Cosmetic component including water soluble fiber

Abstract

A cosmetic component is produced by dispersing in water a water-soluble fiber composed of about 4 to 6 weight percent beta glucan, about 1 to 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to 94 weight percent carbohydrates and less than 8 weight percent protein. The fiber composition forms a dispersion (e.g., a first paste or gel) with the hot water, which is mixed for about 1 to 5 minutes. Following mixing, the paste is cooled and then combined with one or more stable cosmetic components to form a cosmetic product. One novel cosmetic component useful with the invention is composed of: (a) about 4.0 to about 8.0 percent water by weight; (b) about 4.5 to about 5.5 percent beta-glucan by weight; (c) less than 8.0 percent protein by weight; (d) about 2.0 to 3.0 percent ash by weight; (e) about 1.0 to about 5.0 percent fat by weight; and (f) about 80 to about 94 percent carbohydrate by weight.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to cosmetic compositions, and more specifically to the use of water-soluble fiber in cosmetic compositions.

Components of a cosmetic product must have certain qualities in order to be useful in a cosmetic product. For example, cosmetic compositions typically contain mineral oil and/or petroleum due to the beneficial or pleasant tactile effects or sensations that these compositions impart when placed on the skin.

In general, a cosmetic product must have a smooth, rich and lubricous feel that is not slick or greasy. A cosmetic product must be non-irritating. Depending on the final product, a cosmetic must possess ease of absorption into the skin and must meet certain viscosity requirements. A cosmetic must be easily rinsed off of skin with water. Also, typically a cosmetic must have (a) a minimal amount of tackiness both upon application to the skin and upon drying of the cosmetic, (b) a moist feel, and (c) lack of abrasiveness. The properties listed above may be called the "beneficial tactile effects" of a cosmetic product. Finally, a cosmetic must contain no pathogens or gram-negative bacteria, the principal causative agents of numerous well-known bacterial infections. A cosmetic product, in fact, must meet even more stringent requirements than food in this last regard.

Useful cosmetic components are desired for addition to cosmetics for other specific characteristics, in addition to tactile effects, that these components are able to impart. These attributes include, for example: suspension properties, emulsion stabilizing properties, and viscosity building properties.

Types of cosmetic products for which these properties are desirable include the following: lotions, make-up, hand cleaners, shampoos, hair conditioners, shave creams, moisturizers, after-shave lotions, acne preparations, cleansers, soaps, deodorant sticks, bath products, and other personal care products.

Suspension properties include the ability to uniformly disperse very small particles in a liquid medium. A cosmetic component useful for its ability to suspend solids must have the ability to suspend the solid requiring excessive viscosity. If excessive viscosity is required, this may render useless the cosmetic product for which the suspending agent is desired. In addition, the viscosity of useful components must not increase greatly over the long-term passage of time, as is encountered with many clays which are used for their suspending properties, in order to allow for a reasonable shelf life for the cosmetic product. The suspended solid or particles must also not tend to precipitate over the passage of time. Further, a useful component must have beneficial tactile effects when applied to the skin, must be temperature stable, and must not suppress the formation of foam in products where foam is desirable.

It has been attempted to use magnesium aluminum silicate or gels of carbomers as a suspending agent. However, in certain circumstances, results have been unsatisfactory because carbomers cannot be used due to the incompatibility of ionic cleansing agents with carbomer resins.

It is desirable to replace mineral oil and/or petroleum, typically found in cosmetic products, with other compounds because of the growing desire to offer consumers products that are "oil-free" and "fat-free" due to the negative manner in which oils are perceived by the public relating to health and beauty aids. In addition, mineral oil increases the clogging of skin pores, which may lead to the formation of skin eruptions or a condition known as "comedogenicity." Also, in the absence of mineral oil, a cosmetic product may afford greater water washability and attract less dirt onto the skin. Further, a cosmetic product lacking mineral oil or petroleum may also feel cleaner or lighter to the user.

Compounds such as esters, polyethylene glycol compounds, and corn oil have been utilized to avoid the use of mineral oil and/or petroleum. However, results with these compounds have been unsatisfactory for a number of reasons, including, at times, a higher cost based on a comparison of (a) finished-formula costs or (b) performance-level costs. Also, in certain instances, the above-mentioned compounds may require more careful formulation to obtain the requisite stability.

Silicone shampoos represent a recent development in the conditioning shampoo market. A useful conditioner, for example, must afford the hair advantageous wet combing and dry combing characteristics. However, silicones which condition the hair usually put demands on the shampoo system which may require compromises. For example, the silicone must remain dispersed throughout the shampoo over the shelf life of the product. This requires a carefully formulated system and may require special processing equipment. In addition, a useful shampoo must have a sufficient foaming ability. However, because silicone conditioners are foam suppressants, a silicone-containing shampoo has to be formulated to overcome this problem, and even with a formulation which attempts to compensate for the suppression of foam, in almost all products the foaming is likely to be compromised. A conditioning component must also have the beneficial properties discussed herein, including beneficial tactile effects and stability over the shelf life of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome one or more of the problems described above.

Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic product having beneficial tactile effects and which lacks mineral oil and/or petroleum and/or effectively reduce the amount of mineral oil and/or petroleum required in a given formulation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and useful cosmetic component having beneficial suspension properties.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new and useful cosmetic component which acts as an epidermal conditioner.

The invention relates to the production of cosmetic products generally, and more specifically, to the production of cosmetic products containing a water-soluble fiber based cosmetic component.

