TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an intimate skin conditioner veil configured to be positioned in an undergarment so that it covers the V-zone of a female user, i. e covering the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure of a female user, without covering any part of the vulval vestibule area of the user.

BACKGROUND ART

Shaving or removing hair from the genital area is an essential part of daily beauty care for today's women. However, removing hair from the genital area of a female user may leave the skin in that area swollen, dry and often irritated. Cremes and lotions can be used to relieve skin irritation, but may stain the undergarment of the user. The absence of hair in the genital area after hair removal may also lead to the garments of the user chafing the skin and to undesirable skin problems when the skin become moist due to the undergarment lying too closely against the skin.

Uses of products that are applied in direct contact with the skin may lead to unwanted side- effects. These may occur because of occlusion, mechanical, microbial, and enzymatic factors which all, to different degrees, interact and amplify the influence of each other and may cause different forms of skin irritation and primary or secondary skin infections which sometimes occur in users of said articles. An increase in pH is a normal phenomenon during use of hygiene articles in contact with skin. It has been demonstrated that skin with pH values below 5.0 is in a better condition than skin with pH values above 5.0. This has been shown by measuring the biophysical parameters of barrier function, moisturization and scaling. The effect of pH on adhesion of resident skin microflora has also been assessed and it has been shown that an acid skin pH (4-4.5) keeps the resident bacterial flora attached to the skin, whereas an alkaline pH (8-9) promotes the dispersal from the skin, see e.g. Lambers H et al (2006), Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. Int J Cosmet Sci, 28 (5), 359-70. Another example of unwanted effects of using articles in contact with the skin is the increased activity of enzymes such as lipases and proteases which exhibit a strongly pH-dependent activity which increases with increasing pH. With the increased enzyme activity, the skin starts to decompose and becomes sensitive to mechanical forces and bacterial attacks. Articles comprising acidifying agents incorporated to control the pH of the skin in contact with the article are generally known in the art. The acidifying agents may be applied in lotions or in aqueous solutions.

There are also other aspects to take into account in terms of efficacy of the added agent during the use of an article, a simple and well-functioning application process as well as ensuring a long shelf life, i.e. storage stability.

Lactic acid has been used in skin contacting side layer treatments of articles. The pH effect of the lactic acid has however shown a tendency to decrease with time during storage of the articles before use, leading to a shortened shelf life.

There is therefore still a need in the art for improved hygiene articles exhibiting a low pH on a body facing surface.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure aims at providing a product, which can avoid or mitigate the problems that may arise after hair removal in the V-zone, said V-zone being a part of the genital area of a female user comprised of mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure in the genital area of a female user. The present disclosure thus relates to an intimate skin conditioner veil, which is configured to be positioned in an undergarment so that it covers the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure of the female user, without covering any part of the vulval vestibule area of the user, wherein the veil has a longitudinal central line extending in the longitudinal direction of the veil, and a first extension in the longitudinal direction, between a front end and a rear end of the veil, and a second extension in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central line, and wherein the veil comprises a front edge and first and second side edges. The veil comprises a main portion having a length LI in the longitudinal direction of the veil. The veil has a total longitudinal length L2. The length LI of the main portion is at least 50% of the total longitudinal length L2 of the veil, wherein the main portion is bounded by a straight front transversal line between front transition points and the first and second side edges, and tapers towards the rear end of the veil, the main portion preferably being reflection symmetric about the longitudinal central line. The veil has a garment facing side and a skin contacting side, the garment facing side and the skin contacting side facing away from one another. The veil further comprises a garment facing layer arranged on the garment facing side of the veil, and a space creating layer arranged on the skin contacting side of the veil. The veil further comprises a dry coating comprising at least one lactone selected from the group consisting of y- and d-lactones which having a skin beneficial effect and which provides a long shelf life. The present inventors have found that by providing the skin contacting side with a dry coating comprising at least one lactone selected from the group consisting of y- and d-lactones, the above objects are at least partially met.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of a disposable hygiene article to adjust or maintain the pH of the skin in contact with the article to a value of from 3.5 to 5.5. The coating may contains further components besides the at least one lactone, such as for example a surfactant and/or skin well-being agent, each component may be added to the web material in a single coating step, or may be applied in separate steps to the web material. For example, the web material may be pretreated with surfactant before the application of the lactone, or the lactone may be applied simultaneously with the surfactant. The additive composition suitably comprises one or more skin softening agent, or hydrating agent, or cooling agent, or pH regulating agent, or nourishing agent or replenishing agent, or combinations thereof, and may further comprise a skin softening agent in the form of an occluding fat, such as, but not limited to, petrolatum (e.g., VASELINE ^® ).

The additive composition may suitably comprise skin softening agent in the form of moisture binding substances, such as, but not limited to, pidolic acid, urea, lactic acid, glycerol or propylene glycol, and may further comprise a cooling agent, such as, but not limited to, ketals, carboxamides, cyclohexyl derivatives, cyclohexanol derivatives, menthol derivatives, camphor, borneol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil. As said above the skin well-being agent may be carried by a carrier substance, and the carrier substance may suitably include, but is not limited to, propylene glycol, water, dimethicone, oil, petrolatum (e.g., VASELINE ^® ) or alcohol, or combinations thereof.

The intimate skin conditioner veil may preferably further comprise a rear edge which extends substantially in the transverse direction of the veil, at the rear end of the veil, whereby the first and second side edges extend between the front transition points and rear transition points, and the main portion extends in the longitudinal direction between the front transversal line and a straight rear transversal line between the rear transition points, wherein the straight rear transversal line is perpendicular to the longitudinal central line. The main portion may preferably have a front transversal width W1 and a rear transversal width W2, wherein the ratio W1/W2 is 1.1-6.6, preferably 1.5-4.2, more preferably 2.8-3.5. The ratio of the longitudinal lengths L1/L2 is preferably 0.5-1, more preferably 0.6-0.9, most preferably 0.75-0.85. The longitudinal length LI of the main portion is preferably 60-170 mm, and the total longitudinal length L2 of the veil is preferably 60-220 mm, more preferably 80-150 mm, most preferably 90-120 mm. The main portion preferably has a front transversal width W1 of 100-240 mm, more preferably 140-210 mm, most preferably 155-175 mm and a rear transversal width W2 of 25-95 mm, more preferably 40- 80 mm, most preferably 55-70 mm. The main portion advantageously is tapered such that a straight line between the front transition point and the rear transition point, is inclined in relation to the rear transversal line at an angle v ¹ , which is greater than 90°, preferably 95-160°, more preferably 100-130°, most preferably 105-125°, and that an angle v ² between said straight line and the front transversal line is v ² =180° - v ¹ .

