CLEANSING COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING AN -ALKANOATE AS CONDITIONER.

This invention relates to cleansing compositions, especially foaming compositions which may be used for the cleansing of the skin and/or the h'air.

The invention also relates to a method for the delivery of a hydroxyalkanoate for moisturising the skin and use of compositions to achieve this benefit.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Human skin consists essentially of two layers: the inner dermis and the outer epidermis, the former functioning mainly as a mechanical support for the latter.

The epidermis, which can be as little as 0.06 mm thick in the case of the eye lid to as much as 0.8 mm on the foot, itself comprises four or _' five layers, namely:

(i) the Stratum alpigii, which is the germinative layer of cells at the base of the epidermis that adjoins the Dermis.

(ii) the Stratum Spinosum, the prickle cell layer which represents the first morphologically distinct stage in the differentiation of epidermal cells. It consists of numerous evenly spaced intercellular bridges - tonofilaments - each with a central thickening. The margins of several of these thickenings accounts for the appearance of desmosomes. The tono ilaments form the earliest precursor of keratin.

(iii) the Stratum Granulosum, the granular layer immediately above the prickle cell layer, which contains basophilic granules of keratohyalin. Also present in the

Stratum Granulosum are the bridges (desmosomes and tono filaments seen in the prickle cell layers) , but their close apposition renders them less visible.

(iv) the Stratum Lucidum, seen especially in the epidermis of the hand and foot, comprises cells which are of even thickness and essentially non-nuclear.

(v) the Stratum Comeum, which lies above the Stratum Lucidum (when present) , forms the outermost layer of the epidermis. The Stratum Comeum is composed of dead, flat, fully keratinized cells which lie on top of one another to a depth of from 0.02 to 0.8 mm. The Stratum comeum also possesses lipid materials which effectively form a waterproof barrier to the external surface of the skin.

Beneath the epidermis is the dermis which is composed of collagen, usually accompanied by elastin and reticulin. These materials are fibrous proteins embedded in a mucopolysaccharide ground substance. Several cellular types, together with nervous and vascular networks, are found in the dermis, together with specialised appendages, including sweat glands, hair follicles with associated sebaceous glands.

A soft, supple and flexible skin has a marked cosmetic appeal and these characteristics are attributes of normal functioning epidermis, particularly with respect to the young human subject. The outer layer of the epidermis, i.e. the stratum comeum, can however become dry and flaky following exposure to adverse climatic conditions, or by excessive contact with detergents or solvents which results in a loss of skin moisture. Consequently, the skin can lose its soft, supple and flexible characteristics.

Emollients such as fats, phospholipids and stearols, have

in the past been used to soften dry skin, but this can leave the skin greasy and unattractive. As an alternative, the topical application to the skin of classical humectants does not alleviate this problem, as these compounds are not particularly skin substantive and are generally rinsed from the skin during washing.

It is therefore apparent that there exists a continuing need for effective methods for treating dry flaky skin to restore its original soft, supple and flexible characteristics, and indeed for maintaining these attributes of normal functioning epidermis.

In an article by Baiocchi et al in Cosmetics and Perfumery 9_0, 31-34 (1975) , it is stated that sodium stearoyl lactylate, when incorporated in a hand cream or lotion, results in a subjectively smooth and supple but not excessively greasy feeling when such creams or lotions are topically applied to the hands. However, the primary reason for including this lactylate in such formulations is to function as a very efficient emulsifier.

In an article by Osipow et al in Drug & Cosmet Ind, May 1969, 64ff, it is disclosed that sodium stearoyl lactylate may be used in oil-in-water cosmetic creams as the emulsifier to impart body, lubricity and opalescence to the cream. It is alleged that its absorption to the skin may enhance its softening action.

In another article by Murphy in Cosmetics and Toiletries 94, 43ff (1979) , the sorption of acyl lactylates on the skin was examined by using pigskin as a model. It is described that sodium isostearoyl lactylate appears to reduce dryness and scaling of skin and restores a healthy texture to dry skin.

Murphy in Cosmetics and Toiletries .93., 31 (1978) discusses

a systemable approach to skin moisturisation and concludes that a combination of the pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) sodium salt, sodium lactate and lactic acid can be used as effective humectants to hold moisture in the skin.

US 4,105.783 (Yu & Van Scott) discloses a therapeutic treatment of dry skin consisting of the topical application of a lotion, cream or ointment containing one or more a or β- hydroxy acids including glycolic acid and lactic acid.

EP 0 530 866 (Unilever) concerns novel sulfoxy alkanoates surfactants which it is believed are broken down by enzymes naturally present in the skin, or are naturally hydrolysed upon contact with the skin to yield "Benefit Reagents" e.g. Hydroxy acid and/or Fatty Alcohol.

