Abstract:
The present invention present a novel and cost-effective family of cosmetic compositions comprising inter alia small magnetic particles characterized by magnetic field adapted to be topically administrated adjacent to skin surface, absorbed to epidermal upper skin layers and place in a direct contact to the body, usually above pain suffering regions. The present invention also provides the use of the compositions, especially of nano-powders of salts obtained from the Dead Sea, as an external layer of bandages, dressings, compresses or warps, so constantly approached to be in an intimate contact with the patient&#39;s skin.

Description:
FILED OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention generally relates to cosmetic compositions comprising inter alia small magnetic particles. More specifically, the present invention relates to cosmetic compositions comprising Dead Sea salts and/or biocompatible metal compositions characterized by magnetic field, adapted to be topically administrated on the skin for cosmetic or medical purposes.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Magnet therapy is attracting more and more people, and is gaining experimental evidence for its heeling effects. The term “magnet therapy” refers to the use of static magnets attached to skin surface, absorbed to epidermal upper skin layers and place in a direct contact to the body, usually above pain suffering regions. All products in the market, aimed at providing magnet therapy, are based on creating a magnetic field by placing a static magnet, or metal having magnetic properties, on top of a part of the body which needs the treatment.  
         [0003]     Obviously, since the source of magnetic field is presented in the form of large rigid pieces of magnets (or metals) such as disks etc., it is very difficult to achieve direct, close contact between the body and the source of magnetic field. Since strength of the magnetic field is highly affected by the length between the source and the treated area, static magnets are either attached to the body by tape or placed in specially designed products such as belts, wraps, or mattress pads. These methods have literally relief pain for many people spanning the globe. Therefore, new products in the market are available as wraps and adhesive disks, which should be placed as close as possible to the specific treated part of the body. However, such products are still not with good contact and are also limited to specific parts of the body they were designed to; for example, magnetic facial mask has a different geometry then that of a neck wrap.  
         [0004]     Therefore, there is a need for a product, which would enable closer contact of the magnetic material, with the body, without being too limited regarding the part of body gains the treatment.  
         [0005]     By this invention, we describe a new way to bring the magnetic material into close contact with the skin, in the form of cosmetic compositions. Such compositions are contains finely divided magnetic material, within a cosmetic preparations such as cream, gel, lotion, etc.  
         [0006]     The cosmetic effect of magnets is recognized for a long time. For example, there are several products in the market aimed to achieve cosmetic benefits, due to the contact between the magnetic material and the skin, however, still in the form of wraps made of textile, or plastic material, in which the magnets are embedded. Such products are sold as anti-aging magnetic head/neck wrap, anti-aging facial-mask etc.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,129 to Ardizzone et al. discloses a magneto-therapeutic device incorporates bio-ceramic fibers, which provides simultaneous magneto-therapy and far infrared wave therapy. Similarly, Swiss Pat. No. 313679 shows a handheld massage therapy device having a rotating carrier containing multiple magnetic balls. Russian Pat. No. 2,192,240 to Aronpolin et al. introduces a method involves manual massage given simultaneously with magnet therapy. U.S. Pat. No. 2,003,028,069 to Santiago presents a bio-enhanced magnetic device for promoting hair growth by stimulating a beneficial blood circulation especially on the scalp area. WO0205891 to Ardizzone et al. introduces a magneto-therapeutic device incorporates bio-ceramic fibers which provide simultaneous magneto-therapy and far infrared wave therapy. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,031 to Douglas presents a magnetic pack having water absorbent filler such as poly-acrylamide and having at least one magnet and an accessory strap that allows the application of magnetic therapy.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     It is thus the purpose of the present invention to provide useful and cost effective cosmetic compositions comprising inter alia small magnetic particles, characterized by magnetic field adapted to be topically administrated on the skin. Most preferably, the aforementioned magnetic particles are obtained from the salts of the Dead Sea. Additionally or alternatively, the said magnetic particles are selected from iron, Fe 2 O 3  or any other ferromagnetic element or compound, or optionally selected from nickel, cobalt, neodymium, samarium or any mixture thereof.  
