BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This invention is a nail polish composition including a perfume. The composition is formulated to provide a hard finish upon drying and also to control volatilization of the perfume so that polished nails emit a detectable perfume scent for many days.

(2) Description of the Art

Nail polishes and coatings, etc., are produced by dispersing powders of a pigment, a pearl pigment, etc. in solvents. Consumers apply nail polish to fingernails and to toe nails to give their nails an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Various nail polish properties are important to consumers. The liquid polish must be able to be applied evenly to nails, it must be thick enough to cover mars and imperfections in the nails, and it must dry quickly. Properties of the applied polish are also important. The polish should dry hard and smooth, it should be chip and scuff resistant, and it should be capable of remaining aesthetically pleasing for many days. Some U.S. Patents, Nos. 4,954,619 and 5,202,114, for example, disclose nail polish compositions including a fragrance. Neither of the patents, however, described how to incorporate a fragrance or perfume into a nail polish composition in a manner that preserves the consumer desired properties of a nail polish.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide a scented nail polish that dries to a hard finish.

Another object of this invention is to provide a scented nail polish that has a human detectable scent for many days. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a scented nail polish that includes a hich percentage of a liquid fragrance and that is fast drying.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a scented nail polish that includes a high percentage of liquid fragrance and that is scuff resistant.

In one embodiment, this invention is a scented nail polish composition. The scented

nail polish composition includes at least one solvent; at least one resin; at least one colorant; and at least one liquid perfume. The polish is formulated so that the weight ratio of resin to liquid perfume ranges from about 2.5:1 to about 1:2.5. In another embodiment, this invention is a scented nail polish composition. The scented nail polish includes at least one solvent in an amount ranging from about 20 to about 80 weight percent; at least one resin in an amount ranging from about 10 to about 50 weight percent; at least one colorant in an amount ranging from about 0. 1 to about 6.0-, at least one stabilizer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent; and at least one liquid perfume in an amount ranging from about 8 to about 50 weight percent. The polish is formulated so that the weight ratio of resin to liquid perfume ranges from about 1. 5: 1 to about 1 : 1. 5. This preferred ingredient ratio ensures that the liquid perfume is immobilized by the resin in the dried polish strongly enough to allow the polish to dry to a hard finish, but not so strongly that volatilization of the liquid perfume is hindered.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT The present invention relates to a scented nail polish composition that dries quickly, to a hard scuff resistant finish, and that is able to emit a pleasant fragrance for many days without reapplication. The essential characteristics which distinguish a good nail polish are sufficient hardness, good applicability (ease of application), short drying period, high storage stability (i.e. the nail polish should maintain its homogeneity and a good stability over a long time period), resistance against light, water, washing agents and rinsing agents, as well as harmlessness to skin and nails. The nail polish should also provide a polish film with satisfactory characteristics such as uniform thickness, high luster, a smooth surface, outstanding adhesiveness, and a good elasticity. In addition to the characteristics described above, the scented nail polish of this invention should emit a constant, pleasant perfume scent for many days. This characteristic of the scented nail polish of this invention is achieved by carefully controlling the weight ratio of resins and liquid perfume used in the scented nail polish composition.

The nail polish of this invention dries quickly to a hard finish and includes a large amount of liquid perfume in the composition that becomes immobilized in the dried polish in a manner that allows the liquid perfume to slowly volatilize from the polish to provide a pleasant, human detectable scent for many days. The polish, containing a relatively large weight of liquid perfume is able to dry to a hard shell only by incorporating an equally large amount of resin in the composition. If there is not enough resin, the polish remains soft and the fragrance volatilizes quickly. If too much resin is used in the nail polish composition, or not enough liquid perfume is used, then the polish dries to a very hard finish and the perfume is either unable to volatilize or if an insufficient amount of liquid perfume is used, it is present in such a small amount that very little, if any scent evolves from the hardened polish.

In order for the scented nail polish of this invention to give both a hard, scuff resistant finish upon drying, and to emit a pleasant detectable perfume scent for a prolonged period of time, the weight ratio of resin to liquid perfume should range from about 2.5:1 to about

1 : 2.5. It is preferred, however, that the resin/liquid perfume weight ratio range from about 1 : 1. 5 to about 1. 5: 1. In addition to a resin component and a liquid perfume component, the nail polish of this invention will include a solvent, a colorant, and other optional components which are described below. I . Solvent

The nail polish of this invention contains a solvent system in a concentration from about 20 to 80% by weight, and preferably from 20 to 50% by weight. The designation solvent system" means one or more solvents which volatilize quickly to leave a polish film with good stretchability.

