EP4731173A1

EP4731173A1 - Composition comprising low molecular weight polylysine and glycolipids

Info

Publication number: EP4731173A1
Application number: EP24738091.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Shinsuke Okuda; Toshifumi Shiroya; Masanori Orita; Hiroaki Kaga; Tatsushi Isojima
Original assignee: LOreal SA; Kaga, Hiroaki
Current assignee: LOreal SA; Kaga, Hiroaki
Priority date: 2023-06-20
Filing date: 2024-06-11
Publication date: 2026-04-29
Also published as: CN121511072A; KR20260003265A; WO2024262657A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising: (a) at least one cationic polymer selected from polylysines; and (b) at least one glycolipid, wherein the cationic polymer has a molecular weight of less than 20,000, preferably less than 15,000 and more preferably less than 10,000. The composition according to the present invention can provide a keratin substance such as skin with a deposition including glycolipids. In addition, the composition according to the present invention can include an environmentally-friendly ingredient.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF INVENTION

COMPOSITION COMPRISING LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYLYSINE AND GLYCOLIPIDS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a composition including a low molecular weight polylysine and glycolipids, as well as a cosmetic process using the composition and a use relating to the composition.

BACKGROUND ART

The formulation of environmentally-friendly cosmetic products, which are designed and developed considering environmental issues, is becoming a major goal in an effort to meet global challenges.

It is therefore essential to propose more sustainable compositions, preparation processes and ingredients to address these environmental concerns.

In this context, it is important to develop new cosmetic compositions with a better carbon footprint, particularly by promoting the use of renewable raw materials and/or materials with a good index of naturalness and/or materials of natural origin and, more particularly, materials of plant origin while reducing the use of compounds of petrochemical origin.

Biosurfactants like glycolipids such as rhamnolipids are materials of natural origin and are known to have unique bioactivities, such as anti-inflammation efficacy, anti-allergic efficacy, antibacterial efficacy, and the like. For example, glycolipids are known to have antiinflammation efficacy and can be used on keratinous substances, such as skin.

There are some prior art documents disclosing compositions comprising glycolipids.

For example, WO 2021/1185675 discloses a personal care composition comprising at least: a) a glycolipid biosurfactant, and b) a hydrophilic cationic or pseudo-cationic active compound; wherein the glycolipid is preferably sophorolipid.

Also, JP-T-2015-507626 discloses a composition comprising water, at least one biosurfactant and at least one fatty acid, wherein the fraction of the sum of all surfactants in the composition is from 1 to 30% by weight, and that the fraction of fatty acid, based on the sum of fatty acid and surfactants, is from 0.1 to 20% by weight.

Also, WO 2020/178048 discloses a method comprising: depositing at least one substance from a medium onto a surface, wherein the medium comprises a rhamnolipid.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

There is a need for a transparent composition which can provide a keratin substance such as skin with a deposition including glycolipids. Thus, a first objective of the present invention is to provide a transparent composition which can provide a keratin substance such as skin with a deposition including glycolipids.

In addition, a second objective of the present invention is to provide a composition which can include at least one environmentally-friendly ingredient.

The above objective of the present invention can be achieved by a composition comprising:

(a) at least one cationic polymer selected from polylysines; and

(b) at least one glycolipid wherein the cationic polymer has a molecular weight of less than 20,000, preferably less than 15,000 and more preferably less than 10,000.

The (a) cationic polymer may have a molecular weight of more than 1,000, preferably more than 1,500, and more preferably more than 2,000

The amount of the (a) cationic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The (b) glycolipid may be selected from rhamnolipids.

The amount of the (b) glycolipid(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The composition according to the present invention may further comprise at least one acid having two or more pKa values or a salt thereof.

The amount of the acid(s) having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition may be from 0.01% to 5% by weight, and preferably from 0.05% to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The composition according to the present invention may further comprise at least one anionic surfactant selected from amino acid surfactants and taurate surfactants.

The amount of the anionic surfactant(s) in the composition may be from 0.5% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 2% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The composition according to the present invention may further comprise at least one amphoteric surfactant, preferably in an amount from 0.01% to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 15% by weight, and even more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The total amount of surfactants including the (b) glycolipid(s) in the composition may be from 3 to 30% by weight, preferably from 5 to 25% by weight, and more preferably from 7 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. The weight ratio of the (b) glycolipid(s) to the total amount of the surfactants other than the (b) glycolipid(s) in the composition may be from 10:1 to 1 :5, preferably 5:1 to 1 :3, and more preferably from 3:1 to 1 :2.

The pH of the composition according to the present invention may be from 4 to 8, preferably 4.5 to 7.5, and more preferably from 5 to 7.

The composition according to the present invention may be a cleansing composition, preferably a cleansing composition for skin, and more preferably a cleansing composition for face.

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for a keratin substance such as skin, comprising: applying to the keratin substance the composition according to the present invention; and optionally removing the composition from the keratin substance.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

After diligent research, the inventors have discovered that it is possible to provide a composition which can provide a keratin substance such as skin with a deposition including glycolipids, and can include at least one environmentally-friendly ingredient.

Thus, the composition according to the present invention comprises:

(a) at least one cationic polymer selected from poly lysines; and

The composition according to the present invention can provide a keratin substance such as skin with a deposition including glycolipids. The deposition can be provided by, for example, precipitates including glycolipids formed in the composition according to the present invention.

Furthermore, a preferable embodiment of the composition according to the present invention can provide an increased amount of deposition or precipitates to a keratin substance such as skin.

As glycolipids such as rhamnolipids have bioactivities, such as anti-inflammation efficacy, anti-allergic efficacy, and antibacterial efficacy, the deposition including the (b) glycolipid provided by the composition according to the present invention is useful to care for a keratin substance such as skin. In particular, the composition according to the present invention is useful to treat or care for skin with acne.

Furthermore, since glycolipids can function as surfactants, the deposition including the (b) glycolipid can provide enhanced cleansing effects. Thus, the composition according to the present invention is also useful for cleansing a keratin substance such as skin.

Since polylysines can be obtained from natural resources, the (a) cationic polymer is an environmentally-friendly ingredient. Therefore, the composition according to the present invention can include an environmentally-friendly ingredient. In addition, the (b) glycolipid can be originated from renewable materials such as biodegradable materials. Therefore, the composition according to the present invention can be environmentally-friendly.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in a more detailed manner.

[Composition]

(Cationic Polymer)

The composition according to the present invention comprises (a) at least one cationic polymer selected from polylysines. A single type of cationic polymer may be used, or two or more different types of cationic polymers may be used in combination.

According to the present invention, the (a) cationic polymer is selected from polylysines. A single type of polylysines may be used, or two or more different types of polylysines may be used in combination.

The molecular weight (Da) of the (a) cationic polymer is less than 20,000, preferably less than 15,000, and more preferably less than 10,000. In other words, the (a) cationic polymer is a low molecular weight chitosan.

The molecular weight (Da) of the (a) cationic polymer may be more than 1,000, preferably more than 1,500, and more preferably more than 2,000.

Thus, the molecular weight (Da) of the (a) cationic polymer may be more than 1,000 and less than 20,000, preferably more than 1,500 and less than 15,000, and more preferably more than 2,000 and less than 10,000.

Unless otherwise defined in the descriptions, “molecular weight” means a weight average molecular weight. The molecular weight can be measured or determined by a gel permeation chromatography, for example, in accordance with ASTM D5296-19.

