Visually Indicating Wipe Efficacy and Other Topics: Literature Findings

By: Charles Fox, Independent Consultant

Posted: December 30, 2009, from the January 2010 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

page 4 of 7

A water-insoluble, absorbent substrate impregnated with a polyol polyhydroxystearate and/or a water-soluble glyceryl polyacrylate composition also is disclosed. Specifically, the substrate composition was formulated with: glycerin (and) glyceryl polyacrylate^a; coco-glucoside (and) glyceryl oleate^b; lauryl glucoside (and) polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate (and) glycerin^c; glycerin; carbomer^d; and fragrance (parfum) (and) p-anisic acid^e. This composition had an approximate 1,425 ppm total surfactant concentration and an approximate 750 ppm total emollient concentration at an estimated ratio of 1:9. Despite its low concentration of surfactant and emollient, the composition showed good cleansing ability and excellent mildness and phase stability.

Treated macroscopic particles to visibly reduce imperfections: Avon Products has disclosed a method to improve the appearance of skin using a topical composition including inorganic particles coated or embedded onto the surface of macroscopic particles.⁹ Also disclosed are methods of preparation and uses for the composition. To embed the inorganic particles onto the surface of macroscopic particles, three methods can be used: mechanofusion, physical adsorption and pre-emulsification into the macroscopic particles. The topical composition employing the materials is applied to skin and visibly reduces textural imperfections such as fine lines, wrinkles and scars, or color imperfections such as age spots and blemishes. The disclosed invention also relates to use of the composition in cosmetic, dermatological or industrial applications.

Caring for wrinkled skin: L’Oréal has patented a cosmetic method for the care of wrinkled skin that involves the application of two topical compositions.¹⁰ The first composition is comprised of adsorbent particles formed from an alkyl methacrylate copolymer and at least one antiwrinkle agent in a liquid form adsorbed on the surface and/or the center of the adsorbent particles. The second composition is intended for application over the first and consists of at least one compound designed to release the active agent from the aforementioned particles. An example of a gel-cream is shown in Formula 1.

Hair and Hair Care
Permanently shaping hair with reduced damage: Kao Corp. has patented a method for controlling hair shape in permanent wave or straightening applications using two compositions.¹¹ The first contains hair-reducing substances; alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acids R1(CO2H)2 or their salts, where R1 = C3-8 alkylene; polyols; and organic alkalis or ammonia. The composition does not contain hydroxides, carbonates or hydrogen carbonates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. The composition is applied to all or part of hair for shape control, specifically for permanent wave-setting or straightening without hair damage.

Bleached human hair was treated with the following: a hair conditioner; the first shape-controlling composition containing adipic acid, ethanolamine thioglycolate, diammonium di thioglycolate, propylene glycol and ethanolamine; a hair rinse; a second controlling composition comprising an oxidant to firm the shape; and an additional hair conditioner. Excess contraction was prevented in the treated hair.