COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR COSMETIC USE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cleansing composition, for a keratin substance such as skin.

BACKGROUND ART

Cleansing the skin is very important for caring for the face. It must be as efficient as possible because greasy residues such as excess sebum, remnants of cosmetic products used daily, and makeup products, in particular waterproof makeup products, accumulate in the skin folds and can block the pores of the skin, and result in the appearance of spots.

As cleansing products, for example, rinsable liquid oil products have been known to be effective towards cleansing and makeup removal. Rinsable liquid oil products have a cleansing action by virtue of oils present in their formulations. These oils make it possible to dissolve, for example, fatty residues and to disperse pigments, in makeup products. The rinsable liquid oil products are effective and well tolerated. They are very successful due to their good removing efficacy and skin finish. However, the rinsable liquid oil products have often been criticized due to their fluidity and dripping which is not appreciated by consumers.

In order to solve the above problems, an oil thickener or thickeners may be added to the formulation of the rinsable liquid oil products, in order to enhance the viscosity of the oil to avoid dripping.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

However, if an oil thickener is added to a liquid oil product, typically, a solid oil gel is formed, and the product does not flow and/or cleansing ability decreases and/or the product becomes less slippery. In addition, the stability and spreadability of the thickened product may be insufficient.

Thus, it was difficult to thicken liquid oil products while maintaining good stability, cleansing ability, spreadability and slipperiness.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an oily composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cleansing composition, wherein the viscosity of the composition is enhanced, while maintaining good stability, cleansing ability, spreadability and slipperiness of the composition.

The above objective can be achieved by a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cleansing composition, comprising:

(a) at least one oil; (b) at least one block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin, wherein the block copolymer is optionally hydrogenated; and

(c) at least one nonionic surfactant,

wherein the composition is substantially anhydrous.

The (a) oil may be selected from the group consisting of oils of plant or animal origin, synthetic oils, silicone oils, hydrocarbon oils and fatty alcohols, preferably from synthetic oils, hydrocarbon oils, and mixtures thereof, and more preferably from ester oils, hydrocarbon oils and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the (a) oil in the composition may be from 20 to 95% by weight, preferably from 40 to 90% by weight, and more preferably from 60 to 88% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. The (b) block copolymer may comprise at least one styrene block and at least one block comprising units chosen from butadiene, ethylene, propylene, butylene and isoprene, or a mixture thereof.

The (b) block copolymer may comprise at least one styrene block and at least one

ethylene/C ₃ -C ₄ alkylene block.

The (b) block copolymer may be selected from the group consisting of a styrene- ethylene butylene-styrene triblock copolymer, a styrene-ethylene/butylene diblock copolymer, a styrene-ethylene/isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer, a styrene/ethylene -propylene diblock copolymer, a styrene/isoprene diblock copolymer, and a mixture thereof.

It is preferable that the (b) block copolymer be a diblock copolymer more preferably selected from the group consisting of a styrene-ethylene/butylene diblock copolymer, a

styrene/ethylene-propylene diblock copolymer, a styrene/isoprene diblock copolymer, and a mixture thereof.

The amount of the (b) block copolymer in the composition may be from 2 to 13% by weight, preferably from 3 to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 4 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The (c) nonionic surfactant may have an HLB value of from 8 to 14, preferably from 8.5 to 13, and more preferably from 9 to 12.

It is preferable that the (c) nonionic surfactant be selected from oxyalkylenated glycerol esters, and oxyalkylenated fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the (c) nonionic surfactant in the composition may be from 1 to 25% by weight, preferably from 5 to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 8 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

It is preferable that the composition according to the present invention be a cosmetic composition, preferably a cleansing composition, and more preferably a makeup remover.

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process, preferably a cleansing process, for a keratin substance such as skin, comprising the steps of: applying the composition according to the present invention; and

optionally rinsing the keratin substance.

Another aspect of the present invention is a process for enhancing the viscosity while maintaining the stability, cleansing ability (makeup removal ability), spreadability and slipperiness of a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cleansing composition, comprising (a) at least one oil and (c) at least one nonionic surfactant, the process comprising adding (b) at least one optionally hydrogenated block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin to the composition.

Another aspect of the present invention is a use of (b) at least one optionally hydrogenated block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin for enhancing the viscosity of a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cleansing composition, comprising (a) at least one oil and (c) at least one nonionic surfactant, while maintaining the stability, cleansing ability (makeup removal ability), spreadability and slipperiness of the composition.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION After diligent research, the inventors have discovered that it is possible to provide an oily composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cleansing composition, wherein the viscosity of the composition is enhanced, while maintaining good stability, cleansing ability, spreadability and slipperiness of the composition. Thus, the composition according to the present invention comprises:

(a) at least one oil;

(b) at least one block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin, wherein the block copolymer is optionally hydrogenated; and

(c) at least one nonionic surfactant,

wherein the composition is substantially anhydrous.

The composition according to the present invention can have enhanced viscosity, while having good stability, cleansing ability, spreadability and slipperiness. Accordingly, the composition according to the present invention is suitable for cosmetic uses such as cleansing makeup from a keratin substance such as skin, in particular the face.

Hereafter, the present invention will be described in a detailed manner.

[Oil]

The composition according to the present invention comprises at least one (a) oil. If two or more (a) oils are used, they may be the same or different.

Here, "oil" means a fatty compound or substance which is in the form of a liquid or a paste (non-solid) at room temperature (25°C) under atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). As the oils, those generally used in cosmetics can be used alone or in combination thereof. These oils may be volatile or non-volatile.

The (a) oil may be a non-polar oil such as a hydrocarbon oil, a silicone oil, or the like; a polar oil such as a plant or animal oil and an ester oil or an ether oil; or a mixture thereof. The (a) oil may be selected from the group consisting of oils of plant or animal origin, synthetic oils, silicone oils, hydrocarbon oils and fatty alcohols. It is preferable that the (a) oil be selected from synthetic oils, hydrocarbon oils, and mixtures thereof, more preferably from ester oils, hydrocarbon oils and mixtures thereof, and even more preferably from ester oils.

