GB2561180A

GB2561180A - Cosmetic Mask

Info

Publication number: GB2561180A
Application number: GB1705352.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Done Evans Paul
Original assignee: PZ Cussons Beauty LLP
Current assignee: PZ Cussons Beauty LLP
Priority date: 2017-04-03
Filing date: 2017-04-03
Publication date: 2018-10-10
Also published as: GB201705352D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-tanning composition comprising 1 to 30% w/w of a skin tanning agent; 0.5 to 15% wlw of a skin moisturising complex; 0.1 to 6% w/w of one or more stabilising agents; 0 to 10% wlw of one or more cosmetic oils; and water. In a preferred embodiment dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the skin tanning agent, the moisturizing complex comprises glycerine and pentylene glycol, the stabilising agent is xanthan gum and the cosmetic oil is dimethicone. Preferably the self-tanning composition is impregnated into a non-woven fabric with a density of 10-70 g/m2 and a thickness of 100 µm to 5 mm and which has been provided in an oval shaped mask with pre-cut holes for eyes and mouth and a pre-cut flap for the nose. The mask may be provided with a polypropylene backing sheet and may be sold in a sachet or pouch. The mask may be applied to the face of a user for up to 30 minutes but preferably up to 15 minutes.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

PZ Cussons Beauty LLP

Upper Street, St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, London, Greater London, WC2H 9FB,

United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Paul Done Evans (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2002/067887 A2 US 20110152795 A1 US 20070041917 A1 Internet. See reviews

US 5972360 A US 20070122364 A1 section (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA61K, A61Q

Other: EPODOC, WPI, PATENT FULLTEXT, INTERNET (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Barker Brettell LLP

100 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, BIRMINGHAM, B16 8QQ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Cosmetic Mask

Abstract Title: Cosmetic mask impregnated with self-tanning composition (57) The invention relates to a self-tanning composition comprising 1 to 30% w/w of a skin tanning agent; 0.5 to 15% wlw of a skin moisturising complex; 0.1 to 6% w/w of one or more stabilising agents; 0 to 10% wlw of one or more cosmetic oils; and water. In a preferred embodiment dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the skin tanning agent, the moisturizing complex comprises glycerine and pentylene glycol, the stabilising agent is xanthan gum and the cosmetic oil is dimethicone. Preferably the self-tanning composition is impregnated into a non-woven fabric with a density of 10-70 g/m² and a thickness of 100 pm to 5 mm and which has been provided in an oval shaped mask with pre-cut holes for eyes and mouth and a pre-cut flap for the nose. The mask may be provided with a polypropylene backing sheet and may be sold in a sachet or pouch. The mask may be applied to the face of a user for up to 30 minutes but preferably up to 15 minutes.

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Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 4

Cosmetic Mask

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a cosmetic mask that produces a tanning or darkening effect on the skin. The present invention further provides a method of applying a self-tanning composition that produces a tanned or darkened effect on the skin using a cosmetic mask.

Background of the Invention

A tanned or darkened skin is desirable in many global markets and is considered fashionable or of giving a healthy appearance. Natural tanning through exposure to Ultra Violet rays (UV) either in sunbathing or by the use of artificial Ultra Violet lamps or sun beds is widely practised, but there is a growing recognition of the longer term impacts of UV exposure such as premature skin-ageing and skin cancer. Therefore the market for products that darken the skin without exposure to UV is important and products in various formats have been developed and have been on the market for many years.

The skin colouring effect of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a natural sugar type molecule, was discovered by chance in a childrens’ hospital where it was being used to treat diabetics who were more tolerant to DHA than glucose. Since that time the mode of action and consumer safety of DHA has been widely studied and there is a sizeable global market for self-tanning cosmetic products containing DHA which are seen as a safer tanning alternative than UV exposure through natural sunlight and sunbeds. The skin colouration comes from a reaction of DHA with the amino acids and amino groups present in the surface layers of the stratum corneum to produce brownish pigments (melanoids) through the well-known Maillard type reaction. The melanoids produce a cosmetically appealing skin colour similar to that produced by UV exposure.

