TOILETRIES COMPOSITION

Abstract: Non-oily skin cleansing compositions which are substantially free of irritant surfactants are described. The compositions comprise a skin-cleansing amount of a hectorite-type clay, such as that sold under the trade name "Laponite" <R>, in an amount of no more than about 2% by weight.

Description: TOILETRIES COMPOSITION The present invention relates to skin cleansing compositions and, in particular, to make-up removing compositions for use in cleansing sensitive skin such as the area around the eyes. The term "skin cleansing" as used herein includes the cleansing of, and in particular the removal of make¬ up from, the eye-brows and eye-lashes. Prior art skin cleansing compositions can be described variously as oil-based, emulsion-type or water-based detergent systems. Oil-based skin cleansing compositions typically consist of a mixture of oils, normally mineral oils, and esters. These compositions can be irritant, particularly when used on sensitive skin, because they may contain surfactants and because they tend to leave a greasy film over the skin after use. This is particularly troublesome when cleaning around the eye, because the residual greasy film may run into the eye causing occular irritation. Emulsion-type skin cleansing compositions are usually based on a class of surfactants known as emulsifiers, or on products of the reaction between organic acids and suitable bases to form salts, often referred to as "soaps", and can also contain further surfactants. Any such soap and surfactant species can be irritant, especially when used around the eye. Oil-in-water emulsions are the more common, but water-in-oil emulsions are also available. In either case, however, emulsion-type preparations contain oils and/or waxes and tend to leave a greasy film on the skin as described above, with corresponding risks of occular irritation. Water-based detergent systems normally contain a surfactant as the main cleansing agent. This can cause irritation to the skin, particularly when the compositions are used in the area of the eyes, since there is the possibility that the surfactant may run into the eye during or after use. The present invention seeks to provide a skin cleansing composition suitable for use on sensitive areas of skin and on eye-brows and eye-lashes which avoids these disadvantages but which is nonetheless effective to remove contaminants. Hectorite-type clays, such as those available commercially from Laporte Industries under the trade names LAPONITE XLG and LAPONITE XLS, are already known in the art as gelling and thickening agents. Laponite gels are marketed in the form of a granular free-flowing powder. When the powder is dispersed in water it forms a thixotropic gel. The manufacturer's formulary describes the use of Laponite hectorite-type clays as thickening agents in inter alia shampoos, after-shave preparations and face masks. However, all these formulations are either oily, contain surfactants, or contain hectorite-type clay in amounts which would cause irritation to sensitive skin such as that found around the eyes. It has been noted that hectorite-type clays have the ability to absorb dirt and oils when present at high levels. However, the levels described are unacceptable in a preparation for use on sensitive skin, since the clays are alkaline and therefore irritant when present at such levels. It has now surprisingly been found that hectorite- type clays will act as cleansers in non-oily skin cleansing compositions at unexpectedly low levels. At the low clay levels of the present invention the pH of the composition may be kept tolerably low, typically less than about pH 8.5, without adjustment. As a result the compositions of the present invention are exceptionally gentle and non-irritant in use. The term "hectorite-type clay" as used herein includes both naturally occurring hectorite clays and synthetic hectorite clays such as those available commercially under the trade names LAPONITE XLG and LAPONITE XLS. The chemical compositions of these latter clays approximate to magnesium lithium silicate and magnesium sodium silicate respectively. Surprisingly, the cleansing action of the hectorite-type clay is such that substantially no surfactants are necessary to make up an effective cleansing composition. This is in direct contrast to the prior art non-oily skin cleansing compositions which almost invariably contain a surfactant in some form. The present invention provides a non-oily skin cleansing composition comprising a skin-cleansing amount of a hectorite-type clay up to about 2% by weight of the composition and a preservative, said composition being substantially free of surfactants. Preferably, the hectorite-type clay is present in an amount between about 0.25% and 1.8% by weight, suitably about 1.6% by weight of the composition. The compositions of the present invention, being substantially free of surfactants, show exceptional gentleness, and are ideally suited to the cleansing of sensitive skin, such as that found in the region of the eyes. The compositions of the invention are well suited to cleaning heavily soiled sensitive skin and are therefore particularly effective as eye make-up removers. They are also ideally suited to removal of make-up from the eye-brows and eye-lashes. The compositions of the invention have the cosmetic advantage that