As examples of plant oils, mention may be made of, for example, linseed oil, camellia oil, macadamia nut oil, corn oil, mink oil, olive oil, avocado oil, sasanqua oil, castor oil, safflower oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, and mixtures thereof.

As examples of animal oils, mention may be made of, for example, squalene.

As examples of synthetic oils, mention may be made of alkane oils, ester oils, ether oils, and artificial triglycerides.

The alkane oils are preferably liquid, linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C ₆ -C ₃₀ alkane oils, particularly C ₁ o-C ₂₀ alkane oils, such as isododecane and isohexadecane.

The ester oils are preferably liquid esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Ci- C ₂₆ aliphatic monoacids or polyacids and of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C _\ - C ₂ aliphatic monoalcohols or polyalcohols, the total number of carbon atoms of the esters being greater than or equal to 10.

Preferably, for the esters of monoalcohols, at least one from among the alcohol and the acid from which the esters of the present invention are derived is branched. Among the monoesters of monoacids and of monoalcohols, mention may be made of ethyl palmitate, ethyl hexyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, dicaprylyl carbonate, alkyl myristates such as isopropyl myristate or ethyl myristate, isocetyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl isononanoate, isononyl isononanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate and isostearyl neopentanoate. Esters of C ₄ -C ₂₂ dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of C C ₂₂ alcohols, and esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of non-sugar C ₄ -C ₂₆ dihydroxy, trihydroxy, tetrahydroxy or pentahydroxy alcohols may also be used.

Mention may especially be made of: diethyl sebacate; isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate;

diisopropyl sebacate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate; diisopropyl adipate; di-n-propyl adipate; dioctyl adipate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate; diisostearyl adipate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) maleate; triisopropyl citrate; triisocetyl citrate; triisostearyl citrate; glyceryl trilactate; glyceryl trioctanoate; trioctyldodecyl citrate; trioleyl citrate; neopentyl glycol diheptanoate; diethylene glycol diisononanoate.

As ester oils, one can use sugar esters and diesters of C ₆ -C ₃₀ and preferably C ₁₂ -C ₂₂ fatty acids. It is recalled that the term "sugar" means oxygen-bearing hydrocarbon-based compounds containing several alcohol functions, with or without aldehyde or ketone functions, and which comprise at least 4 carbon atoms. These sugars may be monosaccharides, oligosaccharides or polysaccharides. Examples of suitable sugars that may be mentioned include sucrose (or saccharose), glucose, galactose, ribose, fucose, maltose, fructose, mannose, arabinose, xylose and lactose, and derivatives thereof, especially alkyl derivatives, such as methyl derivatives, for instance methylglucose.

The sugar esters of fatty acids may be chosen especially from the group comprising the esters or mixtures of esters of sugars described previously and of linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C ₆ -C3 ₀ and preferably Cj ₂ -C ₂₂ fatty acids. If they are unsaturated, these compounds may have one to three conjugated or non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds.

The esters according to this variant may also be selected from monoesters, diesters, triesters, tetraesters and polyesters, and mixtures thereof. These esters may be, for example, oleates, laurates, palmitates, myristates, behenates, cocoates, stearates, linoleates, linolenates, caprates and arachidonates, or mixtures thereof such as, especially, oleopalmitate, oleostearate and palmitostearate mixed esters, as well as pentaerythrityl tetraethyl hexanoate. More particularly, use is made of monoesters and diesters and especially sucrose, glucose or methylglucose monooleates or dioleates, stearates, behenates, oleopalmitates, linoleates, linolenates and oleostearates.

An example that may be mentioned is the product sold under the name Glucate® DO by the company Amerchol, which is a methylglucose dioleate.

As examples of preferable ester oils, mention may be made of, for example, diisopropyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, 2-ethylhexyl hexanoate, ethyl laurate, cetyl octanoate, octyldodecyl octanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate, myristyl propionate, 2-ethylhexyl 2-ethylhexanoate, 2- ethylhexyl octanoate, 2-ethylhexyl caprylate/caprate, methyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, dicaprylyl carbonate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, isononyl

isononanoate, ethylhexyl palmitate, isohexyl laurate, hexyl laurate, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, isodecyl oleate, glyceryl tri(2-ethylhexanoate),

pentaerythrithyl tetra(2-ethylhexanoate), 2-ethylhexyl succinate, diethyl sebacate, and mixtures thereof.

As examples of artificial triglycerides, mention may be made of, for example, capryl caprylyl glycerides, glyceryl trimyristate, glyceryl tripalmitate, glyceryl trilinolenate, glyceryl trilaurate, glyceryl tricaprate, glyceryl tricaprylate, glyceryl tri(caprate/caprylate) and glyceryl tri(caprate/caprylate/linolenate).

As examples of silicone oils, mention may be made of, for example, linear

organopolysiloxanes such as dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane,

methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, and the like; cyclic organopolysiloxanes such as

cyclohexasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane,

dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, and the like; and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the silicone oil is chosen from liquid polydialkylsiloxanes, especially liquid polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) and liquid polyorganosiloxanes comprising at least one aryl group. These silicone oils may also be organomodified. The organomodified silicones that can be used according to the present invention are silicone oils as defined above and comprise in their structure one or more organofunctional groups attached via a hydrocarbon-based group.

Organopolysiloxanes are defined in greater detail in Walter Noll's Chemistry and Technology of Silicones (1968), Academic Press. They may be volatile or non- volatile.

