Topical Cleansing and Conditioning Composition

Traditionally, the cleansing and moisturizing regimen for the skin consists of a three-step process, comprising cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Each step requires a specific product, i.e. a cleanser, toner and moisturizer, and each requires a particular method of use.

Cleansers are designed to remove dirt, cosmetics, and the normal skin byproducts, such as sebum, dead skin cells, and the like. However, cleansers tend to leave residual materials on the skin, such as soap film and oily components.

Toners are designed to remove the soap residue and other potential pore clogging materials, while moisturizers serve to mimic the action of normal skin secretions in maintaining suppleness in the skin and provide a barrier to evaporation. The use of the moisturizer is necessitated by the removal of natural skin secretions by the cleanser and toner.

The use of the conventional cleansing-toning-moisturizing system requires the consumer to maintain stocks of three different products, learn the appropriate regimen for use of each individual product of the system and take the time to follow each specific regimen in its appropriate order.

Recently, there has been a desire for more convenience in personal care products which has been evidenced by increased sales of conditioning shampoos, breath freshening toothpastes, and other multi-functional products. The use of a single product which provides a multiple function saves the consumer both time and effort and possibly money.

The invention is directed to a multiple function cleansing conditioner for topical application, which comprises a water base containing a surfactant, an emollient, a cationic material, a film former, and a polyamino sugar condensate.

The surfactant is a cosmetically acceptable low irritancy-type which reduced surface tension on the skin, thus allowing dirt and oils to be washed away with water.

The emollient can take the form of oils, fatty acids, or fatty acid esters.

The cationic material, such as oleyl palmityl palmitoleyl keratin hydroxypropyl dimonium chloride lactate has a net positive charge and is attracted to human skin which carries a net negative charge, thus providing a smooth silky feel to the skin.

The film former, which can take the form of a silicone based wax, or a high molecular weight silicone polymer, produces a coating which remains on the skin after rinsing and thus aids in maintaining the polyamino sugar condensate, which is a skin moisturizer, on the skin.

The unique interaction of the cationic material, the film former, and the polyamino sugar condensate in a gentle surfactant base, provides both a cleansing and conditioning action for the skin.

Through use of the invention the consumer can maintain a stock of only a single product which will provide the multiple function of cleansing and conditioning. The use of a single product will require only one regimen of treatment or application.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.

The invention is directed to a cosmetic composition which incorporates both cleansing and conditioning action. In general, the composition has the following formulation in weight percent:

The surfactant is water soluble and is a type commonly used in cosmetic products, having low irritancy to the skin. Examples of surfactants which can be used in the composition are alkyl ether sulfates, such as sodium laureth sulfate; glycerides such as PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides; betaines such as cocamidopropyl betaine; ethoxylates such as PEG-10 soya sterol; amides such as cocamide DEA, myristamide DEA, or PEG-20 methyl glucose ether disteartate; and ethers such as Oleth-10 (sold by Croda, Inc.).

The emollients to be used in the composition are cosmetically acceptable types and can take the form of oils, such as olive oil, castor oil, mineral oil, silicone oil, such as cyclomethicone; fatty acid esters, such cetearyl palmitate or isopropyl-12-hydroxystearate, or mixed fatty alcohols, such as cetearyl alcohol.

The cationic materials provide substantivity to the skin, which in turn produces a smooth silky feel. Human skin tends to carry a negative charge and the positively charged cationic material is attracted to the skin and will remain in contact with the skin surface for a prolonged period of time. The cationic material preferably contains fatty acid moieties, i.e. oleic, linoleic, etc., which are known to be naturally present in the skin, and can also include keratin, lactic acid, amino acid, or phospholipid moieties. Specific examples of the cationic material which can be used are oleyl palmityl palmitoleyl, keratin hydroxypropyl dimonium chloride lactate, wheatgerm-amidopropyl dimethylamine hydrolyzed wheat protein, and guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride.

The polyamino sugar condensate is a skin moisturizing material and is the CTFA approved name for Aqualizer EJ sold by Kolmar Laboratories, Inc. Port Jervis, NJ.

The film formers produce a coating which remains on the skin after rinsing and the coating or film aids in maintaining the conditioning agents on the skin. The film formers also protect the skin from environmental conditions and aid in the retention of natural moisture within the skin. Specific examples of film formers that can be used are silicon based waxes, such as stearoxytrimethylsilane and stearyl alcohol; silicon polymers, such as dimethiconol; and cationic cellulose derivatives such as polyquaternium 4.

In addition to the above-mentioned ingredients, the composition can also contain from 5% to 15% by weight of botanical or plant extracts, such as lavender, rosemary, witch hazel, mimosa bark, and chamomile.

A small amount, up to an amount of 0.5% by weight of a material, such a tocopheral linoleate, can also be included which serves to enhance the moisturizing effect of the polyamino sugar condensate.

Also, small amounts up to 0.5% by weight of materials such as fragrances, preservatives, and colorants can be included in the composition.

Specific examples of the composition of the invention are as follows:

The combination of ingredients used in the composition of the invention provides a unique interaction which both effectively cleanses the skin and provides a moisturizing benefit for the skin. Thus, the multiple functions which heretofore had been available only through use of multiple products are achieved through the use of a single product.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.