         [0009]     It is in the scope of the present invention wherein the cosmetic compositions defined above are in the form of creams, gels, lotions, masks, ointments, foams, soaps, shampoos, bath salts or aromatic oils. Those magnetic particles are solubilized, dispersed or suspended in waterborne or solvent-base emulsions, solutions or any combination thereof.  
         [0010]     It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the cosmetic compositions defined above comprising additives. Those additives are selected yet not limited to antioxidants; vitamins, such as A, C, or E; medically active agents; chemotherapeutic agents; radio-therapeutic agents; humidifiers; biocides; pigments; smell agents; odorants; colorants; UV absorbents and/or UV blockage agents such titanium oxide, zinc oxide etc.; polymers, e.g. also monomers, oligomers and co-polymers; thickeners; co-solvents; emulsifiers; surfactants or vegetable extracts, such as Aloe Vera extract. Those cosmetic compositions may be selected from, yet not limited to anti-aging magnetic head/neck wrap or anti-aging facial mask Moreover; those cosmetic compositions are possibly suspended in polyalkylsiloxane, as such as polymethylsiloxane.  
         [0011]     It is still in the scope of the present invention wherein the magnetic particles are characterized as nano-magnetic particles, and hence ranges from 2 to 20 nm in maximum diameter and/or form 20 to 200 nano-meter in diameter.  
         [0012]     Lastly, it is yet in the scope of the present invention wherein the magnetic particles as defined in any of the above, are provided as an external layer of bandages, dressings, compresses or warps, so constantly approached to be in an intimate contact with the patient&#39;s skin.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     The following description is provided, along all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide for cosmetic compositions comprising inter alia small magnetic particles.  
         [0014]     Various cosmetic preparations have been made to provide the magnetic compositions useful in a wide range of products and cosmetic treatments. Those compositions are selected, yet at any means not limited to cosmetic compositions in the form of creams, gels, lotions, masks, ointments, foams, soaps, shampoos, bath salts or aromatic oils.  
         [0015]     More specifically, those compositions are especially useful for the preparation of cosmetic compositions comprising inter alia magnetic particles, particularly nano-powders of said magnetic particles, of various types and mixtures, especially salts, mud, pure substances and compositions produced or obtained from the Dead Sea.  
         [0016]     It is further in the core of the present invention, wherein the aforementioned cosmetic compositions are the form selected, yet not limited to at least one of the group of Dead Sea bath salts; Dead Sea mineral mud; hydrophilic gels; lipophilic gels; protective dermatological ointments; ointments in emulsions; dermatological anhydrous pastes; dermatological tinctures; nourishing face creams; nourishing face cream in emulsions; moisturizing face creams; moisturizing face creams; moisturizing face cream in emulsions; moisturizing face gels; hair and scalp conditioning mask or scalp treatment shampoos.  
         [0017]     It is acknowledged in this respect that the present invention is especially related to magnetic compositions in the form of emulsions. The term emulsion is referring any non-ideal phase comprising of micelles of any size or type, reversed micelles, a multi-phase compartmentability, water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, water-in-oil-in water (W/O/W), oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) or any combination thereof.  
         [0018]     In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, some 12 preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying examples as follows:  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0019]     Dead Sea bath salt was prepared. Said salt mixture comprising the ingredients as described in table 1 and table 2:  
                                 TABLE 1                           Major constituents of the Dead Sea salt, utilized also for       the preparation of the Dead Sea bath salt product.                        PERCENT IN           MAJOR CONSTITUENTS   FORMULA   DRY MATTER                       MAGNESIUM   (MgCl2)   30.0-34.0%           SODIUM CHLORIDE   (NaCl)    8.0-18.0%           POTASSIUM CHLORIDE   (KCl)   22.0-28.0%           CALCIUM CHLORIDE   (CaCl2)   00.3-00.7%           SULFATES   (SO4)   00.1-00.2%           BROMIDES   (Br)   00.2-00.4%           INSOLUBLE MATTER       00.2-00.9%           SILICATES   (SIO2)   00.1-00.2%                      
 
