The present invention relates to a biphasic cosmetic composition, wherein two separate phases are present as an emulsion phase and a clear aqueous phase. The present invention also re lates to a process for applying the biphasic cosmetic composition comprising cosmetically active ingredients, and to the use of the biphasic cosmetic composition as a delivery system for cos metically active ingredients.

Background of the invention

Conventional biphasic cosmetic compositions are known, that is to say comprising two immisci ble phases which are distinct from one another at rest, and which are capable of forming a mac- roscopically homogeneous mixture when the composition is shook, one of the phases then be ing dispersed in the other phase, generally in the form of fine droplets or microdroplets. Typical ly, these compositions comprise an aqueous phase and an oily phase as two separate phases.

The application of oil, while bringing appreciable softness, a shiny appearance, and a protective effect to the skin, is not fully satisfactory as a cosmetic, owing to problems such as an unpleas ant greasy and heavy feel.

Therefore, there exists a need for a biphasic cosmetic composition that can simultaneously de liver aqueous-based and oil-based ingredients to skin with a very soft and fresh sensory, which can provide not only cleansing effect but also moisturizing and smoothing skin care effect. In addition, it is advantageous if the composition additionally has a unique and appealing appear ance to attract the consumer’s attention. Such a composition should deliver the components of each phase in a way that retains the benefits of each with reduced amounts of oily components. There further exists a need for such a cosmetic composition that contains reduced amounts of surfactant that might have unintended deleterious effects on the skin and bioaccumulation prob lems.

Summary of the invention

One object of the present invention lies in providing a biphasic cosmetic composition, wherein two separate phases are present as an emulsion phase and a clear aqueous phase. When the composition is shook, two phases are mixed to form a temporary uniform emulsion, then applied to skin with a very soft and fresh sensory. The clear-cut separation surface of two phases will recover after a settling time period within 8 hours, preferably within 6 hours.

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a biphasic cosmetic composition com prising fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether of the formula R-0-(R’) _n H, wherein R is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group con sisting of oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, and n is 2 to 30, and preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition. The object of the present invention can be further achieved by a biphasic cosmetic composition comprising fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether of the formula R-0-(R’) _n H, wherein R is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or un saturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group consist ing of oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, and n is 2 to 30, and at least one oil component, wherein the oil component comprises hydrocarbons and hydro carbon derivatives, glycerides, ethers, esters, carbonates, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohol ethers, vegetable oils, animal oils, silicone oils, mineral oils (paraffin oils) and combinations thereof, and preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composi tion.

The object of the present invention can be further achieved by a biphasic cosmetic composition comprising fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether of the formula R-0-(R’) _n H, wherein R is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or un saturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group consist ing of oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, and n is 2 to 30, and at least one fatty alcohol having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

The object of the present invention can be further achieved by a biphasic cosmetic composition comprising fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether of the formula R-0-(R’) _n H, wherein R is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or un saturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group consist ing of oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, and n is 2 to 30, and fatty alcohol having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxy alkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition, and the weight ratio of the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers to fatty alcohols is 1 : 10 to 10:1.

The object of the present invention can be further achieved by a biphasic cosmetic composition comprising fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether of the formula R-0-(R’) _n H, wherein R is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or un saturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group consist ing of oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, and n is 2 to 30, and at least one surfactant selected from a group consisting of anionic surfactant and amphoter ic surfactant, and preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition, and the anionic surfactant or amphoteric surfactant is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

The object of the present invention can be further achieved by a biphasic cosmetic composition comprising fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether of the formula R-0-(R’) _n H, wherein R is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or un saturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group consist- ing of oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, and n is 2 to 30, fatty alcohol having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and at least one surfactant selected from a group consisting of anionic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant, and preferably the fatty alco hol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition, the weight ratio of the fatty alcohol polyoxy alkylene ethers to fatty alcohols is 1:10 to 10:1, and the anionic surfactant or amphoteric surfac tant is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a biphasic cosmetic composition, comprising fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether of the formula R-0-(R’)nH, wherein R is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or un saturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group consist ing of oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, and n is 2 to 30, wherein two separate phases are present as an emulsion phase and a clear aqueous phase, and preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

In some embodiments, the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention comprises fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether and fatty alcohol having from 6 to 22 carbon at oms, wherein preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition, and the weight ratio of the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers to fatty alcohols is 1:10 to 10:1.

In other embodiments, the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention comprises fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether and at least one surfactant selected from a group consisting of anionic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant, wherein preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition, and the anionic surfactant or amphoteric surfac tant is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

In other preferred embodiments, the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention comprises fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether, fatty alcohol having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and at least one surfactant selected from a group consisting of anionic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant, wherein preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic compo sition, the weight ratio of the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers to fatty alcohols is 1:10 to 10:1, and the anionic surfactant or amphoteric surfactant is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing the biphasic cosmet ic composition according to the invention, comprising mixing the components of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides the biphasic cosmetic composition comprising cosmetically active ingredients which are stably present in the composition. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the invention as a delivery system for cosmetically active ingredients.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a process for applying the biphasic cosmetic composition comprising cosmetically active ingredients according to the invention, comprising shaking the composition to form a macroscopically homogeneous mixture and applying the mix ture to skin.

It has been found that the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention comprises two separate phases as an emulsion phase and a substantially clear or clear aque ous phase, wherein the emulsion phase floats above the aqueous phase at rest and a clear-cut separation surface of two phases is formed. When the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention is shook, two phases are mixed to form a temporary uniform emulsion, and the clear-cut separation surface of two phases will recover after a settling time period within 8 hours, preferably within 6 hours. The biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention can simultaneously deliver aqueous-based and oil-based ingredients to skin with a very soft and fresh sensory. The biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present inven tion can deliver the components of each phase in a way that retains the benefits of each with reduced amounts of oily components. The biphasic cosmetic composition according to the pre sent invention contains reduced amounts of surfactant that might have unintended deleterious effects on the skin and bioaccumulation problems.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a photo of the biphasic cosmetic composition of the inventive Example 1 at rest, comprising an emulsion phase and a clear aqueous phase, wherein the emulsion phase floats above the clear aqueous phase at rest and a clear-cut separation surface of two phases is formed.