The first and second side edges may advantageously have a curved concave shape between the front and rear transition points. In addition, the main portion may comprise a front main portion located between the front transversal line and a straight intermediate transversal line, and a rear main portion located between the rear transversal line and the intermediate transversal line, wherein longitudinal length of the front main portion is the same as the longitudinal length of the rear main portion, and wherein the curved concave shape of the first and second side edges changes curvature at an intermediate transition point, but runs in the same direction of curvature, wherein the intermediate transition point is located in the rear main portion between the intermediate transversal line and the rear transversal line. The main portion preferably has an intermediate transversal width of 65-90 mm at the

intermediate transversal line. Preferably, the first and second side edges changes curvature such that a straight line between the rear transition point and the intermediate transition point, is inclined in relation to the rear transversal line at an angle a, which is > 90°, and a straight line between the front transition point and the intermediate transition point is inclined in relation to the front transversal line at angle b, which is < 180° -a. The angle a is preferably smaller than the angle v ¹ between the rear transversal line and the straight line between the rear transition point and the front transition point, and the angle b is preferably smaller than the angle v ² between the straight line and the front transversal line.

The intimate skin conditioner veil should preferably have a Gurley stiffness of 5-300 mgf, more preferably 5-100 mgf. The space creating layer may preferably be a combined layer, comprising a loft layer and a top sheet, the loft layer being positioned between the garment facing layer and the top sheet. The loft layer of the space creating layer may suitably have a basis weight of 15-100 gsm and a thickness of 0.5-3.5 mm. Alternatively, the space creating layer may be a multilayer layer comprising a loft portion and a top sheet portion, the loft portion being positioned between the garment facing layer and the top sheet portion. The top sheet is suitably a nonwoven material comprising natural and/or synthetic fibres, and preferably has a basis weight of 8-100 gsm. The garment facing layer is suitably a breathable back sheet, preferably comprising a breathable plastic film or a nonwoven material, such as combinations of spunbond-meltblown layers. The intimate skin conditioner veil should preferably have a moisture vapour transmission rate greater than 1000 g/m ² /24h, preferably 1300-1600 g/m ² /24h. The thickness of the intimate skin conditioner veil is preferably 0.6-3.8 mm.

Fastening means may suitably be positioned on the garment facing side of the veil, preferably in the form of one or more adhesive or friction areas. The loft layer may be smaller than the garment facing layer and the top sheet. The layers comprised in the veil may suitably be connected by adhesive or ultrasound welded joints.

The intimate skin conditioner veil may further comprising a head portion extending between the front straight line and the front edge, which head portion may comprise at least one protuberance, suitably having a convex shape. The head portion may comprise at least one recess, suitably having a concave shape, and suitably being positioned symmetrically about the longitudinal central line. At least one protuberance may be located on each side of the recess. The intimate skin conditioner veil may also comprise a tail portion extending between the rear transversal line and the rear edge. The tail portion may comprise at least one protuberance and/or recess.

The intimate skin conditioner veil may advantageously comprise an additive composition in the form of a skin well-being agent or a carrier substance carrying a skin well-being agent. The additive composition is preferably comprised within the space creating layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a veil placed in a panty;

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the female anatomy of a wearer and an illustrative embodiment of a veil covering the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure of the wearer;

Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of an illustrative embodiment of an intimate skin conditioner veil;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the outer contour of another illustrative embodiment of an intimate skin conditioner veil;

Fig. 5 is a schematic top view of an illustrative embodiment of another intimate skin conditioner veil;

Fig. 6 shows an enlarged portion of the intimate skin conditioner veil shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a schematic cross sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of an intimate skin conditioner veil;

Fig. 8 is a schematic cross sectional view of a multilayer space creating layer used in an illustrative embodiment of an intimate skin conditioner veil; and

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an illustrative embodiment of an intimate skin conditioner veil in which the loft layer is smaller than the other layers; Figs. lOa-c schematically illustrate illustrative embodiments of packages, in which a wrapping material is wrapped around the intimate skin conditioner veil and sealed along one or more edges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a product in the form of an intimate skin conditioner veil, which is configured to be positioned in an undergarment so that it covers the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure of a female user, without covering any part of the vulval vestibule area of the user. The part of the female genital area comprised of the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure of a female user, is referred to as the "V-zone".

In an illustrative embodiment, the intimate skin conditioner veil is configured to be positioned in an undergarment so that it contacts the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia

commissure of a female user, without contacting any part of the vulval vestibule area of the user.

Accordingly, the intimate skin conditioner veil is essentially different from common hygiene products, which are intended to protect the garments of the wearer, typically by absorbing various body fluids excreted by the wearer. One purpose of the present intimate skin conditioner veil is to protect the skin in the genital area while reducing the risk of absorption of vaginal fluids besides body perspiration. The veil is therefore substantially non-absorbent. By substantially non-absorbent it is meant that the veil can absorb 0.9% by weight sodium chloride solution in an amount of 0-2 times its own weight. For example, to be substantially non-absorbent the veil can be formed from any single material or combination of materials, which include but are not limited to materials composed of a nonwoven material, e g spunbonded, meltblown, carded, hydroentangled, wetlaid, materials essentially consisting of non-absorbent fibers, i.e. at least 95 % of the fibers are non-absorbent fibers, such as at least 99%, or at least 100% of the fibers in the material are non-absorbent fibers. Non-absorbent fibers in the fibrous can be selected from polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and blends and combinations thereof. The hair in the genital area acts as a shield against external mechanical stress, and creates an air gap between the skin and the undergarment that contributes to some airiness. When most or all of the hair has been removed, the undergarment material tends to lie more closely against the skin and there is a greater risk that the area becomes moist, which may increase the risk of bacterial growth and odour problem. Skin that has been shaved can also be negatively affected by the shaving itself due to mechanical irritation of the hair follicles, which may lead to an increased risk of infections in the hair follicles. Skin irritation can also be caused by mechanical stress on the skin when the user is moving, as the garment material lies very close to the skin.

The intimate skin conditioner veil serves to act as a protective barrier between the skin and the undergarment material, and to create a space between the skin and the undergarment material. The veil has a garment facing side and a skin contacting side, the garment facing side and the skin contacting side facing away from one another. The veil comprises a garment facing layer arranged on the garment facing side of the veil, and a space creating layer arranged on the skin contacting side of the veil. The veil is configured to be positioned in the undergarment, and therefore preferably comprises fastening means positioned on the garment facing side, most preferably in the form of one or more adhesive or friction areas. For example, adhesive or friction areas can be formed from any single material or combination of materials, which include but are not limited to hooks, friction adhesives, clips, pressure sensitive fastening adhesive. The veil is preferably not attached to the skin of the wearer, and it is therefore preferably essentially free from any adhesive on the skin contacting side.

