FR3147103A1 - SKIN PERFECTING AND FIRMING COMPOSITIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

TITLE: SKIN PERFECTING AND FIRMING COMPOSITIONS The present disclosure relates to skin perfecting and firming compositions; and a method for perfecting the appearance of skin. The skin perfecting and firming compositions include: (a) pullulan; (b) optionally, one or more non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers other than pullulan; (c) one or more mineral clays; (d) one or more particulate fillers; and (e) optionally, one or more water-soluble organic solvents; and (f) water. The compositions are particularly useful for skin firming and skin smoothing, for example, by filling or covering wrinkles, tufts, scars or other skin imperfections. Figure for Abstract: None

Description

SKIN PERFECTING AND FIRMING COMPOSITIONS DISCLOSURE AREA

The present disclosure relates to skin perfecting and firming compositions for application to the skin. The compositions provide instant and dramatic improvement in the appearance of the skin, for example, by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness, pores and skin imperfections such as scars, dark spots (and uneven skin tone), dark circles and roughness.

CONTEXT

The skin produces less collagen and elastin as it ages. For example, after the age of twenty, a person (human) produces approximately 1% less collagen in the skin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile. Inevitably, wrinkles, crow's feet, age spots, bags under the eyes, etc. begin to form. In addition, many individuals suffer from scars or other skin aberrations. Consumers often wish to improve the appearance of these age-related imperfections, preferably with instant results. Many consumer products and procedures are available that are dedicated to concealing and reducing wrinkles. Some products and procedures are simple and inexpensive, for example, applying makeup, particularly a colored primer or foundation, to cover the skin (and thus cover and/or fill in wrinkles and give a smoother appearance). Much more expensive and drastic procedures, such as surgical facelifts and Botox® injections, are also used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, many consumers cannot afford or do not want to undergo such drastic cosmetic procedures. Several lotions and creams are formulated to moisturize the skin and make it more supple, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Some of these products contain active ingredients, such as niacinamide, which help to repair and rejuvenate the skin over time. Unfortunately, many of these types of products suffer from various drawbacks.

Makeup products are often visible, offer minimal textural benefits, and have no lasting effect on the skin. After makeup removal, the skin looks the same as it did before makeup was applied. Common skin care products can have chronic, acute, or both effects on the skin. Hydration and optical effects are common acute benefits, but these benefits fade quickly over time.

Attempts have been made to develop new product categories to improve the appearance of the skin without the drawbacks of existing products and procedures. One such product family can generally be classified under “adhesive contractile film-forming polymers.” Film-forming polymers are chemical compositions that, when applied to the skin, leave a flexible, cohesive, and continuous coating. A closed group of film-forming polymers are also skin-adherent and contractile.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to skin perfecting and firming compositions for providing an instant and dramatic improvement in the appearance of the skin, for example, by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, bags, pores and skin imperfections such as scars, dark spots (and uneven skin tone), dark circles and roughness. Upon application to the skin, the compositions immediately begin to firm the skin while maintaining the natural appearance of the skin, i.e., the treated skin does not appear manipulated or altered. The inventors have discovered that the skin perfecting and firming compositions exhibit excellent transparency, haze and sheen characteristics suitable for application to the skin, which are long-lasting. The skin perfecting and firming compositions typically include:

(a) pullulan;

(b) optionally, one or more non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers other than pullulan;

(c) one or more mineral clays;

(d) one or more particulate fillers;

(e) optionally, one or more water-soluble organic solvents; and

(f) water.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions may further include: (g) one or more fibers, (h) one or more skin active agents, and/or (i) one or more miscellaneous ingredients.

Non-limiting examples of non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers other than pullulan include polyurethanes, vinyl polymers, natural polymers, latex or pseudolatex polymers, vinylpyrrolidone-based polymers, amphoteric polymers, or a combination thereof. More specific but non-limiting examples of hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers include polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives (e.g., carrageenan and dehydroxyxanthan gum), polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium hyaluronate, vinyl polymers, natural polymers, copolymers derived from C ₄ -C ₈ monounsaturated carboxylic acids or anhydrides, methyl vinyl ether/butyl monomaleate copolymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, water-soluble gums, water-soluble celluloses, dextrans, hyaluronic acid, cyclodextrins, polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers, or a mixture thereof. In various embodiments, at least one of the one or more non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers other than pullulan is a polyurethane, e.g., polyurethane-99 and/or polyurethane-35.

Non-limiting examples of mineral clays include montmorillonite, hectorite, saponite, bidelite, kaolinite, montmorillonites, saponites, laponites, hectorites (including disteardimonium hectorite), smectites, illites, vermiculite, mica and synthetic mica.

Non-limiting examples of particulate fillers include carnauba wax, fluorphlogopite, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, sodium acrylate crosspolymer-2, cellulose, perlite, silica, perlite, silica silylate, talc, mica, titanium mica, alumina, aluminum silicate, silica which may or may not be coated, fumed silica, polyamide, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, poly(methyl meth)acrylate), polyethylene powder, polymethylsilsesquioxane powder, nylon-12, cellulose, nylon-12, polyvinyl alcohol crosspolymer, or a mixture thereof.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes one or more fibers (or filaments). Non-limiting examples of fibers (or filaments) include nonwoven fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, collagen fibers, modified collagen fibers, chitin fibers, modified chitin fibers, chitosan fibers, modified chitosan fibers, polysaccharide fibers, modified polysaccharide fibers, protein fibers, hydrolyzed protein fibers, fibrin fibers, silk fibers, silk fibrin fibers, peptide fibers, cellulose fibers, modified cellulose fibers, biocellulose fibers, acetic acid biocellulose fibers, bacterial cellulose fibers, chondroitin sulfate fibers, sodium alginate fibers, agar fibers, natural fibers, alginic acid fibers, cocoon filament, and combinations thereof.

One or more water-soluble organic solvents may optionally be included in the skin perfecting and firming compositions. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble organic solvents include glycerin, monohydric alcohols, polyols (polyhydric alcohols), glycols, and a mixture thereof. More specific but non-limiting examples of water-soluble organic solvents include ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol, or glycols or glycol ethers such as, for example, monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or their ethers such as, for example, monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, for example monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol. Other suitable examples are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, propane diol and glycerin.

The skin perfecting and firming compositions may optionally include one or more fibers (or filaments). Non-limiting examples of fibers (or filaments) include nonwoven fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, collagen fibers, modified collagen fibers, chitin fibers, modified chitin fibers, chitosan fibers, modified chitosan fibers, polysaccharide fibers, modified polysaccharide fibers, protein fibers, hydrolyzed protein fibers, fibrin fibers, silk fibers, silk fibrin fibers, peptide fibers, cellulose fibers, modified cellulose fibers, biocellulose fibers, acetic acid biocellulose fibers, bacterial cellulose fibers, chondroitin sulfate fibers, sodium alginate fibers, agar fibers, natural fibers, alginic acid fibers, cocoon filament, and combinations thereof.

The skin perfecting and firming compositions may optionally include one or more skin active agents. Non-limiting examples (categories) of skin active agents include antioxidants, anti-wrinkle agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins, ceramides, alpha and/or beta hydroxy acids, anti-acne agents, etc. More specific but non-limiting examples of skin active agents include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E), niacinamide, caffeine, ceramides, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, madecassoside, retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or a combination thereof.

The skin perfecting and firming compositions may optionally include one or more miscellaneous ingredients. Non-limiting examples include preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, salts, buffers, flavonoids, botanical extracts, UV filtering agents, proteins, protein hydrolysates and/or isolates, hydrotropes, pearlizing agents, fillers, colorants, matting agents, or a combination thereof.

The form of the skin perfecting and firming composition is typically a liquid or liquid-like consistency, a gel or gel-like consistency, a lotion or lotion-like consistency, a cream or cream-like consistency, or a paste or paste-like consistency. The form or consistency of the skin perfecting and firming composition is such that it can be applied uniformly to the skin. In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, a suspension, or a dispersion.

The present disclosure also relates to methods of improving the appearance of skin comprising applying the compositions described herein to skin. For example, the present disclosure relates to methods of smoothing skin comprising applying the compositions described herein to skin and forming a film or layer on the skin. In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to methods of firming skin comprising applying the compositions described herein to skin and forming a film or layer on the skin. In some instances, the compositions are applied to the skin of the face, and/or more specifically around the eyes, around the mouth, and/or around the neck of a human face. Methods of improving the appearance of skin include methods of treating or reducing the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, dryness, roughness, dullness, age spots, scars, tufts, and the like.

The compositions of the present disclosure are surprisingly stable, elastic and unexpectedly provide a long-lasting skin smoothing and firming effect. Unlike other products, the film or layer formed on the skin does not dry out and does not turn white, crack or peel. Instead, the film or layer remains flexible (elastic), durable and comfortable. In addition, the compositions (and the resulting films or layers) moisturize and protect the underlying skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to skin perfecting and firming compositions that provide instant and long-lasting improvements to the appearance of the skin. For example, the compositions provide an instant smoothing and firming effect to the skin and are therefore useful for treating under-eye bags, facial wrinkles and other age-related skin imperfections. The skin perfecting and firming compositions are also particularly useful for filling and improving skin aberrations such as deep wrinkles, skin tufts, skin scars, etc. The skin perfecting and firming compositions typically include:

(a) about 1 to about 15% by weight of pullulan;

(b) optionally, up to about 12% by weight of one or more non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers other than pullulan, preferably polyurethane-99;

(c) about 1 to about 10% by weight of one or more mineral clays, preferably laponite;

(d) about 1 to about 10% by weight of one or more particulate fillers;

(e) optionally, one or more water-soluble organic solvents; and

(f) about 60 to about 90% by weight of water;

in which all weight percentages are based on a total weight of the composition.

In various embodiments, the skin-improving and firming compositions may further include: (g) one or more fibers, (h) one or more skin active agents, and/or (i) one or more miscellaneous ingredients. Additionally, the skin-improving compositions may optionally be free or substantially free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g., sodium polyacrylate, acrylates copolymer, acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers), regardless of other monomeric units occurring in the polymer and copolymer (and crosslinked polymer).

(a) Pullulan

Pullulan is a polysaccharide polymer comprised of maltotriose units, also known as 'α-1,4-α-1,6-glucan'. Three glucose units in maltotriose are linked by an α-1,4 glycosidic linkage, while consecutive maltotriose units are linked together by an α-1,6 glycosidic linkage. The amount of pullulan in the skin perfecting and firming compositions will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions include about 1 to about 15 weight percent pullulan, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes from about 1 to about 15 wt. %, from about 1 to about 12 wt. %, from about 1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 1 to about 8 wt. %, from about 2 to about 15 wt. %, from about 2 to about 12 wt. %, from about 2 to about 10 wt. %, from about 2 to about 8 wt. %, from about 3 to about 15 wt. %, from about 3 to about 12 wt. %, from about 3 to about 10 wt. %, from about 3 to about 8 wt. %, based on the total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

(b) Non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymer

The term “hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymer” is interchangeable with the term “aqueous non-acrylate film-forming polymer” and refers to non-acrylate polymers or copolymers that may be water-soluble or water-dispersible; anionic, cationic or non-ionic; and crosslinked or non-crosslinked. They generally include polar groups such as hydroxyl, amide, amine or ether groups, and other groups having a high affinity for water. In addition, they must provide good adhesive, bonding, film-forming and water-swelling properties. Hydrophilic non-acrylate polymers are film-forming polymers capable of forming, alone or in the presence of an auxiliary film-forming agent, a continuous film capable of adhering to a support, in particular to the skin.

