The present invention relates to a skin-cleansing pad suitable for makeup removal which carries a cleansing lotion that can be activated and forms an emulsion upon the addition of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of cosmetics or baby care, a fibrous pad based on cotton optionally mixed with other synthetic or artificial fibres, onto which is deposited a suitable cleansing or makeupremoving lotion or emulsion, depending on the case, is generally used for cleansing the skin.

Articles pre-impregnated with lotion or emulsion, which can be used directly without the need to add additional cleansing or makeup-removing product at the time of its use, are commercially available.

US 2011/0302734 Al describes a skin-cleansing article (pad) for makeup removal comprising a fibrous substrate and a cleansing composition that is activated by moistening with water followed by a mechanical action so as to obtain a cleansing foam, wherein the cleansing composition comprises at least one surfactant and a humectant, and the amount of water on the substrate is less than 25% by weight of the article. One downside of the skincleansing pad described in this document is the need to rinse the lotion remaining on the skin after use with water.

As a rule, skin-cleansing pads for makeup removal known in the art are not suited for the removal of waterproof makeups, but rather have been developed for makeup types which contain lower amounts of hydrophobic components, such as lipstick, eyeliner, foundation, conventional mascara or eye shadow.

In view of the available art, there is a continued demand for skin-cleansing pads that effectively remove makeup from the skin without causing any adverse reactions on the skin. It is further desired that such pads can be easily produced from starting materials that are either natural and/or, as far as possible, biodegradable. Further, it is desired to provide a skin-cleansing pad that does not require any additional rinsing step after use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the present invention to provide a skin-cleansing article able to effectively remove various types of makeup from the human skin. It is one further object of the invention to provide a skin-cleansing article with a low irritation potential for the human skin. It is one further object that the skin-cleansing article to be provided shows a suitable shelf life even in the absence of preservatives.

The present invention relates to a skin-cleansing article, which is disposable after use. The article comprises a pad made of a fibrous material forming a substrate, and a lotion with a substantially dry feel on the substrate. Specifically, the invention relates to:

1. A skin-cleansing article comprising a fibrous substrate, wherein the fibrous substrate is a pad comprising or consisting of cellulosic fibres, preferably cotton fibers, and having a basis weight of 100 g/m ² to 350 g/m ² ; wherein the fibrous substrate comprises a cleansing lotion comprising:

(a) a surfactant or surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al) having an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 16, preferably 7 to 12, e.g. 7 to 10; and

(b) at least one oil; the water content of the skin-cleansing article being less than 12 wt.-%, preferably less than 10 wt.-%, more preferably less than 8 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the article.

2. The skin-cleansing article according to item 1, wherein the pad has two outer surfaces and the skin-cleansing article is obtained by applying the cleansing lotion to one outer surface thereof, wherein this surface preferably has a texture defined thereupon.

3. The skin-cleansing article according to item 1 or 2, wherein the pad comprises natural cellulosic fibers, preferably cotton fibers, wherein these cellulosic fibers are preferably water-jet-entangled.

4. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 1 to 3, wherein the skin-cleansing article is obtained by applying the cleansing lotion to the fibrous substrate in an amount of 0.1 to 1.2 g, more preferably in an amount of 0.2 to 1.0 g, in particular in an amount of 0.3 to 0.8 g, per 1 g of the fibrous substrate.

5. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 1 to 4, wherein the fibrous substrate comprises up to 30 wt.-% of synthetic fibers, preferably up to 20 wt.-% of synthetic fibers, more preferably up to 10 wt.-% of synthetic fibers, and even more preferably up to 5 w.-% of synthetic fibers, based on the total weight of the fibrous substrate; wherein the synthetic fibers are preferably selected from viscose fibers, polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, and mixtures thereof.

6. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 1 to 5, wherein the fibrous substrate has one or more selected from the following properties:

(i) a basis weight of 125 g/m ² to 275 g/m ² , preferably 150 g/m ² to 250 g/m ² ;

(ii) a tensile strength in the dry state of at least 10 N, preferably at least 15 N, in the machine direction (MD);

(iii) a tensile strength in the dry state of at least 4 N, preferably at least 7 N, in the cross direction (CD).

7. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 1 to 6, wherein the surfactant (a) or the surfactants present in the surfactant mixture (a) are selected from polyglycerol-based emulsifiers, preferably from esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol having on average 2 to 6 glycerol units, in particular 2 to 4 glycerol units.

8. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 1 to 7, wherein the cleansing lotion comprises a surfactant mixture comprising (al) at least two surfactants which each have an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 12, preferably 7 to 10, wherein the first surfactant has a HLB value of 7.0 to 9.0 and the second surfactant has an HLB value greater than 9.1, e.g. 9.5. to 11.0.

9. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 1 to 8, wherein the surfactant (al) or the surfactant mixture (al) are present in a total amount of 5 to 40 wt.-%, preferably 10 to 30 wt.-%, e.g. 12 to 22 wt.-%.

10. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 1 to 9, wherein the cleansing lotion comprises a surfactant mixture, the surfactant mixture comprising (a2) at least one surfactant which has an HLB value of 2 to 6, preferably 2 to 5, e.g. 2 to 4.

11. The skin-cleansing article according to item 10, wherein the total amount of at least one surfactant (a2) is 0.5 to 15 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 8 wt.-%, e.g. 2 to 5 wt.-%.

12. The skin-cleansing article according to item 10 or 11, wherein the total amount of at least one surfactant (a2) is lower than the total amount of at least one surfactant (al), and the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (a 2) is preferably not more than 80%, more preferably not more 50%, e.g. not more than 30%, of the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (al),. 13. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 1 to 12, wherein the at least two surfactants comprised in the surfactant mixture (al) are selected from (i) esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol, the ester including on average 4 repeating units of glycerol and a fatty acid having a number of carbon atoms of 16 or more, preferably 16 to 26, e.g. 16 to 22, e.g. polyglyceryl-4 oleate, and/or (ii) esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol, the ester including on average 3 repeating units of glycerol and a fatty acid having a number of carbon atoms of 14 or less, preferably 8 to 12, e.g. polyglyceryl-3 caprate.

14. The skin-cleansing article according to any of items 10 to 13, wherein the at least one surfactant (a2) is selected esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol, the ester including on average 3 repeating units of glycerol and a fatty acid having a number of carbon atoms of 16 or more, preferably 16 to 26, e.g. 16 to 22, which may be substituted with a hydroxy group, or a polymer of the hydroxy-substituted fatty acid, e.g. polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate.

15. The skin-cleansing article according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the oil component (b) comprises at least one liquid oil selected from fatty esters, glycerides, natural plant oils and hydrocarbon-based oils.

16. The skin-cleansing article according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the cleansing lotion comprises:

(a) 5 to 40 wt.-% of a surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al), e.g. one, two or three surfactants, having an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 12, preferably 7 to 10 and (a2) at least one surfactant, e.g. one or two surfactants, which has an HLB value of 2 to 6, preferably 2 to 5, e.g. 2 to 4,

(b) 40 to 80 wt.-% of at least one oil,

(c) less than 10 wt.-% water, e.g. less than 5 wt.-% water,

(d) optionally 1 to 15 wt.-% of a humectant,

(e) optionally 0.1 to 10 wt.-% additives, each based on the total weight of the cleansing lotion, wherein the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (a2) is preferably not more than 80% of the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (al), preferably not more 50%, e.g. not more than 30%.

17. The skin-cleansing article according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the cleansing lotion comprises:

(a) 10 to 30 wt.-% of surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al), e.g. one, two or three surfactants, having an HLB value of 7 to 10, and (a2) at least one surfactant, e.g. one or two surfactants, which has an HLB value of 2 to 5, e.g.

2 to 4,

(b) 60 to 80 wt.-% of an oil component comprising at least one liquid oil selected from fatty esters, glycerides, natural plant oils and hydrocarbon-based oils, preferably a fatty ester oil and/or a glyceride,

(c) 0.1 to 5 wt.-% water,

(d) optionally 1 to 10 wt.-% of glycerol,

(e) optionally 0.1 to 5 wt.-% additives, each based on the total weight of the cleansing lotion.

18. Cleansing lotion comprising:

(a) 5 to 40 wt.-% of a surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al), e.g. one, two or three surfactants, having an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 12, preferably 7 to 10 and (a2) at least one surfactant, e.g. one or two surfactants, which has an HLB value of 2 to 6, preferably 2 to 5, e.g. 2 to 4,

(b) 40 to 80 wt.-% of at least one oil,

(c) less than 10 wt.-% water, e.g. less than 5 wt.-% water,

(d) optionally 1 to 15 wt.-% of a humectant,

(e) optionally 0.1 to 10 wt.-% additives, each based on the total weight of the cleansing lotion, wherein the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (a2) is preferably not more than 80% of the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (al), preferably not more 50%, e.g. not more than 30%.

19. The cleansing lotion according to item 18, comprising:

(a) 10 to 30 wt.-% of surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al), e.g. one, two or three surfactants, having an HLB value of 7 to 10, and (a2) at least one surfactant, e.g. one or two surfactants, which has an HLB value of 2 to 5, e.g. 2 to 4,

(b) 60 to 80 wt.-% of an oil component comprising at least one liquid oil selected from fatty esters, glycerides, natural plant oils and hydrocarbon-based oils, preferably a fatty ester oil and/or a glyceride,

(c) 0.1 to 5 wt.-% water,

(d) optionally 1 to 10 wt.-% of glycerol,

(e) optionally 0.1 to 5 wt.-% additives, each based on the total weight of the cleansing lotion.

20. The cleansing lotion according to item 18 or 19, wherein the surfactants present in the surfactant mixture (a) are selected from esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol having on average 2 to 6 glycerol units, in particular 2 to 4 glycerol units. 21. The cleansing lotion according to any of items 18 to 20, wherein the cleansing lotion is defined as in any of items 8 to 15.

22. The cleansing lotion according to any of items 18 to 21, wherein the oil component (b) of the cleansing lotion comprises argania spinosa kernel oil which is present in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total amount of the cleansing lotion.

23. Process for cleansing the skin and/or removing makeup on skin comprising the steps of:

(a) activating the skin-cleansing article according to any one of items 1 to 17 by moistening with water, and

(P) rubbing the activated article on the skin to clean the skin and/or remove makeup on skin.

24. Use of a skin-cleansing article according to any one of items 1 to 17 for cleansing the skin and/or removing makeup.

Where the present description refers to preferred embodiments/features, combinations of these preferred embodiments/features shall also be deemed as disclosed, as long as this combination of preferred embodiments/features is technically meaningful.

Herein, the use of the term "comprising" or "including" should be understood as disclosing, as a more restricted embodiment, the term "consisting of" as well, as long as this is technically meaningful.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a skin-cleansing article comprising a fibrous substrate, wherein the fibrous substrate is a pad having a basis weight of 100 g/m ² to 350 g/m ² and comprising or consisting of cellulosic fibres, preferably natural cellulosic fibers, such as cotton fibers; and wherein the fibrous substrate comprises a cleansing lotion comprising:

(a) a surfactant or surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al) having an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 16, preferably 7 to 12, e.g. 7 to 10; and

(b) at least one oil; the water content of the skin-cleansing article being less than 12 wt.-%, preferably less than 10 wt.-%, more preferably less than 8 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the article.

Due to the relatively low water content, the lotion and thus also the skin-cleansing article (in the following also referred to as "skin-cleansing pad") has a substantially dry appearance and feel. It is possible to determine the water content in the lotion composition by conducting a water determination according to Karl Fischer. If the total water content of the skincleansing article is to be determined the skin-cleansing article can be extracted with suitable organic solvents, such as water-free ethanol, followed by the water determination of the ethanol extract according to Karl Fischer. If any water remains in the fibrous substrate after the extraction this can be determined by conventional methods (e.g. by drying in an oven at 50°C until its weight no longer changes and determining the weight loss) and added to the water content determined by Karl Fischer.

Due to the self-emulsifying effect of the chosen surfactant or surfactant mixture, the cleansing lotion is activated by moistening the pad with water. "Self-emulsifying" means in this context that neither the addition of further ingredients, e.g. further surfactants, nor a greater amount of mechanical action is required for the cleansing lotion to form an emulsion. The addition of water and, optionally, moderate mechanical action, which always results when the user is wiping the pad over the skin, is sufficient for the formation of an emulsion. The emulsion formed is preferably an O/W emulsion. Thereby the use of greater amounts of oil and an oily feel of the cleansing lotion can be avoided.

Typically, the user adds an amount of water which leads for instance to a 4-fold to 20-fold, e.g. 6-fold to 12-fold dilution of the cleansing lotion. By adding this amount of water, the skin-cleansing pad is normally fully impregnated with the diluted lotion. The spontaneous formation of an emulsion greatly contributes to the cleansing efficacy of the lotion, especially if makeup including greater amounts of hydrophobic components is to be removed. Depending on the ingredients of the lotion (e.g. skin care oils, humectant, cosmetic actives, etc.), it may also exert a skin care effect.

In addition, depending on the type of surfactants included, foam may be formed when the pad is subjected to a mechanical action, such as wiping, bending or rubbing. This is however not essential for the cleansing action and not preferred in the context of the present invention. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the cleansing lotion is free of foam-forming ("lathering") surfactants.

In accordance with the present invention, the form and size of the skin-cleansing pad is not particularly limited as long as they are suitable for the target application. The shape may be circular, oval, polygonal or some other shape, and the sizes may range from 25 to more than 100 cm ² . In one embodiment the pads are circular and have a diameter ranging from 4 to 7 cm, for instance 5 to 6 cm. In a further embodiment of the invention the pads have a rectangular shape and a size ranging from e.g. 40 to 60 cm ² , e.g. 45 to 55 cm ² . The basis weights are generally between 100 and 350 g/m ² .

One embodiment of the invention is directed towards pads obtained from a lap of fibrous material made only of cotton or cotton mixed with other optionally chopped fibres. Generally, the fibres of the lap are entangled so as to form a nonwoven arrangement of greater or lesser mechanical strength depending on the strength requirements of the article.

A fibrous pad intended for cleansing the skin, and in particular for the removal of makeup, is chosen for its beneficial properties. It is thick enough to be held comfortably in the hand when it is moistened. It absorbs and wipes away impurities. It conserves its form during use, on rubbing. It does not form fluff and does not leave fibres on the skin.

In one embodiment, the substrate of the skin-cleansing pad is a lap comprising or consisting of cellulosic fibres, e.g. cotton fibres, comprising three fiber (e.g. cotton) layers, two exterior layers and one central layer, characterised in that the exterior layers, between which the central layer is interposed, are card webs. Further, the central layer comprises laminated cellulosic fibres (e.g. cotton fibres) oriented substantially obliquely between the two planes formed by the exterior layers. This lap is preferably obtained by a continuous process including the steps of superimposing the three layers and subjecting them to a scouring treatment, a bleaching treatment and then a rinsing treatment, to impart to the layers a very good mutual cohesion. This type of pad and its manufacture is described in EP 0 681 621.

Further, the mechanical properties of the pads can be improved by using either one or both of the following two techniques:

1. incorporation into the mass of fibres of a meltable binder (in the form of fibres or powder), with heating with hot air or hot calendering; the binder agglomerates the cotton fibres when it is melted and then cooled, and affords an increase in strength of the pads in the three dimensions. However, this technique is not applicable to products that are intended to be made only of cellulose fibres;

2. treatment of the lap of fibres via mechanical means, preferably using waterjets in a hydroentangling process, which interlace the fibres in the bulk and at the surface. One preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a fibrous substrate (pad) obtained according to the above second technique. The hydroentangling process (water-jet entangling) makes it possible to reduce the surface pilling capacity and to increase the tensile strength of the lap. This process, which is purely mechanical, allows the manufacture of laps composed up to 100% of cellulosic fibres (e.g. cotton fibres). This process is further described in US 2011/0302734 Al.

The use of hydroentangling processes preferably forms a relief at the surface of the pads which generally results from compression of the fibres either under the effect of embossing or calendering, or under the effect of a hydroentanglement process intended to join several laps of fibres together.

Accordingly, in one preferred embodiment, the pad to be used in the present invention, comprises two outer layers joined together wherein at least one outer layer has a surface with a texture defined thereupon. In accordance with the present invention, the shape and arrangement of this surface texture is not particularly limited. Examples of a suitable surface texture formed on at least one surface of the pad include continuous straight lines, in particular parallel lines, continuous curved lines, a square-mesh grid or a lozenge-shaped grid. The average distance (height) between the raised parts of the surface texture and the depressions between these raised parts may e.g. be between 0.1 and 1.0 mm, e.g. between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

In one preferred embodiment, as described in US 2003/0104036 Al (=WO01/42548), except for the strength values, the pad to be used in the present invention, is a hydrophilic cotton pad used for skin-care and exhibiting a specific surface weight of at least 150 g/m ² , comprising two different outer sides of which the fibers are hydro-entangled, characterized in that the first outer side comprises a texture formed by hollow depressions, e.g. striae, mutually apart by a spacing si which is between 1 and 8 mm and a depression (e.g. striae) depth d of at least 0.25 mm, e.g. at least 0.40 mm or at least 0.50 mm, and wherein the pad's tensile strength is at least 10 N, preferably at least 15N in the direction of motion (MD) and at least 4N, preferably at least 7N, in the direction transverse thereto (CD), as determined by the testing procedure described in the specification. In one aspect of this hydrophilic cotton pad, the first outer side comprises hollow depressions (e.g. striae) at least 50% of the pad fibers are entangled. In one further aspect, the spacing si between the depressions (e.g.) striae of the first side is between 1.2 and 5.5 mm and preferably between 2 and 4 mm. This pad can be further described by the feature(s) defined in claims 5 to 8 and the specification of US 2003/0104036 Al. In one further preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad has at least one surface having a raised pattern defined thereupon, said skin care pad comprising: (a) at least two outer layers of absorbent fibrous material joined together; and (b) at least one series of yarns placed between said outer layers, characterized in that the thickness of at least one of the outer layers is less than the average diameter of the yams. The central layer interposed between the two outer layers preferably includes cellulosic fibers such as cotton fibers.

Such pads and their manufacture are disclosed in US 2009/0068409 Al. Preferably, the raised pattern has protrusions of height H (as defined in US 2009/0068409 Al) between 0.2 and 2.0 mm, in particular between 0.3 and 0.5 mm.

Compared to conventional hydroentangling processes, the method of US 2009/0068409 Al allows obtaining recesses or reliefs of large amplitude.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the shape and arrangement of the raised pattern is not particularly limited. Examples of raised patterns formed at the surface of the pad include continuous straight lines, in particular parallel lines, continuous curved lines, a square-mesh grid or a lozenge-shaped grid, of the type shown in Figures 2A to 2D of US 2009/0068409,

According to one particular aspect of this method, bonding of the outer layers is carried out by means of a technique chosen from hydroentanglement, glueing and hot-melt bonding (thermobonding), the choice of the technique depending on the fiber mixture used for the inner layer(s).

The fibrous substrate (pad) to be used has a basis weight of 100 g/m ² to 350 g/m ² , preferably 175 g/m ² to 275 g/m ² , more preferably 200 g/m ² to 250 g/m ² . It comprises or consists of cellulosic fibres, preferably cotton fibers.

Suitable cellulosic fibers, in particular natural cellulosic fibers, can be selected from "primary" fibrous materials (e.g. raw pulps) or secondary fibrous materials, whereby a "secondary" fibrous material includes recycled fibres. The primary fibrous materials may relate both to a chemically digested pulp and to mechanical pulp such as thermorefiner mechanical pulp (TMP), chemothermorefiner mechanical pulp (CTMP) or high temperature chemithermomechanical pulp (HTCTMP). Fibers of softwood (usually originating from conifers), hardwood (usually originating from deciduous trees) or from cotton linters can be used for example. Fibres from esparto (alfa) grass, bagasse (cereal straw, rice straw, bamboo, hemp), kemp fibers, flax, and other woody and cellulosic fiber sources can also be used as raw materials. Preference is given to the use of natural fibers such as cotton fibers. The cellulosic fibers, preferably cotton fibers can be bleached or unbleached. The cellulosic fibres to be used are preferably "natural" cellulosic fibres, i.e. cellulosic fibres originating from plants which have not been subjected to any regeneration process wherein the cellulosic material is dissolved and regenerated in fibrous form. The term "natural" therefore also includes secondary, in particular recycled fibres.

In one embodiment the fibrous substrate (pad) comprises less than 50 wt.-% of synthetic fibers, preferably up to 30 wt.-% of synthetic fibers, more preferably up to 20 wt.-% of synthetic fibers, e.g. up to 10 wt.-% of synthetic fibers, or up to 5 w.-% of synthetic fibers, based on the total weight of the fibrous substrate. The synthetic fibers are preferably selected from synthetic fibres such as viscose fibers, polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, and mixtures thereof. If the fibers are to be thermobonded, polyester fibers and/or polypropylene fibers or mixtures thereof with viscose fibers are preferably used.

The fibrous substrate (pad) preferably shows one or more of following properties:

(i) a basis weight of 125 g/m ² to 275 g/m ² , more preferably 150 g/m ² to 250 g/m ² ;

(ii) a tensile strength in the dry state of at least 10 N, preferably at least 15 N, e.g. at least 20 N... in the machine direction (MD), as measured in US 2003/0104036 Al (=WO 01/42548);

(iii) a tensile strength in the dry state of at least 4 N, preferably at least 7 N, e.g. at least 16 N in the cross direction (CD), as measured in US 2003/0104036 Al.

The fibrous substrate (pad) has two outer surfaces. The skin-cleansing article is preferably obtained by applying the cleansing lotion to one outer surface (the treated outer surface). In this embodiment, the cleansing lotion does not fully impregnate the fibrous substrate but rather is present on the treated outer surface in a greater amount than on the other outer surface. This inhomogeneous distribution of cleansing lotion can also be described as a concentration gradient with the greatest amount of cleansing lotion being present on the treated outer surface. In accordance with this embodiment, it is also preferred to provide a fibrous substrate (pad) in which the treated surface forms a visible relief at the surface or a has a visible raised pattern obtainable by the aforementioned techniques. "Visible" means in this context discernible with the naked eye. This relief or pattern constitutes a visible signal to the user of the skin-cleansing article that the outer surface carrying the same is more effective in cleansing the skin. This brings along the additional benefit that the treated surface comprising the greater amount of cleansing lotion is brought into contact with the skin of the user.

The application technique for the cleansing lotion is selected from suitable, preferably contact-free, application techniques known in the art such as die coating (slot die coating) and spray coating. The benefit of slot die coating is that it is highly scalable and suitable for rapidly depositing thin and uniform films with minimal material waste and lower operational costs.

The water content of the skin-cleansing article is less than 12 wt.-%, preferably less than 10 wt.-%, more preferably less than 8 wt.-%, e.g. less than 7 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the article. This relatively low water amount is advantageous since it makes it possible to dispense with the use of preservatives, such as antibacterial components in the cleansing lotion. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention the cleansing lotion is free of preservatives, such as antibacterial actives. In one further embodiment, the cleansing lotion may also be free of pH adjusting compounds, such as organic acids, which also may have an antibacterial effect.

This amount of water can be obtained by suitably adjusting the amount of water in the fibrous substrate (pad) and/or cleansing lotion. Against this background, it is preferred that the cleansing lotion to be applied to the fibrous substrate (pad) has a water content of less than 10 wt.-%, preferably less than 5 wt.-%, e.g. less than 3 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the cleansing lotion.

The water activity of the finished skin-cleansing article (inclusive lotion) is preferably not more than 0.7, more preferably not more than 0.65 (each measured at 23±1°C as described in the examples).

In one embodiment of the invention, the fibrous substrate (pad), for instance a pad fully made of cotton (in the following also referred to as "cotton pad") is slightly overdried before the cleansing lotion is applied thereto (note: the term "cotton pad" does not exclude the presence of any (synthetic) yarns possibly used to provide one surface thereof with a visible pattern in accordance with the aforementioned techniques). The term "overdried" means in this context that the moisture content of the fibrous substrate (pad) is lower than that obtainable by storing the pad at room temperature (20°C) and humidity (40-50%) until the equilibrium moisture content has been reached. For instance, in the case of cotton pads, the equilibrium moisture content is about 8% wt.-% and an "overdried" pad may have a moisture content of 5 to 7 wt.-%, e.g. 7 wt.-%. A moisture content lower than the equilibrium moisture content can be obtained by suitably adapting the manufacturing conditions and/or drying conditions for the fibrous substrate (pad), e.g. cotton pad, prior to the application of the cleansing lotion. The use of an overdried fibrous substrate (pad) helps to fix the cleansing lotion on the surface to which it has been applied. It is one benefit of the method of manufacturing the skin-cleansing article (pad) that, after the application of the lotion, no drying step is required. This simplifies the process, saves energy and allows the use of ingredients that are sensitive to heat.

The skin-cleansing article according to the invention comprises in one embodiment the cleansing lotion in an amount of 0.1 to 1.2 g, preferably in an amount of 0.15 to 1.0 g, more preferably in an amount of 0.20 to 0.8 g, per 1 g of the fibrous substrate (which may have reached its equilibrium moisture content or is overdried as explained above).

The cleansing lotion to be applied to the fibrous comprises:

(a) a surfactant or surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al) having an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 16, preferably 7 to 12, e.g. 7 to 10; and

(b) at least one oil; the water content of the skin-cleansing article being less than 12 wt.-%, preferably less than 10 wt.-%, more preferably less than 8 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the article.

In one preferred embodiment the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant, respectively, the surfactant mixture to be used includes only non-ionic surfactants. The non-ionic surfactant can be selected from any non-ionic surfactant showing the required HLB values including ester-linked non-ionic surfactants, ether-bonded non-ionic surfactants and amide-linked nonionic surfactants.

• The ester-linked non-ionic surfactants include e.g. esters of glycol and fatty acid, esters of glycerol and fatty acid, esters of polyglycerol and fatty acid, esters of polyethylene glycol and fatty acid (these are mixtures of mono- and di-esters obtained by the reaction of ethylene oxide with a fatty acid or a mixture of fatty acids. The number of ethylene oxide glycol, also referred to as "polyoxyethylene" (POE) may vary), esters of sucrose and fatty acid, esters of sucrose and triglyceride esters (sometimes called "sucroglycerides"), esters of sorbitan and fatty acid (surfactants with a lipophilic tendency), polyoxyethylene (POE) sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (POE sorbitan esters are sometimes called polysorbates or esters of polyoxyalkylene polyols).

• Ether-bonded non-ionic surfactants include ethers of POE and alkylphenol (they are also called "polyoxyethylenated alkylphenol"), ethers of POE and fatty alcohol ("polyoxyethylenated alcohols").

• Amide-linked nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylenated alkylamides.

The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance ("HLB") of a surfactant is a measure of the degree to which it is hydrophilic or lipophilic, determined by calculating values for the different regions of the molecule, as described by William C. Griffin in 1949 (Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 1 (5): 311-26) and 1954 (Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 5 (4): 249- 56). The HLB values provided in this application are preferably understood as the values obtained by the Griffin calculation method.

The person skilled in the art is able to select from known non-ionic surfactants those showing the required HLB values. For commonly used surfactants the corresponding values can also be found in cosmetic handbooks, for instance Karlheinz Schrader, Grundlagen und REzepturen der Kosmetika, Huthig Verlag, 2 ^nd Editon, 1989.

In non-ionic surfactants including a fatty acid component, the fatty acid residue typically has a carbon number ranging from 8 to 26. By suitably combining a fatty acid component with a shorter or longer fatty acid chain with a more or less hydrophilic surfactant portion the skilled person is able to adjust the required HLB values for a suitable non-ionic surfactant.

Examples of surfactant (al) include to propylene glycol monostearate (HLB 7.5), tetraethylene glycol monostearate (HLB 7.7), polyethylene glycol sorbit lanolin derivate ( HLB 8.0), polyoxypropylene stearate (HLB 8.0), sorbitan monolaurate ("Span 20", HLB 8.6), sorbitan monolaurate ("Arlacel 20", HLB 8.6), polyoxyethylene-oxypropylene oleate (HLB 9.0), tetraethylene glycolmonolaurate (HLB 9.4), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether ("Brij 30", HLB 9.5), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate ("Tween 61", HLB 9.6), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate ("Tween 81", HLB 10.0) and fatty alcohol polyglycol ether ("Arlypon OAG", HLB 10.0); see e.g. Karlheinz Schrader, Grundlagen und Rezepturen der Kosmetika, Huthig Verlag, 2. Auflage 1989 .

It is preferred to select the at least one surfactant (al) having an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 16, preferably 7 to 12, e.g. 7 to 10, among polyglycerol-based emulsifiers. More preferably esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol having on average 2 to 6 glycerol units, in particular 2 to 4 glycerol units are used (which preferably do not contain polyglycerol with more than 10 glycerol units). Moreover, it is preferred to select the fatty acid from linear, optionally hydroxy-substituted saturated or unsaturated fatty acids (examples for unsaturated acids are oleic acid or ricinoleic acid). The hydroxy-substituted saturated or unsaturated fatty acid may be present in polymerised form, as occurring e.g. in polyglcerol polyricinoleate emulsifiers. The polyricinoleate portion of these emulsifiers may include on average 2 to 5, e.g. two, three or four, polymerised ricinoleic acid units.

In one embodiment, the at least one surfactant (al) is a surfactant mixture (al) comprising at least two surfactants having an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 12, preferably 7 to 10, wherein the first surfactant has a HLB value of 7.0 to 9.0 and the second surfactant has an HLB value greater than 9.1, e.g. 9.5. to 11.0. The available results seem to indicate that the presence of a "first surfactant" having a HLB value of 7.0 to 9.0, such as Hydriol PGMO.4, contributes to makeup removal efficiency.

In one preferred embodiment, the surfactant (al) or the surfactant mixture (al) are present in a total amount of 5 to 40 wt.-%, preferably 10 to 30 wt.-%, e.g. 12 to 22 wt.-%, based on the total amount of the cleansing lotion (which is the basis for all wt.-% values indicated for lotion components if not stated otherwise).

In one preferred embodiment, the surfactant mixture further comprises (a2) at least one surfactant which has an HLB value of 2 to 6, preferably 2 to 5, e.g. 2 to 4. The function of the at least one surfactant (a2) with a low HLB value is to stabilise the surfactant or surfactant system (al) which is primarily responsible for the self-emulsifying effect. Depending on the oil component chosen, the low HLB surfactant (a2) also helps to solubilise the high HLB surfactant(s) in the oil component.

At least one surfactant (a2) can be selected from known surfactants having this HLB range, which sometimes are also referred to as W/O emulsifiers. Examples of surfactant (a2) include ethylene glycol monostearate (HLB 2,7), pentaerythritol monostearate (HLB 3,1), pentaerythritol sesquioleate (HLB 3,1), glycerol monooleate (HLB 3,3), propylene glycol monostearate (HLB 3,4), glycerol monooleate (HLB 3,4), ethylene glycol fatty acid ester (EMCOL EL-50, Emulsol, Corp, HLB 3,6), sorbitan sesquioleate (HLB 3,8), glycerol monostearate (HLB 3,8), glycerol monostearate (HLB 3,8), glycerol monostearate (HLB 3,8), glycerol monostearate (HLB 3,8), glycerol monostearate (HLB 3,8), glycerol monostearate (HLB 3,9) or glycerol monodistearate (HLB 3,9); see e.g. Karlheinz Schrader, Grundlagen und Rezepturen der Kosmetika, Huthig Verlag, 2. Auflage 1989 .

In one preferred embodiment, the total amount of the at least one surfactant (a2) is 0.5 to

15 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 8 wt.-%, e.g. 2 to 5 wt.-%.

Further, it is preferred that the total amount of the at least one surfactant (a2) is lower than the total amount of the at least one surfactant (al). More preferably, the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (a2) is not more than 80% of the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (al), preferably not more 50%, e.g. not more than 30%.

In one preferred embodiment, the at least two surfactants comprised in the surfactant mixture (al) are selected from (i) esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol, the ester including on average 4 repeating units of glycerol and a fatty acid having a number of carbon atoms of

16 or more, preferably 16 to 26, e.g. 16 to 22, e.g. polyglyceryl-4 oleate (e.g. Hydriol PGM0.4, for which the manufacturer indicates an HLB value of 8), and/or (ii) esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol, the ester including on average 3 repeating units of glycerol and a fatty acid having a number of carbon atoms of 14 or less, preferably 8 to 12, e.g. polyglyceryl-3 caprate (e.g. Tegosoft PC 31 MB, for which the manufacturer indicates an HLB value of 10); and/or the at least one surfactant (a2) is selected from esters of a fatty acid and polyglycerol, the ester including on average 3 repeating units of glycerol and a fatty acid having a number of carbon atoms of 16 or more, preferably 16 to 26, e.g. 16 to 22, which may be substituted with a hydroxy group bound in the fatty acid chain, or a polymer of the hydroxy group - substituted fatty acid, e.g. polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate (e.g. Soldoc PGPR, for which the manufacturer indicates an HLB value of 2.3).

Other suitable polyglycerol-based emulsifier, which can be used in the present invention depending on their HLB value, include but are not limited to polyglyceryl-4 caprate, polyglyceryl-4 caprylate/ca prate, polyglyceryl-4 laurate, polyglyceryl-4 cocoate, polyglyceryl- 4 myristate, polyglyceryl-6 caprate, polyglyceryl-6 caprylate/ca prate, polyglyceryl-6 laurate, polyglyceryl-6 cocoate, polyglyceryl-6 myristate.

In one embodiment, the skin cleansing lotion has a viscosity of 5 mPa-s to 100 mPa-s measured with viscometer Brookfield LV DV-I, spl 100 rpm at 25°C.

In one preferred embodiment, the oil component (b) comprises at least one liquid oil selected from fatty esters, glycerides, natural plant oils and hydrocarbon-based oils. The total amount of the oil component (b) is preferably 40 to 80 wt.-%, more preferably 60 to 80 wt.-%.

Preferably, the oil component (b) contains at least one oil selected from among the following types:

• Fatty acid esters (sometimes also referred to as "waxy esters", if they have a higher molecular weight and a plastic ("waxy") consistency), preferably having the following generic formula (I)

R OQ-R ² (I) wherein R^CO represents a linear or branched acyl residue having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and 0, 1, 2, or 3 double bonds, and R ² represents a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl residue having 3 to 22 carbon atoms. Preferably, the total number of carbon atoms in the ester is at least 18. Typical examples of fatty or waxy esters are isopropyl palmitate, myristyl myristate, myristyl palmitate, myristyl stearate, myristyl behenate, myristyl erucate, cetyl myristate, cetyl isostearate, cetyl oleate, cetyl behenate, cetyl erucate, stearyl mystrate, stearyl palmitate, strearyl stearate, stearyl isostearate, stearyl oleate, stearyl behenate, stearyl erucate, isostearyl myristate, isostearyl palmitate, isostearyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, isostearyl oleate, isostearyl behenate, oleyl myristate, oleyl palmitate, oleyl stearate, oleyl isostearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl behenate, oleyl erucate, behenyl myristate, behenyl palmitate, behenyl isostearate, behenyl oleate, behenyl behenate, behenyl erucate, erucyl myristate, erucyl palmitate, erucyl stearate, erucyl isostearate, erucyl oleate, erucyl behenate and erucyl erucate. Preferably, unsaturated waxy esters, such as oleyl oleate and oleyl erucate are used.

The following fatty acid esters may also be used: esters derived from linear Cg- C22 fatty acids and branched-chain alcohols, e.g. 2-ethyl hexanol; ester of C18- C38-a Ikyl hydroxy carboxylic acids and linear or branched Cg-C22 f ^att y alcohols; or ester of linear and/or branched fatty acids and polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, dimerdiol or trimertriol) and/or guerbet alcohols, as well as ester of Cg-C22 ^fatt y alcohols and/or guerbet alcohols with aromatic carboxylic acids, in particular benzoic acid; ester of C2-C12 dicarboxylic acids and linear or branched alcohols having 1 to 22 carbon atoms or polyols having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxy groups. Examples falling within this this group of esters include 2- ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, 2-heptylundecyl palmitate, dioctyl malate, diisobutyl adipate, di-2-heptylundecyl adipate, 2-ethylhexyl succinate, diisostearyl malate, diisopropyl sebacate, trimethylolpropane triisostearate, neopentyl glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, trimethylolpropane tri-2-ethylhexanoate, pentaerythritol tetra-2-ethylhexanoate, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, and pentaerythritol tetra rosinate.

• Glycerides, which are mono-, di- and/or tri ester (fatty acid ester) of glycerol (in particular di- and/or triester). Glycerides can be obtained by chemical synthesis or from natural sources (plant or animal) as known in the art. "Glycerides" from natural sources typically have been isolated and further purified, followed by optional modification processes. Preferably the fatty acid component has from 6 to 24, more preferably 6 to 18, in particular 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The fatty acid can be branched or unbranched as well as saturated or unsaturated. According to the invention, the use of caprylic/capric glyceride is preferred.

Natural plant oils such as argan oil (argania spinosa kernel oil), soja oil, peanut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil (helianthus annuus seed oil), macademia nut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, linseed oil, almond oil, wheat germ oil, sesame oil, rice germ oil, rice bran oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, horse fat, palm oil, palm kernel oil, castor oil, coconut oil, hardened coconut oil. These oils can be used alone or in combination. As "natural oil" we understand oils which have been obtained by extracting, pressing or other isolation techniques from plants or plant materials such as seeds, kernels, nuts, etc.. While these natural plant oils may have been purified, they have normally not been processed and/or modified to an extent that the natural composition of the oil is no longer recognisable.

• Hydrocarbon-based oils having preferably from 8 to 30, in particular 15 to 20 carbon atoms, such as squalane, squalene, paraffinic oils, isohexadecane, isoeicosane, polydecene or dialkycyclohexane, or mineral oil.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the oil component (B) includes a mixture of at least two oils, the first oil being selected from the above fatty acid esters, such as isopropyl palmitate, and glycerides, such as caprylic/capric glyceride, and the second oil being a natural plant oil, such as argania spinosa kernel oil ("argan oil").

In one further preferred embodiment of the invention, the oil component (B) includes a mixture of at least three oils, the first oil being selected from the above fatty acid esters, such as isopropyl palmitate, the second oil being selected from glycerides, such as caprylic/capric glyceride, and the third oil being a natural plant oil, such as argania spinosa kernel oil. Argan oil is considered to have a skin care effect and may also contribute to the self-emulsifying effect upon contact of the cleansing lotion with water. Argan oil may be present in relatively low amounts ranging from 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, e.g. 0.1 to 1 wt.-%, based on the total amount of the cleansing lotion.

In one preferred embodiment (El), the cleansing lotion of the invention comprises:

(a) 5 to 40 wt.-% of a surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al), e.g. one, two or three surfactants, having an HLB value of at least 6.5 and not more than 12, preferably 7 to 10 and (a2) at least one surfactant, e.g. one or two surfactants, which have an HLB value of 2 to 6, preferably 2 to 5, e.g. 2 to 4,

(b) 40 to 80 wt.-% of at least one oil,

(c) less than 10 wt.-% water, e.g. less than 5 wt.-% water,

(d) optionally 1 to 15 wt.-% of a humectant,

(e) optionally 0.1 to 10 wt.-% additives, each based on the total weight of the cleansing lotion, wherein the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (a2) is preferably not more than 80% of the total amount (wt.) of surfactant(s) (al), preferably not more 50%, e.g. not more than 30%. According to one preferred embodiment (E2), the cleansing lotion comprises:

(a) 10 to 30 wt.-% of surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant (al), e.g. one, two or three surfactants, having an HLB value of 7 to 10, and (a2) at least one surfactant, e.g. one or two surfactants, which has an HLB value of 2 to 5, e.g. 2 to 4,

(b) 60 to 80 wt.-% of an oil component comprising at least one liquid oil selected from fatty esters, glycerides, natural plant oils and hydrocarbon-based oils, preferably a fatty ester oil and/or a glyceride,

(c) 0.1 to 5 wt.-% water,

(d) optionally 1 to 10 wt.-% of glycerol,

(e) optionally 0.1 to 5 wt.-% additives, each based on the total weight of the cleansing lotion.

In one aspect of the invention, the cleansing lotion according to in the above embodiments (El) and (E2) does not comprise any further ingredients, except for water.

As stated above, the cleansing lotion may optionally also include a humectant which protects the skin against dehydration and may also increase the softness of the lotion- treated surface of the pad. If present, the amount of humectant(s) such as glycerol, may range from 1 to 15 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 10 wt.-%, e.g. 1 to 5 wt.-%.

Examples of suitable humectants include: glycerol, polyalkylene glycols, e.g. polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, for instance polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of from about 200 to 600; neopentyl alcohols such as pentaerythritol or neopentyl glycol; sugar alcohols such as threitol, erythritol, adonitol (ribitol), arabitol, xylitol, dulcitol, mannitol and sorbitol, carbohydrates such as D (+)- glucose, D (+)- fructose, D (+)- galactose, D (+)- mannose, L-gulose, saccharose, galactose, maltose, polyglycerols, polyoxypropylene adducts of glycerol, methoxypolyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol ethers of sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, polyethylene glycol ethers of glycerol, and combinations thereof. Hyaluronic acid may also be used as humectant. Humectants being liquid at room temperature (20°C) are preferred. One more preferred humectant is glycerol. The humectant can also be used to adjust the viscosity of the final lotion.

In connection with the embodiments (El) and (E2) it has been found that it is preferred to use water and any humectant, such as glycerine, in similar amounts to improve stability and transparency. In these embodiments, the weight ratio of the total weight of water (Ww) to the total weight of humectant (Wh) is preferably Ww / Wh = 0.4 to 1.2, more preferably 0.6 to 1.1, such as 0.7 to 0.9. In view of optimal transparency, the total water content in embodiments (El) and (E2) is preferably adjusted to 1.8 to 2.2 wt.%.

The cleansing lotion may further comprise 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, e.g. 0.5 to 2 wt.-% additives. Suitable additives may be selected from known cosmetically acceptable additives, including the following:

• pH adjusting components, such as buffering substances, e.g. mixtures of water- soluble organic acids and their corresponding salts (e.g. citric acid/citrate salt);

• cosmetic agents, preferably from natural sources (plant extracts), having for instance a skin-soothing, antiphlogistic (reduction of skin irritation), cellregenerating, anti-inflammatory and/or anti-itch effect such as allantoin; aloe vera extract; chamomile extract containing azulene and a-bisabolol; echinacea; dragosantanol; panthenol; liquorice root extract containing 18-glycyrrhetinic acid; lime tree extract containing quercetin and/or glyco-rutin; marigold; urea; phytosterols, optionally ethoxylated (available from Henkel under the tradename "Generol"); chitosan (acetylated chitin); anthocyanidins; ginkgo leaf extract containing quercetin and rutin; horse chestnut containing quercetin and campherol; vitamins or provitamins such as provitamin B5 or Vitamin E; birch extract; arnica; extract of rose of Sharon or St. John's wort; cucumber, hops, or hamamelis extracts or ingredients, ethoxylated quaternary amines;

• fragrance;

• dyes.

In one preferred embodiment, the cleansing lotion is free of dyes. Likewise, the cleansing lotion may be free of cosmetic agents and/or gelling agents.

The above cleansing lotion of the invention, see embodiments (El) and (E2), which is preferably used in the skin-cleansing article (pad) of the invention, preferably shows the features described herein and the claims for the cleansing lotion to be applied to the substrate (pad). In other words, all features and feature combinations that are described in this patent (application) for the lotion to be applied to the substrate, be they preferred or not, can also be used to further describe and characterise the claimed lotion as such.

For instance, in one preferred embodiment, the surfactant or surfactant mixture (a) is selected from esters of a fatty acid and a polyglycerol having on average 2 to 6 glycerol units, in particular 2 to 4 glycerol units (which preferably do not contain polyglycerol with more than 10 glycerol units). Moreover, the oil component (b) of the cleansing lotion preferably comprises argania spinosa kernel oil in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total amount of the cleansing lotion.

Experimental Section

Test methods

The water activity was determined with a hygrometer Testo 645 (available from Testo GmbH, Austria) and a pressure-tight precision humidity probe device (available from Testo GmbH, Austria; ref. 0628 0024). The sample to be tested, i.e. lotion or finished product, was placed in an oven at 25°C for 4 hours prior to the measurement. The sample was placed in a sample bowl provided with the humidity probe device: the lotion was poured into the bowl, and the finished product was cut in small strips and filled into the bowl. The filled sample bowl was introduced into the measurement chamber of the device. The device was closed and allowed to stand for 20 min for stabilization. The value of the relative humidity is measured, and the water activity is calculated therefrom (the value of the water activity is obtained by dividing the value of the relative humidity by 100). The measurement is repeated in triplicate. The sample bowl is cleaned and dried between each measurement.

Example 1: Preparation of skin-cleansing pad for makeup removal

Preparation of Lotion

A mixture (A) was obtained by stirring a mixture of polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate (manufactured by Industrial Quimica Lasem), polyglyceryl-3 caprate (manufactured by Evonik Industries AG, Germany) and polyglyceryl-4 oleate (manufactured by Hydrior AG, Switzerland) until complete dissolution (mixing conditions: Ystral, 600 -lOOOrpm). A mixture (B) was obtained by stirring water and glycerol (manufactured by Arcane Industries) until complete dissolution. The mixture (B) was then quickly added to the mixture (A) under stirring (mixing conditions as above). To the obtained mixture, isopropyl palmitate (manufactured by SACI-CPFA, France), caprylic/capric triglyceride (manufactured by BASF SE), argania spinosa kernel oil (manufactured by Biocosmethic), Dermofeel Toco 70 non GMO (manufactured by Evonik Industries AG), and then parfum (manufactured by Expressions Parfumees) were added slowly with at least 5 minutes mixing between each addition. The contents of the ingredients used in the prepared lotion are shown below in Table 1.

The water content in the lotion was 2.0% by mass. The water activity of the lotion as such was 0.68 (at 23°C) and that of the finished product 0.61 (at 23°C). Because of the small water content in the lotion, it was not necessary to add preservatives.

The target viscosity of the lotion was 5 - lOOcP (mPa-s) measured at 25°C (Brookfield viscometer LV-DV-I, spindle 1, velocity lOOrpm).

Table 1 Cotton pad and application of lotion

The prepared lotion was applied by slot die coating on one surface of a cotton pad (210 g/m ² ) in an amount of 80 g/m ² (total amount of lotion per pad: 0,4008g).

The cotton pad had a rectangular shape (ca. 6 x 8.5cm; 0.00501 m2) with two outer layers and an intermediate cotton fluff layer interposed therebetween. It was manufactured as described in US 2009/0068409 Al. One surface had a raised pattern of parallel lines (4 per cm, parallel to the short edge) defined thereupon. The cotton pad was made to 100% from cotton fibers using a hydroentangling method.

The cotton pad was slightly overdried and contained 7 wt.-% of water. Thus, the water in the finished product was 5.6 wt.-% by mass. The finished product had a dry and slightly oily touch. No further drying was necessary.

Example 2: Activation of Lotion

To activate and emulsify the lotion 3g of water were added to each pad. Self-emulsification could be observed. The concentration of the lotion ingredients after the addition of water was as shown below in Table 2.

Table 2

*according to the information received from the manufacturer Example 3: Preparation of skin-cleansing pad

A skin-cleansing pad was prepared in a similar manner as described in Example 1 by treating a small round pad (grammage 210 g/m^, size 25.504 cm^, weight 0.5356g, diameter 57mm) with the cleansing lotion described in example 1. The impregnation rate was 78.40 g/m^.

Example 4: Activation and Makeup removal

The lotioned pads prepared in example 3 were tested in regard to their cleansing efficiency in make-up removal after the cleansing lotion had been activated by adding 2 g of tap water to each pad ("moistened pad"). Makeups were applied on five different zones of forearms of five volunteers as shown in following Table 3. No hydrating cream was used before the application of the makeup. Following the application of the makeup and a 5-minute pause thereafter, the cleansing test was carried out by passing the moistened pad five times in one direction. Due to the prior treatment with water and the formation of an aqueous lotion, no further rinsing with water was required to remove any remaining lotion from the skin. This was perceived by the volunteers as major benefit of the lotioned pad of the invention.

Table 3

Cleansing efficiency (in %) for different makeup types (Zones 1 to 6)

Cleansing efficiency of the moistened pad was measured on the forearm by using a CM-700d spectrophotometer equipped with the software Spectra Magic NX (both available from Konica Minolta).

The cleansing efficiency is shown for each makeup types 1, 2, 4 and 5 in the above table 3. The results show that the makeups were removed with good cleansing efficiencies by using the moistened pad. Visual evaluation for Mascara (Zone 3)

Since the spectrometric values observed for the mascara of "zone 3" showed a greater variability than the other values, the cleansing results for the mascara were also inspected visually and scored according to the following:

1: good efficiency / 2: some little traces of mascara left / 3: 50% mascara left / 4: more than 50% of mascara left / 5: no efficiency.

The score for Zone 3 was 1.19, indicating that the mascara was removed with good efficiency with the moistened pad.

Example 5: Stability tests

The skin-cleansing pad of Example 1 was tested over a period of one month as to whether unacceptable changes of its appearance, color, odor or pH could be noticed. The testing conditions included 20 to 25°C (no RH), natural light and sunlight, storage in an oven at 40°C and 50°C (no RH) and storage at 4°C. Essentially in all these testing conditions, the skincleansing pad passed the test. Only at 50°C (no RH) and if exposed to natural light or sunlight, a slight or very slight decrease of fragrance was observed which however was acceptable. Further, no unwanted bacterial growth was observed in any of the tested samples. In all cases the number of bacteria was less than lOOCFU/g which was below the targeted product specification.

These results indicate an excellent storage stability.

Example 6: Measurement of irritation potential

A sample of the lotion described in Example 1 was diluted at 14.3 % with water for injection. The skin irritation potential of the diluted lotion was measured in vitro by a technique adapted from that described by Luepke N.P. and Kemper F.H. (The Het-Cam test: "An alternative to the Draize eye test". Food Chem. Toxicol. 1986, 24, n° 6/7, 495-496).

This method followed the text published in the Official Journal of the French Republic of December 26, 1996, except for:

- the weight of the eggs (between 40 and 75g instead of between 50 and 65 g).

- the destruction of eggs by quick cooling (enclosure at -20°C) instead of an injection of pentobarbital. These deviations to the text of the Official Journal of the French Republic of December 26, 1996 had no impact on the validity of the study. The study was based on the observation, by a trained person, of the irritant effects (hyperhemia, haemorrhage and coagulation) that could occur within the five minutes after application of the test item to the embryonic hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), on the tenth day of incubation.

The sample was judged "practically non- irritant" towards the chorioallontoic membrane of embryonic hen's eggs.