As indicated above, the veil is configured to be worn so that it covers the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure of a female user, without covering any part of the vulval vestibule area of the user. The mons pubis, also known as mons Venus or mons veneris, is a rounded mass of fatty tissue found over the pubic symphysis of the pubic bones. In human females, the mons pubis forms the anterior portion of the vulva. It divides into the labia majora, on either side of the furrow known as the pudendal cleft that surrounds the labia minora, clitoris, urethra, vaginal opening, and other structures of the vulval vestibule. Figs. 1 and 2 shows how the veil is to be worn. Fig. 1 illustrates how the veil is placed in a panty, such that it covers the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure. Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the female anatomy of a wearer and illustrates how the veil 1 covers the mons pubis 22 in front of the anterior labia commissure 23, and how it does not cover any part of the vulval vestibule area 24.

The intimate skin conditioner veil is configured to have a shape that essentially follows the anatomy of the wearer in the genital area. This is accomplished by a main portion of the veil. The main portion preferably has the general shape of a truncated triangle, so that the veil is wider at a front end towards the abdomen of the user, and narrower at a rear end towards the vulval vestibule area. Although a truncated triangular main portion is preferred, the veil may alternatively have a non-truncated triangular shape, with the base of the triangle at the front end and the top of the triangle at the rear end. Further, the intimate skin conditioner veil is preferably very pliable and very thin, as will be described in further detail below.

The intimate skin conditioner veil comprises a dry coating comprising at least one lactone selected from the group consisting of y- and d-lactones which having a skin beneficial effect and which provides a long shelf life.

The present inventors have found that by providing the skin contacting side with a dry coating comprising at least one lactone selected from the group consisting of y- and d-lactones, the above objects are at least partially met.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of an intimate skin conditioner veil to adjust or maintain the pH of the skin in contact with the article to a value of from 3.5 to 5.5. As used herein, the term "dry coating" refers to a coating being formed on a material by application of a composition being applied to a web material in a liquid carrier being liquid in room temperature, such as an aqueous solution, followed by drying of the web material, thereby resulting in a dry coating formed on the web material. A "dry" coating, as referred to herein, relates to a coating that has a water content not significantly exceeding the level of water being inevitable due to an equilibrium between the coating and the surrounding atmosphere.

The dry coating may be provided on said skin contacting side of the intimate skin conditioner veil at a concentration 0.1 g to 10 g, such as from 0.3 g to 7 g of said at least one lactone per m ² of the coated area of said skin contacting side. When the dry coating is provided on the skin contacting side material, it is at least present on the at least the side of the skin contacting side facing away from garment facing layer.

A function of the at least one lactone in the dry coating according to the present disclosure is to maintain natural skin pH or to adjust the pH to a beneficial value and thus being beneficial for intimate skin health. This may be achieved by use of a intimate skin conditioner veil in accordance with the present disclosure since the lactone thereof is coated onto the skin contacting side which is the material layer being in direct contact with the skin of the user, and therefore may contribute to a suitable pH on the skin contacting side.

In presence of moisture, the lactone exists in an equilibrium between the lactone form and its corresponding hydroxycarboxylic acid form, thereby providing a pH adjusting effect. It is believed that the transfer of the lactone or corresponding hydroxycarboxylic acid thereof may occur both as dry transfer from the coating being in contact with the skin and as wet transfer by means of the body moisture being in contact with the coating and also with the skin and the environment between the skin contacting side and the user skin. Hereinafter, the term "lactone" refers to the equilibrium system of the compound in the lactone ring form and the hydroxycarboxylic form.

While lactones may exist in different stereoisomeric forms, for the purposes of the present disclosure, all isomeric forms of lactones are considered to be included under this term.

The currently preferred lactone for use in accordance with the present invention is gluconolactone, specifically D-glucono-6-lactone, which is formed by intramolecular esterification of gluconic acid. The at least one lactone may therefore be, or to a major portion comprise, gluconolactone, e.g. D-glucono-6-lactone.

The at least one lactone may constitute from 40 to 100 wt%, such as at least 50 wt%, for example at least 75 wt% of the dry coating. Optionally, the gluconolactone may be buffered with sodium hydroxide. The dry coating may be substantially free from compounds selected from the list of salts of carbonates and bicarbonates, alkaline peroxides and azides. It is recognized that a combination of such compounds and lactones may react upon contact with moisture to form a gas, and such gas formation is not desired in accordance with the present disclosure. In addition to the lactone, the dry coating composition may further comprise a surfactant. A surfactant according to the present disclosure is a substance which lowers the surface tension of the medium in which it is dissolved, and/or the interfacial tension with other phases, and, accordingly, is positively adsorbed at the liquid/solid and/or at other interfaces. The surfactant may be any known surface active agent suitable for use in hygienic applications, as is generally known in the art, suitable surface active agents may include any cationic surfactant, anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant or surfactant of amine oxide type suitable for use in hygienic applications and should lower the surface tension of the aqueous solution to allow the solution to spread more easily over the medium. This is especially relevant for medium materials comprising a high amount of or entirely consisting of synthetic fibers and thus being mainly hydrophobic.

Examples on suitable surface active agents are; Silastol PHP26, Silastol PHP 28, Silastol PHP 163, Silastol PHP 207 (Schill & Seilacher GmbH), Stantex S 6327 (Cognis), Duron OS 1547,

Duron OF 4012 (CHT/BEZEMA), Nuwet 237* and Nuwet 550 (Momentive).

The surfactant may be added to the skin contacting side material layer at a concentration sufficient for it to exhibit the desired effect, and may for example be up to 1 wt%, such as fom 0.1 to 0.8 wt% based on the weight of the untreated weight of the skin contacting side , i.e. before application of the dry coating.

The dry coating maybe essentially homogenously applied on the skin contacting side layer, or may be applied in a patterned manner, covering only part of the surface of the layer on which it is applied.

When applied in a patterned manner, the dry coating may for example cover at least 10 area- %, such as from 10 to 90 area-% of the layer on which the coating is applied. For example, the dry coating may be applied regionally to parts of the intimate skin conditioner veil that is intended to be in contact with skin especially benefited from the pH-lowering effect of the lactone component in the coating.

The article in accordance with the present disclosure may, due to the lactone-containing dry coating, exhibit at its skin contacting side a pH of from 2.5 to 5.5, such as from 3 to 5. The pH at the skin contacting side is measured as described in the experimental section, and is measured on an area of the skin contacting side coated with the dry coating, or an area of the skin contacting side super positioned on an area of the intermediate layer coated with the dry coating within 4 weeks from production and storage of the product at 23°C at 50 % RH.