According to a method recited by the present invention, a cosmetic component is produced by first dispersing in hot water a water-soluble fiber composed of about 4 to 6 weight percent beta glucan, about 1 to 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to 94 weight percent carbohydrates, and less than about 8 weight percent protein. After the water-soluble fiber forms a dispersion (e.g., a first paste or gel) with the hot water, the dispersion is mixed for 1 to 5 minutes. Following mixing, the product is cooled and then combined with one or more other stable cosmetic components to form a cosmetic product.

The invention also recites a novel cosmetic component comprising: (a) about 4.0 to about 8.0 percent water by weight; (b) about 4.5 to about 5.5 percent beta-glucan by weight; (c) less than 8.0 percent protein by weight; (d) about 2.0 to 3.0 percent ash by weight; (e) about 1.0 to about 5.0 percent fat by weight; and (f) about 80 to about 94 percent carbohydrate by weight. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the water soluble of the cosmetic component may be modified by (a) propoxylation, (b) ethoxylation, (c) quarternization or (d) fatty acid condensation to enhance the fiber's cosmetic properties. It is expected that quarternization will facilitate the substantivity and static reduction of the cosmetic component, while propoxylation, ethoxylation and fatty acid condensation will enhance the surface wetting characteristics of the cosmetic components.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the methods and products claimed and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses the production of a cosmetic product containing a water-soluble fiber cosmetic component. The cosmetic based component is produced in accordance with the invention from a suitable composition. Suitable fiber compositions for use with the present invention may be derived from a modified oat flour produced by the method disclosed in Inglett U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,673, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The fiber composition preferably used in conjunction with the invention is a mixed linkage of beta-glucan of oat endosperm which is unbranched polysaccharides composed of (1.fwdarw.4) and (1.fwdarw.3) linked beta-D-glucopyranosyl units of varying proportions. This polysaccharide is found in tissue of many cereals besides oat, including barley, rye grass, bamboo, mung bean, numerous lichens and a variety of different grasses. The composition of this polysaccharide generally is made up of approximately 70% 1.fwdarw.4 linked and 30% 1.fwdarw.3 linked beta-D-glucopyranosyl units. Whole oat flour is composed of about 3 to 4 weight percent fat, about 12 to 16 weight percent protein, with the balance being carbohydrate or starch.

The hydrolysis of oat flour (starch) involves the cleavage of the starch amylose and amylopectin chains with alpha-amylase at elevated temperatures. This reaction results in a fiber liquid fraction and an insoluble fiber protein, lipid complex. Upon completion of the reaction period, the enzyme is inactivated by either high temperature and/or low pH conditions. Starch of this nature occurs in a granular form. Starch granules are insoluble in cold water, but if they are disrupted by grinding they will swell in cold water and gel. If an intact starch granule is treated with warm water, a soluble portion of starch will diffuse out. In hot water the granules swell to a point that they burst. Generally, starch contains approximately 20% amylose, which is a water soluble fraction, and 80% amylopectin, which is water insoluble. However, when amylose and amylopectin are hydrolyzed with alpha-amylose, the resulting components are water insoluble, low molecular weight polysaccharides or maltose, D-glucose and B-glucan. After hydrolysis and enzyme inactivation, the insolubles are removed through centrifugation, leaving the soluble fraction rich in low dextrose equivalent maltodextrins and 5% B-glucan.

Oat gums which contain B-D-glucan have been identified as a potentially valuable industrial hydrocolloid and as an important dietary component with potential therapeutic value. Recent clinical and animal studies have shown the value of soluble oat fiber in regulating glucose metabolism and the reduction of serum cholesterol in humans.

According to the present invention, a cosmetic component is preferably produced by first dispersing in hot water a water-soluble fiber composition composed of about 4 to 6 weight percent beta glucan, about 1 to 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to 94 weight percent carbohydrates, and less than about 8 weight percent protein. After the water-soluble dispersion (e.g., a first paste or gel) forms a paste with the hot water, the dispersion is mixed for 1 to 5 minutes. Following mixing, the dispersion is cooled and then combined with one or more stable cosmetic components to form a cosmetic product.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water-soluble fiber composition has the following composition:

TABLE I______________________________________moisture 4.0-8.0 wt. %mineral (ash) 2.0-3.0 wt. %fat (ether extract) 1.0-5.0 wt. %protein 0.1-8.0 wt. % max.beta-glucan 4.5-5.5 wt. %______________________________________

This fiber composition, typically in the form of a powder, has a talc-like feel and a color that is close to beige. The composition is easy to handle and store. In aqueous solution, the fiber composition is cloudy due to the trace of fat in its composition and has a brown or yellow tint. The odor of the fiber composition is pleasant, similar to the odor of oatmeal. The composition has a low microorganism count measure by a total plate count of less than 100 per gram, which is necessary for materials used in cosmetics. The fiber composition has no gram-negative bacteria and no pathogens.

The above-described fiber composition is commercially available from the Specialty Grain Products Company, a subsidiary of ConAgra, under the trade name TRIM CHOICE.TM.. In preparing the cosmetic component of the invention, the fiber composition, in the form of a powder, is preferably dispersed in boiling water at a temperature of about 100.degree. C (handling problems result at higher temperatures). This dispersion (e.g., a first paste or gel) is then mixed in a Waring blender for about 1 to 5 minutes, preferably about 2 minutes. This mixing process is a standard procedure performed with a commercially-available blender on medium-high speed. The hot water and mixing will form a first paste or gel.

