Patent Publication Number: US-2012039832-A1

Title: Topical compositions and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/372,234, filed Aug. 10, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates generally to topical compositions and methods and, more particularly, to topical compositions methods of making and using topical compositions with a vegetable oil; a natural wax; and activated charcoal. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Known deodorants and antiperspirants attempt to control odor through a variety of means. Some deodorant compositions attempt to mask odor through perfumes and/or fragrances. Other deodorant compositions may employ antibacterial compounds that help destroy and/or control the amount of bacteria present on the skin, thereby minimizing odor produced via bacterial metabolism of the skin secretions. Antiperspirants, on their own or in combination with a deodorant, attempt to prevent odor by preventing sweating, thus eliminating perspiration, by affecting sweat glands. Many antiperspirants employ aluminum-based complexes, which are designed to react with ions found in perspiration to form a plug in the duct of the sweat gland. 
     There remains a continuing need for an improved odor and moisture absorbing compositions. More particularly, there is a need for compositions that have both deodorizing and antiperspirant properties that do not utilize aluminum-based compounds. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described in the detailed description. 
     In accordance with one aspect, a topical composition includes a vegetable oil, a natural wax, and activated charcoal. 
     In accordance with another aspect, a method of reducing or eliminating body odor comprises the step of applying a topical composition comprising: a vegetable oil; a natural wax; and activated charcoal. 
     In accordance with another aspect, a method of making a topical application device comprises the step of providing a topical composition comprising vegetable oil, natural wax and activated charcoal. The method further includes the step of charging a dispensing device with the topical composition, wherein the dispensing device is configured to apply a quantity of the topical composition at a desired location. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example step of providing a topical composition including melting a quantity of natural wax; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates another example step of providing a topical composition including adding a quantity of vegetable oil to the melted wax from  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates another example step of providing a topical composition including adding a quantity of activated charcoal to the melted wax and vegetable oil of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another example step of providing a topical composition including providing another additive such as one or more fragrances and/or one or more colorants; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example step of making a topical application device comprising the step charging a product reservoir of a dispensing device with the topical composition of  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example of the dispensing device immediately after fully charging with the topical composition of  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the topical application device with the topical composition of  FIG. 6  being cooled to a solid; 
         FIG. 8  is an example of the topical application device of  FIG. 7  ready for use to reduce or eliminate body odor; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the topical application device of  FIG. 8  with the protective cap removed and the topical composition being exposed for subsequent application; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates applying a quantity of the topical composition to a desired location with the topical application device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. 
     Some topical compositions of the present disclosure consist essentially of a vegetable oil; a natural wax; and activated charcoal. In one example, some topical compositions can consist essentially (or entirely) of these three ingredients with little if any additional ingredients. In further examples, topical compositions of the present disclosure include a vegetable oil; a natural wax; and activated charcoal with other possible ingredients. For instance, as discussed below, the topical compositions can include one or more additives, such as one or more fragrances and/or one or more colorants. 
     Each topical composition of the present disclosure includes a vegetable oil. For purposes of this application, a vegetable oil is considered a lipid-based material derived from plants. At room temperature (e.g., 22° C.), vegetable oils can be a liquid although the vegetable oils can be a mixture of liquids and solids or other examples. Example vegetable oils can include one or more of olive oil, soya oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, palm seed oil, linseed oil, almond oil, castor oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, peach seed oil, coconut oil although other vegetable oils may be used in further examples. 
     In one illustrative example, the vegetable oil comprises olive oil, such as non-virgin olive oil. Olive oil is readily available, for example, by mechanical or chemical extraction from the fruit of an olive tree. For purposes of this application, virgin olive oil is considered olive oil produced by the use of physical extraction without chemical treatment. Non-virgin olive oil, for purposes of this application, is olive oil produced with refining techniques that involve non-physical extraction, either alone or in combination with physical extraction techniques. For example, non-virgin olive oil can include olive oils that are refined and/or a blend of refined and virgin olive oils. 
     Although fatty acid composition varies widely based on the variety of plants used, the major fatty acids in olive oil are oleic acid (C18:1, 55-83%) and linoleic acid (C18:2, 3.5-21%) and palmitic acid (C16:0, 7.5-20%). Olive oil is reported to have a density ranging from 0.8 g/mL to 0.92 g/mL, depending on the precise composition. 
     In another illustrative example, the vegetable oil can comprise soybean oil. Soybean oil is extracted from the seeds of the soybean and includes mostly C-18 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including α-linoleic acid (7-10%, C18:3), linoleic acid (˜51%, C18:2), and oleic acid (˜23%, C18:1) as the major constituents. 
