SUSPENDING CLEAR CLEANSING FORMULATION

Abstract: A shower gel formulation having a clear appearance is described which suspends insoluble particles, water insoluble liquids or bubbles and contains an acrylate copolymer, an anionic surfactant, a cationic polymer and, optionally, an amphoteric surfactant. The method of use of the clear shower gel is also described.

Description: SUSPENDING CLEAR CLEANSING FORMULATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/153,355 filed September 10, 1999. The invention relates to a shower gel formulation. Shower gel formulations which are mild to the skin are well known in the art. Such a formulation may optionally contain skin feel agents, such as cationic polymers. However, when one desires to suspend particulates and/or beads in the formulation, frequently substantial quantities of anionic surfactants have been incorporated, and provide clear solutions. Unfortunately, the addition of such anionic surfactants diminishes the mildness of the shower gel formulation. U.S. Patent No. 5,656,257 (Fealy et al., issued on August 12, 1997), which is here incorporated by reference, discloses an anionic shampoo and conditioning composition comprising an oily conditioning agent, a shampooing agent, and an acrylate copolymer, a cationic conditioning agent and water. In this formulation, the acrylate copolymer is used to suspend the anionic shampooing and cationic conditioning agent and prevent it then from inactivating one another. U.S. Patent No. 5,656,257 does not, however, disclose a clear, mild cleansing composition containing a combination of surfactant types, which is capable of suspending beads or other insoluble particulates or gas bubbles. U.S. Patent No. 4,552,685 (Kernstock et al., issued November 12, 1985), which is here incorporated by reference, discloses examples of useful acrylate polymers and copoly ers capable of thickening mild cleansing agents containing amphoteric surfactants and betames. However, there is no teaching in that patent regarding the compatability of cationic polymer conditioning agents in the formulation, nor the suspending power of the solution for insoluble beads, particulates or gaseous bubbles. U.S. Patent No. 3,759,861 (Shimokawa, issued September 18, 1973) , which is here incorporated by reference, discloses a clear polymer adhesive complex of an acrylate containing polymer and surfactant used to produce a flocculant. However, there is no disclosure of a shower gel or other cleansing composition containing a cationic conditioning agent or complex which can suspend particulates or gas bubbles . The present invention comprises a shower gel formulation having a clear appearance and which suspends beads (e.g. agar/Ti02/sunflower oil beads), insoluble particles and gas bubbles while having one or more acrylate copolymers, a betaine or other amphoteric surfactant and a cationic polymer (e.g. guar) present m the formulation. It is known that anionic acrylates (i.e. Aculyn type acrylates (available from ISP) ) , being anionic polymers are generally considered to be incompatible with cationic charged ingredients. It is further known that polymeric cationics, as well as some large, bulky quaternary materials, can possibly be incorporated in formulations containing such acrylates. The optimum order of addition in these instances generally requires the acrylate to be neutralised with a base prior to the addition of any cationics. The applicants have discovered that a clear or transparent product can be produced by either partially neutralising such acrylates prior to cationic addition or after cationic addition. Clarity or transparency is herein defined as having a turbidity less than or equal to 105 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) . The applicants have further discovered that amphoteric surfactants, such as betaine (which is also cationic in nature and not a true amphoteric) , may be optionally added to the inventive formulation m the range of 0.01 - 15 weight percent, preferably 1-10 weight percent to increase mildness without creating noticeable haziness. Prior art shower gels that suspend beads or particulate matter are primarily composed of anionic surfactant and structurant which in most cases are harsher than the inventive formula. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an aqueous, clear shower gel which is capable oi suspension, comprising: About 10-20 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; About 2-15 weight percent of at least one betaine or other amphoteric surfactant; About 2-15 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; About 0.05 - 2 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; About 0.1 - 5 weight percent of beads or particulates; About 0.1-5 weight percent of a benefit agent such as a water soluble or dispersible silicone polymer; About 0.1-2 weight percent of a preservative such as a biocide; In another embodiment, the present invention provides an aqueous, clear cleansing gel that is capable of suspending insoluble material or gas bubbles, comprising: a. about 5 to 30, preferably 8 to 20 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; b. about 2 to 15, preferably 2 to 10 weight percent of at least one amphoteric surfactant; c. about 0.1 to 10, preferably 0.5 to 5 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; d. about 0.01 to 5, preferably 0.1 to 2 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; e. about 0.01 to 5, preferably 0.05 to 3 weight percent of at least one insoluble component selected from the group consisting of beads, particulates, water insoluble liquids and gas