BR112019018158B1 - USE OF A TALC PARTICULAR MATERIAL AS A PEARLING AGENT IN LIQUID COMPOSITIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a particulate talc material as a pearlescent agent in a liquid composition and method of increasing the pearlization of a liquid composition by adding said talc particulate material, liquid pearlescent compositions comprising said particulate material of talc and methods for making said liquid pearlescent compositions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention generally relates to the use of a particulate talc mineral as a pearlescence agent in a liquid composition and methods for increasing the pearlescence of a liquid composition by adding a talc particulate material to said liquid composition. The present invention further relates to liquid pearlescent compositions comprising a talc particulate material and methods of producing said liquid pearlescent compositions.

BACKGROUND

[002] Pearlizing agents are widely used in liquid compositions, particularly in liquid cosmetic compositions to provide the composition with an iridescent appearance and/or luster or pearlescent or pearly sheen. This can, for example, give compositions a rich and luxurious appearance and make them more attractive to customers. Currently, the most commonly used pearling agents are synthetic substances such as fatty esters (eg glycol stearate) and fatty amides. However, synthetic pearling agents are generally not environmentally friendly, can have an unpleasant odor, cause an allergic reaction, and/or can be toxic. Some natural substances, such as mica, have been used as pearling agents. However, these can be expensive and difficult to obtain and can also be difficult to keep in suspension. Therefore, it is desirable to provide alternative and/or improved pearling agents for use in liquid compositions, particularly liquid cosmetic compositions.

SUMMARY

[003] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a use of a talc particulate material as a pearling agent in a liquid composition, wherein the talc particulate material has a laminarity index equal to or greater than about of 2.8.

[004] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for increasing the pearlescence of a liquid composition, the method comprising adding a particulate talcum material having a flake index equal to or greater than about 2.8 of the liquid composition.

[005] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a pearlescent liquid composition comprising a talc particulate material having a flake index equal to or greater than about 2.8.

[006] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for making a liquid pearlescent composition, the method comprising mixing a talc particulate material having a flake index equal to or greater than about 2 .8 with one or more components of the liquid pearlescent composition. The method can, for example, make a liquid pearlescent composition according to any aspect or embodiment of the present invention.

[007] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid pearlescent composition obtainable and/or obtainable by any method or use of any aspect or embodiment of the present invention.

[008] Certain embodiments of any aspect of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages: • improved pearlescent appearance (for example, when compared to the liquid composition without a pearling agent and/or compared to the liquid composition with a pearling agent of different pearling); • natural product; • does not cause an allergic reaction; • non toxic; • reduced amount needed to obtain a desired pearlescent effect; • no bad odor; • eco-friendly.

[009] The details, examples and preferences provided with respect to any particulate, one or more of the established aspects of the present invention, will be further described here, in this patent application, apply equally to all aspects of the present invention. Any combination of the modalities, examples and preferences described here, in this patent application, in all its possible variables, are encompassed in the present invention, unless otherwise indicated here, in this patent application, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Figure 1 shows the pearlescent classification of the composition described in Example 1.

[0011] Figure 2 shows the pearlescence classification of the composition described in Example 2.

[0012] Figure 3 shows photographs of the compositions described in Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] There is provided herein in this patent application a use of a talc particulate material as a pearling agent in a liquid composition.

[0014] Also provided herein in this patent application is a method for increasing pearlescence in a liquid composition, wherein the method comprises adding a talc particulate material to the liquid composition.

[0015] Also further provided herein in this patent application is a liquid pearlescent composition comprising a talc particulate material and a method for manufacturing such a liquid pearlescent composition.

[0016] The expression "pearling agent" refers to any compound or material that can be used to give a composition to which it is added (such as a liquid composition) a pearlescent appearance. A "pearly appearance" refers to a pearly sheen or sheen which may also be referred to as pearlescent and/or iridescent.

[0017] Pearliness can, for example, be measured using a probe such as the Aello 1200 ™ probe and the dynamic extinction measurement technique in which the fluctuation of the signal is evaluated and allows to evaluate the pearlescent aspect. This gives a measurement of reflected light (%). This is described, for example, in Bolzinger et al., "Effects of surfactants on crystallization of ethylene glycol distearate in oil-in-water emulsion", Colloids and Surfaces A: Physiochem. Eng. Aspects, 299, 2007, 93 - 100, the contents of which are incorporated herein, in this patent application, by reference. A mica dispersion (eg Timiron Starluster MP-115™ from Merck) can be used as a standard sample and assigned a pearlescence of 5. A suspension of EGDS crystallized in the absence of surfactant can be used as a standard sample and assigned a 0 pearling.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the % of light reflected from the liquid pearlescent composition is at least about 40%. For example, the % light reflected from the liquid pearlescent composition is at least about 45% or at least about 50% or at least about 55% or at least about 60% or at least about 65% or at least minus about 70% minus about 75%. In certain embodiments, the % light reflected from the liquid pearlescent composition is equal to or less than about 95%, for example equal to or less than about 90% or equal to or less than 85% or equal to or less than about 80%.

[0019] In certain embodiments, pearling is determined by comparing the composition and/or made by the invention with an identical composition comprising a certain amount of a pearling agent used in industry instead of the talc particulate material described herein, in this patent application. For example, the pearliness can be determined by comparing the composition of and/or made by the invention with an identical composition comprising 2% by weight of glycol stearate instead of talc particulate material having a flake index equal to or greater than that about 2.8.

[0020] The "talc particulate matter" refers to the particulate matter made from hydrated magnesium silicate having the chemical formula H2Mg3 (SiO3)4 or Mg3Si4O10 (OH)2 or the mineral chlorite (aluminium silicate and hydrated magnesium), a combination thereof or a mineral substance derived therefrom and having similar properties.

[0021] When talc particulate material is obtained from natural sources, it may be that some mineral impurities will inevitably contaminate the ground material. For example, naturally occurring talc can occur in association with other minerals such as dolomite. In addition, in some circumstances, minor additions of other minerals may be included, for example one or more of dolomite, kaolin, calcined kaolin, wollastonite, bauxite or mica may also be present. In general, however, the particulate mineral used in the invention will contain less than 5% by weight, for example less than 2% by weight, for example less than 1% by weight of other minerals.

[0022] In one embodiment, the talc particulate matter undergoes minimal processing following mining or extraction. In another embodiment, the talc particulate material is subjected to at least one physical modification process. One skilled in the art will readily know appropriate physical modification processes to use, which may be known now or discovered hereafter; Appropriate physical modification processes include, but are not limited to, milling, drying, and air classification. In yet another embodiment, the talc particulate material is subjected to at least one chemical modification process. The person skilled in the art will readily know chemical modification processes suitable for use in the present invention, which may now be known or discovered below; Suitable chemical modification processes include, but are not limited to, silanization and calcination. The talcum particulate material may, for example, be surface treated or surface untreated.