     Each topical composition of the present disclosure also includes a natural wax. Natural waxes comprise waxes from an animal, vegetable, mineral or hydrocarbon origin although other natural origins may be provided in further examples. For instance, the topical composition can comprise a natural wax with an animal origin such as beeswax, woolwax, spermateci and bear fat, shellac wax, and the like. In further examples, the topical composition can comprise a natural wax with a vegetable origin such as shea butter, cocoa butter, Japan wax, esparto grass wax, cork wax, rice shoot wax, ouricury wax, montan wax, sunflower wax, ceresine wax, sugar cane wax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, lanolin, fruit-derived waxes, such as orange wax, lemon wax, grapefruit wax and bayberry wax, and the like. In still further examples the topical composition can comprise a natural wax comprising a mineral wax such as ceresine and ozokerite waxes and hydrocarbon waxes such as paraffin. 
     In one illustrative example, the topical composition includes a natural wax comprising beeswax. For purposes of this application, beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees to form the comb of the beehive. Beeswax is secreted by glands on the bee&#39;s abdomen as a byproduct of honey consumption by the bee. In the hive, it is molded into cells for pollen and honey storage as well as for raising brood. Beeswax is comprised of mainly of fatty acids and various long chain alcohols and has a melting point range of about 62 to 64° C. One advantage of beeswax for use in the present application is the inclusion of its natural color and scent. Most beeswax is off white to yellow in color. Both the natural color and scent of beeswax depends on the types of plants from which pollen was collected by the bees and often varies regionally. 
     Before use in the present application, the beeswax may be melted and cleaned through a process called refining. When honeybees in the hive use the beeswax, the beeswax can be stained by the color of stored pollen or stored honey. Various kinds of debris, including dead bees, honey, pollen, and cocoon debris also collect in the wax. In order to obtain cleaner, more usable wax, the beeswax may be refined prior to incorporation as an optional component of the topical composition. One common method for refining beeswax includes melting the beeswax slowly in water to just above its melting point. Some of the debris will collect on the top and some will collect at the bottom. Upon cooling, the top and bottom portions of the cooled wax cake can be removed (for example, by scraping) to eliminate the debris and obtain a clean, refined beeswax product. Refining can also be accomplished chemically and may include a step of bleaching to obtain a lighter product. Both beeswax and refined beeswax are available for purchase from a variety of commercial sources. 
     In another illustrative example, the natural wax can comprise paraffin (paraffin wax). Paraffin is a white, odorless, tasteless, waxy solid derived from a mixture of hydrocarbons. Its melting point is between about 46 and 68° C. 
     Each topical composition of the present disclosure also includes activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is also known as activated carbon or activated coal. Activated charcoal can take the form of carbon that has been processed to provide a very large surface area that is available for adsorption. For example, the activated charcoal can include a microporous structure providing extensive adsorptive properties that, once activated, can adsorb a vast variety of organic compounds, including those that can contribute to the production of human or animal malodors. The important characteristics of the activated carbon include available surface area, pore size and size distribution, surface chemistry, particle size, and particle density. A particle of activated carbon is typically spherical with substantial adsorbent surface area and pore cavity. On example particle size of activated carbon that may be used in the topical composition can range in size from about 3 microns to about 500 microns, such as from about 5 microns to about 250 microns although other particle sizes may be incorporated in accordance with further examples of the disclosure. The internal surface area, which can provide beneficial adsorbent characteristics, typically ranges from about 100 to about 1000 m 2 /gm. Activated charcoal can be obtained from a variety of commercial sources. 
     As mentioned previously, the topical composition may optionally include ingredients other than a vegetable oil; a natural wax; and activated charcoal. For example, some examples can include an addition of fragrances and/or colorants. Such fragrances and or colorants can provide, such as modify, the existing fragrance and/or color of the topical composition based on the particular desired product features. In one example, natural colorants and/or fragrances may be used although artificial colors and fragrances may also be employed in further examples. 
     In one particular embodiment, the topical composition can comprise a vegetable oil comprising olive oil, such as non-virgin olive oil. The topical composition can further include a natural wax comprising a beeswax, such as a refined beeswax. The topical composition can further include activated charcoal. The vegetable oil (e.g., non-virgin olive oil), natural wax (e.g., refined beeswax), and activated charcoal can be provided in concentrations sufficient to produce a solid (e.g., a stiff or soft solid) at 22° C. As discussed more fully below, the solid can be formed as a bar for charging in a dispensing device. 
     In another example, the topical composition can comprise a natural wax, (e.g., refined beeswax) at about 50 to about 63% w/w, such as about 52% w/w. In addition or alternatively, the topical composition can comprise a vegetable oil (e.g., non-virgin olive oil) present at about 35 to about 49% w/w, such as about 47% w/w. In addition or alternatively, the topical composition can comprise activated charcoal present at about 0.01 to about 3% w/w, such as about 1% w/w. The following are nonlimiting example topical compositions in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
     Example 1 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Amount 
                 % w/w 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 refined beeswax 
                 25.5 
                 g 
                 60.0 
               