The purpose of the solvent system is to aid in keeping all of the nail polish components liquefied. The solvent system used may include one or more solvents useful in fingernail polishes. Furthermore, the solvent system chosen should volatilize relatively quickly, it should be compatible with human skin, and it should be relatively non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. It is preferred that the solvent or combination of solvents used have little or no odor. Solvents with-out strong odors will not mask the perfume scent prior to and volatilization of the solvent during polish drying making applying the polish more pleasing to the user.

General classes of solvents useful in the solvent system include alcohols, glycol ethers, esters aromatics, and odorless mineral spirits. Aromatics, however, should be avoided if possible because of their toxic and carcinogenic properties. For description purposes, solvents useful in the solvent system are divided into boiling point ranges. Useful solvent systems may include one or more low-boiling solvents about 30° to

100°C such as ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate and methyl acetate. Other useful solvents are medium-boiling solvents having a boiling point from about 100' to 150°C such as butanol, amyl alcohol, toluene, ethylene glycol monomethylether, butyl acetate, amyl acetate, and diacetone alcohol. Useful high-boiling solvents having a boiling point from about 150° to 200°C, include dichloroethylether, diethylene glycol monoethylether, diethylene glycol monomethylether, and ethylene glycol.

Preferred solvents are glycol ethers including propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol, and methyl ether as well as n-propanol. isopropanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and butyl acetate. II. Colorant

The scented nail polish of this invention can also be provided with color so that it dries with a colored finish or it can be colorless so that it dries to a clear finish. Useful colorants include at least one organic or inorganic pigment, preferably in an amount from about 0. 1 to 6 % by weight. Examples of pigments and fillers, include brown and red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, bismuth oxide chloride, inorganic powders such as talk, kaolin, sericite, common mica, synthetic mica, phlogopite, lepidolite, biotite, lithia mica, vermiculite, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, celite, magnesium silicate, calcium silicate, aluminum silicate, Fuller's earth, barium silicate, barium sulfate, strontium silicate, metal salt of tungstic acid, silica, hydroxy apatite, zeolite, boron nitrate and ceramic powder; organic powders such as nylon powder, polyethylene powder, benzoguanamine powder, ethylene tetrafluoride powder, styrene divinylbenzene copolymer powder, distyrene benzene, pinhole polymer powder and crystallite cellulose; inorganic white pigments such as titanium oxide, iron oxide (red iron oxide) and iron titanate; inorganic brown pigments such as gamma -iron oxide, inorganic yellow pigments such as yellow iron oxide and loess; inorganic black pigments such as black iron oxide and carbon black;

inorganic violet pigments such as mango violet and cobalt violet; inorganic green pigments such as chromium oxide, chromium hydroxide and cobalt titanate; inorganic blue pigments such as ultramarine and Prussian blue; pearl pigments such as titanium oxide coated bismuth oxychloride, titanium oxide coated talc, pearlessence. colored titanium oxide coated mica; clay mineral such as Bentonite; metal powder pigments such as aluminum powder and copper powder; organic pigments such as Red #201, Red #202, Red #204, Red #205, Red #220, Red #226, Red #228, Red #405, Orange #203, Orange #204, Yellow #205, Yellow #401 and Blue #404; organic pigments obtained by reacting pigments such as Red #3, Red #104, Red #106, Red #227, Red #230, Red #401, Red #505, Orange #205, Yellow #4, Yellow #5, Yellow #202, Yellow #203, Green #3 and Blue #1 with zirconium, barium or aluminum; natural dyes such as chlorophyll and beta-carotene; magnesium oxide; magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide; aluminum oxide; aluminum hydroxide; silica; iron hydroxide; titanium dioxide; lower titanium oxide; zirconium oxide; chromium oxide; chromium hydroxide; manganese oxide; cobalt oxide; nickel oxide; iron titanate; cobalt titanate; and cobalt aluminate. III. Resins

Resins are added to the nail polish composition of this invention in order to immobilize the liquid perfume component and in order to provide a polish with a hard finish. If an insufficient amount of resin is included in the composition, then the applied polish stays tacky upon drying due to the presence of the liquid perfume. If too much resin is added to the composition, then the liquid perfume becomes almost totally immobilized making it difficult for the liquid perfume to volatilize from the hardened polish to provide a pleasing and human detectable perfume scent.