bubbles; f. about 50 to 85 weight percent of water g. about 1.9:1 to 15:1, preferably 1.9:1 to 10:1 weight percent ratio range of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant; h. about 0.1:1 to 15:1, preferably 0.3:1 to 10:1, weight percent ratio range of the sum of cationic polymer and amphoteric surfactant to acrylate copolymer; and wherein the concentration of acrylate copolymer is sufficient to suspend said at least one insoluble component, preferably wherein the viscosity range is between 6,000 and 20,000 cps, and the pH is in the range of 5.5 to 7.0. In a further embodiment, the present invention provides an aqueous, clear cleansing gel which is capable of suspending insoluble material or gas bubbles, comprising: a. about 5 to 30, preferably 8 to 20 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; b. about 0.1 to 10, preferably 0.5 to 5 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; c. about 0.01 to 5, preferably 0.1 to 2 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; d. about 0.01 to 5, preferably 0.05 to 3 weight percent of at least one insoluble component selected from the group consisting of beads, particulates, water insoluble liquids and gas bubbles; e. about 50 to 85 weight percent of water; and wherein the concentration of acrylate copolymer is sufficient to suspend said at least one insoluble component, preferably wherein the viscosity range is between 6,000 and 20,000 cps, and the pH is in the rangeof 5.5 to 7.0. Amonic surfactants, foam boosters, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants, which are useful in the present invention, are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,221,530, issued to Janchitraponvej et al. on June 22, 1993, which is herein incorporated by reference. Acrylate polymers and copolymers which are useful in the invention include one or more copolymers containing at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, amino acrylic acid, an acrylic acid ester of a C8 -30 alkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxyl, alkoxyl alkyl ester of a C8-30 alkyl or alkenyl; either substituted or unsubstituted; a methacrylic acid ester of a C8 -C30 alkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxyl, alkoxyl alkyl ester of a C8-30 alkyl, or alkenyl; either substituted or unsubstituted; a Cl-4 alkyl acrylate, and a Cl-4 ethacrylate; either substituted or unsubstituted, and the like. Other useful acrylate polymers and copolymers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,656,257. Preferred acrylate polymers include the following INCI named materials: acrylates/cl2-24 pareth-25 acrylate copolymer, obtainable as Synthalen® 2000 from 3V Inc. ( ehawken, NJ) ; acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer obtainable as Aculyn® 22 from International Specialty Products Corp. (Lombard, IL) ; and acrylates copolymer obtainable as either Aculyn® 33 from International Specialty Products Corp. or as Polymer EX-518® from BF Goodrich Corp. (Brecksville, OH); acrylates/steareth-20 itaconate copolymer, obtainable as Structure 2001®; acrylates/ceteth-20 itaconate copolymer, obtainable as Structure 3001®; and acrylates/aminoacrylates/C10-30 alkyl PEG-20 itaconate copolymer, obtainable as Structure Plus® all from National Starch & Chemical, Inc. (Bridgewater, NJ) , and the like. The inventive compositions may be used for the cleansing of the user's skin and hair and is applied to a surface (e.g. a skin surface) via topical applications to release or deposit an effective amount of the transparent composition to perform the desired cleansing function. The frequency of topical application can vary widely, depending on the user' s need. With respect to personal application to the skin, such application can range from about once per day to about four times per day, preferably from about twice a day to about three times a day. The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and not limit the invention in any way. Several inventive transparent shower gels with suspended insoluble particles were prepared and compared to comparative shower gels that did not display clarity. The compositions of these shower gels are summarised in Tables 1 and 2. The processing methods used to prepare these compositions listed in Table 1 are provided below: . > METHOD 1 The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to 73.8°C (165°F) . The temperature was maintained at 73.8°C (165°F). Agitation of the center turbine was increased as was the wall sweep so that there was a slight vortex. Acrylate copolymer was added to the tank and mixed. The anionic surfactants were then added to the tank and mixed, and then the amphoteric surfactant was added and mixed. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and was mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. Then the glycerin was added. Agitation was decreased, and mixing was continued for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F) and then cooled to 35°C (95 °F) . During the cooling process, the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. At 46.1°C (115 °F) , the preservative was added and at 40.6°C (105 °F) the fragrance was added and mixed well. The mixture was then cooled to 35°C (95 °F) . At 35°C (95 °F), the viscosity was measured and adjusted with ammonium sulfate to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were added and mixed gently. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature . METHOD 2 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.3°C (165°F) . The agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. Tetrasodium EDTA was added to the tank and mixed. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. The anionic surfactants were added and mixed. Next the amphoteric surfactants were added and mixed, and then the acrylate copolymer was added and mixed. The composition was then mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F), and was then cooled to 35°C (95 °F). At 46.1°C (115 °F) , the preservative was added and mixed well. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with citric acid to clarity within a target pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F) , the viscosity was measured and adjusted if necessary to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were then added and mixed, and the composition cooled to room temperature. METHOD The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.8°C (165°F). Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. The acrylate copolymer was added to the tank and mixed. The anionic surfactant was added and mixed. Agitation was decreased and the amphoteric surfactant added and mixed. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. The remaining acrylate copolymer was premixed with water to a dilution of 4.5 to 1 and added to the tank and mixed with gentle agitation. The batch was mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F) and was started to be cooled to 35°C (95 °F). At 48.9°C (120 °F), the glycerin was added, at 46.1°C (115 °F), the preservative and then the UV inhibitor were added. At 43.3°C (110 °F) , the EDTA and the EHDP were added and at 40.6°C (105 °F) , the fragrance was added and mixed. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.9 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F), the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were then added and mixed gently, and the composition cooled to room temperature . METHOD 4 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 46.1°C (115°F). Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. Preservative was added to the tank and mixed. The acrylate copolymer was added to the tank slowly and mixed for 5 minutes. The anionic surfactants were added, then the amphoteric surfactants and mixed. The batch was cooled to 35°C (95 °F) . At 35°C (95 °F), the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to a target pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F), the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were added and mixed, and the composition cooled to room temperature. METHOD 5 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.8°C (165°F) . Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. The acrylate copolymer was added to the tank and mixed. The anionic surfactant was then added and mixed. Agitation was decreased, and the amphoteric surfactant added and mixed. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. The remaining acrylate copolymer was premixed with water to a dilution of 4.5 to 1, added to the tank and mixed with gentle agitation. The batch was mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F), and then started to cool to 35°C (95 °F) . At 48.9°C (120 °F), the glycerin was added, at 46.1°C (115 °F) the preservative and then the UV inhibitor were added. At 43.3°C (110 °F), the EDTA and the EHDP were added and mixed. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.9 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F) , the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were then added and mixed gently, and the composition cooled to room temperature. METHOD 6 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.8°C (165°F). Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. Tetrasodium EDTA was added to the tank. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. Agitation was decreased, and the acrylate copolymer (s) added and mixed. The anionic surfactants were added to the tank and mixed. The amphoteric surfactant was added next and mixed. This was mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F) and then cooled to 35°C (95 °F). At 46.1°C (115 °F) , the preservative was added and mixed well. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F) , the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were added and mixed, and the composition cooled to room temperature. METHOD 7 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.8°C (165°F). Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. Tetrasodium EDTA was added to the tank and then subsequently the acrylate copolymer (s) . The anionic surfactants were then added to the tank and mixed. The amphoteric surfactant was added next and mixed. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. Agitation was decreased and the composition was mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F) and then was cooled to 35°C (95 °F) . At 46.1°C (115 °F), the preservative were added and mixed well. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F), the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were added and mixed, and the composition cooled to room temperature. iMETHOD 8 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.8°C (165°F) . Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. The acrylate copolymer was added to the tank and mixed. The anionic surfactant was added and mixed. Agitation was decreased and the amphoteric surfactant added and mixed. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. The remaining acrylate copolymer was premixed with water to a dilution of 4.5 to 1 and added to the tank and mixed with gentle agitation. The batch was mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F) and cooled to 35°C (95 °F) . At 48.9°C (120 °F) the glycerin was added, and at 46.1°C (115 °F) the preservative and then the UV inhibitor were added. At 43.3°C (110 °F) , the EDTA and the EHDP were added and mix. At 40.5°C (105 °F) the fragrance was added and mixed well. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.9 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F), the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol co the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were added and mix, and the composition cooled to room temperature. ETHOD 9 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.8°C (165°F). Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there is a slight vortex. The acrylate copolymer was added to the tank and mixed. The anionic surfactant was added and mixed. Agitation was decreased, and the amphoteric surfactant added and mix. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. The remaining acrylate copolymer was premixed with water to a dilution of 4.5 to 1 and added to the tank and mixed with gentle agitation. The batch was mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F) and was then cooled to 35°C (95 °F) . At 46.1°C (115 °F) the preservative was added, and at 40.6°C (105 °F) the fragrance was added and mixed. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.9 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F), the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were added and mixed gently, and the composition cooled to room temperature. METHOD 10 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.8°C (165°F). Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. EDTA was added to the tank and mixed. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. The anionic surfactant was added and mixed. The amphoteric surfactant was added and mixed. The acrylate copolymer was added to the tank and mixed. The agitation was decreased and the batch mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F) and then cooled to 35°C (95 °F). At 46.1°C (115 °F), the preservative was added and mixed. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.9 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F) , the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were added and mixed, and the composition cooled to room temperature . METHOD 11 : The initial distilled water charge was added to a center turbine tank with wall scrape agitation and heated to and maintained at 73.8°C (165°F). Agitation of the center turbine and the wall sweep was increased so that there was a slight vortex. EDTA and then the acrylate copolymers were added to the tank and mixed. The anionic surfactant was added and mixed. The amphoteric surfactant was added and mixed. The cationic polymer was premixed with propylene glycol if the cationic polymer was a solid, and mixed well with no lumps. If the cationic polymer was a liquid, it was added straight to the tank. The agitation was decreased and the batch mixed for 30 minutes at 73.8°C (165°F), and then cooled to 35°C (95 °F) . At 46.1°C (115 °F) , the preservative was and mixed. At 35°C (95 °F) , the pH was measured and adjusted with an alkaline pH adjuster to clarity within a target pH range of 5.9 to 7.0. At 35°C (95 °F) , the viscosity was measured and adjusted with propylene glycol to the desired viscosity. The insoluble components were added and mixed, and the composition cooled to room temperature. Example 15 The following is another example of the invention. METHODS Viscosity For the purposes of this invention, viscosity is measured using conventional techniques with a Brookfield viscometer, Model HBDVII+ CP, spindle No. 41 at 0.5 rpm at 25°C. Turbidity For the purposes of this invention, the acceptability of formulation clarity was measured qualitatively and quantitively using a visual method of turbidity determination and a turbidimeter respectively. Briefly, the visual method involves looking through a determined path length of the formulation to a visual target and determining if the visual target is legible or recognizable. This target may be a straight line, a set of parallel lines, or a number or letter printed on white paper. To assess turbidity, the test formulation was placed in a glass beaker such that the height from the bottom of the beaker to the top surface of the formulation was 10.16 cm (four inches) . The formulation is made free of air bubbles. A piece of paper with the visual target is placed under the beaker. The assessor the looked through the top surface of the formulation to the visual target. If the visual target appeared similar to the original, the formulation is of acceptable clarity and receives a 'pass' rating. If the visual target appeared significantly hazy, or is out of focus compared to the original target, the formulation is of unacceptable clarity and receives a faιl' rating. Turbidity was quantitatively determined by a Turbidimeter, Model DRT-100D, manufactured by Shaban Manufacturing Inc, H. F. Instruments Division using a sample cuvette of 28 mm diameter by 91 mm in length with a flat bottom. Samples that had received a 'pass' rating from the visual method were found to have a turbidity measurement of less than or equal to 105 NTU's (Nephelometric Turbidity Units). Samples that had received a 'fail' rating from the visual method were found to have a turbidity measurement of greater than 105 NTU's. The foregoing description and examples illustrate selected embodiments of the present invention. In light thereof, variations and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, all of which are written the scope and spirit of this invention.

