Wrinkle masking composition of sodium polystyrene sulfonate and process for use

A wrinkle masking composition and process for use which temporarily eliminates fine line wrinkles and blemishes of the skin by filling, covering or otherwise effectively masking them. The composition includes a film forming polymer, a plasticizer for the polymeric matrix, a biopolymeric modifier and a filler including aluminosilicate. Optionally, the composition includes cosmetic additives, for example, pigments, rheology control agents, binders and preservatives. By molding itself to the skin, the present invention is compatible with and can be worn under makeup without cracking or peeling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a wrinkle masking composition and process 
for use. In particular, the present invention relates to a wrinkle masking 
composition for cosmetic application and process for use. 
Many ideas have bean proposed in the art of wrinkle masking. None has 
resulted in a composition that can effectively cover and temporarily 
eliminate the appearance of fine line wrinkles. 
In the past, wrinkle smoothing products have appeared in the market place 
from time to time, but were soon withdrawn due to poor performance. These 
earlier products were based on bovine serum albumin, which is a protein 
derived from the fractionation of cattle blood, and were marketed by 
leading cosmetic houses. These protein based products smoothed the face 
because of the skin tightening effect of the serum albumin, but failed to 
adequately mask the fine lines and wrinkles. Makeup could not be easily 
applied over them. Other problems included sensitization of the skin due 
mainly to the serum albumin protein, malodor upon product deterioration, 
and high cost due to the limited sources of supply. 
More recently, the wrinkle masking product category came back to light with 
the introduction of a few wrinkle smoothers which claimed to be improved. 
These new products were based on clays and gums and had some advantages 
over their earlier predecessors. Even more recently, products have 
appeared on the market which claim to mask and cover wrinkles. These 
recently introduced wrinkle masking products include: sodium silicate 
compositions having a pH of about 12, accordingly not recommended for 
delicate or damaged skin and upon application form a chalky film, which is 
highly susceptible to cracking; wrinkle masking tape, typically a 
two-sided adhesive tape for application to the upper eyelid, which serves 
as an eyelift to produce a younger look. This latter product is difficult 
to apply and fails to present a satisfactory solution to the problem of 
masking wrinkles. Still more recently several products that claim 
antiwrinkle effects have started to appear; however, these products do not 
involve a temporary cover/masking mechanism but rather involve a skin 
penetrating treatment that starts to work after several weeks of use. 
These are unrelated to the subject matter of the present invention. A 
large number of compositions have been patented in the art of wrinkle 
masking, but few have resulted in an effective commercial product. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,715 to Strianse et al discloses a cosmetic composition 
composed of an organic polymer of acidic functionality and a zeolite. 
Additional ingredients include carboxy-methylcellulose, pigments, 
alcohols, glycols, surfactants, clays, and the like. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,309 to Krochock discloses sodium polystyrene sulfonate 
for use as a film-former to smooth wrinkles. The aqueous solution also 
includes a surfactant, alcohol, pigments or dyes, and other cosmetic 
materials such as algin, magnesium aluminum silicate, and the like. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,819,825 to Goodwin discloses keratinaceous protein 
extracted from hydrolyzed chicken feathers, animal hair and hoofs. The 
protein is blended with large amounts of colloidal silica to produce skin 
conditioners and temporary wrinkle removers. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,142 to Saute discloses a multiple step process in which 
a sodium polystyrene sulfonate film is applied to the skin and allowed to 
dry. The dried film is removed from the skin creating a cleansing action 
and subsequently is replaced by a moisture barrier formulation. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,523,998 to Feinstone et al. discloses water soluble 
film-formers for use as wrinkle smoothers. Suitable polymers include 
mixtures of dextran, ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymers and sodium 
carboxymethylcellulose. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,416 to Gillespie claims improvement over the Krochock 
patent. Sodium silicate and a second water based polymer are added to the 
sodium polystyrene sulfonate film former for use as a skin firming 
composition. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,961 to Liff discloses petrolatum and microcrystalline 
wax in various proportions for use as a makeup base. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,405 to Nara et al. discloses a makeup composition 
containing ethylhydroxyethylcellulose and a hydrocarbon resin. The final 
product is claimed to have superior water resistance properties and good 
skin adhesion. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,741 to Hofmann teaches a method for wrinkle reduction 
using a pressure sensitive adhesive appliance. In accordance with the 
method, the appliance is tightly applied over wrinkled areas of the face 
and kept in place for four hours. Upon removal the appliance strips dead 
cells from the face to create a smoother, younger look. The disclosed 
appliance is based on polymeric films such as polyethylenes, 
polypropylenes, polyurethanes, and the like. 