EP 0 442 708 (Unilever) discloses cosmetic compositions containing 2-hydroxy alkanoic acids. Due to the presence of these acids in compositions, several benefits are imparted to the skin, such as an increase in the elasticity of the skin, particularly of the stratum corneum. Similarly, EP 0 007 785 (Unilever) discloses cosmetic compositions comprising 2-hydroxy alkanoic acids, which also give various skin benefits when topically applied to the skin.

However, the extent to which the moisturisation of skin, or its ability to remain moist without becoming dry, by topical application of so-called "moisturisers" as proposed by other workers in the field of cosmetic science, is not significant. A search has therefore been conducted for other active materials that can be employed in this way for enhancing the moisturisation of skin or, once moisturised, for restricting the extent to which skin moisture loss will occur.

It has long been recognised that cream or lotion formulations containing lactic acid, usually as lactate ions in products near neutral pH, when applied topically to the skin, can improve the flexibility and texture of the skin, and it is believed that lactate contributed to this effect. In studying this approach, we have applied such creams and lotions to the skin and have shown that although lactate can thereby be deposited on the surface of the stratum comeum which forms the outermost part of the skin, very little actually penetrates through the stratum comeum to the underlying regions of the epidermis, namely to the Stratum Granulosum and other strata below. This is thought to be due to the hydrophilic (i.e. lipophobic) property of lactate ions which renders them relatively incompatible with the lipids naturally present in the Stratum Corneum, and which thereby present a barrier to the adsorption of hydrophilic molecules.

While investigating the properties of derivatives of lactic acid that were more lipophilic than lactate itself, (e.g. sodium lactate) we discovered that a range of derivatives of lactic acid and its homologues are more readily adsorbed on contact with the skin and indeed migrate through the skin to reach the epidermis beneath the Stratum Comeum to an extent superior to lactate ions. We also made the discovery using labelled materials and radio tracer techniques, that these molecules were cleaved within the epidermis, most likely by the presence of endogenous esterases or other enzymes, to form hydroxyalkanoates ions deep in the epidermis, as far as the Stratum Malpigii.

We have further discovered that esters of hydroxyalkanoic acids, which are oily in nature, can be delivered to skin from cleansing compositions which include surfactants, so as to be of foaming character.

DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, this invention provides a foaming composition which comprises foaming surfactant together with a substituted alkanoate having the structure (1) :

0 where R ¹ represents H- or C _a H _b 0 ₂ N _w -C II- R ² represents H-, or C _p H _q -

R ³ represents C _x H _y O- _j N,,- a is an integer of from 1 to 20 b is an integer of from 3 to 41 p is an integer from 1 to 22 q is an integer of from 3 to 45 x is an integer of from 1 to 20 y is an integer of from 3 to 41 z is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 10 w is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 5 m is an integer of from 1 to 5 provided that when R ¹ is H- and R ² represents -H or -CH ₃ then x is greater than 4.

Because the substitute alkanoate can penetrate into the skin, and there undergo enzymic cleavage, such a composition can function to deliver to the epidermis, as a moisturiser for the skin, the corresponding 2- hydroxyalkanoate having the structure (2) :

where X represents -H or a counterion. The counterion may of course be any which is available in vivo.

The invention also provides a method for delivering to the skin a 2-hydroxy alkanoate having the structure (2) :

R ² O

I II HO-CH- COX (2)

where R ² represents H- or -C _p H _q

X represents H- or a counterion

which comprises the steps of

i) applying topically to the skin a composition as specified above comprising the corresponding hydroxy alkanoate derivative having the structure (1) , ii) forming a lather on the hair or skin by massaging in the presence of added water, thereby to cleave the hair or skin, while allowing substituted alkanoate from the composition to penetrate through the stratum comeum at the scalp or other area of skin, and iii) subsequently rinsing the lather from the hair or skin with water.

In the above formula (1) one possibility is that R ¹ denotes an acyl group more especially an acyl group

O

II ^■

C _a H _b C-

However, it is preferred that R ¹ is -H.

a preferred group of compounds of the structure (1) are those where

R ¹ represents H-

R ² represents C _p H _q - R ³ represents C^R _y - p is from 1 to 12 q is from 3 to 25 x is from 1 to 18, and y is from 3 to 37.

The invention is particularly concerned with compounds which incorporate alkyl groups of some length, so that they are oily in character. One group of such compounds has a group R ² which is C _p H _q - in which p is at least 4.

Another group of such compounds has group R ³ containing at least 6 carbon atoms, notably a group C _x H _y - in which x is at least 6.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

The alkanoate derivatives

Substituted alkanoate derivatives for use in accordance with the invention are chosen from those having the structure (1) as herein defined.

