WO2004089320A1

WO2004089320A1 - Cosmetic composition

Info

Publication number: WO2004089320A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/003657
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cristina Erendira Avalos Badiano; Katya Leonor Franco Lopez
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever Nv; Hindustan Lever Limited
Priority date: 2003-04-08
Filing date: 2004-03-30
Publication date: 2004-10-21
Also published as: GB0308062D0; AR043995A1; CL43629B

Abstract

An aqueous cosmetic composition suitable for use as a make-up remover comprising: a) a surfactant system comprising: i) an alkyl sulphate surfactant; ii) an alkyl phosphate surfactant; iii) an alkyl succinate surfactant; iv) an amphoteric surfactant; and b) a propellant; and c) a combined surfactant and silicone phospholipid.

Description

COSMETIC COMPOSITION

This invention relates to aqueous cosmetic compositions that are suitable for use as make-up removers.

Make-up, once applied to the skin and/or eyes, has conventionally only a limited life or purpose. Therefore, make-up is generally removed and may be reapplied later. The removal and reapplication process may be a daily or twice daily activity.

The make-up removers traditionally used in the art to remove oil-based make-up comprise a high concentration of oily or fatty substances, particularly vaseline oil, whose function, when applied to the skin, is to dissolve and remove the various fats which may be in make-up products, so as to remove them.

High concentrations of fatty substances may, however, cause irritation to eyelids and create a sensation of heaviness or weight on the face.

Soap and water or mild detergent products especially formulated for use on delicate skin areas, such as the face, may not be effective in removing wax based make-up such as lipstick and mascara. Scrubbing of the skin to remove makeup may be successful but at the cost of damaging the skin.

For a cosmetic composition to be effective as a make-up remover, it is desirable that the composition has a high efficacy in terms of its ability to remove greasy material, especially greasy make-up compositions such as lipstick, eye shadow or foundation. Additionally, it may be advantageous for the composition to have a high degree of ease of rinsing, in that it should be taken up rapidly by water when rinsing. Oil-based cleansing products such as "cold cream" may clean make-up from the skin but the resultant oil residue is difficult to remove by wiping off or rinsing with water.

Furthermore, it is generally preferred that the make-up removing composition should also have a low degree of irritancy (i.e., be mild), not only with regard to the skin but in particular with regard to the eyes, as is required, for example, in the removal of make-up from the eyes.

EP 0 213 827 A discloses a non-foaming cleansing mousse forming emulsion packaged in a- pressurised container. The emulsion comprises a concentrate containing specified amounts of a specific non-ionic surfactant, emollient, skin moisturiser and water. A specified amount of a moderately water-soluble propellant is also present. The compositions disclosed in EP 0 213 827 A are substantially free of anionic surfactants and water insoluble propellants and do not require rinsing.

EP 0 541 347 A describes a make-up remover composition comprising specified amounts of a specific non-ionic surfactant and, optionally, an anionic surfactant electrolyte and thickener. EP 0 586 234 A discloses a foaming skin cleansing composition comprising a specific non-ionic surfactant having a certain H B value and at least one low irritant anionic surfactant .

EP 0 437 956 A describes a cleansing composition in the form of a mousse comprising a concentrate comprising a specific oil, a non-ionic emulsifier and water together with a propellant .

US 5,334,387 describes topical compositions containing admixtures of phosphate surfactant mixtures and co- surfactants .

There remains a need for make-up removal compositions that are mild, capable of effectively removing oily and waxy make-up from the skin and/or eyes and which are capable of providing a mousse with acceptable consumer properties such as, for example, creaminess, amount of foam and duration of foam.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an aqueous cosmetic composition suitable for use as a make-up remover comprising:

(a) a surfactant system comprising

(i) an alkyl sulphate surfactant;

(ii) an alkyl phosphate surfactant;

(iii) an alkyl succinate surfactant;

(iv) an amphoteric surfactant; and

(b) a propellant. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of removing make-up, which comprises applying to the skin the composition of the invention in any of the embodiments described herein.

The compositions of the present invention are suitable for topical application to the skin, particularly the face and neck of a user.

The compositions of the present invention may be used as general skin cleansers but they can be particularly suitable for removing waterproof and/or non-waterproof make-up from the skin and/or eyes .