Figure 2 shows a photo of the composition of the comparative Example 1 at rest, wherein the water-oil phase separation occurs, and floccule appears at the aqueous phase.

Figure 3 shows a photo of the composition of the comparative Example 2 at rest, wherein water and oil separate without forming a biphasic cosmetic composition comprising an emulsion phase and a clear aqueous phase.

Detailed description of the invention

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Expressions "a", "an", "the", when used to define a term, include both the plural and singular forms of the term.

All percentages, parts and ratios are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise speci fied. All such weights as they pertain to listed components are based on the specific ingredient level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a biphasic cosmetic composition, comprising fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether of the formula R-0-(R’) _n H, wherein R is saturated or unsatu rated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group consisting of oxy- ethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, preferably oxyethylene group, and n is 2 to 30, wherein two separate phases are present as an emulsion phase and a clear aqueous phase, and preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

Fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether

In the context of the present invention, the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is of the formula R-0-(R’) _n H, wherein R is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 hydrocarbon chain, preferably saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C10 to C20 hydrocarbon chain or a mix ture of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C10 to C20 hydrocarbon chain, more prefera bly saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C12 to Cis hydrocarbon chain or a mixture of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C12 to Cis hydrocarbon chain, R’ is selected from a group consisting of oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group and combination thereof, pref erably oxyethylene group, and n is 2 to 30, preferably 10 to 30, more preferably 15 to 30.

Nonlimiting examples of the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers include the fatty alcohol poly oxyethylene ethers, which are selected from a group consisting of the ceteareth series such as ceteareth-2 to ceteareth-30, preferably ceteareth-10, ceteareth-20 or ceteareth-30, more prefer ably ceteareth-20 or ceteareth-30; the ceteth series, such as ceteth-2 to ceteth-30, preferably ceteth-10, ceteth-20 or ceteth-30, more preferably ceteth-20 or ceteth-30; the steareth series, steareth-2 to steareth-30, preferably steareth- 10, steareth-20 or steareth-30, more preferably steareth-20 or steareth-30; and the laureth series such as laureth-2 to laureth-30, preferably laureth-10, laureth-20 or laureth-30, more preferably laureth-20 or laureth-30; the fatty alcohol polyoxypropylene ethers, which are selected from a group consisting of PPG- 10 cetyl ether, PPG-28 cetyl ether, PPG-30 cetyl ether and PPG-11 stearyl ether; and also the fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene ethers, which are selected from a group consisting of PPG-4 ceteareth-12, PPG-4 ceteareth-20, PPG-10 ceteareth-20, PPG-4 ceteth-1, PPG-4 ceteth-5, PPG-4 ceteth-10, PPG-4 deceth-4, PPG-5 ceteth-20, PPG-8 ceteth-1, PPG-8 ceteth-2, PPG-8 ceteth-5, PPG-8 ceteth-10, PPG-8 ceteth-20 and PPG-9 steareth-3.

In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers include the fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, which are selected from a group consisting of the ceteareth series such as ceteareth-2 to ceteareth-30, preferably ceteareth-10, ceteareth-20 or ceteareth-30, more preferably ceteareth-20 or ceteareth-30; the ceteth series, such as ceteth-2 to ceteth-30, prefer ably ceteth-10, ceteth-20 or ceteth-30, more preferably ceteth-20 or ceteth-30; the steareth se ries, steareth-2 to steareth-30, preferably steareth-10, steareth-20 or steareth-30, more prefera bly steareth-20 or steareth-30; and the laureth series such as laureth-2 to laureth-30, preferably laureth-10, laureth-20 or laureth-30, more preferably laureth-20 or laureth-30. In a more preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers include the fatty alco hol polyoxyethylene ethers, which are selected from a group consisting of the ceteareth series such as ceteareth-2 to ceteareth-30, preferably ceteareth- 10, ceteareth-20 or ceteareth-30, more preferably ceteareth-20 or ceteareth-30 (for example Eumulgin ^® B2 (commercially availa ble from BASF), and Eumulgin ^® B3 (commercially available from BASF)).

The fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers may be present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, for example 0.005 to 0.2 wt%, preferably from 0.01 to 0.15 wt%, more preferably from 0.03 to 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

Oil components

The biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention comprise oil components in the emulsion phase. The oil components may comprise hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives, glycerides, ethers, esters, carbonates, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohol ethers, vegetable oils, animal oils, silicone oils, mineral oils (paraffin oils) and combinations thereof.

The oil components of the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the invention are advan tageously selected from a group consisting of lecithins and fatty acid triglycerides, namely the triglycerol esters of saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alkanecarbox- ylic acids of chain length from 8 to 24, in particular 12 to 18 carbon atoms. The fatty acid triglyc erides can, for example, advantageously be selected from a group consisting of synthetic, sem isynthetic and natural oils, such as, for example, olive oil, sunflower oil, soya oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, almond oil, palm oil, coconut oil, castor oil, wheatgerm oil, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, macadamia nut oil and the like. Further polar oil components can be selected from a group consisting of esters of saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alkanecarboxylic acids of chain length from 3 to 30 carbon atoms with saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alcohols of chain length from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, and also from a group consisting of esters of aromatic carboxylic acids with saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alcohols of chain length from 3 to 30 carbon atoms. Such ester oils can then advantageously be selected from a group consisting of isopro pyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isopropyl oleate, n-butyl stearate, n-hexyl laurate, n-decyl oleate, isooctyl stearate, isononyl stearate, isononyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl laurate, 2-hexyldecyl stearate, 2-octyldodecyl palmitate, oleyl oleate, oleyl erucate, erucyl oleate, erucyl erucate, dicaprylyl carbonate (for example Cetiol ^® CC (com mercially available from BASF)) and cocoglycerides (Myritol ^® 331), butylene glycol dicapry- late/dicaprate and dibutyl adipate, and also synthetic, semisynthetic and natural mixtures of such esters, such as, for example, jojoba oil.