When R ² represents -CH ₃ , the compounds of structure (1) are derivatives of lactic acid. If R ¹ is acyl, the compounds are frequently termed "lactylates" . This name is used for compounds wherein m is one and also compounds wherein m has a higher value, that is to say both

and

in which m is greater than one.

Examples of acyl derivatives of alkyl hydroxy alkanoates falling within the definition of structure (1) include:

n-octyl acetyl lactylate lauryl acetyl lactylate n-hexyl 2-acetoxybutanoate lauryl 2-propionyloxybutanoate n-butyl 2-acetoxyoctanoate

n-hexyl 2- (propionoyloxy) oactanoate n-octyl 2-acetoxyoctanoate lauryl 2-acetoxyoctanoate

Examples of alkyl hydroxyalkanoates that conform with structure (1) are those where:

R ¹ in Structure (1) represents H-, R ² represents H- or -CH ₃ , R ³ represents C^-, and m is 1.

Specific examples are:

n-hexyl glycate n-octyl glycate n-decyl glycate n-dodecyl glycate n-octadecyl glycate n-hexyl lactate n-octyl lactate n-decyl lactate n-dodecyl lactate n-tetradecyl lactate n-hexadecyl lactate n-octadecyl lactate

2-octyldecyl lactate octyl dodecyl lactate, and palmitoyl glyceryl lactate.

Further examples of alkyl esters of hydroxyalkanoates, within structure (1) are:

those where R ¹ in structure (1) represents -H, R ² represents C _p H _q - R ³ represents C _x H _y -, and m is 1 and p is at least 2.

Specific examples are:

methyl 2-hydroxybutanoate n-butyl 2-hydroxybutanoate n-hexyl 2-hydroxybutanoate n-octyl 2-hydroxybutanoate n-dodecyl 2-hydroxybutanoate n-octadecyl 2-hydroxybutanoate ethyl 2-hydroxyhexanoate ethyl 2-hydroxyoctanoate, and n-dodecyl 2-hydroxyoctanoate.

The amount of hydroxyalkanoate derivative to be employed in accordance with the invention is normally at least 0.5%, for instance 0.5 to 50%, preferably at least 1%, up to 20% or 30%, by weight of the composition.

A further constituent of the composition is surfactant. Generally this will be one or more surfactants from the classes of anionic and amphoteric. Possibly some non¬ ionic surfactant will also be included, although it is not preferred since it generally does not enhance foaming.

Anionic surfactant The surfactant may be soap, that is to say salt of carboxylic acid of 10 to 18 carbon atoms. If so, it may be found formed in situ by neutralisation of fatty acid during manufacture of a composition.

A non-soap anionic surfactant is preferably chosen from alkyl sulphate, alkyl ether sulphate, alkyl sulphonate, alkyl aryl sulphonate, olefin sulphonate, acyl sarcosinate, acyl tauride, acyl isethionate, nonoalkyl sulphosuccinate, dialkylsulphosuccinate, N-acylated ot- amino acid, alkyl carboxylate, monoalkyl phosphate and dialkyl phosphate.

Specific examples of anionic surfactants include:

alkyl sulphates, such as sodium lauryl sulphate [eg. EMPICOL CX available from Albright & Wilson] , and triethanolaminde lauryl sulphate [e.g. EMPICOL TL40/T, available from Albright & Wilson] .

alkylether sulphates, such as sodium lauryl ether sulphate [eg. EMPICOL ESB70, available from Albright & Wilson] .

alkyl sulphonates, such as sodium alkane (C ₁₃ . ₁₈ ) sulphonate [eg. HOSTAPUR SAS 30, available from Hoechst] .

alkylaryl sulphonates, such as sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate [eg. TEEPOL CM44, available from Shell] .

olefin sulphonates, such as sodium olefin sulphonate (C ₅ . ₁₈ ) [eg. HOSTAPUR OS, available from Hoechst] .

acyl sarcosinates, having the structure: (51)

where R ³ is chosen from C ₆ . ₁₄ alkyl, and

M is a counterion chosen from alkali metals, ammonium and substituted ammonium such as alkanolammonium.

An example of an acyl sarcosinate having the structure (51) , is sodium lauryl sarcosinate [eg. HAMPOSYL L-95, available from Grace] .

acyl taurides, having the structure (52) :

O

R ⁴ -C II-N- (CH ₂ ) ₂ S0 ₃ M (52)

where R ⁴ is chosen from C ₈ . ₁₈ alkyl

An example of an acyl tauride having the structure (52) is coconut methyl taurine [eg. FENOPEN TC 42, available from International Specialty Products] .

acyl isethionates. having the structure (53) :

O

R ⁵ -C-0- (CH ₂ ),S0 ₃ M (53)

where R ⁵ is chosen from C ₈ - ₁₈ alkyl.