[0023] The surface treatment can, for example, serve to modify a property of the talc particulate and/or the liquid composition within which it is incorporated. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment increases the spreadability of the composition and/or increases the adhesion, water resistance, sebum absorption and/or surface smoothness of the composition, for example, when applied to the skin (e.g., skin human). The surface treatment can, for example, increase the hydrophobicity or lipophilicity of the talc particulate.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is an organo silane, an organo phosphorus, an organo sulfur or a mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment agent is a hydrocarbyl phosphoric acid, for example, an alkyl phosphoric acid, such as, for example, a C6C24 phosphoric acid, for example, n-octadecylphosphonic acid. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment agent is a haloalkylphosphonic acid such as, for example, a fluoroalkylphosphonic acid such as, for example, nonafluoropentadecylphosphonic acid

[0025] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is selected from one or more of methicones, dimethicone, triethoxysilane, lauryllysine, C9-15 fluoroalcohol magnesium myristate9 phosphates, triethoxy caprylsilane, polyhydrostearic acid, and perfluoroctyl triethol - xisilane.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is or comprises microcrystalline cellulose.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is or comprises polyacrylate.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is or comprises a polyoxyalkylene (POA), for example, polyalkylene glycol (PAG) or polyalkylene oxide (PAO). As used herein, in this patent application, the term "polyalkylene glycol" means a POA with a number average molecular weight below 20,000 g/mol, and the term "polyalkylene oxide" means a POA with a number average molecular weight above 20,000 g/mol. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment comprises or is a polyalkylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of from about 100 to about 15,000 g/mol, for example, from about 200 to about 10,000 g/mol, or from about 500 to about 9000 g/mol, or from about 1000 to about 9000 g/mol, or from about 2000 to about 900 g/mol, or from about 4000 to about 9000 g/mol mol, or from about 6000 to about 9000 g/mol or about 6000 to about 8500 g/mol.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is or comprises a polyalkylene oxide selected from one or more of paraformaldehyde (polymethylene oxide), polytetramethylene glycol, polytetra ethylene glycol ether, polyethylene oxide, poly-ethylene oxide propylene, polybutylene oxide and combinations thereof.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is or comprises a polyethylene glycol. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment comprises or is a blend of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol (PPG).

[0031] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is or comprises a polyether-modified polysiloxane. The polyether-modified polysiloxane can be derived from a linear polysiloxane. In certain embodiments, the polyether-modified polysiloxane is derived from poly(dimethylsiloxane), poly(hexamethyldisiloxane), poly(octamethyltrisiloxane), polydecamethyltetrasilozone), or combinations thereof.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment comprises at least one siloxane. In general, siloxanes are any of a class of organic or inorganic chemical compounds comprising silicon, oxygen, and often carbon and hydrogen, based on the general empirical formula of R2SiO, where R may be an alkyl group. Examples of siloxanes include, but are not limited to, dimethyl siloxane, methylphenyl siloxane, methylhydrogen siloxane, methylhydrogen polysiloxane, methyltrimethoxysilane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane, diphenylsiloxane and copolymers or mixtures of copolymers of any combination of monophenyl siloxane units, diphenylsiloxane, phenylmethylsiloxane, dimethyl siloxane, monomethyl siloxane, vinyl siloxane units, phenylvinyl siloxane units, methyl vinyl siloxane units, ethyl siloxane units, phenylethyl siloxane units, ethylmethyl siloxane units, ethylvinyl siloxane units or diethyl siloxane.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment comprises an amine, or an amine derivative. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment comprises an alkylated amine, for example, an alkyl alkyl amine such as, for example, an ethylated alkyl amine. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment comprises an alkoxylated amine, for example, an ethoxylated amine, or an alkyl alkyl amine, such as, for example, an ethoxylated alkyl amine.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment comprises a polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and an amine, for example, a PAG, an alkoxylated amine, and a siloxane. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment comprises PAG (e.g., PEG), ethoxylated alkyl amine, and siloxane. In certain embodiments, the surface treatment essentially consists of or consists of the above-mentioned surface treatment agents.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the surface treatment is present in an amount of up to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of talc particles, for example, from about 0.001% by weight, to about 5 % by weight, or from about 0.01% by weight to about 2% by weight, or from about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight, or from about from 0.5% by weight to about 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of talc particles.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has no surface treatment.

[0037] The talc particulate matter can, for example, be obtained from a material source through grinding. For example, talc particulate matter can be obtained by or obtained by delaminating talc suspended in a liquid.

[0038] The natural talc particulate material is typically obtained by crushing and then grinding a mineral source of talc, which may be followed by a particle size classification step, so as to obtain a product that has a size distribution of desired particle. The solid particulate material may be ground autogenously, i.e. by attrition between particles of the solid material itself, or alternatively in the presence of a particulate grinding medium comprising particles of a material other than the talc particulate material to be ground. be crushed. These processes can be carried out with or without the presence of a dispersant and biocides, which can be added at any stage of the process.

[0039] The talcum particulate material can be prepared using techniques well known to a person skilled in the art, for example, techniques selected from grinding (such as grinding, crushing, grinding), classification (such as , hydrodynamic sorting, sorting and/or sieving) and drying.

[0040] In certain embodiments, talc particulate matter is obtained and/or obtainable through a process in accordance with that described in U.S.-A-6,348,536, the entire content of which is incorporated herein, in this application for patent by reference.

[0041] More specifically, talc particulate can be prepared by a process comprising: (a) talc with a predetermined initial particle size is suspended in a liquid, (b) the suspension is subjected to a desliming operation - nation adapted in such a way as to produce a separation of the sheets of particles and obtain a particle size of less than the initial particle size; (c) optionally subjecting the suspension to screening for particles larger than a predetermined size, (d) drying the suspension, and (e) optionally treating the particles in such a way as to limit the creation of strong bonds between them.

[0042] The starting talc is typically chosen having a starting particle size that is greater than the desired particle size. In certain embodiments, the starting talc is suspended in water in the presence of a dispersing agent such that the dry matter weight based on the total weight of the suspension is from about 10% to about 60%. The suspension is typically homogeneous. The grinding operation during delamination is, in certain embodiments, carried out in such a way as to obtain a d50laser of about 10 µm to about 50 µm. The selection step can comprise hydrodynamic selection, which can be performed in a turbine selector or in a hydrocyclone or in a centrifuge with an endless extraction screw. The suspension is advantageously dried in order to reach a residual liquid level below 1%.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material is prepared through a process comprising: (a) delaminating a liquid suspension of a relatively coarse talc particulate material that has an initial particle size with a d50laser greater than than a desired d50laser (for example, greater than a desired d of about 10 µm to about 50 µm, or from about 10 µm to about 35 µm), to obtain a talc particulate material with a size particle size of less than the initial particle size; (b) at least partially drying the suspension, thereby obtaining a talc particle having the desired laser d50 and, optionally, a desired lamellarity index.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the inorganic particulate, for example talcum particulate material, is not chemically treated during processing to obtain the desired particle size and lamellarity.

[0045] The talc particulate material may, for example, have an aluminum content equal to or less than about 20% by weight (based on the total weight of the talc particulate material). For example, the talcum particulate material can have an aluminum content equal to or less than about 15% by weight or equal to or less than about 10% by weight or equal to or less than about 8% by weight or equal to or less than 6% by weight % or equal to or less than about 5% by weight or equal to or less than about 4% by weight or equal to or of less than about 3% by weight or equal to or less than about 2% by weight or equal to or less than about 1.5% or equal to or less than about 1% by weight or equal to or less than about 0.75% by weight. For example, the talc particulate material can have an aluminum content of at least about 0.1% by weight or at least about 0.2% by weight or at least about 0.4% by weight. For example, the talcum particulate material can have an aluminum content ranging from about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight or from about 0.2% by weight to about 3 % by weight or from about 0.4% by weight to about 2.5% by weight. Aluminum content is calculated as Al2O3 content, as determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XFS).

[0046] The talc particulate material used in the present invention is a talc particulate material having a flake index equal to or greater than about 2.8.

[0047] The lamellarity index characterizes the shape and flatness of the particles (large size/thickness). The term "lamellarity index" is defined for the following reason: where "d50laser" is the mean particle size value (d50) obtained using a laser particle size analyzer as described above and "d50sedi" is the median diameter value obtained through sedimentation using a sedigraph (ISO 13317-3 standard), as described below. Reference may be made to the article by G. Baudet and JP Rona, Ind. Mines et Carr. Les techn. June, July 1990, pgs. 55-61, which shows that this index is correlated with the average ratio of the largest particle size to its smallest dimension.