Furthermore, one or more oil components can advantageously be selected from a group con sisting of branched and unbranched hydrocarbons, such as Cio to Cis alkane, preferably un decane or tridecane or combination thereof (for example Cetiol ^® Ultimate (commercially availa ble from BASF)), dialkyl ethers, such as dicaprylyl ether (for example Cetiol ^® OE (commercially available from BASF)). Preferably, one or more oil components can advantageously be selected from a group consist ing of fatty acid of 12 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 18 carbon atoms, for example lauric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid or stearic acid, preferably palmitic acid (for example EDENOR ^® C16-98 MY BD (commercially available from Emery)).

Advantageously, the oil component can also have a content of cyclic or linear silicone oils or consist entirely of such oils, although it is preferred to use an additional content of other oil phase components apart from the silicone oil or the silicone oils.

Low molecular weight silicones or silicone oils are generally defined by the following general formula

Higher molecular weight silicones or silicone oils are generally defined by the following general formula where the silicon atoms may be substituted by identical or different alkyl radicals and/or aryl radicals, which are shown here in general terms by the radicals Ri to R4. However, the number of different radicals is not necessarily limited to up to 4. m can here assume values from 2 to 200 000.

Cyclic silicones to be used advantageously according to the invention are generally defined by the following general formula: where the silicon atoms may be substituted by identical or different alkyl radicals and/or aryl radicals, which are shown here in general terms by the radicals Ri to R4. However, the number of different radicals is not necessarily limited to up to 4. n can here assume values from 3/2 to 20. Fractional values for n take into consideration that odd numbers of siloxyl groups may be present in the cycle. Phenyltrimethicone is advantageously selected as silicone oil. Other silicone oils, for example dimethicone, hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, phenyldimethicone, cyclomethicone (for example dec- amethylcyclopentasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxanecyclohexasiloxane), hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, poly(methylphenylsiloxane), cetyldimethicone, behenoxydimethicone, are also to be used advantageously within the context of the present invention. Mixtures of cyclome thicone and isotridecyl isononanoate, and also those of cyclomethicone and 2-ethylhexyl isos tearate are also advantageous.

However, it is also advantageous to select silicone oils of similar constitution to that of the abovementioned compounds whose organic side chains are derivatized, for example polyeth- oxylated and/or polypropoxylated. These include, for example, polysiloxane polyalkyl-polyether copolymers, such as, for example, cetyl-dimethicone copolyol.

Suitable cosmetically compatible oil components are described in Karl-Heinz Schrader, Grundlagen und Rezepturen der Kosmetika [Fundamentals and Formulations of Cosmetics], 2nd edition, Verlag Huthig, Heidelberg, pp. 319-355, to which reference is made here in its en tirety.

In a preferred embodiment, the oil components are selected from a group consisting of esters of saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alkanecarboxylic acids of chain length from 3 to 30 carbon atoms with saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or un branched alcohols of chain length from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, and also from a group consisting of esters of aromatic carboxylic acids with saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or un branched alcohols of chain length from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from a group consist ing of isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isopropyl oleate, n-butyl stea rate, n-hexyl laurate, n-decyl oleate, isooctyl stearate, isononyl stearate, isononyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl laurate, 2-hexyldecyl stearate, 2-octyldodecyl palmitate, oleyl oleate, oleyl erucate, erucyl oleate, erucyl erucate, dicaprylyl carbonate (for example Cetiol ^® CC (commercially available from BASF)) and cocoglycerides (Myritol ^® 331), butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate and dibutyl adipate, and also synthetic, semisynthetic and natural mixtures of such esters, such as, for example, jojoba oil; and from a group consisting of branched and unbranched hydrocarbons, such as Cio to Cis alkane, preferably undecane or tridecane or combination thereof (for example Cetiol ^® Ultimate (commercially available from BASF)), dialkyl ethers, such as dicaprylyl ether (for example Cetiol ^® OE (commercially available from BASF)), fatty acid of 12 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 18 carbon atoms, for example lauric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid or stearic acid, preferably palmitic acid (for example EDENOR ^® C16-98 MY BD (commercially available from Emery)).

The oil components may be present in an amount of from 1 to 20 wt%, preferably from 2 to 18 wt%, more preferably from 3 to 16 wt%, further more preferably from 3 to 12 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

In a more preferred embodiment, the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention comprises fatty alcohol having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

Suitable fatty alcohols for use in the biphasic cosmetic composition herein are selected from a group consisting of saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched alcohols having from 6 to 22, preferably from 10 to 20, more preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, such as Guerbet al cohols, including 2-butyloctanol (commercially available, for example, as lsofol ^® 12 (Condea)), 2- hexyldecanol (commercially available, for example as lsofol ^® 16 (Condea)), mixtures of 2- butyloctanol and 2-hexyldecanol (commercially available, for example, as lsofol ^® 14 (Condea)), cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol (for example Lanette ^® O (commercially available from BASF)), oleyl alcohol, octyldodecanol (for example Eutanol ^® G (commercially available from BASF)), etc, preferably cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol (for example Lan ette ^® O (commercially available from BASF)), oleyl alcohol, octyldodecanol (for example Eu tanol ^® G (commercially available from BASF)), more preferably cetearyl alcohol.