An example of an acyl isethionate having the structure (53) is sodium acyl isethionate [eg. JORDAPON Cl, available from Jordon] .

monoalkyl sulphosuccinates. having the structure (54) :

0

II

R ⁶ -0-C-CH ₂ CH-COOM (54)

S0 ₃ M

where R ⁶ is chosen from C ₁₀ - ₂₀ alkyl.

Examples of monoalkyl sulphosuccinates having the structure (54) include:

sodium lauryl sulphosuccinate [eg. EMPICOL SLL, available from Albright & Wilson] .

magnesium alkyl sulphosuccinate [eg. ELFANOL 616 Mg,

available from AKZO] .

sodium lauryl ethoxysulphosuccinate [eg. EMPICOL SDD, available from Albright & Wilson] .

coconut monoethanolamide ethoxysulphosuccinate [eg. EMPICOL SGG] .

disodium lauryl poly lycolether sulphosuccinate [eg. SURTAGENE S30, available from CHEM-Y] .

polvethyleneqlvcol sulphosuccinate [eg. REWOPOL SBFA 30, available from REWO] .

dialkyl sulphosuccinates, having the structure (55) :

(55)

where R ⁷ and R ⁸ are the same or different, and are chosen from C ₆ - ₁₄ alkyl.

An example of a dialkyl sulphosuccinate having the structure (55) is sodium dilauryl sulphosuccinate [eg. EMCOL 4500, available from Witco] .

N-acylated α-amino acids, such as sodium lauroyl glutamate [eg. ACYLGLUTAMATE LS-11, available from Ajinomoto Co. Inc] .

alkyl ether carboxylates, such as C ₁₂ . ₁₄ 0(EO) ₄ OCH ₂ C0 ₂ Na [eg. AKYPO RLM 38, available from Akzo] .

monoalkyl phosphates and dialkyl phosphates, such as dioctyl phosphate.

Amphoteric surfactant

The composition of the invention can also comprise an amphoteric surfactant . Suitable amphoteric surfactants are derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium and sulphonium compounds, wherein the aliphatic radicals contain from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched, and further contain an anionic water-solubilising group, such as carboxyl, sulphonate, sulphate, phosphate or phosphonate.

Preferred amphoteric surfactants include:

Alkyl betaines, having the structure (58) :

where R ¹ is C^g alkyl.

An example of an alkyl betaine having the structure (58) is lauryldimethyl betaine [eg. EMPIGEN BB, available from Albright & Wilson] .

Alkylamidopropyl betaines, having the structure (59) :

CH ₂ COO- (59)

An example of an alkylamidopropyl betaine having the structure (59) is cocamidopropyl betaine [eg. TEGOBETAIN L7, available from Goldschmidt) .

Alkylamphocflvcinates or Alkylamphopropionates having the

structure ( 60 ) :

O R ¹¹

II I R^ C-N- ( CH ₂ ) ₂ -N ⁺ - (CH ₂ ) ₂ OH ( 60 )

_R m

where R ¹¹ is chosen from H, CH ₂ COO ^" and (CH ₂ ) ₂ COO ^" , and R ¹¹¹ is chosen from CH ₂ COO ^" and (CH ₂ ) ₂ COO ^~

Suitable examples of compounds (60) are cocoamphoglycinate (available from International Specialty Products) , and cocoamphopropionate .

Sultaines. having the structure (61)

CH, OH

R ² -N ⁺ CH,-CH-CH,-SO, (61)

CH,

where R ² is chosen from C ₁₂ . ₁₆ alkyl alkylamido groups.

An example of a sultaine having the structure (61) is cocamidopropylhydroxysultaine [eg. CYCLOTERIC BET-CS, available from Alcolac) .

The most preferred amphoteric surfactant are lauryl dimethyl betaine and cocamidopropyl betaine.

Such amphoteric surfactants can contribute to the foaming of the skin cleansing composition, while ameliorating the harshness of the anionic surfactant.

Nonionic surfactant

The composition of the invention can also comprise alkoxylated or glycosidic nonionic surfactant having an

HLB of 8 or more. Above this value nonionics generally form clear isotropic solutions in combination with the other surfactants in the ranges defined above. Preferred nonionic surfactants are polyoxyethylene alkyl esters and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers and alkyl polyglycosides.

A suitable example of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ester is that having the CTFA designation Polysorbate 80 which is a mixture of oleate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides, condensed with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide. Also suitable is Polysorbate 20 which is a mixture of laurate esters or sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides condensed with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide.

Polysorbate 80 and Polysorbate 20 are available commercially as TWEEN 80 and TWEEN 20 respectively, from ICI Americas.

Also suitable for use in the compositions of the invention is the polyethylene glycol ether of C _g . _xl alcohol with an average of 8 ethoxy units, which is available commercially as NONIDET LE-8T or as SYNPERONIC 91-8T, and the polyethylene glycol ether of C ₁₂ . ₁₅ alcohol with an average of 9 ethoxy units which is available commercially as DOBANOL 25-9.