they may, if desired, be prepared in a highly clear or so-called "crystal" clear form. However, they may also be rendered "cloudy" by use of suitable additives, such as pigments, if preferred. Suitably, the clay is a synthetic hectorite-type clay such as the clays available commercially under the trade names LAPONITE XLG and LAPONITE XLS. Such clays are readily available in large quantities. However, it is expected that naturally occurring hectorite clays of sufficient purity could also be used with satisfactory results. In an embodiment, the composition further comprises a cellulose gum such as the gum available commercially from Hercules Chemical under the trade name CMC 7HF HERCULES. This combination of hectorite-type clay and cellulose gum shows surprising synergistic thickening properties, so that the overall levels of thickener/gellant can be reduced, and the pH of the system thereby controlled. Use_of this combination also gives rise to a surprising increase in gel stability. Preferably, the composition has a pH below about 8.5, preferably between about 8.0 and 8.3 and suitably about 8.15. A pH above 8.5 is more likely to cause skin irritation to the user, and should therefore be avoided. Suitably, the preservative may be methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben or propylparaben, or preferably the blend of all four available commercially from Nipa Laboratories under the trade name NIPASTAT. The compositions may if desired include a compound such as 1,3-butylene glycol to improve skin feel, or a dye such as FD & C Yellow No. 6 Al Lake to improve appearance. Further excipients are well known in the formulator's art. However, the presence or absence of such optional components does not normally affect the action of the composition as a skin cleanser. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a skin cleansing composition comprising the combination of a hectorite-type clay and a cellulose gum. As discussed above, this particular combination displays surprising synergistic properties which enable the overall levels of thickener/gellant to be reduced. The hectorite-type clay and cellulose gum are present individually at levels such that in combination they provide an effective skin cleanser. Suitably the cellulose gum is the' gum available commercially from Hercules Chemical under the trade name CMC 7HF Hercules. Preferably the gum is present in an amount of between about 0.1% and 5% by weight of the composition, suitably between about 0.2% and 0.8% by weight. It is desirable that the composition comprises at least about 0.2% by weight of the gum since below this level the compositions are slightly less stable at higher temperatures. Preferably the gum is present in an amount of about 0.4% by weight. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cleansing the skin by application of a non-oily composition comprising a skin cleansing amount of a hectorite-type clay up to about 2% by weight of the composition, said composition being substantially free of surfactants. This method of cleansing is especially suited to the cleansing of sensitive skin such as the skin around the eyes, and the method finds particular application in the removal of eye make-up. The method of the present invention is also ideally suited to the removal of make-up from the eye-brows and eye-lashes, where exceptional gentleness of action is required to avoid occular irritation. Preferably, the clay is a synthetic clay, such as those available under the trade names Laponite XLG and Laponite XLS. Suitably, the composition has a pH below about 8.5, preferably between about 8 and 8.3. ' Preferably, the clay is present in an amount of between about 0.25% and 1.8% by weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the composition further comprises a cellulose gum in an amount sufficient to exhibit synergism with the clay. Preferably the cellulose gum is the gum available commercially under the trade name CMC 7HF Hercules. Beneficially, the gum is present in an amount between about 0.1% and 5% by weight of the composition, suitably between about 0.2% and 0.8% and preferably about 0.4%. In a further aspect there is provided the use of a non-oily composition comprising up to about 2% by weight of a hectorite-type clay to assist in the removal of impurities from the skin, especially in the removal of make-up from sensitive skin such as that found around the eyes. In a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a composition as defined above by combining a skin cleansing amount of a hectorite-type clay with water, a preservative, and, optionally, any excipients desired, such that the clay is present up to about 2% by weight of the composition. The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples, which are given by way of example only. Example 1 A skin cleansing composition comprising the following components was prepared: Component % w/w Synthetic hectorite-type clay (sold 1.63 under the trade name Laponite XLG) Cellulose gum (sold under the trade 0.43 name CMC 7HF Hercules) 1,3-butylene glycol 5.42 Methylparaben/butyIparaben/ethyl- 0.02 paraben/propylparaben blend (sold under the trade name Nipas at) FD & C Yellow No.6 Al Lake 0.00016 (1% aqueous solution) Purified water to 100 Method The hectorite-type clay was dispersed in the purified water by use of a high shear mixer/homogeniser