Claims: Claims 1. A transparent cleansing composition, comprising: a. 5 to 30 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; b. 2 to 15 weight percent of at least one amphoteric surfactant; c. 0.1 to 10 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; d. 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; e. 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one insoluble component selected from beads, particulates, water insoluble liquids and gas bubbles, and mixtures thereof; f. 50 to 85 weight percent of water; g. wherein there is a weight percentage ratio range of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant of 1.9:1 to 15:1; h. wherein there is a weight percent ratio range of the sum of cationic polymer and amphoteric surfactant to acrylate copolymer of 0.1:1 to 15:1; and wherein the concentration of acrylate copolymer is sufficient to suspend said at least one insoluble component . The cleansing composition of claim 1, comprising: a. 8 to 20 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; b. 2 to 10 weight percent of at least one amphoteric surfactant; c. 0.5 to 5 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; d. 0.1 to 2 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; e. 0.05 to 3 weight percent of at least one insoluble component selected from the group consisting of beads, particulates, water insoluble liquids and gas bubbles; f. 50 to 85 weight percent of water; g. wherein there is a weight percent ratio range of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant of 1.9:1 to 10:1; h. wherein there is a weight percent ratio range of the sum of cationic polymer and amphoteric surfactant to acrylate copolyer of 0.3:1 to 10:1; and wherein the viscosity range is between 6000 and 20000 cps, and the pH is in the range of 5.5 to 7.0. 3. The cleansing composition of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl olefin sulfonates, alkyl sarcosinates, octoxynol phosphates nonoxynol phosphates, alkyl taurates, polyoxyethylene sulfates, polyoxyethylene isethionates, alkyl carboxylates and alkyl ether carboxylates, and mixtures thereof. 4. The cleansing composition of any of the preceding claims wherein the amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkyl betaines, alkyl amino betaines, hydroxysultaines, alkyl amphoacetates and alkylampho carboxyglycinates, and mixtures thereof. 5. The cleansing composition of any of the preceding claims wherein the at least one acrylate copolymer includes one or more copolymers containing at least one monomer selected from methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, amino acrylic acid, an acrylic acid ester of a C8 -30 alkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxyl, alkoxyl alkyl ester of a C8-30 alkyl or alkenyl; either substituted or unsubstituted; a methacrylic acid ester of a C8 -C30 alkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxyl, alkoxyl alkyl ester of a C8-30 alkyl, or alkenyl; either substituted or unsubstituted; a Cl-4 alkyl acrylate, and a Cl-4 methacrylate; either substituted or unsubstituted. 6. The cleansing composition of any of the preceding claims wherein the cationic polymer is selected from quaternized guar gums, quaternized phosphate esters, quaternized polysaccharides or their derivatives, quaternized polyamides, quaternized polymeric derivatives of acrylates, methacrylates, acrylamides, methacrylamides or copolymers thereof, and quaternized polymeric derivatives of substituted allyl or vinyl compounds. 7. The cleansing composition of any of the preceding claims wherein the at least one insoluble component is selected from glass beads, plastic beads, macaroni food products, organic materials, inorganic materials, crystalline solids, oil droplets, vegetable and fruit purees, water insoluble dimethicones, air and gas bubbles, and mixtures thereof. 8. A transparent cleansing composition, comprising: a. 5 to 30 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; b. 0.1 to 10 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; c. 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; d. 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one insoluble component selected from the group consisting of beads, particulates, water insoluble liquids and gas bubbles; e. 50 to 85 weight percent of water; and wherein the concentration of acrylate copolymer is sufficient to suspend said at least one insoluble component . 