After mixing, the first paste or gel may be chilled to about 4.degree. C. (40.degree. F.) or until a desired viscosity is achieved. Viscosity is preferably measured with a Brookfield Viscometer, which has a rotating spindle. Preferably, the viscosity will be between about 100 centipoise (very watery) and 200,000 centipoise (a hard paste), however the desired viscosity depends both on (a) the cosmetic product in which the final product will be utilized and (b) handling considerations. After this step, the product may be described as a "second paste, second gel" "fiber component" or a "cosmetic component."

The cosmetic component or fiber component is then combined with one or more stable cosmetic compounds to form a cosmetic product. It has been surprisingly found that when the fiber component is combined with one or more stable cosmetic compounds, the fiber component provides the cosmetic product with excellent tactile effects, and may be used as a substitute for oils, fats, waxes and petrolatum in cosmetic products.

Products which may be produced according to the present invention include the following: lotions, make-up, hand cleaners, shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos, hair conditioners, shave creams, moisturizers, after-shave lotion, acne preparations, cleansers, soaps, deodorant sticks, bath products, and other personal care products. Products produced by the present invention have exhibited the following qualities: safety; non-irritating to the skin; cost-competitiveness; ease of formulation; suitable tactile effects; cleaner, lighter feeling than oil-based compositions; and the ability to suspend solids without precipitation following the passage of time.

As a food product, the fiber component is considered as "GRAS" ("Generally Regarded As Safe"). The fiber component produced according to the present invention is also safe for use in cosmetics. Topical application, as shown by repeat insult patch testing on humans, is non-toxic. The fiber component is also non-cytotoxic and non-irritating to the eye, as shown by testing with an in-vitro Advanced Tissue Sciences Skin Model ZK 1300. Ingestion of the fiber component is also non-toxic, as shown by feeding studies run on animals. In addition, the fiber component is non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The fiber component has also been tested by in-vitro skin model work.

The fiber useful with the invention is soluble in water, however, it forms cloudy solutions due to the small proportion of fat and protein present as part of its composition. The fiber is also soluble in glycerine at up to a concentration of 2 percent. A solution formed with glycerine is also cloudy. At levels exceeding 2 percent, the fiber begins to disperse itself in the glycerine with a proportional rise in viscosity.

The fiber composition of the present invention is referred to as RITAVENA 5 by the assignee of the application.

Table II illustrates the solubility of the fiber component in various solvents.

TABLE II__________________________________________________________________________SOLUBILITYRITAVENA 5 SolventsConcentration Mineral Propylene Corn Ethyl Isopropyl(%) Oil Glycol Oil Alcohol Alcohol Glycerin Water__________________________________________________________________________0.5% Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Soluble Soluble (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (With Haze) (With Haze) tates) tates) tates) tates) tates) Thin, Whitish Haze Hazy Faintly Yellow Gel2% Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Soluble Soluble (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (With Haze) (With Haze) tates) tates) tates) tates) tates) Thicker, Whitish Haze Hazy Yellow Gel10% Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Dispersed Cloudy (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- Well Gel tates) tates) tates) tates) tates) Thick, Yellowish Hazy Yellow- Haze Orange Gel20% Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Dispersed Cloudy (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- (precipi- Well Gel tates) tates) tates) tates) tates) V. Thick Yellow- Hazy Dark Orange Haze Yellow/ Orange Gel__________________________________________________________________________

At room temperature, the viscosity of the aqueous fiber solution increases slightly up to a concentration of about 12 percent and then increases rapidly between concentrations of 12 percent and 25 percent. Table III illustrates the relationship of viscosity to concentration of a water solution of the fiber. It can be seen that a firmer gel forms when samples are allowed to equilibrate at the lower temperature.

TABLE III______________________________________Concentra- Viscosity Viscosity Spindletion (cps) Spindle (cps) (RVF(% RITA- (Cooled (RVF (Cooled Brook-VENA 5) at 2.degree. C.) Brookfield) at 4.4.degree. C.) field)______________________________________ .5% 7.5 cps #1 @ 20 8.75 cps #1 @ 20 2% 10.0 cps 13.75 cps 5% 37.5 cps 67.5 cps10% 165 cps 185 cps12.5% 260 cps 325 cps12.5% 320 cps TA @ 10 500 cps TA @ 1015% 2,600 cps 4,400 cps18% 45,000 cps TE @ 10 TE @ 1020% 50,000 cps 170,000 cps25% 265,000 cps 480,000 cps______________________________________

The viscosity of a water solution of the fiber is also dependent upon temperature. A 20 percent water solution was prepared and viscosities were taken at various temperatures as the sample was allowed to warm from 4.degree. C. to 37.8.degree. C. The results are shown below in Table IV. All viscosities were run at the temperatures indicated on a Brookfield viscometer with spindle #TB at 10 rpm.

TABLE IV______________________________________Temperature (.degree.F.) Viscosity (cps)______________________________________40.degree. 28,50060.degree. 27,20070.degree. 25,200100.degree. 16,800______________________________________

Swelling of materials at refrigerated temperatures (4.degree. C.) does not represent a practical approach for manufacturing purposes. Therefore, the time necessary to reach equilibrium viscosity by storage at room temperature was determined. The equilibrium was reached after one week. The results from this study are shown in Table V. This work demonstrates that finished formula viscosities will be expected to increase with time over a seven day period before completely equilibrating. All viscosities were run at room temperature on a Brookfield RVF viscometer with spindle TE at 10 rpm.