of the type available under the trade name Silverson for about 10 to 15 minutes. The cellulose gum was then added and dispersed throughout the mixture by use of the Silverson Mixer. The paraben blend was dissolved in the 1,3-butylene glycol by gentle warming and the FD & C Yellow No. 6 Al Lake solution added. The clay/cellulose gum solution was heated to 80°C with stirring by spatula until the gel had set up and cleared. The paraben blend/butylene glycol/Al Lake solution was added to the heated clay/cellulose gum solution and the product was stirred with a spatula until uniform. The product was cooled to room temperature, made up to weight with water, and stirred with a spatula until uniform. The pH of the product was 8.15. The gel was clear, firm and non-tacky. The viscosity could not be accurately measured since the product was highly aerated. The product was found to be effective in removing make-up from the region of the eyes and from the eye¬ lashes without causing skin or occular irritation. Examples 2 to 6 Further skin cleansing compositions were prepared as shown in Table 1. In each case, the method of preparation was substantially as described under Example 1 but with variation in the concentration of hectorite- type clay as shown. Each gel was found to be effective in removing make-up from the region of the eyes and from the eye-lashes without causing skin or occular irritation. TABLE 1 10 15 Example A (Comparative) A skin cleansing composition was prepared as shown below. The method of preparation was substantially as described under Example 1 except that the hectorite-type clay was omitted. Component % w/w Cellulose gum (sold under the trade name CMC 7HF Hercules) 0.43 1,3-butylene glycol 5.42 Methylparaben/butylparaben/ ethylparaben/propylparaben blend (sold under the trade name Nipastat) 0.2 FD & C Yellow No.6 Al Lake (1% aqueous solution) 0.01 Purified water to 100 The product (pH 6.50) was thin and runny and was ineffective as a cleansing composition. Examples 7 to 12 Further skin cleansing compositions were prepared as shown in Table 2. In each case the method of preparation was substantially as described under Example 1 with variation in the concentration of cellulose gum as shown. Each gel was found to be effective in removing make-up from the region of the eyes and from the eye-lashes without causing skin or occular irritation. It was found that those compositions comprising less than 0.2% cellulose gum were slightly less stable at elevated temperatures. In general it was found that the higher the concentration of cellulose gum, the thicker was the gel. TABLE 2 10 15

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A non-oily skin cleansing composition comprising a skin-cleansing amount of a hectorite-type clay in an amount of up to about 2% by weight of the composition and a preservative, said composition being substantially free of surfactants. 2. A composition as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the hectorite-type clay is present in an amount of between about 0.25% and 1.8% by weight. 3. A composition as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the hectorite-type clay is a synthetic clay. 4. A composition as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the hectorite-type clay is the clay available under the trade name "Laponite XLG" or the clay available under the trade name "Laponite XLS". 5. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims with a pH below about 8.5. 6. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a cellulose gum as a thickener. 7. A composition as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the cellulose gum is a carboxymethylcellulose gum. 8. A composition as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the cellulose gum is the gum available under the trade name "CMC 7HF Hercules". 9. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is substantially free of occular irritants. 10. A composition comprising a hectorite-type clay and a cellulose gum in amounts sufficient to exhibit a synergistic increase in viscosity. 11. A non-oily skin cleansing composition consisting essentially of a hectorite-type clay in an amount of up to about 2% by weight and, optionally, a thickener, a preservative, a colouring agent and a humectant. 12. A composition as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11 wherein the hectorite-type clay and/or cellulose gum are included as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9. 13. A method of cleansing the ' skin or hair by application of a non-oily composition comprising a skin- cleansing amount of a hectorite-type clay up to about 2% by weight, said composition being substantially free of surfactants. 14. A method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the composition is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12. 15. The use of a hectorite-type clay in a skin cleansing composition in an amount of up to about 2% by weight of the composition to assist in the removal of impurities from the skin or hair. 16. A method of preparing a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 by combining a hectorite-type clay with a suitable solvent.

Inventors: HINKS JANE ELIZABETH, HINKS, JANE, ELIZABETH
Applicants: BOOTS CO PLC, THE BOOTS COMPANY PLC
Application year: 1992
Main classification: A61K7
IPC codes: A61K8, A61Q1