Many patents have disclosed adhesive backed tapes of various forms and 
designs for use in covering wrinkles. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 
4,432,347 to Clavin which discloses a two-sided tape for use around the 
eye to affect a pull or a lift; this has resulted in the commercial 
product discussed above. Several European patents, including French Pat. 
Nos. 2,543,826 to Micheau and 2,512,651 to Pere-Lahaille, have also 
disclosed various designs and forms of tapes to cover facial wrinkles. 
Numerous items have been patented for the covering or prevention of 
wrinkles. These items include: 
* A wire-formed facial wrinkle remover with multiple wire loops to permit 
shaping. 
* Mask-forming skin preparations based on water hardenable gypsum 
(CaSO.sub.4) to remove wrinkles and remodel double chins. 
* An eye-wrinkle remover based on a pad specially designed for holding an 
astringent. 
* Compositions based on RNA and DNA. 
* Compositions containing keratic proteins and colloidal SiO.sub.2. 
* Medicaments containing HgCl.sub.2. 
* A wrinkle remover based on form-fired gypsum. 
* A variety of compositions containing water-soluble polymers. 
* Compositions containing glycoproteins and a hydroscopic excipient. 
* Compositions containing bovine embryo cells, DNA and deoxyribonucleic 
acid. 
* Surgical techniques. 
* Electric wrinkle removal treatments. 
* A pressure sensitive adhesive patch specially stiffened to hold skin well 
tensioned. 
* Cream containing alpha-dihydroxyphenylalanine, beeswax emulsion, 
Vitamin-D, and Vitamin-E. 
* Thin films of rubber and/or plastic delivered on the exact site by a 
special process. 
* Phytosterol containing compositions. 
* A specially designed surgical drape assembly coated with a special 
adhesive. 
* Acrylic film patches coated with an acrylic adhesive. 
* Fomes Japonicies extract to remove wrinkles and spots. 
* A treatment using a low electric pulse generation having a repetition 
rate of 100-500 Hz. 
* Pseudoplastic compositions containing carboxyvinyl polymers and zeolites. 
* Sunflower extract. 
* Pharmaceutical compositions containing antibody serum. The technical 
literature supplied by raw material vendors provides two general purpose 
systems, namely: modifications of the Krochock system and a system which 
uses serum albumin. This latter system includes many modifications in 
which the serum albumin is compounded with film-formers such as 
polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). These serum 
albumin compositions produce a skin tightening effect causing the skin to 
feel smooth for a short time. Various forms of this formulation are 
described in DeNavarre, M. G., "Wrinkle Smoothers" The Chemistry and 
Manufacture of Cosmetics, 2nd ed.; deNavarre, M. G., Ed.; Continental 
Press: Orlando, Fla., 1975; 4, pp. 1369-78. One example of a general 
purpose formulation based on bovine serum albumin is composed of 
approximately 30% weight by weight (w/w) albumin bovine serum, 69.9% (w/w) 
aqueous Phylderm Filatov.RTM. (an amino protein complex) and 0.1% (w/w) 
Kathon.RTM. CG (a preservative). After application of this composition the 
skin has a smooth feel, but the fine wrinkle lines on the skin are not 
covered. 
The art lacks a cosmetic composition that can effectively mask and 
temporarily eliminate the appearance of fine line wrinkles. A composition 
having these properties would provide an excellent solution to the age-old 
problem of maintaining a healthy and attractive youthful look. 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic 
composition that temporarily eliminates fine line wrinkles and blemishes 
on the skin by filling, covering or otherwise effectively masking them. 