Particularly useful alkyl polyglycosides include the glycosides of glucose or glucose oligomers where the alkyl chain can be C ₈ _ _l6 and the average number of glucose units is 1 to 2. A suitable example is ORAMIX NS 10 which is the glucoside of C ₁₀ . ₁₂ fatty alcohol with an average of about 1.5 glucose units.

A further possibility for use in compositions of the invention is high molecular weight silicone surfactant, such as a high molecular weight polymer of dimethyl

polysiloxane with polyoxyethylene and/or polyoxypropylene side chains having a molecular weight from 10,000 to 50,000.

The dimethyl polysiloxane polymer is conveniently provided as a dispersion in a volatile siloxane, the dispersion comprising, for example, from 1 to 20% by volume of the polymer and from 80 to 99% by volume of the volatile siloxane. Ideally, the dispersion consists of a 10% by volume of the polymer dispersed in the volatile siloxane.

Examples of the volatile siloxanes in which the polysiloxane polymer can be dispersed include polydimethyl siloxane (pentamer and/or hexamer) .

A particularly preferred silicone surfactant is cyclomethicone and dimethicone copolyol, such as DC 3225C Formulation Aid available from DOW CORNING. Another is laurylmethicone copolyol, such as DC Q2-5200, also available from Dow Coming.

The amount of silicone surfactant, when present in the composition will normally be up to 25%, preferably from 0.5 to 15% by weight of the composition, more preferably 0.5 to 5%.

The amount of other surfactant present in a composition Of this invention is normally at least 5% by weight. There will usually be at least 5% preferably at least 7% by weight of anionic and/or amphoteric surfactant, and not more than 40% in total of these ionic surfactants.

Water or other vehicle

The composition of this invention will frequently include water or other liquid vehicle so that the composition is in the form of a liquid.

Particularly envisaged is to include water as a majority of the composition, for instance from 50 to 80% or 90% of the composition.

Other materials may be included in a composition of the invention and may form part of a vehicle for the alkanoate and surfactant. Materials which may be present include liquid or solid emollients, solvents, humectants, thickeners, and pearlescers.

Emollients are such as stearyl alcohol, glyceryl monoricinoleate, mink oil, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl isostearate, stearic acid, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, oleyl alcohol, isopropyl laurate, hexyl laurate, decyl oleate, octadecan-2-ol, isocetyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate, silicone oils such as dimethylpolysiloxane, di-n-butyl sebacate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, lanolin, cocoa butter, com oil, cotton seed oil, olive oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, safflower seed oil, evening primrose oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, sesame seed oil, coconut oil, arachis oil, castor oil, acetylated lanolin alcohols, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, squalane, squalene, butyl myristate, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, isopropyl linoleate, decyl oleate and myristyl myristate.

Solvents are such as ethyl alcohol, methylene chloride, isopropanol, acetone, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethyl formamide and tetrahydrofuran.

The composition may be packaged in a pressurised container for an aerosol, spray or mousse, in which case, the composition will usually include one or more propellants,

such as propane, butane, isobutane, dimethyl ether, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.

Oily Materials

The composition according to the invention can optionally comprise one or more oils or other materials apart from alkanoates of structure (1) which have the properties of an oil and are immiscible with water, but can be emulsified in the surfactant-containing composition.

Examples of suitable oils include mineral oils and vegetable oils, silicone oils and oily materials such as those already proposed herein as emollients.

The quantity of oil, if present, is often at least 5% by weight, often remains a minority of the composition, in other words 5 to 50% by weight, preferably not more than 15%.

Cationic polymer

A preferred constituent of compositions according to this invention is a cationic polymer, which can promote the deposition of the substituted alkanoate on the skin.

Preferred are cationic derivatives of guar gum. Most preferred are cationic guar gum derivatives given the CTFA designation guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, available commercially for example as JAGUAR C13S, which has a low degree of cationic substitution and a high viscosity. Related suitable materials include that known as JAGUAR C15, having a moderate degree of substitution and a low viscosity, JAGUAR C17 (high degree of substitution) , high viscosity) and JAGUAR C16 which is a hydroxypropylated cationic guar derivative containing a low level of substituent groups as well as cationic quaternary ammonium groups. Also suitable is JAGUAR 162

which is a high transparency, medium viscosity guar having a low degree of substitution.

The compositions of the invention contain from 0.01 to 3% by weight of cationic conditioning polymer, preferably from 0.05 or 0.1 to 2% by weight.

Retinoids

The composition for use according to the invention optionally can also comprise a retinoid, such as retinoic acid or retinol (Vitamin A) and/or derivative thereof, further to enhance the benefits to skin.