Surprisingly, the cosmetic compositions of the present invention may produce acceptable amounts of mousse foam, even in the presence of oily materials. Moreover, the compositions of the present invention can be mild, with low irritation to the skin, yet can be capable of effectively removing waxy make-up products from the skin and/or face.

Packaged compositions according to the invention may also have a number of advantages. Thus, the combination of the composition packaged as a foamable concentrate in a sealed container having a dispensing means which forms a mousse on dispensing may prevent oxidation and degradation of the composition during storage or standing. It may also provide a means for conveniently dispensing the required amount of the composition from the container. Once dispensed, the product is more easily manipulated and distributed, compared to a low viscosity liquid.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the composition comprises the surfactant system in an amount of from 6% to 80% by weight of the total composition, more preferably from 8% to 50% by weight of the total composition.

Advantageously, the total amount of anionic surfactant (ie, alkyl sulphate, alkyl phosphate and alkyl succinate) in the surfactant system is from 6% to 80% by weight of the total composition, more preferably from 8% to 50% by weight of the total composition.

The amphoteric surfactant in the surfactant system is typically present in an amount of from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition, more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

Each of the surfactant types (i) , (ii) , (iii) and (iv) may be present in an amount of from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. Preferably, each surfactant type is present in an amount of from 1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

The term "alkyl" as used herein, includes straight chain and, for alkyl groups containing three or more carbon atoms, branched and also cycloalkyl groups . Examples of straight chain alkyl include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl . Examples of branched alkyl include isopropyl, isobutyl, and tert-butyl. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

The term "alkylene" is defined similarly to the term "alkyl" but refers to a divalent species with radicals separated by two or more (eg, from two to twelve) carbon atoms linked in a chain.

The term "alkenyl" is defined similarly to the term "alkyl" but the groups contain at least two carbon atoms and one or more carbon-carbon double bond.

The alkyl, alkylene and alkenyl groups may optionally be substituted with, for example, hydroxyl groups, carboxy ester groups, carboxamide groups, carbonyl groups, halogens, eg chlorine and bromine, amino groups and aryl groups, such as phenyl .

In the invention, the term "alkyl sulfate surfactant" may include, for example, a Cs-Ci₈, more preferably, Ci₂-Cιg alkyl sulfate or alkyl ether sulfate (including alkyl glyceryl ether sulfates) . Particularly suitable examples of alkyl ether sulfates are those having the formula:

RO(CH₂CH₂θ)_nS0₃M

wherein R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbons, preferably 12 to 18 carbons, n has an average value of greater than 1, preferably greater than 3; and M is a solubilizing cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium. Ammonium and sodium lauryl ether sulfates are preferred for use in the compositions of the invention. Sodium lauryl ether sulfate such as, for example, sold under the name Texapon N70, which can be obtained commercially from Cognis, is particularly preferred.

The term "alkyl phosphate" includes, for example, C₈-C₂₂ alkyl phosphates and phosphates, alkyl phosphate esters and alkoxyl alkyl phosphate esters. The phosphate ester may comprise aryl (EO)_x, alkyl or alkyl (EO)_x groups. It is particularly preferred if the alkyl phosphate is an alkali metal salt of a C₁₂-₁₃ alkyl phosphate such as, for example,

Arlatone MAP 230K-40, which can be obtained commercially from Uniqema. Preferably, the alkyl phosphate salt is a potassium salt.

The term "alkyl succinates" includes, for example, alkyl sulfosuccinates and alkoxylated citrate sulfosuccinates. Advantageously, the sulfosuccinates may be mono or dialkyl, e.g., C6-C22 sulfosuccinates.

For example, suitable sulfosuccinates may be monoalkyl sulfosuccinates having the formula:

R¹O₂CCH₂CH(S0₃M)C0₂M; and

amide-MEA sulfosuccinates of the formula

R¹CONHCH₂CH₂0₂CCH₂CH (SO₃M) C0₂M; and amido-MIPA sulfosuccinates of the formula

R¹CO H(CH₂)CH(CH₃) (S0₃M) C0₂M

wherein R ranges from C₈-C₂₂ alkyl and M is a solubilizing cation such as, for example, sodium, potassium or ammonium.

It is, however, particularly preferred if the alkyl succinate is disodium cocamido MIPA (mono iso-propyl amine) sulfosuccinate such as, for example, sold under the name Momamate CPA-40, which can be obtained commercially from Uniqema .