The weight ratio of the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers to fatty alcohols is 1 :10 to 10:1, preferably 1 :8 to 5:1, more preferably 1 : 5 to 1:1.

Anionic surfactant

In other embodiments, the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention comprise the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether and at least one surfactant selected from a group con sisting of anionic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant.

In other preferred embodiments, the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention comprises fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether, fatty alcohol having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and at least one surfactant selected from a group consisting of anionic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant, wherein preferably the fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ether is present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic compo sition.

The composition of the present invention may comprise any anionic surfactants which are commonly used in cosmetic composition. Preferred anionic surfactants include sulfate anionic surfactants, aminoacid anionic surfactants, sulfosuccinate anionic surfactants and sulfonated fatty acid and/or disalt anionic surfactants.

Non-limiting examples of suitable sulfate anionic surfactants include ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethylamine laureth sulfate, monoeth- anolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine laureth sulfate, diethanolamine lauryl sulfate, di ethanolamine laureth sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, lau- ric monoglyceride sodium sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, ammonium cocoyl sulfate, ammonium lauroyl sulfate, sodium cocoyl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sulfate, potassium cocoyl sulfate, potassium lauroyl sulfate, am monium cetearyl sulfate, sodium cetearyl sulfate, potassium cetearyl sulfate, and combinations thereof, preferably ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, ammonium cetearyl sulfate, sodium cetearyl sulfate and potassium cetearyl sulfate, more pref erably sodium laureth sulfate and sodium cetearyl sulfate (for example Lanette ^® E Granules (commercially available from BASF), Texapon ^® NSO UP (commercially available from BASF), Texapon ^® OC-P (commercially available from BASF), Texapon ^® OC-N (commercially available from BASF), Texapon ^® N 703 (commercially available from BASF), Texapon ^® N 701 (commer cially available from BASF), Texapon ^® N 70 (commercially available from BASF), and Texapon ^® N 28 S (commercially available from BASF)). Non-limiting examples of suitable aminoacid anionic surfactants include acyl glutamate salts, acyl taurate salts, acyl glycinate salts, acyl alaninate salts, acyl sarcosinate salts and acyl as partate salts. Examples of the salts include alkali metal salts such as sodium salt (Na) and po tassium salt (K); alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) salts; triethanolamine salts (TEA); an ammonium salt; and so on. More preferred are, for example, potassium salts, sodium salts, triethanolamine salts and ammonium salts, in particular sodium salts.

Preferably, the acyl glutamate salts include cocoyl glutamate, lauroyl glutamate, myristoyl glu tamate, palmitoyl glutamate, stearoyl glutamate, hydrogenated tallow acyl glutamate, olive oil acyl glutamate and octanoyl glutamate, for example, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, sodium palmitoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium stearoyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, potassi um lauroyl glutamate, and potassium myristoyl glutamate, more preferably sodium cocoyl glu tamate and sodium stearoyl glutamate (for example Plantapon ^® Amino SCG-L (commercially available from BASF), Plantapon ^® Amino SLG-P (I NCI : Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, commercial ly available from BASF), Plantapon ^® ACG LC (commercially available from BASF), Plantapon ^® ACG HC (commercially available from BASF), Plantapon ^® ACG 35 (commercially available from BASF), Plantapon ^® ACG 50 (commercially available from BASF), Eumulgin ^® SG (commercially available from BASF), Hostapon ^® KCG (commercially available from Clariant), and Hostapon ^® KCG (commercially available from Clariant)).

Preferably, the acyl taurate salts include cocoyl taurates, cocoyl methyl taurates, lauric taurates, lauroyl methyl taurates, stearoyl methyl taurates, myristoyl methyl taurates, palmitoyl methyl taurates, oleoyl methyl taurates, hexanoyl methyl taurates, and lauroyl methyl beta-alanine tau rates. Particularly preferred are, for example, cocoyl taurates, cocoyl methyl taurate, lauric acid taurates, lauroyl taurates and lauroyl methyl taurates. Further particularly preferred are, for ex ample, sodium cocoyl taurate, potassium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, magnesium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium taurine cocoyl methyl taurate, potassium taurine laurate, sodium lauroyl taurate and sodium methyl lauroyl taurate, more preferably sodium tau rine cocoyl methyl taurate (for example NEOSCOAP CDT-30 (CR), NEOSCOAPCDT-30- SF(CR), NEOSCOAP CDT-30-SF, NEOSCOAP CN-30(CR), and NEOSCOAP CN-30-SF (commercially available from Toho Chemical Industry)).

Preferably, the acyl glycinate salts include cocoyl glycinate, palmitoyl glycinate, octanoyl glycinate and undecylenoyl glycinate. Even more preferred are, for example, cocoyl glycinate. Particularly preferred are, for example, potassium cocoyl glycinate (Plantapon ^® Amino KG-L and Plantapon ^® Amino KG-P, commercially available from BASF) and sodium cocoyl glycinate, more preferably sodium cocoyl glycinate.

Preferably, the acyl alaninate salts include cocoyl alaninate, cocoyl methyl alaninate, lauroyl methyl alaninate, and myristoyl methyl alaninate. Even more preferred are, for example, cocoyl alaninate, cocoyl methyl alaninate and lauroyl methyl alaninate. Particularly preferred are, for example, sodium cocoyl alaninate, TEA cocoyl alaninate, sodium cocoyl methyl alaninate, sodi um lauroyl methyl alaninate and TEA lauroyl methyl alaninate, more preferably sodium cocoyl alaninate. Preferably, the acyl sarcosinate salts include cocoyl sarcosinate, lauroyl sarcosinate, myristoyl sarcosinate, palmitoyl sarcosinate, and oleoyl sarcosinate. Particularly preferred are, for exam ple, cocoyl sarcosinate and lauroyl sarcosinate. Further particularly preferred are, for example, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, TEA cocoyl sarcosinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and TEA lauroyl sarcosinate, more preferably sodium cocoyl sarcosinate.

Preferably, the acyl aspartate salts include palmitoyl aspartate, myristyl aspartate, lauryl aspar tate, and lauroyl aspartate. Even more preferred are, for example, lauryl aspartate and lauroyl aspartate. Particularly preferred are potassium lauryl aspartate, sodium lauryl aspartate, TEA lauryl aspartate and sodium lauroyl aspartate, more preferably sodium lauroyl aspartate.

Non-limiting examples of suitable sulfosuccinate anionic surfactants include dioctyl sodium sul- fosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium cetearyl sulfosuccinate, disodium undecyleneamido MEA sulfosuccinate and disodium PEG-5 lauryl cit rate sulfosuccinate, preferably disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate and disodium cetearyl sulfosuc cinate, more preferably disodium cetearyl sulfosuccinate (for example Eumulgin ^® Prisma (com mercially available from BASF)).

Non-limiting examples of suitable sulfonated fatty acid and/or disalt anionic surfactants are compounds of the formula (1)

R°CH(S0 ₃ M ¹ )C00M ² (1) wherein R° is saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to Cie hydrocarbon chain and M ¹ and M ² are independently H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium or alkanolamine.

Preferably, R° is saturated, linear Cs to Cie hydrocarbon chain, preferably saturated, linear Cio to C _M hydrocarbon chain.

More preferably, M ¹ and M ² are Na.

Most preferably, the sulfonated fatty acid and/or disalt anionic surfactant is disodium 2- sulfolaurate (for example Texapon ^® SFA (commercially available from BASF)).

The anionic surfactants may be present in an amount of from 0.001 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.005 to 1 wt%, further preferably from 0.006 to 0.5 wt%, more preferably from 0.01 to 0.1 wt%, most preferably from 0.04 to 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic com position.

Amphoteric surfactant

Non-limiting examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include sodium acyl amphoacetate, disodium acyl amphodipropionate, disodium alkyl amphodiacetate, sodium acyl amphohydroxy- propylsulfonate, disodium acyl amphodiacetate, sodium acyl amphopropionate, and N-coconut fatty acid amidoethyl N-hydroxyethylglycinate sodium salts. Further advantageous amphoteric surfactants are N-alkylamino acids, for example aminoprop- ylalkylglutamide, alkylaminopropionic acid, sodium alkylimidodipropionate and lauroamphocar- boxyglycinate.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants are also, for example, alkylbetaines, alkylamidopropylbetaines, alkylsulfobetaines, alkyl glycinates, alkylcarboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates or -propionates, alkyl amphodiacetates or -dipropionates, preferably cocodimethylsulfopropylbetaine, laurylbeta- ine, cocamidopropyl betaine or sodium cocamphopropionate, more preferably cocamidopropyl betaine (for example Dehyton ^® PK 45 (commercially available from BASF), Dehyton ^® KE-AS (commercially available from BASF), Dehyton ^® K/I5 (commercially available from BASF), Dehy ton ^® DC-AS, Dehyton ^® ML, TEGO ^® Betain P 50 C (commercially available from Evonik), TEGO ^® Betain F 50 (commercially available from Evonik), and Genagen ^® CAB 818 (commercially avail able from Clariant)).

The amphoteric surfactants may be present in an amount of from 0.001 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.005 to 1 wt%, further preferably from 0.006 to 0.5 wt%, more preferably from 0.01 to 0.1 wt%, most preferably from 0.04 to 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

In other preferred embodiments, the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention further comprise the following other ingredients.

Humectants

Suitable humectants for the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention are eth- oxylated or non-ethoxylated mono-alcohols, diols or polyols with a low number of carbon atoms or their ethers (e.g. ethanol, isopropanol, 1,2-dipropanediol, propyleneglycol, glyerin, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoethylether, ethylene glycol monobutylether (butyl glycol), propylene glycol monomethylether, propylene glycol monoethylether, propylene glycol monobutylether, diethylene glycol monomethylether; diethylene glycol monoethylether, diethylene glycol mono butylether and similar products). The polyols that come into consideration for that purpose have preferably from 2 to 15 carbon atoms and at least two hydroxy groups. The polyols may also contain further functional groups, especially amino groups, and/or may be modified with nitro gen. Typical examples are as follows: glycerol, alkylene glycols, for example ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol and also polyethylene gly cols having an average molecular weight of from 100 to 1000 Dalton (for example Pluracare ^® E 400 (commercially available from BASF)); technical oligoglycerol mixtures having an intrinsic degree of condensation of from 1.5 to 10, for example technical diglycerol mixtures having a diglycerol content of from 40 to 50 wt%; methylol compounds, such as, especially, trime- thylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol; lower alkyl-glucosides, especially those having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, for ex ample methyl and butyl glucoside; sugar alcohols having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, for exam ple sorbitol or mannitol; sugars having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, for example glucose or sac charose; amino sugars, for example glucamine; dialcohol amines, such as diethanolamine or 2- amino-1 ,3-propanediol. The humectant may be present in an amount of from 0.01 to 30 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 15 wt%, more preferably from 1 to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic com position.

Chelating agents

Suitable chelating agents for the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention may be selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), dipotassium EDTA, disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, calcium disodium EDTA, TEA- EDTA, tripotassium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, hydroxy ethyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid (HEDTA), trisodium HEDTA, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the chelating agent comprises disodium EDTA (for example Edeta ^® BD (commercially available from BASF)).

The chelating agents may be present in an amount of from 0.001 to 1 wt%, preferably from 0.01 to 1.0 wt%, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

Thickeners

Suitable thickeners for the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention are poly saccharides, preferably xanthan gum (for example Rheocare ^® XGN (commercially available from BASF)), guar gum, agar, alginates or tyloses, cellulose derivatives, for example hydroxy- alkylcellulose, wherein alkyl is a CrC4-alkyl, particularly hydroxyethyl-cellulose, preferably the Natrosol™ trademarks, especially preferably Natrosol™ 250 (CAS-Nr. 9004-62-0) of Herkules Incorporated, carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxycarboxymethylcellulose, starches, preferably the trademark National 465, Purity W or starch B990, and also relatively high molecular weight polyethylene glycol mono- and diesters of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, monoglycerides and fatty acids.

Suitable thickeners are also polyacrylates, crosslinked polyacrylic acids and derivatives thereof, such as Tinovis ^® CD, and Rheocare ^® TTA (commercially available from BASF), Carbopol ^® (commercially available from Lubrizol), Ultrez ^® (commercially available from Lubrizol), Luvigel ^® EM (commercially available from BASF), Cosmedia ^® SP (commercially available from BASF), Tinovis ^® GTC UP (commercially available from BASF), Capigel ^® 98 (commercially available from Seppic), Synthalene ^® (commercially available from Sigma), the Aculyn ^® grades from Rohm and Haas, such as Aculyn ^® 22 (copolymer of acrylates and methacrylic acid ethoxylates with stearyl radical (20 ethylene oxide (EO) units)) and Aculyn ^® 28 (copolymer of acrylates and methacrylic acid ethoxylates with behenyl radical (25 EO units)).

Suitable thickeners are furthermore, for example, aerosol grades (hydrophilic silicas), poly acrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, ethoxylated fatty acid glycerides, esters of fatty acids with polyols, such as, for example, pentaerythritol or trimethylolpropane, fatty al cohol ethoxylates with a narrowed homolog distribution or alkyl oligoglucosides, and also elec trolytes such as sodium chloride and ammonium chloride. The thickeners may be present in a conventional amount in the art and depending on their types. The person skilled in the art will be able to select the appropriate thickener and amount for the present invention.

In the context of the present invention, the thickeners may be present in an amount of from 0.01 to 3 wt%, preferably from 0.02 to 2.0 wt%, more preferably from 0.04 to 1.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

Preservatives

Biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention can advantageously comprise one or more preservatives.

Advantageous preservatives within the context of the present invention are, for example, for maldehyde donors (such as, for example, DM DM hydantoin, which is commercially available, for example, under the trade name Glydant ^® (commercially available from Lonza)), iodopropyl bu- tylcarbamates (for example Glycacil-L ^® , Glycacil-S ^® (commercially available from Lonza), Deka- ben ^® LMB (commercially available from Jan Dekker)), parabens (p-hydroxybenzoic acid alkyl esters, such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl and/or butylparaben), dehydroacetic acid (Euxyl ^® K 702 (commercially available from Schulke & Mayr), phenoxyethanol, ethanol, benzoic acid, or combination thereof. So-called preservation aids, such as, for example, octoxyglycerol, glycine, soya etc., are also advantageously used.

Also advantageous are preservatives or preservation aids customary in cosmetics, such as di- bromodicyanobutane (2-bromo-2-bromomethylglutarodinitrile), phenoxyethanol, 3-iodo-2- propynyl butylcarbamate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, imidazolidinylurea, 5-chloro-2- methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-chloroacetamide, benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid and salicylates.

The preservatives may be present in an amount of from 0.01 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 2 wt%, more preferably from 0.2 to 1 wt%, based on the total weight of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

Perfume oils

If appropriate, the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention can comprise per fume oils. Perfume oils which may be mentioned are, for example, mixtures of natural and syn thetic fragrances. Natural fragrances are extracts from flowers (lily, lavender, rose, jasmine, neroli, Ylang-Ylang), stems and leaves (geranium, patchouli, petit grain), fruits (anis, coriander, caraway, juniper), fruit peels (bergamot, lemon, orange), roots (mace, angelica, celery, carda mom, costus, iris, calmus), woods (pinewood, sandalwood, guaiac wood, cedarwood, rose wood), herbs and grasses (tarragon, lemongrass, sage, thyme), needles and branches (spruce, fir, pine, dwarf-pine), resins and balsams (galbanum, elemi, benzoe, myrrh, olibanum, opoponax). Also suitable are animal raw materials, such as, for example, civet and castoreum. Typical synthetic fragrance compounds are products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alco hol and hydrocarbon type. Fragrance compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl ace tate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, 4-tert-butyl cyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzyl- carbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethyl phenyl- glycinate, allyl cyclohexylpropionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. The ethers in clude, for example, benzyl ethyl ether, the aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamenaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonat, the ketones include, for example, the ionones, cc- isomethylions and methyl cedryl ketone, the alcohols include anethol, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terioneol, and the hydrocarbons include primarily the terpenes and balsams. However, preference is given to using mixtures of different fragrances which together produce a pleasing scent note. Essential oils of lower volatility, which are mostly used as aroma components, are also suitable as perfume oils, for example sage oil, chamomile oil, oil of cloves, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, linden blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil, labolanum oil and lavandin oil. Preference is given to using bergamot oil, dihydromyrcenol, lilial, lyral, citronellol, phenylethyl alcohol, a- hexylcinnamaldehyde, geraniol, benzyl acetone, cyclamenaldehyde, linalool, Boisambrene ^® Forte, ambroxan, indol, hedione, sandelice, lemon oil, mandarin oil, orange oil, allyl amyl glyco- late, cyclovertal, lavandin oil, clary sage oil, b-damascone, geranium oil bourbon, cyclohexyl salicylate, Vertofix ^® Coeur, iso E-Super ^® , Fixolide ^® NP, evernyl, iraldein gamma, phenylacetic acid, geranyl acetate, benzyl acetate, rose oxide, romillat, irotyl and floramat alone or in mix tures.

The perfume oils may be present in the biphasic cosmetic composition in a conventional amount.

Needless to say, the biphasic cosmetic composition of the invention should be cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable, i.e. , it should contain a non-toxic physiologically acceptable medi um and should be able to be applied to the skin. For the purposes of the invention, the expres sion "cosmetically acceptable" means a composition of pleasant appearance, odor, feel and/or taste.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing the biphasic cosmet ic composition according to the invention, comprising mixing the components of the biphasic cosmetic composition.

The biphasic cosmetic composition according to the invention is prepared by combining pre mixed components of oily phase and aqueous phase other than fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers and surfactants (if used) in a predetermined ratio and then adding fatty alcohol polyoxy alkylene ethers and surfactants (if used), to form a biphasic composition. Alternatively, the com ponents of the biphasic cosmetic composition are added, together or in sequence, with agitation to facilitate segregation of each ingredient into the appropriate phase.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a biphasic cosmetic composition comprising cosmetically active ingredients which are stably present in the composition.

Active ingredients

It has been found that active ingredients of varying solubility can be homogeneously incorpo rated into the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention. According to the invention, the active ingredients can advantageously be selected from a group of NO synthase inhibitors, particularly if the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention are to serve for the treatment and prophylaxis of the symptoms of intrinsic and/or ex trinsic aging and also for the treatment and prophylaxis of the harmful effects of ultraviolet radia tion on the skin. A preferred NO synthase inhibitor is nitroarginine.

Furthermore, the active ingredients are advantageously selected from a group consisting of cat- echins and bile acid esters of catechins and aqueous or organic extracts from plants or parts of plants which have a content of catechins or bile acid esters of catechins, such as, for example, the leaves of the plant family Theaceae, in particular of the species Camellia sinensis (green tea). Their typical ingredients (for example polyphenols or catechins, caffeine, vitamins, sugars, minerals, amino acids, lipids) are particularly advantageous.

Catechins are a group of compounds which are to be regarded as hydrogenated flavones or anthocyanidins and are derivatives of "catechins" (catechol, 3,3',4',5,7-flavanpentaol, 2-(3,4- dihydroxyphenyl)chroman-3,5,7-triol). Epicatechin ((2R,3R)-3,3',4',5,7-flavanpentaol) is also an advantageous active ingredient within the context of the present invention.

Also advantageous are plant extracts with a content of catechins, in particular extracts of green tea, such as, for example, extracts from leaves of the plants of the Camellia spec species, very particularly of the tea varieties Camellia sinenis, C. assamica, C. taliensis and C. inawadiensis and hybrids of these with, for example, Camellia japonica.

Preferred active ingredients are also polyphenols and catechins from a group consisting of (-) catechin, (+)-catechin, (-)-catechin gallate, (-)-gallocatechin gallate, (+)-epicatechin, (-)- epicatechin, (-)-epicatechin gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate.

Flavone and its derivatives (often also collectively called "flavones") are also advantageous ac tive ingredients within the context of the present invention.

Further preferred active ingredients are sericoside, pyridoxol, vitamin K, biotin and aroma sub stances, bisabolol (bisabolol rac. (commercially available from BASF)), tocopherol (Covi-ox ^® T- 50 C (commercially available from BASF)), retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A-Palmitate Care (com mercially available from BASF)), retinol (Retinol 50 C (commercially available from BASF)), Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract (Sqisandryl ^® LS 9905 (commercially available from BASF)).

Furthermore, the active ingredients can also very advantageously be selected from a group of hydrophilic active ingredients, in particular from the following group: a-hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid or salicylic acid and salts thereof, such as, for example, Na- lactate, Ca-lactate, TEA-lactate, urea, allantoin, serine, sorbitol, milk proteins, panthenol, chi- tosan, glycerin and glyceryl glucoside (for example Hydagen ^® Aquaporin (commercially availa ble from BASF)) or combination thereof.

The list of specified active ingredients and active ingredient combinations which can be used in the biphasic cosmetic compositions according to the invention is not of course intended to be limiting. The active ingredients can be used individually or in any combinations with one another. The active ingredients may be present in the biphasic composition of the present invention in a conventional amount in the art depending on their types. The person skilled in the art will be able to select the appropriate active ingredients and amounts for the present invention.

The specified and further active ingredients which can be used in the biphasic cosmetic compo sitions according to the invention are given in DE 103 18 526 A1 on pages 12 to 17, to which reference is made at this point in its entirety.

Additional benefit agent

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise one or more benefit agents that can provide a positive and/or beneficial effect to the substrate being cared, e.g. to the skin. The skilled person in the art is able to select according to general knowledge in the art of formulating cosmetic compositions, and the vast literature there-related, appropriate such optional ingredi ents for application purposes.