In addition to retinol itself, examples of derivatives of retinol include:

Retinyl acetate

Retinyl butyrate Retinyl propionate

Retinyl octanoate

Retinyl laurate

Retinyl palmitate

Retinyl oleate Retinyl linoleate, and

Retinyl linolenate.

The amount of retinoid, when present in the composition according to the invention is from 0.01 to 10% and preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.

Tocopherol and Tocopheryl Esters

The composition for use according to the invention optionally can also comprise a tocopherol (vitamin E group) , as an antioxidant for the composition, and to limit oxidative damage to skin. The vitamin E group

comprises -tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and δ - tocopherol. The composition according to the invention optionally can also comprise a tocopheryl ester, such as tocopheryl acetate.

The amount of a tocopherol, or ester thereof, when present in the composition according to the invention, is from 0.0001 to 20%, preferably from 0.0001 to 10% by weight of the composition.

Other materials which may be included in a composition according to this invention are humectants such as glycols, diglycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol and 2- pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate.

EH

The composition of the invention will normally have a pH value of from 4 to 9, preferably from 4.5 to 8.5. The pH can be adjusted as necessary by the addition of an alkali or acid as a pH adjustant, and/or by the addition of a buffer, such as a citrate buffer or a phosphate buffer.

PRESERVATION OF THE COMPOSITION

The composition for use in accordance with the invention is preferably preserved against attack by bacteria, moulds and fungi and other microbial influences, in such a manner that it will enjoy an extended shelf life following manufacture and prior to sale and use. Ideally the composition will have an indefinite shelf life.

Examples of the methods that can be employed to achieve preservation of the composition, include the following:

(i) Sterilisation

The composition according to the invention can be ■

preserved by sterilisation to remove or kill substantially all viable microbial contaminants. This can be achieved for example by irradiation using a lethal dose of gamma rays, by heat sterilisation or by ultrafiltration using techniques that are well established in the pharmaceutical industry.

(ii) Chemical Preservative

The composition according to the invention can also be preserved by including in it a chemical preservative which functions to prevent the growth of or kill bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms.

Examples of chemical preservatives include ethanol, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium propionate and the methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The amount of chemical preservative that can be incorporated in the composition according to the invention will generally be from 0.05 to 5%, preferably from 0.1 to 2% by weight, the amount chosen being sufficient to arrest microbial proliferation.

(iii) Water activity depressants

The composition according to the invention can also be preserved by the inclusion of a water activity depressant such as glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, sugars and salts, for examples alkali metal halides, sulphates and carboxyl tes. When employing a water activity depressant, sufficient should be incorporated in the composition according to the invention to reduce the water activity (θ! _w ) from 1 to < 0.9, preferably to < 0.85 and most preferably < 0.8, the lowest of these values being that at which yeasts, moulds and fungi will not proliferate.

PROCESS

The invention also provides a process for preparing a composition according to the invention which comprises the steps of mixing an effective amount of an alkanoate as herein defined, together with surfactant and other cosmetically acceptable material if desired.

Product Form and Container

The composition of the invention can be formulated as liquids, for example as a lotion, shampoo, milk or cream or put in a spray device such as an aerosol can containing propellant, or in a container fitted with a pump to disperse the liquid product. Alternatively, the compositions of the invention can be solid or semi-solid, for example sticks, creams or gels, for use in conjunction with a suitable applicator or simply a tube, bottle or lidded jar.

The invention accordingly also provides a closed container containing a composition as herein defined.

USE OF THE COMPOSITION

The compositions of this invention when applied to the stratum co eum, will penetrate into the epidermis or cutaneous appendages, such as eccrine, apocrine and sebaceous glands, where hydrolysis by endogenous skin or microbial esterases will cleave the molecule to release in situ the corresponding hydroxy alkanoate, together with the fatty acid or fatty alcohol that forms the residue of the applied hydroxy alkanoate derivative.

The composition as applied to the skin surface will usually be a "rinse-off" product although a "wipe-off" product is possible.

When the composition for use in accordance with the invention is a "rinse-off" product, it will generally function as a skin cleanser. A suitable amount, for example 5 to 10 ml of the skin cleanser hydroxy alkanoate derivative, which can itself have surfactant properties, but is preferably accompanied by a co-surfactant, is applied to the skin and formed into a lather in the presence of water. After cleansing the skin, surplus product is generally rinsed from the skin and the skin is then dried. The rinse-off product can also be used for washing the hair or for cleansing the entire body surface, for example in the shower.

When the composition is a wipe-off product, it will also generally function as a skin cleanser, especially for removing make-up. A suitable amount, for example 0.5 to 5ml of the skin cleanser comprising the hydroxy alkanoate derivative can be applied to the skin, particularly where make-up is to be removed, and rubbed-in. The area of treated skin can then be wiped with a cloth, tissue or with cotton wool to remove surplus of the composition together with make-up that has been loosened from the skin.