As their name implies, hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers do not include acrylates (or methacrylates) and are not formed from acrylic acid monomers (or methacrylic acid monomers), regardless of whether the polymers are homopolymers, copolymers, or cross-linked polymers. For example, the hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymer is not sodium polyacrylate (homopolymer), acrylate copolymer (copolymer), styrene acrylate copolymer (copolymer), or acrylate/C10-30 alkyl acrylate cross-linked polymer (cross-linked polymer).

Non-limiting examples of hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers include polyurethanes, vinyl polymers, natural polymers, latex polymers, vinylpyrrolidone (VP)-based polymers, amphoteric polymers, and mixtures thereof.

(i) Polyurethanes

The polyurethanes may be aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic copolymers, polyurea-urethanes or polyurea copolymers, comprising, alone or as a mixture: at least one block of aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic polyester origin, and/or at least one branched or unbranched silicone block, for example polydimethylsiloxane or polymethylphenylsiloxane, and/or at least one block comprising fluoro groups.

The film-forming polyurethanes which can be used in the invention can also be obtained from branched or unbranched polyesters or from alkyls comprising labile hydrogens, which are modified by reaction with a diisocyanate and a difunctional organic compound (e.g. dihydroxy, diamino or hydroxyamino), also comprising either a carboxylic acid or carboxylate group, or a sulfonic acid or sulfonate group, or alternatively a neutralizable tertiary amine group or a quaternary ammonium group.

For the purpose of forming the polyurethane, the monomers bearing an anionic group which can be used during the polycondensation which can be mentioned include dimethylolpropionic acid, trimellitic acid or a derivative such as trimellitic anhydride, the sodium salt of 3-sulfopentanediol acid and the salt of salt of salt of 5-sulfo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid. Preferably, the monomer bearing an anionic group is dimethylolpropionic acid.

As a film-forming polyurethane which can be used according to the invention, mention may therefore be made of the aqueous polyurethane dispersions sold under the names Avalure UR-405®, Avalure UR-410®, Avalure UR-425® and Avalure UR-450® by the company Goodrich. A particularly preferred polyurethane is polyurethane-99.

Advantageously, the film-forming polyurethanes are chosen from copolymers obtained by copolymerization of hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, adipic acid, hexamethylene diisocyanate, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminoethanesulfonic acid and ethylenediamine. Preferably, the polyurethanes may also be chosen from copolymers obtained by copolymerization of adipic acid, dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, ethylenediamine, hexanediol, neopentyl glycol and sodium N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminoethanesulfonate.

In particular, the polyurethanes are chosen from those sold under the name Baycusan eco E 1001, Baycusan C1001 or C1004, known as polyurethane-99, polyurethane-35, and more particularly the product sold under the name Baycusan C1001, known as polyurethane-99.

(ii) Vinyl polymers

The vinyl polymers may be selected from polyvinyl alcohols, copolymers derived from C ₄ -C ₈ monounsaturated carboxylic acids or anhydrides, and methyl vinyl ether/butyl monomaleate copolymers. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "polyvinyl alcohol" denotes a polymer comprising -CH ₂ CH(OH)- units. Polyvinyl alcohols are generally produced by hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. Usually, the reaction occurs in the presence of methanol (alcoholysis). The reaction is normally catalyzed by acid or base catalysis. The degree of hydrolysis of commercial products is variable, often around 87%, but products with a degree of hydrolysis of 100 also exist. There are also copolymers with monomers other than vinyl acetate, such as ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers.

The polyvinyl alcohol polymers are preferably chosen from homopolymers or copolymers with vinyl acetate, the latter corresponding in particular to a partial hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate.

For example, products from the Celvol range supplied by the Cenese company can be used under the names Celvol 540, Celvol 350, Celvol 325, Celvol 165, Celvol 125, Celvol 540 S, Celvol 840 and Celvol 443.

The copolymer(s) derived from C ₄ - C ₈ monounsaturated carboxylic acids or anhydrides may be chosen from copolymers comprising (i) one or more maleic, fumaric or itaconic acids or anhydrides and (ii) one or more monomers chosen from vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, vinyl halides, phenylvinyl derivatives, and acrylic acid and its esters, the anhydride functions of these copolymers being optionally monoesterified or monoamidated, for example, INCI name: Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer. Preferably, the copolymer(s) derived from C ₄ - C ₈ monounsaturated carboxylic acids or anhydrides is/are chosen from monoesterified copolymers of methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride, for example, the ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, sold under the name Gantrez ES 225 by the company ISP.

(iii) Natural polymers

The hydrophilic polymers may also be selected from natural polymers, particularly polysaccharides which have monosaccharides or disaccharides as basic units. The natural polymers are preferably selected from pullulan, guar gums and modified guar gums, celluloses and gellan gum, and their derivatives.

Guar gums are galactomannans consisting of mannose and galactose. As used herein, the term "modified guar gum" refers to guar gums alkylated with at least one C ₁ -C ₈ alkyl group, hydroxyalkylated guar gums with at least one C _1-8 hydroxyalkyl group, and alkylated guar gums with at least one C _1-8 acyl group. A useful example is hydroxypropylated guar gums (e.g., hydroxypropyl guar) such as the product sold under the name Jaguar HP 105 by Rhodia.

Cellulose is a β1-4-polyacetal of cellobiose, cellobiose being a disaccharide consisting of two glucose molecules. Cellulose derivatives can be cationic, amphoteric or nonionic. Among these derivatives, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters and cellulose ester ethers are distinguished. Among the nonionic cellulose ethers, alkylcelluloses such as methylcelluloses and ethylcelluloses; hydroxyalkylcelluloses, such as hydroxymethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylcelluloses and hydroxypropylcelluloses; and mixed hydroxyalkylcelluloses such as hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylmethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylethylcelluloses and hydroxybutylmethylcelluloses may be mentioned.

Among the cationic cellulose ethers, mention may be made of crosslinked or non-crosslinked quaternized hydroxyethylcelluloses. The quaternizing agent may in particular be glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride or a fatty amine such as laurylamine or stearylamine. Another cationic cellulose ether that may be mentioned is hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium hydroxyethylcellulose. Among the cellulose esters are inorganic cellulose esters (cellulose nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, etc.), organic cellulose esters (cellulose monoacetates, triacetates, amidopropionates, acetatebutyrates, acetatepropionates and acetatetrimellitates, etc.) and mixed organic/inorganic cellulose esters, such as cellulose acetatebutyrate sulfates and cellulose acetatepropionate sulfates.

Among the cellulose ester ethers, mention may be made of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalates and ethylcellulose sulfates. The cellulose-based compounds of the invention may be chosen from unsubstituted celluloses and substituted celluloses.

Celluloses and derivatives are represented, for example, by the products sold under the names Avicel® (microcrystalline cellulose, MCC) by the company FMC Biopolymers, under the names MethocelTM (cellulose ethers) and Ethocel™ (ethylcellulose) by the company Dow, Benecel® (methylcellulose), Blanose™ (carboxymethylcellulose), Culminai® (methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose), Klucel® (hydroxypropylcellulose), Polysurf® (cetylhydroxyethylcellulose) and Natrosol® CS (hydroxyethylcellulose) by the company Hercules Aqualon.

Gellan gum is a polysaccharide produced by aerobic fermentation of Sphingomonas elodea, more commonly known as Pseudomonas elodea. This linear polysaccharide is formed from the sequence of the following monosaccharides: D-glucose, D-glucuronic acid and L-rhamnose. In its native form, gellan gum is highly acylated. The gellan gum preferably used in the film according to the present invention is a gellan gum which is at least partially deacylated. This at least partially deacylated gellan gum is obtained by high-temperature alkaline treatment. For example, a KOH or NaOH solution will be used. The purified gellan gum sold under the trade name Kelcogel® by the company Kelco is suitable for preparing the compositions according to the invention.

Gellan gum derivatives are all products obtained by carrying out standard chemical reactions, in particular esterifications, the addition of a salt of an organic or mineral acid. For example, welan gum is used as a gellan gum derivative. Welan gum is a gellan gum modified by fermentation using the strain Alcaligenes ATCC 31 555. Welan gum has a recurring pentasaccharide structure formed by a main chain composed of D-glucose, D-glucuronic acid and L-rhamnose units, onto which a pendant L-rhamnose or L-mannose unit is grafted. Welan gum (diutan gum) sold under the trade name Kelco Crete® by the company Kelco is suitable for the preparation of the compositions according to the invention.

As other saccharide polymers which can be used according to the invention, mention may be made of starches and their derivatives.

Natural hydrophilic film-forming polymers include celluloses and their derivatives, particularly those sold under the name Avicel® (microcrystalline cellulose, MCC) by the company FMC Biopolymers.

Carrageenans are anionic polysaccharides constituting the cell walls of various red algae (Rhodophyceae) belonging to the families Gigartinaceae, Hypneaceae, Furcellariaceae and Polyideaceae. They are generally obtained by hot aqueous extraction from natural strains of said algae. These linear polymers, formed by disaccharide units, are composed of two D-galactopyranose units linked alternately by α(1,3) and β(1,4) bonds. They are highly sulfated polysaccharides (20% to 50%) and the α-D-galactopyranosyl residues can be in 3,6-anhydro form. Depending on the number and position of sulfate ester groups on the repeating disaccharide of the molecule, several types of carrageenans are distinguished, namely: kappa-carrageenans, which carry one sulfate ester group, iota-carrageenans, which carry two sulfate ester groups, and lambda-carrageenans, which carry three sulfate ester groups. Carrageenans are composed mainly of potassium, sodium, magnesium, triethanolamine and/or calcium salts of polysaccharide sulfate esters.

Carrageenans are sold in particular by the company SEPPIC under the name Solagum®, by the company Gelymar under the names Carragel®, Carralact® and Carrasol®, by the company Cargill under the names Satiagel™ and Satiagum™, and by the company CP-Kelco under the names Genulacta®, Genugel® and Genuvisco®.

Hyaluronic acid and its salts are mentioned, for example sodium hyaluronate and potassium hyaluronate. Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It is a long-chain polymer of glycosaminoglycan and disaccharide units of Na-glucuronate-N-acetylglucosamine.

A useful hydrophilic film-forming polymer is xanthan gum and modified xanthan gums, such as dehydroxanthan gum, hydroxypropyl xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, dehydroxanthan gum is useful.