In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention further comprises one or more benefit agents, such as emollients, moisturizers, conditioners, skin conditioners, such as vita mins or their derivatives, such as vitamin B complex, including thiamine, nicotinic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pyridoxine, inositol, carnitine, vit amins A, C, D, E, K and their derivatives, such as vitamin A palmitate, and pro-vitamins, e.g., panthenol (pro vitamin B5), panthenol triacetate and mixtures thereof; antioxidants; free-radical scavengers; abrasives, natural or synthetic; dyes; hair coloring agents; bleaching agents; hair bleaching agents; UV absorbers, such as benzophenone, bornelone, PABA (Para Amino Ben zoic Acid), butyl PABA, cinnamidopropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate, potassium methoxycinnamate; anti-UV agents, such as butyl methoxydibenzoylme- thane, octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, octyl salicylate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, ethyl hydroxypropyl aminobenzoate, menthyl anthranilate, aminobenzoic acid, cinoxate, diethanolamine methoxycinnamate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, oxybenzone, octyl dimethyl PABA (padimate O), red petrolatum; antimicrobial agents; antibacterial agents, such as bacitracin, erythromycin, triclosan, neomycin, tetracycline, chlortet- racycline, benzethonium chloride, phenol, parachlorometa xylenol (PCMX), triclocarban (TCC), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide; antifungal agents; melanin regulators; tanning accelerators; depigmenting agents, such as retinoids such as retinol, kojic acid and its derivatives such as, for example, kojic dipalmitate, hydroquinone and its derivatives such as arbutin, transexamic acid, vitamins such as niacin, vitamin C and its derivatives, azelaic acid, placertia, licorice, extracts such as chamomile and green tea, where retinol, kojic acid, and hydroquinone are preferred; skin lightening agents such as hydroquinone, catechol and its de rivatives, ascorbic acid and its derivatives; skin coloring agents, such as dihydroxyacetone; li- poregulators; weight-reduction agents; anti-acne agents; anti-seborrhoeic agents; anti-ageing agents; anti-wrinkle agents; keratolytic agents; anti-inflammatory agents; anti-acne agents, such as tretinoin, isotretinoin, motretinide, adapalene, tazarotene, azelaic acid, retinol, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, antibiotics such as tetracycline and isomers thereof, erythromycin, anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen, naproxen, hetprofen, botanical extracts such as alnus, arnica, artemisia capillaris, asiasarum root, calendula, chamomile, nidium, comfrey, fen nel, galla rhois, hawthorn, houttuynia, hypericum, jujube, kiwi, licorice, magnolia, olive, pepper- mint, philodendron, salvia, sasa albomarginata, imidazoles such as ketoconazole and elubiol; refreshing agents; cicatrizing agents; vascular-protection agents; agents for the reduction of dandruff (Anti-dandruff agent), seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis, such as pyrithione salts, be ing formed from heavy metals such as zinc, tin, cadmium, magnesium aluminum, sodium and zirconium, like zinc pyrithione, shale oil and derivatives thereof such as sulfonated shale oil, selenium sulfide, sulfur, salicylic acid, coal tar, povidone-iodine, imidazoles such as ketocona zole, dichlorophenyl imidazolodioxalan, clotrimazole, itraconazole, miconazole, climbazole, tio- conazole, sulconazole, butoconazole, fluconazole, miconazolenitrite and any possible stereo isomers and derivatives thereof such as anthralin, piroctone olamine (Octopirox), selenium sul fide, ciclopirox olamine, anti-psoriasis agents such as vitamin D analogs, e.g. calcipotriol, calcit- riol, and tacaleitrol, vitamin A analogs such as esters of vitamin A, including vitamin A palmitate, retinoids, retinols, and retinoic acid, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, clobetasone, butyr ate, clobetasol propionate; antiperspirants or deodorants, such as aluminum chlorohydrates, aluminum zirconium chlorohydrates; immunomodulators; nourishing agents; depilating agents, such as calcium thioglycolate, magnesium thioglycolate, potassium thioglycolate, strontium thi- oglycolate; agents for combating hair loss; reducing agents for permanent-waving; reflectants, such as mica, alumina, calcium silicate, glycol dioleate, glycol distearate, silica, sodium magne sium fluorosilicate; essential oils and fragrances.

The pH of the compositions of the invention can be conventionally adjusted to for example from 4.0 to 7.0, preferably from 4.5 to 6.5, more preferably from 5.0 to 6.0.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the invention as a delivery system for cosmetically active ingredients.

In the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the invention, at least one of the oily phase and aqueous phase contains an active ingredient that is cosmetically active on the skin.

With regard to the active ingredients, it should be understood that suitable active ingredients as well as their amount in the composition are the same as those described hereinabove.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a process for applying the biphasic cosmetic composition comprising cosmetically active ingredients according to the invention, comprising shaking the composition to form a macroscopically homogeneous mixture and applying the mix ture to skin.

It has been found that the biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention can simultaneously deliver aqueous-based and oil-based ingredients to skin with a very soft and fresh sensory. The biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention can deliver the components of each phase in a way that retains the benefits of each with reduced amounts of oily components. The biphasic cosmetic composition according to the present invention con tains reduced amounts of surfactant that might have unintended deleterious effects on the skin and bioaccumulation problems. Examples

Aspects of the present invention are more fully illustrated by the following Examples, which are set forth to illustrate certain aspects of the present invention and are not to be construed as lim iting thereto. Following materials and evaluation methods were used in the Examples.

Materials:

The materials shown in Table 1 are used.

Table 1

Preparation of the biphasic cosmetic compositions:

Biphasic cosmetic compositions are prepared as follows and the weight percentages of the ma terials are shown in Tables below. 1. Under agitation, adding the components of oily phase to the components of aqueous phase at a temperature of 75 to 80°C, then homogenizing for several minutes to form a uniform solu tion.

2. After homogenization, cooling down to room temperature under slow agitation, adding the components other than the components of oily phase and aqueous phase in the solution and stirring until uniform.

Phase separation evaluation method:

The transparency of the aqueous phase of the biphasic cosmetic composition can be verified visually.

The results are shown in Tables 2 to 5 and Figures 1 to 3. In Tables 2 to 5, Phase A includes the components of aquous phase, Phase B includes the components of oily phase, Phase C includes fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene ethers and surfactants, and Phase D includes active in gredients.

Table 2

Table 3 Table 4

Table 5

As can be seen from Tables 2 to 5 and Figures 1 to 3, in the inventive Examples 1 to 14, two separate phases are present as an emulsion phase and a clear aqueous phase, wherein the emulsion phase floats above the clear aqueous phase at rest and a clear-cut separation surface of two phases is formed; whereas in the comparative Examples 1 to 3, floccule appears at the aqueous phase or water and oil separate without forming a biphasic cosmetic composition comprising an emulsion phase and a clear aqueous phase.

Although the embodiments and examples of the present disclosure are described above, the skilled person in the art should understand that they are only for illustrative purpose and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. The protection scope of the pre sent disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The skilled person in the art can make vari ous modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements to these embodiments without de parting from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, but these modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.