Polylysines correspond to the condensation of several amino acids of lysine. Polylysine can be a natural homopolymer of L-lysine that can be produced by bacterial fermentation.

Polylysines are typically used as a natural preservative in food products. Polylysine is a polyelectrolyte which is soluble in polar solvents such as water.

Polylysine can be, for example, epsilon-polylysine (or referred as “s-polylysine”), which is a condensation of amino groups at the £ -position and carboxyl groups of lysines, or alphapolylysine (or referred as “a-polylysine”), which is a condensation of amino groups at the a- position and carboxyl groups of lysines. Polylysine is commercially available in various forms, such as poly D-lysine and poly L-lysine. The polylysine is generally a condensate of L-lysines, i.e., poly L-lysine.

As an example of polylysine, mention may be made of:

- Epsilon-poly-L-lysine of JNC CORPORATION which is a 25% solution of Epsilon-poly-L- lysine having a molecular weight of around 4,700 in aqueous solution. According to one particular embodiment, the polylysine may be a modified polylysine, for example, a polylysine with a fatty chain as described in application FR 2889448, a polylysine with a guanidine or biguanidine function as described in application FR 2851465, a thiolated polylysine as described in the application FR2853533.

The polylysine may be in the form of organic or inorganic salts. The addition salts with an acid are, for example, the hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, citric acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, para-toluenesulphonic acid, phosphoric acid, or acetic acid salts; or fatty acid salts, such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, and 18-methylicosanoic acid. The addition salts with a base are, for example, a sodium salt, a calcium salt, or a hydroxyalkylamine salt, for example, N-methylglucamine, aminopropane diol or triethanolamine.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the polylysine of the present invention is present in a form of a single molecule in the composition, or is not covalently bound to other compounds. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polylysine is not covalently bound to dye compounds. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polylysine is not covalently bound to polyorganosiloxane compounds. The term “polyorganosiloxane” is well-known in the art to mean compounds having Si-0 main chain and organic functional groups attached to the main chain.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the polylysine is in the free form. The term “free form” here indicates that the polylysine is not covalently bound to any other compounds.

The amount of the (a) cationic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (a) cationic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 10% by weight or less, preferably 5% by weight or less, and more preferably 3% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition. It may be even more preferable that the amount of the (a) cationic polymer(s) be 1% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

It may be even more preferable that the amount of the (a) cationic polymer(s) be from 0.1% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In the context of the present specification, any combinations of the upper limit values and the lower limit values above can be available to represent the preferred range of the amount.

(Glycolipid)

The composition according to the present invention comprises (b) at least one glycolipid. A single type of glycolipid may be used, or two or more different types of glycolipids may be used in combination. The term “ glycolipid” is understood as meaning a compound formed from a lipid to which are attached one or more sugar compounds.

The (b) glycolipid may be selected from glucolipids, sophorolipids, trehalolipids, cellobiose lipids, rhamnolipids, and mixtures thereof.

The (b) glycolipid may preferably be selected from sophorolipids rhamnolipids, and mixtures thereof, and more preferably from rhamnolipids.

Gluco lip ids;

The (b) glycolipid may be selected from glucolipids, which contain a glucose moiety and can be represented by the general formula (I): in which:

R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a cation, p denotes an integer ranging from 1 to 4, and q denotes an integer ranging from 4 to 10, preferably equal to 6.

The glucolipids can be produced by the bacterium Alcaligenes sp. MM1.

Appropriate fermentation methods are reviewed by M. Schmidt in his doctoral thesis (1990), Technical University of Braunschweig, and by Schulz et al. (1991) Z. Naturforsch., 46C, 197- 203. The glucolipids are recovered from the fermentation broth by solvent extraction using diethyl ether or a dichloromethane:methanol or chloroform:methanol mixture.

Sophorolipids:

The (b) glycolipid may be selected from sophorolipids, which contain a sophorose moiety and can be represented by the general formula (II):

in which:

R³ and R⁴ individually represent a hydrogen atom or an acetyl group,

R⁵ represents a saturated or unsaturated, hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, preferably methyl,

R⁶ represents a saturated or unsaturated, hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 19 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in the groups R⁵ and R⁶ does not exceed 20 and is preferably from 14 to 18.

Sophorolipids may be incorporated into the composition according to the present invention either in the form of an open-chain free acid, where R⁷ represents a hydrogen atom and R⁸ represents a hydroxy group OH, or in its lactone form, where a lactone ring is formed between R⁷ and R⁸, as indicated by formula (III): in which:

R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are as defined above, with the proviso that at least one of R³ and R⁴ represents an acetyl group.

The sophorolipids can be produced by yeast cells, for example, Torulopsis apicola and Torulopsis bombicola cells. The fermentation process generally uses sugars and alkanes as substrates.

Appropriate fermentation methods are reviewed in A.R Tulloch, J.F.T. Spencer and RA. J. Gorin, Can. J. Chem. (1962), 40, 1326, and U. Gobbert, S. Lang and F. Wagner, Biotechnology Letters (1984), 6 (4), 225. The resulting product is a mixture of various openchain sophorolipids and of sophorolipid lactones that may be used in the form of mixtures, or the required form may be isolated.

Use as a sophorolipid is possible, for example the product sold under the name Sopholiance S by Givaudan and the product sold under the name BioToLife by BASF.

Trehalolipids:

The (b) glycolipid may be selected from trehalolipids, which contain a trehalose fragment and can be represented by the general formula (IV): in which:

R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ individually represent a saturated or unsaturated, hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated hydrocarbon radical having from 5 to 13 carbon atoms.

The trehalolipids can be produced by bacterial fermentation using the marine bacterium Arthrobacter sp. Ek 1 or the freshwater bacterium Rhodococcus erythropolis . Appropriate fermentation methods are provided by Ishigami et al. (1987), J. Jpn. Oil Chem. Soc., 36, 847- 851, Schultz et al. (1991), Z. Naturforsch., 46C, 197-203, and Passeri et al. (1991), Z. Naturforsch., 46C, 204-209.

Cellobiose lipids:

The (b) glycolipid may be selected from cellobiose lipids, which contain a cellobiose fragment and can be represented by the general formula (V): in which:

R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a cation, R¹² represents a saturated or unsaturated, hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated hydrocarbon radical having from 9 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably 13 carbon atoms, R¹³ represents a hydrogen atom or an acetyl group; and

R¹⁴ represents a saturated or unsaturated, hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated hydrocarbon radical having from 4 to 16 carbon atoms.

The cellobiose lipids can be produced by cells of fungi of the genus Ustilago. Appropriate fermentation processes are provided by Frautz, Lang and Wagner (1986), Biotech. Letts., 8, 757-762.

Rhamnolipids:

The (b) glycolipids may be selected from rhamnolipids.

The composition according to the present invention preferably comprises one or more rhamnolipids.

Rhamnolipids are glycolipids produced by various bacterial species. They consist of one rhamnose fragment (mono-rhamnolipid) or of two rhamnose fragments (di-rhamnolipid) linked by a glycosidic bond to one, two or three chains of [3-hydroxylated fatty acids linked to one another by an ester bond.

