Shaving Compositions

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to novel shaving compositions. The novel compositions of this invention contain glyoxal, urea and soaping compositions and provide excellent lubrication and conditioning for facial hair areas. The compositions of this invention are stable over an indefinite period of time. The addition of an aged or unaged diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether allows the compositions to remain potent and stable over an indefinite time period.

2. Description of Related Art

Shaving compositions for shaving facial hair areas have varied over the years from powders mixed with hot water, "brushless" shaving creams dispensed from tubes, and aerosol foam shaving compositions dispensed from cans. Each of the compositions suffers from one or more drawbacks. Some are inconvenient to use, others fail to provide adequate protection of skin during shaving and still others do not prepare the hair and hair area for effective trimming of hair material. Shaving compositions of the present invention are convenient to use, protect the skin, and prepare the hair for effective trimming, thereby providing a clean, smooth, comfortable shave.

Urea and glyoxal compositions for use in the cosmetic treatment of hair were described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,650,280, which is incorporated herein by reference. These compositions aid in beautifying hair. They were not known to be useful as a facial hair shaving composition. Furthermore, it was found that these compositions were stable for a relatively limited period of time. After six weeks, they developed hard crystalline lumps and lost the quality of their consistency. Therefore, they could not be used for their intended purpose after a relatively short period of time. The lumps and crystals needed to be separated from the remainder of the compositions in order to produce a product with good textural characteristics.

The inventor has found, unexpectedly, that the addition of soap-type additives such as palmitic acid and triethanolamine render the compositions set forth in U.S. Pat. No 3,650,280 capable for use as shaving compositions which have unexpected and novel advantages over other shaving compositions.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide compositions for use in shaving facial hair.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved compositions for use in shaving facial hair which may be used after long periods of storage.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method for using a glyoxal composition, which contains diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether. The diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether may be aged or unaged.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a facial hair shaving composition which maintains a smooth creamy texture and maximum potency over the duration of its storage and use.

The shaving composition of the present invention consists essentially of diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (aged or unaged), glyoxal, urea, fatty acid and alkanolamine wherein the ratio by weight of alkanolamine to fatty acid is between about 1:2 and about 1:3.

Surprisingly, with the addition of soaping factors, the compositions set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,650,280 can be used in the facial shaving process. The compositions of this invention are a great improvement over prior art compositions. They provide lubrication of the face during the shaving process and leave a coating on the face after it is dried. If rewet with water, the lubricating action of the compositions of this invention is reactivated and the face can continue to be shaved without reapplying the shaving compositions.

Upon application, the compositions set hair up and react with the hair to soften it. Preparation of the hair in this manner makes shaving easier, eliminates nicks and cuts that frequently occur with other shaving compositions, and extends the useful life of a razor blade such that a single blade edge may be used at least 30 times and up to 60 times.

In most circumstances, the composition is applied and, after a few seconds, shaving is begun. For tough beards, the compositions should be allowed to settle into the beard and react with it for about one minute prior to commencement of shaving.

In addition, the compositions of this invention have the characteristics that they contain diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether which may be oxidized or unoxidized (aged or unaged). The ether compound can be oxidized by aging the compound over a relatively long period of time, by heating the compound or by any other method known to those of skill in the art.

Preferably, a diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether manufactured and distributed by Union Carbide Corporation, Carbitol, is used in the diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether fraction. The diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether may be allowed to oxidize until it becomes cloudy and reddish-tan in color, generally a time period of about three to about six months. In the oxidized Carbitol there is a metal which contributes to preserving and creating a shelf-life for the shaving composition. If metal is not present, shelf life and formulation will still be maintained, however when metal is present, a trace of added effectiveness is observed in the formulation.

Preferred compositions which have soap-type additives such as fatty acids and alkanolamines, and which have unexpected and novel advantages over other shaving compositions contain the following:

a from about 0.08 to about 9 percent by weight of glyoxal;

b. from about 0.08 to about 9 percent by weight of urea;

c. from about 1.0 to about 2 percent by weight of diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (aged or unaged);

d. from about 8.5 to about 12.5 percent by weight of a fatty acid;

e. from about 3.0 to about 5.0 percent by weight of an alkanolamine; and

f. as an inert carrier, water, a lower alkanol, or a mixture of water and a lower alkanol.

A critical feature of the composition of the present invention is that the ratio of amount of alkanolamine to amount of fatty acid is between about 1:2 and 1:3, preferably about 2 65. Ratios outside the critical range make the resulting product unsuitable for producing shaving/conditioning results which are achieved with compositions of this invention.

More preferred compositions will contain between about and 11.5 percent and more preferably about 10.4 percent by weight of fatty acid. More preferred compositions will also contain between 3.5 and 4.5 percent and more preferably about 3.9 percent by weight of alkanolamine.

Preferred fatty acids are within the range of those having about 14 and about 20 carbon atoms. More preferred fatty acids are stearic and palmitic. Palmitic acid is most preferred.

Preferred alkanolamines are within the range of those having 2 to about 6 carbon atoms. More preferred alkanolamines are diethanolamine and triethanolamine. Triethanolamine is most preferred.

The preferred compositions may contain aged or unaged diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether.

Another preferred composition will also contain a minor proportion (from about 1.0 to about 2 percent by weight) of benzyl alcohol.

