TOURMALINE IN COSMETIC CLEANSING COMPOSITIONS

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic skin or hair cleansing compositions comprising tourmaline.

Description: TOURMALINE IN COSMETIC CLEANSING COMPOSITIONS Field of the Invention The invention relates to cosmetic compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to cosmetic compositions for skin or hair cleansing. Background of the Invention Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral with a variety of unusual pyroelectπc and piezoelectric properties. It is probably best known for its use as a gem stone; however, m recent years, it has begun to find a number of other uses that are in one way or another connected to its unique electrical activity, which results from the presence of permanent electrodes within the crystalline structure. In particular, tourmaline m water produces an electrical discharge which dissociates the water molecule into hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, which m turn produce hydromum ions (H 3 0X) and hydrated hydroxyl ion (H 3 0 2 ) by their reactions with H 2 0 molecules. Both these ions are reported to have surface active properties. These observations have resulted m the use of tourmaline m a variety of different industrial products and methods. For example, US Patent No. 5,599,455 discloses a system for water treatment m which tourmaline is used m an ion generator to generate hydromum and hydroxyl ions m the water, with the reported result of "high surface activity" m the water, which is then recommended for use m detergent free washing m washing machines and m cleaning oil-contaminated machinery. In a similar vein, US 5309739 discloses a tourmaline coating applied to a surface of a washing machine with the intent of forming hydroxyl ions m the wash water to aid m cleansing. It has also been disclosed (JP 7024444) as being used m powder form m a shower apparatus to treat chlorinated water, so as to alter the chlorine structure, allowing it to retain its water-puπfymg activity, while reducing the possible negative effects of chlorine. Tourmaline has also, m connection with its electrical properties, been suggested as being useful m promoting physical well-being. For example, JP 6173162 discloses fabric coated with a film containing tourmaline, which fabric is made into clothing which is said to provide an electrical stimulus to the wearer's skin, to improve the wearer's health. Likewise, JP 8057060 discloses a "health therapeutic tool" based on a substrate incorporating powdered tourmaline and a diode, which tool is applied to the skin to achieve a therapeutic effect. The use of tourmaline m cosmetics has also been proposed. JP 9194321 suggests the use of very fine tourmaline powder as an antiseptic m cosmetic products. In addition, US 4857306 suggests the use of pure powder of semi-precious stones, including tourmaline, as a decorative addition to cosmetic compositions. However, tourmaline has not previously been used m cleansing cosmetic compositions. Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to cleansing compositions for the skin or hair comprising an effective amount of tourmaline. The invention also relates to a method for cleansing the skin or hair which comprises applying to the skin or hair an effective amount of tourmaline. The compositions have excellent cleansing ability, and yet are gentle and non- irritating on the skin of the user. Detailed Description of the Invention The compositions of the invention comprise a cleansing effective amount of tourmaline. Generally, the effective amount of tourmaline use is m the range of from about 0.01-99.5%, more commonly between 0.01-20%, by weight of the total composition, the amount depending upon the nature of the composition. There are a variety of forms of tourmaline. The mineral is usually found m crystal form, with a structure based on a six-sided silicate πng(Sι 6 0 18 ) and B0 3 groups, with a generic formula: NaMg 3 Al 6 (OH) 4 (B0 3 ) 3 Sι 6 0 lε However, substitutions within the formula can occur, m that calcium may replace part of the sodium; lithium, aluminum or ferrous iron can replace part of the magnesium; ferric iron can replace the aluminum; and fluorine can replace the hydroxyl group. Potassium, chromium and manganese can also be found m tourmaline. To the extent these forms are cosmetically acceptable, any form can be used m the compositions of the invention. By cosmetically acceptable is meant any form of tourmaline which will not cause harm to humans or other recipient organisms. The tourmaline used m the invention can be m any form convenient to the intended use of the final product. Generally, for a cleanser, it will be preferred that the tourmaline be ground to a relatively small particle size, for example from about . Iμ to about 10mm. In particular, particle sizes at the smaller end of this range, for example, between l-10μ, can be used for reasons of aesthetics, and ease of combination with the remaining components of the composition; however, larger particle sizes may be appropriate when a physical exfoliation action is also desired, for example m a body cleansing product. Tourmaline m its various forms is available from a wide range of commercial sources; useful tourmaline powders, for example, are produced by Adam Kozan Chuo Kenkyusho Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan. The tourmaline can be incorporated into a variety of cosmetic cleansing products. For example, tourmaline can be used m facial cleansing compositions, or m hair or body shampoos or cleanser. Depending on the nature of the composition, the tourmaline will ordinarily be combined with other components which aid m cleansing and/or conditioning of the surface to which the composition is applied. In a facial cleanser, for example, additional components can include one or more of the milder surfactants; examples include, but are not limited to the amphoteric surfactants, such as alkyl betames, amido alkyl betames, sulfobetames , and N-alkyl-ammo propionates; or mild amonics, such as fatty acid carboxylates , taurates, sulfosuccmates , lsethionates, taurates, and sarcosinates , or monoalkyl phosphates. Other desirable components of facial cleansers can include skin conditioning agents, such as humectants or emollients; viscosity modifiers, such as gums, cellulose derivatives, PEG esters and carbopol resins; and biologically active materials, such as hydroxy acids, anti-mflammatoπes, or anti-irritants . In the latter case, the surface active properties of the tourmaline may enhance delivery of the active agents. The cleansing composition can also be a hair or body shampoo or cleanser. Like the facial cleanser, hair or body shampoos will contain surfactants or detergents for cleansing, for example, anionic sulfates, such as alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates, mono- and disulfosuccmates, alpha-olefm sulfates, and monoglyceride sulfates, as well as those surfactants useful for facial cleansing. Shampoos also will usually contain foam boosters, which are usually nonionic surfactants, such as alkanolamides or N-alkylpyrrolidones ; and conditioning agents, such as amme oxides, silicone surfactants such as amodimethicone or dimethicone copolyol , and cationic polyquaternium surfactants. Also frequently added to hair shampoos are active components such as antidandruff agents, e.g., z c pyπthione or pyroctone olamme. The process for formulation of cleansing products is well known m the art, and additional possible components for such formulations can be found, for example, m The International Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Third Edition, 1996, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference . The tourmaline can also be used as the cleansing element in a solid substrate used for cleaning the skin or hair. For example, the tourmaline can be impregnated onto or into paper or cloth, for use as a washcloth, disposable wipes, napkins, and the like. Alternately, the tourmaline can be incorporated into a sponge, loofah, or similar applicator. In some of these cases, as is apparent, water will be added to the substrate at the time of use. As used m the present specification and claims, "cleansing composition" shall also encompass such devices m which tourmaline forms the cleansing element. In all cases, the cleansing products benefit from the presence of tourmaline that it permits a reduction m the amount of detergent -type surfactant that needs to be used to achieve proper cleansing; the latter are often perceived by the consumer to be irritating, and therefore, any reduction the amount used is beneficial. The products containing tourmaline, because of a reduction in surfactants, are thus relatively mild and gentle to the skin. Tourmaline is also effective in the process of oil removal from substrates, and therefore, is particularly suitable for use cleansers intended for use on oily skin or hair. The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limitmg examples. EXAMPLES EXAMPLE T A facial cleansing composition according to the invention is prepared as follows: Material i ght % Cocamidopropyl hydroxysulta e 14.00 Coco/oleamidopropyl betaine 16.00 TEA-Cocoyl glutamate 15.00 Sodium cocoyl sarcosmate 19.00 Sodium laureth sulfate 9.00 Polyquaternium- 6 0.40 Methyl paraben 0.40 propyl paraben 0.40 water QS Tourmaline* 0.05 *Red tourmaline, particle size about 1.7μ from Adam Kozan The components are blended together by conventional mixing techniques . The presence of a small amount of tourmaline m this formula permits the reduction of surfactants the formula by almost 20%, relative to a substantially identical formula containing no tourmaline, with no loss of cleansing ability.