TABLE V______________________________________A 25% solution comprising the cosmetic component of thepresent invention was made utilizing water warmed to 100.degree. C.The solution was subsequently cooled to 25.degree. C. Viscosities weretaken @ 25.degree. C. after 24 hour time periods.Hrs. Viscosity (Cps)______________________________________24 116,25048 166,875 30% increase72 196,250 15% increase96 237,500 17% increase1 week 272,500 12% increase1 week+ stable______________________________________

Three 20% solutions utilizing the fiber composition of the present invention were made utilizing water warmed to 100.degree. C. The solutions were subsequently cooled at 4.4.degree. C. for 3-4 hrs. One sample was then stored at each of the following three temperatures: 40.degree., 70.degree., and 110.degree. F. Viscosities were read after 24 hour time intervals. All viscosities were run at temperature indicated (see Table VI).

TABLE VI______________________________________Time Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3(hrs) 40.degree. F. 70.degree. F. 110.degree. F.Viscosities (cps)______________________________________24 242,000 24,400 12,30048 333,000 37,000 11,50072 440,000 46,000 12,500______________________________________

Viscosity is also dependent upon the pH of the water solution of the fiber of the present invention. Twenty percent fiber solutions were prepared at 100.degree. C. and conditioned at 4.degree. C. for 16 hours and then allowed to come to room temperature. Six samples were prepared at pH values indicated in Table VII. The viscosities were measured on a Brookfield RVF viscometer with spindle TC at 10 rpm. Within the range tested (4.6-8.8) the pH was not considered to have any real effect upon the viscosities of the systems. The results are shown in Table VII.

TABLE VII______________________________________ pH Viscosity (cps)______________________________________ 4.6 47,600 5.0 49,500 5.8 58,000 6.9 54,500 8.4 50,500 8.8 73,000______________________________________

The fiber component described above may be combined with other stable cosmetic components to form various cosmetic products. There are at least three areas of application for the fiber component of the invention, which will now be described.

CATEGORY 1

Tactile Effects

The beneficial, novel tactile effects of the fiber component, i.e. the "feel" of the fiber component, will allow the fiber component to replace mineral oil, waxes, fats, petroleum, and other hydrocarbon-containing oils in cosmetic products, while still furnishing suitable tactile effects to the cosmetic product. The fiber component may be used at about 0.5 to 15.0 weight percent, preferably about 1 to 3 weight percent, based on the weight of the cosmetic product.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the fiber component is used in conjunction with certain "carbomer" gels. A carbomer is an acrylate with cross-linking, and may be described as lacking cohesiveness with all other materials, including the carbomer itself. One such carbomer is sold commercially under the trade name of ACRITAMER.RTM. by the R.I.T.A. Corporation, the co-assignee of this application. Carbomers which may be used in accordance with the present invention include the following CTFA-designated carbomers: 940, 934 and 941, and preferably carbomer 940. Carbomer gels do not hold together well, and particles of gel will break apart from each other and will run off the skin. However, when the fiber component is used in conjunction with a carbomer for use in a cosmetic product, a gel results that has a much more cohesive and workable feel than that of a carbomer alone. The addition of the fiber also (a) increases the viscosity and (b) gives the mixture an excellent slip which has the feel of an emollient oil rather than a water based gum. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fiber component is used in conjunction with both a carbomer (at about 1%) and carboxy methyl cellulose (at about 0.1%).

A number of cosmetic products were made in accordance with the present invention in which the fiber component provided beneficial tactile effects after combination with one or more stable cosmetic components. The results are contained in Tables VIII-XIV.

In a very simple system, the cosmetic component (0.5 to 5.0% composition of "RITAVENA 5") was used in conjunction with 1% ACRITAMER 934 (Carbomer 934). The texture at 1% each of ACRITAMER 934 and RITAVENA 5 was similar by tactile observation to white petrolatum. By actual measurement with a Brookfield Viscometer, the petrolatum was found to be heavier. (See Table VIII.)

TABLE VIII______________________________________WATER BASED "PETROLATUM"SAMPLE % %NO. ACRITAMER 934 RITAVENA 5 VISCOSITY______________________________________111-123 1.0 5.0 54,000 cps*111-106 60,000 cps*111-122 1.0 4.0 60,000 cps*111-109 58,000 cps*111-121 1.0 3.0 67,000 cps*111-108 64,000 cps*111-120 1.0 2.0 68,000 cps*111-107 66,000 cps*111-119 1.0 1.0 61,000 cps*111-47 56,000 cps*111-117 1.0 1.0 70,000 cps*111-101 66,000 cps*111-118 1.0 0.5 64,000 cps*111-102 63,000 cps*______________________________________ As compared to: PETROLATUM (WITCO WHITE PROTOPET #1S) (viscosity = 130,000 cps) *Spindle 7, Speed 20, RVF Brookfield

The addition of RITAVENA 5 had many positive effects on the consistency of the 1% ACRITAMER 934 gel:

1. Added cohesiveness: Carbomer gels do not hold together well. Particles of gel will break apart from each other and the product will run off the skin. The addition of RITAVENA 5 makes the product cohesive. It adheres to itself and to surfaces which it comes in contact with. 2. Viscosity enhancement. There is an additive effect on viscosity between the ACRITAMER and the RITAVENA 5. 3. Slip. The resulting blends have excellent slip. They feel like a gel of emollient oil rather than a water based gum.

As a result of these benefits, the feel of oil based systems can be replicated or improved upon while maintaining the ease of rub out, lack of greasiness and water miscibility of the RITAVENA 5 systems.

A panel test was run on the gel described earlier with 1% RITAVENA 5 and 1% ACRITAMER 934 against petrolatum. Questions were asked about product preference. As shown in Table IX, it can be seen that the aqueous RITAVENA 5 gel was preferred in all areas. It is especially noteworthy that the RITAVENA 5 gel was preferred for feel and ease of application.