         [0020]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Minor constituents of the Dead Sea salt, utilized also for the 
               
               
                 preparation of the Dead Sea bath salt product 
               
             
          
           
               
                 MANOR CONSTITUENTS 
                 SIGN 
                 PERCENT IN DRY MATTER 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 RUBIDIUM 
                 (Rb) 
                 300-400 
                 ppm 
               
               
                 PHOSPHATES 
                 (PO4) 
                 50-60 
                 ppm 
               
               
                 IRON 
                 (Fe) 
                 20-40 
                 ppm 
               
               
                 STRONTIUM 
                 (Si) 
                 100-200 
                 ppm 
               
               
                 BORON 
                 (BO3) 
                 5-10 
                 ppm 
               
               
                 LITHIUM 
                 (Li) 
                 2-4 
                 ppm 
               
               
                 MANGANESE 
                 (Mn) 
                 2-4 
                 ppm 
               
               
                 ALUMINUM 
                 (Al) 
                 5-10 
                 ppm 
               
               
                 CESIUM 
                 (Cs) 
                 1-2 
                 ppm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       EXAMPLE 2  
       [0021]     Dead Sea mineral mud was prepared. Said mud mixture comprising the clays as described in table 2 and table 3:  
                             TABLE 3                           Semi quantitative mineralogical composition of the clay (less       then 2 micrometer), fraction (%) of Dead Sea mud.                Mineralogical composition   Fraction (%) of Dead Sea Mud.                       Illite - semectite phases   50-70%           Kaolinite   10-20%           Illite   10-15%           Calcite    5-15%           Quartz   1-5%           Chlorite   less then 5%           Palygorskite   less then 5%                      
 
         [0022]     These results are a summary of XRD analysis of two separate aliquots of the same sample of crude mineral mud. One was analyzed after washing with distilled water and the second was analyzed after treatment with diluted HCl and H 2 O 2 .  
                                                           TABLE 4                           Elemental chemical analysis performed by inductive coupled       plasma (ICP) method and wet analytical analysis methods:                Elements   Content in PPM   Elements   Content in PPM                            Si   107,500   V   45           Ca   105,300   Ni   25           Cl   40,500   Li   17           Fe   24,500   Cu   11           Al   22,500   Co   7           Mg   18,600   Pb   5           Ti   2,700   Th   4           P   1,300   As   2.5           S   1,200   U   2.3           Br   1,200   Mo   1.5           Sr   400   Sn   1           Mn   225   Ag   &lt;1           Ba   200   Cd   0.6           Cr   58   Be   0.5           Zn   48   Sb   0.2                      
 