[0048] In the sedimentation technique referred to above, the particle size properties referred to herein in this patent application, with respect to talc particulate materials are measured in a well-known manner through sedimentation of the particulate material in a completely dispersed condition in an aqueous medium using a Sedigraph 5100 machine as supplied by Micromeritics Instruments Corporation, Norcross, Georgia, USA (www.micromeritics.com), referred to herein in this patent application as a "Micromeritics Sedigraph 5100 unit" and based on the application of Stokes' Law. Such a machine provides measurements and a graph of the cumulative percentage by weight of particles having a size, referred to in the art as the "equivalent spherical diameter" (e.s.d), of less than the e.s.d values shown. The mean particle size d50sedi is the value thus determined of the e.s.d particle in which there are 50% by weight of the particles having an equivalent spherical diameter smaller than the d50 value. The d95sedi value is the value at which 95% by weight of the particles have an e.s.d less than the d95sedi value. Particle size properties can be determined according to ISO 13317-3 or any method equivalent thereto.

[0049] In the aforementioned laser technique, the particle size properties referred to here, in this patent application, for the talc particulate materials are measured by wet Malvern laser scattering (ISO 13320-1 standard). In this technique, the particle size in powders, suspensions and emulsions can be measured using the diffraction of a laser beam, based on the application of Mie theory. Such a machine, for example a Malvern Mastersizer S (as supplied by Malvern Instruments) provides measurements and a graph of the cumulative percentage by volume of particles having a size, referred to in the art as the "equivalent spherical diameter" (esd), of less than than the provided esd values. The mean particle size d50 is the determined value of that shape of the particle e.s.d. wherein there are 50% by weight of the particles having an equivalent spherical diameter of less than the d50 value. For the avoidance of doubt, particle size measurement using laser light scattering is not an equivalent method to the sedimentation method mentioned above.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a flakiness index equal to or greater than about 2.9. For example, the talc particulate material can have a flake index equal to or greater than about 3 or equal to or greater than about 3.1 or equal to or greater than about 3.2 or equal to or greater than about 3.3 or equal to or greater than about 3.4 or equal to or greater than about 3.5 or equal to or greater than about 3.6 or equal to or greater than about 3.7 or equal to or greater than about 3.8 or equal to or greater than about 3.9 or equal to or greater than about 4 or equal to or greater than about 4.1 or equal to or greater than about 4 .2 or equal to or greater than about 4.3 or equal to or greater than about 4.4 or equal to or greater than about 4.5 or equal to or greater than about 4.6 or equal to or greater than about 4.7 or equal to or greater than about 4.8 or equal to or greater than about 4.9 or equal to or greater than about 5 or equal to or greater than about 5.1 or equal to or greater than about 5.2 or equal to or greater than about 5.3 or equal to or greater than about 5.4 or equal to or greater than about 5.5 or equal to or greater than about 5.6 or equal to or greater than about 5.7 or equal to or greater than about 5.8 or equal to or greater than about 5.9 or equal to or greater than about 6 or equal to or greater than than about 6.1 or equal to or greater than about 6.2 or equal to or greater than about 6.3 or equal to or greater than about 6.4 or equal to or greater than about 6.5 or equal to or greater than about 6.6 or equal to or greater than about 6.7 or equal to or greater than about 6.8 or equal to or greater than about 6.9 or equal to or greater than about 7.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a flake index equal to or less than 20. For example, the talc particulate material may have a flake index equal to or less than about 20. 15 equal to or less than about 10 or equal to or less than about 9.5 or equal to or less than about 9 or equal to or less than about 8.5 or equal to or less than about 8 or equal to or less than about 7.5.

[0052] Talc particulate matter may, for example, have a d50 (sedigraph) equal to or greater than about 1 μm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d50 (sedigraph) equal to or greater than about 1.1 μm or equal to or greater than about 1.2 μm or equal to or greater than about 1.3 μm or equal to or greater than about 1.4 μm or equal to or greater than about 1.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 1.6 μm or greater than about 1.7 μm or equal or greater than about 1.8 µm or equal to or greater than about 1.9 µm or equal to or greater than about 2 µm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d50 (sedigraph) equal to or greater than about 2.1 μm or equal to or greater than about 2.2 μm or equal to or greater than about 2.3 μm or equal to or greater than about 2.4 µm or equal to or greater than about 2.5 µm.

[0053] Talcum particulate matter may, for example, have a d50 (sedigraph) equal to or less than about 20. For example, talcum particulate matter may have a d50 (sedigraph) equal to or less than about 19 μm or equal to or less than about 18 μm or equal to or less than about 17 μm or equal to or less than about 16 μm or equal to or less than about 15 μm or equal to or less than about of 14 μm or equal to or less than about 13 μm or equal to or less than about 12 μm or equal to or less than 11 μm or equal to or less than about 10 μm. For example, talc particulate matter might have a d50 (sedigraph) equal to or less than about 9.5 or equal to or less than about 9 or equal to or less than about 8.5 or equal to less than about 8 or equal to or less than about 7.5 μm or equal to or less than about 7 μm or equal to or less than about 6.5 μm or equal to or less than about 6 μm or equal to or less than about 5.5 μm or equal to or less than 5 μm or equal to or less than about 4.5 μm or equal to or less than about 4 μm or equal to or less than about 3.5 µm or equal to or less than about 3 µm.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter has a d50 (sedigraph) ranging from about 1 μm to about 10 μm, for example, from about 2 μm to about 8 μm. For example, talcum particulate material has a d50 (sedigraph) ranging from about 1 to about 4 or from about 1.5 to about 3.5 or from about 2 to about 3.

[0055] Talc particulate matter may, for example, have a d50 (laser) equal to or greater than about 5 μm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d50 (laser) equal to or greater than about 6 μm or equal to or greater than about 7 μm or equal to or greater than about 8 μm or equal to or greater than about 9 μm or equal to or greater than about 10 μm or equal to or greater than about 11 μm or equal to or greater than about 12 μm or equal to or greater than about 13 μm or equal to or greater than about 14 μm or equal to or greater than about 15 μm or equal to or greater than about 16 μm or equal to or greater than about 17 μm or equal to or greater than about 18 μm or equal to or greater than about 19 µm or equal to or greater than about 20 µm or equal to or greater than about 21 µm or greater than or equal to about 22 µm.