(iv) Latex or pseudolatex polymers

As presented above for hydrophilic film-forming polyurethanes, the hydrophilic film-forming polymer may therefore also be present in a composition of the invention in the form of particles dispersed in an aqueous phase, generally known as latex or pseudolatex. The techniques for preparing these dispersions are well known to those skilled in the art.

Aqueous dispersions of film-forming polymers that may be used include acrylic dispersions sold under the names Neocryl XK-90, Neocryl A-1070®, Neocryl A-1090®, Neocryl BT-62®, Neocryl A-1079® and Neocryl A-523® by Avecia-Neoresins Company, Dow Latex 432® by Dow Chemical Company, Daitosol 5000 AD® or Daitosol 5000 SJ® by Daito Kasey Kogyo Company; Syntran 5760® or Syntran PC 5100® by Interpolymer, Allianz OPT by Röhm & Haas, aqueous dispersions of acrylic or styrene/acrylic polymers sold under the brand name Joncryl® by Johnson Polymer, or aqueous dispersions of polyurethane sold under the names Neorez R-981® and Neorez R-974® by Avecia-Neoresins, Avalure UR-405®, Avalure UR-410®, Avalure UR-425®, Avalure UR-450®, Sancure 875®, Sancure 861®, Sancure 878® and Sancure 2060® by Goodrich, Impranil 85® by Bayer and Aquamere H-1511® by Hydromer; sulfopolyesters sold under the brand name Eastman AQ® by Eastman Chemical Products, and vinyl dispersions, for example Mexomer PAM® from Chimex, and mixtures thereof.

(v) Vinylpyrrolidone (VP) based polymers

Non-limiting examples of vinylpyrrolidone (VP)-based film-forming polymers include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), VP-styrene copolymer, VP-vinyl acetate copolymer, and VP-dimethylaminoethyl sulfate-methacrylic acid diethyl sulfate copolymer, and mixtures thereof.

(vi) Amphoteric polymers

Non-limiting examples of non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers include amphoteric polymers. Non-limiting examples include polymethacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride, alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride (AVE/MA) copolymer, diallyldimethylammonium chloride and maleamic acid copolymers, or a combination thereof.

The amount of the one or more hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers in the skin perfecting and firming compositions will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 0.1 to about 12 weight percent of the one or more hydrophilic non-acrylic film-forming polymers, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, from about 0.5 to about 12 wt. %, from about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, from about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, from about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, from about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, from about 1 to about 12 wt. %, from about 1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 1 to about 8 wt. %, from about 1 to about 5 wt. %, from about 2 to about 12 wt. %, from about 2 to about 10 wt. %, from about 2 to about 8 wt. %, from about 2 to about 6 wt. %, from about 2 to about 5 wt. %, from about 3 to about 12 wt. %, from about 3 to about 10 wt. %, from about 3 to about 8 wt. %, from about 3 to about 6 wt. %, from about 4 to about 12 wt. %, from about 4 to about 10 wt. %, from about 4 to about 8 wt. %, from about 5 to about 8 wt. %, of the one or more hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

(c) Mineral clays

Mineral clays include hydrous aluminum phyllosilicates (e.g., kaolin, Al ₂ Si ₂ O ₅ (OH) ₄ ), sometimes with varying amounts of iron, magnesium, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and other cations. The term mineral clay is generally applied to (1) a naturally occurring material with plastic properties, (2) very small particle sizes, usually those defined as particles less than two micrometers (7.9 × 10−5 inches), and (3) very fine mineral fragments or particles composed primarily of hydrous aluminum silicates, although occasionally containing magnesium and iron. Although in a broader sense clay minerals may include virtually any mineral of the particle size mentioned above, the definition adapted here includes hydrous layer silicates and certain related aluminosilicates of short-range order, both of which are exclusively or frequently of very fine-sized grades.

Clay minerals are composed primarily of silica, alumina or magnesia or both, and water, but iron substitutes for aluminum and magnesium to varying degrees, and appreciable amounts of potassium, sodium and calcium are also frequently present. Some clay minerals can be expressed using ideal chemical formulas as follows: 2SiO ₂ Al ₂ O ₃ 2H ₂ O (kaolinite), 4SiO ₂ Al ₂ O ₃ H ₂ O (pyrophyllite), 4SiO ₂ 3MgO H ₂ O (talc) and 3SiO ₂ Al ₂ O ₃ 5FeO 4H ₂ O (chamosite). The SiO ₂ ratio in a formula is the key factor determining the types of clay minerals. These minerals can be classified on the basis of variations in chemical composition and atomic structure into nine groups: (1) kaolin-serpentine (kaolinite, halloysite, lizardite, chrysotile), (2) pyrophyllite-talc, (3) mica (illite, glauconite, cedonite), (4) vermiculite, (5) smectite (montmorillonite, nontronite, saponite), (6) chlorite (sudoite, clinoinone, chamosite), (7) sepiolite-palygorskit, (8) interbedded clay minerals (e.g., rectorite, corrensite, tosudite), and (9) allophane-imogolite.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure do not require sodium silicate. Sodium silicate may certainly be included in the compositions, but is not necessarily required. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions are free or substantially free of sodium silicate. Similarly, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions are free or substantially free of sodium silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium silicate, and/or aluminum silicate. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions include less than 5 wt%, less than 4 wt%, less than 3 wt%, less than 2 wt%, less than 1 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, less than 0.1 wt% sodium silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium silicate and/or aluminum silicate.

Non-limiting examples of mineral clays include montmorillonite, hectorite, saponite, bidelite, kaolinite, montmorillonites, saponites, laponites, hectorites (including disteardimonium hectorite), smectites, illites, vermiculite, mica, synthetic mica, and combinations thereof.

In various preferred embodiments, the mineral clay is laponite.

The total amount of the one or more mineral clays in the skin perfecting and firming compositions will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 0.1 to about 10% by weight of the one or more mineral clays, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, about 1 to about 5 wt. %, about 2 to about 10 wt. %, about 2 to about 8 wt. %, about 2 to about 6 wt. %, or about 2 to about 5 wt. % of the one or more mineral clays, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

(d) Particulate charges

As the name suggests, particulate fillers are materials that exist in the form of particles in skin perfecting and firming compositions. Particulate fillers are generally insoluble in water. The term “particle” is broadly interpreted to include, for example, solid, hollow or porous spherical or microspherical particles, flakes, platelets, irregularly shaped particles, but will preferably be a powder to ensure uniform dispersion and consistent mechanical properties.

Non-limiting examples of particulate fillers include metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal carbonates, metal sulfates, various types of clays (other than mineral clays of (c)), silica, alumina, powdered metals, glass microspheres, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, barium carbonate, kaolin, carbon, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum dioxide, titanium dioxide, talc, mica, wollastonite latex particles, thermoplastic elastomer particles, dough powders, wood powders, cellulose derivatives, chitin, microbial cellulose, high melting crystalline polymer powders, crosslinked polymer beads, organosilicone powders, and powders of polyacrylic acid, and the like, as well as combinations and derivatives thereof. The particulate fillers may optionally be surface modified by hydrophobic modification.

Particulate fillers include waxes such as beeswax, montan wax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, sugarcane wax, Japan wax, ozocerite, microcrystalline waxes, paraffin wax, lanolin wax, hydrogenated lanolin wax or acetylated lanolin wax.

Particulate fillers include soft focus powders. Soft focus powders are materials that provide a soft focus effect, typically due to their light scattering properties on the skin. These powders typically have high diffuse reflectance, low specular reflectance, and high diffuse transmittance. Soft focus powders give the skin a smoother appearance, for example by reducing the difference in brightness between the valley and the edges of wrinkles and imperfections.

Non-limiting examples of soft focus powders include powders of natural or synthetic origin such as mica, titanated mica, alumina, titanium dioxide, serecite, talc/titanium dioxide/alumina/silica composite powders, polyamide, poly(methyl meth)acrylate), polyethylene powder, polymethylsilsesquioxane powder, sodium acrylate cross-linked polymer-2 and a mixture thereof. Other non-limiting examples include calcium aluminum borosilicate (LUXSIL), PMMA (Microsphere M-100), polyethylene (POLYETHYLENE Cl 2080), methyl methacrylate cross-linked polymer (COVABEADS LH85), nylon-12 (ORGASOL 2002) or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer (FLOBEADS EA209).

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions include at least one soft focus powder selected from silica (which may or may not be coated), fumed silica, silica silylate, talc/titanium dioxide/alumina/silica composite powders, polyamide (nylon), poly(methyl meth)acrylate, polyethylene powder, polymethylsilsesquioxane powder, waxes, such as copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosslinked polymer, nylon-12, cellulose, polylactic acid, boron nitride, and a mixture thereof. The copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax may be provided as a dispersion without water or alcohol. The dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer may be provided as a silicone dispersion (INCI: Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer (and) C12-14 Pareth-12). In some cases, the soft focus powder is (or includes) sodium acrylate crosspolymer-2, which is commercially available under the name AQUAKEEP 10SH-NFC as sodium acrylate crosspolymer-2 (and) water (and) silica.

The total amount of the one or more particulate fillers in the skin perfecting and firming compositions will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of the one or more particulate fillers, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, about 1 to about 5 wt. %, about 2 to about 10 wt. %, about 2 to about 8 wt. %, about 2 to about 6 wt. %, or about 2 to about 5 wt. % of the one or more particulate fillers, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

(e) Water-soluble organic solvents

The skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include or exclude (or are essentially free of) one or more water-soluble organic solvents. In a preferred embodiment, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes one or more water-soluble organic solvents.

The term "water-soluble organic solvent" is interchangeable with the terms "water-soluble solvent" and "water-miscible solvent" and means a compound that is liquid at 25°C and atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg), and has a solubility of at least 50% in water under these conditions. In some cases, the water-soluble solvents have a solubility of at least 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble solvents include, for example, organic solvents selected from glycerin, alcohols (e.g., C _1-12 , C _1-10 , C _1-8 or C _1-4 alcohols), polyols (polyhydric alcohols), glycols and a mixture thereof.

Non-limiting examples of water-soluble organic solvents include monoalcohols and polyols such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol, or glycols or glycol ethers such as, for example, monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or their ethers such as, for example, monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, for example monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol. Other suitable examples of organic solvents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, propane diol and glycerin. The organic solvents may be volatile or non-volatile compounds.

Additional non-limiting examples of water-soluble organic solvents include alkanediols (polyhydric alcohols) such as glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, trimethylolpropane, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-butene-1,4-diol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, (caprylyl glycol), 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol and 4-methyl-1,2-pentanediol; alkyl alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as ethanol, methanol, butanol, propanol and isopropanol; glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, 1-methyl-1-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, monoethyl ether dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether and dipropylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether; 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, formamide, acetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, sorbit, sorbitan, acetin, diacetin, triacetin, sulfolane and a mixture thereof.

Polyhydric alcohols are useful. Examples of polyhydric alcohols include glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and a mixture thereof. Polyol compounds may also be used. Non-limiting examples include aliphatic diols, such as 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-diethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol and 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, or a mixture thereof.