When they are volatile, the silicones are more particularly chosen from those having a boiling point of between 60°C and 260°C, and even more particularly from:

(i) cyclic polydialkylsiloxanes comprising from 3 to 7 and preferably 4 to 5 silicon atoms. These are, for example, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane sold in particular under the name Volatile Silicone® 7207 by Union Carbide or Silbione® 70045 V2 by Rhodia, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane sold under the name Volatile Silicone® 7158 by Union Carbide, Silbione® 70045 V5 by Rhodia, and

dodecamethylcyclopentasiloxane sold under the name Silsoft 1217 by Momentive Performance Materials, and mixtures thereof. Mention may also be made of cyclocopolymers of the type such as dimethylsiloxane/methylalkylsiloxane, such as Silicone Volatile® FZ 3109 sold by the company Union Carbide, of formula:

D" - D' ^■ D" - D'

CH, ChL with D" - Si - O—

and with D' : ^■ Si - O -

I

CH ^C 8 ^H 17

Mention may also be made of mixtures of cyclic polydialkylsiloxanes with organosilicon compounds, such as the mixture of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and tetratrimethylsilylpentaerythritol (50/50) and the mixture of

octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and oxy-l, -bis(2,2,2',2',3,3'- hexatrimethylsilyloxy)neopentane; and

(ii) linear volatile polydialkylsiloxanes containing 2 to 9 silicon atoms and having a

6 2

viscosity of less than or equal to 5x 10 ^" m /s at 25°C. An example is

decamethyltetrasiloxane sold in particular under the name SH 200 by the company

Toray Silicone. Silicones belonging to this category are also described in the article published in Cosmetics and Toiletries, Vol. 91, Jan. 76, pp. 27-32, Todd & Byers, Volatile Silicone Fluids for Cosmetics. The viscosity of the silicones is measured at 25°C according to ASTM standard 445 Appendix C.

Non-volatile polydialkylsiloxanes may also be used. These non-volatile silicones are more particularly chosen from polydialkylsiloxanes, among which mention may be made mainly of polydimethylsiloxanes containing trimethylsilyl end groups. Among these polydialkylsiloxanes, mention may be made, in a non-limiting manner, of the following commercial products:

the Silbione ^® oils of the 47 and 70 047 series or the Mirasil ^® oils sold by Rhodia, for instance the oil 70 047 V 500 000;

the oils of the Mirasil ^® series sold by the company Rhodia; the oils of the 200 series from the company Dow Corning, such as DC200 with a viscosity of 60 000 mm ² /s; and

the Viscasil ^® oils from General Electric and certain oils of the SF series (SF 96, SF 18) from General Electric.

Mention may also be made of polydimethylsiloxanes containing dimethylsilanol end groups known under the name dimethiconol (CTFA), such as the oils of the 48 series from the company Rhodia.

Among the silicones containing aryl groups, mention may be made of polydiarylsiloxanes, especially polydiphenylsiloxanes and polyalkylarylsiloxanes such as phenyl silicone oil.

The phenyl silicone oil may be chosen from the phenyl silicones of the following formula:

in which

Ri to Rio, independently of each other, are saturated or unsaturated, linear, cyclic or branched Ci-C ₃₀ hydrocarbon-based radicals, preferably Ci-Ci ₂ hydrocarbon-based radicals, and more preferably Ci-C ₆ hydrocarbon-based radicals, in particular methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl radicals, and

m, n, p and q are, independently of each other, integers from 0 to 900 inclusive, preferably 0 to 500 inclusive, and more preferably 0 to 100 inclusive,

with the proviso that the sum n+m+q is other than 0. Examples that may be mentioned include the products sold under the following names: the Silbione® oils of the 70 641 series from Rhodia;

the oils of the Rhodorsil® 70 633 and 763 series from Rhodia;

the oil Dow Corning 556 Cosmetic Grade Fluid from Dow Corning;

the silicones of the PK series from Bayer, such as the product PK20;

- certain oils of the SF series from General Electric, such as SF 1023, SF 1154, SF

1250 and SF 1265.

As the phenyl silicone oil, phenyl trimethicone (Ri to R ₁₀ are methyl; p, q, and n = 0; m=l in the above formula) is preferable.

The organomodified liquid silicones may especially contain polyethyleneoxy and/or polypropyleneoxy groups. Mention may thus be made of the silicone KF-6017 proposed by Shin-Etsu, and the oils Silwet® L722 and L77 from the company Union Carbide.

Hydrocarbon oils may be chosen from: linear or branched, optionally cyclic, C ₆ -C ₁₆ lower alkanes. Examples that may be mentioned include hexane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, and isoparaffms, for instance isohexadecane, isododecane and isodecane; and

linear or branched hydrocarbons containing more than 16 carbon atoms, such as liquid paraffins, liquid petroleum jelly, polydecenes and hydrogenated

polyisobutenes such as Parleam®, and squalane.

As preferable examples of hydrocarbon oils, mention may be made of, for example, linear or branched hydrocarbons such as isohexadecane, isododecane, squalane, mineral oil (e.g., liquid paraffin), paraffin, vaseline or petrolatum, naphthalenes, and the like; hydrogenated polyisobutene, isoeicosan, and decene/butene copolymer; and mixtures thereof.

The term "fatty" in the fatty alcohol means the inclusion of a relatively large number of carbon atoms. Thus, alcohols which have 4 or more, preferably 6 or more, and more preferably 12 or more carbon atoms are encompassed within the scope of fatty alcohols. The fatty alcohol may be saturated or unsaturated. The fatty alcohol may be linear or branched.

The fatty alcohol may have the structure R-OH wherein R is chosen from saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched radicals containing from 4 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 12 to 20 carbon atoms. In at least one embodiment, R may be chosen from Ci ₂ -C ₂ o alkyl and Ci2-C ₂₀ alkenyl groups. R may or may not be substituted with at least one hydroxyl group.

As examples of the fatty alcohol, mention may be made of lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, undecylenyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, hexyldecanol, oleyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol,

arachidonyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

It is preferable that the fatty alcohol be a saturated fatty alcohol.

Thus, the fatty alcohol may be selected from straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated C ₆ - C30 alcohols, preferably straight or branched, saturated C ₆ -C ₃₀ alcohols, and more preferably straight or branched, saturated C ₁₂ -C ₂₀ alcohols. The term "saturated fatty alcohol" here means an alcohol having a long aliphatic saturated carbon chain. It is preferable that the saturated fatty alcohol be selected from any linear or branched, saturated C -C ₃₀ fatty alcohols. Among the linear or branched, saturated C ₆ -C ₃₀ fatty alcohols, linear or branched, saturated Ci ₂ -C ₂ o fatty alcohols may preferably be used. Any linear or branched, saturated Ci ₆ -C ₂₀ fatty alcohols may be more preferably used.