These effects seem to translate well to more sophisticated formulas. An emulsion facial cleanser was prepared with 8% mineral oil and compared with a non-mineral oil formula with 3% RITAVENA 5. The RITAVENA 5 system was preferred 75% to 25% over the mineral oil system with regard to:

which felt more luxurious which rinsed easier from the skin which lotion felt better after the skin was rinsed which lotion left the skin feeling better after it had dried. TABLE IX______________________________________HAND LOTION PANEL TEST(Aqueous Cream Vehicle)Participants were asked: "Please evaluate the given handlotions by applying them one at a time, and then answering thequestions below:"SAMPLE "R" 1% ACRITAMER "Q" and 1% RITAVENA 5 Petrolatum Blend______________________________________1) Which lotion felt 0% 100% more luxurious?2) Which lotion was 0% 100% easier to apply (to rub into the skin)?3) Which lotion had less 0% 100% tackiness when applied?4) Which lotion had less 0% 100% tackiness after drying?5) Which lotion felt 11% 89% better after drying?6) Appearance wise, 0% 100% which lotion do you prefer?______________________________________

Table X lists the composition of six samples of a novel moisturizer prepared in accordance with the present invention. Testing of the moisturizer samples showed satisfactory performance. In X-b and X-c, the moisturizers were characterized by the substantial absence of mineral oil. That is, the compositions contain less than 5% by weight mineral oil other than oil that was unintentionally or inadvertently added through addition of other components. In X-a, X-d, X-e and X-f, various amounts of mineral oil were added to the compositions to demonstrate the partial replacement of mineral oil in water in oil emulsion systems. The resulting compositions showed reduced greasiness with excellent feel and rub characteristics.

TABLE X__________________________________________________________________________ X-a X-b X-c X-d X-e X-f__________________________________________________________________________Mineral Oil 24.75 -- -- 24.75 13.00 18.00Lanolin X-tra Deo 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00Octyl Dimethyl PABA 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50Beeswax 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00RITAVENA B5 1.50 1.50 5.00 -- 1.50 5.00Borax 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.30 0.50DL Panthenol 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10Sorbitan Monooleate 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80Color 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06Kathon CG 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20Distilled Water 63.84 88.59 85.09 65.29 75.84 66.84Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00pH 7.1 -- 8.0 6.8 -- --Viscosity 8500 cps* -- -- 7,200 cps 59,000 cps 28,000 cps TB @ 10 TC @ 10 TB @ 10 Control 50% reduction 25% reductionStabilities:4.degree. F. separation -- --40.degree. F. after 1 -- --110.degree. F. cycle -- --Appearance After 20 Very thin Very thin minutes at separates @ separates @ 5000 RPM RT - looks RT - looks slight curdled curdled separationDescription of Without Without WithoutSystem petrolatum mineral oil mineral oil with and and RITAVENA B5 petrolatum petrolatum (1.5%) with with RITAVENA B5 RITAVENA (1.5%) (5%)__________________________________________________________________________ *Spindle TA, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield

Table XI compares the composition and performance of a sample of a novel moisturizer prepared in accordance with the present invention with a control sample. The moisturizer sample demonstrates a system where the novel cosmetic component had a positive effect on the stability of the cosmetic product.

TABLE XI______________________________________ XI-a (Control) XI-b______________________________________Distilled Water 78.60 77.60RITAVENA B5 -- 1.00Sorbitol 70% Soln. 3.50 3.50Forlan 500 6.00 6.00Cetyl Alcohol 0.70 0.70Mineral Oil 8.00 8.00Stearic Acid 2.00 2.00Methylparaben 0.15 0.15Propylparaben 0.05 0.05TEA (50%) 1.00 1.00Total 100.00 100.00pH 7.9 8.0Viscosity 3135 cps* 4350 cps*Stabilities:4.degree. F. nc nc40.degree. F. nc110.degree. F. Separation after Separation after 1 week 4 weeksDescription of Oil OilSystem: no RITAVENA B5 1% RITAVENA B5Centrifuge Results Slight TubesAfter 7 Min @ 1660 separation crackedrpm65 Min @ 3000 rpm______________________________________ *Spindle 3, Speed 20, RVF Brookfield

Table XII lists the composition and performance of three samples of a novel cleaner prepared in accordance with the present invention. The cleaner samples performed satisfactorily.

TABLE XII__________________________________________________________________________ XII-a XII-c XII-c__________________________________________________________________________Distilled Water 81.50 82.50 73.50Patlac NAL 0.50 0.50 0.50Pationic 138C 8.00 8.00 8.00Pationic 122A 2.00 2.00 2.00Mineral Oil -- -- 8.00RITAVENA B5 2.00 1.00 2.00Ritapeg 150 DS 0.50 0.50 0.50RITA EGDS 3.00 3.00 3.00Methylparaben 0.20 0.20 0.20Propylparaben 0.10 0.10 0.10Supersat AWS-4 2.00 2.00 2.00Kathon CG 0.20 0.20 0.20Total 100.00 100.00 100.00pH 6.3 6.5 6.4Viscosity 33,500 cps* 35,000 cps* 23,000 cps*Stabilities:4.degree. F.40.degree. F.110.degree. F.Description of No oil No oil Mineral oilSystem: 2% RITAVENA 1% RITAVENA 2%; RITAVENA B5 B5 B5FOAM TESTING Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O0.0 Minutes 215 90 175 90 100 1001.0 Minute 215 95 160 95 100 10013.0 Minutes 215 95 155 95 100 100__________________________________________________________________________ *Spindle TC, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield

Table XIII lists the composition of two samples of a novel cleanser prepared in accordance with the present invention. This is an example of an application where hydrocarbon is replaced with the novel cosmetic component. The moisturizer samples performed satisfactorily and demonstrated improved foaming performance over a cosmetic product which contained mineral oil.