Amphoteric surfactants suitable for use in compositions of the invention include, for example, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulphobetaines (sultaines) , alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkylamphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, and acyl glutamates, wherein the alkyl and acyl groups have from 6 to 19 carbon atoms.

The amphoteric surfactants that may be used in this invention include those comprising at least one acid group. This acid group may be a carboxylic or a sulphonic acid group. The surfactants preferably include quaternary nitrogen and, therefore, are quaternary amido acids. They typically include an alkyl or alkenyl group of 7 to 18 carbon atoms . Preferably, they comply with an overall structural formula:

O R % la

R [-C- H (CH₂)n-]m-N -x-y

I I

R³

la where R is alkyl or alkenyl of 7 to 18 carbon atoms;

2 3

R and R are each independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms; n is 2 to 4;

m is 0 to 1;

x is alkylene of 1 to 3 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxyl, and

y is -CO₂ - or -SO₃-

Suitable amphoteric surfactants within the above general formula include simple betaines of formula:

R² lb I+ R -N -CH₂C0₂ I

'3b R

and amido betaines of formula: 2c

R

I I

R^1C - CONH(CH₂)m-N⁺-CH₂C02^"

I I

R^3C

where m is 2 or 3.

In the formulae R and R are alkyl or alkenyl of 7 to 18 carbons; and R , R and R and R are independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxylalkyl of 1 to 3 carbons. R lc and R may in particular be a mixture of C₁₂ and C₁₄ alkyl groups derived from coconut so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters of the groups R and R

. , 2b 2c , 3b , 3c have 10 to 14 carbon atoms. R , R and R and R are preferably methyl .

A further possibility is that the amphoteric surfactant is a sulphobetaine of formula

2d

R

.id

R -N -(CH₂)₃S0₃

3d R or .2e

R

R^lβ -CONH (CH₂) _m-N⁺- (CH₂) ₃SO3^"

I

,-,3e R

where m is 2 or 3, or variants of these in which -(CH₂)₃Sθ₃ is replaced by

OH

I -CH₂CHCH₂SO₃ ^"

In the formulae, R and R are alkyl or alkenyl of 7 to 18

2d 2e 3d , 3e , _ _ carbons; and R , R and R and R are independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxylalkyl of 1 to 3 carbons. R le and R may in particular be a mixture of C₁₂ and C₁₄ alkyl groups derived from coconut so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters of the groups R and R

2d 2e - 3d _ 3e have 10 to 14 carbon atoms. R , R and R and R are preferably methyl .

Preferably, the amphoteric surfactant of the invention comprises at least one imidazoline-based or imidazoline derivative surfactant.

By "imidazoline based or imidazoline derivative surfactants" it is meant surfactants which comprise an intermediate imidazoline ring structure during their synthesis. The imidazoline ring may be opened under the influence of hydrolysing conditions and is generally not present in the final surfactant products.

It is particularly preferred that the imidazoline-based amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkylamphoacetates, alkylamphopropionates and alkyliminopropionates, preferably wherein the alkyl groups have from 6 to 19 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include cocodimethyl sulphopropyl betaine and preferably lauryl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocamphopropionate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, disodium lauroamphodipropionate and sodium lauriminodipropionate.

It is particularly preferred if the amphoteric surfactant comprises cocamidopropyl betaine, such as, for example, as sold under the name Monateric CAB-LC, which can be obtained commercially from Uniqema and/or disodium cocoamphodiacetate such as, for example, as sold under the name Monateric CLV, which can also be obtained commercially from Uniqema.

Suitably, the weight ratio of the total amounts of (i) , (ii) and (iii) to the amount of (iv) may be in the range of from 20:1 to 1:20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1:1.

The aqueous compositions of the invention, which can optionally be in the form of an emulsion, and propellant can be filled together into a pressurised container to provide the cleansing composition of the invention, which can then be dispensed in the form of a mousse .

The compositions of the invention include an aerosol propellant that serves to expel the other materials from the container, arid forms the mousse character in mousse compositions. The aerosol propellant included in compositions of the present invention can be any liquefiable gas conventionally used for aerosol containers.

