Self-foaming cleansing systems

Details Self-foaming cleansing systems Self-foaming cleansing systems

1998-11-10

2001-01-23

Dodson, Shelley A. (Department: 1616)

Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions

Preparations characterized by special physical form

Cosmetic, antiperspirant, dentifrice

C424S044000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06177092

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to self-foaming systems. In particular, the invention relates to self-foaming systems having at least two components that effervesce when they are dispensed and that are cleansing, cool, and refreshing to the skin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typical cleanser formulations are designed to effectively and efficiently remove previously applied face powder, rouge, foundation bases, eyeshadow and lipstick. Surfactants are also particularly useful in removing waterproof makeup. In addition, cleansers remove dirt and oil that accumulate on the skin or in the hair. To achieve this, commercial facial cleansers, usually in the form of a gel, lotion or cream, use surfactant ingredients. Further, a refreshing feeling is experienced when the surfactant is in contact with water because it generates a bubbly foam. Unfortunately, many surfactants are drying to the skin and/or are irritating to user. Because they contain surfactants, many cleansers cannot be routinely used in or in some instances even around the eye area.
Surfactants can interfere with the natural protective lipid barrier of the skin. There are two sources of skin surface lipids making up this important barrier: the sebaceous glands and the epidermis. Lipids are a diverse croup of compounds, comprising triglycerides, diglycerides, ceramides, free fatty acids, wax esters, cholesterol and cholesterol esters, and squalene. The quantity and composition of the skin surface lipids differ from place to place on the body, and may to some extent be related to the number of sebaceous glands in a given area of the skin. The condition of the skin surface lipids may also be affected by an essential fatty acid deficiency. Additionally, the lipid barrier can be diminished by exposure to harsh detergents or soaps containing surfactants. Therefore, cleansers are desired which do not interfere with the lipid barrier of the skin, but which clean thoroughly and, feel cool and refreshing.
Another desirable characteristic of cleansing products is the refreshing feeling derived from a cooling sensation on the skin. To achieve a physiological cooling effect on the skin, it is known in the prior art to use, for example, menthol or other similar low volatile compounds. Other compositions used include acyclic secondary and tertiary sulphoxides and sulphones, p-menthane and its derivatives. However, these compositions have a strong odor and are not desirable for use on the skin. Therefore, a less traditional form is needed that will provide a refreshing and cooling feeling that is pleasant to use.
Consumers of cleansers not only desire a product that cleans deeply, they desire a product that “feels” like it cleans deeply. This feeling is achieved when a cleanser product is cool, refreshing and tingly or bubbly during its use. The present invention provides a self-foaming system that produces a cooling sensation, cleans deeply, and “feels” like it cleans deeply but does not interfere with the delicate lipid barrier of the skin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical self-foaming system for application to the skin or the hair. The system comprises, as separate aqueous components, at least two components: an acid component and an alkali metal bicarbonate component. The acid component is either an organic acid with no greater than 8 carbon atoms or an inorganic acid. Examples of acids include but are not limited to citric acid, ascorbic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, acid potassium bitartrate, acid sodium citrate, phosphoric acid and acid phosphate and pyrophosphate salt, such as monosodium phosphate and disodium pyrophosphate, salicylic acid, lactic acid, as well as other salts of these acids. The bicarbonate component can be sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The two components are each combined with a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. To use the system, the components are dispensed and applied to the surface to be treated, such as the skin or the hair. Upon commingling with each other, the acid and bicarbonate components release carbon dioxide
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a unitary package for dispensing the cosmetic or pharmaceutical self-foaming cleansing. The package for the cleansing system has at least two individual, separate non-communicating chambers. Each chamber holds a different reactive component and has an opening for dispensing the components. The non-communicating chambers keep the components inert while they are separate and until they are dispensed from the chambers. When the components are combined as described above, they produce carbon dioxide and generate an effervescent cleansing experience. The present invention includes a method of cooling the skin which comprises applying an effective amount of the cosmetic or pharmaceutical self-foaming system.
The self-foaming cleansing system is advantageous because it is gentler to the lipid barrier of the skin than a traditional cleanser containing a large percentage of surfactants, yet the system cleans deeply and has a tingly, bubbly and cool feel when used. The cleanser helps prevent the development of dry skin and other undesirable results that can occur when using, for example, a cleanser with a large amount of surfactants.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is cosmetic or pharmaceutical systems having at least two components that commingle and effervesce upon being dispensed simultaneously from separate containers. An important aspect of the present invention is its ability to provide cleansing and cooling properties. Accordingly, the present invention includes a cleansing system and a method for cooling the skin which comprises applying the self-foaming system to the skin. Another feature of the present invention is that the effervescent property of the system occurs at a particular time when the user applies it to the skin or the hair.
Foaming action is primarily desirable at the time the system is applied to and during use on the skin or the hair. After the components of the system are dispensed from their respective containers or chambers, they are applied to the skin or the hair where effervescence is desired immediately upon contact. In contrast, before applying the components of the system to the skin, effervescence is not necessary. Likewise, after using the system on the skin or the hair, effervescence is no longer needed because use of the system is concluded and the components of the system are removed from the skin or the hair by rinsing or some other similar action. Therefore, the timing involved in creating the effervescent property is an important aspect of the system.
Effervescence is a widely used, desirable and useful property of many commercial products that makes a product feel tingly or bubbly. Typically, the effervescent property of these products is based on the generation of carbon dioxide gas. The creation of carbon dioxide gas involves reacting an acid with bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is a relatively common household product also known as baking soda. In aqueous solution, bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide gas unless it is stabilized. Generally, this reaction proceeds rapidly because the acid and the alkaline neutralize each other. As the reaction progresses toward completion the effervescence diminishes and eventually ends when the reaction is complete.
It is known in the prior art to use sodium bicarbonate in personal care products. For example, a sodium bicarbonate effervescent system is used in a toothpaste product after overcoming challenges to make a product that is acceptable to the user. U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,757, incorporated herein by reference, discloses how to make a toothpaste container containing a baking soda toothpaste that overcomes the challenges of water solubility, salty taste, stability in the container, and its appearance when dispersed. An example of a two component foaming system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,035 which provides for a surface a

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