Branched Ci ₆ -C ₂₀ fatty alcohols may be even more preferably used.

As examples of saturated fatty alcohols, mention may be made of lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, undecylenyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, hexyldecanol, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, hexyldecanol, or a mixture thereof (e.g., cetearyl alcohol) as well as behenyl alcohol, can be used as a saturated fatty alcohol.

According to at least one embodiment, the fatty alcohol used in the composition according to the present invention is preferably chosen from octyldodecanol, hexyldecanol and mixtures thereof. The amount of the (a) oil in the composition according to the present invention may range from 20% by weight or more relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, the amount of the (a) oil in the composition according to the present invention may range from 20 to 95% by weight, preferably from 40 to 90%> by weight, and more preferably from 60 to 88%> by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[Block Copolymer] The composition according to the present invention includes at least one (b) block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin, wherein the block copolymer is optionally hydrogenated. If two or more (b) block copolymers are used, they may be the same or different.

It is preferable that the (b) block copolymer be soluble or dispersible in a liquid oil as defined later.

It is preferable that the (b) block copolymer be capable of thickening or gelling the (a) oil in the composition according to the present invention. Thus, it is preferable that the (b) block copolymer used in the composition according to the present invention can function as a polymeric gelling agent.

The (b) block copolymer is also preferably film-forming, i.e. it is capable of forming a film when applied to the skin and the like. The (b) block copolymer may especially be a diblock, triblock, multiblock, radial or star copolymer, or mixtures thereof, and preferably a diblock copolymer.

Such block copolymers are described in patent application US-A-2002/005 562 and in patent USP 5 221 534.

Examples of olefins that may be mentioned include ethylenic carbide monomers, especially containing one or two ethylenic unsaturations and containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, such as ethylene, propylene, butadiene, isoprene or pentadiene. It is preferable that the (b) block copolymer comprise at least one styrene block and at least one block comprising units chosen from butadiene, ethylene, propylene, butylene and isoprene or a mixture thereof.

According to one preferred embodiment, the (b) block copolymer is hydrogenated to reduce the residual ethylenic unsaturations after the polymerization of the monomers.

In particular, the (a) block copolymer is a copolymer, optionally hydrogenated, containing styrene blocks and ethylene/C ₃ -C ₄ alkylene blocks. According to one preferred embodiment, the (b) block copolymer used in the composition according to the present invention may be a diblock copolymer, which is preferably hydrogenated, preferably chosen from styrene-ethylene/propylene copolymers, styrene- ethylene/butylene copolymers and styrene-ethylene/isoprene copolymers. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a linear diblock copolymer based on styrene and ethylene/propylene, a butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer, or a hydrogenated styrene/isoprene copolymer is preferable as the (b) block copolymer. Such a diblock copolymer is especially sold under the name Kraton® G1701EU and Kraton® G1702H by the company Kraton Polymers.

According to another preferred embodiment, the (b) block copolymer used in the composition according to the present invention may be a triblock copolymer, which is preferably hydrogenated, and preferably chosen from styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene copolymers, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene copolymers, and styrene-ethylene/isoprene-styrene copolymers. Triblock polymers are especially sold under the names Kraton® G1650, Kraton® G1652, Kraton® Dl 101, Kraton® Dl 102 and Kraton® Dl 160 by the company Kraton Polymers. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the (b) block copolymer may be a linear styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene triblock copolymer or a hydrogenated

styrene/butadiene copolymer. Such as triblock copolymer is especially sold under the name Kraton® G1657M by the company Kraton Polymers. According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present invention may comprise, as the (b) block copolymer, a mixture of styrene-butylene/ethylene- styrene hydrogenated triblock copolymer and of ethylene-propylene-styrene hydrogenated star polymer, such a mixture possibly being especially in isododecane or in another oil. Such mixtures are sold, for example, by the company Penreco under the trade names Versagel® M5960 and Versagel®' M5670.

Advantageously, a diblock copolymer such as those described previously is used as a polymeric gelling agent, in particular a styrene-ethylene/propylene diblock copolymer or a mixture of diblock and triblock copolymers, as described previously.

It is preferable that the (b) block copolymer be selected from the group consisting of a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene triblock copolymer, a styrene-ethylene/butylene diblock copolymer, a styrene-ethylene/isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer, a styrene/ethylene- propylene diblock copolymer, a styrene-ethylene/isoprene diblock copolymer, and a mixture thereof.

It is more preferable that the (b) block copolymer be selected from the group consisting of a styrene-ethylene/butylene diblock copolymer, a styrene/ethylene-propylene diblock copolymer, a styrene/isoprene diblock copolymer, and a mixture thereof.

The (b) block copolymer may be present in the composition in a content ranging from 2 to 13% by weight, preferably ranging from 3 to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 4 to 8%> by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. [Nonionic Surfactant]

The composition according to the present invention comprises at least one (c) nonionic surfactant. Two or more (c) nonionic surfactants may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of (c) nonionic surfactant or a combination of different types of (c) nonionic surfactant may be used. It is preferable that the (c) nonionic surfactant have an HLB value of from 8 to 14, more preferably from 8.5 to 13, and even more preferably from 9 to 12. If two or more (c) nonionic surfactants are used, the HLB value is determined by the weight average of the HLB values of all the nonionic surfactants. HLB is the ratio between the hydrophilic part and the lipophilic part in the molecule. This term HLB is well known to those skilled in the art and is described in "The HLB system. A time-saving guide to emulsifier selection" (published by ICI Americas Inc., 1984).