The amount of the one or more water-soluble organic solvents in the skin perfecting and firming compositions, if present, will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of the one or more water-soluble organic solvents, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, or about 1 to about 5 wt. % of the one or more water-soluble organic solvents, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

(f) Water,

The amount of water in the skin perfecting and firming compositions will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 50 to about 90% by weight of water, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes about 55 to about 90 wt. %, about 60 to about 90 wt. %, about 65 to about 90 wt. %, about 70 to about 90 wt. %, about 75 to about 90 wt. %, about 80 to about 90 wt. %, about 55 to about 85 wt. %, about 60 to about 85 wt. %, about 65 to about 85 wt. %, or about 70 to about 85 wt. %, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

(g) Fibers or filaments

The skin-perfecting compositions may optionally include one or more fibers or filaments. The term “fiber” is interchangeable with the term “filament” and refers to a fine, thread-like material as understood in the art. The fibers or filaments may be microfibers or nanofibers. Microfibers typically have a diameter of less than about 20, 15, or 10 micrometers. Nanofibers typically have a diameter of about 1 nm to about 1 μm. The use of fibers in the skin-perfecting compositions improves mechanical strength while maintaining or enhancing flexibility. The fibers are generally not overly soluble in the skin-perfecting compositions, i.e., they retain their structure as a fiber or filament in the skin-perfecting composition.

Non-limiting examples of fibers include nonwoven fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, collagen fibers, modified collagen fibers, chitin fibers, modified chitin fibers, chitosan fibers, modified chitosan fibers, polysaccharide fibers, modified polysaccharide fibers, protein fibers, hydrolyzed protein fibers, fibrin fibers, silk protein fibers, silk fibrin fibers, peptide fibers, cellulose fibers, modified cellulose fibers, biocellulose fibers, acetic biocellulose fibers, bacterial cellulose fibers, chondroitin sulfate fibers, sodium alginate fibers, agar fibers, natural fibers, alginic acid fibers, cocoon filament, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the one or more fibers or filaments may be formed from a bioprotein derived from living organisms. Exemplary bioproteins may include silk, cotton, porcine dermis, small intestinal submucosa, and bovine dermis or pericardium. In some embodiments, the fibers or filaments contemplated herein may be formed specifically from one or more animal bioproteins. In other embodiments, the fibers or filaments may be formed more specifically from bioproteins derived from insects, e.g., spiders. In a particular embodiment, the bioprotein scaffold may include a silk bioprotein, such as may be obtained, for example, from Bombyx mori silkworms. Other types of silk (and their silkworm sources) may include Muga (Antheraea assamensis silkworm), Eri (Sarnia cynthia ricini silkworm), or Pat (Bombyx textor silkworm).

As used herein, the term “bioprotein” includes any organic (i.e., non-synthetic) material. When embodiments are described herein as being formed of a bioprotein material, it is intended to be formed primarily of organic material, and the inclusion of a portion of non-bioprotein material is contemplated. Thus, bioprotein products as disclosed herein include fibers or filaments that are at least 50% bioprotein, but may also be substantially (i.e., greater than 90%, 95%, 99%, or even essentially 100%) bioprotein.

The total amount of the one or more fibers or filaments in the skin-perfecting composition, if present, will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin-perfecting composition includes about 0.01 to about 10 weight percent of the one or more fibers or filaments, based on a total weight of the skin-perfecting composition. In other embodiments, the skin-enhancing composition includes about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, about 2 to about 10 wt. %, about 2 to about 8 wt. %, or about 2 to about 6 wt. %, based on a total weight of the skin-enhancing composition.

(h) Skin active agents

Non-limiting examples of skin active agents include madecassoside, retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine or) chloride, selenium, mixtures of samphire extract-cinnamon, tea and octanoylglycine such as Seppic's Sepicontrol A5 TEA--the mixture of cinnamon, sarcosine and octanoylglycine marketed in particular by Seppic under the trade name Sepicontrol A5--zinc salts such as zinc gluconate, zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate (or zinc pidolate), zinc lactate, zinc aspartate, zinc carboxylate, zinc salicylate, zinc cystate; -derivatives in particular copper and copper pidolate in the form of Cuivridone--plant extracts of Arnica montana, Cinchona succirubra, Eugenia caryophyllata, Humulus lupulus, Hypericum perforatum, Mentha pipenta, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Thymus vulgaris, all marketed by Maruzen -extracts of the alga Spiraea ulmaria, such as those sold under the name Sebonormine by Silab--extracts of the alga Laminaria saccharina, such as those sold under the name Phlorogine by Biotechmarine--extracts of the root of coronilla mixtures (Sanguisorba officinalis/Poterium officinale), ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinalis) and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia), such as those sold under the name Sebustop by Solabia--Linseed extracts such as those sold under the name Linumine by Lucas Meyer--Phellodendron extracts such as those sold under the name Phellodendron Extract BG by Maruzen or Oubaku liquid B by Ichimaru Pharcos--an oil extract of argan oil blends of Senoa sersulfata (creeping serenoa) and sesame seeds such as those sold under the name Regu SEB by Pentapharm--blends of extracts of willow herb, Terminalia chebula, nasturium and bioavailable zinc (microalgae), such as those sold under the name Seborilys Green Tech;--Pygeum afrianum extracts such as those sold under the name Pygeum afrianum sterolic lipid extract by Euromed--Serenoa serrulata extracts such as those sold under the name Viapure Sabal by Actives International, and those sold by Euromed Company - extracts of mixtures of plantain, Berberis aquifolium and sodium salicylate such as those sold under the name Seboclear Rahn - a clove extract such as that sold under the name Clove Powder powder by Maruzen - argan oil such as that sold under the name Lipofructyl Laboratories Serobiologiques; --lactic protein filtrates, such as those sold under the name Normaseb by Sederma--kelp extracts, such as those sold under the name Laminarghane by Biotechmarine--laminaria digitata algae oligosaccharides, such as those sold under the name Phycosaccharide 30 AC by Codif--sugar cane extracts such as those sold under the name Policosanol by Sabinsa, sulfonated shale oil, such as that sold under the name Ichtyol Pale by Ichyol--meadow grass extracts (Spiraea ulmaria) such as those sold under the name Cytobiol Ulmaire by societeLibiol--sebacic acid, notably sold in the form of a sodium polyacrylate gel under the name Sebosoft by Seboderma--glucommanans extracted from konjac tuber and modified by chains alkylsulfonates such as those sold under the name Biopol Beta by Arch Chemical--Sophora angustifolia extracts, such as those sold under the name Sophora powder or Sophora extract by Bioland--quinquina succirubra bark extracts such as those sold under the name Red Bark HS by Alban Muller--Quillaja saponaria extracts such as those sold under the name Panama wood HS by Alban Muller--glycine grafted onto an undecylenic chain, such as that sold under the name Lipacide UG OR by SEPPIC--the mixture of oleanolic acid and nordihydroguaiaretic acid, such as that sold in gel form under the name AC. Net by Sederma; 20-phthalimidoperoxyhexanoic acid tri-citrate (C12-C13) sold under the name COSMACOL.RTM ECI by Sasol; a trialkyl citrate (C14-C15) sold under the name COSMACOL.RTM. ECL by Sasol--hydroxydecanoic acid, including mixtures of hydroxydecanoic acid, sebacic acid and 1,10-decanediol such as those sold under the name Acnacidol BG by Vincience and mixtures thereof.

The skin active agents include cinnamic acid and its derivatives. Cinnamic acid or a derivative thereof may be selected from ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, sinapinic acid, chlorogenic acids, caftaric acid, chicoric acid, coutaric acid, rosmarinic acid, derivatives thereof and combinations thereof. Their equivalent derivatives include cinnamic acid derivatives having substitutions on the hydroxyl groups of the aromatic ring such as short chain aliphatic groups (one to six carbon atoms) or long chain aliphatic groups (seven to twenty-four carbon atoms) to form an ether, or such aliphatic groups substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyl, amino or amido, for example, to form a substituted ether. Equivalent derivatives thereof further include cinnamic acid derivatives having modifications of the methoxy group(s) of the aromatic ring to short chain aliphatic groups (two to six carbon atoms) or to long chain aliphatic groups (seven to twenty-four carbon atoms) to form a longer chain ether, or such aliphatic groups substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyl, amino or amido, for example, to form a substituted long chain ether. The 3-carboxy group of a cinnamic acid derivative may also be converted to esters or amides having aliphatic groups of up to 24 carbons or an aromatic group, for example. The cis and trans isomers of the cinnamic acid derivatives are included herein since the cis isomer is readily converted to the trans isomer. Salts of the cinnamic acid derivatives are included herein. In one embodiment, the cinnamic acid derivative is a triethanolamine salt. Caffeic acid, also known as 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, is present in many fruits, vegetables, seasonings, and beverages consumed by humans. Caffeic acid is present in these products in a conjugated form, such as chlorogenic acid. Paracoumaric acid, also known as 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid or p-hydroxycinnamic acid, is present in various plants, including lignin-forming plants. Trans-ferulic acid, also known as 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid or 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid, is also widely distributed in small amounts in plants. Sinapinic acid, also known as 3,5-dimethoxy4-hydroxycinnamic acid, is derived from black mustard seeds. Caffeic acid, para-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid and sinapinic acid are commercially available.

Skin active agents include hydroxy acids selected from alpha, beta or polyhydroxy acids. Non-limiting examples include lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, mandelic acid, lactobionic acid, gluconolactone, galactose and combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, one or more of the following skin active agents are selected from sodium hyaluronate, capryloyl salicylic acid, coco-caprylate/caprate, alpha and/or beta-arbutin, ferulic acid, lucinol, kojic acid, resorcinol, tranexamic acid, genitic acid, homogentisic acid, methyl gentisate or homogentisate, dioic acid, panthetin D calcium sulfonate, lipoic acid, ellagic acid, vitamin B3, linoleic acid, stilbenoid, coumarin, tannin, curcuminoid, chalcone, phenylpropanoid, anthocyanin, dihydrochalcone, anthocyanidin, tocopherols, sesame lignin, vitamin C, caffeine, vitamin E, their derivatives, their salts, and a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more skin active agents are selected from vitamin C, vitamin E, caffeine, niacinamide or a combination thereof.

Various skin active ingredients can be classified into antioxidants, depigmenting agents and anti-wrinkle agents.

(i) Antioxidants

Examples of antioxidants include tocopherols (e.g., d-α-tocopherol, d-β-tocopherol, d-γ-tocopherol, d-delta-tocopherol), tocotrienols (e.g., d-α-tocotrienol, d-β-tocotrienol, d-γ-tocotrienol, d-delta-tocotrienol), and vitamin E (α-tocopheryl acetate). These compounds may be isolated from natural sources, prepared by synthetic means, or mixtures thereof. Tocotrienol-enriched vitamin E preparations may be obtained by fractionating vitamin E preparations to remove some of the tocopherols and recover a preparation with a higher concentration of tocotrienol. Useful tocotrienols are natural products isolated, for example, from wheat germ oil, cereals or palm oil using high performance liquid chromatography, or isolated by alcohol extraction and/or molecular distillation from barley, spent grain or oats. As used herein, the term “tocotrienols” includes the tocotrienol-rich fractions obtained from these natural products as well as the pure compounds. The increased glutathione peroxidase activity protects the skin from oxidative damage.