Self-tanning products containing tanning agents, such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), have been marketed for many years in various topical application formats such as lotions, mousses, creams and sprays. Such products are left on the skin to dry allowing the tanned appearance to develop.

There are existing marketed products designed to deliver different levels of tan and speed of reaction to meet consumer demands. These range from ‘gradual’ or ‘everyday’ products designed to be used daily and deliver a low level tan to ‘dark’ products which deliver a much higher level of skin colouration from a single application.

There are several barriers and drawbacks with current cosmetic products formats which are well known to prevent consumers from using self-tanning products.

These barriers to the use of self-tanning products are:

1. Current cosmetic products containing DHA often produce an uneven or streaky tan appearance on the skin as the tanning reaction relies on the user to evenly spread the cosmetic product onto the area of skin to be tanned and then to rub the product into the skin consistently across the whole area .

2. As an aid to producing an even tan colouration, most self-tan products contain cosmetic pigments which act as a ‘guide’ colour and are visible on the skin. These act as a visual aid to help the user ensure even coverage all over the desired tanning area and are then showered or washed off, typically several hours after application. During this period, the cosmetic colours can be rubbed off and stain clothes or bedclothes (it is fairly common to apply self-tan products shortly before bedtime).

3. The amount of skin colouration is not controllable from current product formats.

4. The primary tanning active material, DHA, is chemically very reactive and reacts with many commonly used cosmetic materials to produce undesirable effects in the product. Principally these are:

• Reacting with air / oxygen to produce a characteristic unpleasant odour.

• Reacting with commonly used pigment (guide) colours to change the product colouration - often to an unpleasant green colour.

5. Some consumers find the time required to apply self-tan products (application time), and the development time an undesirable aspect, to produce an even tan.

The format described in this invention seeks to overcome these barriers.

The present invention provides a new format and method of applying self-tanning compositions which overcome these problems.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cosmetic mask comprising a flexible substrate, and a self-tanning composition, the composition comprising:

to 30% w/w of a skin tanning agent;

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 6% w/w of one or more stabilising agents;

to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; and water.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a sealed sachet or bag which contains the cosmetic mask of the present invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a self-tanning composition comprising:

to 30% w/w skin tanning agent:

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 6% w/w one or more stabilising agents;

to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; water.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a cosmetic kit or two part-cosmetic mask comprising one or more flexible substrates and a container or sachet containing the self-tanning composition according to the third aspect of the invention.

In a fifth aspect, it is provided a flexible substrate for use as a cosmetic mask, wherein the flexible substrate is made of a nonwoven fabric and has a thickness from 100 pm to 5 mm and has a fabric density from 10 gr/m² to 70 gr/m².

In a sixth aspect, the present invention further provides a method of delivering a tanning agent to the skin of a user comprising the steps of: i) contacting the flexible substrate of the cosmetic mask as defined in the first aspect with the skin, and ii) allowing the cosmetic mask to remain in contact with the skin for up to 30 minutes, and (iii) removing the flexible substrate from the skin.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to cosmetically acceptable self-tanning masks. The cosmetic mask of the invention comprises a flexible substrate and a self-tanning composition, wherein the self-tanning composition comprises:

to 30% w/w skin tanning agent:

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 6% w/w one or more stabilising agents;

to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; and water.

The self-tanning compositions described in the present invention are particularly suitable for facial application and are compatible with flexible substrates.

When the cosmetic mask of the invention is contacted with the skin, it produces a tanning or darkening effect on the skin. The cosmetic mask of the invention effectively delivers a tanning agent. Said tanning agent causes a chemical reaction in the surface layers of the skin of the user to produce the brown colouration.

In one embodiment the self-tanning composition is a liquid composition, preferably a liquid gel composition.

In one embodiment the cosmetic mask of the present invention comprises a flexible substrate, and a self-tanning composition wherein the composition is a liquid gel composition comprising:

to 30% w/w skin tanning agent:

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 6% w/w one or more stabilising agents;

to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; and water.

A suitable tanning agent is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

The present invention provides an improved delivery system for DHA, which is known to be highly reactive, which is more stable.