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a wrinkle masking 
composition having good hiding power that is easy to apply to all types of 
skin and then to remove. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wrinkle 
masking composition having a short drying time. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an economical wrinkle 
masking composition that is compatible with makeup when applied 
underneath. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a wrinkle masking 
composition that is comfortable to wear, allows the skin to breathe and is 
pleasant with repeated use on all skin types. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a wrinkle masking 
composition that is resistant to skin secretions such as sebum and 
perspiration. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a wrinkle masking 
composition that can be worn for at least about 6 hours with acceptable 
results. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a wrinkle masking 
composition that adapts to changes in facial expressions and movement 
without cracking or peeling by molding itself to the skin. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a process for 
applying a cosmetic composition that temporarily eliminates fine line 
wrinkles and blemishes on the skin. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, these objects are 
achieved by a wrinkle masking composition which includes a film forming 
polymer, a plasticizer for the polymeric matrix, a biopolymeric modifier 
and a filler. The composition optionally includes cosmetic additives, 
e.g., pigments, rheology control agents, binders and preservatives. 
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, these objects 
are achieved by a process for covering or masking the fine line wrinkles 
of the skin. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The present invention is a wrinkle masking composition including a film 
forming polymer, a plasticizer for the polymeric matrix, a biopolymeric 
modifier and a filler. The composition can optionally include pigments, 
colorants, additional fillers, preservatives, rheology control agents, 
blending agents and other additives as needed. The cosmetic composition 
temporarily eliminates the appearance of fine line wrinkles and blemishes 
on the skin by filling, covering or otherwise effectively masking them. 
The film forming polymer of the present invention is water soluble. The 
water soluble film forming polymer is a binder and matrix for the other 
ingredients of the composition. The water soluble film forming polymer is 
compatible with skin and forms a strong matrix which holds the other 
ingredients of the composition together and over the skin. Sodium 
polystyrene sulfonate is a suitable polymeric film former which forms a 
matrix and provides excellent binding to the skin. Sodium polystyrene 
sulfonate is commercially available from the National Starch and Chemical 
Corporation marketed under the name Flexan 130.RTM. (30% solids). Sodium 
polystyrene sulfonate is added in an amount of from about 0.3 to about 
1.8%, preferably about 0.6 to about 0.75%, of the total composition based 
on 100% solids. Additional aqueous film forming water soluble polymers for 
use in combination with the matrix forming polymer include carboxymethyl 
cellulose, cellulosic ethers and PVP polymers; these provide further 
reinforcement of the basic film matrix composition. A suitable 
carboxymethyl cellulose is commercially available from Hercules, Inc. 
marketed under the name CMC-7MF.RTM. (medium viscosity pharmaceutical 
grade). Carboxymethyl cellulose is added in an amount from about 1 to 
about 3%, preferably from about 1.5 to about 2.25%, of the total 
composition based on 100% solids. The total film forming polymer is from 
about 1.3 to about 4.8%, preferably from 2.1 to about 3%, of the total 
composition based on 100% solids. 
The water soluble polymeric films are plasticized with agents such as 
glycols and polyols. Suitable plasticizers include glycerin, propylene 
glycol, hexylene glycol and the like. Plasticizers are based on the total 
binder content and added in an amount of from about 10 to about 30%, 
preferably from about 15 to about 25%, of the total composition based on 
100% solids. 
The biopolymeric modifier derived from skin improves the overall 
flexibility of the composition, promotes better adherence of the film to 
skin and allows the film to adapt to dimensional changes associated with 
changing skin configuration. The biopolymeric modifier in combination with 
the polymeric film former imparts to the composition skin compatibility, 
accordion-like mechanical properties and skin-like tactile feel. The 
resultant skin-like character of the film enables the film to adapt to 
skin movement, e.g., facial expressions, without breaking or falling off. 