For this reason, the nail polish composition of this invention includes from 10 50 weight percent resin. The amount of resin used should be correspond to the amount of liquid perfume used. Thus, the nail polish composition of this invention should have a resin to liquid perfume weight ratio ranging from 2.5:1 to 1 :2.5. Preferably, the nail polish composition of this invention will include from about 20 to about 35 weight percent resin and it will have a resin to liquid perfume weight ratio of from about 1.5: 1 to about 1 : 1.5. Classes of useful resin compounds include natural polymers such as shellac, elemi

gum and, particularly, colophonium; synthetic resins, such as, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate and polymethacrylic acid ester, e.g., polybutyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polypropyl methacrylate and polymethyl methacrylate; alkyd resins, such as polymerizates of phthalic acid anhydride and glycerin, as well as formaldehyde/urea-resins; arylsulfonamide/formaldehyderesins, such as a polymer produced from equimolar amounts of formaldehyde and p-toluene sulfonamide which is known by the designation Santolite; ® as well as nitrocellulose, nitro-cellulose based resins, and epoxy copolymers.

A combination of a first resin and second resin along with optional additional resins may be used as the "resin" component of the scented nail polish of this invention. The first resin may be, for example, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate-butyrate, ethyl cellulose, numerous vinyl polymers as well as a number of methacrylate and acrylate type polymers. In general, the first resin is included in the scented nail polish of this invention in amounts effective to provide toughness, hardness, resistance to abrasion and solvent release and a film thickness properties to the polish, alone, or preferably in combination with a second resin and/or plasticizers. In general, the amount of first resin comprises about I % to about 25 % by weight of the compositions, and preferably about 5% to about 20% by weight of the composition. In addition to a first resin, the scented nail polish composition of this invention may also include a second resin which is combined with the first resin in order to impart good strength, gloss and adhesion properties to the final, dried polish. Examples of second resins which may be used include alkyd resins (both drying and non-drying), polyvinyl resins, for example, polyvinyl acetate, polyester resins, polyamide resins, acrylic and methacrylic resins, arylsulfonamide- formaldehyde resins, and arylsulfonamide/ epoxy resins. In general, the amount of second resin used is that amount effective to strengthen the first resin and provide an effective gloss and adhesion. In general, the amount of second resin used may range from about 1.0% to about 25% by weight of the composition, preferably about 10.0% to about 15% by weight. IV. Liquid Perfume

An important component of the scented nail polish of this invention is a liquid Perfume. The term "liquid perfume' refers to perfume oil concentrates such as those used, in diluted form, in commercial perfumes and scents. Any perfume oil may be used as the

liquid perfume component of the scented nail polish of this invention.

Liquid perfumes volatilize slowly. As a result, they present a serious nail polish formulation problem because the liquid perfume does not dry when applied to a nail or other surface. Nor is a volatile liquid perfume desired since it is the slow volatilization of the liquid perfume from the nail polish that emits a pleasant scent. Therefore, the liquid perfume must be immobilized in the dried polish so that the liquid perfume oil volatilizes slowly over a period of days to give a constant, human detectable scent.

The liquid perfume should be included in the composition in an amount sufficient to volatilize and provide a human detectable scent for many days. Thus the scented nail polish composition should contain from about 5 to about 50 weight percent or more of liquid perfume. It is preferred that the liquid perfume is present in an amount ranging from about 15 to about 45 weight percent of the liquid nail polish composition.

The liquid perfume component of the scented nail polish composition of this invention used, in diluted form, in commercial perfumes and scents. Any perfume oil may be used as the liquid perfume component of the scented nail polish of this invention.