         [0023]     Magnetic nano compositions are selected, yet not limited to the group consisting of soft ferrite particles or ferroaluminates, such as Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ), barium hexaferrite, strontium hexaferrite, undoped barium hexaferrite, undoped strontium hexaferrite, manganese zinc ferrite. Those compositions are dispersed in a cosmetic preparation in the demagnetized state and the preparation is magnetized after cosmetic application to the skin. In the following examples, all percents are by weight and are based upon the total composition weight.  
       EXAMPLE 3  
       [0024]     A hydrophilic gel was prepared. The gel comprising a suspension of magnetically hard magnetite nano powders. Magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea Mud or a mixture thereof, characterized by an average particle size ranges from 50 to 200 μm, 10% (wt) was admixed to a mixture of 20% propylene glycol, 20% glycerol, 1%; hydroxypropyl cellulose and 54.0% distilled water. The obtained mixture was homogenized by a means of a Silverson homogenizer at 15,000 rpm for about 30 min.  
       EXAMPLE 4  
       [0025]     A lipophilic gel was prepared. The gel comprising a suspension of magnetically hard magnetite nano powders. Magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea Mud or a mixture thereof, characterized by an average particle size ranges from 50 to 200 nm, 10% (wt) was admixed to a mixture of 10% Quaternium-18 Hectorite, 10% propylene carbonate and 70% caprylic/capric triglyceride. The obtained mixture was homogenized by a means of a Silverson homogenizer at 15,000 rpm for about 30 min.  
       EXAMPLE 5  
       [0026]     A protective dermatological ointment in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion was prepared. The following ingredients were thoroughly admixed in one organic phase heated to 65° C.: sorbitan isostearate, 2.5%; petrolatum, 20%; synthetic lanolin, 3.5% and mineral oil, 25% at 25° C., 7.5%. In a second step, a water-miscible phase was thoroughly admixed by a means of a Silverson homogenizer at 5,000 rpm for about 10 min at 65° C. This solution comprises of glycerol, 4.0%; de-ionized water, up to 100% and Dead Sea salt, 1.0%. Subsequently, the homogenized solution obtained above was cooled to 30° C., and magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea mud or a mixture thereof, 2.0% was thoroughly admixed.  
         [0027]     It is acknowledged in this respect that various derivatives of the following formulation were found useful. For example, the aforementioned magnetite ingredient was admixed in the form of either water-miscible or water-immiscible nano-suspension gel, as defined in example No. 3 and 4, wherein magnetic composition powder, 20% is used.  
       EXAMPLE 6  
       [0028]     A dermatological anhydrous paste was prepared. The following ingredients were thoroughly admixed in one organic phase heated to 65° C.: petrolatum, up to 100%; synthetic lanolin, 5.0%; jojoba oil, 15.0% and myristyl myristate, 3.0%. In a second step, a water-miscible phase was thoroughly admixed by a means of a Silverson homogenizer at 5,000 rpm for about 10 min at 65° C. This solution comprises of glycerol, 4.0%; de-ionized water, up to 100% and Dead Sea salt, 1.0%. Subsequently, the homogenized solution obtained above was cooled to 30° C., and magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea mud or a mixture thereof, 1.0% was thoroughly admixed.  
       EXAMPLE 7  
       [0029]     A dermatological tincture was prepared. The following ingredients were thoroughly admixed in one water miscible phase heated at ambient temperature: butylene glycol, 5%; propylene glycol, 5%; de-ionised water, up to 100% and magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea mud or a mixture thereof, 1 to 20%  
       EXAMPLE 8  
       [0030]     A nourishing face cream in W/O emulsion was prepared. It is acknowledge in this respect that any emulsion is suitable for said preparation, including W/O, O/W, W/O/W and O/W/O emulsions, wherein the W/O emulsion provided hereto and below in a non-limiting manner as one possible example. The following ingredients were thoroughly admixed in one organic phase at 30° C.: cetyl PEG/PPG-10/11 dimethicone, 2.0%; Polyglyceryl-4-Isostearate, 0.5%; isohexadecane, 18.0%; caprylic/capric triglyceride, 2.0%; butyrospermum parkii, 2.0%; isopropyl myristate, 2.0%; phenoxyethanol &amp; methylparaben &amp; butyl paraben &amp; ethylparaben &amp; propylparaben, 0.5%. In a second step, a water-miscible phase was thoroughly admixed by a means of a Silverson homogenizer at 5,000 rpm for about 10 min. at 30° C. This solution comprises of deionised water, up to 100%; glycerin, 4.0%; Dead Sea Water, 2.0%. Subsequently, the homogenized solution obtained above was cooled to 30° C., and magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea mud or a mixture thereof, 5.0% was thoroughly admixed by a slow stirring.  