When worn as intended, a disposable article in accordance with the present disclosure may result in an adjustment or maintenance of the pH of the skin in contact with said intimate skin conditioner veil at a value of from 3.5 to 5.5, according to the method measuring skin pH as disclosed herein.

Without being bound to any specific theory, it is believed that adjusting skin pH to, or maintaining skin pH within this range is beneficial for the skin health and may help to prevent e.g. Candida infections.

The skin contacting side layer provided with the dry coating may be produced by providing a liquid permeable web material; applying a liquid composition comprising the at least one lactone to the web material and thereafter drying the liquid composition applied to the web material in order to obtain a dry coating on the web material. The present disclosure also relates to the skin contacting side material as such as described herein, e.g. a liquid permeable non-woven material or a liquid permeable perforated plastic film provided with the dry coating comprising at least one lactone selected from the group consisting of y- and d- lactones.

The lactone containing liquid composition may be applied to the web material by any suitable means, including spraying, slot coating, kiss roll coating and/or soaking the material in a bath containing the coating composition, as well as by printing the composition onto the web material by contact or non-contact printing methods known to the person skilled in the art. The coating may be performed in-line during assembly of the article. Alternatively, the skin contacting side material may be prepared separately and delivered as ready-to-use rolls to the article manufacturing plant. The coating may also be formed by a combination of the above methods.

When the dry coating contains further components besides the at least one lactone, such as for example a surfactant and/or skin well-being agent, each component may be added to the web material in a single coating step, or may be applied in separate steps to the web material. For example, the web material may be pretreated with surfactant before the application of the lactone, or the lactone may be applied simultaneously with the surfactant.

The skin well-being agent can consist of, but is not limited to, in its physical form, a solution, suspension, cream, lotion, ointment, paste, gel, foam, aerosol or capsule, or it can be present in solid phase as particles, flakes, fibres, films, foams, etc.

Skin well-being agents can include lipids (including but not limited to fats, oils, waxes), solvents (including but not limited to water), water-soluble substances, surface-active agents (including but not limited to emulsifiers, surfactants), viscosity-regulating substances, pH- regulating substances, preserving agents, complexing agents (e. g. chelate), delivery systems (e. g. liposomes, microcapsules, etc.), pigments, perfumes, and active substances (including pharmaceutical agents). The lipids are usually emulsified in water, known as oil/water emulsion, or water is emulsified in the lipid phase, known as water/oil emulsion.

Lipid skin well-being agents can be paraffins (alkanes) with 12-35 carbons, such as, but not limited to, paraffin oil (mineral oil) or petrolatum (e.g., VASELINE ^® ). Other examples of suitable lipid skin well-being agents are triglycerides, which may be refined and/or hydrogenated, of animal or vegetable origin, preferably with carbon chain lengths C-18 or less, such as, but not limited to milk fat, coconut oil (Cocous nocifera), palm-kernel oil (Elaeis guineeis), or caprylic triglycerid; animal or vegetable lipids with unsaturated C-18 fatty acids, such as, but not limited to, Japan wax (Rhus succesdanes), tallow fat, soybean oil (Glycerin soya), peanut oil (Arachais hypogaea), maize oil (Zea mays), sunflower oil (Helanthus annus), grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera), safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius), sweet almond oil (Prunnus amygdalus dulcis), hazelnut oil (Corylus americana), walnut oil (Juglans regia), olive oil (Olea europasa), avocado oil (Persea gratissima), sesame oil (Sesamum indicum), cottonseed oil (Gopssypium), palm oil (Elaesis guineensis), rice oil (Oryza sativa), rape oil (Canola), apricot-kernel oil (Prunus armeniaca), cocoa butter (Theobroma cao), shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii), wheatseed oil (Triticum vulgare), or Bassia latifola oil; or animal or vegetable lipids with carbon chains over C-18, such as, but not limited to, beeswax Cera alba), seed oil (Limnanthes alba), rapeseed oil (Brassica capmestris), cucumberseed oil (Borago officinalis), linseed oil (Linum usitatissimum), ricin oil (Ricinus communis), veronia oil (Veronia galamensis), jojoba oil (Buxus chinensis), candlewax (Euphorbia cera), or ongokea oil (Ongokea gore).

The skin well-being agents may also be fatty alcohols with straight or branched carbon chain lengths of 12-32 carbons, for example, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol or a mixture thereof, or fatty acid esters with 12-32 carbons, for example, methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, octyl palmitate, octyl stearate or octyl laurate.

The skin well-being agents may also be polyalcohols, for example sugar alcohols or

polyglycerols. The skin well-being agents may also be complex lipids, for example, phospholipids or sphingolipids (ceramides); or waxes, for example of animal origin, for example beeswax or lanolin, or of vegetable origin, for example carnauba or candelilla, or of mineral origin, for example ozocerite or ceresin.

The skin well-being agents may also be polysiloxanes, which may be straight, branched or cyclic. Examples are polydimethyl-siloxane (dimethicone) or polydiethylsiloxane.

Skin well-being agents can include emulsions, such as, but not limited to, emulsions of one or more fat, with hydrophilic substances, such as, but not limited to, water, glycerol,

polyethylene glycol (PEG), propylene glycol, butylene glycol, sorbitol, silicone glycols, or the like, or mixtures thereof. Skin well-being agents can also include additions of probiotic microorganisms, characterized by being antagonistic towards undesired microorganisms, e. g. skin infection pathogens.

Examples of probiotic microorganisms which can be used are individual strains or mixtures of several strains of lactic acid bacteria taken from the species Lactobacillus acidophilus,

Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactococis lactis. Skin well-being agents can also include active substances, such as, but not limited to, anti inflammatory agents, e. g. acetylsalicylic acid, allantoin, azulen, alpha- bisabolol (chamomile), flavonoids, glycyrrhizinic acid, ichthammol (Inotyol)), tannins, or astringents (vasoconstrictors), for example TiO, ZnO (and other Zn compounds), aluminum acetate solution, aluminum tartrate solution (and other Al compounds), ethanol or ethanol-based solutions. Skin well-being agent can also include nourishing agents such as, but not limited to, Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), alpha-hydroxy acids, for example citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, etc.; or algae extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), or vitamin A compounds, for example retinol, retinal, tretinoin and isotretinoin, or avocado sterols, betaine (trimethylglycine), ceramides, grapeseed extract, essential fatty acids, flavonoids, phytosphingosine,

phytosterols, hyaluronic acid, yeast extract, chitosan, milk protein (Lactis proteinum), pantenol (provitamin B5), polysaccharides, rosemary extract, tocopherol (vitamin E), ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), urea.