Claims: What we claim is : 1. A cosmetic composition for cleansing of skm or hair, comprising an effective amount of tourmaline. 2. The composition of claim 1 which comprises from about 0.01-99.5% of tourmaline by weight of the composition. 3. The composition of claim 1 which comprises from about 0.01-20% of tourmaline by weight of the composition. 4. The composition of claim 1 which comprises a tourmaline powder having a particle size of about . lμ-10 mm. 5. The composition of claim 1 which comprises a tourmaline powder having a particle size of about l-10μ. 6. The composition of claim 1 which also comprises at least one surfactant . 7. The composition of claim 1 which also comprises a conditioning agent. 8. The composition of claim 1 which also comprises a foam booster . 9. The composition of claim 1 which is a facial cleanser. 10. The composition of claim 7 which comprises a tourmaline powder having a particle size of about l-10μ. 11. The composition of claim 9 which also comprises at least one surfactant. 12. The composition of claim 11 which also comprises a skin conditioning agent . 13. The composition of claim 1 which is a hair or body shampoo . 14. The composition of claim 13 which also comprises at least one surfactant. 15. The composition of claim 13 which also comprises a foam booster. 16. The composition of claim 1 in which the tourmaline is incorporated into or onto a solid substrate. 17. The composition of claim 16 in which the substrate is a paper, cloth, sponge, or loofah. 18. A facial cleansing composition comprising from about 0.01-20% of a tourmaline powder having a particle size of from about 1-lOμ, and at least one surfactant. 19. A hair or body shampoo comprising from about 0.01-20% of a tourmaline powder having a particle size of from about l-10μ, and at least one surfactant. 20. The shampoo of claim 17 which also comprises a foam booster. 21. A method of cleansing the skin or hair which comprises applying to the skin or hair a composition comprising an effective amount of tourmaline. 10

Inventors: BEVACQUA ANDREW J, CIOCA GHEORGHE, GUBERNICK JOSEPH, TADLOCK CHARLES CRAIG, BEVACQUA, ANDREW, J., CIOCA, GHEORGHE, GUBERNICK, JOSEPH, TADLOCK, CHARLES, CRAIG
Applicants: COLOR ACCESS INC, COLOR ACCESS, INC.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A61K7
IPC codes: A61K8, A61Q1, A61Q5, A61Q19