       EXAMPLE 9  
       [0031]     Moisturizing face cream in W/O emulsion was prepared. The following ingredients were thoroughly admixed in one organic phase at 75° C.: deionised water, up to 100%; propylene glycol, 2%; glycerin, 1%; methylparaben, 0.1%; imidazolidinyl urea, 0.1%; Dead Sea salt &amp; water (Dead Sea water), 0.5%. In a second step, a water-miscible phase was thoroughly admixed by a means of a silverson homogenizer at 5,000 rpm for about 10 min. at 75° C. This solution comprises of ethyhexyl palmitate, 6.0%; isopropyl myristate, 3.0%; glyceryl stearate, 3.0%; cetyl alcohol, 2.0%; PEG-40; stearate, 1.0%; sorbitan tristearate, 0.5%; dimethicone, 0.5%; propylparaben, 0.2%; fragrance, qs. Subsequently, the homogenized solution obtained above was cooled to 30° C., and magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea mud or a mixture thereof, 5.0% was thoroughly admixed by a slow stirring.  
       EXAMPLE 10  
       [0032]     Moisturizing face gel was prepared. The following ingredients were thoroughly admixed in one organic phase: deionised water, up to 100%; xanthan gum, 0.6%; hydroxyethylcellulose, 0.6%; methylparaben, 0.1%; imidazolidinyl urea, 0.1%; propylene, 3.5%; glycerol, 4.0%; fragrance, qs. The water, xanthan gum and hydroxyethylcellulose are homogenized at ambient temperature. The remaining raw materials are added in order, with stirring. In a second step, a water-miscible phase was thoroughly admixed by a means of a Silverson homogenizer at 5,000 rpm for about 10 min. at 75° C. This solution comprises of ethyhexyl palmitate, 6.0%; isopropyl myristate, 3.0%; glyceryl stearate, 3.0%; cetyl alcohol, 2.0%; PEG-40; stearate, 1.0%; sorbitan tristearate, 0.5%; dimethicone, 0.5%; propylparaben, 0.2%; fragrance, qs. Subsequently, the homogenized solution obtained above was cooled to 30° C., and magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea mud or a mixture thereof, 1.0% was thoroughly admixed by a slow stirring.  
       EXAMPLE 11  
       [0033]     Hair and scalp conditioning mask was prepared. The following ingredients were thoroughly admixed in one organic phase at 75° C.: deionised water, up to 100%; stearalkonium chloride, 6.0%; lycerin, 4.0%; and lactic acid, 0.3%. In a second step, a water-miscible phase was thoroughly admixed by a means of a Silverson homogenizer at 5,000 rpm for about 10 min. at 75° C. This solution comprises cetyl alcohol, 3.0%; oleyl alcohol, 2.0%; jojoba oil, 4.0%, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, 3.0%; and dimethicone, 0.5%. Subsequently, the homogenized solution obtained above was cooled to 30° C., and magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea mud or a mixture thereof, 5.0% was thoroughly admixed by a slow stirring.  
       EXAMPLE 12  
       [0034]     Scalp treatment shampoo was prepared. The following ingredients were thoroughly admixed in one organic phase: deionised water, up to 100%; xanthan gum, 0.6%; magnesium aluminum silicate, 0.6%; methylparaben, 0.1%; imidazolidinyl urea, 0.1%; sodium laureth sulfates 8.0%; ammonium lauryl sulfate, 5.0%; lauramide DEA, 2.0%; fragrance, qs. The water, xanthan gum and magnesium aluminum silicate are homogenized at room temperature. The remaining raw materials are added in order, with stirring. In a second step, a water-miscible phase was thoroughly admixed by a means of a Silverson homogenizer at 5,000 rpm for about 10 min at 75° C. This solution comprises cetyl alcohol, 3.0%; oleyl alcohol, 2.0%; jojoba oil, 4.0%, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, 3.0%; and dimethicone, 0.5%. Subsequently, the homogenized solution obtained above was cooled to 30° C., and magnetic hard compositions selected from magnetite, Dead Sea bath salt, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea mud or a mixture thereof, 1.0% was thoroughly admixed by a slow stirring.