Skin well-being agents can also include calendula officinalis flower extract, mannitol, ammonium glycyrrhizate, caffeine, zinc gluconate, aesculus hippocastanum extract, tocopheryl acetate.

Skin well-being agents can also consist of ready-made mixtures of skin ointments, creams and lotions, for example, TENA Skin Cream, which include the ingredients: Aqua, Canola Oil, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearates, Zea Mays Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Betaine, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Pantolactone; or TENA Skin Cream Perfume free which include the ingredients; Aqua, Canola Oil, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearates, Zea Mays Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Betaine, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Pantolactone; or TENA Skin Lotion, which include the ingredients: Aqua, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearates , Canola Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Panthenol, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid,

Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Pantolactone. TENA products are sold commercially by SCA Hygiene Products, Gothenburg, Sweden.

It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the skincare agents mentioned above, and that instead these are just examples of skincare agents that could be used. The term "cooling agent" is used herein to refer to a substance which is able to convey a freshness or cooling sensation when topically applied to the skin of the wearer.

The cooling agents suitable for use herein include, but not limited to, all cooling agents being able to penetrate skin barrier and for which the cooling effect (also called herein freshness effect) is a physiological effect due to the direct action of these agents on the nerve endings of the body responsible for the detection of cold without any occurrence of temperature change on the surface of the body. It is believed that these agents act as a direct chemical stimulus on the cold receptors at the nerve endings, which in turn stimulate the central nervous system. In this way a freshness/cooling sensation is simulated even in absence of real change in skin temperature. Due to the persistence of the stimulus, a long lasting freshness/cooling sensation is delivered even after removal of the cooling agent. It is to be understood herein that the freshness/cooling sensation is personnel to a given individual. It must be admitted that skin tests are somewhat subjective, some individuals experiencing a greater or lesser freshness/cooling sensation than others when subjected to the same test. This perception depends on the density of thermo-receptors on skin and on the skin thickness. Typically it is observed that the thinner the skin is the more intense is the cooling sensation (also called herein freshness sensation). The thinner the skin is, the more rapid is the penetration of the cooling agent through the skin and higher is the absorption level thereof. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that geographic factors and/or races further play a role in perception of freshness sensation. Examples of suitable cooling substances are selected from the group consisting of ketals, carboxamides, cyclohexyl derivatives, cyclohexanol derivatives, menthol derivatives, camphor, borneol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, menthol or menthyl lactate or menthone glycerin aceta, bisabolol or mixtures thereof. The term "carrier substance" is used herein to refer to a substance which is able to act as a carrier vehicle for delivering an effective concentration of a skin well-being agent to a wearer's skin. Suitable carrier substances include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, water, dimethcone, oil, petrolatum (e.g., VASELINE ^® ) or alcohol, or combinations thereof.

PEGs are typically used in the composition as a carrier vehicle for delivering an effective concentration of a cooling agent to a wearer's skin but since PEGs are also emollients, they are particularly beneficial to skin, they improve skin hydration and softness, and hence maintain or even improve skin health. PEGs assure a film-forming capacity on the skin, which gives emolliency and helps prevent skin dehydration when directly contacting the skin, thereby reducing or even eliminating the occurrence of skin itching or burning. PEGs are also able to locate themselves between the layers of the epidermis (due to their similarity with substances naturally contained in the epidermis (stratum corneum)), enhancing thereby the elastic properties of the skin.

PEGs having a weight average molecular weight of 2000 Da or more are not only acting as a carrier vehicle for delivering for example the cooling agent to the skin but also help to increase the stability of the cooling agent in the composition, i.e. to retain the cooling agent into the composition and therefore reduce the risk that the cooling agent may vaporize and evaporate at room temperature.

The additive composition used in the skin conditioner veil a sufficient amount of the cooling agent to stimulate the thermo-receptors in the areas of the skin and/or mucosal surfaces with which the article comes into contact and thereby convey the desired freshness sensation.

The additive composition may also include, but is not limited to, solvents, emulsifying agents, fragrances, and preservatives.

Benefits of articles in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting examples. Examples

Example 1: pH stability

In this example pH was measured on skin contacting side layer of a product, directly and at several occasions during sex week storage in room temperature. Products with gluconolactone was compared to a product with lactic acid. It was shown that gluconolactone will generate a low pH, and that the pH-lowering effect of gluconolactone is more storage stable compared to that of lactic acid when used on a skin contacting side layer of a product.

Test Method for measuring pH of the skin contacting side layer The pH of the surface of the products was measured using a pH meter (PH-METER, VWR™ SYMPHONY, SB 80PI and the pH electrode used was HAMILTON FLATTRODE).

The pH meter rod was rinsed with deionized water before each new measurement,

The rinsing of the pH electrode left a small droplet of water hanging from the electrode, which droplet was used to wet the nonwoven web material at the point of measurement. All the pH measurements were performed at 23°C and approx.50% RH.

Materials used

Nonwoven with lactic acid: Nonwoven with wetting agent (standard PP/ spun bond / 17 g/m ² , PHP26 cationic surfactant (approx. 0.15% by weight)), commercially available from Berry Plastic and the addition of buffered lactic acid (Lactic acid / Sodium Lactate, available from Corbion in a 1% w/w solution with pH of 3.2 measured) The nonwovens was dried in room temperature and the amount was measured to be 0.8 g/m ² dry lactic acid on the nonwoven material.

Nonwoven with gluconolactone: Nonwoven with wetting agent (standard pp/ spun bond / 17 g/m2, PHP26 cationic surfactant (approx. 0.15% by weight)), commercially available from Berry Plastic and the addition of gluconolactone (Sigma Aldrich, 1% or 10% water solution, sprayed). The nonwovens were dried in room temperature and the amount was measured to be 0.3 and 4,lg/m ² dry gluconolactone on the nonwoven material, respectively. Product concept: The nonwovens with added lactic acid or gluconolactone were placed on top of an airlaid and a core containing cellulose fibers and SAP (30%), The size of these concepts was approximately lOx 30 cm.

Storage of the product concepts The products were stored covered with plastic trays in room temperature for 6 weeks.

Results

Results from the pH measurements are shown below the table 1.

Table 1

From the results above, it is apparent that a dry coating of gluconolactone on the skin contacting side layer maintains a low pH more stable than a corresponding dry coating of lactic acid.