Nonionic surfactants are compounds well known in themselves (see, e.g., in this regard, "Handbook of Surfactants" by M. R. Porter, Blackie & Son publishers (Glasgow and London), 1991, pp. 116-178). Thus, they can, for example, be chosen from alcohols, alpha-diols, alkylphenols and esters of fatty acids, these compounds being ethoxylated, propoxylated or glycerolated and having at least one fatty chain comprising, for example, from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, it being possible for the number of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide groups to range from 2 to 50, and for the number of glycerol groups to range from 1 to 30. Maltose derivatives may also be mentioned. Non-limiting mention may also be made of copolymers of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide; condensates of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide with fatty alcohols; polyethoxylated fatty amides comprising, for example, from 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide; polyglycerolated fatty amides comprising, for example, from 1.5 to 5 glycerol groups, such as from 1.5 to 4; ethoxylated fatty acid esters of sorbitan comprising from 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide; ethoxylated oils of plant origin; fatty acid esters of sucrose; fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol; polyethoxylated fatty acid mono or diesters of glycerol (C ₆ -C ₂₄ )alkylpolyglycosides; N-(C ₆ -C ₂₄ )alkylglucamine derivatives;

amine oxides such as (Cio-Ci ₄ )alkylamine oxides or N-(C ₁₀ -C ₁₄ )acylaminopropylmorpholine oxides; silicone surfactants; and mixtures thereof.

The (c) nonionic surfactants may preferably be chosen from monooxyalkylenated,

polyoxyalkylenated, monoglycerolated or polyglycerolated nonionic surfactants. The oxyalkylene units are more particularly oxyethylene or oxypropylene units, or a combination thereof, and are preferably oxyethylene units.

Examples of monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated nonionic surfactants that may be mentioned include:

monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated (C ₈ -C ₂₄ )alkylphenols,

saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated C ₈ - C ₃₀ alcohols,

saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated C ₈ - C30 amides,

esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, C ₈ -C ₃₀ acids and of polyalkylene glycols, monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, C ₈ -C ₃ o acids and of sorbitol,

saturated or unsaturated, monooxyalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated plant oils,

condensates of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide, inter alia, alone or as mixtures.

The (c) nonionic surfactants preferably contain a number of moles of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide of between 1 and 100 and most preferably between 2 and 50.

Advantageously, the (c) nonionic surfactants do not comprise any oxypropylene units. According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the polyoxyalkylenated nonionic surfactants are chosen from polyoxyethylenated fatty alcohol (polyethylene glycol ether of fatty alcohol) and polyoxyethylenated fatty ester (polyethylene glycol ester of fatty acid).

Examples of polyoxyethylenated fatty alcohol (or C ₈ -C ₃₀ alcohols) that may be mentioned include the adducts of ethylene oxide with lauryl alcohol, especially those containing from 9 to 50 oxyethylene units and more particularly those containing from 10 to 12 oxyethylene units (Laureth-10 to Laureth-12, as the CTFA names); the adducts of ethylene oxide with behenyl alcohol, especially those containing from 9 to 50 oxyethylene units (Beheneth-9 to Beheneth-50, as the CTFA names); the adducts of ethylene oxide with cetearyl alcohol (mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol), especially those containing from 10 to 30 oxyethylene units (Ceteareth-10 to Ceteareth-30, as the CTFA names); the adducts of ethylene oxide with cetyl alcohol, especially those containing from 10 to 30 oxyethylene units (Ceteth- 10 to Ceteth-30, as the CTFA names); the adducts of ethylene oxide with stearyl alcohol, especially those containing from 10 to 30 oxyethylene units (Steareth-10 to Steareth-30, as the CTFA names); the adducts of ethylene oxide with isostearyl alcohol, especially those containing from 10 to 50 oxyethylene units (Isosteareth-10 to Isosteareth-50, as the CTFA names); and mixtures thereof.

As examples of monoglycerolated or polyglycerolated nonionic surfactants,

monoglycerolated or polyglycerolated C ₈ -C ₄₀ alcohols are preferably used.

In particular, the monoglycerolated or polyglycerolated C -C ₄₀ alcohols correspond to the following formula:

RO-[CH ₂ -CH(CH ₂ OH)-0] _m -H or RO-[CH(CH ₂ OH)-CH ₂ 0] _m -H in which R represents a linear or branched C -C ₄₀ and preferably Cs-C ₃ o alkyl or alkenyl radical, and m represents a number ranging from 1 to 30 and preferably from 1.5 to 10.

As examples of compounds that are suitable in the context of the present invention, mention may be made of lauryl alcohol containing 4 mol of glycerol (INCI name: Polyglyceryl-4 Lauryl Ether), lauryl alcohol containing 1.5 mol of glycerol, oleyl alcohol containing 4 mol of glycerol (INCI name: Polyglyceryl-4 Oleyl Ether), oleyl alcohol containing 2 mol of glycerol (INCI name: Polyglyceryl-2 Oleyl Ether), cetearyl alcohol containing 2 mol of glycerol, cetearyl alcohol containing 6 mol of glycerol, oleocetyl alcohol containing 6 mol of glycerol, and octadecanol containing 6 mol of glycerol. The alcohol may represent a mixture of alcohols in the same way that the value of m represents a statistical value, which means that, in a commercial product, several species of polyglycerolated fatty alcohol may coexist in the form of a mixture.

Among the monoglycerolated or polyglycerolated alcohols, it is preferable to use the C ₈ /C ₁₀ alcohol containing 1 mol of glycerol, the C ₁₀ /C ₁₂ alcohol containing 1 mol of glycerol and the C ₁₂ alcohol containing 1.5 mol of glycerol.

The monoglycerolated or polyglycerolated Cg-C ₄₀ fatty esters may correspond to the following formula: RO-[CH ₂ -CH(CH ₂ 0R"')-0] _m -R" or R'0-[CH(CH ₂ 0R'")-CH ₂ 0] _m -R" in which each of R', R" and R'" independently represents a hydrogen atom, or a linear or branched C ₈ -C ₄₀ and preferably Cs-C ₃₀ alkyl-CO- or alkenyl-CO-radical, with the proviso that at least one of R', R" and R'" is not a hydrogen atom, and m represents a number ranging from 1 to 30 and preferably from 1.5 to 10.