Examples of suitable propellants include dimethyl ether and hydrocarbon propellants such as propane, n-butane and isobutane, mixtures of these three propellants, such as CAP 30 (ex Calor) , hydrofluorocarbons, such as HFA 152a and 134a, chlorofluorocarbons, such as Propellants 11, 12, 114 and 22. The propellants may be used singly or admixed. Mixtures of water insoluble propellants can also be used. Water insoluble propellants, especially hydrocarbons, are preferred because they form emulsion droplets on agitation and create suitable mousse foam densities.

The amount of the propellant used is governed by normal factors well known in the aerosol art . For mousses the level of propellant is generally up to 30%, preferably from 2% to 30%, most preferably from 3% to 15% by weight based on total weight of the composition. If a propellant such as dimethyl ether includes a vapour pressure suppressant (e.g. trichloroethane or dichloromethane) , for weight percentage calculations, the amount of suppressant is included as part of the propellant. The method of preparing aerosol mousse compositions according to the invention follows conventional aerosol filling procedures. The composition ingredients (not including the propellant) are charged into a suitable pressurisable container, which is sealed and then charged with the propellant according to conventional techniques.

Aerosol hair mousse compositions are emitted from the aerosol container in the form of a foam. The foam is then typically applied to the face with, for example, fingers, a personal cleansing implement such as a sponge or wipe and can be either rinsed off with water or wiped off with, for example, a tissue or other suitable means.

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated as a liquid having a viscosity of from 10 to 2,000 mPas, as measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer using spindle 3 at 25°C.

The composition may advantageously be packaged in a suitable pressurised container from which it can be dispensed as a mousse. The container is generally fitted with a closure incorporating a valve and an actuator suitable for dispensing a mousse. Suitable containers may be made from any material, especially metal, such as, for example, aluminium or tin plate, plastics and including mixtures, laminates or other combinations of these.

Other anionic surfactants which may be included in compositions of the invention include, for example, aliphatic sulfonates, such as a primary alkane (e.g., C8-C₂₂) sulfonate, primary alkane (e.g., C8-C₂2) disulfonate, C8-C22 alkene sulfonate, C₈-C₂₂ hydroxyalkane sulfonate or alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate (AGS) , or aromatic sulfonates such as alkyl benzene sulfonate, acyl lactates, and maleates, sulphoacetates, alkyl glucosides and acyl isethionates, preferably the Cs-Cis acyl isethionates, alkyl and acyl taurates, alkyl and acyl sarcosinates and sulfoacetates.

Nonionic, cationic and zwitterionic surfactants may also optionally be used.

Nonionic surfactants include in particular the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide .

Specific nonionic detergent compounds are alkyl (C₆-C₂₂) phenols-ethylene oxide condensates, the condensation products of aliphatic (Cs-Ciβ) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, and products made by condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction products of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine . Other so-called nonionic detergent compounds include long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides and dialkyl sulphoxides. The nonionic may also be a sugar amide, such as a polysaccharide amide. Specifically, the surfactant may be one of the lactobionamides described in U.S. Patent No. 5,389,279 to Au et al . which is hereby incorporated by reference or it may be one of the sugar amides described in Patent No. 5,009,814 to Kelkenberg, hereby incorporated into the subject application by reference.

Other surfactants which may be used are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,723,325 to Parran Jr. and alkyl polysaccharide nonionic surfactants as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,565,647 to Llenado, both of which are also incorporated into the subject application by reference.

Suitable cationic surfactants that can be incorporated are alkyl substituted quaternary ammonium halide salts e.g. bis (hydrogenated tallow) dimethylammonium chlorides, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, benzalkonium chlorides and dodecylmethylpolyoxyethylene ammonium chloride and amine and imidazoline salts for e.g. primary, secondary and tertiary amine hydrochlorides and imidazoline hydrochlorides .

Suitable zwitterionic surfactants that optionally can be employed are derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, sulphonium and phosphonium compounds having an aliphatic radical of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and an aliphatic radical substituted by an anionic water-solubilising group, for instance 3- (N-N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonium) propane-1- sulphonate betaine, 3- (dodecylmethyl sulphonium) propane-1- sulphonate betaine and 3- (cetylmethylphosphonium) ethane sulphonate betaine. The amounts of additional surfactant will generally be in the range of from 0.01% to 10%, more preferably 0.1% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition is substantially free of non-ionic surfactants. By "substantially free" it is meant that the composition contains a non-ionic surfactant in an amount of less than 1% by weight of the total composition, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.01% by weight of the total composition. Ideally, no non-ionic surfactant is present .