Example 2: pH adjustments on skin

In this example, a top-sheet nonwoven with gluconolactone was wiped against the volar forearm of two voluntaries and the change in pH was measured. It was shown that the short contact from wiping decreased the measured skin pH

Test Method for measuring pH of the skin

The pH of the skin was measured using a pH meter (PH-METER, VWR™ SYMPHONY, SB 80PI and the pH electrode used was HAMILTON FLATTRODE). The pH meter rod was rinsed with saline solution (0.9% NaCI) before each new measurement,

The rinsing of the pH electrode left a small droplet of saline hanging from the electrode, which droplet was used to wet the skin on the volar forearm at the point of measurement. All the pH measurements were performed in a climatized room, at 23°C and 50% RH. Materials used

Nonwoven with gluconolactone: Nonwoven with wetting agent (standard pp/ spun bond / 17 g/m ² , PHP26 cationic surfactant (approx. 0.15% by weight)), commercially available from Berry Plastic and the addition of gluconolactone (Sigma Aldrich, 10% water solution, sprayed). The nonwoven was dried in room temperature and the amount was measured to be 4,lg/m ² dry gluconolactone on the nonwoven material. pH adjustments on skin pH was measured on the forearm of two volunteers. Thereafter the gluconolactone treated nonwoven was wiped manually two times over a spot close to the measured reference spot. Table 2 below shows the measured pH on the volar forearms before and after wiping with the gluconolactone nonwoven.

Table 2

From the results above, it is apparent that a gluconolactone coated nonwoven can be used to lower the pH of skin. The veil may be in the form of a packaged intimate skin conditioner veil, wherein the veil is enclosed in a wrapping material, which is impermeable to the skin well-being agent. Figs. 10a- c show packages, in which a wrapping material is wrapped around the intimate skin conditioner veil and sealed along one or more edges, by welding or adhesive, or any other suitable means. The intimate skin conditioner veil can be in flat unfolded condition in the package, or it can be folded once.

The veil can be stacked and wrapped in package material, or be individually packed. The wrapping material is preferably air-tight, and thus moisture and water tight. The material is preferably in the form of a film comprising one or more polymers, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol or similar polymers, or an aluminum foil, aluminum oxide or silicone oxide or the like, or combinations thereof. The water vapour transmission rate of such a material is 0-6 g/m ² /calendar day according to ASTME 398-83 at 37.8 °C and 90% relative humidity, preferably 0-2 g/m ² /calendar day and even more preferably 0-1 g/m ² /calendar day. The films may have a thickness of 10-200 micrometers, preferably 20-100 micrometers.

The film wrapping material can also be laminated with other layers such as, but not limited to, nonwoven material or sheet of tissue. The wrapping material can be cold or hot sealed, with or without use of adhesives.

Outer contour

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of an intimate skin conditioner veil of the present disclosure. The veil has a longitudinal central line A extending in the longitudinal direction of the veil; a first extension in the longitudinal direction between a front end 2 and a rear end 3 of the veil; and a second extension in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central line A. It comprises a front edge 4 and first and second side edges 6a, 6b, the front edge 4 intersecting the first side edge 6a at a first front transition point Tla and intersecting the second side edge 6b at a second front transition point Tib. The main portion 7 of the veil has a length LI in the longitudinal direction of the veil, which is at least 50% of the total longitudinal length L2 of the veil 1. The main portion 7 is bounded by a straight front transversal line 5 between the first and second front transition points Tla, Tib, and by the first and second side edges 6a, 6b. The main portion 7tapers towards the rear end 3 of the veil. The main portion 7 is preferably reflection symmetric about the longitudinal central line A. As indicated above, the main portion 7 is wider at its front end than at its rear end, and it preferably has a front transversal width W1 and a rear transversal width W2 chosen such that the ratio W1/W2 is 1.1-6.6, preferably 1.5-4.2, and more preferably 2.8-3.5.

The intimate skin conditioner veil 1 may further comprise a rear edge 12 which extends substantially in the transverse direction of the veil 1, at the rear end 3 of the veil, the rear edge 12 intersecting the first side edge 6a at a first rear transition point T2a and intersecting the second side edge 6b at a second rear transition point T2b. The first and second side edges 6a, 6b extend between respective ones of the first and second front transition points Tla, Tib and respective ones of the rear transition points T2a, T2b, and the main portion 7 extends in the longitudinal direction between the front transversal line 5 and a straight rear transversal line 13 between the first and second rear transition points T2a, T2b, and the straight rear transversal line 13 is perpendicular to the longitudinal central line A.

The first and second front transition points Tla, Tib and the first and second rear transition points T2a, T2b are located where the outer contour of the veil dramatically changes direction, between a generally longitudinal direction and a generally transversal direction. The front edge 4 of the veil meets the side edges 6a, 6b at the first and second front transition points Tla, Tib, respectively, and the rear edge 12 meets the side edges 6a, 6b at the first and second rear transition points T2a, T2b, respectively, such that the transition points form corners between the front and rear edges 4, 12 and the side edges 6a, 6b. These corners at the transition points can have a sharp shape or may be rounded. The veil shown in Fig. 3 has sharp corners at the front transition points, and the veil shown in Fig. 5 has rounded corners at the front transition points.

The intimate skin conditioner veil 1 may include a head portion 14 at the front end of the veil 1 and/or a tail portion 15. The head portion 14 extends between the front straight line 5 and the front edge 4 of the veil 1. The front edge 4 of the veil 1 is then also the front edge of the head portion 14. The head portion 14 can have various shapes, and can comprise at least one protuberance 4a, which may have a convex shape, as shown in Fig. 3. The head portion 14 may also comprise at least one recess 4b, which may have a concave shape, and which may be positioned symmetrically about the longitudinal central line A, as shown in Fig. 4. The head portion 14 may include at least one protuberance 4a, 4c located on each side of the recess 4b. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a veil, in which one protuberance 4a, 4c is located on each side of a centrally positioned recess 4b, giving the veil 1 an outer contour resembling a rounded heart. Alternatively, a larger number of protuberances and recesses can be comprised in the head portion 14, for example, but not limited to 1-10 protuberances, and 1-9 recesses. The tail portion 15 extends between the rear transversal line 13 and the rear edge 12. The tail portion 15 portion can have various shapes, and may for example comprise at least one protuberance 12a and/or recess. The head and tail portions 14, 15 serve to further adapt the veil 1 to the anatomy of the wearer, by providing curved front and rear end contours. Fewer

protuberances and recesses are preferred for manufacturing reasons, since a veil having a low number of protuberances and recesses in head or veil portion, may lead to a less complicated manufacturing process, while more protuberances and recesses provide a softer edge of the veil, such that the contour of the veil can follow the body shape of the user in an improved manner.