Examples of polyoxyethylenated fatty esters that may be mentioned include the adducts of ethylene oxide with esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid or behenic acid, and mixtures thereof, especially those containing from 9 to 100 oxyethylene units, such as PEG-9 to PEG-50 laurate (CTFA names: PEG-9 laurate to PEG-50 laurate); PEG-9 to PEG-50 palmitate (CTFA names: PEG-9 palmitate to PEG-50 palmitate); PEG-9 to PEG-50 stearate (CTFA names: PEG-9 stearate to PEG-50 stearate); PEG-9 to PEG-50 palmitostearate; PEG-9 to PEG-50 behenate (CTFA names: PEG-9 behenate to PEG-50 behenate); polyethylene glycol 100 EO monostearate (CTFA name: PEG- 100 stearate); and mixtures thereof.

According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the (c) nonionic surfactant may be selected from esters of polyols with fatty acids with a saturated or unsaturated chain containing for example from 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and polyoxyalkylenated derivatives thereof, preferably containing from 2 to 200, and more preferably from 5 to 50 oxyalkylene units, such as glyceryl esters of a C ₈ -C ₂ 4, preferably C] ₂ - C ₂₂ , fatty acid or acids and polyoxyalkylenated derivatives thereof, preferably containing from 2 to 200, and more preferably from 5 to 50 oxyalkylene units; sorbitol esters of a C ₈ -C ₂₄ , preferably Ci ₂ -C ₂₂ , fatty acid or acids and polyoxyalkylenated derivatives thereof, preferably containing from 2 to 200, and more preferably from 5 to 50 oxyalkylene units; sugar (sucrose, maltose, glucose, fructose, and/or alkylglycose) esters of a C -C ₂₄ , preferably C ₁₂ -C ₂₂ , fatty acid or acids and polyoxyalkylenated derivatives thereof, preferably containing from 2 to 200, and more preferably from 5 to 50 oxyalkylene units; ethers of fatty alcohols; ethers of sugar and a C ₈ -C ₂₄ , preferably C ₁₂ -C ₂₂ , fatty alcohol or alcohols; and mixtures thereof.

As glyceryl esters of fatty acids, glyceryl stearate (glyceryl mono-, di- and/or tristearate) (CTFA name: glyceryl stearate) or glyceryl ricinoleate and mixtures thereof can be cited, and as polyoxyalkylenated derivatives thereof, mono-, di- or triester of fatty acids with a polyoxyalkylenated glycerol (mono-, di- or triester of fatty acids with a polyalkylene glycol ether of glycerol), preferably polyoxyethylenated glyceryl stearate (mono-, di- and/or tristearate) preferably containing 5-50 oxyethylene units, such as PEG-20 glyceryl stearate (mono-, di- and/or tristearate) and PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate such as those sold under the name of CETIOL HE by BASF can be cited. Mixtures of these surfactants, such as for example the product containing glyceryl stearate and PEG- 100 stearate, marketed under the name ARLACEL 165 by Uniqema, and the product containing glyceryl stearate (glyceryl mono- and distearate) and potassium stearate marketed under the name TEGIN by Goldschmidt (CTFA name: glyceryl stearate SE), can also be used. The sorbitol esters of C ₈ -C ₂₄ fatty acids and polyoxyalkylenated derivatives thereof can be selected from sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan trioleate and esters of fatty acids and alkoxylated sorbitan containing for example from 20 to 100 EO, such as for example sorbitan monostearate (CTFA name: sorbitan stearate), sold by the company ICI under the name Span 60, sorbitan monopalmitate (CTFA name: sorbitan palmitate), sold by the company ICI under the name Span 40, PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate such as those sold under the name of ARLATONE TV by Croda, and sorbitan tristearate 20 EO (CTFA name:

polysorbate 65), sold by the company ICI under the name Tween 65, polyethylene sorbitan trioleate (polysorbate 85) or the compounds marketed under the trade names Tween 20 or Tween 60 by Uniqema.

As esters of fatty acids and glucose or alkylglucose, glucose palmitate, alkylglucose sesquistearates such as methylglucose sesquistearate, alkylglucose palmitates such as methylglucose or ethylglucose palmitate, methylglucoside fatty esters, the diester of methylglucoside and oleic acid (CTFA name: Methyl glucose dioleate), the mixed ester of methylglucoside and the mixture of oleic acid/hydroxystearic acid (CTFA name: Methyl glucose dioleate/hydroxystearate), the ester of methylglucoside and isostearic acid (CTFA name: Methyl glucose isostearate), the ester of methylglucoside and lauric acid (CTFA name: Methyl glucose laurate), the mixture of monoester and diester of methylglucoside and isostearic acid (CTFA name: Methyl glucose sesqui-isostearate), the mixture of monoester and diester of methylglucoside and stearic acid (CTFA name: Methyl glucose sesquistearate) and in particular the product marketed under the name Glucate SS by AMERCHOL, and mixtures thereof can be cited.

As ethoxylated ethers of fatty acids and glucose or alkylglucose, ethoxylated ethers of fatty acids and methylglucose, and in particular the polyethylene glycol ether of the diester of methylglucose and stearic acid with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide (CTFA name: PEG-20 methyl glucose distearate) such as the product marketed under the name Glucam E-20 distearate by AMERCHOL, the polyethylene glycol ether of the mixture of monoester and diester of methyl-glucose and stearic acid with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide (CTFA name: PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate) and in particular the product marketed under the name Glucamate SSE-20 by AMERCHOL and that marketed under the name Grillocose PSE-20 by GOLDSCHMIDT, and mixtures thereof, can for example be cited.

As sucrose esters, saccharose palmito-stearate, saccharose stearate and saccharose

monolaurate can for example be cited.

