic mineral mud from Canada, Tulum Mayan clay from Mexico, Glacial clay from Canada, Amazonian white clay from Brazil, El Chillante volcanic thermal mud from Argentina, African healing clay, and Australian olive green clay.

[0116] Advantageously, the (b1) clay is selected from the group consisting of kaolin, hectorites, montmorillonites, bentonites, and a mixture thereof.

[0117] The content of the (b1) clay(s) in the (b) coating layer(s) may be 50% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or more, more preferably 70% by weight or more, and even more preferably 80% by weight or more, and / or may be in general 99% by weight or less, preferably 98% by weight or less, more preferably 97% by weight or less, and even more preferably 96% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the (b) coating layer(s). Any combinations of the values of the upper and lower limit are available.

[0118] Thus, the (b) coating layer(s) may comprise the (b1) clay(s) in an amount ranging from 50% to 99% by weight, preferably from 60% to 98% by weight, more preferably from 70% to 97% by weight, and even more preferably from 80% to 96% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (b) coating layer(s).

[0119] (b2) Water-Soluble Binder

[0120] The (b) coating layer comprises (b2) at least one water-soluble binder. A single type of water- soluble binder may be used, but two or more different types of water-soluble binders may be used in combination.

[0121] The (b2) water-soluble binder can function to bind or adhere particles of the (b1) clay in the coating layer, and / or bind or adhere particles of the (b1) clay to the (a) substrate.

[0122] In one preferred embodiment, the (b2) water-soluble binder comprises at least one polar polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the (b2) water-soluble binder is selected from water-soluble film-forming polymers. As the water-soluble film-forming polymer used in the present invention, mention can be made of: polysaccharides including starches, pullulans, celluloses derivatives, and combinations thereof; proteins, such as proteins of plant origin, such as wheat or soya proteins; proteins of animal origin, such as keratins, for example keratin hydrolysates and sulphonic keratins; (meth)acrylic polymers or copolymers, such as polyacrylates or polymethacrylates; vinyl polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidones, copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and of malic anhydride, the copolymer of vinyl acetate and of crotonic acid, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinyl acetate, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of caprolactam, or polyvinyl alcohol; anionic, cationic, amphoteric or nonionic chitin or chitosan polymers; gums arabic, guar gum, xanthan compounds or karaya gum; alginates and carrageenans; glycoaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid and its compounds; shellac resin, gum sandarac, dammars, elemis or copals; deoxyribonucleic acid; mucopolysaccharides, such as chondroitin sulphates; and their mixtures.

[0123] Advantageously, the water-soluble film-forming polymer is selected from the group consisting of starch, pullulan, starch, cellulose derivatives thereof, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a mixture thereof.

[0124] The (b2) water-soluble binder may be the same as or different from the water-soluble polymer for the (a) substrate. These materials can be distinguished each other in consideration of their functions and / or states. Specifically, the water-soluble polymer, if present, in the (a) substrate forms the substrate, i.e., this polymer is a part of the substrate, while the (b2) water-soluble binder acts to adhere the (b1) clay to the substrate. A skilled person can easily distinguish them by analyzing the kit of the present invention. For example, the (b2) water-soluble binder is directly in contact with the (b1) clay and can be present at the surface of the (b1) clay. On the other hand, the water-soluble polymer in the (a) substrate is positioned within the substrate.

[0125] In one embodiment of the present invention, the (b2) water-soluble binder is different from the water-soluble polymer, if present, forming the (a) substrate.

[0126] The content of the (b2) water-soluble binder(s) in the (b) coating layer(s) may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably 1% by weight or more, and even more preferably 2% by weight or more, and / or may be in general 15% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or less, more preferably 7% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the (b) coating layer(s). Any combinations of the values of the upper and lower limit are available.

[0127] Thus, the (b) coating layer(s) may comprise the (b2) water-soluble binder(s) in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 7% by weight, and even more preferably from 2 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (b) coating layer(s).

[0128] (b3) Optional Ingredient

[0129] The (b) coating layer(s) may comprise at least one optional ingredient other than the (b1) clay and the (b2) water-soluble binder.

[0130] Cosmetically Active Ingredient

[0131] The (b) coating layer may comprise at least one cosmetically active ingredient. A single type of a cosmetically active ingredient may be used, but two or more different types of cosmetically active ingredients may be used in combination.

[0132] The cosmetically active ingredient may be a skin care agent. As the skin-care agents, mention can be made of whitening agents or brightening agents, anti-oxidants, cleansing agents, free radical scavengers, moisturizers, skin tone altering agents, anti-acne agents, anti-aging agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-inflammatory agents, skin texture treatment agents, anti-perspirant agents, aesthetics, anti-bacterial agents, cooling actives, sweat absorption actives, nourishing agents, sebum absorbers other than the (b1) clay, oil absorbers other than the (b1) clay, moisture absorbers and any combination thereof.

[0133] The amount of the cosmetically active ingredient(s) in the (b) coating layer(s) is not particularly limited, but in general may range from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (b) coating layer(s). In one embodiment of the present invention, the (b) coating layer may be free of cosmetically active ingredients.

[0134] Polyol

[0135] The (b) coating layer may comprise at least one polyol. A single type of a polyol may be used, but two or more different types of the polyols may be used in combination.

[0136] The term “polyol” here means an alcohol having two or more hydroxy groups, and does not encompass a saccharide or a derivative thereof. The derivative of a saccharide includes a sugar alcohol which is obtained by reducing one or more carbonyl groups of a saccharide, as well as a saccharide or a sugar alcohol in which the hydrogen atom or atoms in one or more hydroxy groups thereof has or have been replaced with at least one substituent such as an alkyl group, a hydroxy alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyl group or a carbonyl group.

[0137] The polyol may function as a plasticizer which increases the flexibility and strength of the (1) article, and in some cases the polyols can provide skin conditioning benefits.

[0138] The polyol may be a C2-C24polyol, preferably a C2-C9polyol, comprising at least 2 hydroxy groups, and preferably 2 to 5 hydroxy groups. The polyol may be selected from glycerins and derivatives thereof, and glycols and derivatives thereof. The polyol may be selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, C6-C24polyethyleneglycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol, dextrins, and sorbitols.

[0139] In one preferred embodiment, the polyols are selected from glycerin, glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycols and diethylene glycols, dextrins, and sorbitols.

[0140] The amount of the polyol(s) in the (b) coating layer(s) is not particularly limited, but in general may range from 0.001 to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 15% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 % by weight, and even more preferably from 1 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (b) coating layer(s). In one embodiment of the present invention, the (b) coating layer may be free of polyols.

[0141] Other Additive

[0142] The (b) coating layer may also comprise any other optional additive(s) usually used in the field of cosmetics, chosen, for example, from anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphoteric surfactants, dispersants, fragrances, neutralizers, antiseptics, chelating agents, preservatives, coloring agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0143] Preparation of Article

[0144] The (1) article may be prepared by applying a coating composition comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder onto (a) at least one substrate to form (b) at least one coating layer on the (a) substrate(s).

[0145] Thus, a method for preparing the (1) article may comprise the steps of:

[0146] (i) providing (a) at least one substrate;

[0147] (ii) preparing a coating composition by mixing (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder with at least one solvent;

[0148] (iii) applying the coating composition on the (a) substrate; and

[0149] (iv) drying the applied coating composition to form the (b) coating layer to obtain the (1) article.

[0150] Step (i) is a step of providing (a) at least one substrate. The (a) substrate is the same as that explained in the “Substrate” part above, and thus the same explanations can be applied to the (a) substrate here. Step (ii) is a step of preparing a coating composition, in the form of a solution or a dispersion, by mixing (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder with at least one solvent. The (b1) at least one clay and the (b2) at least one water-soluble binder are the same as those explained in the “Coating Layer” part above, and thus the same explanations can be applied to the (b1) at least one clay and the (b2) at least one water-soluble binder here.

[0151] The solvent used in the step (ii) is not particularly limited, but preferably is selected from solvents other than water. Non-limiting examples of the solvent includes, for example, linear or branch ed lower mono-alcohols, preferably linear or branched lower mono-alcohols having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, and isobutanol, and a combination thereof.

[0152] The amount of the (b1) clay(s) in the coating composition may be 1% by weight or more, preferably 5% by weight or more, more preferably 10% by weight or more, and even more preferably 20% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the coating composition. The amount of the (b1) clay(s) in the coating composition may be 60% by weight or less, preferably 55% by weight or less, more preferably 50% by weight or less, and even more preferably 45% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the coating composition. Any combinations of the values of the upper and lower limit are available.

[0153] The coating composition may comprise the (b1) clay(s) in an amount ranging from 1% to 60% by weight, preferably from 5% to 55% by weight, more preferably from 10% to 50% by weight, and even more preferably from 20% to 45% by weight, relative to the total weight of the coating composition.

[0154] The amount of the (b2) water-soluble binder(s) in the coating composition may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.3% by weight or more, more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and even more preferably 0.7% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the coating composition. The amount of the (b2) water-soluble binder(s) in the coating composition may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the coating composition. Any combinations of the values of the upper and lower limit are available.

[0155] The coating composition may comprise the (b2) water-soluble binder(s) in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.3% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, and even more preferably from 0.7% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the coating composition.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the polyol(s) in the coating composition may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and even more preferably 1.5% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the coating composition. The amount of the polyol(s) in the coating composition may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the coating composition. Any combinations of the values of the upper and lower limit are available.

[0157] In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating composition may comprise the polyol(s) in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, and even more preferably from 1 .5% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the coating composition.

[0158] In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating composition includes water of less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 3% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight, and even more preferably less than 0.5% by weight, and in particular less than 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the coating composition. In another embodiment of the present invention, the coating composition is anhydrous.

[0159] Step (ii) may comprise adding one or more optional ingredients, such as the cosmetically active ingredients, the coloring agents, and other optional additives as explained above, to the coating composition.

[0160] The method for mixing the above ingredients is not particularly limited, and a conventional mixing means can be employed, such as mixing with a stirrer and / or a homogenizer.

[0161] Step (iii) is a step of applying the coating composition on the (a) substrate. The method for applying the coating composition on the (a) substrate is not particularly limited, and any conventional method can be employed. For example, the coating composition can be applied on the (a) substrate using any wet coating process, such as dip coating, knife coating, bar coating, curtain coating, and screen printing.

[0162] The coating composition may be applied to one or both sides of the (a) substrate, so that the (1) article comprises one or two (b) coating layers.

[0163] Step (iv) is a step of drying the applied coating composition to form the (b) coating layer and thus obtaining the (1) article. The drying temperature may in general range between 40°C to 200°C, preferably between 40°C to 100°C, and more preferably between 40°C to 70°C. The drying time may in general range between a few seconds and 30 minutes, preferably between few seconds and 15 minutes, and more preferably between a few seconds and 5 minutes.

[0164] The (1) article thus obtained may be shaped according to a desired shape. Shaping may be done by cutting the (1) article in the desired shape.

[0165] The shape of the (1) article depends on its targeted functionality and targeted zones. One example of use of the (1) article can be in the form of a facial mask or a facial pad, which can be cut in the shape of face with slits for eyes, mouth and nose. Thus, the (1) article may be, for example, selected among face masks, wipes and pads.

[0166] In one embodiment, the (1) article may be a skin mask. In another embodiment, the (1) article may be a facial mask.

[0167] Preferably, the (1) article is adaptable to the shape of the face, more preferably to the shape of the nose area, of the mouth area and of the eyes area.

[0168] Figure 1 represents one embodiment of the (1) article in the form of a facial mask, in which the facial mask is made of two pieces, prior to use. In this embodiment, the facial mask can be cut in two pieces: upper piece and lower piece in order to facilitate the easier application onto the upper face and the lower face, respectively. Such two pieces face mask presents an upper piece intended to be placed on the upper part of the face and a lower piece intended to be placed on the lower part of the face. (Composition)

[0169] The (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention comprises:

[0170] (i) at least one cationic polymer; and

[0171] (ii) at least one nonionic polymer.

[0172] Preferably, the (2) composition is in the form of a liquid. The term “liquid” here means a fluid having a viscosity of 1000 cp or less, preferably 750 cp or less, and more preferably 500 cp or less, at 25°C under atmospheric pressure (105Pa).

[0173] The (2) composition may have a viscosity of 1 cp or more, preferably 10 cp or more, and more preferably 100 cp or more, at 25°C under atmospheric pressure (105Pa).

[0174] (i) Cationic Polymer

[0175] The (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention includes (i) at least one cationic polymer. A single type of cationic polymer may be used, or two or more different types of cationic polymers may be used in combination.

[0176] A cationic polymer has a positive charge density. The charge density of the cationic polymer may be from 0.01 meq / g to 20 meq / g, preferably from 0.05 meq / g to 15 meq / g, and more preferably from 0.1 meq / g to 10 meq / g.

[0177] It may be preferable that the molecular weight of the cationic polymer be 1000 or more, preferably 2000 or more, more preferably 3000 or more, and even more preferably 4000 or more.

[0178] Unless otherwise defined in the descriptions, “molecular weight” means a number average molecular weight.

[0179] The cationic polymer may have at least one positively chargeable and / or positively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of a primary, secondary or tertiary amino group, a quaternary ammonium group, a guanidine group, a biguanide group, an imidazole group, an imino group, and a pyridyl group. The term (primary) “amino group” here means a group of -NH2.

[0180] The cationic polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The term “copolymer” is understood to mean both copolymers obtained from two kinds of monomers and those obtained from more than two kinds of monomers, such as terpolymers which are in turn obtained from three kinds of monomers.

[0181] The cationic polymer may be selected from natural and synthetic cationic polymers, and preferably from natural cationic polymers. Non-limiting examples of the cationic polymers are as follows.

[0182] (1) Homopolymers and copolymers derived from acrylic or methacrylic esters and amides and comprising at least one unit chosen from units of the following formulas: wherein:

[0183] R1and R2, which may be identical or different, are chosen from hydrogen and alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for instance, methyl and ethyl groups;

[0184] R3, which may be identical or different, is chosen from hydrogen and CH3; the symbols A, which may be identical or different, are chosen from linear or branched alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, from 2 to 3 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0185] R4, R5, and R6, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and benzyl groups, and in at least one embodiment, alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and

[0186] X is an anion derived from an inorganic or organic acid, such as methosulphate anions and halides, for instance chloride and bromide.

[0187] The copolymers of family (1) may also comprise at least one unit derived from comonomers which may be chosen from acrylamides, methacrylamides, diacetone acrylamides, acrylamides and methacrylamides substituted on the nitrogen atom with (C1-C4) lower alkyl groups, groups derived from acrylic or methacrylic acids and esters thereof, vinyllactams such as vinylpyrrolidone and vinylcaprolactam, and vinyl esters.

[0188] Examples of copolymers of family (1) include, but are not limited to: copolymers of acrylamide and of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quaternized with dimethyl sulphate or with a dimethyl halide, copolymers of acrylamide and of methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride described, for example, in European Patent Application No. 0 080 976, copolymers of acrylamide and of methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium methosulphate, quaternized or nonquaternized vinylpyrrolidone / dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate or methacrylate copolymers, described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 077 143 and 2 393 573, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate / vinylcaprolactam / vinylpyrrolidone terpolymers, vinylpyrrolidone / methacrylamidopropyldimethylamine copolymers, quaternized vinylpyrrolidone / dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamide copolymers, and crosslinked methacryloyloxy(C1-C4)alkyltri(C1-C4)alkylammonium salt polymers such as the polymers obtained by homopolymerization of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quaternized with methyl chloride, or by copolymerization of acrylamide with dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quaternized with methyl chloride, the homopolymerization or copolymerization being followed by crosslinking with a compound containing an olefinic unsaturation, for example, methylenebisacrylamide.

[0189] (2) Cationic cellulose polymers such as cellulose ether derivatives comprising one or more quaternary ammonium groups described, for example, in French Patent No. 1 492 597, such as the polymers sold under the names "JR" (JR 400, JR 125, JR 30M) or "LR" (LR 400, LR 30M) by the company Union Carbide Corporation. These polymers are also defined in the CTFA dictionary as quaternary ammoniums of hydroxyethylcellulose that have reacted with an epoxide substituted with a trimethylammonium group.

[0190] It is preferable that the cationic cellulose polymer have at least one quaternary ammonium group, preferably a quaternary trialkyl ammonium group, and more preferably a quaternary trimethyl ammonium group.

[0191] The quaternary ammonium group may be present in a quaternary ammonium group-containing group which may be represented by the following chemical formula (I): wherein each of R1and R2denotes a C1-3alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group, and more preferably a methyl group,

[0192] R3denotes a C1-24alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group, and more preferably methyl group, X- denotes an anion, preferably a halide, and more preferably a chloride, n denotes an integer from 0-30, preferably 0-10, and more preferably 0, and R4denotes a C1-4alkylene group, preferably an ethylene or propylene group.

[0193] The leftmost ether bond (-O-) in the above chemical formula (I) can attach to the sugar ring of the polysaccharide.

[0194] It is preferable that the quaternary ammonium group-containing group be -O-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2- N+(CH3)3.

[0195] (3) Cationic cellulose polymers such as cellulose copolymers and cellulose derivatives grafted with a water-soluble monomer of quaternary ammonium, and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,576, such as hydroxyalkylcelluloses, for instance, hydroxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-, and hydroxypropylcelluloses grafted, for example, with a salt chosen from methacryloylethyltrimethylammonium, methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium, and dimethyldiallylammonium salts.

[0196] Commercial products corresponding to these polymers include, for example, the products sold under the name "Celquat® L 200" and "Celquat® H 100" by the company National Starch.

[0197] (4) Non-cellulose-based cationic polysaccharides described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,589,578 and 4,031,307, such as guar gums comprising cationic trialkylammonium groups, cationic hyaluronic acid, and dextran hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride. Guar gums modified with a salt, for example the chloride, of 2, 3 -epoxypropyltrimethylammonium (guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride) may also be used.

[0198] Such products are sold, for instance, under the trade names JAGUAR® C13 S, JAGUAR® C15, JAGUAR® C17, and JAGUAR® C162 by the company MEYHALL.

[0199] (5) Polymers comprising piperazinyl units and divalent alkylene or hydroxyalkylene groups comprising straight or branched chains, optionally interrupted with at least one entity chosen from oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen, aromatic rings, and heterocyclic rings, and also the oxidation and / or quaternization products of these polymers. Such polymers are described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 162 025 and 2 280 361.

[0200] (6) Water-soluble polyamino amides prepared, for example, by polycondensation of an acidic compound with a polyamine; these polyamino amides possibly being crosslinked with an entity chosen from epihalohydrins; diepoxides; dianhydrides; unsaturated dianhydrides; bisunsaturated derivatives; bishalohydrins; bisazetidiniums; bishaloacyidiamines; bisalkyl halides; oligomers resulting from the reaction of a difunctional compound which is reactive with an entity chosen from bishalohydrins, bisazetidiniums, bishaloacyidiamines, bisalkyl halides, epihalohydrins, diepoxides, and bisunsaturated derivatives; the crosslinking agent being used in an amount ranging from 0.025 to 0.35 mol per amine group of the polyamino amide; these polyamino amides optionally being alkylated or, if they comprise at least one tertiary amine function, they may be quaternized. Such polymers are described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 252 840 and 2 368 508.

[0201] (7) Polyamino amide derivatives resulting from the condensation of polyalkylene polyamines with polycarboxylic acids, followed by alkylation with difunctional agents, for example, adipic acid / dialkylaminohydroxyalkyldialkylenetriamine polymers in which the alkyl group comprises from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, and propyl groups, and the alkylene group comprises from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as an ethylene group. Such polymers are described, for instance, in French Patent No. 1 583 363. In at least one embodiment, these derivatives may be chosen from adipic acid / dimethylaminohydroxypropyldiethylenetriamine polymers.

[0202] (8) Polymers obtained by reaction of a polyalkylene polyamine comprising two primary amine groups and at least one secondary amine group, with a dicarboxylic acid chosen from diglycolic acid and saturated aliphatic dicarboxylic acids comprising from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The molar ratio of the poly alkylene poly amine to the dicarboxylic acid may range from 0.8: 1 to 1.4: 1 ; the polyamino amide resulting therefrom being reacted with epichlorohydrin in a molar ratio of epichlorohydrin relative to the secondary amine group of the polyamino amide ranging from 0.5:1 to 1.8:1. Such polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,227,615 and 2,961,347. (9) Cyclopolymers of alkyldiallylamine and cyclopolymers of dialkyldiallyl-ammonium, such as homopolymers and copolymers comprising, as the main constituent of the chain, at least one unit chosen from units of formulas (la) and (lb): wherein: k and t, which may be identical or different, are equal to 0 or 1, the sum k+t being equal to 1;

[0203] R12is chosen from hydrogen and methyl groups;

[0204] R10and R11, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups in which the alkyl group comprises, for example, from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and lower (C1-C4)amidoalkyl groups, or R10and R11may form, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, heterocyclic groups such as piperidinyl and morpholinyl; and

[0205] Y' is an anion such as bromide, chloride, acetate, borate, citrate, tartrate, bisulphate, bisulphite, sulphate, and phosphate. These polymers are described, for example, in French Patent No. 2 080 759 and in its Certificate of Addition 2 190 406.

[0206] In one embodiment, R10and R11, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0207] Examples of such polymers include, but are not limited to, (co)polydiallyldialkyl ammonium chloride such as the dimethyidiallylammonium chloride homopolymer sold under the name "MERQUAT® 100" by the company CALGON (and its homologues of low weight-average molecular mass) and the copolymers of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and of acrylamide sold under the name "MERQUAT® 550".

[0208] (10) Quaternary diammonium polymers comprising at least one repeating unit of formula (II): wherein: R13, R14, R15, and R16, which may be identical or different, are chosen from aliphatic, alicyclic, and arylaliphatic groups comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and lower hydroxyalkyl aliphatic groups, or alternatively R13, R14, R15, and R16may form, together or separately, with the nitrogen atoms to which they are attached, heterocycles optionally comprising a second heteroatom other than nitrogen, or alternatively R13, R14, R15, and R16, which may be identical or different, are chosen from linear or branched C1-C6alkyl groups substituted with at least one group chosen from nitrile groups, ester groups, acyl groups, amide groups, -CO-O-R17-E groups, and -CO-NH-R17-E groups, wherein R17is an alkylene group and E is a quaternary ammonium group;

[0209] A1and B1, which may be identical or different, are chosen from polymethylene groups comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, which may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and which may comprise, linked or intercalated in the main chain, at least one entity chosen from aromatic rings, oxygen, sulphur, sulphoxide groups, sulphone groups, disulphide groups, amino groups, alkylamino groups, hydroxyl groups, quaternary ammonium groups, ureido groups, amide groups, and ester groups, and X- is an anion derived from an inorganic or organic acid;

[0210] A1, R13, and R15may form, together with the two nitrogen atoms to which they are attached, a piperazine ring; if A1is chosen from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkylene or hydroxyalkylene groups, B1may be chosen from:

[0211] -(CH2)n-CO-E'-OC-(CH2)n- wherein E' is chosen from: a) glycol residues of formula -O-Z-O-, wherein Z is chosen from linear or branched hydrocarbonbased groups and groups of the following formulas:

[0212] -(CH2-CH2-O)x-CH2-CH2-

[0213] -[CH2-CH(CH3)-O]y-CH2-CH(CH3)- wherein x and y, which may be identical or different, are chosen from integers ranging from 1 to 4, which represent a defined and unique degree of polymerization, and numbers ranging from 1 to 4, which represent an average degree of polymerization; b) bis-secondary diamine residue such as piperazine derivatives; c) bis-primary diamine residues of formula -NH-Y-NH-, wherein Y is chosen from linear or branched hydrocarbon-based groups and the divalent group -CH2-CH2-S-S-CH2-CH2-; and d) ureylene groups of formula -NH-CO-NH-.

[0214] In at least one embodiment, X- is an anion such as chloride or bromide. Polymers of this type are described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 320 330; 2 270 846; 2 316 271 ; 2 336 434; and 2 413 907 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,273,780; 2,375,853; 2,388,614;

[0215] 2,454,547; 3,206,462; 2,261,002; 2,271,378; 3,874,870; 4,001,432; 3,929,990; 3,966,904;

[0216] 4,005,193; 4,025,617; 4,025,627; 4,025,653; 4,026,945; and 4,027,020.

[0217] Non-limiting examples of such polymers include those comprising at least one repeating unit of formula (III): wherein R13, R14, R15, and R16, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n and p, which may be identical or different, are integers ranging from 2 to 20, and X- is an anion derived from an inorganic or organic acid.

[0218] (11) Polyquaternary ammonium polymers comprising units of formula (IV): wherein:

[0219] R18, R19, R20, and R21, which may be identical or different, are chosen from hydrogen, methyl groups, ethyl groups, propyl groups, β-hydroxyethyl groups, β-hydroxypropyl groups, - CH2CH2(OCH2CH2)POH groups, wherein p is chosen from integers ranging from 0 to 6, with the proviso that R18, R19, R20, and R21are not simultaneously hydrogen, r and s, which may be identical or different, are chosen from integers ranging from 1 to 6, q is chosen from integers ranging from 0 to 34, X- is an anion such as a halide, and

[0220] A is chosen from radicals of dihalides and -CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-.

[0221] Such compounds are described, for instance, in European Patent Application No. 0 122 324.

[0222] (12) Quaternary polymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinylimidazole.

[0223] Other examples of suitable cationic polymers include, but are not limited to, cationic proteins and cationic protein hydrolysates, polyalkyleneimines, such as polyethyleneimines, polymers comprising units chosen from vinylpyridine and vinylpyridinium units, condensates of polyamines and of epichlorohydrin, quaternary polyureylenes, and chitin derivatives.

[0224] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one cationic polymer is chosen from cellulose ether derivatives comprising quaternary ammonium groups, such as the products sold under the name "JR 400" by the company UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION, cationic cyclopolymers, for instance, the homo-polymers and copolymers of dimethyldiallylammonium chloride sold under the names MERQUAT® 100, MERQUAT® 550, and MERQUAT® S by the company CALGON, guar gums modified with a 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium salt, and quaternary polymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinylimidazole.

[0225] (13) Polyamines

[0226] As the cationic polymer, it is also possible to use (co)polyamines, which may be homopolymers or copolymers, with a plurality of amino groups. The amino group may be a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amino group. The amino group may be present in a polymer backbone or a pendent group, if present, of the (co)polyamines.

[0227] As an example of the (co)polyamines, mention may be made of chitosan, (co)polyallylamines, (co)polyvinylamines, (co)polyanilines, (co)polyvinylimidazoles, (co)polydimethylaminoethylenemethacrylates, (co)polyvinylpyridines such as (co)poly-l-methyl- 2-vinylpyridines, (co)polyimines such as (co) polyethyleneimines, (co)polypyridines such as (co)poly(quaternary pyridines), (co)polybiguanides such as (co)polyaminopropyl biguanides, (co)polylysines, (co)polyornithines, (co)polyarginines, (co)polyhistidines, aminodextrans, aminocelluloses, amino(co)polyvinylacetals, and salts thereof.

[0228] As the (co)polyamines, it is preferable to use chitosans. Chitosan is well known. Chitosan can be a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→ 4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). The molecular weight of chitosan may be from 5,000 to 1,000,000, preferably from 10,000 to 500,000, and more preferably from 50,000 to 200,000. The actylation degree of chitosan may be from 1.0% to 10.0%, preferably from 2.0% to 8.0%, and more preferably from 3.0% to 6.0%. Chitosan can be prepared by, for example, treating the chitin shells of shrimp and other crustaceans with an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide.

[0229] As the (co)polyamines, it may be preferable to use (co)polylysines. Polylysine is also well known. Poly lysine can be a natural homopolymer of L-lysine that can be produced by bacterial fermentation. For example, polylysine can be ε-Poly-L-lysine, typically used as a natural preservative in food products. Polylysine is a polyelectrolyte which is soluble in polar solvents such as water, propylene glycol and glycerol. Polylysine is commercially available in various forms, such as poly D-lysine and poly L-lysine. Polylysine can be in salt and / or solution form.

[0230] (14) Cationic Polyaminoacids

[0231] As the cationic polymer, it may be possible use cationic polyaminoacids, which may be cationic homopolymers or copolymers, with a plurality of amino groups and carboxyl groups. The amino group may be a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amino group. The amino group may be present in a polymer backbone or a pendent group, if present, of the cationic polyaminoacids. The carboxyl group may be present in a pendent group, if present, of the cationic polyaminoacids.

[0232] As examples of the cationic polyaminoacids, mention may be made of cationized collagen, cationized gelatin, steardimoium hydroxyprolyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed conchiolin protein, steardimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed soy protein, cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein, and the like. The following descriptions relate to preferable embodiments of the cationic polymer.

[0233] It may be preferable that the (i) cationic polymer be selected from cationic starches.

[0234] As examples of the cationic starches, mention may be made of starches modified with a 2,3- epoxypropyltrimethylammonium salt (e.g. chloride), such as the product known as starch hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride according to the INCI nomenclature and sold under the name SENSOMER™ C1-50 from Ondeo or Pencare™ DP 1015 from Ingredion.

[0235] It may also be preferable that the (i) cationic polymer be selected from cationic gums.

[0236] The gums may be, for example, selected from the group consisting of cassia gum, karaya gum, konjac gum, gum tragacanth, tara gum, acacia gum and gum arabic.

[0237] Examples of cationic gum include cationic poly galactomannan derivatives such as guar gum derivatives and cassia gum derivatives, e.g., CTFA: Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, and Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride. Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is commercially available under the Jaguar™ trade name series from Rhodia Inc. and the N-Hance trade name series from Ashland Inc. Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is commercially available under the Sensomer™ CT-250 and Sensomer™ CT-400 trademarks from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc or the ClearHance™ from Ashland Inc.

[0238] It may be preferable that the (i) cationic polymer be selected from (co)polyamines, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. It may be more preferable that the (i) cationic polymer be selected from the group consisting of polylysine, chitosan, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

[0239] The amount of the (i) cationic polymer(s) in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0240] The amount of the (i) cationic polymer(s) in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0241] The amount of the (i) cationic polymer(s) in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0242] (ii) Nonionic Polymer

[0243] The (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention includes (ii) at least one nonionic polymer. A single type of non-ionic polymer may be used, or two or more different types of nonionic polymers may be used in combination.

[0244] The (ii) nonionic polymer may be water-soluble.

[0245] The (ii) nonionic polymer may be selected from the polymers described below and mixtures thereof.

[0246] A) homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene oxide, having a molar mass equal to or greater than 10,000 g / mol and preferably ranging from 10,000 g / mol to 10,000,000 g / mol. These ranges expressly include 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, 500,000, 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 g / mol.

[0247] They may be chosen from:

[0248] (1) polyethylene oxides) having the following formula (I):

[0249] R-(CH2-CH2-O)n-R' (I) in which R is chosen from the hydroxyl (-OH), methoxy (-OCH3) and amine (-NH2) groups, R' is a methyl (-CH3) group or a hydrogen, and n is a number ranging from 220 to 230,000. This range expressly includes 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 100,000 and 200,000; and

[0250] (2) copolymers of ethylene oxide and of one or more oxyalkylenated monomers having the following formula (II):

[0251] -(CHR-CHR'-O)-O)- (II) in which R and R', independently of each other, are hydrogen or an alkyl group including from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0252] Among the homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene oxide, there may be mentioned in particular the products marketed under the names Poly ox Coagulant (molar mass of about 5 x 106 g / mol) (INCI name: PEG-115M) and Polyox WSR N-60K CG (INCI name: PEG-45M) (molar mass of about 2x106 g / mol) by the company Amerchol, as well as the product marketed under the name Carbowax 20M (INCI name: PEG-350) (molar mass of about 2x 107 g / mol) by the company Union Carbide.

[0253] B) polyvinyl alcohols, in particular those having an average molar mass ranging from 10,000 g / mol to 500,000 g / mol. This range expressly includes 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, 300,000 and 400,000 g / mol. These are compounds represented by the following formula (III): in which x is a mean number expressed as a percentage ranging from 70 to 100; y is a mean number equal to 100-x. The range for x expressly includes 75, 80, 85, 90 and 95.

[0254] There may be mentioned, for example, the products marketed under the names Airvols 103, 350, 203, 540, 714 and 603 by the company Air Products.

[0255] C) homopolymers and copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone, in particular those having an average molar mass ranging from 10,000 g / mol to 1,000,000 g / mol. This range expressly includes 15,000, 20,000, 75,000, 100,000, 500,000, and 750,000 g / mol.

[0256] They may be chosen from:

[0257] 1) polyvinylpyrrolidones having the following formula (IV):

[0258] There may be mentioned, for example, the products marketed under the names Polyclar V15 (molar mass of about 8000 g / mol), V30 (molar mass of about 50,000 g / mol), V60 (molar mass of about 400,000 g / mol), V90 (molar mass of about 1,000,000 g / mol) and V120 (molar mass of about 2,500,000 g / mol) by the company ISP; and

[0259] 2) copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone such as:

[0260] (a) copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinyl acetate, in particular the copolymer containing 30% of vinyl acetate, marketed under the name PVP-VA 735 by the company ISP;

[0261] (b) copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinylpyrrolidone derivatives with butene grafts such as the copolymer containing 10% vinylpyrrolidone with butene grafts, marketed under the name Ganex (or Antaron) P904 by the company ISP;

[0262] (c) copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of maleic anhydride;

[0263] (d) copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone with polyvinyl alkyl ethers of the following formula (V): in which R is chosen from the alkyl groups containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms. This range expressly includes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 carbons. Preferably, R is a methyl group;

[0264] (e) copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of N-vinyllactams such as N-butyrolactam and N- vinylcaprolactam; and

[0265] (f) copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone with the neutral acrylic derivatives of the following formula (VI): in which R is hydrogen or a methyl group, and X is chosen from the groups alkyl oxide of the type OR' where R' contains from 1 to 7 carbon atoms (which range expressly includes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 carbons); hydroxylated and / or aminated alkyl oxide of the OR1(OH)n(NR2R3)m type where n and m are numbers ranging from 0 to 10 (which range expressly includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), R1is an alkyl group containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms (which range expressly includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9); R2and R3are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group such that the sum of the carbon atoms of R2and R3ranges from 1 to 7 (which range expressly includes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6); primary, secondary or tertiary amine of the NR2R3type where R2and R3have the meaning indicated above.

[0266] D) homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl caprolactam which may be chosen from:

[0267] 1) polyvinylcaprolactams which have the following formula (VII): and

[0268] 2) copolymers of vinylcaprolactams obtained from vinylcaprolactam and from one or more of the following monomers: vinyl acetate;

[0269] N-vinyllactam such as N-butyrolactam, N-vinylcaprolactam and N-vinylpyrrolidone; maleic anhydride; vinyl alkyl ethers of formula (V) indicated above; and neutral acrylic derivatives of formula (VI) indicated above.

[0270] As polymers and copolymers of this type, there may be mentioned, for example, the product marketed under the name Luviskol Plus by the company BASF and the product marketed under the name H2OLD EP-1 by the company ISP.

[0271] E) homopolymers and copolymers of polyvinyl methyl ether which may be chosen from:

[0272] 1) polyvinyl methyl ethers of formula (V) indicated above;

[0273] 2) copolymers obtained from vinyl methyl ether and from one or more of the following monomers: vinyl alkyl ethers of formula (V) indicated above; vinyl acetate;

[0274] N-vinyllactam such as N-butyrolactam, N-vinylcaprolactam and N-vinylpyrrolidone; maleic anhydride; and neutral acrylic derivatives of formula (VI) indicated above.

[0275] As polymers and copolymers of this type, there may be mentioned, for example, the products marketed under the names Gantrez (INCI name: PVM / MA copolymer), and particularly Gantrez AN-119 (molar mass of about 190,000 g / mol), AN-139 (molar mass of about 950,000 g / mol), AN-149 (molar mass — 1,100,000 g / mol), AN-169 (molar mass of about 1,700,000 g / mol) and AN- 179 (molar mass of about 2,000,000 g / mol) by the company ISP.

[0276] F) neutral acrylic homopolymers and copolymers, in particular those having a molar mass ranging from 10,000 g / mol to 5,000,000 g / mol. This range expressly includes 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 500,000, 1,000,000 and 2,500,000 g / mol. They may be chosen from:

[0277] 1) neutral water-soluble acrylic polymers having the following formula (IX): in which R1is hydrogen or a methyl group, and X is chosen from (a) alkylamino groups or (b) hydroxylated and / or aminated alkyl oxide groups.

[0278] The polymers with (a) alkylamino groups are compounds of formula (IX) where X=NR2R3such that the corresponding acrylic polymer is water-soluble, R2and R3being independently hydrogen or an alkyl group such that the sum of the carbon atoms of R2and R3ranges from 1 to 7 (which range expressly includes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). As polymers of this type, there may be mentioned in particular polyacrylamides where R1, R2and R3are hydrogen; polymethylacrylamides where R1is a methyl group and R2and R3are hydrogen; poly-N-methylacrylamides where R1and R2are hydrogen and R3is a methyl group; poly-N,N'-dimethylacrylamides where R1is hydrogen and R2and R3are a methyl group; poly-N-ethylacrylamides where R1and R2are hydrogen and R3 is an ethyl group; poly-N-isopropylacrylamides where R1and R2are hydrogen and R3is an isopropyl group.

[0279] As a polymer of this type, there may be mentioned the polyacrylamide marketed under the name Superfloc N300 LMW by the company Cytec.

[0280] Polymers with hydroxylated and / or aminated alkyl oxide groups (b) are compounds of formula (IX) in which X=OR2(OH)n(NR3R4)m where n and m are numbers ranging from 0 to 10 (which range expressly includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9), R2is an alkyl group containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms (which range expressly includes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6); R3and R4are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group such that the sum of the carbon atoms of R3and R4ranges from 1 to 7 (which range expressly includes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), these groups being such that the corresponding acrylic derivative is water-soluble.

[0281] As a polymer of this type, there may be mentioned the polyglyceryl methacrylate marketed under the name Lubrajel CG by the company Guardian.

[0282] 2) copolymers of a water-soluble and neutral acrylic derivative of formula (IX) as defined above and of one or more of the following neutral monomers: vinyl acetate;

[0283] N-vinyllactam such as N-butyrolactam, N-vinylcaprolactam and N-vinylpyrrolidone; maleic anhydride; vinyl alkyl ethers of formula (V) indicated above; and neutral acrylic derivative of formula (VI) indicated above.

[0284] G) nonionic polysaccharides which may be chosen from:

[0285] 1) nonionic celluloses, for example, nonionic cellulose ethers with C1-C3alkyl or hydroxy C1-C3alkyl groups, which may have a molar mass ranging from 10,000 g / mol to 5,000,000 g / mol.

[0286] This range expressly includes 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 500,000, 1,000,000 and 2,500,000 g / mol.

[0287] They may be chosen from methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0288] 2) nonionic polysaccharides derived from microorganisms. The polysaccharide derived from microorganisms means a polysaccharide produced by microorganisms such as germs or bacteria. They may be chosen from cardollan, xanthan gum, gellan gum, dextran, pullulan, sclerotium gum, and mixtures thereof.

[0289] 3) nonionic polysaccharides derived from plants, expect for nonionic celluloses. They may be selected from C1-C3alkyl guar or hydroxy C1-C3alkyl guar, which may have a molar mass ranging from 10,000 g / mol to 5,000,000 g / mol. This range expressly includes 20,000, 50,000. 100,000, 500,000, 1 ,000,000 and 2,500,000 g / mol. There may be mentioned hydroxypropyl guar such as the product marketed under the name Jaguar HP- 105 by the company Rhodia.

[0290] The (ii) nonionic polymer may be selected from nonionic polysaccharides.

[0291] In one embodiment, the (ii) nonionic surfactant may preferably be selected from nonionic celluloses, and more preferably nonionic cellulose ethers. It may be in particular preferable that the (ii) nonionic polymer be selected from the group consisting of methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0292] In another embodiment, the (ii) nonionic polymer may preferably be selected from nonionic polysaccharides derived from microorganisms. It may be in particular preferable that the (ii) nonionic polymer be selected from the group consisting of cardollan, xanthan gum, gellan gum, dextran, pullulan, sclerotium gum, and mixtures thereof.

[0293] The amount of the (ii) nonionic polymer(s) in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be 0.001% by weight or more, preferably 0.01% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0294] The amount of the (ii) nonionic polymer(s) in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0295] The amount of the (ii) nonionic polymer(s) in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be from 0.001% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0296] (iii) Optional Ingredient

[0297] The (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may comprise at least one optional ingredient other than the (i) cationic polymer and the (ii) nonionic polymer.

[0298] Water

[0299] The (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may comprise water.

[0300] The water can function as a vehicle for the (i) cationic polymer and (ii) nonionic polymer.

[0301] The amount of the water in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be 50% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or more, and more preferably 70% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0302] The amount of the water in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be 99% by weight or less, preferably 98% by weight or less, and more preferably 97% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0303] The amount of the water in the (2) composition of the kit according to the present invention may be from 50% to 99% by weight, preferably from 60% to 98% by weight, and more preferably from 70% to 97% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

[0304] Cosmetically Active Ingredient

[0305] The (2) composition may comprise at least one cosmetically active ingredient. A single type of a cosmetically active ingredient may be used, but two or more different types of cosmetically active ingredients may be used in combination.

[0306] The cosmetically active ingredient may be a skin care agent. As the skin-care agents, mention can be made of whitening agents or brightening agents, anti-oxidants, cleansing agents, free radical scavengers, moisturizers, skin tone altering agents, anti-acne agents, anti-aging agents, anti-wrinkle agents such as sodium hyaluronate, anti-inflammatory agents, skin texture treatment agents, anti-perspirant agents, aesthetics, anti-bacterial agents, cooling actives, sweat absorption actives, nourishing agents, sebum absorbers, oil absorbers, moisture absorbers and any combination thereof.

[0307] The amount of the cosmetically active ingredient(s) in the (2) composition is not particularly limited, but in general may range from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the (2) composition may be free of cosmetically active ingredients.

[0308] Polyol

[0309] The (2) composition may comprise at least one polyol. A single type of a polyol may be used, but two or more different types of the polyols may be used in combination.

[0310] The term “polyol” here means an alcohol having two or more hydroxy groups, and does not encompass a saccharide or a derivative thereof. The derivative of a saccharide includes a sugar alcohol which is obtained by reducing one or more carbonyl groups of a saccharide, as well as a saccharide or a sugar alcohol in which the hydrogen atom or atoms in one or more hydroxy groups thereof has or have been replaced with at least one substituent such as an alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyl group or a carbonyl group.

[0311] The polyol may function as a humectant, and can provide skin conditioning benefits.

[0312] The polyol may be a C2-C24polyol, preferably a C2-C9polyol, comprising at least 2 hydroxy groups, and preferably 2 to 5 hydroxy groups. The polyol may be selected from glycerins and derivatives thereof, and glycols and derivatives thereof. The polyol may be selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, C6-C24polyethyleneglycol, 1,3 -propanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol, dextrins, and sorbitols.

[0313] In one preferred embodiment, the polyols are selected from glycerin, glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycols and diethylene glycols, dextrins, and sorbitols.

[0314] The amount of the polyol(s) in the (2) composition is not particularly limited, but in general may range from 0.001 to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 15% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 % by weight, and even more preferably from 1 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the (2) composition may be free of polyols.

[0315] Other Additive

[0316] The (2) composition may also comprise any other optional additive(s) usually used in the field of cosmetics, chosen, for example, from anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphoteric surfactants, dispersants, fragrances, antiseptics, chelating agents, coloring agent, pH adjusting agents such acid, alkaline agent and / or buffering agent, and mixtures thereof. pH

[0317] The pH of the (2) composition may be from 3 to 9, preferably from 3.3 to 8.5, and more preferably from 4 to 6.

[0318] (Form)

[0319] The kit according to the present invention may be in any form.

[0320] In one embodiment, the (1) article may be packed, as it is, in a single package.

[0321] In one embodiment, the (1 ) article may be folded or rolled, and packed in a single package. In another embodiment, a plurality of the (1) articles may be packed in a single package wherein each of the (1) articles may be folded or rolled.

[0322] On the other hand, the (2) composition may be charged into a bottle with, for example, a dispenser which may have a pump to discharge the (2) composition when treating skin.

[0323] The (1) article, which may be packed in a package, and the (2) composition, which may be in a bottle, may be contained in a single container.

[0324] [Cosmetic Process]

[0325] The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for skin, preferably a cosmetic process for face skin, and more preferably nose skin. The cosmetic process according to the present invention is a non-therapeutic process for beautifying the appearance of skin, preferably face skin, and more preferably nose skin.

[0326] The cosmetic process according to the present invention comprises the steps of:

[0327] (1) applying onto the skin (2) at least one composition comprising

[0328] (i) at least one cationic polymer, preferably as defined above, and

[0329] (ii) at least one nonionic polymer, preferably as defined above;

[0330] (2) applying onto the skin after step (1) at least one article comprising

[0331] (a) at least one substrate, preferably as defined above, and

[0332] (b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay, preferably as defined above and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder, preferably as defined above;

[0333] (3) leaving the (1) article on the skin; and

[0334] (4) peeling off the (1) article from the skin.

[0335] The cosmetic process according to the present invention can control sebum on the skin and remove comedones from the skin with reduced pain and / or reduced skin damage.

[0336] The cosmetic process according to the present invention can reduce the amount of sebum on the skin and / or to delay the increase in the amount of sebum on the skin over time.

[0337] The cosmetic process according to the present invention can also remove comedones, such as blackheads and whiteheads, from the pores on the skin.

[0338] Step (1) is a step of applying the (2) composition as explained above onto the skin. The means to apply the (2) composition onto the skin is not limited. For example, a finger or fingers of a user can be used for applying the (2) composition onto the skin.

[0339] In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin may be cleaned with water, if necessary, before step (1).

[0340] Step (2) is a step of applying the (1) article as explained above onto the skin onto which the skin has been treated with the (2) composition by step (1). This step can be conducted by, for example, placing the (1) article on the skin which was been treated with the (2) composition in step (1).

[0341] Step (3) is a step of leaving the (1) article applied on the skin by step (2) for a certain period of time in order to make the skin non-wet or dried. This step can be performed by waiting a sufficient period of time, called “application time”, after placing the (1) article in contact with the skin, until the (1) article absorb the (2) composition to make the skin non-wet or dried.

[0342] The application time in step (3) may range from 1 minute to 30 minutes, preferably from 3 minutes to 25 minutes, more preferably from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, and even more preferably from 10 minutes to 15 minutes. Step (3) can be carried out at room temperature (25°C) and atmospheric pressure (105Pa).

[0343] In step (3), the (1) article can absorb any of sebum, excess oil, and impurities from the skin. Therefore, the process according to the present invention can control sebum on the skin.

[0344] Step (4) is a step of peeling the (1) article as explained above from the skin. In step (4), comedones on the skin can be removed from the skin because the comedones on the skin becomes adhered to the (1) article, and the (1) article with the comedones is removed from the skin. Thus, the comedones in pores of the skin can be removed by the cosmetic process according to the present invention.

[0345] The force necessary to peel off the (1) article from the skin is not as high compared to conventional cosmetic products to remove comedones. The force measurement method is described in detail in the following section of Examples. The force may be from 0.5 to 9 N / 2cm, preferably from 0.6 to 5 N / 2cm, and more preferably from 0.7 to 2 N / 2cm. Therefore, the process according to the present invention can remove comedones from the skin with reduced pain and / or reduced skin damage.

[0346] The cosmetic process according to the present invention may further comprise the step of (5) cleansing the skin in order to remove the residue of the (1) article from the skin.

[0347] If the (a) substrate of the (1) article is water-soluble or water-dispersible, the residue of the (1) article can be easily removed from the skin by, for example, rubbing the skin or washing the skin with hands using water.

[0348] EXAMPLES

[0349] The present invention will be described in a more detailed manner by way of examples.

[0350] However, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0351] Article Preparation

[0352] An article used for the kit and cosmetic process according to the present invention was prepared as follows.

[0353] A coating composition was prepared by mixing the ingredients shown in Table 1. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients are all based on “% by weight” as raw materials.

[0354] Table 1

[0355] The coating composition thus prepared was dispersed in isopropyl alcohol, and then coated on a water-soluble paper 30MDP (thickness: 0.065 mm) from Nippon Paper Papylia by a bar coating to prepare a coated paper. The coated paper was dried at 70°C to obtain the article. The amount of the clay was 14 g / m2. The obtained article was cut into the shape of a facial mask as shown in Figure 1.

[0356] Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-3

[0357] [Preparation]

[0358] Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-3 was prepared by mixing the ingredients shown in Table 2. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients are all based on “% by weight” as raw materials.

[0359] Table 2

[0360] [Evaluation] (Peeling Force Test)

[0361] Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-3 in an amount of 39.5 mL was applied onto a rectangle glass plate, Micro slide glass S1112, Matsunami Glass Ind. Ltd. Then, the article prepared as described above was cut into rectangular shapes (width: 2 cm) and placed on the rectangle glass plate such that the clay-coated surface of the sample article faced the composition spread on the glass plate, and one edge of the sample article was positioned over the edge of the glass plate to be a free end. The sample article was left for 15 minutes until the composition was completely absorbed by the sample article.

[0362] As an apparatus for measuring peeling force, a combination of a force gauge of ZTS-50N and a base of MX2-500N provided by IMADA Co., Ltd. in Japan, was used.

[0363] The glass plate was fixed on the base of MX2-500N and the free end of the sample article was pinched and picked up by a pinch of the force gauge of ZTS-50N. The pinched free end of the sample article was moved upward with an angle of 90° to peel off the sample article from the glass plate. The value of the force gauge was recorded as peeling force (N / 2cm). The results are shown in Table 3.

[0364] Table 3

[0365] The value of “Ref. 1” in Table 3 is the peeling force measured in the same manner as described above (with the proviso that water is used instead of the composition according to Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-3) for a commercial product, purchased in June, 2023, sold by Kao under the name KAO Men's Biore Pore pack, in the form of a sheet to remove blackheads on a nose.

[0366] (Blackhead Removability Test)

[0367] Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-3 was applied onto the skin of a nose of a panelist, and then, the article in the form of Figure 1 was applied onto the skin. After 15 minutes, the article was peeled off from the skin.

[0368] The blackhead removability was evaluated by comparing the images of the nose with VISIA- CR™ of Canfield Scientific before and after the above treatment.

[0369] The same test was performed using the commercial product used for the above “Peeling Force Test”, purchased in June, 2023, sold by Kao under the name KAO Men's Biore Pore pack, as a reference, provided that water was used instead of the compositions according to Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-3.

[0370] It was found that the use of the compositions according to Examples 1-3 performed the same level of blackhead removability as the reference. On the other hand, the use of the compositions according to Comparative Examples 1-3 could not provide good fit of the article onto the skin and could not remove blackheads.

[0371] (Skin Damage Test)

[0372] The composition according to Example 1 was applied onto the skin of the nose of 20 female panelists, and then, the article in the form of Figure 1 was applied onto the skin. After 15 minutes, the article was peeled off from the skin.

[0373] Immediately after the above treatment, a transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is an indispensable parameter for evaluating the water barrier function of skin was evaluated with Tewameter® TM HEX of Courage+Kazaka in Germany.

[0374] The same test was performed using the commercial product used for the above “Peeling Force Test”, as a reference (Ref. 1).

[0375] The results are shown in Table 4.

[0376] Table 4

[0377] The lower the TEWL values, the more water evaporation from the skin we have. Thus, the decrease of values of TEWL reflects more skin damage (due to deterioration of skin barrier function).

[0378] (Sebum Control Test)

[0379] The composition according to Example 1 was applied onto the forehead skin of 20 female panelists, and then, the article in the form of Figure 1 was applied onto the skin. After 15 minutes, the article was peeled off from the skin.

[0380] The sebum amounts on the skin immediately after the above treatment, as well as 2 hours later and 4 hours later, were measured with Sebumeter SM815MP of Courage+Kazaka in Germany. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0381] Table 5

[0382] The value of “Ref. 2” in Table 5 is the sebum amount measured in the same manner, provided that a nonwoven face mask, made of polyolefin fibers that had been impregnated with the composition including the ingredients shown in Table 6 was applied onto the skin.

[0383] Table 6

[0384] The lower the value, the more sebum amount reduction we have.

[0385] (Summary)

[0386] By using the compositions according to Examples 1-3, the article can be more readily peeled off compared to the commercially available conventional product (Ref. 1), while providing good blackhead removability that is as good as the commercially available conventional product (Ref. 1).

[0387] In addition, it can be understood that by using the kit or cosmetic process according to the present invention, the skin damage can be reduced, and that sebum on skin can be suppressed for a long period of time.

[0388] On the other hand, by using the compositions according to Comparative Examples 1-3, the article could not remove blackheads from the skin.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A kit comprising:(1) at least one article, comprising(a) at least one substrate, and(b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder; and(2) at least one composition comprising(i) at least one cationic polymer, and(ii) at least one nonionic polymer.

2. The kit according to Claim 1, wherein the (a) substrate is porous, preferably a woven or non-woven sheet, and more preferably a paper.

3. The kit according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the (b1) clay is selected from the group consisting of kaolin, hectorites, montmorillonites, bentonites, and a mixture thereof.

4. The kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the (b2) water-soluble binder is selected from the group consisting of starch, pullulan, cellulose, cellulose derivative, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a mixture thereof.

5. The kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the (i) cationic polymer is selected from (co)polyamines, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

6. The kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the (i) cationic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polylysine, chitosan, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

7. The kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the amount of the (i) cationic polymer(s) in the (2) composition ranges from 0.01% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 1% to 10 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the (2) composition.

8. The kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the (ii) nonionic polymer is selected from nonionic polysaccharides.

9. The kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the (ii) nonionic polymer is selected from nonionic celluloses, preferably from nonionic cellulose ethers, and more preferably from the group consisting of methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.

10. The kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the (ii) nonionic polymer is selected from nonionic polysaccharides derived from microorganisms, and preferably from the group consisting of cardollan, xanthan gum, gellan gum, dextran, pullulan, sclerotium gum, and mixtures thereof.

11. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the amount of the (ii) nonionic polymer(s) in the (2) composition ranges from 0.001% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 10 % by weight, relative tothe total weight of the (2) composition.

12. The kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the composition is liquid.

13. A cosmetic process for skin, preferably face skin, and more preferably nose skin, comprising the steps of:(1) applying onto the skin (2) at least one composition comprising(i) at least one cationic polymer, and(ii) at least one nonionic polymer;(2) applying onto the skin after step (1) at least one article comprising(a) at least one substrate, and(b) at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate, comprising (b1) at least one clay and (b2) at least one water-soluble binder;(3) leaving the (1) article on the skin; and(4) peeling off the (1) article from the skin.

14. The cosmetic process according to Claim 13, wherein the application time in step (3) ranges from 1 minute to 30 minutes, preferably from 3 minutes to 25 minutes, more preferably from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, and even more preferably from 10 minutes to 15 minutes.

15. The cosmetic process according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein the force necessary to peel off the (1) article from the skin in the step (4) is from 0.5 to 9 N / 2cm, preferably from 0.6 to 5 N / 2cm, and more preferably from 0.7 to 2 N / 2cm.

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