More specifically, these mono-rhamnolipids and di-rhamnolipids correspond to the following formula (VI): in which: m denotes an integer equal to 2, 1 or 0, n denotes an integer equal to 1 or 0, and

Ri and R2, each independently represent identical or different hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 5 to 13 carbon atoms, that are branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted, in particular hydroxy-substituted, and saturated or unsaturated, preferably a singly, doubly or triply unsaturated alkyl radical.

Thus, when n is equal to 0, the formula (VI) protects mono-rhamnolipids and, when n is equal to 1, it protects di-rhamnolipids.

The composition according to the present invention preferably comprises at least one dirhamnolipid.

The composition according to the present invention preferably comprises at least one dirhamnolipid of formula (VI) in which: m denotes an integer equal to 2, 1 or 0; n denotes an integer equal to 1 ; and

Ri and R2, each independently represent identical or different hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 5 to 13 carbon atoms, that are branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted, in particular hydroxy-substituted, and saturated or unsaturated, preferably a singly, doubly or triply unsaturated alkyl radical, and also the salts thereof, solvates thereof and optical isomers thereof.

The glycosidic bond between the two rhamnose fragments may be in the alpha or beta configuration and is preferably in the alpha configuration.

In the context of the present invention, the salts of the di-rhamnolipids of formula (VI) are more particularly the carboxylate salts thereof with an organic or inorganic cation and especially with a cation selected from sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium. the solvated forms of the di-rhamnolipids of formula (VI) are more particularly those solvated with one or more molecules of water or of organic solvents, for example a hydrate or a solvate of a linear or branched alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropanol, the optically active carbon atoms of the fatty acids preferably being in the form of the R enantiomers, and the term “alkyl” radical denotes a saturated, linear or branched aliphatic group; for example, a C1-C20 alkyl group having a linear or branched hydrocarbon chain of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more particularly a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl or eicosyl.

Ri and R2, which are identical or different, are selected from pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl and tridecenyl radicals and radicals of formula -(CH2)_OCH3, with 0 denoting an integer ranging from 1 to 23, in particular from 3 to 15 and more particularly from 4 to 12.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition according to the present invention comprises at least one di-rhamnolipid of general formula (VI) in which m is equal to 1

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition according to the present invention comprises a mixture of at least two, preferably at least three, di- rhamnolipids of general formula (VI) in which m is preferably equal to 1.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the composition according to the present invention comprises a mixture comprising at least one mono-rhamnolipid.

More preferably, the composition according to the present invention comprises at least one dirhamnolipid of the following formula (VII): in which: m denotes an integer equal to 2, 1 or 0; preferably, m is equal to 1, n denotes an inte er equal to 1 ,

Ri is a -(CHz)_P-CH3 radical, with p being an integer varying from 1 to 23, preferably from 4 to 12,

R.2 is a -(CH2)_q-CH3 radical, with q being an integer varying from 1 to 23, preferably from 4 to 12, and also the salts thereof, solvates thereof and optical isomers thereof.

By way of illustration and without limiting the di-rhamnolipids of formula (VII) that may be suitable for the present invention, mention may be made in particular of the compounds of formula di-RL-CXCY, such as are defined in Table 1 below.

The formula di-RL-CXCY is an alternative way of writing in order to represent a dirhamnolipid (di-RL) functionalized by two radicals Ri and R2 respectively represented by the symbols CX and CY, the integers X and Y being respectively equal to p+4 and q+4.

Table

According to a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises at least one di-rhamnolipid of formula (VII) in which p and q are identical and equal to 6 and m is equal to 1, also referred to as di-RL-ClOClO, or one of the salts, solvates and optical isomers thereof.

Preferably, the di-rhamnolipid of formula (VII) in which p and q are identical and equal to 6 and m is equal to 1 is present in the composition according to the present invention in a proportion of at least 50% by weight and preferably of from 51% to 85% by weight, relative to the total weight of rhamnolipids.

According to another embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises at least one di-rhamnolipid of formula (VII) in which m is equal to 1, p is equal to 6 and q is equal to 8.

According to another embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises at least one di-rhamnolipid of formula (VI) in which n and m are equal to 1 , Ri represents a -(CH2)_OCH3 radical, with o being an integer varying from 4 to 12, and R2 is selected from the pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl and tridecenyl radicals; preferably, Ri represents a -(Clh^CH radical and R2 a nonenyl radical.

According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises a mixture of at least two, in particular at least three, di-rhamnolipids of formula (VI) or of formula (VII) selected from: a di-rhamnolipid of formula (VII) in which p and q are identical and equal to 6 and m is equal to 1 ; a di-rhamnolipid of formula (VII) in which m is equal to 1, p is equal to 6 and q is equal to 8; and at least one di-rhamnolipid of formula (VI) in which n and m are equal to 1 , Ri represents a -(CH )_OCH3 radical, with 0 being an integer varying from 4 to 12, and R2 is selected from the pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl and tridecenyl radicals; preferably, Ri represents a -(ClhJfiCHa radical and R2 a nonenyl radical.

Preferably, the composition according to the present invention comprises a mixture of at least two, in particular at least three, di-rhamnolipids of formula (VI) or of formula (VII) selected from: at least 50% by weight and preferably of from 51 % to 85% by weight of a dirhamnolipid of formula (VII) in which p and q are identical and equal to 6 and m is equal to 1, relative to the total weight of rhamnolipids, from 0.5% to 25% by weight, preferably from 5% to 15% by weight, of a dirhamnolipid of formula (VII) in which p is equal to 6, q is equal to 8 and m is equal to 1, relative to the total weight of rhamnolipids, and from 0.5% to 15% by weight, preferably from 3% to 12% by weight, preferably from 5% to 10% by weight, of a dirhamno lipid of formula (VI) in which n and m are equal to 1 , Ri represents a -(CEb^CHs radical and R2 represents a nonenyl radical, relative to the total weight of rhamno lipids.

As specified above, rhamnolipids are customarily prepared by processes known to those skilled in the art starting from bacterial producers, such as Pseudomonas.

Appropriate fermentation methods are reviewed by D. Haferburg, R. Hommel, R. Claus and H.P. Kleber in Adv. Biochem. Ing./Biotechnol. (1986), 33, 53-90, and by F. Wagner, H. Bock and A. Kretschmar in Fermentation (ed. R.M. Lafferty) (1981), 181-192, Springer Verlag, Vienna.

Use may be made, as rhamnolipid, of the one sold under the name Rheance One by Evonik (INCI name: glycolipids).

The amount of the (b) glycolipid(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (b) glycolipid(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The (b) glycolipid(s) may be included in the composition according to the present invention in a greater amount than the (a) cationic polymer.

(Other Optional Ingredients)

- Water

The composition according to the present invention may or may not include water. The amount of the water in the composition according to the present invention may be 50% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or more, and more preferably 70% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the water in the composition according to the present invention may be 99% by weight or less, preferably 97% by weight or less, and more preferably 95% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the water in the composition according to the present invention may be from 50% to 99% by weight, preferably from 60% to 97% by weight, and more preferably from 70% to 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

- Acids Having Two or More Acid Dissociation Constants

The composition according to the present invention may or may not include at least one acid having two or more pKa values or a salt thereof. A single type of acid having two or more pKa values or a salt thereof may be used, or two or more different types of acids having two or more pKa values or salts thereof may be used in combination.

The acid having two or more pKa values or the salt thereof has two or more acid dissociation constants or salt(s) thereof. The pKa value (acid dissociation constant) is well known to those skilled in the art, and should be determined at a constant temperature such as 25 °C.