9. The cleansing composition of claim 8, comprising: a. 8 to 20 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; b. 0.5 to 5 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; c. 0.1 to 2 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; d. 0.05 to 3 weight percent of at least one insoluble component selected from the group consisting of beads, particulates, water insoluble liquids and gas bubbles; e. 50 to 85 weight percent of water; and wherein the viscosity range is between 6000 and 20,000 cps, and the pH is in the range of 5.5 to 7.0. 10. The cleansing composition of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl succinates, alkybenzene succinates, alkylbenzene sulfosuccinates, alkyl olefin sulfonates, alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, octoxynol phosphates, nonoxynol phosphates, alkyl taurates, polyoxyethylene sulfates, polyoxyethylene, isethionates, alkyl carboxylates and alkyl ether carboxylates, and mixtures thereof. 11. The cleansing composition of any of claims 8-10 wherein the at least one acrylate copolymer includes one or more copolymers containing at least one monomer selected from methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, amino acrylic acid, an acrylic acid ester of a C8 -30 alkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxyl, alkoxyl alkyl ester of a C8-30 alkyl or alkenyl; either substituted or unsubstituted; a methacrylic acid ester of a C8 -C30 alkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxyl, alkoxyl alkyl ester of a C8-30 alkyl, or alkenyl; either substituted or unsubstituted; a Cl-4 alkyl acrylate, and a Cl-4 methacrylate; either substituted or unsubstituted. 12. The cleansing composition of any of claims 8-11 wherein the cationic polymer is selected from quaternized guar gums, quaternized phosphate esters, quaternized polysaccharides or polysaccharide derivatives, quaternized polyamides, quaternized polymeric derivatives of acrylates, methacrylates, acrylamides, methacrylamides or copolymers, quaternized polymeric derivatives of substituted allyl or vinyl compounds. 13. The cleansing composition of any of claims 8-12 wherein the at least one insoluble component is selected from glass beads, plastic beads, macaroni food products, organic materials, inorganic materials, crystalline solids, oil droplets, vegetable and fruit purees, water insoluble dimethicones, air and gas bubbles and mixtures thereof. 14. A method of cleaning the skin or hair with a transparent cleansing product comprising: a. 5 to 30 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; b. 2 to 15 weight percent of at least one amphoteric surfactant; c. 0.1 to 10 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; d. 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; e. 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one insoluble component selected from beads, particulates, water insoluble liquids and gas bubbles; f. 50 to 85 weight percent of water; g. wherein the weight percent ratio range of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is 1.9:1 to 15:1; h. wherein the weight percent ratio range of the sum of cationic polymer and amphoteric surfactant to acrylate copolymer is 0.1:1 to 15:1; and wherein the concentration of acrylate copolymer is sufficient to suspend said at least one insoluble component. 15. A method of cleansing the skin or hair with a transparent cleansing product comprising: a. 5 to 30 weight percent of at least one anionic surfactant; b. 0.1 to 10 weight percent of at least one acrylate copolymer; c. 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one cationic polymer; d. 0.01 to 5 weight percent of at least one insoluble component selected from the group consisting of beads, particulates, water insoluble liquids and gas bubbles; e. 50 to 85 weight percent of water; and wherein the concentration of acrylate copolymer is sufficient to suspend said at least one insoluble component.

Inventors: MARGOSIAK MARION LOUISE, PAREDES ROSA MERCEDES, RAHN MICHAEL ALAN, MARGOSIAK, MARION, LOUISE, PAREDES, ROSA, MERCEDES, RAHN, MICHAEL, ALAN
Applicants: LEVER HINDUSTAN LTD, UNILEVER NV, UNILEVER PLC, HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED
Application year: 2000
Main classification: C11D1
IPC codes: A61K8, A61Q5, A61Q19, C11D1, C11D3