As sugar ethers, alkylpolyglucosides can be used, and for example decylglucoside such as the product marketed under the name MYDOL 10 by Kao Chemicals, the product marketed under the name PLANTAREN 2000 by Henkel, and the product marketed under the name

ORAMIX NS 10 by Seppic, caprylyl/capryl glucoside such as the product marketed under the name ORAMIX CG 110 by Seppic or under the name LUTENSOL GD 70 by BASF, laurylglucoside such as the products marketed under the names PLANTAREN 1200 N and PLANTACARE 1200 by Henkel, coco-glucoside such as the product marketed under the name PLANTACARE 818 UP by Henkel, cetostearyl glucoside possibly mixed with cetostearyl alcohol, marketed for example under the name MONTANOV 68 by Seppic, under the name TEGO-CARE CG90 by Goldschmidt and under the name EMULGADE KE3302 by Henkel, arachidyl glucoside, for example in the form of the mixture of arachidyl and behenyl alcohols and arachidyl glucoside marketed under the name MONTANOV 202 by Seppic, cocoylethylglucoside, for example in the form of the mixture (35/65) with cetyl and stearyl alcohols, marketed under the name MONTANOV 82 by Seppic, and mixtures thereof can in particular be cited.

Mixtures of glycerides of alkoxylated plant oils such as mixtures of ethoxylated (200 EO) palm and copra (7 EO) glycerides can also be cited. According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the (c) nonionic surfactant may be selected from copolymers of ethylene oxide and of propylene oxide, in particular copolymers of the following formula:

HO(C ₂ H ₄ 0) _a (C ₃ H ₆ 0) _b (C ₂ H ₄ 0) _c H in which a, b and c are integers such that a+c ranges from 2 to 100 and b ranges from 14 to 60, and mixtures thereof.

According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the (c) nonionic surfactant may be selected from silicone surfactants. Non-limiting mention may be made of those disclosed in documents US-A-5364633 and US-A-5411744.

The silicone surfactant ma preferably be a compound of formula (I):

in which:

Ri, R ₂ and R ₃ , independently of each other, represent a Ci-C ₆ alkyl radical or a radical - (CH ₂ ) _x -(OCH ₂ CH ₂ )y-(OCH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ ) _z -OR4, at least one radical R _h R ₂ or R ₃ not being an alkyl radical; R being a hydrogen, an alkyl radical or an acyl radical;

A is an integer ranging from 0 to 200;

B is an integer ranging from 0 to 50; with the proviso that A and B are not simultaneously equal to zero;

x is an integer ranging from 1 to 6;

y is an integer ranging from 1 to 30;

z is an integer ranging from 0 to 5.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the compound of formula (I), the alkyl radical is a methyl radical, x is an integer ranging from 2 to 6 and y is an integer ranging from 4 to 30.

As examples of silicone surfactants of formula (I), mention may be made of the compounds of formula (II):

(CH ₃ ) ₃ SiO - [(CH ₃ ) ₂ SiO] _A - (CH ₃ SiO) _B - Si(CH ₃ ) ₃

I in)

(CH ₂ ) _r (OCH ₂ CH ₂ ) _y -OH

in which A is an integer ranging from 20 to 105, B is an integer ranging from 2 to 10 and y is an integer ranging from 10 to 20.

As examples of silicone surfactants of formula (I), mention may also be made of the compounds of formula (III): H-(OCH ₂ CH ₂ ) _y -(CH ₂ ) ₃ -[(CH ₃ ) ₂ SiO] _A '-(CH ₂ ) ₃ -(OCH ₂ CH ₂ ) _y -OH (III) in which A' and y are integers ranging from 10 to 20.

Compounds of the present invention which may be used are those sold by the company Dow Corning under the names DC 5329, DC 7439-146, DC 2-5695 and Q4-3667. The compounds DC 5329, DC 7439-146 and DC 2-5695 are compounds of formula (II) in which, respectively, A is 22, B is 2 and y is 12; A is 103, B is 10 and y is 12; A is 27, B is 3 and y is 12.

The compound Q4-3667 is a compound of formula (III) in which A is 15 and y is 13. It is preferable that the (c) nonionic surfactant be selected from oxyalkylenated glycerol esters, and oxyalkylenated fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the (c) nonionic surfactant in the composition may be from 1 to 25% by weight, preferably from 5 to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 8 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[Optional Ingredients]

The composition according to the present invention may also comprise one or more standard cosmetic adjuvants chosen from, for example, fillers, softeners, humectants, opacifiers, stabilizers, emollients, silicones, antifoams, fragrances, preserving agents, ionic surfactants such as cationic, anionic and amphoteric surfactants, active agents, coloring agents, cationic, anionic, amphoteric polymers, propellants, or any other ingredient usually used in cosmetics and/or dermatology.

Needless to say, a person skilled in the art will take care to select the optional adjuvant(s) added to the composition according to the present invention such that the advantageous properties intrinsically associated with the composition according to the present invention are not, or are not substantially, adversely affected by the envisaged addition.

The composition according to the present invention is substantially anhydrous. The term "substantially anhydrous" here means that the composition according to the present invention may contain only a small amount of water, and preferably no water. Thus, the amount of water may be 2% by weight or less, preferably 1% by weight or less, and more preferably 0.5% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the composition. It is particularly preferable that the composition according to the present invention contains no water as a distinct ingredient to be added intentionally. On the other hand, a small or trace amount of water may be present in the ingredient itself to be included in the composition according to the present invention.

[Cosmetic Composition]

The composition according to the present invention may preferably be used as a cosmetic composition. Thus, the composition according to the present invention may be intended for application onto a keratin substance. Keratin substance here means a material containing keratin as a main constituent element, and examples thereof include the skin, scalp, nails, lips, hair and the like. Thus, it is preferable that the composition according to the present invention be used for a cosmetic process for the keratin substance. It is preferable that the composition according to the present invention be a cleansing composition, more preferably a makeup remover, in particular an oil makeup remover from the keratin substance. It is preferable that the composition according to the present invention has good fluidity while it has enhanced viscosity such that the composition does not drip off from the keratin substance.

The viscosity of the composition according to the present invention is not particularly limited, as long as the composition according to the present invention is fluidable while it does not drip off from the keratin substance. The viscosity can be measured at 25 °C with

viscosimeters or rheometers preferably with cone-plane geometry. Preferably, the viscosity of the composition according to the present invention can range, for example, from 1 to 2000 Pa.s, and preferably from 1 to 1000 Pa.s at 25°C and 1 s ^"1 .