The composition according to the present invention may include two or more acids having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in combination.

The acids having two or more pKa values can be non-polymeric acids. The term “non- polymeric” here means that the acid is not obtained by polymerizing two or more monomers. Therefore, the non-polymeric acid does not correspond to an acid obtained by polymerizing two or more monomers such as polycarboxylic acid.

It is preferable that the molecular weight of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof is 1,000 or less, preferably 800 or less, and more preferably 700 or less.

There is no limit to the type of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof. Two or more different types of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salts thereof may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of a non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or a salt thereof or a combination of different types of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salts thereof may be used.

The term "salt" here means a salt formed by addition of suitable base(s) to the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values, which may be obtained from a reaction with the non- polymeric acid having two or more pKa values with the base(s) according to methods known to those skilled in the art. As the salt, mention may be made of metal salts, for example salts with alkaline metal such as Na and K, and salts with alkaline earth metal such as Mg and Ca, and ammonium salts. The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof may be an organic acid or salt(s) thereof, and preferably a hydrophilic or water-soluble organic acid or salt(s) thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may have at least two acid groups selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic group, a sulfuric group, a sulfonic group, a phosphoric group, a phosphonic group, a phenolic hydroxyl group, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may be a non-polymeric polyvalent acid.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may be selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, disulfonic acids, and diphosphoric acids, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, aconitic acid, oxaloacetic acid, tartaric acid, and salts thereof; aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and salts thereof; terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid or salts thereof (Mexoryl SX), Benzophenone-9; phytic acid, and salts thereof; and salts thereof; Red 2 (Amaranth), Red 102 (New Coccine), Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF), Green 3 (Fast Green FCF), Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF), Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine), Red 201 (Lithol Rubine B), Red 202 (Lithol Rubine BCA), Red 204 (Lake Red CBA), Red 206 (Lithol Red CA), Red 207 (Lithol Red BA), Red 208 (Lithol Red SR), Red 219 (Brilliant Lake Red R), Red 220 (Deep Maroon), Red 227 (Fast Acid Magenta), Yellow 203 (Quinoline Yellow WS), Green 201 (Alizanine Cyanine Green F), Green 204 (Pyranine Cone), Green 205 (Light Green SF Yellowish), Blue 203 (Patent Blue CA), Blue 205 (Alfazurine FG), Red 401 (Violamine R), Red 405 (Permanent Re F5R), Red 502 (Ponceau 3R), Red 503 (Ponceau R), Red 504 (Ponceau SX), Green 401 (Naphthol Green B), Green 402 (Guinea Green B), and Black 401 (Naphthol Blue Black); folic acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, and salts thereof; cystine and salts thereof; EDTA and salts thereof; glycyrrhizin and salts thereof; and a mixture thereof.

It may be preferable that the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof be selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, phytic acid, and salts thereof, such as sodium phosphate, disodium hydrogenphosphate, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and a mixture thereof.

The acids having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof can be polymeric acids or salts thereof, such as polyphosphoric acids and salts thereof and polyphosphorus derivatives.

The term "polyphosphoric acid" here preferably means linear or cyclic oxoacids comprising or consisting of at least two "PO4" structure units bonded together covalently via at least one oxygen atom.

The polyphosphoric acids may be preferably represented by the following formula: in which n may be from 2 to 20, from 2 to 15, or from 2 to 10.

The term "salt" here means a salt formed by addition of suitable base(s) to the polyphosphoric acid having two or more pKa values, which may be obtained from a reaction with the polyphosphoric acid(s) with the base(s) according to methods known to those skilled in the art. As the salt, mention may be made of metal salts, for example salts with alkaline metal such as Na and K, and salts with alkaline earth metal such as Mg and Ca, and ammonium salts.

The term "polyphosphorus derivative" here preferably mean linear or cyclic compounds comprising at least two phosphorus atoms bonded together covalently via at least one linker L comprising at least one oxygen atom and/or at least one carbon atom. According to one embodiment, when the linker comprises at least one carbon atom, it may comprise at least one nitrogen atom.

Preferably, the linker L of the polyphosphorus derivatives used according to the various subjects of the invention comprises at least one oxygen atom.

Preferably, the polyphosphorus derivative(s) used according to the present invention comprise less than 20 phosphorus atoms, preferably less than 15 phosphorus atoms, preferably less than 10 phosphorus atoms.

The polyphosphorus derivative may comprise at least two groups chosen from a group - P(R)(=O)-OH, a group -P(R)(=0)-0 M, a group >P(=O)-OH and/or a group >P(=0)-0 M, with:

• M representing a cationic counterion, preferably chosen from alkali metals and alkaline-earth metals,

• R representing a hydroxyl group, a group -O' M, with M representing a cationic counterion, preferably chosen from alkali metals and alkaline-earth metals, a (Ci- Cejalkyl, (Ci-Cg)alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy or (hetero)aryloxy group, and

• > representing the two bonds connected to the phosphorus atom and forming part of a ring.

According to an embodiment, the polyphosphorus derivative(s) are chosen from inorganic polyphosphorus derivatives.

According to another embodiment, the polyphosphorus derivative(s) are chosen from organic polyphosphorus derivatives.

The polyphosphorus derivative(s) present in the compositions according to the invention may be non-amine derivatives.

The polyphosphorus derivative(s) as defined previously may be chosen from polyphosphates and polyphosphonates, and mixtures thereof. The polyphosphorus derivative(s) may be chosen from:

- inorganic polyphosphorus derivatives chosen from: o pyrophosphates, preferably in the form of salts, preferably of alkali metal salts, which may or may not be hydrated, such as sodium pyrophosphate, in particular sodium pyrophosphate tetrabasic, potassium pyrophosphate or sodium pyrophosphate decahydrate; o hexametaphosphates, preferably in the form of salts, preferably of alkali metal salts, which may or may not be hydrated, such as sodium hexametaphosphate; o tripolyphosphates, preferably in the form of salts, preferably of alkali metal salts, which may or may not be hydrated, such as sodium tripolyphosphate; o trimetaphosphates, preferably in the form of salts, preferably of alkali metal salts, which may or may not be hydrated, such as sodium trimetaphosphate; o and mixtures thereof;

- and mixtures thereof.

The polyphosphorus derivative(s) may be chosen from:

- inorganic polyphosphate derivatives chosen from hydrated or non-hydrated alkali metal pyrophosphates, such as sodium pyrophosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium pyrophosphate decahydrate; and polyphosphates, such as sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium polyphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate; and mixtures thereof;

- and organic polyphosphorus derivatives chosen from organic polyphosphonate derivatives such as polyphosphonic acids such as EDTMP, DETMP, ATMP, HEDP, DTPMP, and mixtures thereof;

- and mixtures thereof.

The polyphosphorus derivative(s) may be chosen from compounds belonging to any one of formulae (I), (II) and (III) below; or mixtures thereof: and also the solvates thereof such as hydrates; with

- n ranging from 2 to 10, preferably from 2 to 6 and better still from 2 to 3;

- m ranging from 2 to 10, preferably from 2 to 6;

Y representing an alkyl chain comprising at least one phosphorus atom and optionally one or more non-phosphorus heteroatoms, or a cyclic carbon-based radical optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms, said hydrocarbon-based radical being substituted with one or more groups comprising one or more phosphorus atoms;

- M or M' representing a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal or an alkaline-earth metal;

- representing a single bond when M or M' is H, or an ionic bond.