Vitamin C and derivatives can be used, including ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate and the fat-soluble esters tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, glucosamine ascorbate, ascorbyl acetate, etc. In addition, plant extracts containing a large amount of vitamin C, such as camu berry (Myrciaria dubia), acerola, emblica officinalis, and bioflavonoids from rosehip and citrus fruits, can also be used, including water-soluble bioflavonoids such as hesperidin methyl chalcone.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) or sesame lignan can also be added. Sesame and its lignans (the fibrous compounds associated with sesame) act as antioxidants. Sesame seed lignans significantly enhance the activity of vitamin E.

In addition, carotenoids, especially the xanthophyll type, are also useful antioxidants that can be used. Xanthopyl-type carotenoids include molecules, such as lutein, canthaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Xanthophylls protect compounds, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and other carotenoids.

Flavonoids can also act as antioxidants. In some cases, the flavonoid is a flavanone (derived from 2,3-dihydro-2-phenylchromen-4-one). Flavones include: butin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, naringenin, naringin, pinocembrin, poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuranin, and sterubin. The flavonoid may be a flavanonol (derived from 3-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-2-phenylchromen-4-one. Flavanols include: taxifolin, aromadedrin, chrysandroside A, chrysandroside B, xeractinol, astilbin, and fustin. The flavonoid may be a flavone (derived from 2-phenylchromen-4-one). Flavones include: apigenin, luteolin, tangeritin, chrysin, baicalein, scutellarein, wogonin, synthetic flavones: diosmin, and flavoxate. The flavonoid may be a flavonol (derived from 3-hydroxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one). Flavonols include: 3-hydroxyflavone, azaleatin, fisetin, galangin, gossypetin, kaempferide, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, natsudaidain, pachypodol, quercetin, rhamnazine, rhamnetin, azalein, hyperoside, isoquercitin, kaempferitrin, myricitrin, quercitrin, robinin, rutin, spiraeoside, xanthorhamnin, amurensin, icariin, and troxerutin. The flavonoid may be a flavan-3-ol (2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromen-3-ol derivatives). Flavan-3-ols include: catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, epiafzelechin, fisetinidol, guibourtinidol, mesquitol, and robinetinidol. The flavonoid may be a flavan-4-ol (derived from 2-phenylchroman-4-ol). Flavan-4-ols include: apiforol and luteoforol. The flavonoid may be an isoflavone (derived from 3-phenylchromen-4-one). Isoflavones include: genistein, daidzein, Biochanin A, Formononetin, and the daidzein metabolite Equol.

The antioxidant may be an anthocyanidin (derived from the 2-phenylchromenylium cation). Anthocyanidins include: Aurantinidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, europinidin, luteolinidin, pelargonidin, malvidin, peonidin, petunidin, rosinidin, and xanthone.

The antioxidant may be a dihydrochalcone (1,3-diphenyl-1-propanone derivative). Dihydrochalcones include: Phloretin, Dihydrochalcone phloretin Phlorizin, Aspalathin, Naringin dihydrochalcone, Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and Nothofagin. Without limiting the mode of action of the invention, dihydrochalcones can exert an antioxidant effect by reducing reactive free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species.

The antioxidant may be an anthocyanin. Anthocyanins and their derivatives are antioxidants. Anthocyanins encompass a class of flavonoid compounds that are naturally occurring water-soluble compounds responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of many fruits, vegetables, grains, and flowers. In addition, anthocyanins are collagenase inhibitors. Inhibition of collagenase helps prevent and reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, etc., which are caused by a reduction in skin collagen. Anthocyanins may be obtained from any portion of various plant sources, such as the fruit, flower, stem, leaves, root, bark, or seeds. One skilled in the art will understand that certain parts of the plant may contain higher natural levels of anthocyanins, and therefore, these parts are used to obtain the desired anthocyanins. In some cases, antioxidants may include one or more betacyanins. Betacyanins, like anthocyanins, can be found in natural sources and are antioxidants.

The antioxidant may be a phenylpropanoid (cinnamic acid derivatives). Phenylpropanoids include: cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, trans-ferulic acid (including its antioxidant pharmacore 2,6-dihydroxy acetophenone), 5-hydroxyferulic acid, sinapic acid, coumarylic acid, coniferyl alcohol, sinapyl alcohol, eugenol, chavicol, safrole, P-coumaric acid and sinapinic acid. Without limiting the mode of action of the invention, phenylpropanoids can neutralize free radicals.

The antioxidant may be a chalcone (1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-one derivative). Chalcones include: Butein, Okanine, Carthamin, Marein, Sophoradine, Xanthohumol, Flavokawine A, Flavokawine B, Flavokawine C and synthetic Safalcone.

The antioxidant may be a curcuminoid. Curcuminoids include: curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, bis-desmethoxycurcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, and tetrahydrocurcuminoids. Curcumin and tetrahydrocurcuminoids can be derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Tetrahydrocurcumin, a metabolite of curcumin, has been shown to be a more potent and stable antioxidant than curcumin.

The antioxidant can be a tannin. Tannins include: Tannin, Terflavin B, Glucogallin, D-gallic Acid and Quercitannic Acid.

The antioxidant may be a stilbenoid. Stilbenoids include: Resveratrol, Pterostilbene, and Piceatannol. Resveratrol may include, but is not limited to, 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene, 3,4,3',5'-tetrahydroxystilbene (piceatannol), 2,3',4,5'-tetrahydroxystilbene (oxyresveratrol), 4,4'-dihydroxystilbene, and their alpha and beta-glucside, galactoside, and mannoside derivatives.

The antioxidant may be a coumarin (2H-chromen-2-one derivatives). Coumarins include: 4-Hydroxycoumarin, Umbelliferone, Aesculetin, Herniarin, Auraptene and Dicoumarol.

The antioxidant can be a carotenoid. Carotenoids include: beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and idebenone. Sesame (Sesamum indicum) or sesame lignan can also be added. Sesame and its lignans (the fibrous compounds associated with sesame) act as antioxidants. Sesame seed lignans significantly enhance the activity of vitamin E.

The antioxidant can be: xanthone, butylated hydroxytoluene, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, gallic acid, eugenol, uric acid, alpha-lipoic acid, ellagic acid, chicoric acid, chlorogic acid, rosmarinic acid, salicylic acid, acetylcysteine, s-allyl cysteine, barbigerone, chebulagic acid, edaravone, ethyloxyquin, glutathione, hydroxytyrsol, idebenone, melatonin, N-acetylserotonin, nordihydroguaretic acid, olecanthal, oleuropein, paradol, piceatannol, probucol, propyl gallate, protocatechuic acid, pyritinol, rutin, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, sesamin, silibinin, silymarin, theaflavin, theaflavin digylate, thymoquinone, trolox, tyrosol, polyunsaturated fatty acids and sulfur-based antioxidants such as methionine or lipoic acid.

(ii) Depigmenting agents

Non-limiting examples of depigmenting agents include alpha and beta arbutin, ferulic acid, lucinol and its derivatives, kojic acid, resorcinol and its derivatives, tranexamic acid and its derivatives, gentisic acid, homogentisic acid, methyl gentisate or homogentisate, dioic acid, D-panthetin calcium sulfonate, lipoic acid, ellagic acid, vitamin B3, linoleic acid and its derivatives, certain compounds derived from plants such as chamomile, red strawberry, aloe family (vera, ferox, bardensis), blackberry, skullcap, a kiwi fruit (Actinidia chinensis) marketed by Gattefosse, a root extract of Paeonia suffruticosa, such as that sold by Ichimaru Pharcos under the name Liquid Botanpi Be, a brown sugar (Saccharum officinarum) extract such as the molasses extract marketed by Taiyo Kaga under the name Liquid Molasses, without this list being exhaustive. Particular depigmenting agents include alpha and beta-arbutin, ferulic acid, kojic acid, resorcinol and its derivatives, panthetin D calcium sulfonate, lipoic acid, ellagic acid, vitamin B3, a kiwi fruit (Actinidiadia chinensis) marketed by Gattefosse, a Paeonia suffruticosa root extract, such as that sold by the company Ichimaru Pharcos under the name Botanpi Liquid B.

(iii) Anti-wrinkle agent

The term “anti-wrinkle agent” refers to a natural or synthetic compound that produces a biological effect, such as increasing the synthesis and/or activity of certain enzymes, when brought into contact with a wrinkled area of skin, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and/or fine lines. Non-limiting examples of anti-wrinkle agents include: desquamating agents, anti-glycation agents, NO-synthase inhibitors, agents that stimulate the synthesis of dermal or epidermal macromolecules and/or prevent their degradation, agents that stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and/or keratinocytes, or agents that stimulate keratinocyte differentiation; muscle relaxants and/or dermo-contracting agents, anti-free radical agents and mixtures thereof. Examples of such compounds are: adenosine and its derivatives and retinoids other than retinol (as discussed above, such as retinyl palmitate); ascorbic acid and its derivatives such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside; nicotinic acid and its precursors such as nicotinamide; ubiquinone; glutathione and its precursors such as L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, C-glycoside compounds and their derivatives as described in particular in EP-1345919, in particular C-beta-D-xylopyranoside-2-hydroxy-propane as described in particular in EP-1345919, plant extracts including sea fennel and olive leaf extracts, as well as plants and their hydrolyzed derivatives such as rice protein hydrolysates or soy proteins, algae extracts and in particular laminaria, bacterial extracts, sapogenins such as diosgenin and Dioscorea plant extracts, in particular wild yam, comprising: a-hydroxy acids, f3-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid and n-octanoyl-5-salicylic oligopeptides and pseudodipeptides and their acyl derivatives, in particular {2-[acetyl-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amino]-3-methyl-}acetic acid and lipopeptides marketed by the company under the trade names SEDERMA Matrixyl 500 and Matrixyl 3000; lycopene, manganese salts and magnesium salts, in particular gluconates, and mixtures thereof. In at least one case, the skin-perfecting and firming composition includes adenosine derivatives, such as non-phosphate derivatives of adenosine, such as in particular 2'-deoxyadenosine, 2',3'-adenosine isopropoylidene; toyocamycin, 1-methyladenosine, N-6-methyladenosine; adenosine N-oxide, 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside and 6-chloropurine riboside. Other derivatives include adenosine receptor agonists such as phenylisopropyl adenosine (“PIA”), 1-methylisoguanosine, N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine, 2-chloroadenosine, N6-phenyladenosine, 2-phenylaminoadenosine, MECA, N6-phenethyladenosine, 2-p-(2-carboxy-ethyl)phenethyl-amino-5'- -N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine (CGS-21680), N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (NECA), 5'(N-cyclopropyl)-carboxamidoadenosine, DPMA (PD 129,944) and metrifudil.