The compositions of the invention can optionally comprise a benefit agent in an amount of from 0.1% to 40%, preferably from 1% to 20%, more preferably from 2% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

The benefit agent may be a single benefit agent component or it may be a benefit agent compound added via a carrier.

Further, the benefit agent composition may be a mixture of two or more compounds one or all of which may have a beneficial aspect. In addition, the benefit agent itself may act as a carrier for other components one may wish to add to the composition.

The benefit agent can be an "emollient oil" by which is meant a substance which softens the skin (stratum corneum) by increasing into water content and keeping it soft by retarding decrease of water content. Preferred emollients include:

(a) silicone oils, gums and modifications thereof such as linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes; amino, alkyl, alkylaryl and aryl silicone oils;

(b) fats and oils including natural fats and oils such as jojoba, soybean, rice bran, avocado, almond, olive, sesame, persic, castor, coconut, mink oils; cacao fat; beef tallow, lard; hardened oils obtained by hydrogenating the aforementioned oils; and synthetic mono, di and triglycerides such as myristic acid glyceride and 2-ethylhexanoic acid glyceride ;

(c) waxes such as carnauba, spermaceti, beeswax, lanolin and derivatives thereof;

(d) hydrophobic plant extracts;

(e) hydrocarbons such as liquid paraffins, vaseline, macrocrystalline wax, ceresin, squalene, pristan and mineral oil; (f) higher fatty acids such as lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, behenic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, lanolic, isostearic and poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ;

(g) higher alcohols such as lauryl, cetyl, stearyl, oleyl, behenyl, cholesterol and 2-hexadecanol alcohol;

(h) esters such as cetyl octanoate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl adipate, butyl stearate, decyl oleate, cholesterol isostearate, glycerol monostearate, glycerol distearate, glycerol tristearate, alkyl lactate, alkyl citrate and alkyl tartrate; (i) essential oils such as mentha, jasmine, camphor, white cedar, bitter orange peel, ryu, turpentine, cinnamon, bergamot, citrus unshiu, calamus, pine, lavender, bay, clove,' hiba, eucalyptus, lemon, starflower, thyme, peppermint, rose, sage, menthol, cineole, eugenol, citral, citronelle, borneol, linalool, geraniol, evening primrose, camphor, thymol, spirantol, penene, limonene and terpenoid oils; (j) lipids such as cholesterol, ceramides, sucrose esters and pseudo-ceramides as described in

European Patent Specification No. 556,957; (k) vitamins such as vitamin A and E, and vitamin alkyl esters, including those vitamin C alkyl esters; (1) sunscreens such as octyl methoxyl cinnamate

(Parsol MCX) and butyl methoxy benzoylmethane (Parsol 1789) ;

(m) phospholipids; and

(n) mixtures of any of the foregoing components.

A particularly preferred benefit agent is silicone, preferably silicones having viscosity greater than about

10,000 centipoise at 25°C. The silicone may be a gum and/or it may be a mixture of silicones. One example is polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of about 60,000 centistokes at 25°C. Other particularly preferred emollients include, for example, isopropyl isostearate, such as, for example, sold under the name Prisorine 2021 which may be obtained commercially from Uniqema. The compositions of the invention may also benefit from the introduction of other skin conditioning agents such as, for example, phospholipids . A particularly preferred phospholipid is polysiloxy linoleyl pyrrolidone phospholipid, such as, for example, as sold under the name Arlasilk phospholipid pin and which can be obtained commercially from Uniqema.

A combined surfactant and silicone phospholipid, such as, for example, polysiloxy linoleyl pyrrolidone phospholipid may provide a surfactant functionality which is easier to formulate. In addition, the silicone functionality provides sensorial benefits. The use of a silicone phospholipid may improve the physical and sensorial qualities of the foam.

Preferably, the phospholipid is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the total composition, more preferably in an amount of from 1% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

Additional moisturisers for such cosmetic compositions may be chosen from mineral and vegetable oils, hydroxyethylcellulose derivatives, glycerol, glycols, polyhydric alcohols and sorbitol amongst others.

Humectants of the polyhydric alcohol-type may also be included in the compositions of the present invention. The hu ectant helps to increase the effectiveness of the emollient, reduces scaling, stimulates removal of built-up scale and generally improves skin feel .