It is understood that when M or M' is other than H, then M or M' are such that the overall charge of the molecule is zero. Thus, in the case of divalent metals, M and M' may represent the same divalent metal. The polyphosphorus derivatives of formula (I) are linear.

The polyphosphorus derivatives of formula (II) are cyclic.

The polyphosphorus derivative(s) may be inorganic polyphosphate compounds, chosen from:

• polyphosphates, and/or hydrates thereof; and mixtures thereof, preferably of sodium and/or potassium, such as sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), sodium polyphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, preferably sodium tripolyphosphate having the following formula:

• pyrophosphates and/or hydrates thereof, and mixtures thereof, preferably of sodium and/or potassium; preferably chosen from sodium pyrophosphate and/or potassium pyrophosphate, and hydrates thereof, such as sodium pyrophosphate decahydrate having the following formula: or potassium pyrophosphate having the following formula:

The polyphosphorus derivative(s) may be organic polyphosphate derivatives and/or organic polyphosphonate derivatives, preferably chosen from polyphosphoric acids, polyphosphonic acids such as EDTMP, DETMP, ATMP, HEDP, DTPMP mixtures thereof; - iminodi(methylphosphonic) acid (example L) or salts thereof, and mixtures thereof;

- tetrasodium etidronate (example K) of formula

- and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the acid having two or more pKa values or a salt thereof is selected from polyphosphoric acids and salts thereof.

As examples of the polyphosphoric acids and salts thereof, mention can be made of pyrophosphoric acid, sodium polyphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, in particular sodium pyrophosphate tetrabasic, sodium pyrophosphate decahydrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium hexametaphosphate.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the acid(s) having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof are chosen from non-polymeric acid, such as citric acid and phytic acid, and polymeric acids or salts thereof, such as polyphosphoric acids and salts thereof. In particularly preferred embodiment, the phytic acid having two or more pKa values is phytic acid.

The amount of the acid(s) having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the acid(s) having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be 5% by weight or less, preferably 3% by weight or less, and more preferably 2% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 5% by weight, and preferably from 0.05% to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

- Anionic Surfactants

The composition according to the present invention may or may not include at least one anionic surfactant other than (b) glycolipid. A single type of anionic surfactant may be used, or two or more different types of anionic surfactants may be used in combination.

The anionic surfactants may be selected from amino acid surfactants and taurate surfactants. Amino Acid Surfactant

The term "amino acid surfactant" here means an anionic surfactant based on amino acids or derivatives thereof. Typically, the amino acid surfactant is an anionic surfactant comprising at least one amino moiety and at least one carboxylic acid moiety which is in the form of a carboxylate. The amino acid surfactant may have two or more of amino moieties and/or two or more carboxylic acid moieties which are in the form of carboxylates. The amino acid surfactant can be also called as an amino acid-based surfactant.

The amino acid surfactant is different from the taurate surfactant here.

The amino acid surfactant may preferably be selected from amino acid derivatives. The amino acid derivative may more preferably be selected from salts of amino acids and N- acylated amino acids, for example alkali metal salts and alkali earth metal salts of amino acids and N-acylated amino acids, such as sodium salts, potassium salts, magnesium salts, and calcium salts of amino acids and N-acylated amino acids. Thus, the amino acid surfactant is preferably a N-acyl amino acid surfactant.

The acyl group which forms the N-acyl moiety of the amino acid derivatives may be a C1-C30 acyl group, preferably a C6-C28 acyl group, and more preferably a C12-C24 acyl group.

The amino acid surfactant may even more preferably be selected from the group consisting of glutamates, N-acylated glutamates, aspartates, N-acylated aspartates, and salts thereof.

The carboxylate salts of these amino acids can be formed by conventional means such as by neutralization of the respective amino acid with a base. The amine group situated on the a- carbon or P-carbon of the neutralized amino acid is acylated with a fatty acid halide (acyl halide) in the presence of a base via the well-known Schotten-Baumann reaction giving the amide, thus forming the desired surfactant reaction product, i.e. the amino acid surfactant. Suitable acyl halides for acylation of the amino acid carboxylate salt include acyl chlorides, bromides, fluorides, and iodides. The acyl halides can be prepared by reacting a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Cs to C22 fatty acid with a thionyl halide (bromide, chloride, fluoride, and iodide). Representative acyl halides include but are not limited to the acyl chlorides selected from decanoyl chloride, dodecanoyl chloride (lauroyl chloride), cocoyl chloride (coconut oil derived fatty acid chlorides) tetradecanoyl chloride (myristoyl chloride), hexadecanoyl chloride (palmitoyl chloride), octadecanoyl chloride (stearoyl chloride), 9- octadecenoyl chloride (oleoyl chloride), eicosanoyl chloride (arachidoyl chloride), docosanoyl chloride (behenoyl chloride), and any mixture thereof. Other acyl halides include the bromides, fluorides and iodides of the foregoing fatty acids. A method for preparing acyl halides as well as an alternative method for acylating amino acids is set forth in US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0200704, published on August 21, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, said amino acid based anionic surfactant is represented by the formula (A): wherein:

Z represents a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms,

X is hydrogen or methyl group, n is 0 or 1,

Y is selected from hydrogen, -CH₃, -CH(CH₃)₂, -CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, -CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃, - CH₂C₆H₅, -CH₂C₂H₄OH, -CH₂OH, -CH(OH)CH₃, -(CH₂)₄NH₂, -(CH₂)₃NHC(NH)NH₂, - CH₂C(O)O-M⁺, -(CH₂)₂C(O)OH, -(CH₂)₂C(O)O-M⁺, and

M is a salt-forming cation wherein COO is the counter-anion, such as for example sodium, potassium, ammonium, or triethanolamine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the amino fatty acid of formula (A):

Z represents a saturated or unsaturated, linear Cs to Cis alkyl group, in particular a cocoyl group,

X is hydrogen, n is 0,

Y is hydrogen, and

Examples of the amino acid surfactants are salts of alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, serine, tyrosine, valine, sarcosine, and any mixture thereof. More specifically, mention can be made of the amino acid surfactants such as dipotassium capryloyl glutamate, dipotassium undecylenoyl glutamate, disodium capryloyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium lauroyl glutamate, disodium stearoyl glutamate, disodium undecylenoyl glutamate, potassium capryloyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, potassium stearoyl glutamate, potassium undecylenoyl glutamate, sodium capryloyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, sodium olivoyl glutamate, sodium palmitoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, sodium undecylenoyl glutamate, cocoyl methyl 0-alaninate, lauroyl [3-alaninate lauroyl methyl 0- alaninate, myristoyl P-alaninate, potassium lauroyl methyl p-alaninate, sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium cocoyl methyl P-alaninate and sodium myristoyl methyl P-alaninate palmitoyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium myristoyl glycinate, potassium lauroyl glycinate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, sodium oleoyl sarcosinate, sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl aspartate, sodium myristoyl aspartate, sodium cocoyl aspartate, sodium caproyl aspartate, disodium lauroyl aspartate, disodium myristoyl aspartate, disodium cocoyl aspartate, disodium caproyl aspartate, potassium lauroyl aspartate, potassium myristoyl aspartate, potassium cocoyl aspartate, potassium caproyl aspartate, dipotassium lauroyl aspartate, dipotassium myristoyl aspartate, dipotassium cocoyl aspartate, dipotassium caproyl aspartate, and mixtures thereof.