Thus the use of a biopolymeric modifier in the composition avoids 
mechanical problems, in particular it prevents the film from being dry, 
chalky, or brittle and allows the film to follow the movement of the skin 
without cracking or falling off. Suitable biopolymeric modifiers include 
elastin; collagen; simple polysaccharides or glycogen; complex 
polysaccharides or glycosaminoglycans, such as hyaluronic acid and 
sulphuric chondroitin acid. The latter modifier, namely simple 
polysaccharides or glycogen and complex polysaccharides or 
glycosaminoglycans are available as the commercial concentrate 
Dermosaccharides.RTM. LS-ST. The biopolymeric modifier is from about 
0.0025 to about 1.94%, preferably from about 0.0075 to about 1.25%, of the 
total composition based on 100 % solids. In a preferred embodiment 
hyaluronic acid is added in an amount of from about 0.0025 to about 0.02%, 
preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.0125%, and more preferably from 
about 0.0075 to about 0.01%, of the total composition based on 100% 
solids. Elastin is added in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 0.7%, 
preferably from about 0.2 to about 0.6%, and more preferably from about 
0.4 to about 0.55%, of the total composition based on 100% solids. 
Collagen is added in an amount of from about 0.003 to about 0.021%, 
preferably from about 0.006 to about 0.018%, and more preferably from 
about 0.009 to about 0.015%, of the total composition. Specific forms of 
these ingredients are commercially available from Centerchem, Inc. 
marketed under the name Hydrolastan.RTM. (partially hydrolysated elastin); 
and Gattefosse Corp. marketed under the name Pancogene-S.RTM. (0.3% 
soluble collagen). The biological complex, Dermosaccharides.RTM. LS-ST 
(12% solution) marketed by Laboratories Serobiologiques, Inc. is prepared 
from connective tissue, epithelial tissue and vitreous humor of the eye. 
The complex exhibits many biological and cosmetodynamic properties of 
skin, including playing a role as a hydrating agent, a cohesion enhancer, 
a cutaneous lubricating emollient and softening agent, a stimulus for 
fibroblast growth, a reinforcer for tonicity, and in improving biophysical 
properties, i.e., elasticity, viscoelasticity and plasticity. In a 
preferred embodiment Dermosaccharides.RTM. LS-ST (12% aqueous solution) is 
added in an amount of from about 0.24 to about 1.2%, preferably from about 
0.36 to about 0.96%, and more preferably from about 0.6 to about 0.72%, of 
the total composition based on 100% solids. 
The filler contains sodium aluminosilicate, e.g., zeolite, and provides 
additional body to the composition to cover wrinkle lines. Zeolite 
enhances the overall properties of the composition, namely the smoothing 
effect, texture, spreadability and rheological properties; as well as 
shortening the drying time following application of the composition. 
Fillers containing zeolite are added in an amount of from about 1 to about 
10%, preferably from about 2 to about 7.5%, of the total composition based 
on 100% solids. A preferred zeolite is commercially available from PQ 
Corp. marketed under the name Valfor.RTM. Z81-352 (hydrated Na-X 
aluminosilicate zeolite powder). Zeolite is added in an amount of from 
about 1 to about 8%, and preferably from about 2 to about 6%, of the total 
composition based on 100% solids. Suitable filler additives include 
ultrafine particulate microcrystalline, e.g., microcrystallinecellulose. 
Ultrafine microcrystalline cellulose, commercially available from FMC 
Corp. marketed under the name Avicel.RTM. RC-591, is used in combination 
with zeolite. Microcrystalline cellulose is added in an amount of from 
about 0.25 to about 2.0%, preferably from about 1 to about 1.5%, of the 
total composition based on 100% solids. Microcrystalline cellulose further 
extends the surface area of the pigments and aids in increasing the hiding 
power of the composition. Microcrystalline cellulose is an efficient 
thixotropic thickener and consequently, its concentration must be 
regulated to prevent undesirable gelation which may reduce spreadability 
of the composition. Typically, microcrystalline cellulose is added in 
amounts which equal the highest concentration that permits good flow. 