In one embodiment the tanning agent (e.g. DHA) is present in the self-tanning composition of the cosmetic mask of the invention in an amount of 1 to 30% w/w. The tanning agent may be present in the self-tanning composition of the cosmetic mask of the invention in an amount from 1 to 25% w/w, preferably from 1 to 20% w/w, more preferably from 1 to 15% w/w, for example from 1 to 10% w/w, or from 2 to 10% w/w, or from 3 to 10% w/w, or from 4 to 10%, w/w or from 2 to 8% w/w, or from 3 to 8% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

The self-tanning composition of the cosmetic mask of the invention may further comprise, in addition to DHA, one or more supplementary tanning agents such as erythrulose or melanin incorporated into the composition to adjust the colour depth, tone or quality of the developed skin colour.

The skin moisturising complex acts as a key element of the self-tanning composition to deliver the tanning reaction and the variable performance aspect of the invention. The selection of materials in the complex provide moisture to enable the tanning reaction to take place efficiently and also aid the penetration of the DHA into stratum corneum to deliver the desired even streak-free tan.

In addition the moisturising complex counteracts the drying effect of the DHA tanning reaction on the skin and it contributes to the texture and cosmetic appeal of the composition.

The skin moisturising complex is present in the self-tanning composition of the cosmetic mask in an amount of 0.5 to 15% w/w, such as in an amount of 1 to 12% w/w or, 1 to 10% w/w or, 1.5 to 10% w/w or, 2 to 10% w/w or, 2 to 8% w/w or, 2 to 7% w/w or, 3 to 6% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

The moisturising complex may comprise two or more materials.

Typically the moisturising complex may contain glycerine, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, saccharide isomerate, amongst other skin moisturising materials, or combinations thereof. The combination is chosen to optimise the performance of the DHA and produces a cosmetically acceptable sensory experience on the skin.

The self-tanning composition comprises one or more cosmetic oils in an amount of up to 10% w/w. In one embodiment the total amount of one or more cosmetic oils in the self-tanning composition of the cosmetic mask is below 9.5% w/w or below 9% w/w, or below 8.5% w/w. It may be that the self-tanning composition comprises one or more cosmetic oils in an amount from 0.2 to 10% w/w, such as from 0.2 to 8% w/w or, from 0.2 to 7% w/w or, from 0.2 to 5% w/w or, from 0.2 to 4% w/w. It may, for example, be from 0.5 to 9% w/w, such as from 0.5 to 8% w/w or, from 0.5 to 6% w/w or, from 0.5 to 4% w/w or, from 0.5 to 2% w/w or, from 1 to 6% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

Any suitable cosmetic oil can be used in the self-tanning composition.

The cosmetic oil can comprise a natural fruit based oil, or a mineral oil, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment the oil may be a naturally derived oil such as sweet almond oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis), sunflower oil, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment the cosmetic oil can be a silicone oil. Examples of suitable silicone oils include dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclomethicone, bis-PEG-15methyl ether dimethicone, amodimethicone, dimethiconol, phenyl trimethicone, siloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-12 dimethicone and combinations thereof. Preferably the cosmetic oil is bis-PEG-15-methyl ether dimethicone.

The stabilising agent is any suitable material, or combination thereof, that emulsifies the oil phase and thickens and stabilises the gel composition, preventing the oil phase from coalescing.

The stabilising agent creates a gel-like structure and texture for the composition. The stabilising agent is essential to the tanning performance and texture of the composition and the overall composition stability. The stabilising agent also assists with the stabilization of dihydroxyacetone when this tanning agent is used in the composition.

The self-tanning composition must be stable to present a consistent composition at the point of use; must have the correct rheology to spread evenly beneath the substrate of the cosmetic mask when it is applied to the skin; must have a cosmetically pleasant texture and skin feel.

The one or more stabilising agent may be present in the self-tanning composition in an amount of 0.1 to 6% w/w, such as in an amount of 0.1 to 5% w/w or, 0.1 to 4% w/w or 0.1 to 2% w/w. Preferably the self-tanning composition comprises one or more stabilising agents in an amount of 0.5 to 5% w/w or, 0.5 to 4% w/w or, 1 to 5% w/w or, 1 to 4% w/w or, 1 to 3% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

The stabilising agent may comprise one or more emulsifying/thickening agents, gelling agents, antioxidants, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the self-tanning composition of the cosmetic mask of the invention comprises a gelling agent, an antioxidant agent and one or more emulsifying/thickening agents.