TABLE XIII______________________________________ XIII-a XIII-b______________________________________Distilled Water 73.50 80.50Patlac NAL 0.50 0.50Pationic 138C 8.00 8.00Pationic 122A 2.00 2.00Corn Oil 8.00 --RITAVENA B5 2.00 3.00Ritapeg 150 DS 0.50 0.50RITA EGDS 3.00 3.00Methylparaben 0.20 0.20Propylparaben 0.10 0.10Supersat AWS-4 2.00 2.00Perfume 0.20 --Kathon CG -- 0.20Total 100.00 100.00pH 6.3 6.4Viscosity 12,500 cps* 30,500 cps*Stabilities:4.degree. F. nc nc40.degree. F. nc nc110.degree. F. nc Separation after 3 weeksDescription of System: Corn oil No oil 2% RITAVENA 3% RITAVENA B5 B5FOAM TESTING Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O0.0 Minutes 120 95 200 901.0 Minute 105 95 200 1003.0 Minutes 105 95 200 100______________________________________ *Spindle TC, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield

Table XIV demonstrates the viscosity of two samples of the novel cosmetic product prepared in accordance with the present invention. The samples are compared with a petrolatum control product. This is a further example of replacing hydrocarbon with the novel cosmetic products.

TABLE XIV______________________________________SAMPLE % ACRITAMER % RITA-NO. 934 VENA B5 VISCOSITY______________________________________XIV-a 1.0 1.0 70,000 cps*XIV-b 1.0 1.0 66,000 cps*Control -- -- 130,000 cps*(Petrolatum)______________________________________ *Spindle 7, Speed 20, RVF Brookfield

CATEGORY 2

Suspension Properties

According to another feature of the present invention, a cosmetic product may be produced in which the fiber component functions as a suspending agent after combination with one or more stable cosmetic compounds. Cosmetic products in which the fiber component is useful as a suspending agent include: liquid make-up, cleansers with abrasives, anti-dandruff shampoos and sunscreens.

The suspending properties of the fiber component allow suspension of the following solids: pigments, anti-dandruff agents, opacifiers and abrasives. More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, the following useful materials may be suspended: sulfur, walnut shells, titanium dioxide, selenium disulfide, iron oxides, aluminum oxides, pumice, make-up-pigments and zinc omadine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an anti-dandruff shampoo is prepared wherein 2 to 4 weight percent, preferably 3 weight percent, fiber is used to suspend sulfur at 2 weight percent. Sulfur does not tend to precipitate out of the shampoo over the long term. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a liquid eye shadow and liquid eye foundation may be prepared. The fiber component has the ability to suspend make-up pigment and also imparts beneficial tactile effects to the cosmetic product, including a moist, non-abrasive feel to the skin. In addition, as opposed to carbomer gels, the fiber component is compatible with ionic cleansing agents for use in shampoos and cleansers. When the fiber component is used in a cosmetic product, the fiber component has been found to be more effective as a suspending agent than carbomer gels.

A number of cosmetic products were produced in accordance with the present invention in which the fiber component functions as a suspending agent after combination with one or more stable cosmetic components. The results are contained in Tables XV-XVI.

Table XV lists the composition of three samples of a novel anti-dandruff shampoo prepared in accordance with the present invention. The samples performed satisfactorily in suspending sulfur, the active ingredient in the shampoo.

TABLE XV______________________________________ XV-a XV-b XV-c______________________________________Sodium Lauryl 51.70 51.70 51.70SulfateDistilled Water 9.80 9.80 8.80Pationic ISL/85 3.00 3.00 3.00Ethylene Glycol 3.00 3.00 3.00DistearateCocamide DEA 4.50 4.50 4.50Propylene Glycol 2.00 2.00 2.00NaCl 25% Soln. -- -- 1.00Lactic Acid (44%) QS QS QSFlowers of Sulfur 2.00 2.00 2.00RITAVENA B5 4.00 4.50 4.50Distilled Water 20.00 19.50 19.50Total 100.00 100.00 100.00pH 7.55 7.55 7.55Viscosity: 5,500 cps* 8,600 cps* 15,800 cps*Stability:4.degree. F.40.degree. F.110.degree. F. No Slight separation separation but sulfur staysFOAM TESTING Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O0.0 Minutes 300 75 410 60 310 801.0 Minute 300 95 410 100 310 1003.0 Minutes 290 95 410 100 295 100______________________________________ *Spindle TA, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield

Table XVI lists the composition of three samples of a novel lotion hand cleaner with an abrasive prepared in accordance with the present invention. The moisturizer samples performed satisfactorily in suspending the abrasive solid.