The wrinkle masking composition can also include pigments which provide 
skin color matching and additional hiding power. Suitable pigments include 
titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2), added primarily for hiding power, and iron 
oxides, added primarily for skin color matching. Commercially available 
pigments can be obtained from Hilton Davis Drug & Cosmetic Pigment, Inc., 
marketed under the names Lo-Micron Yellow.RTM. (10-34-PA-2576) and 
Lo-Micron Umber.RTM. (10-34-PA-2736). Pigmentation is added in an amount 
of from about 5 to about 15%, preferably from about 8 to about 10%, of the 
total composition based on 100% solids. 
Acrylic acid polymer can be added in small amounts of from about 0.05 to 
about 0.2%, preferably about 0.1%, of the total composition based on 100% 
solids, as an additional film forming and rheology control agent. 
Carbopol.RTM. 941 (acrylic acid polymer mol. wt. 1.25 M) is commercially 
available from B. F. Goodrich. 
Additives such as the lysine derivative Amihope-LL.RTM. can be present at 
very low levels to help blend and hold the components together to form a 
smooth flexible membrane that molds to the surface of the skin. 
Amihope-LL.RTM. provides cohesive power and aids in the smooth spreading 
of the composition. Amihope-LL.RTM. (L-lysine and lauric acid 
powder-Ajinomoto, Co.) is commercially available from Centerchem, Inc. 
Lysine derivatives are a preferred ingredient of the composition added in 
an amount of from about 0.05 to about 0.1%, preferably from about 0.07 to 
about 0.08%, of the total composition based on 100% solids. Other 
additives can be used as needed for special effects, such as the use of a 
hydantoin for healing and soothing of the skin. Optional ingredients 
include the hydantoin Allantoin, which is commercially available from 
Centerchem, Inc. 
Suitable preservatives include Lexgard.RTM. M (methylparaben), available 
from Inslex Chemical Co.; Kathon CG, available from Rohm and Hass Co.; and 
Germall.RTM. 115, available from Sutton Laboratories. 
Water is added to provide the proper compositional balance. The wrinkle 
masking composition of the present invention is an aqueous composition, 
yet after applying to skin the composition dries to a film which is 
sufficiently resistant to water and thus prevents unintended removal by 
tears or perspiration. However, the dried composition is completed removed 
from the skin by simple soap and water. 
Clinical studies of the wrinkle-masking composition of the present 
invention were conducted as follows: 
Each participant cleaned her face with a commercial cleanser using a cotton 
pad and allowed her face to air dry for twenty minutes. 
Each participant applied a small amount of the wrinkle masking composition 
on the right side of her face between the eye and the jaw using a rotating 
and rubbing motion with her fingertips. The masking gel was allowed to air 
dry. 
Each participant chose and applied on both sides of her face a liquid 
makeup foundation from one of two shades. The foundation air dried for 
five minutes. 
A cotton pad was used to apply a setting powder over the foundation using a 
gentle, puffing action. The excess powder was brushed off with a camel 
hair brush. 
Each participant chose and applied rouge from three different powders using 
a camel hair brush. 
Each participant was allowed to resume her regular workday activity. 
After approximately 6 hours, each participant cleaned her face with one of 
two commercial lotions. 
The results confirm that the composition of the present invention is easy 
to apply and rapidly dries to a satisfactory texture. The dried 
composition effectively covers the fine line wrinkles of the face and 
makeup can easily be applied to it. The composition/makeup two-layer 
system maintained its integrity for over six hours upon which time the 
material was easily removed. The composition is resistant to skin 
secretion which enhances the long wearing capabilities of the composition. 
By molding to the skin the underlying film composition adapted well to 
skin expressions and movements without cracking or peeling. The 
composition of the present invention can be provided in a neutral shade or 
light or dark skin colors to be color compatible with various makeup 
shades. The aforementioned tests illustrate that aqueous based commercial 
liquid makeups that are favored by the user and match their type and shade 
of skin are compatible with the wrinkle masking composition of the present 
invention. A large number of commercial makeups are compatible, however, 
others contain a vehicle which can attack and remove the wrinkle masking 
layer. A conventional setting powder can also be applied directly over the 
wrinkle masking composition or over the makeup. The wrinkle masking 
composition provides a comfortable and pleasant cosmetic by allowing the 
skin to breathe.