One form of product according to this invention is a pre- shave product. Because men's shaving products are used regularly, they can serve to provide regular delivery of" hydroxyalkanoate to the skin.

EXAMPLES

Example 1. Demonstrating Delivery of Lactate to the Epidermis When an alkyl lactate is applied to the surface of the skin, it migrates by adsorption to a greater or lesser degree through the stratum comeum, dependent upon its lipophylicity. On contact with skin and/or microbial esterases, the molecule is cleaved and lactic acid/lactate is released within the stratum comeum, or cutaneous appendage and deeper in the epidermis.

The penetration of alkyl lactate and lactic acid in this manner can be determined by serial tape stripping and by biochemical assay of free lactate from skin cells adhering to the tape.

The tape employed in this test is Desquame tape available from Diastron. Following topical application to skin of alkyl lactate, pieces of this tape are applied to the skin and then removed, and skin cells are assayed for lactate using Sigma 735-10 lactate assay kit. Thus, by repeated stripping of the same area of skin the degree of penetration of the topically applied alkyl lactate and its cleavage by epidermal esterases can be determined.

Lauryl lactate, having the formula

CH ₃ H0CH-C0 ₂ C ₁₂ H ₂₅ was dispersed in water at a concentration of 2% by weight.

This dispersion was tested on the volar forearm of a human volunteer. lOOμl of the dispersion was applied to each of three areas (15cm ² ) on the volar forearm, rubbed in and allowed to dry. Ten Desquame tape strips were taken from a fourth, untreated area ensuring that the tape strips were applied to the same site each time. After 1 hour,

ten tape strips were taken from one treated area. Ten tape strips were taken from the other treated areas after 3 and 8 hours respectively. The strips taken after 1 and 3 hours were stored at room temperature until the end of the 8 hours, allowing ester cleavage to continue within the cells removed on the tape.

Each tape was placed in a labelled 1ml tube and 800/--1 of 5.00mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.00 was added to each tube. The tubes were then cycled from -20 to 20°C three times, with a minimum of 30 mins at each temperature, and then placed in an ultrasound bath for 30 mins. A bottle of Sigma 735-10 lactate reagent was then diluted with 5.00ml analar water, and 200μl aliquots were then transferred to each tube. The tubes were then allowed to stand at room temperature for a further 15 minutes. The buffer reagent mixture from each tube was then transferred to microcuvettes and the absorbtion of the solutions measured at 540nm using a spectrophotometer.

The results are set out in the following table. Tape 1 refers to the first tape strip taken from each site, and the values given are absorption units which are directly proportional to the concentration of L-lactic acid present on each tape.

Tape No No Treatment 1 Hour 3 Hours 8 Hours

1 0.172 0.289 0.282 0.260

2 0.209 0.361 0.250 0.210

3 0.197 0.217 0.252 0.250

4 0.199 0.214 0.265 0.222

5 0.189 0.192 0.485 0.259

6 0.177 0.201 0.487 0.230

7 0.183 0.179 0.271 0.241

8 0.177 0.177 0.246 0.234

9 0.157 0.211 0.254 0.194

10 0.177 0.169 0.269 0.449

It can be seen from the table that the application of lauryl lactate leads to penetration into the skin, and generation of lactate at the levels represented by all the tapes.

In an earlier investigation it had been shown that the application of sodium lactate itself leads to much less penetration into the skin, so that although it is able to increase the lactate content at a level near the surface ^" corresponding to the first two or three tapes only.

Example 2

A composition, suitable for use as a facial wash, was prepared with the following formulation:

w/w

Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 16.0

Cocoamidopropyl betaine 2.2

PEG Glycerol tallowate 2.6

Ethoxylated lauryl alcohol 2

Ethylene glycol monostearate 1

Lauryl lactate 2

Quaternised guar gum (Jaguar C13S) 0.2

Crosslinked polyacrylate thickener 0.5

Trisodium citrate 0.37

Potassium sorbate 0.37

Water balance to 100%

This composition had a pH of 5.5 and was an emulsion.

lOOμl of this emulsion was pipetted onto the surface of a piece of shaved pig skin, diluted with 500μl water and rubbed using a silicone rubber which was rotatated a controlled number of times with a controlled pressure against the pig skin. This mimics the generation of lather by massaging with the fingers, but standardises the conditions.

The skin was rinsed with 4 portions of water (500μl each) and dried. Five tape strips were taken from the centre of the skin, combined, and analysed for lactate content, both as salt and as deposited ester.

The same procedure was applied using similar compositions with higher concentrations of lauryl lactate.

The results were:

Absorption at 540nm Water content 0.18

2.5% lauryl lactate 0.22 5.0% lauryl lactate 0.28 10.0% lauryl lactate 0.29

In a similar experiment, the concentration of lauryl lactate was maintained at 2% by weight, and the concentration of quatemised guar gum (Jaguar C13S) was varied.

The results were:

Absorption at 540nm

Water content 0.18

0.2% Jaguar 0.16 0.4% Jaguar 0.19

0.6% Jaguar 0.25

It is apparent from these results that lauryl lactate can be deposited on skin from a surfactant-containing composition. If there is a sufficient concentration of lauryl lactate, or if deposition is promoted by the presence of the cationic polymer, Jaguar C13S, the lactate content of the skin can be enhanced, relative to the lactate content when washing with water only.

Example 3

Two compositions were prepared using a formulation similar to that in the preceding example, with the variation that one composition contained 2.0% lauryl lactate and 8% isopropyl palmitate whereas the other contained 10% isopropyl palmitate, without lauryl lactate, and served as a comparison with an equal content of oil.

A panel of volunteers washed their forearms with one or other of these two compositions twice a day for five days. Five tape strips were taken from each forearm at the beginning of the week, before the first wash, and at the end of the week, and assayed for lactate as in Example 1.

The comparative composition led to a small decrease in lactate (as salt) in the skin whereas the composition of the invention, including lauryl lactate, led to a small

increase in skin lactate.

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

Example 4. Mild Facial Cleanser

Ingredients % w/w

Lauryl lactate 7. .00 Glycerol 10, .00

Sodium cocoyl isethionate 7, .00

Monoethanolamide sulphosuccinate 3, .00

Cocamidopropyl betaine 4. .00

Polyoxyethylene (20EO) 20 sorbitan monolaurate 3. .00

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0. .20

Preservative 0. ,20

Perfume 0. .10

Citric acid to pH 6.50 Water to 100.00

Example 5. Cleansing Mousse

Ingredients % w/w

Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (28%) 18.00

Sodium cocoamidopropyl betaine 7.50

Myristyl lactate 5.00

Glycerol 10.00

Ethanol 5.00

Vitamin E acetate 0.10

Cremophore RH410 0.50

Redoderm LIS 80 1.00

Preservative 0.26

Ammonium hydroxide (29%) to pH 7.00

Colourant q.s

Perfume q.s

Propane/Butane 3.00

Water to 100.00

Example 6. Clear Conditioning Shower Gel

Ingredients % w/w

Sodium laurylether sulphate 13.0 Cocoamidopropyl betaine 2.00

Glycerol 5.00

Hectorite clay 1.00

Hexyl 2-hydroxyoctanoate 1.50

Trisodium citrate 0.37 Potassium sorbate 0.37

Water to 100

Example 7. Facial Cream Wash

Ingredients % /w Sodium cocoyl isethionate 7.50

Cocoamidopropyl betaine 3.75

Monoethanolamide sulphosuccinate 3.75 Glycerol 8.00

Stearic acid 3.00

Behenyl alcohol 3.00

Formaldehyde 0.04

Carpobol ETD 2020 0.50 Isostearyl 2-hydroxyoctanoate 5.00

Polyethoxypropylene glycoldioleate 0.50

Sodium hydroxide to pH 5.50

Water to 100

Example 8. Body Conditioning Foam bath

Ingredients w/w

Sodium cocoyl isethionate 4.50

Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 3.00

Cocoamidopropyl betaine 2.50

Glycerol 10.0

Silicone DC200 10,000 cst 5.00

Brij 30 2.02 nonionic surfactants

Brij 35 2.92 Octyl lactate 4.00 Tocopherol Acetate 0.10 Span 20 0.50

Trisodium citrate 0.37 Potassium sorbate 0.37 Hectorite clay 2.00 Cationic guar gum 0.25 Water to 100

Example 9. Liquid Soap

Ingredients w/w Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 6.00

Triethanolammonium N-lauroyl glutamate 9.00

Cocoamidopropyl betaine 4 00

Propyleneglycol 2-hydroxy isostearate 1 00

Butyl 2-hydroxyoctonate 9 00 Trisodium citrate 7.00

Preservative 0.26

Perfume 0.15

Triethanolamine to pH 7.00

Water to 100.00

Example 10. Smoothing Shaving Foam

Ingredients % w/w

Stearic acid 3.27 Palmitic acid 3.51

Laurie acid 0.76

Triethanolamine 3.01

Potassium hydroxide 0.28

Glycerol 4.61 Lauryl lactate 1.30

Tween 20 0.96

Tocopherol acetate 0.05

Isostearyl lactylate 0.10

Silicone Fluid DC2-1865 1.50 Silicone Fluid DC193 0.77

CAP 48 (propellant) 4.00

Water to 100