TABLE XVI__________________________________________________________________________ XVI-a XVI-b XVI-c__________________________________________________________________________Distilled Water 59.55 58.88 60.05Bioterge AS-40 25.00 25.00 25.00Methylparaben 0.15 0.15 0.15Ritasynt IP 4.00 4.00 4.00Pationic ISL 3.00 3.00 3.00RITAPEG 150 DS 1.00 -- 0.50RITAVENA B5 2.00 2.00 2.00Walnut Shells 5.00 5.00 5.00(Coarse)NaCl (25% Soln.) -- 1.67 --Kathon CG 0.10 0.10 0.10TEA (50% Soln.) 0.15 0.15 0.15Perfume 0.05 0.05 0.05Total 100.00 100.00 100.00pH 6.0 6.2 6.1Viscosity 36,000 cps* 400 cps* 14,000 cps*Foaming Results: Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O0.0 Minutes 340 90 325 80 250 801.0 Minute 340 100 325 100 250 1003.0 Minutes 335 100 325 100 250 100Stabilities:4.degree. F. NC after 3 Walnuts drop NC after 3 cycles to bottom cycles after 1 cycle40.degree. F. Walnuts drop to bottom after 24 hours110.degree. F. Separation Separation Separation overnight overnight overnight70.degree. F. No change No change No change overnight overnight overnightCentrifuge Results: Particles Most Most remain particles particles suspended remain remain after 10 suspended suspended seconds @ after 10 after 10 1600 rpm seconds @ seconds @ 1600 rpm 1600 rpmDescription: 1% RITAPEG Without With 0.5% 150 DS RITAPEG 150 RITAPEG 150 With 2% DS DS RITAVENA B5 With 2% With 2% RITAVENA B5 RITAVENA B5__________________________________________________________________________ *Spindle TA @ Speed 10, RVF Brookfield

CATEGORY 3

Conditioning Properties

A third feature or area of application for the fiber component is utilization of the unexpected conditioning properties of the fiber component. In accordance with the present invention, a cosmetic product may be produced wherein the fiber component functions as an epidermal conditioner after combination with one or more stable cosmetic components.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, hair conditioners and conditioning shampoos may be produced. The fiber component may be combined with detergents and thickeners to form a cosmetic product. Examples of stable cosmetic components with which the fiber component may be combined are: alcohol sulfates, ether sulfates, amides, polyethylene glycol esters and lactylates.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a shampoo product produced by the inventive method uses the fiber of the fiber component at about 2 weight percent in combination with additional cosmetic components. Because the fiber does not form clear solutions in water, a lotion-type shampoo, similar to those commercially-available such as Pert-Plus, is preferably utilized. As a result of the fiber component's excellent conditioning properties, shampoos produced by the inventive method exhibit (a) very good wet combing and dry combing characteristics, (b) beneficial tactile effects, and (c) satisfactory foaming properties. In another embodiment of the invention, the fiber component is used as a conditioning agent in conjunction with a silicone conditioning agent in a multiple-conditioner shampoo.

A number of novel silicone shampoos were produced in accordance with the present invention in which the fiber component functions as an epidermal conditioning agent after combination with one or more stable cosmetic components. The samples performed satisfactorily, and the results are contained in Tables XVII-XVIII.

TABLE XVII______________________________________ (Repeat of XVII-a XVII-b XVII-a)______________________________________Pationic 122A 11.0 11.00 11.00PPG Masil SF 1.00 -- 1.0060,000RITAPEG 150 2.00 2.00 2.00DSEGDS 3.00 3.00 3.00Propylparaben 0.05 0.05 0.05Distilled Water 43.10 44.10 43.10Bioterge AS-40 37.50 37.50 37.50Methylparaben 0.15 0.15 0.15RITAVENA 5 2.00 2.00 2.00Kathon CG 0.20 0.20 0.20Total 100.00 100.00 100.00pH 5.5 5.7 5.8Viscosity 12,500 cps* 12,500 cps* 12,500 cpsFoaming Results: Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O0.0 Minutes 275 75 340 75 310 901.0 Minute 275 95 340 100 310 1003.0 Minutes 275 100 340 100 310 100Wet Combing Slightly Slightly Difficult difficult difficultDry Combing Easy Easy, except Easy where knots areStabilities:4.degree. F. No change No change No change after 3 after 3 after 3 cycles cycles cycles40.degree. F. No change No change No change after 6 weeks after 2 after 2 weeks weeks110.degree. F. Separation Separation No change after 1 week after 24 after 2 hours weeksCentrifuge Separates Separates Not runResults: after 10 min. @ after 10 5000 rpm min. @ 5000 rpmDescription of With Silicone Without WithSystem: with Silicone Silicone RITAVENA with with RITAVENA RITAVENA______________________________________ *Spindle TC, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield TABLE XVIII______________________________________ XVIII-a XVIII-b______________________________________Pationic 138C 8.00 8.00PPG Masil SF 60,000 1.00 --RITAPEG 150 DS 2.00 2.00EGDS 3.00 3.00WITCONATE SXS 2.00 2.00Propylparaben 0.05 0.05Distilled Water 44.10 45.10Bioterge AS-40 37.50 37.50Methylparaben 0.15 0.15RITAVENA 5 2.00 2.00Kathon CG 0.20 0.20Total 100.00 100.00pH 6.4 6.7Viscosity 24,000 cps* 35,000 cps*Foaming Results: Foam H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O0.0 Minutes 310 80 370 750.1 Minute 310 100 360 1003.0 Minutes 310 100 360 100Wet Combing Very difficult Very difficultDry Combing Slightly Very easy difficultStabilities:4.degree. F. No change after No change after 3 cycles 3 cycles40.degree. F. No change after No change after 6 weeks 2 weeks110.degree. F. No change after No change after 6 weeks 2 weeksCentrifuge Results: Separates after Not run 20 min. @ 5000 rpmDescription of System: With Silicone No Silicone with RITAVENA with RITAVENA______________________________________ *Spindle TC, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, the features and advantages of the methods of the present invention can be adapted for the production of types of cosmetic and personal care products other than those products specifically disclosed.