When the veil 1 includes a head portion 14 and/or a tail portion 15, the total longitudinal length L2 of the veil is the combined longitudinal length LI of the main portion and the longitudinal lengths of the head portion and/or the tail portion. The ratio L1/L2 is preferably 0.5-1, more preferably 0.6-0.9, most preferably 0.75-0.85 so as to follow the anatomy of the wearer. The longitudinal length LI of the main portion 7 is preferably 60-170 mm, and the total longitudinal length L2 of the veil is 60-220 mm, more preferably 80-150 mm, most preferably 90-120 mm so as to follow the anatomy of the wearer. The main portion preferably has a front transversal width W1 of 100-240 mm, more preferably 140-210 mm, most preferably 155-175 mm and a rear transversal width W2 of 25-95 mm, more preferably 40- 80 mm, most preferably 55-70 mm so as to follow the anatomy of the wearer. By choosing the length and width of the veil according to the anatomy of the wearer, it can be ensured that the main portion is sufficiently large to cover the mons pubis in front of the anterior labia commissure.

In order to follow the anatomy of the wearer more closely, the main portion 7 may be tapered such that a straight line 6' between the first front transition point Tla and the first rear transition point T2a is inclined in relation to the front transversal line 5 at an angle v ² , which is smaller than 90°, preferably 20-85°, more preferably 50-80°, most preferably 55-75°. The line 6' is inclined in relation to the rear transversal line 13 at an angle v ¹ , which is greater than 90°, preferably 95-160°, more preferably 100-130°, most preferably 105-125°, such that v ² =180° - v ¹ .

In order to further improve the fit of the veil in accordance to the wearer's anatomy, the first and second side edges 6a, 6b of the veil may advantageously have a curved concave shape between the front and rear transition points Tla, Tib, T2a, T2b. The examples of veils shown in Figs. 4-6 have such curved side edges. A preferred curvature is shown in more detail in Figs. 5 and 6.

As illustrated in Fig. 5, the main portion 7 of the intimate skin conditioner veil preferably comprises a front main portion 7a located between the front transversal line 5 and a straight intermediate transversal line 16, and a rear main portion 7b located between the rear transversal line 13 and the intermediate transversal line 16. The intermediate transversal line 16 is located at the longitudinal centre of the main portion, such that the longitudinal length of the front main portion 7a is the same as the longitudinal length of the rear main portion 7b. The curved concave shapes of the first and second side edges 6a, 6b preferably change curvature at respective intermediate transition points to adopt respective directions of curvature and continue to run in the same respective directions of curvature. For example, Fig. 5 shows that the curved concave shape of the first side edge 6a changes curvature at an intermediate transition point T3a, and continues to run in the same direction of curvature, and the intermediate transition point T3a is located in the rear main portion 7b between the intermediate transversal line 16 and the rear transversal line 13. The second side edge 6b has a similar shape. The main portion preferably has an intermediate transversal width W3 of 65- 90 mm at the intermediate transversal line 16, in order to give a good fit to the wearer's anatomy.

The fit to the anatomy of the wearer can be further configured to adapt the curvature of the side edges of the veil to the groin anatomy of the wearer. As illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, the first and second side edges 6a, 6b may thus advantageously have a curvature, which changes such that a straight line 6" between the first rear transition point T2a and the intermediate transition point T3a, is inclined in relation to the rear transversal line 13 at an angle a, which is > 90°, and a straight line 6'" between the first front transition point Tla and the intermediate transition point T3a is inclined in relation to the front transversal line 5 at angle b, which is < 180° -a. Further, the angle a is preferably smaller than the angle v ¹ between the rear transversal line 13 and the straight line 6'between the first rear transition point T2a and the first front transition point (Tla), and the angle b is preferably smaller than the angle v ² between the straight line 6' and the front transversal line 5. The angle a is preferably 95-160°. A line 6"' ^a , which is parallel to the line 6"', is drawn in Fig. 6 for illustration purposes.

Materials

In order to conform well to the body of the wearer and to add to the wearing comfort, the intimate skin conditioner veil 1 is preferably very pliable, thin and breathable. The veil comprises a garment facing layer arranged on the garment facing side of the veil, and a space creating layer arranged on the skin contacting side of the veil. The layers comprised in the veil are suitably connected by adhesive or ultrasound welded joints. The intimate skin conditioner veil may include fastening means positioned on the garment facing side, preferably in the form of one or more adhesive or friction areas.

The pliability, stiffness of the intimate skin conditioner veil 1 can be expressed as Gurley Units, and the veil 1 preferably has a Gurley Units of 5-300 mgf, more preferably 5-100 mgf. Gurley Units are measured according to the standard method EDANA/INDA NWSP 090.2. RO (15) modified for measuring the stiffness of an intimate skin conditioner veil product, as described in more detail below. The desired pliability can preferably be obtained by choosing the layers of the veil as described below.

The intimate skin conditioner veil 1 preferably has a total thickness of 0.6-3.8 mm. The space creating layer of the veil may be a combined layer, comprising a loft layer and a top sheet. The loft layer of the space creating layer preferably has a basis weight of 15-100 gsm and a thickness of 0.5-3.5 mm.

The top sheet is preferably a nonwoven material comprising natural and/or synthetic fibres, and preferably has a basis weight of 8-100 gsm, which may be perforated or embossed. Other examples of suitable top sheet materials include, but are not limited to, perforated plastic films, plastic or textile mesh, and fluid permeable layers of foam, such as polyurethane foam based on polyester. Laminates consisting of two or more top sheet material may also be employed, and the top sheet material may be different in different parts of the skin-contacting surface.

The loft layer preferably comprises hydrophobic or hydrophilic nonwoven material, apertured thermoplastic film or open foam material. The nonwoven material may be for example, but is not limited to, air through bonded nonwoven, spunbond, SMS material

(spunbond/meltblown/spunbond), carded thermobonded nowoven, or spunlaced

(hydroentangled) material.

Alternatively, the space creating layer may be a multilayer layer comprising a loft portion and a top sheet portion, the loft portion being positioned between the garment facing layer and the top sheet portion. The space creating layer may then be a nonwoven material comprising at least two layers integrated into each other, wherein the loft portion preferably comprises spunlaid filaments having a thickness greater than 2.5 dtex, giving an open structure to the loft portion, and the top sheet portion preferably comprises staple fibres, giving a soft feeling. A suitable multilayer layer is described in WO2008147264A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for its description of a multilayer space creating layer. Such a multilayer space creating layer preferably has a basis weight of 15-100 gsm and a thickness of 0.5-3.5 mm.