[0056] Talc particulate matter may, for example, have a d50 (laser) equal to or less than about 40 μm. For example, talc particulate matter might have a d50 (laser) equal to or less than about 35 or equal to or less than about 30 or equal to or less than about 25 or equal to or less than about 24 or equal to or less than 23 μm or equal to or less than 22 μm or equal to or less than 21 μm or equal to or less than 20 μm or equal to or less than 19 μm or equal to or less than about 18 μm or equal to or less than about 17 μm or equal to or less than about 16 μm or equal to or less than about 15 μm or equal to or less than about 14 μm or equal to or less than about 13 μm or equal to or less than about 12 μm or equal to or less than about 11 μm.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the talcum particulate material has a d50 (laser) that ranges from about 5 μm to about 40 μm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d50 (laser) ranging from about 8 µm to 35 µm or from about 10 µm to about 30 µm or from about 10 µm to about 25 µm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d50 (laser) ranging from about 5 µm to about 15 µm or from about 7 µm to about 14 µm or from about 8 µm to about 12 µm μm or from about 9 μm to about 11 μm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d50 (laser) ranging from about 15 µm to about 30 µm or from about 15 µm to about 25 µm or from about 18 µm to about 24 µm μm.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter has a d10 (sedigraph) equal to or greater than about 0.05 μm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d10 (sedigraph) equal to or greater than about 0.1 μm or equal to or greater than about 0.15 μm or equal to or greater than about 0 .2 μm or equal to or greater than about 0.25 μm or equal to or greater than about 0.3 μm or equal to or greater than about 0.35 μm or equal to or greater than about 0, 4 µm.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter has a d10 (sedigraph) equal to or less than about 2 μm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d10 (sedigraph) equal to or less than about 1.9 μm or equal to or less than about 1.8 μm or equal to or less than about 1.7 μm or equal to or less than about 1.6 μm or equal to or less than about 1.5 μm or equal to or less than about 1.4 μm or equal to or less than about 1.3 μm or equal to or less than about 1.2 μm or equal to or less than about 1.1 μm or equal to or less than about 1 μm or equal to or less than about 0.9 μm or equal to or less than about 0.8 µm or equal to or less than about 0.7 µm or equal to or less than about 0.6 µm.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a diode (sedigraph) ranging from about 0.05 μm to about 2 μm, for example from about 0.1 μm to about 1 .5 µm, for example from about 0.2 µm to about i µm, for example 0.3 µm to about 0.6 µm.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a d10 (laser) equal to or greater than about 2 µm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d10 (laser) equal to or greater than about 2.2 μm or equal to or greater than about 2.4 μm or equal to or greater than about 2.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 2.6 μm or equal to or greater than about 2.8 μm or equal to or greater than about 3 μm or equal to or greater than about 3.2 μm or equal to or greater than about 3.4 μm or equal to or greater than about 3.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 3.6 μm or equal to or greater than about 3.8 μm or equal to or greater than about 4 µm.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a d10 (laser) equal to or less than about 10 µm. For example, talc particulate matter can have a d10 (laser) equal to or less than about 9.5 μm or equal to or less than about 9 μm or equal to or less than 8.5 or equal to or less than 8 μm or equal to or less than about 7.5 μm or equal to or less than 7 μm or equal to or less than about 6.5 μm or equal to or less than about 6 μm or equal to or less than about 5.5 µm or equal to or less than about 5 µm.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the talcum particulate material has a d10 (laser) ranging from about 2 μm to about 10 μm, for example from about 2.5 μm to about 8 μm, for example from about 3 µm to about 7 µm, for example 3.5 µm to about 6.5 µm.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter has a d95 (sedigraph) equal to or greater than about 5 μm. For example, talcum particulate matter may have a d95 (sedigraph) equal to or greater than about 6.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 7 μm or greater than about 7.5 μm or equal or greater than about 8 μm or equal to or greater than about 8.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 9 μm or equal to or greater than about 9.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 10 μm or equal to or greater than about 10.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 11 μm or equal to or greater than about 11.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 12 μm or equal to or greater than about 12.5 µm or equal to or greater than about 13 µm or equal to or greater than about 13.5 µm or equal to or greater than about 14 µm or greater than or equal to about 14, 5 μm or greater than about 15 μm or greater than or equal to about 15.5 μm or greater than or equal to about 16 μm or equal to or greater than about 16.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 17 µm or greater than or equal to about 17.5 µm or greater than or equal to about 18 µm or greater than or equal to about 18.5 µm or greater than or equal to about 19 µm or greater than or equal to about 19.5 µm or greater than or equal to about 20 µm or greater than or equal to about 20.5 µm.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter has a d95 (sedigraph) equal to or less than about 40 μm. For example, talc particulate matter may have a d95 (sedigraph) equal to or less than about 38 μm or equal to or less than about 36 μm or equal to or less than about 35 μm or equal to or less than about 34 μm or equal to or less than about 32 μm or equal to or less than about 30 μm or equal to or less than about 28 μm or less than about 26 μm or equal a or less than about 25 μm or equal to or less than about 24 μm or equal to or less than about 22 μm or equal to or less than about 21 μm.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter has a d95 (sedigraph) ranging from about 5 μm to about 40 μm, for example, from about 6 μm to about 35 μm, for example, from about 7 µm to about 30 µm, for example, from approximately 10 µm to about 25 µm, for example, from about 15 µm to about 22 µm.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter has a d95 (laser) equal to or greater than about 20 μm. For example, talc particulate matter may have a d95 (laser) of about 22 μm or greater or equal to or greater than about 24 μm or equal to or greater than about 25 μm or equal to or greater than about 26 μm or greater than or equal to about 28 μm or greater than or equal to about 30 μm or greater than or equal to about 32 μm or greater than or equal to about 34 μm or greater than or equal to about 36 μm or equal at or greater than about 38 μm or equal to or greater than about 40 μm or greater than or equal to about 42 μm or greater than or equal to about 44 μm or greater than or equal to about 46 μm or equal at or greater than about 48 μm or equal to or greater than about 50 μm or greater than or equal to about 52 μm or greater than or equal to about 54 μm or greater than or equal to about 55 μm or equal at or greater than about 56 µm or at or greater than about 56 µm or at or greater than about 58 µm or at or greater than about 60 µm.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a d95 (laser) equal to or less than about 80 µm. For example, talc particulate matter may have a d95 (laser) equal to or less than about 78 μm or equal to or less than about 76 μm or equal to or less than about 75 μm or equal to or less than about 74 μm or equal to or less than about 72 μm or equal to or less than about 70 μm or equal to or less than about 68 μm or equal to or less than about 66 μm or equal to or less than about 65 µm or equal to or less than about 64 µm or equal to or less than about 62 µm.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the talcum particulate material has a d95 (laser) ranging from about 20 μm to about 80 μm, for example from about 25 μm to about 75 μm, for example about from about 30 µm to about 70 µm, for example from about 40 µm to about 70 µm, for example from about 50 µm to about 70 µm, for example from about 55 µm to about 65 µm.

[0070] In certain embodiments, talc particulate matter has a d10 (sedigraph) ranging from about 0.2 μm to about 0.8 μm and a d50 (sedigraph) ranging from about 2 μm to about 3.5 μm. In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter further has a d95 (sedigraph) ranging from about 5 µm to about 25 µm. In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter further has a d95 (sedigraph) ranging from about 5 µm to about 15 µm and a flakiness index ranging from about 3 to about 4. In embodiments, talc particulate matter has a d95 (sedigraph) ranging from about 15 µm to about 25 µm and a lamellarity index ranging from about 5 to about 9.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a d10 (laser) ranging from about 2 μm to about 8 μm and a d50 (laser) ranging from about 8 μm to about 25μm. In certain embodiments, the talcum particulate material further has a d95 (laser) ranging from about 25 µm to about 65 µm. In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a d50 (laser) ranging from about 8 µm to about 15 µm and a d95 (laser) ranging from about 25 µm to about 35 µm and /or a lamellarity index between about 3 and 4. In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has a d50 (laser) ranging from about 15 µm to about 30 µm (e.g., from about from about 15 μm to about 25 μm) and a d95 (laser) ranging from about 50 μm to about 70 μm (for example, from about 55 μm to about 65 μm) and/or an index of lamellarity ranging from about 5 to about 9.

[0072] As used herein, in this patent application, d50 (sedigraph) and d50 (laser) refer to the d50 values measured respectively, according to the sedigraphy and laser techniques described above.

[0073] The talcum particulate material may, for example, have a BET surface area equal to or greater than about 10 m 2 /g. For example, the talcum particulate material can have a BET surface area equal to or greater than about 11 m2/g or equal to or greater than about 12 m2/g or equal to or greater than about 13 m2/g or equal or greater than about 14 m2/g or equal to or greater than about 15 m2/g.

[0074] The talcum particulate material may, for example, have a BET surface area equal to or less than about 30 m 2 /g. For example, the talcum particulate material can have a BET surface area equal to or less than 25 m2/g or equal to or less than about 24 m2/g or equal to or less than 23 m2/g or equal to or less than that about m2/g or equal to or less than about 21 m2/g or equal to or less than about 20 m2/g.