The stabilising agent may comprise a gelling agent, suitable gelling agents may include natural polysaccharide, cellulose type material such as guar gum, xanthan gum or combinations thereof.

The gelling agent may be a crosslinked polymer or a copolymer, the crosslinked polymer or copolymer being comprised of monomers of at least one of acrylic acid, sodium acrylate, methacrylic acid or alkyl acrylate.

In one embodiment, the gelling agent is present in the self-tanning composition in an amount from 0.1 to 4% w/w, such as in an amount from 0.1 to 3% w/w or, from 0.1 to 2% w/w or, from 0.1 to 1.5% w/w or, from 0.2 to 2% w/w, or from 0.2 to 1% w/w or, from 0.2 to 0.8% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

Furthermore, the stabilising agent may comprise one or more emulsifying/thickening agents to aid stabilisation of the composition and aid solubilisation of the materials into the gel. Typically these could be polyethylene glycol derivatives of castor oil. Preferably, the one or more emulsifying/thickener agent is glycereth-26, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil or combinations thereof.

The one or more emulsifying/thickening agent may be present in the self-tanning composition in an amount of 0.5 to 6% w/w, such as in an amount of 0.5 to 5% w/w or, 0.5 to 4% w/w or, 0.5 to 3% w/w or 1 to 4% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

The stabilising agent may also comprise an antioxidant to aid stabilisation of the tanning agent. Typically these can be sodium metabisulphite or tocopherol acetate.

In one embodiment, the antioxidant is present in the self-tanning composition in an amount of 0.1 to 4% w/w, such as in an amount of 0.1 to 3% w/w or, 0.1 to 2% w/w or, 0.1 to 1.5% w/w or, 0.2 to 2% w/w or, 0.2 to 1% w/w or, 0.2 to 0.5% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

The self-tanning composition may also contain other ingredients typically used in cosmetic products.

The self-tanning composition may comprise one or more cosmetic preservatives.

Suitable cosmetic preservatives include phenoxyethanol, caprylhydroxamic acid, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglyceryl or parabens.

The one or more cosmetic preservatives may be present in the self-tanning composition in an amount of 0.1 to 5% w/w, such as in an amount such of 0.1 to 4% w/w or, 0.1 to 3% w/w or, 0.2 to 2% w/w or, 0.2 to 1% w/w or, 0.2 to 0.5% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

The self-tanning composition may also include a cosmetically acceptable fragrance.

In one embodiment, the cosmetically acceptable fragrance is present in the selftanning composition in an amount from 0.01 to 1% w/w, such as in an amount from 0.01 to 0.5% w/w, e.g. from 0.01 to 0.4% w/w or, from 0.01 to 0.3% w/w or, from 0.02 to 0.3% w/w or, from 0.02 to 0.2% w/w or, from 0.02 to 0.1% w/w, based on the total weight of the self-tanning composition.

In one embodiment, the cosmetic mask of the invention comprises a flexible substrate, and a self-tanning composition, wherein the self-tanning composition comprises:

to 30% w/w of a skin tanning agent;

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 6% w/w of one or more stabilising agents;

to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; a cosmetic preservative;

a cosmetically acceptable fragrance; and water.

to 10% w/w of a skin tanning agent;

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex; a gelling agent;

one or more emulsifying/thickening agents; an antioxidant;

to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; a cosmetic preservative; a cosmetically acceptable fragrance; and water.

The flexible substrate is the implement or vehicle for delivering the self-tanning composition to the skin. A wide variety of materials can be used as the substrate.

The flexible substrate is flexible enough such that, when impregnated with the selftanning composition, readily fits along the skin. The flexible substrate is strong enough so that it does not easily tear or crumble upon use. Preferably, the flexible substrate has a thickness of from 100 pm to 5 mm, more preferably from 300 pm to 5 mm or, from 300 pm to 2.5 mm or, from 300 pm to 1 mm, depending on the material for making the substrate.

