SILICONE DROPLETS

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates generally to compositions comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase and in particular to cosmetic compositions comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Any discussion of the prior art throughout this specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

Formulations comprising dispersed droplets are widely used in the cosmetics industry. The droplets may be functional or aesthetic.

However, many known formulations comprising droplets are visually or texturally unappealing. For example, certain formulations comprise high concentrations of surfactants (which must be included to produce macro or microemulsions) and have a sticky texture. Moreover, the droplets are often very small, rendering the formulation opaque, and may also be unsuitable for carrying actives that are either incompatible with surfactants or that are susceptible to hydrolysis.

In an effort to produce more visually appealing droplets, researchers have developed droplets in the form of alginate capsules. However, these capsules are not suitable for incorporating lipophilic materials, and they are typically opaque. In many cases, the techniques used to produce the droplets are costly and require complex machinery.

In this context, there is a need for new compositions comprising dispersed droplets.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

In some examples, the aqueous phase comprises water and a thickening agent.

The silicone droplets may be formed from a silicone fluid. The silicone droplets may be formed from a silicone fluid and a silicone crosslinked polymer. The silicone droplets may be formed from a silicone fluid and a silicone gum. The silicone droplets may be formed from a silicone fluid, a silicone crosslinked polymer and a silicone gum.

In some examples, the composition comprises substantially no surfactant.

In some examples, the thickening agent is a gelling agent.

The aqueous phase may further comprise a humectant. The aqueous phase may further comprise a chelating agent. The aqueous phase may further comprise a preservative. The aqueous phase may further comprise a colourant.

In some examples, the silicone droplets comprise dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer.

In some examples, the silicone droplets comprise dimethicone.

In some examples, the silicone droplets comprise a film former.

In some examples, the silicone droplets comprise a lipophilic emollient other than silicone.

In some examples, the silicone droplets comprise a lipophilic active agent.

In some examples, the composition comprises the silicone droplets at a concentration of between about 1% and 50% (w/w).

In some examples, the composition is a cosmetic composition suitable for topical application to human skin or hair.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a cosmetic composition comprising:

an aqueous phase comprising water and a thickening agent; and

a silicone gel,

wherein the silicone gel forms silicone droplets dispersed in the aqueous phase when the composition is agitated.

In some examples, the composition comprises substantially no surfactant.

In some examples, the silicone gel is formed from a silicone fluid.

In some examples, the silicone gel is formed from a silicone fluid and a silicone crosslinked polymer.

In some examples, the silicone gel is formed from a silicone fluid and a silicone gum.

In some examples, the silicone gel is formed from a silicone fluid, a silicone crosslinked polymer and a silicone gum.

In some examples, the thickening agent is a gelling agent.

In some examples, the silicone gel comprises dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer.

In some examples, the silicone gel comprises dimethicone.

In some examples, the silicone gel comprises a film former.

In some examples, the silicone gel comprises a lipophilic emollient other than silicone.

In some examples, the silicone gel comprises a lipophilic active agent.

In some examples, the composition comprises the silicone gel at a concentration of between about 1% and 50% (w/w).

In some examples, the silicone gel forms silicone droplets dispersed in the aqueous phase when the composition is shaken or stirred.

The silicone droplets of the first and second aspects may be clear or translucent.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of producing a composition comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase, the method comprising:

adding a silicone gel to an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises water and a thickening agent; and

agitating the silicone gel and the aqueous phase such that the silicone gel forms silicone droplets dispersed in the aqueous phase.

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of producing a composition comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase, the method comprising:

stirring an aqueous phase comprising water and a thickening agent; and

adding a silicone gel to the aqueous phase as it is being stirred so as to form silicone droplets dispersed in the aqueous phase.

In some examples, the stirring is performed at a rate of between about 100 rpm and 500 rpm.

In some examples, the composition comprises substantially no surfactant.

In some examples, the silicone gel is formed from a silicone fluid.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing a silicone fluid and a silicone crosslinked polymer to thereby form the silicone gel.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing a silicone fluid and a silicone gum to thereby form the silicone gel.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing a silicone fluid, a silicone crosslinked polymer and a silicone gum to thereby form the silicone gel.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing a silicone fluid and one or more of a film former, a colourant, a lipophilic emollient other than silicone and a lipophilic active agent to thereby form the silicone gel.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing a silicone fluid, a silicone crosslinked polymer and one or more of a film former, a colourant, a lipophilic emollient other than silicone and a lipophilic active agent to thereby form the silicone gel.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing a silicone fluid, a silicone gum and one or more of a film former, a colourant, a lipophilic emollient other than silicone and a lipophilic active agent to thereby form the silicone gel.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing a silicone fluid, a silicone crosslinked polymer, a silicone gum and one or more of a film former, a colourant, a lipophilic emollient other than silicone and a lipophilic active agent to thereby form the silicone gel.

In some examples, the silicone fluid is dimethicone.

In some examples, the silicone droplets are formed from dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing water and a thickening agent to thereby produce the aqueous phase.

In some examples, the thickening agent is a gelling agent.

In some examples, the method further comprises mixing water, a thickening agent and one or more of a humectant, a chelating agent, a preservative and a colourant to thereby produce the aqueous phase.

In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition when produced by the method of the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Compositions comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 2. A composition comprising opaque silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 3. A composition comprising pearlised silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 4. A composition comprising sparkling silicone droplets in the form of rods dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 5. A composition comprising pearlised silicone droplets in the form of strings dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 6. A composition comprising pearlised silicone droplets in the form of strings dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 7. Compositions comprising red silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 8. A composition comprising silicone droplets including UV filters dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 9. A composition comprising silicone droplets including UV filters dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 10. A composition comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 11. A composition comprising a coloured silicone gel and an aqueous phase (left), and a composition comprising coloured silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 12. A composition comprising clear silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 13. A composition comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 14. A composition comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 15. Compositions comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 16. A composition comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase.

FIG. 17. Silicone droplets of FIG. 3 at a magnification of 4×.

FIG. 18. Silicone droplets of FIG. 12 at a magnification of 10×.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

The term “about” is understood to refer to a range of +1-10%, preferably +1-5% or +1-1% or, more preferably, +1-0.1%.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” means “including principally, but not necessarily solely”.

A “cosmetic” composition is one that is applied, or intended to be applied, to part of a body, typically a human body including, inter alia, hair, skin or nails, for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, altering appearance or any combination thereof.

The term “substantially no” as used in reference to surfactant content means that surfactants constitute less than about 3% (w/w), such as less than about 2% (w/w), or less than about 1% (w/w), preferably less than about 0.5% (w/w), or less than about 0.1% (w/w), or less than about 0.05% (w/w), or less than about 0.01% (w/w).

Compositions

The present disclosure provides compositions comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase. The present disclosure also provides compositions comprising an aqueous phase and a silicone gel, wherein the silicone gel forms silicone droplets dispersed in the aqueous phase when the composition is agitated. The aqueous phase preferably comprises water and a thickening agent. The thickening agent may be a naturally-derived thickening agent such as xanthan gum, dehydroxanthan gum, sclerotium gum, gellan gum, pullulan, succinoglycan, Caesalpinia spinosa (Tara) gum, Acacia senegal gum, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar) gum or its derivatives hydroxypropyl guar and carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, Amorphophallus konjac root gum, pectin, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, cellulose or its derivatives ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, agarose, agar, algin, calcium alginate, gelatin, magnesium aluminium silicate, bentonite, hectorite, attapulgite, laponite, sepiolite or silicate. In some examples, the thickening agent is a biofermentation product, a plant extract, a seaweed extract, an algae extract or a mineral compound. In some examples, the thickening agent is a polymeric thickening agent such as sodium polyacrylate, sodium polyacrylate starch, carbomer, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylates crosspolymer or polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer, PVP, acrylic acid/VP crosspolymer, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl methacrylate copolymer, polyacrylate-1 crosspolymer, acrylates copolymer, acrylates crosspolymer-4, acrylates crosspolymer-3, sodium carboxymethyl starch, polyacrylate-14 or maltodextrin VP copolymer. Those skilled in the art will understand that other thickening agents may be suitably used in the compositions of the present disclosure. In preferred examples, the thickening agent is a gelling agent.

The thickening agent may be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 0.1% and 5% (w/w), such as between about 0.2% and 4% (w/w), or between about 0.3% and 4% (w/w), or between about 0.4% and 3% (w/w), or between about 0.5% and 2% (w/w), or between about 0.6% and 1.5% (w/w), or between about 0.7% and 1.4% (w/w), or between about 0.8% and 1.3% (w/w), or between about 0.9% and 1.2% (w/w), such as about 1% or about 1.1% (w/w). In examples where the aqueous phase comprises more than one thickening agent, these concentrations refer to the combined total of the thickening agents. For example, a composition comprising a thickening agent at a concentration of 1% (w/w) may comprise 0.8% (w/w) xanthan gum and 0.2% (w/w) sclerotium gum. It will be understood that these concentrations are made in reference to the composition inclusive of the aqueous phase and the dispersed silicone droplets.

In certain examples, the aqueous phase has a viscosity of between about 200 and 100,000 cps, such as between about 1,000 and 100,000 cps, or between about 1,100 and 90,000 cps, or between about 1,200 and 80,000 cps, or between about 1,300 and 75,000 cps, or between about 1,400 and 70,000 cps, or between about 1,500 and 65,000 cps, or between about 1,600 and 60,000, or between about 1,700 and 55,000 cps, or between about 1,700 and 50,000 cps, or between about 1,800 and 50,000 cps, or between about 1,900 and 50,000 cps, or between about 2,000 and 50,000 cps at 25° C.

In certain examples, the aqueous phase has a yield stress of between about 1 and 500 Pa, such as between about 5 and 450 Pa, or between about 10 and 400 Pa, or between about 20 and 400 Pa, or between about 30 and 350 Pa, or between about 40 and 350 Pa, or between about 50 and 300 Pa, or between about 60 Pa and 250 Pa at 25° C.

The aqueous phase may further comprise a humectant, a chelating agent, an antioxidant, a pH adjuster, a preservative, a colourant, an opacifier, a cosmetically active agent, a biologically active agent, a skin feel agent, a film forming agent, a perfuming agent or a sunscreen agent. It will be understood that the “a” and “an” in this context may mean “one or more”. For example, an aqueous phase comprising water and a thickening agent may comprise two thickening agents, such as xantham gum and sclerotium gum.

Suitable humectants may include, but are not limited to, glycerine, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, butylene glycol, propanediol, methyl propanediol, trehalose, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, amino acids, urea, sugars, xylitol, anhydroxylitol, polyglycerin-3, diglycerin, sorbitol, erythritol, PEG-8, 1,2-hexanediol, polyglutamic acid, hexylene glycol, betaine and inositol.

Suitable chelating agents may include, but are not limited to, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, sodium phytate, phytic acid, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, etidronic acid and citric acid.

Suitable pH adjusters may include, but are not limited to, citric acid, sodium citrate, phytic acid, sodium phytate, triethanolamine, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, tris amino and aminomethyl propanol.

Suitable preservatives may include, but are not limited to, an alcohol, phenoxyethanol, phenethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, chlorphenesin, lodopropyl butylcarbamate, methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, an isothiazolinone, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, an organic acid such as benzoic acid/sodium benzoate, dehydroacetic acid/sodium dehydroacetate, sorbic acid/potassium sorbate and salicylic acid, ethyl lauroyl arginate HCL, lactoperoxidase and glucose oxidase/glucose.

Suitable colourants may include, but are not limited to, dyes and pigments. Dyes may confer transparent colours and pigments may confer opaque colours. Suitable dyes may include, but are not limited to, FD&C Blue No.1, D&C Red No. 33, FD&C Blue No. 12, FD&C Green No. 13, FD&C Red No. 13, FD&C Red. 33, FD&C Red No. 140, FD&C Yellow No. 15, FD&C Yellow No. 16, D&C Blue No. 14, D&C Blue No. 19; D&C Green No. 15, D&C Green No. 16, D&C Green No. 18, D&C Orange No. 14, D&C Orange No.15, D&C Orange No. 110, D&C Orange No. 111, D&C Orange No. 117, FD&C Red No, 14, D&C Red No. 16, D&C Red No. 17, D&C Red No. 18, D&C Red No. 19, D&C Red No. 117. D&C Red No. 119, D&C Red No. 121, D&C Red No. 122, D&C Red No. 127, D&C Red No. 128, D&C Red No. 130, D&C Red No. 131, D&C Red No. 134, D&C Red No. 139, FD&C Red No. 140, D&C Violet No. 12, D&C Yellow No. 17, Ext. D&C Yellow No. 17, D&C Yellow No. 18, D&C Yellow No. 111, D&C Brown No. 11, Ext. D&C Violet No. 12, D&C Blue No. 16 and D&C Yellow No. 110. Suitable pigments may include, but are not limited to, inorganic pigments, metal oxides or hydroxides, mica, organic pigments, pearlescent pigments, mineral silicates, porous materials, carbons, interference pigments. In some examples, the aqueous phase or the composition is not opaque.

Suitable water-soluble natural dyes may include Melia azadirachta flower extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Lawsonia inermis (Henna) flower/fruit/leaf extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Ocimum basilicum (Basil) flower/leaf extract, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) root extract, mica, pearl powder (Margarita powder), Aqua (Campo Siddha Neer Ellam Manjal), amino-esters-1, Eclipta prostrata extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Aqua (Campo Siddha Neer Karum Karuppu), betaine, Coccinia indica fruit extract and pearl powder (Campo Siddha Neer Ellam Gopi).

Suitable water-dispersible sunscreens may include, but are not limited to, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Suitable cosmetically or biologically active agents may include, but are not limited to, skin lightening agents, exfoliating agents, antioxidants, peptides, anti-acne agents, anti-inflammatory agents and anti-irritants. Suitable water-soluble skin lightening agents may include, but are not limited to, hydroquinone, azelaic add, butyl hydroxy anisole, gallic acid and its derivatives, kojic add, arbutin, mulberry extract, undecylenoyl phenylalanine, niacinamide and derivatives, vitamin C and derivatives including ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and glyceryl ascorbate, soy extract and soy trypsin inhibitors, alpha bisabolol, glucosamine, silvervine extract and plankton extract. Suitable exfoliating agents may include, but are not limited to, beta hydroxyl acids, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acids, fruit acids, polyhydroxy acids, gluconolactone and aldobionic acids. Suitable water-soluble antioxidants may include, but are not limited to, ascorbic acid, glutathione and uric acid, glyceryl ascorbate, carnosine, tea extracts, including green tea extract and olive leaf extract. Suitable peptides may include, but are not limited to, acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl heptapeptide-9, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, palmitoyl-oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and acetyl octapeptide-3. Suitable anti-acne agents may include, but are not limited to, capryloyl glycine, methylglycine, cinnamon bark extract, zinc PCA, zinc gluconate, zinc lactate, salicylic acid and niacinamide. Suitable anti-irritant or anti-inflammatory agents may include, but are not limited to, allantoin, panthenol, alpha-bisabolol, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, chamomile extract, aloe vera extract, madecassoside and centella asiatica extract. Suitable water-soluble perfuming agents may include, but are not limited to, floral waters.

In examples where the aqueous phase comprises a humectant, the humectant may be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 1% and 20% (w/w) such as between about 4% and 20% (w/w), or between about 5% and 20% (w/w), or between about 5% and 15% (w/w), or between about 6% and 14% (w/w), or between about 7% and 13% (w/w), or between about 8% and 13% (w/w), or between about 9% and 13% (w/w), or between about 10% and 12% (w/w).

In examples where the aqueous phase comprises a chelating agent, the chelating agent may be present in the composition at a concentration of less than about 1% (w/w), such as less than about 0.5% (w/w), less than about 0.4% (w/w), or less than about 0.3% (w/w), such as about 0.1% (w/w) or about 0.2% (w/w).

In examples where the aqueous phase comprises a preservative, the preservative may be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 0.1% and 5% (w/w), such as between about 0.1% and 4% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 3% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 2% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 1.5% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 1% (w/w), or between about 0.2% and 1% (w/w), or between about 0.2% and 0.9% (w/w), or between about 0.3% and 0.8% (w/w).

In examples where the aqueous phase comprises a colourant, the colourant may be present in the composition at a concentration of less than about 1% (w/w), such as less than about 0.5% (w/w), or less than about 0.4% (w/w), or less than about 0.3% (w/w), or less than about 0.2% (w/w), or less than about 0.1% (w/w), or less than about 0.05% (w/w), such as about 0.01% (w/w).

In examples where the aqueous phase comprises an anti-irritant or an anti-inflammatory agent, the agent may be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 0.01% and 5% (w/w) such as between about 0.05% and 4% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 3% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 2% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 1% (w/w) such as about 0.1% (w/w) or about 0.5% (w/w).

In examples where the aqueous phase comprises a skin lightening agent, the agent may be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 1% and 10% (w/w) such as between about 1.5% and 8% (w/w), or between about 2% and 7% (w/w), or between about 2% and 6% (w/w), or between about 2% and 5% (w/w), or between about 3% and 5% (w/w).

In examples where the aqueous phase comprises a perfuming agent, the agent may be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 1% and 40% (w/w) such as between about 5% and 35% (w/w), or between about 5% and 30% (w/w), or between about 10% about 30% (w/w), or between about 10% and 25% (w/w) or between about 15% and 25% (w/w).

The silicon droplets of the present disclosure are preferably formed from a silicone gel. In some examples, the silicone gel may be formed from a silicone fluid or from two or more silicone fluids having different viscosities. In some examples, the silicone gel may be produced by mixing a silicone fluid with a silicone crosslinked polymer. In some examples, the silicone gel may be produced by mixing a silicone fluid with a silicone gum. In some examples, the silicone gel may be produced by mixing a silicone fluid, a silicone crosslinked polymer and a silicone gum. The droplets are preferably dispersed in an aqueous phase using polymers that can provide a yield value. The size and shape of the silicone droplets are, in part, a function of the viscosity of the silicone gel and the yield value of the aqueous phase. The viscosity of the silicone gel may depend, in part, on the concentration of the gum or the crosslinked polymer.

Silicone fluids are generally linear polymers that have no cross-linking and, as such, are free to rotate. The viscosity of silicone fluids can vary considerably, but they are not solids. Suitable silicone fluids may include, but are not limited to, dimethicone (such as dimethicone having a viscosity of between about 0.65 cps and 100,000 cps), cyclomethicone, phenyl trimethicone, methyl trimethicone, amodimethicone, caprylyl methicone, disiloxane, trisiloxane, diphenyl dimethicone or methicone. Those skilled in the art will understand that other silicone fluids may be suitably used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets of the present disclosure.

At a certain level of viscosity, a silicone fluid may become too thick to pour, at which point it becomes a silicone gum. Suitable silicone gums may include, but are not limited to, dimethiconol. Those skilled in the art will understand that other silicone gums may be suitably used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets of the present disclosure.

As crosslinking is introduced between silicone polymers, their ability to freely rotate is compromised. Silicone crosslinked polymers typically exist in the form of an elastomer or a resin. Elastomers generally have a rubbery texture, whereas resins are generally hard or crumbly. The number and length of the crosslinking groups will typically determine if the resulting polymer is a resin or an elastomer. The silicone crosslinked polymers of the present disclosure are preferably elastomers. Suitable silicone crosslinked polymers may include dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, vinyl dimethicone/lauryl dimethicone crosspolymer, divinyldimethicone/dimethicone/phenylsilsesquioxane crosspolymer, vinyldimethyl/trimethylsiloxysilicate stearyl dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone/vinyltrimethoxysiloxysilicate crosspolymer, vinyltrimethylsiloxysilicate/crosspolymer, polysilicone-11 or stearoxymethicone/dimethicone copolymer. Those skilled in the art will understand that other silicone crosslinked polymers may be suitably used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets of the present disclosure.

In certain examples, the silicone gel has a viscosity of between about 1 and 200,000 cps, or between about 10 and 150,000 cps, or between about 100 and 125,000 cps, or between about 500 and 110,000 cps, or between about 1,000 and 100,000 cps, or between about 1,250 and 90,000 cps, or between about 1,500 and 80,000 cps, or between about 1,750 and 70,000 cps, or between about 2,000 and 60,000 cps, or between about 2,000 and 50,000 cps, or between about 3,000 and 50,000 cps, or between about 4,000 and 50,000 cps, or between about 5,000 and 50,000 cps at 25° C.

In some examples, the composition of the present disclosure comprises silicone gel or silicone droplets at a concentration of between about 1% and 50% (w/w) such as between about 2% and 30% (w/w) or between about 10% and 25% (w/w). In some examples, the composition of the present disclosure comprises silicone gel or silicone droplets at a concentration of between about 2% and 20% (w/w), such as between about 5% and 17% (w/w), or between about 6% and 15% (w/w), or between about 7% and 14% (w/w), or between about 8% and 13% (w/w), or between about 9% and 12% (w/w), such as about 10% (w/w), or about 10.5% (w/w), or about 11% (w/w), or about 11.5% (w/w).

The silicone gel or silicone droplets of the present disclosure may be formed from: a silicone fluid; a silicone fluid and a silicone crosslinked polymer; a silicone fluid and a silicone gum; or a silicone fluid, a silicone crosslinked polymer and a silicone gum. In some examples, the silicone droplets also comprise other compounds such as film formers, emollients other than silicone, colourants, sunscreen agents, biologically active agents or cosmetically active agents.

The silicone gel and silicone droplets described herein may comprise a film former. A film former is typically a durable, water-resistant polymer which, upon drying, produces a continuous film. Examples of synthetic film forming polymers include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the CFTA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, Eight Edition, 2000, pages 1744 to 1747. In the compositions of the present disclosure, a film former may contribute to the formation of more uniform silicone droplets. Suitable film formers may comprise isodecane and trimethylsiloxysilylcarbamoyl pullulan (eg, TSPL-30-ID), isododecane (and) norbornene.tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl norbornene copolymer, isododecane (and) acrylates/polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate copolymer, acrylates/hydroxy esters acrylates copolymer, acrylates copolymer, dimethicone (and) trimethylsiloxysilicate, polyester-7, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, butyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, PVP, butylated PVP, VP/eicosene copolymer. Those skilled in the art will understand that other film formers may be used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets in accordance with the present disclosure. The film former may be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 0.05% and 15% (w/w), such as between about 0.1% and 14% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 13% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 12% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 11% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 10% (w/w), or between about 0.1% and 9% (w/w), or between about 0.15% and 8.5% (w/w), or between about 0.2% and 8% (w/w), or between about 0.2% and 5% (w/w), or between about 0.2% and 2.5% (w/w), or between about 0.2% and 1% (w/w), or between about 0.2% and 0.4% (w/w).

In some examples, the silicone gel and silicone droplets of the present disclosure further comprise an opacifier such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica (synthetic fluorphlogopite) and tin oxide and combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that other opacifiers may be suitably used in the compositions of the present disclosure.

The silicone gel and silicone droplets described herein may comprise a biologically active agent, a cosmetically active agent, an oil, an emollient other than silicone, a skin feel agent, a perfume, a skin whitening agent, a dye, a pigment, an antioxidant, a sun-screening agent or a soft focus powder. These additional ingredients may be added to the silicone gel from which the silicone droplets are formed.

Suitable antioxidants may include tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), dimethylmethoxy chromanol, diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, octadecene dioic acid, ubiquinone (co-enzyme Q10) and rosemary leaf extract. Those skilled in the art will understand that other antioxidants may be suitably used in the compositions of the present disclosure.

Suitable oils may include natural oils from plants, for example, essential oils, seed oils or kernel oils, chemically-synthesized oils, for example, straight, branched or cyclic alkanes or alkenes, mineral oil, isododecane, isohexadecane, isopropyl isostearate, hexyl laurate, isohexyl laurate, isohexyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, decyl oleate, isodecyl oleate, hexadecyl stearate, decyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, dihexyldecyl adipate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, oleyl stearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl myristate, lauryl acetate, cetyl propionate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, butyloctyl salicylate, phenylethyl benzoate, dicaprylyl carbonate, dioctyl maleate, dicaprylyl maleate, isononyl isononanoate, propylene glycol dicaprate, diisopropyl adipate, dibutyl adipate and oleyl adipate. Other suitable esters are described in the Personal Care Product Council's International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, under the functional category of “Esters.” Other suitable esters may include polyhydric alcohol esters and glycerides. Those skilled in the art will understand that other oils may be used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets in accordance with the present disclosure.

Suitable sun-screening agents may include octocylene, octinoxate, aminobenzoic acid, Parsol ZX (zinc oxide and triethoxycaprylylsilane), Parsol TX (titanium dioxide and silica and dimethicone), avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, homosalate, menthyl anthranilate, octyl salicylate, oxybenzone, padimate O, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, sulisobenzone, trolamine salicylate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, diethanolamine methoxycinnamate ethylhexyl triazone, dioctyl butamido triazone, benzylidene malonate polysiloxane, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, bis diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl benzoate, bis benzoxazolyl phenyl ethylhexyl imino triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and isopentyl 4-methoxycinnarnate. Those skilled in the art will understand that other sunscreening agents may be used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets in accordance with the present disclosure. In examples where the silicone droplets comprise a sun-screening agent, the agent ray be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 0.5% and 10% (w/w) such as between about 1% and 7.5% (w/w), or between about 1% and 5% (w/w), or between about 1.5% and 3.5% (w/w), or between about 2% and 3% (w/w), or between about 2% and 2.5% (w/w).

Suitable oil-soluble skin whitening agents may include hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinyl palmitate, undecylenoyl phenylalanine, ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate. Those skilled in the art will understand that other oil-soluble skin whitening agents may be used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets in accordance with the present disclosure.

Suitable oil-soluble or oil-dispersible colourants may include natural or synthetic colourants or pigments. Those skilled in the art will understand that other oil-soluble and oil-dispersible colourants may be used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets in accordance with the present disclosure.

Suitable oil-soluble pigments may include inorganic pigments, metal oxides or hydroxides, mica, organic pigments, pearlescent pigments, mineral silicates, porous materials, carbons and interference pigments.

Suitable oil-soluble natural dyes may include Eclipta prostrata extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Moringa pterygosperma oil (Campo® Siddha Vepuvillai Karushalai Yenai), Melia azadirachta seed extract (and) Melia azadirachta leaf extract (and) amber powder (and) Coccinia indica fruit extract (and) Solanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extract (and) Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (and) Ocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extract (and) Curcuma longa (turmeric) leaf extract (and) Corallina officinalis extract (Campo Siddha Pazchai Thool), Melia azadirachta leaf extract (and) Melia azadirachta flower extract (and) amino esters-1 (ex Mimosa tenuiflora) (and) Coccinia indica fruit extract (and) Solanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extract (and) Aloe barbadensis flower extract (and) Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil (and) Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (and) Ocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extract (and) Curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract (and) Corallina officinalis extract (Campo Siddha Indra Neelam Yenai) Melia azadirachta leaf extract (and) Melia azadirachta flower extract (and) amino esters-1 (ex Mimosa tenuiflora) (and) Coccinia indica fruit extract (and) Solanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extract (and) Aloe barbadensis flower extract (and) Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil (and) Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (and) Ocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extract (and) Curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract (and) Corallina officinalis extract (Campo Siddha Indra Neelam Yenai).

In examples where the silicone gel or silicone droplets comprise a colourant, the colourant may be present in the composition at a concentration of between about 0.01% and 5% (w/w) such as between about 0.05% and 2.5% (w/w), or between about 0.05% and 1% (w/w), such as about 0.1% or about 0.2% (w/w).

The silicone droplets of the present disclosure may be clear, translucent, opaque, pearlised, coloured or colourless. Preferably, the silicone droplets are clear or translucent. The silicone droplets may be in the form of spheres, rods, strings, irregular shapes or combinations thereof. In some examples, two or more batches of silicone droplets can be prepared, each batch having a different visual appearance or textural properties. The batches of silicone droplets can then be combined to produce a single composition having a combination of desired visual or textural characteristics.

Suitable emollients other than silicone may include plant or algae extracts such as Caulerpa lentillifera oil or Rosa canina fruit extract. Those skilled in the art will understand that other emollients other than silicone may be used to produce a silicone gel or silicone droplets in accordance with the present disclosure.

Surprisingly, the inventor has found that visually and texturally pleasing droplet compositions that are able to carry lipophilic materials can be prepared in the absence of surfactants.

In some examples, the silicone droplets described herein may, in the absence of a surfactant, be used as a carrier for lipophilic compounds such as lipophilic emollients other than silicone or lipophilic active ingredients. The lipophilic compounds may be embedded in the silicone elastomer of a droplet and thereby separated from the aqueous phase and from other droplets in the composition. Lipophilic compounds that are susceptible to hydrolysis or are incompatible with surfactants may therefore be contained within the silicone droplets described herein. Suitable compounds that may be included in the silicone droplets of the present disclosure include vitamin A palmitate, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, panthenyl triacetate and ethyl 3-(N-butylacetamido) propionate. Those skilled in the art will understand that other lipophilic compounds may be included in the silicone gel or silicone droplets of the present disclosure.

The compositions described herein may comprise two or more different compounds in a manner that avoids, or minimises, contact between the two or more compounds. In a sense, the compounds may be present in a single composition, but largely quarantined from each other. Such embodiments may be preferred where the two or more compounds are incompatible or reactive with each other.

In some examples, two batches of silicone droplets can be prepared, each batch comprising a different lipophilic compound embedded within the elastomeric matrix of the silicone droplets. The batches can then be combined to form a single composition comprising: an aqueous phase; a first dispersion of silicone droplets comprising a first lipophilic compound; and a second dispersion of silicone droplets comprising a second lipophilic compound. As each compound is contained within a separate dispersion of droplets, such compositions may include active compounds that are otherwise incompatible or reactive with each other.

In some examples, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising: at least one aqueous phase comprising water and a thickening agent; and at least one silicone gel, wherein the at least one silicone gel forms silicone droplets dispersed in the at least one aqueous phase when the composition is agitated. It will be understood, that each silicone gel may have different visual, textural, biological or cosmetic properties. For example, the composition may comprise an aqueous phase comprising water and a thickening agent; and two silicone gels each gel having a different respective colour, wherein the two silicone gels form silicone droplets dispersed in the aqueous phase when the composition is agitated. In such examples, the agitated composition will comprise two populations of dispersed silicone droplets distinguishable by their respective colour. In some examples, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising: at least one aqueous phase comprising water and a thickening agent; and two or more silicone gels, wherein the two or more silicone gels form silicone droplets dispersed in the at least one aqueous phase when the composition is agitated. In some examples, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising: at least one aqueous phase comprising water and a thickening agent; a first silicone gel comprising a first lipophilic compound; and a second silicone gel comprising a second lipophilic compound, wherein the first silicone gel and the second silicone gel form silicone droplets dispersed in the aqueous phase when the composition is agitated.

In certain examples, the aqueous phase of the composition may comprise a catalyst such as an enzyme and the silicone droplets may comprise a substrate for the catalyst. In such examples, the catalyst and its substrate may be brought into contact when the composition is topically applied to the skin, hair or nails of a subject. In that regard, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising silicone droplets dispersed in an aqueous phase wherein the aqueous phase comprises a catalyst and the silicone droplets comprise a substrate for the catalyst. In other examples, the catalyst and its substrate may be separately contained within respective silicone droplets, or the catalyst may be contained within the silicone droplets while the substrate is present in the aqueous phase.