The loft layer or loft portion of the space creating layer provides an open structure, which contributes to forming a distance between the skin and the garments of the wearer. The loft layer or loft portion can thus function as a replacement for the hair that has been removed, and can thus contribute to airiness and favourable skin conditions in the genital area, particularly in the V-zone. All layers included in the veil can have the same size, or the loft may be smaller than the garment facing layer and the top sheet. With a smaller loft layer, the veil comprises an edge portion along the outer contour, comprising only the garment facing layer and the top sheet, thus making the edges of the veil even thinner and softer.

The garment facing layer is suitably breathable, and preferably comprises a breathable plastic film or a nonwoven material, or a laminate including a breathable plastic film and a layer of nonwoven material. The garment facing layer is preferably also liquid-tight, which means that the material can resist the flow of liquid. Suitable materials for the garment facing layer include, but are not limited to, perforated films, microporous films, macroporous films, nanoporous films, or nowoven or laminates thereof. Examples of nonwoven laminates include, but are not limited to, laminates of spunbond and meltblown, for example SMMS laminate (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond-laminate). The garment facing layer material can include, but is not limited to, renewable material in the form of PLA starch or the like.

The intimate skin conditioner veil 1 preferably does not affect the humidity conditions that prevail in the intermediate space between the skin and the veil more than normal cotton briefs. Each layer of the intimate skin conditioner veil 1 advantageously has a moisture vapour transmission rate greater than 1000 g/m ² /24h, and the intimate skin conditioner veil preferably has a total moisture vapour transmission rate greater than 1000 g/m ² /24h, preferably 1000-6000 g/m ² /24h, more preferably 1300-1600 g/m ² /24h. The garment facing layer thereby allows perspiration generated by the skin to be able to leave the surface of the skin, which reduces moisture on the skin surface and thereby reduces the risk for undesirable skin conditions. The garment facing layer suitably has a basis weight of 18-21 gsm.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the veil. The veil 1 has a garment facing side 9 and a skin contacting side 11, the garment facing side 9 and the skin contacting side 11 facing away from one another. The veil 1 comprises a garment facing layer in the form of a back sheet 8 arranged on the garment facing side 9 of the veil, and a space creating layer 10, arranged on the skin contacting side 11 of the veil. Fastening means 19 are arranged on the garment facing side 9 of the veil. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the space creating layer is a combined layer 10, comprising a loft layer 17 and a top sheet 18, and the loft layer 17 is positioned between the garment facing layer 8 and the top sheet 18. Fig. 8 illustrates a multilayer space creating layer 10' that can be used instead of the combined space creating layer 10 shown in Fig. 7. The multilayer space creating layer 10' comprises a loft portion 17' comprising spunlaid filaments 20 and a top sheet portion 18' comprising staple fibres 21. The multilayer space creating layer 10' is arranged in the veil such that the loft portion 17' is positioned between the garment facing layer 8 and the top sheet portion 18'. Fig. 9 is a schematic top view, showing an example of an intimate skin conditioner veil in which the loft layer 17 is smaller than the top sheet 18 and the back sheet (not shown in Fig. 9).

Measuring methods

Stiffness All values for thickness given above for the layers comprised in the intimate skin conditioner veil are obtained by measuring by means of a circular measuring foot having a diameter of 31.5 mm at pressure of 0.2 kPa.

Gurley stiffness is measured according to the standard method EDANA/INDA NWSP 090.2. RO (15). This method is originally intended for measuring stiffness of nonwoven materials, and is therefore modified for measuring stiffness of the entire intimate skin conditioner veil. The method accordingly includes the following additional steps:

-remove any release paper from the veil, and cover the attachment adhesive lightly with talcum, or the other equivalent powder;

-cut a representative sample from the center region of the veil, avoiding any folds; and

-if the stiffness of the veil is different along the longitudinal and the transverse axel, let the lowest value represent the article.

Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate

The Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate is a measure of the amount of moisture adsorbed by Calcium-Chloride in a "cup" like container covered with the test specimen from controlled outside air conditions (40±3 °C/ 75± 3 % relative humidity). The sample holding a cup is a cylinder with an inner diameter of 30 mm and an inside height from bottom to top flange of 49 mm. A flange having a circular opening to match the opening of the cylinder can be fixed by screws, and a silicone rubber sealing ring, matching the inner diameter, fits between the top flange and the cylinder. The test specimen is to be positioned such that it covers the cylinder opening, and can be tightly fixed between the silicone rubber sealing and the upper flange of the cylinder. The test specimen is positioned on the cylinder with the garment facing layer facing the Calcium-Chloride. When testing an intimate skin conditioner veil having adhesive areas applied to the garment facing layer, a plurality (at least 5) test specimens are cut from the veil and tested, and a value representing the MVTR for the entire product is obtained by calculating an average MVTR value of the individual test specimens. The equipment as well as the test specimen should be well adjusted to the temperatures, and the constant

temperature/humidity chamber preferably has a size to accommodate up to 30 samples. The absorbent desiccant material is CaCI ₂ , such as can be purchased from Wako Pure Chemical Industries Ltd., Richmond, VA, US under the product designation 030-00525. If kept in a sealed bottle, it can be used directly. It also can be sieved to remove lumps, or excessive amounts of fines, if existing. It also can be dried at 200 °C for about 4 hrs. 15.0± 0.02 g of CaCI ₂ are weighed into the cup, and tapped lightly so as to level it out, such that the surface is about 1 cm from the top of the cup.

The samples, which are cut to about 3.2 cm by 6.25 cm, are placed flat and overlapping with the seal over the opening, and the seal and the top flange are affixed by the screws without over tightening. The total weight of the cup assembly is accurately recorded on a four decimal places scale, and the assembly is placed into the constant temperature/humidity chamber. After 5 hrs (without opening of the chamber), the sample is removed and immediately covered tightly with non-vapour permeable plastic film such as SARAN wrap as commonly used in the U.S. After about 30 mins to allow for temperature equilibration, the plastic film cover is removed and the accurate weight of the assembly is recorded. The MVTR value is then calculated from the moisture increase during these 5 hours through the 3 cm circular opening and then converted to units of g/m ² /24h. For each test, three replicates should be run, the resulting values will be averaged, and the result rounded to the nearest 100 value.

Overall, this method is applicable to thin films, multi-layer laminates and the like. Experience has shown that typical standard deviations range between 50 and 250 g/m ² /24h for averaged values of up to about 5000 g/m ² /24h. Due to this range, materials being considered to be essentially vapour impermeable, such as conventional PE films, are reported as having a MVTR of about 200 g/m ² /24h. If the units for an MVTR value are omitted for simplicity, a material "having a MVTR value of 1000" should accurately be a material "having a MVTR value of 1000 g/m ² /24h" according to this method.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes that come within the meaning and range and

equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced therein.