There is nothing critical about the manner in which the shaving compositions of this invention are prepared. Those skilled in the art of formulating shaving compositions will be well aware of the manipulative techniques needed to provide the composition in the form of solutions, dispersions, lotions, gels, creams and the like. Preferred formulations will be exemplified in detail hereinafter. In one method, the liquid ingredients are blended, then the solids are mixed in. In another method powdered solids, e.g., urea and solid additives are mixed together first, then blended with part of the inert cosmetic carrier, then the liquid components, e.g., glyoxal, and the benzyl alcohol and diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (aged or unaged), if used, and opacifier, and other liquid additives, if desired, are blended with the reserved part of the cosmetic carrier, then final blending is made. In another method, the fatty acid, e.g. stearic acid, is melted and mixed with liquid triethanolamine. The resulting liquid mixture is then added as described above. If necessary, the pH is adjusted in the final product to the desired non-alkaline level by adding the required amount of acid, e.g., hydrochloric acid, or alkali, e.g., sodium hydroxide solution.

The present formulations can be applied to the face or other area which one desires to shave by any method satisfactory to accomplish the desired purpose.

When used herein and in the claims, the term "non-alkaline" contemplates compositions in which the pH is from neutrality to acidic, i.e., about pH 7 or below. Excluded, of course, are media too acidic to be employed on the hair or skin without imparting damage. In any event, alkaline media, i.e., those of above pH 7 are excluded, and especially those alkaline pH's used commonly in hair waving compositions (wherein the optimum seems to be about pH 9.2). In the present non-alkaline compositions, the optimum pH for most purposes appears to be from about 4 to about 6.

The urea and glyoxal ingredients used in the present compositions are items of commerce. They have been found to be essential. It is not possible to use either urea or glyoxal alone to obtain the desired results. Preferably, unpurified glyoxal, such as that available from American Hoechst Co., should be used. Only a marginal effect will be seen with each used alone. However, a remarkable penetrating, swelling and surrounding of the outer structure of hair is seen if the hair is treated with urea and glyoxal used together under non-alkaline conditions in an inert cosmetic carrier.

Suitable carriers comprise a class of nonirritating liquids which may be safely applied to the skin and hair of mammals, such as water, alcohols, especially lower alcohols of from two to six carbon atoms, e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, etc., mixtures of water and lower alcohols, fats, such as lanolin, and the like.

The ratio of the combined volume or weight of urea and glyoxal to the volume or weight of carrier used is not particularly critical. Suitable formulations depending on the end use contemplated can be prepared easily by those skilled in the art. Generally, for economic reasons, and for ease of application, the composition will contain a minor proportion, i.e., less than 50 percent by weight of urea, glyoxal, and diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (aged or unaged) and a major proportion of carrier. Preferably, the ratio of glyoxal to urea will be approximately 1:1. For most purposes, the best properties will be obtained with compositions containing from about 0.04 to about 8 percent and preferably from about 0.04 to about 8 percent by weight of glyoxal and from about 0.1 to about the solubility limit in water, but preferably from about 0.20 to about 9 percent of urea.

The addition of benzyl alcohol or diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (aged or unaged) to the basic formulation, in minor proportions, e.g., either or both together providing less than 50 percent by weight of the final composition, enhances the properties of the instant compositions. Compositions containing either of these ingredients or, preferably both of them, are important embodiments hereof. Benzyl alcohol in minor proportions, e.g., especially from about 0.1 to about 4 percent by weight, and preferably from about 0.1 to about 2 percent by weight in the composition seem to facilitate penetration and reduce the time required to obtain the desired results.

In addition to increasing the shelf-life and improving the texture of the composition, the diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (aged or unaged) appears to facilitate penetration and reduce the time required to obtain the desired results as well.

Of course, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, a variety of conventional additives may be used in the instant compositions to secure additional objectives. For example, small amounts of stabilizers and sequestrants, e.g., sorbic acid or its salts; gelling agents, such as polyethers; opacifiers; hydrolyzed proteins; perfumes and the like, may be used. Also, pigments and antiseptics and the like can be added. These additives will comprise generally a minor proportion of the compositions, e.g., up to about 2 percent by weight in the most preferred formulations.

With the addition of diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (aged or nonaged), the formulations of this invention remain smooth and creamy throughout their life. Prior to the addition of diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (aged or nonaged), the formulations tended to crystallize and form unasthetic and unusable lumps over a period of time.

With the presence of fatty acid and alkanolamine, these compositions are suitable for shaving and simultaneously conditioning the skin. The composition is an antibacterial formulation in the sense that the composition protects the skin and keeps it from blemishing. The composition is a low-foam, clear product such that you can see beard while shaving.

Preferably, the aged or unaged diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether composition should have approximately the following physical properties:

When the aged or unaged diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether is used in the compositions of the present invention, an increased acidity of the compositions is produced and contributes to the preservation of the compositions and creates an improved shelf life.

The oxidized diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether additive of this invention may be made by allowing a diethylene glycol monoethyl ether additive to age and thereby oxidize over a period of time at room temperature. This process generally takes between about three and about six months. Diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether should be allowed to age, or oxidize, until its appearance is cloudy and reddish-tan in color. This aging process may also be accelerated by heating or by other means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It is believed that the increase in acetic acid aids in the preservation of the shaving compositions of this invention. The aging of the ether compound to acetic acid may be simulated by the addition of acetic acid. However, the pH of shaving composition should be adjusted after preparation in order to ensure appropriate pH value for use on the hair and skin.

The following examples describe the preparation of compositions according to the present invention.

Compositions having the following formulation, expressed in parts by weight, were prepared.

These compositions are used as shaving compositions for lubrication and skin protection, and should remain potent indefinitely.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it is obvious that many variations will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art after reading this detailed description. It is intended to include all obvious variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.