[0075] The talcum particulate material may, for example, have a BET surface area ranging from about 10 m2/g to about 25 m2/g or from about 10 m2/g to about 20 m2/g.

[0076] As used herein, in this patent application, "BET surface area" refers to the surface area of the particles of talc particulate material in relation to the unit weight, determined according to the BET method by the amount of nitrogen adsorbed onto the surface of said particles so as to form a monomolecular layer completely covering said surface (measurement according to BET method, AFNOR standard X11-621 and 622 or ISO 9277). In certain embodiments, BET surface area is determined in accordance with ISO 9277 or any method equivalent thereto.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate matter has a d50 (sedigraph) ranging from about 1 μm to about 8 μm (e.g., from about 2 μm to about 8 μm) and an area BET surface area of at least about 10 m2/g. In comparison, talc particulate matter has a d50 (sedigraph) ranging from about 8 µm to about 15 µm and a BET surface area of at least about 5 m2/g. In comparison, talc particulate matter has a d50 (sedigraph) that ranges from about 1 μm to about 8 μm (for example, from about 2 μm to about 8 μm) and a lamellarity index of at least about 3.

[0078] The talcum particulate material may, for example, have a Y value equal to or greater than about 75. For example, the talcum particulate material may have a Y value equal to or greater than 77.5 or equal to or greater than 80 or equal to or greater than 82 or equal to or greater than about 82.5 or equal to or greater than about 85 or equal to or greater than about 85.5 or equal to or greater than about 86 or equal to or greater than about 86.5 or equal to or greater than about 87 or equal to or greater than about 87.5 or equal to or greater than about 90. For example, the material Talc particulate can have a Y-value equal to less than about 99, for example equal to or less than about 98 or equal to or less than about 96 or equal to or less than about 95.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has an L* value equal to or greater than about 80. For example, the talc particulate material may have an L* value equal to or greater than 81 or equal to or greater than than 82 or equal to or greater than about 83 or equal to or greater than about 84 or equal to or greater than about 85 or equal to or greater than about 86 or equal to or greater than about 87 or equal to or greater than about 88 or equal to or greater than about 89 or equal to or greater than about 90 or equal to or greater than about 91 or equal to or greater than about 92 or equal to or greater than about 93 or equal a or greater than about 94 or equal to or greater than about 95.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the talc particulate material has an L* value equal to or less than about 100. For example, the talc particulate material may have an L* value equal to or less than 99 or equal to or less than than 98 or equal to or less than about 97.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the talcum particulate material has a b* value equal to or less than about 2. For example, the talcum particulate material may have a b* value equal to or less than about 1.9 or equal to or less than about 1.8 or equal to or less than greater than 1.7 or equal to or less than about 1.6 or equal to or less than about 1.5 or equal a or less than about 1.6 or equal to or less than about 1.5 or equal to or less than about 1.4 or equal to or less than about 1.4 1.3 or equal to or less than about 1.2 or equal to or less than about 1.1 or equal to or less than about 1 or equal to or less than about 0.9 or equal to or less than about 0.8 or equal to or less than about 0.7 or equal to or less than about 0.6 or equal to or less than about 0.5. For example, the talcum particulate material can have a b* value equal to or greater than about -1.0 or equal to or greater than about -0.75 or equal to or greater than about -0.5 or equal to or greater than about -0.25.

[0082] Whiteness L* Whiteness and yellowness b* are determined using the L* a* b* color space. Y is also determined using the L* a* b* color space and can be called whiteness (Minolta CR300, illuminant D65/2o). Y, L* and yellowish b* whiteness of the sheet can be measured using the MINOLTA CM-3700D spectrophotometer (D65/10o illuminant) from KONICA / MINOLTA.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the liquid composition is a dye and/or an ink. In certain embodiments, the liquid composition is a liquid soap. For example, liquid soap can be dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, body soap (e.g., bath or shower gel or cream), hand soap, face cleanser, and /or hair shampoo.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the liquid composition is a liquid cosmetic composition. The term "cosmetic composition" means a composition that is compatible with skin and/or hair, particularly the keratin-containing material that makes up the outer (top) layer of human skin. In certain embodiments, it is pH balanced for use in the body (eg, pH from about 4 to about 7). The cosmetic composition may be intended to be applied to the human body to clean, beautify, promote attractiveness or alter appearance without affecting the structure or functions of the body. In certain embodiments, the cosmetic composition is a decorative cosmetic.

[0085] For example, the liquid cosmetic composition can be a body wash, hair conditioner, hair care product, sunscreen lotion, moisturizer (e.g. hand, body and/or foot moisturizer), eye cream , hand sanitizer, deodorant, lip ointment, foundation or makeup composition. The makeup composition can for example be a foundation, concealer, BB cream, CC cream, eyeliner, blush, eye shadow, mascara, lip coloring (e.g. lip gloss), eyeliner, eyeshadow applicator. eyebrow.

[0086] The liquid composition may, for example, comprise any base suitable for the intended purpose. In certain embodiments, the base is an oil and/or wax containing material. The base, and thus the liquid composition, may comprise one or more components, such as one or more humectants, preservatives, emollients, fragrances and/or antioxidants.

[0087] The liquid soap (eg, bath or shower gel or cream) may comprise a water gel and detergent bases. Liquid soap can have other functional ingredients such as moisturizer/conditioner, colorants and/or fragrances. The term "gel" used herein in this patent application includes a phase with gel-like properties, such as low or negligible flow at rest, or a liquid phase or low viscosity. For example, a gel can be a colloidal suspension of solids dispersed in a liquid or a sol. In comparison, the gel has a Brookfield viscosity of at least about 0.5 Pa.s (at 100 rpm and RV shaft 6) and optionally not greater than about 100 Pa.s (at 100 rpm and RV shaft 6). In certain embodiments, the gel is an emulsion of water and detergent base. The detergent base can comprise a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants. In certain embodiments, the gel may be thixotropic (i.e., gel-like at rest but fluid when agitated) (i.e., shaken or squeezed).

[0088] In certain embodiments, the base of the liquid composition is in the form of a liquid, gel, emulsion, lotion or paste. In certain embodiments, the base comprises or constitutes components of the composition other than the talc particulate material.

[0089] The liquid composition may, for example, comprise water. Water may, for example, be present in an amount from about 10% by weight to about 95% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid composition. For example, water can be present in an amount from about 20% by weight to about 90% by weight or from about 30% by weight to about 90% by weight or from about 40% by weight to about 80% by weight or from 50% by weight to about 75% by weight or from about 50% by weight to about 70% by weight. The person skilled in the art will be able to select suitable amounts of water for incorporation into the base based on the amount of water in the final composition.

[0090] The liquid composition may comprise one or more surfactants. The one or more surfactants can, for example, be selected from zwitterionic, anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof. The surfactants can be present in the liquid composition in a total amount of from about 1% by weight to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid composition. For example, surfactants can be present in an amount ranging from about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight or from about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight. One skilled in the art will be able to select suitable amounts of surfactant for incorporation into the base, based on the amount of surfactant in the final composition.

[0091] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, derivatives of quaternary ammonium, phosphonium and sulfonium aliphatic compounds, in which the aliphatic radicals may be straight- or branched-chain and in which one of the aliphatic substituents contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one substituent contains an anionic group, eg carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate or phosphonate. Illustrative zwitterionics are coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, coco amidopropyl betaine, coco betaine, oleyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oleyl dimethyl gamma, oleyl dimethyl gamma lauryl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl) alpha-carboxyethyl betaine and mixtures thereof. Sulfobetaines can include stearyl-dimethyl-sulfopropyl-betaine, lauryl-dimethyl-sulfoethyl-betaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfopropyl-betaine, and mixtures thereof.

[0092] Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethylamino lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethylamino lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, lauryl diethylamino sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethylamino lauryl sulfate monoglyceride sodium lauric sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laurate sulfate, potassium laurate sulfate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate , lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium tridecyl sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium trideketosulphate sulfate, sodium methyl lauryl lauryl, sodium lauryl glucosylate, sodium isocyanate, sodium lauryl glucosylate, sodium tridecyl benzene sulfonate, dodecyl benzene sodium sulfonate, sodium lauryl amphifacetate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium cocoyl isocyanate, sodium methyl cocoyl taoate and mixtures thereof. The anionic surfactant may be, for example, an aliphatic sulfonate, such as a C8-C22 primary alkane sulfonate, a C8-C22 primary alkane disulfonate, a C8-C22 alkene sulfonate, a C8-C22 alkene sulfonate, a C8-C22 hydroxyalkane sulfonate, or glyceryl alkyl ether.

[0093] Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethylamino lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethylamino lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethylamino lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethylamino lauryl sulfate monoglyceride sodium lauric sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laurate sulfate, potassium laurate sulfate, lauryl sarcosinate sodium, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium tridecet sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium tridecet sulfate, sodium lauryl lauryl lauryl, sodium lauryl cosylate, sodium isocyanate, sodium laurylucosylate, sodium tridecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium lauryl amphoacetate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium cocoyl isocyanate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate and their mixtures thereof. The anionic surfactant may be, for example, an aliphatic sulfonate, such as a C8-C22 primary alkane sulfonate, C8-C22 primary alkane disulfonate, C8-C22 alkene sulfonate, C8-C22 alkene sulfonate, C8-C22 hydroxyalkanesulfonate or glyceryl alkyl ether sulfonate.

[0094] Suitable nonionic surfactants include the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom. These include alcohols, acids, amides or alkylphenols reacted with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide alone or with propylene oxide. Examples of nonionics are C6-C22 alkylphenol-ethylene oxide condensates, condensation products of linear or branched C8-C18 primary or secondary aliphatic alcohols with ethylene oxide, and products made by condensing ethylene oxide with ethylene oxide. the reaction products of propylene oxide and ethylene diamine. Other non-ionic surfactants include long-chain tertiary amine oxides, long-chain tertiary phosphine oxides, and dialkyl sulfoxides. Other non-ionic surfactants are coco amide-based surfactants produced by reacting coco amide with an alcoholic amine, such as ethanolamine. Examples of nonionic surfactants include coco amide MEA and coco amide DEA. Other suitable nonionic surfactants include alkyl polyglucosides such as decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside and octyl glucoside. Also useful are alkyl polysaccharides.

[0095] Suitable cationic surfactants include, but are not limited to, octenidine dihydrochloride, permanently charged quaternary ammonium surfactants such as alkyl trimethyl ammonium salts (e.g., cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride), cetylpyridinium chloride , benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1, 3-dioxane, dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide and dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide.

[0096] These surfactants serve primarily as a cleaning agent, that is, constituting or forming part of the detergent component of the composition. These surfactants can comprise up to about 50% by weight of the liquid composition, based on the total weight of the liquid composition, for example, from about 1% by weight to about 45% of the liquid composition, or at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, or at least about 20% by weight, or at least about 25% by weight of the liquid composition.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the liquid composition comprises one or more thickening agents or suspending agents (eg, rheology modifier). Such agents can increase the stability of inorganic particulate material dispersed throughout the gel. Suitable thickening agents include water-soluble/dispersible polymers, which can be cationic, anionic, amphoteric, or nonionic with molecular weights typically greater than about 100,000 Daltons. These agents can also serve to increase the viscosity of the liquid composition. Examples of thickening or suspending agents include carbon gums such as cellulose gum, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gel, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, guar gum, karaya gum, tragacanth, gum arabic, gum acacia, gum agar, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof; modified and unmodified starch granules and pregelatinized cold water soluble starch; emulsion polymers; cationic polymers, such as modified polysaccharides; modified cationic cellulose; synthetic cationic polymer; cationic starches; cationic galactomannans; and high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, ethylene glycol esters or polyethylene glycol esters. Other suitable thickening/suspending agents include, for example, polyacrylic acid, copolymers and crosslinked polymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid with a hydrophobic monomer, copolymers of monomers containing carboxylic acid and acrylic esters, crosslinked copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylate esters.

[0098] A thickening agent or suspending agent, such as a rheology modifier, when present, may be present in a total amount of from about 0.1% by weight to about 50% by weight, based on weight total liquid composition, for example, from about 0.1% by weight to about 35%, or from about 0.1% by weight to about 20%, or from about 0 .1% by weight to about 10%, or from about 0.1% by weight to about 5%. The person skilled in the art will be able to select suitable amounts of each of the components for incorporation into the base, based on the amount of the component in the final composition.

[0099] The liquid composition may contain other components conventionally found in cosmetic applications for skin and hair, including, without limitation, skin conditioning/moisturizing agents, conditioning/moisturizing agents, perfumes, fragrances, opacifiers, pearling agents, colorants , preservatives, chelating agents, humectants, plant and/or herbal extracts, essential oils, proteins, pH-adjusting agents and antimicrobials. The total amount of other components can be present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid composition, for example, from about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight, or from about 0.1% by weight to about 15% by weight, or from about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight, or from about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, or from about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight. The person skilled in the art will be able to select suitable amounts of each component for incorporation into the base, based on the amount of the component in the final composition. A suitable amount of pH adjusting agent can be added, if necessary, to adjust the pH of the composition, particularly if the composition is a personal care composition. Suitable pH adjusting agents in sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride and citric acid.

[00100] In certain embodiments, the composition is a liquid preparation, for example, in the form of an elixir, syrup, suspension, spray, emulsion, lotion, gel, cream and solutions. For example, in certain embodiments the composition is in the form of a gel, cream, lotion or emulsion. Techniques and formulations can generally be found in Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, most recent edition.

[00101] The composition may further contain ingredients selected from, for example, absorbents, excipients, diluents, carriers, adjuvants, excipients, vehicles, preserving agents, fillers, moisturizing agents, binders, coloring agents, disintegrating agents, humectants, emollients, emulsifying agents, suspending agents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, perfuming agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antioxidants, cleansing agents, exfoliating agents, lubricating agents, texture enhancing agents, coating agents, encapsulating agents , film-forming agents, thickening and dispersing agents, depending on the nature of the mode of administration and dosage forms. One or more (e.g. all) of the additional ingredients may, for example, be skin compatible in that they do not have any adverse effects when applied to the skin.

[00102] In certain embodiments, the liquid composition is substantially free of synthetic pearling agents. In certain embodiments, the liquid composition is substantially free of pearling agents other than talc particulate material (having a flakiness index equal to or greater than about 2.8).

[00103] The term "synthetic pearling agents" refers to pearling agents such as fatty esters (eg, glycol stearates) and fatty amides that do not occur naturally. The term "substantially" in this context means that the synthetic pearling agents are not present in the liquid composition in an amount that provides a pearlescent appearance. For example, the term "substantially free" can mean that the liquid composition comprises equal to or less than about 3% by weight or equal to or less than about 2% by weight or equal to or less than about 1 .5% by weight or equal to or less than about 1% by weight or equal to or less than about 0.5% by weight or equal to or less than about 0.2% by weight of synthetic/other pearling agents.

[00104] The talc particulate material may be used in any amount effective to provide the liquid composition with a pearlescent effect. The total amount of talc particulate material in the liquid composition can be varied depending on the nature of the liquid composition and the desired pearlescent effect to be obtained. In certain embodiments, the total amount of talc particulate material in the liquid composition is at least about 0.1% by weight (based on the total weight of the liquid composition). For example, the total amount of talc particulate material in the liquid composition can be at least about 0.2% by weight or at least about 0.3% by weight or at least about 0.4% by weight. weight or at least about 0.5% by weight. In certain embodiments, the total amount of talc particulate material in the liquid composition is equal to or less than about 10% by weight. For example, the total amount of talc particulate material in the liquid composition can be equal to or less than about 9% by weight or equal to or less than about 8% by weight or equal to or less than about 7% by weight or equal to or less than about 6% by weight or equal to or less than about 5% by weight or equal to or less than about 4% by weight or equal to or less than about 3% by weight or equal to or less than about 2% by weight. In certain embodiments, the total amount of talc particulate material in the liquid composition ranges from about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight or from about 0.1% by weight to about 5 % by weight or from about 0.2% by weight to about 4% by weight or from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight or from about 0.5 % by weight to about 1.5% by weight.

[00105] The liquid composition can, for example, have an L* equal to or greater than about 60. For example, the liquid composition can have an L* equal to or greater than about 65 or equal to or greater than about of 70 or equal to or greater than about 75 or equal to or greater than about 80 or equal to or greater than about 85 or equal to or greater than about 90 or equal to or greater than about 95. By For example, the liquid composition can have an L* equal to or less than about 100 or equal to or less than about 99 or equal to or less than about 98 or equal to or less than about 97.

[00106] The liquid composition can, for example, have a b* equal to or less than about 2. For example, the liquid composition can have a b* equal to or less than about 1.5 or equal to or less than about 1 or equal to or less than about 0.5 or equal to or less than about 0.2 or equal to or less than about 0. The liquid composition can, for example, have an ab* equal to or greater than about -1 or equal to or greater than about 0.5 or equal to or greater than about 0.25.

[00107] The liquid composition can, for example, have a pH ranging from about 4 to 8. For example, the liquid composition can have a pH ranging from about 4.5 to about 7.5 or between about from about 4.5 to about 6.5 or from about 5 to about 8 or from about 5.5 to about 7.5 or from about 6 to about 8 or from about 6.5 to about from 7.5.

[00108] The liquid composition can, for example, be stable for at least 3 months at 45°C. For example, the liquid composition can be stable for at least 4 months at 45°C or at least about 5 months at 45°C or at least about 6 months at 45°C. Stability can, for example, be observed as the absence of sedimentation when centrifuged at 1600 rpm for 15 minutes.

[00109] The liquid composition can be prepared by any suitable or conventional method well known to those skilled in the art. Such methods may, for example, generally comprise combining the components of the liquid composition, for example in liquid, paste or slurry form. The components of the liquid composition can be combined in any order suitable for making the liquid composition. The talcum particulate material may be mixed with any one or more of the components of the liquid composition during the process of preparing the liquid composition. The method may, for example, comprise mixing and optionally grinding the mixture of components and then forming the cosmetic composition therefrom. The components may, for example, be brought together in a mixer or other mixing apparatus under conditions of suitably low shear, in such a way as to preserve the inherent properties of the particulate material.

EXAMPLES

[00110] Experiments were performed to measure the ability of talc particulate materials to act as a pearling agent in a liquid composition.

Example 1

[00111] The compositions comprising a transparent commercial shower gel base (Sanex® Zero) with 0.75% by weight of one of the talc particulate materials specified in Table 1 below were classified by 10 different people in the order of pearling . The compositions were also compared to one of the commercial cosmetic compositions Gliss™ (Ultimate Color Shampoo) and Ushuaia™ (RItuels d'Asie Shampooing Douche Homme Effet Glacant Roche Volcanique).

[00112] The results are shown in Figure 1. It was surprisingly found that talcum particulate materials with a high lamellarity index provide a better pearling effect.

Example 2

[00113] Compositions were prepared comprising a transparent commercial shower gel base (Sanex® Zero) with 0.75% by weight of one of the talc particulate materials 2, 4, 6, 9 and 11 (as specified in Table 1 above) and 0.3% by weight of a black pigment (GLW60GBSP, which contains 58% by weight - 62% by weight iron oxides, available from Kobo Products, Inc). The compositions were classified in order of perolation by 10 people. The results are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Again, it has surprisingly been found that talc particulate materials with a high lamellar index give a better pearling effect.

Example 3

[00114] Compositions were prepared comprising a transparent commercial shower gel base (Sanex® Zero or Timotei® Pure) and different amounts of the particulate Talc 6 specified in Table 1 above and optionally 0.3% by weight of the black pigment described in Example 2. Comparative compositions comprising a clear Sanex® Zero or pure Timotei® commercial shower gel base) and different amounts of reference pearling agents and optionally 40% by weight of the black pigment described in Example 2 were also prepared. The reference pearling agents were reference 1 (glycearate and coco-glucoside and glycerin), reference 2 (glycol distearate and sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamide MEA), reference 3 (lauryl glutenide and stearyl citrate) and reference 4 (glutenide lauryl and stearyl citrate). sodium laurate/glycereth-2 cocoate/glycol distearate) (obtained from Kao). These compositions were classified in order of pearling by 6 people.

[00115] The compositions that used Timotei® Pure base were classified as follows (from less pearly to more pearly): 4% by weight and 10% by weight of talc 6 < 0.7% by weight of talc 6 < 0 .5% by weight of talc 6 < 0.75% by weight and 1% by weight of talc 6 < 2% by weight of talc 6 < 0.6% by weight of talc 6 < 4% by weight of reference 3 < 3% by reference weight 1 < 1.5% by weight talc 6 < 4% by reference weight 4 < 3% by reference weight 2.

[00116] There was only a small difference between 4 wt% and 10 wt% Talc 6 and 2 wt% Talc 6.

[00117] The compositions using the Sanex® Zero base were classified as follows (less pearly to more pearly): 0.5% by weight reference 3 < 3% 3m p3so reference 1 < 0.6% by weight Talc 6 < 1.5% by weight Talc 6.

[00118] The compositions using Sanex® Zero base and 40% by weight of black pigment were classified as follows (less pearly to more pearly): 0.5% by weight of Talc 6 < 4% by weight of reference 3 < 0.6% by weight of Talc 6 < 3% by weight of reference 1 < 0.7% by weight of Talc 6 < 0.75% by weight of Talc 6 < 1% by weight of Talc 6 < 3% by weight of reference 2 < 4% % of reference 4 < 1.5% by weight of talc 6 and 2% by weight of talc 6 < 10% by weight of talc 6.

Example 4

[00119] The compositions were prepared in the following typical shower gel formulation (QSP = sufficient amount to).

[00120] Phase A ingredients were mixed until homogeneous, then phase B ingredients were successively mixed in phase A. The composition was neutralized with sodium hydroxide (10% solution) and mixed until homogeneous. Phase C ingredients were stirred one after the other. Phase D ingredients were premixed and then added to the mixture. The pH was adjusted using step E if necessary.

[00121] To measure the pearling intensity, a sensory analysis was performed with 20 volunteers, according to ISO 13299. The volunteers evaluated the pearling intensity of the formulations on a scale from 0 to 10.

[00122] The pearlizing agent was 1% of a talc with d50 (laser) of 11 and d50 (sedi) of 2 and a lamellarity index of 4.5 or 3% of a synthetic pearlizing agent (30% glycol distearate in a surfactant solution).

[00123] The pearlizing agent was either 1% of a talc with a d50(laser) of 11 and a d50(sedi) of 2 and a lamellarity index of 4.5, or 3% of a synthetic pearlizing agent (30% of glycol distearate in a surfactant solution).

[00124] The results of the panel test showed that the formulation that constitutes the pearlizing agent talc had a greater pearling effect than the formulation that constitutes the pearling agent of glycol distearate (result of 9.2 vs. result of 7.2) . Thus, the new talc pearlizing agent can be used to replace conventional synthetic pearlizing agents.

[00125] The following broadly describes certain embodiments of the present invention without limitation. Variations and modifications as will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to come within the scope of the present invention as defined in and by the appended claims.

[00126] The numbered paragraphs that follow define specific embodiments of the present invention:

[00127] 1. The use of a talc particulate material as pearling agents in a liquid composition, wherein the talc particulate material has a lamellarity index equal to or greater than about 2.8.

[00128] 2. Method for increasing the pearliness of a liquid composition, comprising adding a talc particulate material with a laminarity index equal to or greater than about 2.8 to the liquid composition.

[00129] 3. The use of paragraph 1 or the method of paragraph 2, wherein the talc particulate material has a laminarity index equal to or greater than about 3, for example equal to or greater than about 3.5 or equal a or greater than about 4.

[00130] 4. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the talc particulate matter has a d50 (sedigraph) equal to or greater than about 1 μm, for example, equal to or greater than about 1.5 μm or equal to or greater than about 2 µm.

[00131] 5. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, in which the talc particulate matter has a d50 (sedigraph) equal to or less than about 20 μm, for example equal to or less than about 10 μm or equal to or less to about 5 µm.

[00132] 6. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the talc particulate matter has a d50 (laser) equal to or greater than about 5 μm, for example equal to or greater than about 10 μm or equal to or greater at about 15 µm.

[00133] 7. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the talc particulate matter has a d50 (laser) equal to or less than about 40 μm, for example equal to or less than about 35 μm or equal to or less at about 30 µm.

[00134] 8. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the talcum particulate material has a BET surface area equal to or greater than about 10 m2/g, for example equal to or greater than about 15 m2/g .

[00135] 9. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the talc particulate matter has a Y-value equal to or greater than about 75, for example equal to or greater than about 80 or equal to or greater than about 85.

[00136] 10. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, in which the talcum particulate material has an L* equal to or greater than about 80, for example equal to or greater than about 85.

[00137] 11. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, in which the talc particulate material has a b* equal to or less than about 2, for example equal to or less than about 1.

[00138] 12. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, in which talc particulate matter is obtained or may be obtained through delamination of a talc suspended in a liquid.

[00139] 13. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the liquid composition is a liquid soap or liquid makeup composition.

[00140] 14. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the liquid composition is substantially free of synthetic pearling agents.

[00141] 15. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the liquid composition is substantially free of pearling agents other than talcum particulate material with a flake index equal to or greater than about 2.8.

[00142] 16. The use or method of any preceding paragraph, wherein the liquid composition has a % reflected light of at least about 40%, for example at least about 50% or at least about 60%.

[00143] 17. A pearlescent liquid composition comprising a talc particulate material with a laminarity index equal to or greater than 2.8.

[00144] 18. The liquid pearlescent composition of paragraph 17, wherein the composition is substantially free of synthetic pearlescent agents.

[00145] 19. The pearlescent liquid composition of paragraphs 17 or 18, wherein the composition is substantially free of pearling agents other than talc particulate material with a flake index equal to or greater than about 2.8 .

[00146] 20. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 19, wherein the talc particulate material has a laminarity index equal to or greater than about 3, for example equal to or greater than about 3.5 or equal to or greater than about 4.

[00147] 21. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 20, in which the talc particulate material has a d50 (sedoscope) equal to or greater than about 1 μm, for example equal to or greater than about 1 .5 µm or equal to or greater than about 2 µm.

[00148] 22. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 21, in which the talc particulate material has a d50 (sedographic) equal to or less than about 20 μm, for example equal to or less than about 10 μm or equal to or less than about 5 µm.

[00149] 23. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 22, wherein the talc particulate material has a d50 (laser) equal to or greater than about 5 μm, for example equal to or greater than about 10 μm or equal to or greater than about 15 µm.

[00150] 24. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 23, wherein the talc particulate material has a d50 (laser) equal to or less than about 40 μm, for example equal to or less than about 35 μm or less than or equal to about 30 µm.

[00151] 25. The pearlescent liquid composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 24, wherein the talc particulate material has a BET surface area equal to or greater than about 10 m2/g, for example equal to or greater than about 15 m2/g.

[00152] 26. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 25, wherein the talc particulate material has a Y-value equal to or greater than about 75, for example equal to or greater than about 80 or equal to or greater to about 85.

[00153] 27. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 26, wherein the talc particulate material has an L* equal to or greater than about 80, for example equal to or greater than about 85.

[00154] 28. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 27, wherein the talc particulate material has a b* equal to or less than about 2, for example equal to or less than about 1.

[00155] 29. The pearlescent liquid composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 28, in which the talc particulate matter is obtained or may be obtained by delaminating a talc suspended in a liquid.

[00156] 30. The pearlescent liquid composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 29, wherein the liquid composition is a liquid soap or liquid makeup composition.

[00157] 31. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 30, wherein the liquid pearlescent composition has a reflected light % of at least about 40%, for example at least about 50% or at least about of 60%.

[00158] 32. The liquid pearlescent composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 31, wherein the liquid pearlescent composition comprises from about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight of talc particulate material, per for example, from about 0.2% by weight to about 5% by weight or from about 0.5% by weight to about 1.5% by weight of the talc particulate material.

[00159] 33. A method for manufacturing a pearlized liquid composition of any one of paragraphs 17 to 31, the method comprising mixing a talc particulate material with a laminarity index equal to or greater than about 2.8 with one or more components of the liquid pearlescent composition.

Claims (15)

1. Use of a talc particulate material, characterized by the fact that it is as a pearling agent in a liquid composition, in which the talc particulate material has a laminarity index equal to or greater than 2.8, in which the talc particulate matter refers to particulate matter made from hydrated magnesium silicate having the chemical formula H2Mg3 (SiO3)4 or Mg3Si4O10(OH)2, or the mineral chlorite, or a combination thereof, wherein the particulate matter of talc contains less than 5% by weight of other minerals, where the flake index is defined by the following ratio: where “d50laser” is the average particle size value obtained by wet Malvern laser scattering according to ISO 13320-1 using a laser particle size analyzer and “d50sedi” is the median diameter value obtained by sedimentation using a sedigraph according to ISO 13317-3. 2. Use, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the talc particulate material has a lamellarity index equal to or greater than 3.5. 3. Use, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the talc particulate material has a laminarity index equal to or greater than 4. 4. Use, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the talcum particulate material has a d50 (sedigraph) (a) equal to or greater than 1 μm; and/or (b) equal to or less than 20 µm. 5. Use, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the talc particulate material has a d50 (sedigraph) (a) equal to or greater than 2 μm; and/or (b) equal to or less than 5 μm. 6. Use, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the talcum particulate material has a d50 (laser) (a) equal to or greater than 5 μm; and/or (b) equal to or less than 40 µm. 7. Use, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the talcum particulate material has a d50 (laser) (a) equal to or greater than 15 μm; and/or (b) equal to or less than 30 µm. 8. Use, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the talc particulate material has a BET surface area equal to or greater than 10 m2/g. 9. Use, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the talcum particulate material has: (a) a Y value equal to or greater than 75; (b) an L* equal to or greater than 80; and/or (c) a b* equal to or less than 2. 10. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the talc particulate material is obtained or can be obtained through the delamination of talc suspended in a liquid. 11. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid composition is a liquid soap or a liquid make-up composition. 12. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid composition comprises equal to or less than 3% by weight of synthetic pearling agents. 13. Use, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid composition comprises equal to or less than 3% by weight of pearling agents other than talcum particulate material with an equal laminarity index or greater than 2.8. 14. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid composition has a % of reflected light of at least 40%, wherein the % of reflected light is measured using a probe and the measurement technique dynamic extinction. 15. Use according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid composition has a % of reflected light of at least 60%, wherein the % of reflected light is measured using a probe and the measurement technique dynamic extinction.