Typical polyhydric alcohols include glycerol, polyalkylene glycols and more preferably alkylene polyols and their derivatives, including propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof, sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, isoprene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1, 2 , 6-hexanetriol, ethoxylated glycerol, propoxylated glycerol and mixtures thereof . The amount of humectant may range anywhere from about 0.5 to about 30%, preferably between 1 and 15% by weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compositions of the invention comprise glycerin in an amount of 1% or less, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.01% by weight. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition contains no glycerin.

Thickeners/viscosifiers in amounts of up to about 5% by weight of the composition may also be included. The skilled person would appreciate that the precise amount of thickener required may vary depending upon the consistency and thickness of the composition desired. Suitable thickeners include xanthan gum, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyalkyl and alkyl celluloses (particularly hydroxypropyl cellulose) , sclerotium gum and polyacrylamide dispersions in isoparaffin such as those sold by Seppic Inc. under the Sepigel 305 trademark. Preferably, the pH of the cosmetic composition of the invention is in the range of from 5 to 8, more preferably 5.5 to 7.

The aqueous cosmetic compositions of the invention may contain a variety of further optional components suitable for rendering the compositions more aesthetically acceptable or to aid use, including discharge from the container, of the product .

Such conventional optional ingredients are well known to those skilled in the art, e.g. fatty alcohols such as cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, pH adjusting agents such as citric acid, succinic acid, sodium hydroxide and triethanolamine, colouring agents such as any of the FD&C or D&C dyes, perfume oils, chelating agents such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, and polymer plasticising agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol .

Preservatives may desirably be incorporated into the cosmetic compositions of the present invention to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Suitable traditional preservatives include alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzόic acid. Other preservatives that have more recently come into use include hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds .

Particularly preferred preservatives are disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, methyl paraben, butyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidinyl urea (commercially available as Germall 1157), sodium dehydroacetate and benzyl alcohol. The preservatives are preferably employed in amounts ranging from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

Compositions of the present invention may also include a variety of soothing or anti-irritant ingredients, such as, for example, herbal extracts or mixes in an effective amount .

Suitable anti-irritancy agents include gluconolactone, borage seed oil, wild borage, dextran, alpha-bisabolol (extracted from chamomille) , azulene (extracted from yarrow) , resveratrol, petroselenic acid and combinations thereof. Each of these can be present at levels ranging from about 0.0001 to about 5%, preferably from about 0.001 to about 1%, optimally from about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight of the composition.

Herbal extracts may also be included as components of the composition and are particularly effective for controlling the level of sebum/oil. Suitable extracts include dill, horseradish, oats, neem, beet, broccoli, tea, pumpkin, soybean, barley, walnut, flax, ginseng, poppy, avocado, pea, sesame, dandelion, wheat, nettle, cashew, pineapple, apple, asparagus, Brazil nut, chickpea, grapefruit, orange, cucumber, buckwheat, strawberry, ginko, tomato, blueberry, cowpea or grape extracts.

Other suitable herbal extracts include ivy horse chestnut, centella asiatica, rosmarinic acid, sericoside, ruscogenin, escin, escolin, betulinic acid, catechin and derivatives thereof. These may be present in amounts ranging from about 0.00001 to about 2%, preferably between about 0.01 and about 0.5% by weight of the composition.

Colorants and fragrances may also be included in the compositions of the present invention. These may be present in amounts ranging from about 0.05 to about 5%, preferably between about 0.1 and about 3% by weight of the composition.

Compositions of the present invention will also include water (preferably distilled or deionised) , as a solvent or carrier for the other components. Water will typically be present in amounts ranging from 30% to 98%, preferably from 60% to 95%, most preferably from 70% to 95% by weight based on total weight.

All of the components mentioned herein may be obtained from commercial sources or manufactured or isolated from natural sources according to any of the methods known in the art .

The following examples will more fully illustrate embodiments of this invention, which are not to be considered limited thereto. All parts, percentages and proportions referred to herein and in the appended claims are by weight unless otherwise indicated. EXAMPLES

EXAMPLES 1 and 2

The invention is illustrated by the following examples, which illustrate compositions according to the present invention

Example 3

Comparative Experiment

The compositions of Examples 1 and 2 were compared with a comparative sample, Pond's Tsuru-Tsuru Whipping, a make-up cleansing foam from Japan, to assess their relative make-up removal efficacy.