[Process and Use]

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process, preferably a cleansing process, for a keratin substance such as skin, comprising the steps of:

applying the composition according to the present invention as explained above; and optionally rinsing the keratin substance.

The keratin substance can be in a dry state or in a wet state before applying the composition according to the present invention. The application of the composition according to the present invention to the keratin substance may or may not be followed by rinsing the keratin substance. Before rinsing, the composition according to the present invention can be left in contact with the keratin substance, for example, from 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

Due to the presence of the (a) oil, the composition according to the present invention can dissolve oily ingredients or can disperse pigments in a cosmetic such as makeup on the keratin substance. Also, due to the presence of the (c) nonionic surfactant, the composition according to the present invention can suspend oily ingredients and pigments in a cosmetic such as makeup on the keratin substance, and can easily remove them from the keratin substance. Thus, the composition according to the present invention can preferably be used for cleansing or removing a cosmetic such as makeup from the keratin substance.

Furthermore, due to the presence of the (b) block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin, the composition according to the present invention can enhance the viscosity while maintaining the stability, cleansing ability, spreadability and slipperiness of the composition.

Thus, the present invention also relates to a process for enhancing the viscosity while maintaining the stability, cleansing ability, spreadability and slipperiness of a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cleansing composition, comprising (a) at least one oil and (c) at least one nonionic surfactant, the process comprising adding (b) at least one block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin to the composition.

In other words, the present invention also relates to a use of (b) at least one block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin for enhancing the viscosity of a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cleansing composition, comprising (a) at least one oil and (c) at least one nonionic surfactant, while maintaining the stability, cleansing ability, spreadability and slipperiness of the composition.

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in a more detailed manner by way of examples. However, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The examples below are presented as non-limiting illustrations in the field of the present invention. [Examples 1-6]

The following compositions according to Examples 1-6 shown in Table 1, were prepared by mixing the ingredients shown in Table 1. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients shown in Table 1 are all based on "% by weight" as active raw materials.

Table 1

[Comparative Examples 1-6]

The following compositions according to Comparative Examples 1-6 shown in Table 2, were prepared by mixing the ingredients shown in Table 2. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients shown in Table 2 are all based on "% by weight" as active raw materials. Table 2

[Evaluations]

The compositions according to Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-6 were evaluated as follows.

(Stability)

Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-6 was visually observed in terms of the properties of color, odor, transparency, homogeneity and apparent viscosity. If the above properties of the composition remained unchanged for 15 days, the composition was evaluated as "stable". If any of the above properties changed during 15 days, the composition was evaluated as "unstable".

The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

(Dripping) Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-6 in an amount of 2 g was applied evenly onto a panelist's face with massaging for 10 seconds along the vertical line of the face. Next, the behavior of the composition was visually observed. If the composition did not drip from the face of the panelist 10 seconds after the massaging, the composition was evaluated as "No" (no dripping). If the composition dripped from the face of the panelist 10 seconds after the massaging, the composition was evaluated as "yes" (dripping). The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. (Slipperiness)

Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-6 in an amount of 1 g was applied evenly onto the back of a panelist's hand with massaging for 20 seconds. If the composition was as easy to massage as or easier to massage than a control product (Shu Uemura Ultime 8 Cleansing Oil), the composition was evaluated as "sufficient". If the composition was more difficult to massage than the control product, the composition was evaluated as "insufficient".

The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. (Makeup Removal) 5 mg of a liquid foundation (Lancome Teint Miracle) was applied evenly on the back of a panelist's hand such that it formed a circle with a diameter of 3 cm. After 15 minutes of drying, the panelist applied 0.5 g of each of the compositions according to Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-6 onto the circle, followed by massaging the composition and the foundation with a circular motion using the index finger for 15 seconds.

Then, the back of the panelist's hand was rinsed off with tap water under light rubbing. The makeup removal was evaluated by visual observation of the remaining quantity of the foundation on the skin, in comparison with the makeup removal by a control product (Shu Uemura Ultime 8 Cleansing Oil). If the panelist evaluated the remaining quantity of the foundation as comparable or lower than that with the control product, the makeup removal of the composition was evaluated as "good". If the panelist evaluated the remaining quantity of the foundation as higher than that with the control product, the makeup removal of the composition was evaluated as "not good". (Spreadability)

Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-6 in an amount of 1 g was applied onto the back of a panelist's hand with massaging for 20 seconds. If the composition spread evenly and no mass or lump thereof remained, the composition was evaluated as "good". If the composition spread unevenly and a mass or lump thereof remained, the composition was evaluated as "not good".

(Results) The compositions according to Examples 1-6 which comprise oils, nonionic surfactant(s) and a block copolymer of styrene and of at least one olefin were stable for a long period of time; the viscosity of the composition was enhanced such that it did not drip; the slipperiness of the composition was sufficient; the cleansing ability of the composition was good; and the spreadability of the composition was good.

Accordingly, the compositions according to Example 1-6 were found to have good cosmetic properties, in particular as a cleansing product, preferably a makeup remover from the skin. The composition according to Comparative Example 1 includes disteardimonium hectorite and propylene carbonate, instead of the block copolymer, and therefore, the stability of the composition was inferior to those of the compositions according to Examples 1-6.

The composition according to Comparative Example 2 includes dextrin palmitate, instead of the block copolymer, and therefore, the slipperiness and cleansing ability were inferior to those of the compositions according to Examples 1-6.

The composition according to Comparative Example 3 includes dibutyl lauroyl glutamide, instead of the block copolymer, and therefore, the stability and viscosity were inferior to those of the compositions according to Examples 1-6.

The composition according to Comparative Example 4 includes trihydroxystearin, instead of the block copolymer, and therefore, the stability and spreadability were inferior to those of the compositions according to Examples 1-6.

The composition according to Comparative Example 5 includes hydroxystearic acid, instead of the block copolymer, and therefore, the slipperiness, cleansing ability and spreadability were inferior to those of the compositions according to Examples 1-6. The composition according to Comparative Example 6 includes poly CI 0-30 alkyl acrylate, instead of the block copolymer, and therefore, the slipperiness, cleansing ability and spreadability were inferior to those of the compositions according to Examples 1-6.