Reference can be made to the commercially available amino acid surfactants of, for example: sarcosinates, such as sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sold under the name Sarkosyl NL 97® by Ciba or sold under the name Oramix L 30® by Seppic, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, sold under the name Nikkol Sarcosinate MN® by Nikkol, or sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate, sold under the name Nikkol Sarcosinate PN® by Nikkol; alaninates, such as sodium N-lauroyl-N-methylamidopropionate, sold under the name Sodium Nikkol Alaninate LN 30® by Nikkol or sold under the name Alanone ALE® by Kawaken, or triethanolamine N-lauroyl-N-methylalanine, sold under the name Alanone ALTA® by Kawaken; or sodium cocoyl alaninates, sold under the name Amilite® ACS-12 by Ajinomoto; glutamates, such as triethanolamine monococoyl glutamate, sold under the name Acylglutamate CT- 12® by Ajinomoto, triethanolamine lauroyl glutamate, sold under the name Acylglutamate LT- 12® by Ajinomoto; disodium glutamates, disodium stearoyl glutamate sold under the name Amisoft® HS-21P by Ajinomoto, and mixtures thereof; sodium cocoyl glutamate, sold under the name Plantapon® Amino SF-N by BASF Japan; disodium cocoyl glutamate, sold under the name Plantapon® Amino SCG-L by BASF Japan; and disodium/sodium cocoyl glutamate, sold under the name Amisoft® CS-22 by Ajinomoto; aspartates, such as the mixture of triethanolamine N-lauroyl aspartate and triethanolamine N-myristoyl aspartate, sold under the name Asparack® by Mitsubishi; glycine derivatives (glycinates), such as sodium N-cocoyl glycinate, sold under the names Amilite GCS-12® and Amilite GCK 12 by Ajinomoto; citrates, such as the citric monoester of oxyethylenated (9 mol) coco alcohols, sold under the name Witconol EC 1129 by Goldschmidt; and galacturonates, such as sodium dodecyl D-galactoside uronate, sold by Soliance.

Taurate Surfactant

The term "taurate surfactant" here means an anionic surfactant comprising at least one taurate moiety. The taurate surfactant can be also called as a taurate-based surfactant.

The taurate surfactant is preferably acyl taurate, more preferably N-acyl taurate, and even more preferably N-acyl methyl taurate (i.e. N-acyl-N-methyltaurate).

The taurate surfactants include those of Formula I, below: wherein,

R⁷ is (C₈-C₂₂)alkyl;

R⁸ is H or (Ci-C₄)alkyl;

R⁹ and R¹⁰ are each independently H or (C1-C4) alkyl; and M⁺ is a sodium, potassium, or ammonium cation.

The taurate surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of taurate, caproyl taurate, lauroyl taurate, myristoyl taurate, palmitoyl taurate, stearoyl taurate, oleoyl taurate, cocoyl taurate, methyl taurate, coconut oil fatty acid methyl taurate, palm kernel oil fatty acid methyl taurate, hydrogenated palm kernel oil fatty acid methyl taurate, beef tallow fatty acid methyl taurate, hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid methyl taurate, caproyl methyl taurate, lauroyl methyl taurate, myristoyl methyl taurate, palmitoyl methyl taurate, stearoyl methyl taurate, oleoyl methyl taurate, cocoyl methyl taurate, methyltaurine cocoyl methyl taurate, and salts thereof.

For example, the taurate surfactants include sodium methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium methyl myristoyl taurate, potassium methyl myristoyl taurate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, calcium methyl lauroyl taurate, potassium methyl lauroyl taurate, and ammonium methyl lauroyl taurate. Likewise, in some instances, the taurate surfactant is sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.

Examples of the taurate surfactant include, but are not limited to: sodium salt of palm kernel oil methyltaurate, sold under the name Hostapon CT Pate® by Clariant; sodium N-cocoyl-N-methyltaurate, sold under the name Hostapon LT-SF® by Clariant or sold under the name Nikkol CMT-30-T® by Nikkol; sodium methyl stearoyl taurate sold under the name Nikkol SMT®; and sodium palmitoyl methyltaurate, sold under the name Nikkol PMT® by Nikkol.

The amount of the anionic surfactant(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.5% by weight or more, preferably 1% by weight or more, and more preferably 2% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the anionic surfactant(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the anionic surfactant(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.5% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 2% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

- Amphoteric surfactant

The composition according to the present invention may or may not comprise at least one amphoteric surfactant. A single type of amphoteric surfactant may be used, or two or more different types of amphoteric surfactants may be used in combination.

The amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants can be, for example (non-limiting list), amine derivatives such as aliphatic secondary or tertiary amine, and optionally quaternized amine derivatives, in which the aliphatic radical is a linear or branched chain including 8 to 22 carbon atoms and containing at least one water-solubilizing anionic group (for example, carboxylate, sulphonate, sulphate, phosphate or phosphonate). The amphoteric surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of betaines and amidoaminecarboxylated derivatives.

The amphoteric surfactant may be selected from betaine-type surfactants.

The betaine-type amphoteric surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of alkylbetaines, alkylamidoalkylbetaines, sulfobetaines, alkylsulfobetaines, phosphobetaines, alkylphosphobetaines, and alkylamidoalkylsulfobetaines, in particular, (C8-C24)alkylbetaines, (C8-C24)alkylamido(Ci-C8)alkylbetaines, sulfobetaines, (Ci-C8)alkylsulfobetaines, phosphobetaines, (Ci-Cs)alkylphosphobetaines, and (C8-C24)alkylamido(Ci- Cs)alkylsulfobetaines. In one embodiment, the amphoteric surfactants of betaine type are chosen from (Cg-C24)alkylbetaines, (C8-C24)alkylamido(Ci-C8)alkylsulfobetaines, sulfobetaines, (Ci-C8)alkylsulfobetaines and phosphobetaines. Non-limiting examples that may be mentioned include the compounds classified in the CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary & Handbook, 15th Edition, 2014, under the names cocobetaine, laurylbetaine, cetylbetaine, coco/oleamidopropylbetaine, cocamidopropylbetaine, palmitamidopropylbetaine, stearamidopropylbetaine, cocamidoethylbetaine, cocamidopropylhydroxysultaine, oleamidopropylhydroxysultaine, cocohydroxysultaine, laurylhydroxysultaine, and cocosultaine, alone or as mixtures.

The betaine-type amphoteric surfactant (betaines) may be an alkylbetaine an alkylsulfobetaine, and an alkylamidoalkylbetaine, in particular cocobetaine, sulfopropylbetaine, and cocamidopropylbetaine.

Among the amidoaminecarboxylated derivatives, mention may be made of the products sold under the name Miranol, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,528,378 and 2,781,354 and classified in the CTFA dictionary, 3rd edition, 1982 (the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference), under the names Amphocarboxyglycinates and Amphocarboxypropionates, with the respective structures:

RI-CONHCH₂CH₂-N⁺(R2)(R₃)(CH2COO-) M⁺ X- (Bl) in which: Ri denotes an alkyl radical of an acid Ri-COOH present in hydrolysed coconut oil, a heptyl, nonyl or undecyl radical,

R2 denotes a beta-hydroxyethyl group,

R3 denotes a carboxymethyl group,

M⁺ denotes a cationic ion derived from alkaline metals such as sodium; ammonium ion; or an ion derived from an organic amine;

X' denotes an organic or inorganic anionic ion such as halides, acetates, phosphates, nitrates, alkyl(Ci-C4)sulfates, alkyl(Ci-C4)- or alkyl(Ci-C4)aryl-sulfonates, particularly methylsulfate and ethylsulfate; or M⁺ and X’ are not present; RI'-CONHCH₂CH₂-N(B)(C) (B2) in which:

Ri' denotes an alkyl radical of an acid Ri'-COOH present in coconut oil or in hydrolysed linseed oil, an alkyl radical, such as a C7, C9, Ci 1 or C13 alkyl radical, a C17 alkyl radical and its iso-form, or an unsaturated C17 radical, B represents -CH2CH2OX',

C represents -(CH2)_Z-Y'₅ with z=l or 2,

X' denotes a -CH2-COOH group, -CH2-COOZ’, -CH2CH2-COOH, -CH2CH2-COOZ’ or a hydrogen atom, and

Y' denotes -COOH, -COOZ’, -CH2-CHOH-SO3Z’, -CH2-CHOH-SO3H radical or a -CH₂- CH(OH)-SO₃-Z’ radical, wherein Z’ represents an ion of an alkaline or alkaline earth metal such as sodium, an ion derived from an organic amine or an ammonium ion; and

Ra”-NH-CH(Y’ ’)-(CH₂)n-C(O)-NH-(CH2)n>-N(Rd)(Re) (B’2) in which:

Y” denotes -C(O)OH, -C(O)OZ”, -CH₂-CH(OH)-SO₃H or -CH2-CH(OH)-SO₃-Z”, wherein Z” denotes a cationic ion derived from alkaline metal or alkaline-earth metals such as sodium, an ion derived from organic amine or an ammonium ion;

Rd and Re denote a C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl radical;

Ra” denotes a C10-C30 group alkyl or alkenyl group from an acid, and n and n’ independently denote an integer from 1 to 3.

The amphoteric surfactant with formula Bl and B2 may be selected from (C8-C24)-alkyl amphomonoacetates, (Cs-C24)alkyl amphodiacetates, (C8-C24)alkyl amphomonopropionates, and (Cs-C24)alkyl ampho dipropionates

These compounds are classified in the CTFA dictionary, 5th edition, 1993, under the names Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Disodium Caprylamphodiacetate, Disodium Capryloamphodiacetate, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Disodium Lauro amphopropionate, Disodium Caprylamphodipropionate, Disodium Caprylamphodipropionate, Lauroamphodipropionic acid and Cocoamphodipropionic acid.

By way of example, mention may be made of the cocoamphodiacetate sold under the trade name Miranol® C2M concentrate by the company Rhodia Chimie.

Among compounds of formula (B’2), mention may be made of sodium diethylaminopropyl cocoaspartamide (CTFA) marketed by CHIMEX under the denomination CHIMEXANE HB.

The amount of the amphoteric surfactant(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the amphoteric surfactant(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 15% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or less, and more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the amphoteric surfactant(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of surfactants including the (b) glycolipid(s) and optional anionic surfactant(s) in the composition is not particularly limited, but in general from 3 to 30% by weight, preferably from 5 to 25% by weight, and more preferably from 7 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the weight ratio of the (b) glycolipid(s) to the total amount of the surfactants other than the (b) glycolipid(s), such as the anionic surfactants as explained above, included in the composition may be from 10:1 to 1 :5, preferably 5:1 to 1 :3, and more preferably from 3 : 1 to 1 :2, In another embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises the (b) glycolipid(s) in a equal to or a greater amount than the total amount of the surfactants other than the (b) glycolipid(s), such as the anionic surfactants.

- pH Adjusting Agent

The pH of the composition according to the present invention may be adjusted to the desired value using at least one pH adjusting agent, such as an acidifying or a basifying agent, for example, which are commonly used in cosmetic products. The pH of the composition according to the present invention may be from 4 to 8, preferably 4.5 to 7.5, and more preferably from 5 to 7.

Among the acidifying agents, mention may be made, by way of example, of mineral or organic acids such as hydrochloric acid, ortho-phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, carboxylic acids such as acetic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid, and sulfonic acids.

The pH adjusting agent(s) may be used in an amount ranging from 0.001% to 10% by weight, and preferably from 0.01% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. The pH value of the composition according to the present invention is not particularly limited, however, in general it ranges from 3 to 9, and preferably from 4 to 8.

- Optional Ingredient The composition according to the present invention may comprise, in addition to the aforementioned ingredients, optional ingredient(s) typically employed in cosmetics, specifically, surfactants/emulsifiers other than the (b) glycolipid; hydrophilic or lipophilic thickeners derived from, for example, synthetic thickeners; volatile or non-volatile organic solvents such as ethanol; polyols such as glycerin, pentylene glycol, dipropyleneglycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, propanediol and sorbitol; anionic polymers; amphoteric polymers; nonionic polymers such as beta-glucan; silicones and silicone derivatives; fatty acids, such as higher fatty acids having 6 to 24 carbon atoms; natural extracts derived from animals or vegetables other than the (a) cationic polymer; waxes; preservatives such as caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol; antioxidants such as tocopherol; salts such as NaCl; and the like, within a range which does not impair the effects of the present invention.

The composition according to the present invention may comprise the above optional ingredient(s) in an amount of from 0.01% to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. [Preparation]

The composition according to the present invention can be prepared by mixing the essential ingredient(s) as explained above, and optional ingredient(s), if necessary, as explained above.

The method and means to mix the above essential and optional ingredients are not limited. Any conventional method and means can be used to mix the above essential and optional ingredients to prepare the composition according to the present invention.

The composition according to the present invention can be prepared by simple or easy mixing with a conventional mixing means such as a stirrer and a homogenizer. Also, heating may not be necessary. Therefore, the process for preparing the composition according to the present invention may be environmentally friendly.

[Form]

The composition according to the present invention may be present in any form.

For example, the composition according to the present invention can be in the form of a solution, in particular an aqueous solution, a toner, a serum, or a lotion.

In another embodiment, the composition according to the present invention can be in the form of a solution. In this embodiment, the composition according to the present invention may be packaged with an auto foam pump which enables consumers to use the composition as a foam.

The composition according to the present invention, before being diluted, can have a transparent or translucent appearance, preferably a transparent appearance.

The transparency may be measured by measuring the turbidity (for example, with 2100Q Portable Turbidimeter from HACH). The turbidity of the composition according to the present invention may be below 400 NTU (translucent), preferably below 350 NTU, more preferably below 300 NTU (transparent).

[Cosmetic Application]

The composition according to the present invention may be intended to be used as a cosmetic composition. Thus, the cosmetic composition according to the present invention may be intended for application onto a keratin substance. Keratin substance here means a material containing keratin as a main constituent element, and examples thereof include the skin, scalp, nails, lips, hair, and the like. Thus, it is preferable that the cosmetic composition according to the present invention be used for a cosmetic process for the keratin substance, in particular skin.

Thus, the cosmetic composition according to the present invention may be a skin cosmetic composition, preferably a skin care composition, and more preferably a face care composition. In particular, the composition according to the present invention is useful for cleansing. Thus, it is preferable that the composition according to the present invention be a cleansing composition, more preferably a cleansing composition for skin, and even more preferably a cleansing composition for face.

[Cosmetic Process and Use]

The present invention also relates to: a cosmetic process for a keratin substance such as skin, comprising applying to the keratin substance the composition according to the present invention; and optionally removing the composition from the keratin substance, or a use of the composition according to the present invention for caring for or cleansing a keratin substance such as skin.

The cosmetic process here means a non-therapeutic cosmetic method, such as for a cosmetic method for caring for or cleansing the surface of a keratin substance such as skin.

The step of removing in the cosmetic process according to the present invention can be performed by, for example, rinsing off with water the composition according to the present invention from a keratin substance such as skin.

If the step of removing is not performed, the cosmetic process according to the present invention can be useful for caring for a keratin substance such as skin, because the (b) glycolipids can provide the keratin substance with anti-inflammation, anti-allergic, or antibacterial properties, which would be useful for, in particular, caring for skin with acne and sensitive skin.

If the step of removing is performed, the cosmetic process according to the present invention can be useful for cleansing a keratin substance such as skin, because the (b) glycolipids can function as a surfactant.

If the composition according to the present invention is diluted with water, the composition according to the present invention can cause precipitation.

Thus, before or after the step of applying the composition according to the present invention to a keratin substance such as skin, if the keratin substance is wet with water, the composition according to the present invention can cause precipitates on the keratin substance.

On the other hand, before the step of removing the composition according to the present invention from a keratin substance such as skin, if the keratin substance is wet with water, the composition according to the present invention can also cause precipitation on the keratin substance.

Accordingly, it is preferable that a keratin substance such as skin be wet with water before or after the step of applying the composition according to the present invention to the keratin substance, or before removing the composition according to the present invention from the keratin substance.

The precipitates include the (b) glycolipids, and therefore, it can provide a keratin substance such as skin with various benefits such as anti-inflammation, anti-allergic, or anti-bacterial properties, which would be useful for, in particular, skin with acne and sensitive skin.

Furthermore, the precipitates include (b) glycolipids which can function as surfactants. Therefore, the precipitates can effectively be used for cleaning a keratin substance such as skin, by further rinsing off with water the precipitates from the keratin substance, which would be preferable for cleansing the keratin substance, in particular for removing makeup from the keratin substance such as skin.

The present invention may also relate to a use of (a) at least one cationic polymer selected from polylysines with a molecular weight of less than 20,000, preferably less than 15,000 and more preferably less than 10,000, in a composition comprising (b) at least one glycolipid, in order to provide precipitates including the (b) glycolipid when diluting the composition.

The above explanations regarding the (a) cationic polymer and the (b) glycolipid for the composition according to the present invention, can apply to those in the above use.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described in a more detailed manner by way of examples. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Examples 1-20 and Comparative Examples 1-7

[Preparations]

Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-20 and Comparative Examples 1-7 was prepared by mixing the ingredients shown in Tables 1 to 5. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients in Table 1 are all based on “% by weight” as active ingredients. Epsilon-poly-L-lysines (Mw: around 4,700 Da, PL-25, obtained from JNC corporation) were used as polylysine. As a glycolipid, a rhamnolipid-based surfactant was used which was obtained from EVONIK (product name: RHEANCE® One)

[Evaluation]

(Appearance and Condition)

The appearance of each of the compositions just after the preparation was observed with the naked eyes, and the appearance was evaluated based on the following criteria.

Good: The appearance was transparent.

Poor: The appearance was hazy.

Very Poor: Precipitations were observed.

Also, the condition of each of the compositions according to Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are shown in Table 1.

(Dilution Test) Each of the compositions was diluted with water to have 5 times volume at room temperature (25°C). The dilution test simulates the use of the composition according to the present invention under wet conditions such as those in a bath room.

The precipitation in each composition was visually evaluated in accordance with the following criteria.

Very Good: Precipitation was observed from a transparent appearance.

Good: Appearance changed from transparent to hazy or precipitation was observed from a hazy appearance.

Poor: No change in appearance was observed.

The more the precipitation is caused in the dilution test, the more the composition according to the present invention can provide a keratin substance with a deposition including glycolipids. This is beneficial because glycolipids have a variety of bioactivities, such as antiinflammation efficacy, anti-allergic efficacy, and antibacterial efficacy and also can provide moisturizing texture.

The results are shown in Tables 1 to 5 below.

Table 1 Table 2

Table 5

As can be seen from the tables, the compositions according to Examples 1 to 20, which include the specific combination of the ingredients of the (a) cationic polymer and the (b) glycolipid exhibited a transparent appearance and good results in the dilution test. The good results of the dilution test indicate that the composition can provide a keratin substance such as skin with a deposition including glycolipids efficiently, and thereby provides a variety of bioactivities, such as anti-inflammation efficacy, anti-allergic efficacy, and antibacterial efficacy as well as enhanced moisturizing texture. On the other hand, the compositions according to Comparative Examples 1 to 7, which do not include the specific combination of the present invention could not exhibit a transparent appearance and/or good results of the dilution test. In addition, the composition including polylysine as the (a) cationic polymer (Example 1) was in a liquid state, and this is beneficial because it can be easily spread on keratinous substances, such as skin. On the other hand, the compositions including other cationic polymers (Comparative Examples 1 to 3) became jellified and do not stick to the skin. Thus, the composition according to the present invention exhibits superior properties in terms of deposition.

Accordingly, it can be said that the composition according to the present invention is very suitable as a cosmetic composition for caring for and/or cleansing keratinous substances, since it can provide a bioactive benefit produced from glycolipids with keratin substances while it exhibits transparent appearance.

Claims

1. A composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a skin cosmetic composition, comprising

(a) at least one cationic polymer selected from polylysines; and

2. The composition according to Claim 1 , wherein the (a) cationic polymer has a molecular weight of more than 1,000, preferably more than 1,500, and more preferably more than 2,000.

3. The composition according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the (a) cationic polymer(s) in the composition is from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the (b) glycolipid is selected from rhamnolipids.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the (b) glycolipid(s) in the composition is from 0.01% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

6. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises at least one acid having two or more pKa values or a salt thereof.

7. The composition according to Claim 6, wherein the amount of the acid(s) having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition is from 0.01% to 5% by weight, and preferably from 0.05% to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

8. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises at least one anionic surfactant selected from amino acid surfactants and taurate surfactants.

9. The composition according to Claim 8, wherein the amount of the anionic surfactant(s) in the composition is from 0.5% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 2% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

10. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises at least one amphoteric surfactant, preferably in an amount from 0.01% to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 15% by weight, and even more preferably from 1 % to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

11. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total amount of surfactants including the (b) glycolipid(s) in the composition is from 3 to 30% by weight, preferably from 5 to 25% by weight, and more preferably from 7 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition,

12. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the (b) glycolipid(s) to the total amount of the surfactants other than the (b) glycolipid(s) in the composition is from 10:1 to 1:5, preferably 5:1 to 1:3, and more preferably from 3:1 to 1:2.

13. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the composition is from 4 to 8, preferably 4.5 to 7.5, and more preferably from 5 to 7.

14. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, which is a cleansing composition, preferably a cleansing composition for skin, and more preferably a cleansing composition for the face.

15. A cosmetic process for a keratin substance such as skin, comprising: applying to the keratin substance the composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 14; and optionally removing the composition from the keratin substance.