Examples of solid encapsulating agents include molecular sieves such as zeolites, cyclodextrin, Fuller's Earth, finely divided attapulgite clay, and any other finely divided solid material known to have liquid encapsulation capabilities. Furthermore, it should be understood that the term "liquid perfume" as it is used herein refers to perfume oils in the liquid form, as well as perfume oils encapsulated in a solid encapsulating agent. V. Plasticizer

A plasticizer may be added to the scented nail polish composition to soften and plasticize the first resin. The choice of plasticizer for a nail enamel composition may vary as a function of the color, odor, effect on viscosity of the enamel, effect on the drying rate, the amount needed to meet flexibility requirements, the volatility or the plasticizer and compatibility with the other components of the compositions. Plasticizers useful in the present invention include tricresyl phosphate, diamylphthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl tartrate, benzyl benzoate, tributyl phosphate, butyl acetyl ricinoleate, butyl glycolate, dioctyl phtalate, butyl stearate, triphenyl phosphate, triethyl citrate, camphor, castor oil and dibutoxy ethylphthalate, among others. In general, an optional plasticizer is

included in the compositions of the present invention in an amount sufficient to provide acceptable flexibility to nail enamel on the human or synthetic nail surface. By acceptable flexibility, we mean that the composition will evidence no cracking when a 6 mil film which has been dried on an aluminum strip surface for at least two hours is bent around a 0.25" mandrel (available from Gardner Corporation, Fla., USA). In general, the amount of plasticizer for use in the compositions of the present invention ranges from about 2.0% to about 7.5% by weight of the composition and preferably about 3.0 to about 6.0% by weight, and most preferably about 3.5 to about 5.5% by weight.

The scented nail polish of this invention usually remains flexible upon drying as a result of the large amount of liquid perfume in the composition. The liquid perfumes used in the compositions of this invention are usually high boiling esters, ketones, and aromatics.

Therefore, a plasticizer is usually not a necessary component of the scented nail polish composition of this invention.

VI. Softeners The scented nail polish according to the present invention provides, upon suitable formulation, even without addition of softeners, a highly lustrous, smooth, transparent, adhesive @. However, in some cases, one or more softeners may be added to the nail polish in a total amount from about 0.2 to 5 % by weight in order to give a dried polish film with good flexibility and elasticity, and also to decrease its tendency to shrinkage, as well as to improve its adhesiveness on the nail plate and its luster. Useful softeners are high-boiling, i.e. non-volatile, miscible with the film-former and other components of the nail polish, colorless, odorless, as well as non-toxic. Useful softeners include esters of polybasic acids, such as for example, dibutylphthalate, diisobutylphthalate, diamylphthalate, dioctylphthalate, dimethoxyethylphthalate, tributylphosphate, triphenylphosphate, tricresylphosphate, tributoxyethylphosphate, triethylcitrate, tributylcitrate, tributylacetylcitrate and dibutyltartrate, esters of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, such as e.g. butyl stearate, butylacetylricinoleate and glycerylacetylricinoleate, castor oil, camphor as well as mixtures of these compounds.

VII. Stabilizers The scented nail polish composition of this invention may include at least one

stabilizer. The purpose of a stabilizer is to inhibit the degradation of and/or reactions between components comprising the scented nail polish composition. Examples of stabilizers include, malic acid, citric acid, benzophenone, phosphoric acid, and Pennstop polymerization inhibitor. When a stabilizer is used in a scented nail polish composition of this invention, it should be present in an amount sufficient to inhibit the targeted degradation or reaction. For most applications, an optional stabilizer will be present in an amount ranging from about 0. I to about 5.0 weight percent.

VIII. Antioxidants Antioxidants useful in the scented nail polish composition of this invention include butylhydroxytoluene, Irganox 1010, and Irganox 1076. Antioxidants may be added to the scented nail polish of this invention in an amount sufficient to prevent degradation of the polish composition.

IX. Optional Additives Other additives known in the art to be useful in nail polish compositions may be useful in the scented nail polish of this invention. Examples of such additives include drying agents, such as cobalt naphthenate and zinc naphthenate, UV adsorbents and/or stabilizers, humectants, pharmaceuticals, flow control additives and thickening agents such as modaflo- polyacrylic, and organic derivatives of hectorite and bentonite, anti-stickiness additives such as siliconedimethicone, fungicides such as hydroxybenzoic acid and so forth.