               
                   
                 non-virgin olive oil 
                 18 
                 mL* 
                 38.2 
               
               
                   
                 activated charcoal 
                 0.76 
                 g 
                 1.8 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *assumes a density for non-virgin olive oil of 0.9 g/mL 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 2 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Amount 
                 % w/w 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 refined beeswax 
                 85.1 
                 g 
                 52.6 
               
               
                   
                 non-virgin olive oil 
                 63 
                 mL* 
                 47.3 
               
               
                   
                 activated charcoal 
                 0.19 
                 g 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *assumes a density for non-virgin olive oil of 0.9 g/mL 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 3 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Amount 
                 % w/w 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 refined beeswax 
                 85.1 
                 g 
                 52.1 
               
               
                   
                 non-virgin olive oil 
                 63 
                 mL* 
                 46.9 
               
               
                   
                 activated charcoal 
                 1.52 
                 g 
                 0.9 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *assumes a density for non-virgin olive oil of 0.9 g/mL 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Methods of making the topical application device  703  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) will not be described, for example, with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the method can begin with the step of providing a topical composition comprising a natural wax  101 , a vegetable oil  201 , and activated charcoal  301  in accordance with any of the previous/mentioned examples. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the method can include the step of providing a quantity of the natural wax  101  (e.g., refined beeswax) in a containment area of a container  103 . A heater  105  can then be activated to melt the natural wax  101 , for example, to a temperature of from about 65° C. to about 85° C. Regarding the melting step of the disclosed methods, the temperature to which the natural wax shall be melted will depend on the particular natural wax used in the composition. For example, the melting point of beeswax is expected to be approximately 62 to 64° C. and the melting point of paraffin is expected to be between approximately 46 and 68° C. The natural wax should not be overheated, as discoloration and product breakdown may begin to occur. In one example, the natural wax may be heated to approximately 5 to 10° C. above its melting point. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the method can also include the step of providing a quantity of the vegetable oil  201  (e.g., non-virgin olive oil) in the containment area of the container  103 . As shown, a mixing device  203  can be used to stir together the melted wax  101  and the vegetable oil  201 . In one example, the melted wax  101  and the vegetable oil  201  can be stirred to the extent that a substantially homogeneous mixture is achieved. When adding the vegetable oil  201  and/or during stirring with the mixing device  203 , the heater  105  can continue to apply heat to the container  103  such that the mixture  101 ,  201  at least substantially maintains a liquid state. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the method can also include the step of providing a quantity of activated charcoal  301  to the mixture  101 ,  201  of the melted wax  101  and the vegetable oil  201 . The mixing device  203  can continue to mix the ingredients together to obtain a substantially homogenous mixture  401  of melted wax  101 , vegetable oil  201  and activated charcoal  301 . When adding the activated charcoal  301  and/or during stirring with the mixing device  203 , the heater  105  can continue to apply heat to the container  103  such that the mixture  401  maintains a substantially liquid state. 
     Providing the natural wax  101 , vegetable oil  201  and activated charcoal  301  may be provided in any order and the natural wax may be melted at any time during the process of obtaining the mixture  401 . For example, the vegetable oil  201  may be provided before adding the natural wax. The heat can then be provided to melt the wax while mixing the melted wax together with the vegetable oil. Then the activated charcoal may be added. In another example, the activated charcoal may be provided first, or be mixed together with one of the natural wax and/or the vegetable oil before completing the mixture. 