Procedure and Results

The above three samples were evaluated against a long lasting make-up product using the following protocol:

Subjects: 10-30 subjects, male and female.

Test materials: Mascara: Revlon Colorstay Lashcolor -

Blackest Black Makeup remover products (Compositions of

Example 1, Example 2 and Comparative Example)

Measurements: Minolta CR-10 Chromameter set to the L*, a*, b* color system

Visual grading of the amount of colour cosmetic in the skin using the following scale:

0 = None

= Questionable; trace with spotty coverage 1 = Trace with uniform coverage

2 = Slight with uniform coverage

3 = Moderate with uniform coverage

4 = Heavy with uniform coverage

Procedure :

1. Two or three 3.5 x 2.5cm areas are marked on the inner forearm. Four or six sites are marked per subject.

2. The first readings are taken (CLEAN) .

3. Colour make-up is applied to the marked area in a manner consistent with its use. Cosmetics are applied in a standardized way to ensure that approximately equal weights of products are transferred and that coverage of the test area is uniform. Make-up is allowed to dry or set for 10 minutes. Mascara - Spread uniformly, using spatula for even coverage.

4. Twelve minutes after make-up application, the second readings are taken (MAKE-UP) .

5. Make-up is removed from each site using the specified test article, rubbing with circular motion for 20 seconds. The cream is removed from the skin using a clean tissue (3 wipes) .

6. The final readings are taken (REMOVED) The product efficacy was calculated using the following formulae :

Percent Removed (Chromameter) =

2 2 2 L ( iJMake p " •'-'Removed) + ( <3-M_akeup " &RemovedJ + Makeup " t>Removed.) J

X 100

2 2 2

^"V [ ( Li akeup ~ L Clean) + ^Makeup ~ &Clean) + (b a eup ~ bclean) J

Percent Removed (Visual) =

(^Makeup ~ ^-Removed / / ( ^Makeup - Xclean 2C 100

Product Assignment:

An assignment schedule is used to rotate the test materials across the six test sites.

The following table shows the samples tested and the percentage of efficacy to remove mascara (Chromameter measurements and visual scores) . The number of panelists was 10 for each sample.

The values for make-up removal calculated from the chromameter readings and from a visual evaluation were broadly similar.

The values in the above table show that the compositions of the present invention are effective at removing long lasting make-up products, such as mascara. In addition, the compositions of the present invention performed well compared to a known make-up removing composition. Indeed, the composition of Example 2 was particularly effective at removing mascara.

Also, the compositions of the above examples provide superior make-up removal performance compared to other makeup removal compositions currently on the market. Example 4: Mildness and skin irritation tests

Procedure and results

Subjects: 12, all female.

All subjects evaluated the compositions of Examples 1 and 2 to remove eyelash mascara, following their usual make-up removal routine.

The presentation of the compositions was randomised amongst the subjects who were questioned regarding the performance of the compositions for skin irritation.

The sequential for preference test was processed using Friedman analysis and frequency tables.

The compositions were evaluated on a scale from moderate irritation to non-irritating.

No significant differences were found among the compositions with respect to eye or skin irritation at 95% confidence level.

The compositions of the present invention were found to have comparable mildness to the skin and/or eyes when compared with the subject's usual products for removing make-up from their eyes .

Claims

1. An aqueous composition suitable for use as a make-up remover comprising: (a) a surfactant system comprising (i) an alkyl sulphate surfactant; (ii) an alkyl phosphate surfactant; (iii) an alkyl succinate surfactant; (iv) an amphoteric surfactant; (b) a propellant; and

(c) a combined surfactant and silicone phospholipid.

2. A composition according to Claim 1, in which the total amount of anionic surfactant in the surfactant system is from 6 to 80% by weight of the total composition.

3. A composition according to Claim 1, in which each surfactant is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 20% by weight of the total composition.

4. A composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 , in which the weight ratio of the total amounts of (i) , (ii) and

(iii) to the amount of (iv) is in the range of from 20:1 to 1:20.

5. A composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 , which comprises a skin benefit agent.

6. A composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the composition further comprises a humectant.

7. A composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the propellant is present in an amount of from 2 to 30% by weight of the total composition.

8. A composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, which is packaged in a pressurised container.

9. A composition according to Claim 8, in which the container is made from metal .

10. A method of removing make-up which comprises applying to the skin a composition of any one of Claims 1 to 9.