In addition, any compound or compounds that are not expressly described above, yet are known in the art to be useful when incoφorated into a nail polish composition may be used in the scented nail polish of this invention as necessary to optimize the nail polish properties.

EXAMPLE I

A nail polish composition having the following formula was presented: COMPONENT FUNCTION AMOU

(wt. %)

BUTYL ACETATE Solvent 10.0

ETHYL ACETATE Solvent 20.0

POLYGLYCOL METHYL ETHER Solvent 14.3

ETHANOL Solvent 5.0

CITRIC ACID Stabilizer 0.5

POLYAMIDE RESIN 2nd Resin 10.0

HYDROXY ETHYL CELLULOSE 1st Resin 1.0

ETHYL CELLULOSE Resin 5.0

LIQUID PERFUME Scent 33.0

FD&C RED Colorant 0.2

MERLIS SUPER WHITE Colorant 1.0

This formulation has a resin to liquid perfume weight ratio of about 1 :2. The resulting nail polish hardened will upon drying and emitted a human detectable scent for many days.

EXAMPLE II

A nail polish composition having the following formula was presented COMPONENT FUNCTION AMOUNT

(wt. %)

AMYLACETATE Solvent 8.0

BUTYLACETATE Solvent 10.0

PROPYLACETATE Solvent 8.0

N-PROPANOL Solvent 10.0

ETHYL HYDROXY/ Resin #3 8.0

ETHYL CELLULOSE

ETHYL CELLULOSE Resin #1 7.0 ACRYLIC RESIN Resin #2 10.0 LIQUID PERFUME Scent 38.0 FD&C RED #3 Colorant 1.0

Resin to liquid perfume ratio 1:1.5 dried to a slightly softer film than Example 1. Scent detectable for 7-10 days.

EXAMPLE III

A nail polish composition having the following formula was presented: COMPONENT FUNCTION AMOUNT

(wt. %)

AMYL ACETATE Solvent 18.0

BUTYL ACETATE Solvent 8.0

ETHYL ACETATE Solvent 14.5

ETHYL ALCOHOL Solvent 5.0

ETHYL HYDROXY ETHYL/ Resin #3 1.5 CELLULOSE

ETHYL CELLULOSE Resin #2 5.0

NITROCELLULOSE Resin # 1 20.0

LIQUID PERFUME Scent 28.0

DIMETHICONE Anti-Stick Trace

(Clear Coat)

Resin to liquid perfume ratio 1 : 1.05 dried to a hard non-tacky film. Scent detectable for +(7) seven days.

EXAMPLE IV

A nail polish composition having the following formula was presented: COMPONENT FUNCTION AMOUNT

(wt. %)

BUTYL ACETATE Solvent 9.0

ETHYL ACETATE Solvent 18.0

PROPYLENE GLYCOL Solvent 13.0 METHYL ETHER

ETHYL ALCOHOL Solvent 4.5

CITRIC ACID Stabilizer 0.2

EMEREZ POLYAMIDE Resin 1.0

ETHYL HYDROXY ETHYL Resin #3 0.5 CELLULOSE

ETHYL CELLULOSE Resin #2 4.0

NITROCELLULOSE Resin #1 19.0

FD&C RED Colorant 1.3

LIQUID PERFUME Scent 29.5

ORGANIC MODIFIED Flow Control Agent Trace HECTORITE

Resin to liquid perfume Ratio: 1 : 1.2 dried to hard film. Scent detectable for seven days.

EXAMPLE VI

A nail polish composition having the following formula was presented: COMPONENT FUNCTION AMOUNT

(wt. %)

BUTYLACETATE Solvent 4.35

ETHYLACETATE Solvent 10.0

ETHYLALCOHOL Solvent 15.0

ISOPROPYLALCOHOL Solvent 5.0

BYK300 Dispersant 0.25

BHT Antioxidant 0.25

METHYL, P-HYDROXY Fungicide 0.15 BENZOIC ACID

ACRYLIC URETHANE Resin #2 3.5 COPOLYMER

ETHYL CELLULOSE Resin #3 1.5

NITROCELLULOSE Resin #1 15.0

LIQUID PERFUME Scent 40.0

FULLER'S EARTH Encapsulant 5.0

Resin to liquid perfume ratio 1 :2.0 dried to a fairly hard film. Scent detectable 10 days.