     In further examples, the natural wax is melted and then the vegetable oil is added to the natural wax to obtain a first homogeneous mixture. The activated charcoal can then be added to the natural wax/vegetable oil mixture to obtain a second homogeneous mixture. In still another embodiment, a first homogeneous mixture may be formed by mixing the vegetable oil and activated charcoal, which is then added to the melted natural wax to obtain a second homogeneous mixture. In yet another embodiment, the natural wax may first be melted, to which the activated charcoal may be added to obtain a first homogeneous mixture, followed by addition of the vegetable oil to obtain a second homogeneous mixture. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the method may further include the optional step of providing an additive  403  such as one or more fragrances and/or one or more colorants. Such additive, if provided, can be introduced at the beginning, during or at the end of mixing together the natural wax, vegetable oil and activated charcoal. As shown, the mixing device  203  may be used to mix the mixture  401  of melted wax, vegetable oil and activated charcoal together with the additive  403  to obtain a substantially homogenous mixture. Moreover, the heater  105  can be used to maintain the mixture in a substantially liquid state. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example step of charging a dispensing device  501  with the mixture  401 . As shown, the dispensing device  501  can include a piston  503  slidingly received within an interior area  505  of the dispensing device  501 . A knob  507  may be rotatably coupled to a lower wall  509 . A threaded shaft  511  can be threadingly received within a threaded aperture  513  of the piston  503 . The knob  507  can be rotated such that the piston  503  is in the fully retracted position to maximize the interior area  505  that may receive the mixture  401 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the liquid nature of the mixture  401  can allow the mixture to be poured into the interior area  505  to charge the interior area  505  with a quantity of the mixture  401  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the method can further include the step of cooling the mixture  401  wherein the topical composition including the natural wax, vegetable oil and activated charcoal cools to form a solid topical composition  701 . Various methods may be used to cool the mixture. For example, active cooling methods may involve an external cooling source, such as use of a refrigeration or freezing unit to quickly reduce the temperature of the mixture. Passive cooling methods allow for slower, more controlled cooling of the mixture. Passive cooling is shown to transform the mixture from the liquid state shown in  FIG. 6  to the solid state shown in  FIG. 7 . In some examples, slower, more controlled cooling may be employed to preserve the texture and/or color of the solid topical composition. 
     Once cooled the solid topical composition  701  can form firm stick or soft solid while being effectively charged within the dispensing device  501  forms a topical application device  703 . 
       FIGS. 8-10  illustrate a method of reducing or eliminating body odor with the topical application device  703 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the topical application device  703  may initially be shipped with an optional protective cap  801 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the cap  801  can be removed and the knob  507  can be adjusted to extend the piston  503  together with the solid topical composition  701 , thereby exposing an end portion  901 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , a quantity  1001  of the solid topical composition  701  can be applied to a desired location, such as the skin  1003  of an animal or human. The solid topical composition  701  can be applied by pressing the end portion  901  against the skin  1003  and moving the topical application device  703  in direction  1005 . As the exposed end portion  901  is exhausted, the knob  507  may again be adjusted to expose additional portions of the solid topical composition  701  for dispensing. 
     In one example, the solid topical composition  701  can be applied to the human skin to obtain deodorant and/or antiperspirant properties before or during a time of need. The disclosed composition can be applied to any area in need of such deodorant and/or antiperspirant properties. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examples embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.