The total amount of the one or more skin active agents in the skin perfecting and firming compositions, if present, will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions include an amount of greater than zero to about 10% by weight, based on a total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes an amount of skin active agents in an amount of greater than zero to about 9% by weight, greater than zero to about 8% by weight, greater than zero to about 7% by weight, greater than zero to about 6% by weight, greater than zero to about 5% by weight, greater than zero to about 4% by weight, greater than zero to about 3% by weight, greater than zero to about 2% by weight; about 10 ppm to about 10,000,000 wt. %, about 10 ppm to about 5 wt. % (50,000 ppm), about 10 ppm to about 2.5 wt. % (25,000 ppm), about 10 ppm to about 1 wt. % (10,000 ppm), about 10 ppm to about 5 wt. % (5,000 ppm), about 10 ppm to about 0.3 wt. % (3,000 ppm), about 10 ppm to about 10 wt. % (2,000 ppm), about 10 ppm to about 0.1 wt. % (ppm), about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm; about 0.1 to about 500 ppm; about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 1%, about 1%, about 0.5 to about 0.5 wt. %; about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, about 1 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 4 wt. %, about 1 to about 3 wt. %; about 2 to about 10 wt. %, about 2 to about 8 wt. %, about 2 to about 6 wt. %, about 2 to about 5 wt. %, about 2 to about 4 wt. %; about 3 to about 10 wt. %, about 3 to about 8 wt. %, about 3 to about 6 wt. %, about 3 to about 5 wt. %; about 4 to about 10% by weight, about 4 to about 8% by weight, or about 4 to about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

(i) Miscellaneous ingredients

The skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more miscellaneous ingredients. Miscellaneous ingredients are ingredients that are compatible with the skin perfecting and firming compositions and that do not interfere with or materially affect the basic and novel properties of the skin perfecting and firming compositions. Miscellaneous ingredients commonly used in cosmetics are known in the art. Non-limiting examples include preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, salts, buffers, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, botanical extracts, UV filtering agents, proteins, protein hydrolysates and/or isolates, hydrotropes, pearlizing agents, fillers, colorants, matting agents , etc.

In addition to the foregoing, components described as optional components throughout the disclosure may also be construed as miscellaneous ingredients if not expressly stated as an independent component of the skin perfecting and firming composition. Thus, by the term “miscellaneous ingredient” is meant a general expression representing additional components that may optionally be present in amounts designated for the miscellaneous ingredients.

Various ingredients may be included in the cosmetic composition, for example, in an amount of about 0.01 to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes from about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 3 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 3 wt. %, from about 1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 1 to about 8 wt. %, or from about 1 to about 5 wt. %, or from about 1 to about 3 wt. % based on the total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

(j) Organic dyes

The skin perfecting and firming compositions may optionally include one or more organic colorants. Non-limiting examples include D & C red no. 19 (CI 45,170), D & C red no. 9 (CI 15,585), D & C red no. 21 (CI 45,380), D & C orange no. 4 (CI 15,510), D & C orange no. 5 (CI 45,370), D & C red no. 27 (CI 45,410), D & C red no. 13 (CI 15,630), D & C red no. 7 (CI 15,850:1), D & C red no. 6 (CI 15,850:2), D & C yellow no. 5 (CI 19,140), D & C red no. 36 (CI 12,085), D & C orange no. 10 (CI 45,425), D & C yellow no. 6 (CI 15,985), D & C red no. 30 (CI 73,360), D & C red no. 3 (CI 45,430), carbon black (CI 77 266), cochineal carmine lake (CI 75 470), natural or synthetic melanin and aluminum lakes.

The total amount of organic colorants may vary but is typically from about 0.01 to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition. The total amount of organic dyes may be from about 0.01 to about 20 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 18 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 16 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 14 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 12 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 6 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, from about 0.01 to about 4 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, or from about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, from about 1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, or from about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, from about 1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, or from about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, from about 1 to about 10 ... about 20 wt. %, from about 1 to about 18 wt. %, from about 1 to about 16 wt. %, from about 1 to about 14 wt. %, from about 1 to about 12 wt. %, from about 1 to about 10 wt. %, from about 1 to about 8 wt. %, from about 2 to about 20 wt. %, from about 2 to about 18 wt. %, from about 2 to about 16 wt. %, 2 to about 14 wt. %, from about 2 to about 12 wt. %, from about 2% to about 10 wt. %, from about 2 to about 8 wt. %, from about 4 to about 20 wt. %, from about 4 to about 18 wt. %, from about 4 to about 16 wt. %, from about 4 to about 14 wt. %, from about 4 to about 12 wt. %, from about 4 to about 10 wt. %, from about 4 to about 8 wt. %, including ranges and sub-ranges thereof, based on the total weight of the skin perfecting and firming composition.

Methods of implementation

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition comprises or consists of:

(a) about 1 to about 15 wt. %, preferably about 1 to about 10 wt. %, more preferably about 1 to about 5 wt. % of pullulan;

(b) optionally, up to about 12% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 5% by weight of one or more hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers other than pullulan, preferably selected from one or more polyurethanes, more preferably selected from polyurethane-1, polyurethane-2, polyurethane-4, polyurethane-6, polyurethane-32, polyurethane-34, polyurethane-35, polyurethane-48, polyurethane-99, or a combination thereof;

(c) about 1 to about 10% by weight, preferably about 1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 2 to about 6% by weight of one or more mineral clays, preferably one or more mineral clays selected from montmorillonite, hectorite, saponite, bidelite, kaolinite, montmorillonites, saponites, laponites, hectorites (including disteardimonium hectorite), smectites, illites, vermiculite, mica, synthetic mica or a combination thereof, even more preferably at least one of the mineral clays is laponite;

(d) about 1 to about 10% by weight, preferably about 1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 2 to about 6% by weight of one or more particulate fillers, preferably wherein the one or more particulate fillers are selected from carnauba wax, fluorphlogopite, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, sodium acrylate cross-linked polymer-2, cellulose, perlite, silica, perlite, silica silylate, talc, mica, titanium mica, alumina, aluminum silicate, silica which may or may not be coated, fumed silica, polyamide, methyl methacrylate cross-linked polymer, poly(methyl meth)acrylate, polyethylene powder, polysilsesquioxane powder, nylon-12, cellulose, nylon-12, polymer crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof, more preferably in which at least one of the particles is silica;

(e) optionally, up to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 12% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 10% by weight of one or more water-soluble organic solvents, wherein the one or more water-soluble solvents are preferably selected from glycerin, monoalcohols, polyols (polyhydric alcohols), glycols, and a mixture thereof, for example, one or more of ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, polyhydric alcohols including glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butbutanediol,1,5-pentanediol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and a mixture thereof. Polyol compounds may also be used. Non-limiting examples include aliphatic diols, such as 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol and 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, or a mixture thereof;

(f) about 60 to about 92% by weight, preferably about 70 to about 90% by weight, more preferably about 75 to about 90% by weight of water;

in which all weight percentages are based on a total weight of the composition.

The skin perfecting and firming composition may optionally further include one or more additional components. Non-limiting examples include (g) one or more fibers, (h) one or more skin active agents, (i) one or more miscellaneous ingredients.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition is optionally free or substantially free of one or more components. Non-limiting examples include volatile hydrocarbons (e.g., isoparaffins, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane, undecane, tridecane, dodecane, isohexyl, isodecyl, neopentanoate, and combinations thereof, etc.), styrene/butadiene copolymer, silica silylate, silicones, dimethicone crosslinked polymers, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers, acrylate/isobornyl acrylate copolymers, sodium polyacrylate and/or acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers. In a preferred embodiment, the skin perfecting and firming compositions are free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g., sodium polyacrylate, acrylates copolymer, acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers), regardless of other monomeric units occurring in the polymer and copolymer (and crosslinked polymer).

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition comprises or consists of:

(a) about 1 to about 15 wt. %, preferably about 1 to about 10 wt. %, more preferably about 1 to about 5 wt. % of pullulan;

(b) optionally, up to about 12% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 5% by weight of one or more non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers other than pullulan, preferably selected from one or more polyurethanes, more preferably selected from polyurethane-1, polyurethane-2, polyurethane-4, polyurethane-6, polyurethane-32, polyurethane-34, polyurethane-35, polyurethane-48, polyurethane-99, even more preferably polyurethane-99;

(c) about 1 to about 10% by weight, preferably about 1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 2 to about 6% by weight of one or more mineral clays, preferably one or more mineral clays selected from montmorillonite, hectorite, saponite, bidelite, kaolinite, montmorillonites, saponites, laponites, hectorites (including disteardimonium hectorite), smectites, illites, vermiculite, mica, synthetic mica or a combination thereof, even more preferably at least one of the mineral clays is laponite;

(d) about 1 to about 10% by weight, preferably about 1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 2 to about 6% by weight of one or more particulate fillers, preferably wherein the one or more particulate fillers are selected from carnauba wax, fluorphlogopite, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, sodium acrylate cross-linked polymer-2, cellulose, perlite, silica, perlite, silica silylate, talc, mica, titanium mica, alumina, aluminum silicate, silica which may or may not be coated, fumed silica, polyamide, methyl methacrylate cross-linked polymer, poly(methyl meth)acrylate, polyethylene powder, polysilsesquioxane powder, nylon-12, cellulose, nylon-12, polymer crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof, more preferably in which at least one of the particles is silica;

(e) optionally, up to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 12% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 10% by weight of one or more water-soluble organic solvents, wherein the one or more water-soluble solvents are preferably selected from glycerin, monoalcohols, polyols (polyhydric alcohols), glycols, and a mixture thereof, for example, one or more of ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, polyhydric alcohols including glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butbutanediol,1,5-pentanediol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and a mixture thereof. Polyol compounds may also be used. Non-limiting examples include aliphatic diols, such as 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol and 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, or a mixture thereof;

(f) about 60 to about 92% by weight, preferably about 70 to about 90% by weight, more preferably about 75 to about 90% by weight of water;

(g) optionally, up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 6% by weight of one or more fibers, wherein the one or more fibers are selected from nonwoven fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, collagen fibers, modified collagen fibers, chitin fibers, modified chitin fibers, chitosan fibers, modified chitosan fibers, polysaccharide fibers, modified polysaccharide fibers, protein fibers, hydrolyzed protein fibers, fibrin fibers, silk fibers, silk fibrin fibers, peptide fibers, modified cellulose fibers, cellulose fibers, biocellulose fibers, acetic biocellulose fibers, bacterial fibers, chondroitin sulfate fibers, sodium alginate fibers, agar fibers, natural fibers, alginic acid fibers, cocoon filament and a combination thereof, more preferably wherein at least one of the fibers is a protein fiber, hydrolyzed protein fiber, silk protein fiber, fibrin fiber, silk fibrin fiber, spider silk fiber, or a combination thereof;

(h) optionally, up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.01 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 0.1 to about 8% by weight of one or more skin active agents, preferably wherein at least one of the one or more skin active agents is selected from antioxidants, anti-wrinkle agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins, ceramides, alpha and/or beta-hydroxy acids, anti-acne agents, or a mixture thereof, for example, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, niacinamide, caffeine, ceramides, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, madecassoside, retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide or a combination thereof; and

(i) optionally, up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 8% by weight of one or more miscellaneous ingredients, preferably wherein the one or more miscellaneous ingredients are selected from preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, salts, buffers, flavonoids, vitamins, botanical extracts, UV filtering agents, proteins, protein hydrolysates and/or isolates, hydrotropes, pearlizing agents, fillers, colorants, matting agents or a combination thereof;

(j) optionally, one or more organic dyes, for example about 0.01 to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, or about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of one or more organic dyes;

wherein all weight percentages are based on a total weight of the composition; and

wherein the composition is optionally free or essentially free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g., sodium polyacrylate, acrylates copolymer, acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers, regardless of the other monomeric units appearing in the polymer and copolymer (and the crosslinked polymer).