Claims

1. A cosmetic component produced by a method consisting essentially of the steps of:

a) placing a water-soluble fiber consisting essentially of about 4 to 6 wt. % modified or unmodified beta-glucan, about 1 to 5 wt. % fat, about 80 to 94 wt. % carbohydrates, and less than about 8 wt. % protein in hot water for a time sufficient to form a dispersion;

b) mixing said dispersion for time sufficient to form a gel; and

c) cooling said gel to form a cosmetic component.

2. A cosmetic component as recited in claim 1 wherein:

said cosmetic component comprises about 4 to 8 wt. % moisture, about 2 to 3 wt. % minerals, about 0.1 to 8 wt. % protein, and about 4.5 to 5.5 wt. % beta-glucan.

3. A cosmetic component as recited in claim 1 wherein:

said component is characterized by the substantial absence of hydrocarbon-containing oil.

4. A method for preparing the cosmetic component of claim 1 for use in a cosmetic product, said method consisting essentially of the steps of:

a) placing a water-soluble fiber consisting essentially of about 4 to 6 wt. % modified or unmodified beta-glucan, about 1 to 5 wt. % fat, about 80 to about 94 wt. % carbohydrate, and less than about 8 wt. % protein in hot water for sufficient time to form a dispersion;

b) mixing said dispersion for time sufficient to form a gel; and

c) cooling said gel to form said cosmetic component.

5. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein:

said hot water is at a temperature of about 50.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.

6. A method as recited in claim 5 wherein:

said hot water is held at a temperature of about 100.degree. C.

7. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein:

said mixing time in step (b) is about 1 to 5 minutes.

8. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein:

said gel is cooled until at a viscosity of about 100 cps to about 200,000 cps.

9. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein:

said gel is cooled at about 2.degree. C. to 6.degree. C.

10. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein:

said viscosity of said gel is increased in step (c) to about 50,000 cps to about 100,000 cps.

11. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein:

said water-soluble fiber is a powder.

12. A cosmetic component suitable for topical application consisting essentially of:

a) about 4.0 to about 8.0 percent water by weight;

b) about 4.5 to about 5.5 percent beta-glucan by weight;

c) less than 8.0 percent protein by weight;

d) about 2.0 to 3.0 percent ash by weight;

e) about 1.0 to about 5.0 percent fat by weight;

f) about 80 to about 94 percent carbohydrate by weight; and

g) a cosmetic carrier.

13. A cosmetic component as recited in claim 1 wherein:

step (b) comprises mixing for about 1 to 5 minutes.

14. A method as recited in claim 7 wherein:

said mixing time in step (b) is about 2 minutes.

15. A method for preparing the cosmetic component of claim 12 for use in a cosmetic product and suitable for topical application, said method consisting essentially of the steps of:

a) placing a water-soluble fiber consisting essentially of about 4 to 6 wt. % modified or unmodified beta-glucan, about 1 to 5 wt. % fat, about 80 to about 94 wt. % carbohydrate, and less than about 8 wt. % protein in hot water for sufficient time to form a dispersion;

b) mixing said dispersion to form a gel;

c) cooling said gel to form a cosmetic component suitable for topical application; and

d) combining the product of step (c) with a conventionally acceptable topical carrier.

16. A method as recited in claim 15 wherein:

step (c) further comprises combining said gel, after cooling, with a carbomer.

17. A cosmetic component for use in a cosmetic product and suitable for topical application, said component produced by a method consisting essentially of the steps of:

a) placing a beta-glucan containing water-soluble fiber in hot water for a time sufficient to form a dispersion;

b) mixing said dispersion to form a gel; and

c) cooling said gel to form a cosmetic component suitable for topical application.

18. A method for preparing the cosmetic component of claim 17 for use in a cosmetic product and suitable for topical application, said method consisting essentially of the steps of:

a) placing a beta-glucan containing water-soluble fiber in hot water for a time sufficient to form a dispersion;

b) mixing said dispersion to form a gel; and

c) cooling said gel to form a cosmetic component suitable for topical application.

19. A method of suspending a water-insoluble compound in an aqueous composition, said method comprising the step of providing (a) said water-insoluble compound and (b) a sufficient amount of a suspending agent in said aqueous composition to suspend the water-insoluble compound, said suspending agent comprising:

(a) about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan;

(b) less than about 8 weight percent protein;

(c) about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat; and

(d) about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates.

20. A method of conditioning the hair comprising contacting the hair with a sufficient amount of the cosmetic component of claim 1.

21. A method of conditioning the skin comprising contacting the skin with a sufficient amount of the cosmetic component of claim 1.

22. A method of conditioning hair, comprising the steps of:

contacting the hair with a sufficient amount of a cosmetic composition comprising:

(a) about 4 to about 8 weight percent moisture;

(b) about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan;

(c) less than about 8 weight percent protein;

(d) about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat; and

(e) about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates.

23. A method of suspending a water-insoluble compound in an aqueous composition, said method comprising the step of providing (a) said water-insoluble compound and (b) a sufficient amount of a suspending agent in said aqueous composition to suspend the water-insoluble compound, said suspending agent comprising:

(a) about 4 to about 8 weight percent moisture;

(b) about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan;

(c) less than about 8 weight percent protein;

(d) about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat; and

(e) about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates.

24. A method of conditioning the skin, comprising the steps of:

contacting the skin with a sufficient amount of a cosmetic composition comprising:

(a) about 4 to about 8 weight percent moisture;

(b) about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan;

(c) less than about 8 weight percent protein;

(d) about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat; and

(e) about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates.