SULFATE- AND PEG-FREE CLEANSING COMPOSITION WITH HIGH
SALICYLIC ACID CONTENT. A cleansing composition is intended for cleansing the
skin in a rinse-off formulation that provides a stable disposition of an
acne treatment active, for example, a beta-hydroxy acid, on the
skin that resists removal by rinsing with or without the use of a cleansing device. The cleansing composition includes at least one beta-hydroxy acid, for example,
salicylic acid or one of its derivatives, which is present in an amount greater than 1%, by weight, relative to the weight of the cleansing composition, and an aqueous carrier that includes lauryl lactate for thickening and stabilization, at least one surfactant, at least one cationic agent, and optional additives.The cleansing formula produces a pleasant, high lather, is free of sulfates and
drying, irritating PEG-type components, demonstrates
phase stability for at least three months at temperatures up to 45°C, and demonstrates retention of the beta-hydroxy acid
active ingredient on the
skin after cleansing and rinsing. Figure for the summary: none.