The skin perfecting and firming composition may optionally be free or substantially free of one or more components. Non-limiting examples include volatile hydrocarbons (e.g., isoparaffins, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane, undecane, tridecane, dodecane, isohexyl, isodecyl, neopentanoate, and combinations thereof, etc.), hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer, silica silylate, silicones, dimethicone cross-linked polymers, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers, acrylate/isobornyl acrylate copolymers, sodium polyacrylate and/or acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers. In a preferred embodiment, the skin perfecting and firming compositions are free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g., sodium polyacrylate, acrylates copolymer, acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers), regardless of other monomeric units occurring in the polymer and copolymer (and crosslinked polymer).

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition comprises or consists of:

(a) about 1 to about 15 wt. %, preferably about 1 to about 10 wt. %, more preferably about 1 to about 5 wt. % of pullulan;

(b) optionally, up to about 12% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 5% by weight of one or more polyurethanes, preferably one or more polyurethanes selected from polyurethane-1, polyurethane-2, polyurethane-4, polyurethane-6, polyurethane-32, polyurethane-34, polyurethane-35, polyurethane-48, polyurethane-99, or a combination thereof, more preferably at least one of the one or more polyurethanes is polyurethane-99;

wherein (a) and (b), if present, are in a weight ratio of (a) to (b) of about 1:5 to about 5:1, preferably about 1:3 to about 3:1, more preferably about 1:2 to about 2:1;

(c) about 1 to about 10 wt. %, preferably about 1 to about 8 wt. %, more preferably about 2 to about 6 wt. % of laponite;

(d) about 1 to about 10% by weight, preferably about 1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 2 to about 6% by weight of one or more particulate fillers, preferably wherein the one or more particulate fillers are selected from carnauba wax, fluorphlogopite, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, sodium acrylate crosspolymer-2, cellulose, perlite, silica, perlite, silica silylate, talc, mica, titanium mica, alumina, aluminum silicate, silica which may or may not be coated, fumed silica, polyamide, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, polyethylene powder, polymethylsilsesquioxane powder, nylon-12 powder, cellulose, nylon-12, polyvinyl alcohol crosspolymer, or a mixture thereof, more preferably in which at least one of the particulate fillers is a silica;

(e) optionally, up to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 12% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 10% by weight of one or more water-soluble organic solvents, wherein the one or more water-soluble solvents are preferably selected from glycerin, monoalcohols, polyols (polyhydric alcohols), glycols, and a mixture thereof, for example, one or more of ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, polyhydric alcohols including glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butbutanediol,1,5-pentanediol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and a mixture thereof. Polyol compounds may also be used. Non-limiting examples include aliphatic diols, such as 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol and 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, or a mixture thereof;

(f) about 60 to about 92% by weight, preferably about 70 to about 90% by weight, more preferably about 75 to about 90% by weight of water;

(g) optionally, up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 6% by weight of one or more fibers, wherein the one or more fibers are selected from nonwoven fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, collagen fibers, modified collagen fibers, chitin fibers, modified chitin fibers, chitosan fibers, modified chitosan fibers, polysaccharide fibers, modified polysaccharide fibers, protein fibers, hydrolyzed protein fibers, fibrin fibers, silk fibers, silk fibrin fibers, peptide fibers, modified cellulose fibers, cellulose fibers, biocellulose fibers, acetic biocellulose fibers, bacterial fibers, chondroitin sulfate fibers, sodium alginate fibers, agar fibers, natural fibers, alginic acid fibers, cocoon filament and a combination thereof, more preferably wherein at least one of the fibers is a protein fiber, hydrolyzed protein fiber, silk protein fiber, fibrin fiber, silk fibrin fiber, spider silk fiber, or a combination thereof;

(h) optionally, up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.01 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 0.1 to about 8% by weight of one or more skin active agents, preferably wherein at least one of the one or more skin active agents is selected from antioxidants, anti-wrinkle agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins, ceramides, alpha and/or beta-hydroxy acids, anti-acne agents, or a mixture thereof, for example, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, niacinamide, caffeine, ceramides, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, madecassoside, retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide or a combination thereof; and

(i) optionally, up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 8% by weight of one or more miscellaneous ingredients, preferably wherein the one or more miscellaneous ingredients are selected from preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, salts, buffers, flavonoids, vitamins, botanical extracts, UV filtering agents, proteins, protein hydrolysates and/or isolates, hydrotropes, pearlizing agents, fillers, colorants, matting agents or a combination thereof;

(j) optionally, one or more organic dyes, for example about 0.01 to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, or about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of one or more organic dyes;

wherein all weight percentages are based on a total weight of the composition; and

wherein the composition is preferably free or essentially free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g. sodium polyacrylate, acrylate copolymer, acrylate/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers, regardless of the other monomeric units appearing in the polymer and copolymer (and the crosslinked polymer).

The skin perfecting and firming composition may optionally be free or substantially free of one or more components. Non-limiting examples include volatile hydrocarbons (e.g., isoparaffins, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane, undecane, tridecane, dodecane, isohexyl, isodecyl, neopentanoate, and a combination thereof, etc.), hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer, silica silylate, silicones, dimethicone crosslinked polymers, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers, acrylate/isobornyl acrylate copolymers, sodium polyacrylate and/or acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition comprises or consists of:

(a) about 1 to about 15 wt. %, preferably about 1 to about 10 wt. %, more preferably about 1 to about 5 wt. % of pullulan;

(b) optionally, up to about 12 wt%, preferably about 0.1 to about 10 wt%, more preferably about 1 to about 5 wt% of polyurethane-99;

wherein (a) and (b), if present, are in a weight ratio of (a) to (b) of about 1:5 to about 5:1, preferably about 1:3 to about 3:1, more preferably about 1:2 to about 2:1;

(c) about 1 to about 10 wt. %, preferably about 1 to about 8 wt. %, more preferably about 2 to about 6 wt. % of laponite;

(d) about 1 to about 10 wt. %, preferably about 1 to about 8 wt. %, more preferably about 2 to about 6 wt. % of one or more particulate fillers, preferably wherein at least one of the one or more particulate fillers is a silica;

(e) optionally up to about 15 wt. %, preferably about 0.1 to about 12 wt. %, more preferably about 1 to about 10 wt. % of one or more water-soluble organic solvents, wherein the one or more water-soluble organic solvents are selected from glycerin, monohydric alcohols, polyols (polyhydric alcohols), glycols and a mixture thereof;

(f) about 60 to about 92% by weight, preferably about 70 to about 90% by weight, more preferably about 75 to about 90% by weight of water;

(g) optionally, up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 6% by weight of one or more fibers, wherein the one or more fibers are preferably selected from a protein fiber, a hydrolyzed protein fiber, a silk protein fiber, a fibrin fiber, a silk fibrin fiber, a spider silk fiber, or a combination thereof;

(d) optionally up to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 0.01 to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 0.1 to about 8% by weight of one or more skin active agents; and

(i) optionally, up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 1 to about 8% by weight of one or more miscellaneous ingredients, preferably wherein the one or more miscellaneous ingredients are selected from preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, salts, buffers, flavonoids, vitamins, botanical extracts, UV filtering agents, proteins, protein hydrolysates and/or isolates, hydrotropes, pearlizing agents, fillers, colorants, matting agents or a combination thereof;

(j) optionally, one or more organic dyes, for example about 0.01 to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, or about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of one or more organic dyes;

wherein all weight percentages are based on a total weight of the composition;

wherein the composition is free or essentially free of silicones (e.g., silicone oils, silicone elastomers and compounds containing a silicone atom);

wherein the composition is preferably free or essentially free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g. sodium polyacrylate, acrylate copolymer, acrylate/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers, regardless of the other monomeric units appearing in the polymer and copolymer (and the crosslinked polymer).

The skin perfecting and firming composition may optionally be free or substantially free of one or more components. Non-limiting examples include volatile hydrocarbons (e.g., isoparaffins, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane, undecane, tridecane, dodecane, isohexyl, isodecyl, neopentanoate, and a combination thereof, etc.), hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer, silica silylate, silicones, dimethicone crosslinked polymers, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers, acrylate/isobornyl acrylate copolymers, sodium polyacrylate and/or acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers.

pH

The pH of the skin perfecting and firming compositions will vary. However, in various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition has a pH of about 4 to about 9. In other embodiments, the pH of the skin perfecting and firming compositions is about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 7.5, about 5 to about 9, about 5 to about 8, about 5 to about 7.5, about 5.5 to about 9, about 5.5 to about 8, or about 5.5 to about 8.5.

Optional features

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions described throughout the present disclosure are free or substantially free of hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1 wt.% hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8 wt.%, less than 0.5 wt.%, less than 0.1 wt.%, or less than 0.05 wt.% hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3, or 5 wt.% hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure are free or substantially free of silica silylate. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1 wt.% silica silylate. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8 wt.%, less than 0.5 wt.%, less than 0.1 wt.%, or less than 0.05 wt.% silica silylate. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3, or 5 wt.% silica silylate.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure are free or substantially free of silicones. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1% by weight of silicones. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8% by weight, less than 0.5% by weight, less than 0.1% by weight, or less than 0.05% by weight of silicones. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3, or 5% by weight of silicones.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure are free or substantially free of dimethicone cross-linked polymers. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1 wt. % dimethicone cross-linked polymers. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8 wt. %, less than 0.5 wt. %, less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.05 wt. % dimethicone cross-linked polymers. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3, or 5 wt. % dimethicone cross-linked polymers.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure are free or substantially free of C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymer. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1 wt. % of C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymer. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8 wt. %, less than 0.5 wt. %, less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.05 wt. % of C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymer. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3, or 5 wt. % C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymer.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure are free or substantially free of acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1 wt. % acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8 wt. %, less than 0.5 wt. %, less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.05 wt. % acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3, or 5 wt. % acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure are free or substantially free of sodium polyacrylate. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1 wt. % sodium polyacrylate. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8 wt. %, less than 0.5 wt. %, less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.05 wt. % sodium polyacrylate. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3, or 5 wt. % sodium polyacrylate.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure are free or substantially free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1 wt.% of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8 wt.%, less than 0.5 wt.%, less than 0.1 wt.%, or less than 0.05 wt.% of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3 or 5 wt. % of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers.

In various embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure are free or substantially free of volatile hydrocarbons (e.g., isoparaffins, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane, undecane, tridecane, dodecane, isohexyl, isodecyl, neopentanoate, and a combination thereof, etc.). In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 1 wt. % volatile hydrocarbons. In additional embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming composition includes less than 0.8 wt. %, less than 0.5 wt. %, less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.05 wt. % volatile hydrocarbons. In other embodiments, the skin perfecting and firming compositions optionally include up to about 2, 3, or 5 wt. % volatile hydrocarbons. Non-limiting examples of volatile hydrocarbons that may optionally be included or excluded include isoparaffin, isohexadecane, isododecane, isodecane, undecane, tridecane, dodecane, isohexyl, isodecyl, neopentanoate, or a combination thereof.

Procedures

Skin perfecting and firming compositions are particularly useful for improving the appearance of skin, particularly human skin. When the skin perfecting and firming compositions are applied to the skin, they provide an immediate improvement in the appearance of the skin that is long-lasting. The skin perfecting and firming compositions are particularly useful in methods for:

- reduce the appearance of fine lines on the skin;

- reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles;

- improve skin tone and/or improve skin tone uniformity;

- improve the softness and/or smooth texture of the skin;

- reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes;

- reduce the appearance of dark circles around and/or under the eyes;

- reduce the appearance of pores and/or scars; and/or

- increase the radiance, luminosity and/or glow of the skin.

Typically, an effective amount of a skin perfecting and firming composition is applied to the skin to be treated, for example, the skin of the face and/or neck. In some cases, it may be desirable to apply the skin perfecting and firming composition to the area around (or under) the eyes. The skin perfecting and firming compositions may be applied by hand or with a brush, sponge, tissue, cotton swab, cloth, or applicator (e.g., a pen or other device), etc. The amount needed to achieve the desired effect may be determined by the consumer.

EXAMPLES

An implementation of this disclosure is provided by means of the following examples. These examples serve to illustrate the technology without being limiting in nature.

EXAMPLE 1 (Skin perfecting compositions)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 % by weight (has) Pullulan PULLULANE 5 3.8 1.3 (b) Hydrophilic film-forming agent POLYURETHANE-99 3.8 2.5 5 2.5 2.5 5.0 (c) Mineral clay LAPONITE 3.8 3.4 3.8 3.4 2.5 2.9 3.8 3.4 (d) Particle load SILICA 4.3 3.5 3.5 2 2 2.0 2.8 4.3 (e) Solvent GLYCERIN 3 0.8 0.8 2.3 2.3 2.3 3.0 2.3 (f) Water 80 87 88 87 91 90 90 85

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the disclosure. Furthermore, the disclosure shows and describes only the preferred embodiments but as mentioned above, it may be used in various other combinations, modifications and environments and may be subject to changes or modifications in the scope of the inventive concepts as expressed herein, consistent with the above teachings and/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain the best modes known to the applicant and to enable others skilled in the art to use the disclosure in such or other embodiments, and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses thereof. Accordingly, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. The appended claims are also intended to be construed to include other embodiments.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are used in their broad and non-limiting sense.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are understood to include both the plural and the singular. Thus, the term “a mixture of” also includes “mixtures of.” Throughout the disclosure, the term “a mixture thereof” is used, following a list of elements as shown in the following example where the letters A through F represent the elements: “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture thereof.” The term “a mixture thereof” does not require that the mixture include all of A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B, C, D, E, and F may be included). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F may be included. In other words, it is equivalent to the formulation "one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of two or more of A, B, C, D, E and F".

Similarly, the term “a salt thereof” also refers to “salts thereof.” Thus, when the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof,” it indicates that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may be included, one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included, or a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included.

Salts referred to throughout the disclosure may include salts having a counterion such as an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or an ammonium counterion. This list of counterions, however, is not limiting. Suitable counterions for the components described herein are known in the art.

The term “one or more” means “at least one” and therefore includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

The term "plurality" means "more than one" or "two or more."

Except in working examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditions may be modified in all cases by the term “approximately”, meaning to within +/- 5% of the number indicated.

All percentages, parts and ratios herein are based on the total weight of the compositions unless otherwise stated.

Some of the various component categories identified may overlap. In such cases where an overlap may exist and the composition includes both components (or the composition includes more than two overlapping components), an overlapping compound does not represent more than one component. For example, some compounds may be considered a skin active agent and a miscellaneous ingredient. If a particular composition includes both a skin active agent and a miscellaneous ingredient, a single compound will serve solely as the skin active agent or solely as the miscellaneous ingredient (the single compound does not serve as both the skin active agent and the miscellaneous ingredient).

As used herein, all ranges provided are intended to include each specific range within the given ranges, as well as a combination of subranges therein. Thus, a range of 1-5 specifically includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as subranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc. All ranges and values disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable. For example, any value or point described herein that falls within a range described herein may serve as a minimum or maximum value to derive a subrange, etc.

The skin perfecting and firming compositions of the present disclosure may include one or more surfactants and/or emulsifiers, for example, one or more nonionic, anionic, cationic and/or amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants or emulsifiers. The terms “surfactants” and “emulsifiers” include salts of the surfactants and emulsifiers even if not explicitly stated. In other words, whenever the disclosure refers to a surfactant or emulsifier, it is intended that salts also be encompassed to the extent that such salts exist, even if the specification may not specifically refer to a salt (or may not refer to a salt in all instances throughout the disclosure), for example, by using language such as “a salt thereof” or “salts thereof.” Sodium and potassium are common cations that form salts with surfactants and emulsifiers. However, additional cations such as ammonium ions, or alkanolammonium ions such as monoethanolammonium or triethanolammonium ions, can also form surfactant salts.

The term “substantially free” or “essentially free” as used herein indicates that there is less than about 2% by weight of a specific material added to a composition, based on the total weight of the compositions. However, the compositions may include less than about 1% by weight, less than about 0.5% by weight, less than about 0.1% by weight, less than about 0.01% by weight, or none of the specified material.

The term “acrylate” is intended to include both acrylates and methacrylates and other alkylacrylates. The acrylate monomers used to make these polymers are typically alkyl acrylates of 4-17 carbon atoms, for example, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, and isooctyl acrylate. Non-limiting monomers of acrylate or methacrylate polymers and copolymers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate.

Any components positively presented in the present disclosure may be negatively excluded from the claims, for example, a claimed composition may be “free” or “essentially free” (or “substantially free”) of one or more components that are positively presented in the present disclosure.

All publications and patent applications cited herein are incorporated by reference, and for all purposes, as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between this disclosure and any publication or patent application incorporated herein by reference, this disclosure shall prevail.

Claims (10)

Skin perfecting and firming composition comprising:
(a) 1 to 15% by weight of pullulan;
(b) optionally, up to 12% by weight of one or more non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers other than pullulan, preferably one or more polyurethanes, more preferably, polyurethane-99;
(c) 1 to 10% by weight of one or more mineral clays, preferably laponite;
(d) 1 to 10% by weight of one or more particulate fillers;
(e) optionally, one or more water-soluble organic solvents; and
(f) 60 to 90% by weight of water;
wherein all weight percentages are based on a total weight of the composition; and
wherein the composition is optionally free or essentially free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g., sodium polyacrylate, acrylates copolymer, acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers), regardless of the other monomeric units appearing in the polymer and copolymer (and the crosslinked polymer). Composition according to claim 1, comprising the one or more hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers and the one or more hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers are selected from polyurethanes, vinyl polymers, natural polymers, latex or pseudolatex polymers, vinylpyrrolidone-based polymers, amphoteric polymers, or a combination thereof, preferably one or more polyurethanes, more preferably polyurethane-99,
wherein, preferably, the one or more hydrophilic non-acrylate film-forming polymers are selected from polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives (e.g., carrageenan and dehydroxyxanthan gum), polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium hyaluronate, vinyl polymers, natural polymers, copolymers derived from C ₄ -C ₈ monounsaturated carboxylic acids or anhydrides, methyl vinyl ether/butyl monomaleate copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, water-soluble gums, water-soluble celluloses, dextrans, hyaluronic acid, cyclodextrins, polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers, or a mixture thereof, preferably one or more polyurethanes, more preferably polyurethane-99. A composition according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the one or more mineral clays are selected from montmorillonite, hectorite, saponite, bidelite, kaolinite, montmorillonites, saponites, laponites, hectorites (including disteardimonium hectorite), smectites, illites, vermiculite, mica, synthetic mica, or a combination thereof, preferably wherein at least one of the one or more mineral clays is laponite. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more particulate fillers are selected from carnauba wax, fluorphlogopite, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, sodium acrylate crosspolymer-2, cellulose, perlite, silica, perlite, silica silylate, talc, mica, titanium mica, alumina, aluminum silicate, silica which may or may not be coated, fumed silica, polyamide, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, poly(methyl meth)acrylate, polyethylene powder, polymethylsilsesquioxane powder, nylon-12, cellulose, nylon-12, polyvinyl alcohol crosspolymer, or a mixture thereof. A composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising:
(g) one or more fibers. The composition of claim 5, wherein the one or more fibers are selected from nonwoven fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, collagen fibers, modified collagen fibers, chitin fibers, modified chitin fibers, chitosan fibers, modified chitosan fibers, polysaccharide fibers, modified polysaccharide fibers, protein fibers, hydrolyzed protein fibers, fibrin fibers, silk fibers, silk fibrin fibers, peptide fibers, cellulose fibers, modified biocellulose fibers, acetic biocellulose fibers, bacterial cellulose fibers, chondroitin sulfate fibers, sodium alginate fibers, agar fibers, natural fibers, alginic acid fibers, cocoon fibers and a combination thereof. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the one or more non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers is polyurethane-99. A composition according to any preceding claim, free or essentially free of acrylate and methacrylate polymers and copolymers. A skin perfecting and firming composition according to claim 1, comprising:
(a) 1 to 15% by weight of pullulan;
(b) optionally, up to 12% by weight of one or more non-acrylate hydrophilic film-forming polymers, preferably one or more polyurethanes, more preferably, polyurethane-99;
(c) 1 to 10% by weight of one or more mineral clays, preferably laponite;
(d) 1 to about 10% by weight of one or more particulate fillers;
(e) optionally, up to 15% by weight of one or more water-soluble organic solvents;
(f) 60 to 90% by weight of water;
(g) optionally, up to 10% by weight of one or more fibres;
(h) optionally, one or more skin active agents; and
(i) optionally up to 5% by weight of one or more miscellaneous ingredients;
wherein all weight percentages are based on a total weight of the composition; and
wherein the composition is optionally free or essentially free of acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g., sodium polyacrylate, acrylates copolymer, acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl (methacrylate) polymers), regardless of the other monomeric units appearing in the polymer and copolymer (and the crosslinked polymer). A method of treating the skin comprising applying to the skin the skin perfecting and firming composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.