In one embodiment, the flexible substrate has a fabric density of from 10 gr/m² to 70 gr/m or, from 10 gr/m to 60 gr/m or, from 10 gr/m to 50 gr/m or, from 10 gr/m to 40 gr/m² or, from 20 gr/m² to 70 gr/m² or, from 20 gr/m² to 60 gr/m², or from 30 gr/m²to 40 gr/m².

The substrate can be made into a wide variety of shapes and forms such as flat pads, thick pads, thin sheets, and sheets of irregular thickness, depending on the desired use and characteristic of the mask. The substrate is typically designed to fit the area of the skin to which topical application is desired. For example, when the mask is applied to the face, the substrate is designed to correspond to the shape of the face avoiding the eye, nostril, and mouth areas, as necessary.

In one embodiment, in the cosmetic mask, the flexible substrate comprises one or more pieces. These pieces may be sized and shaped to adapt to different parts of the face or body.

When the cosmetic mask is used for producing a tanning or darkening effect on the skin of the face, the cosmetic mask may be sized and shaped to cover the entire face of a user and to have openings that correspond to the mouth, eyes and nose or a precut “flap” in the nose area of the user. However, the dimensions and shape of the face mask can be modified and variations can be made in the design of the precut openings.

In one embodiment the flexible substrate is made of a sheet of material and carries the self-tanning compositions described herein above. The self-tanning compositions described in the present invention are particularly suitable for use with the flexible substrate (e.g. in the form of a sheet of material) which is contacted with the skin.

Therefore, in one embodiment the cosmetic mask of the present invention is a sheet mask comprising a flexible substrate and the self-tanning composition described above.

A wide variety of materials can be used as the flexible substrate.

The materials which can be used for preparing the flexible substrate may be paper, polyester, woven or nonwoven fabrics, textile fabrics or other natural or synthetic materials can be used in the fabrication of the substrate. Preferably, the flexible substrate is made of a nonwoven fabric and more preferably is made of spunlace nonwoven.

In one embodiment the flexible substrate may be comprised of an absorbent material.

In one embodiment the cosmetic mask comprises the self-tanning composition described herein above and a flexible substrate made of a sheet of fine fibres highly dense packed.

In one embodiment the cosmetic mask of the invention comprises the self-tanning composition described herein above and a flexible substrate made of a nonwoven fabric (e.g spunlace nonwoven fabric) comprised of polyester, rayon, acrylic, nylon and cellulose.

In one embodiment the flexible substrate may be a water-insoluble flexible substrate. By water insoluble, it is meant that the substrate does not dissolve in or readily break apart upon immersion in water. The water-insoluble substrate is the implement or vehicle for delivering the self-tanning composition to the skin.

The total amount of self-tanning composition in the cosmetic mask of the present invention needs to be enough to cover the skin adequately and provide an uniform colour, but not too much to overload the flexible substrate.

In one embodiment the total amount of the self-tanning composition in the cosmetic mask of the present invention is 35 ml or less, or 30 ml less, or 25 ml or less, or 23 ml or less. It may be that the cosmetic mask comprises a self-tanning composition in an amount of 5 ml to 35 ml or, 10 ml to 35 ml, such as 12 ml to 30 ml or, 15 ml to 25 ml or, 17 ml to 23 ml.

The flexible substrate is pre-moistened, coated, soaked or impregnated with the selftanning composition described herein. In one embodiment the flexible substrate is soaked with the self-tanning composition. In one embodiment the self-tanning composition may be applied to one side of the flexible substrate which will be contacted to the skin.

In one embodiment the cosmetic mask of the invention is a disposable mask.

The cosmetic mask of the invention may be a disposable mask and the substrate may be adapted to cover the entire face and be pre-moistened or impregnated with the selftanning composition.

Moreover, the substrates of the present invention can consist of a single layer or multiple layers. In addition, multilayered substrates can include films and other nonfibrous materials.

The cosmetic mask may further comprise a backing sheet in addition to the flexible substrate. The backing sheet helps the substrate to keep its shape. The user may lay down the substrate onto the skin and then peel off the backing sheet or the user may first lift off the backing sheet before applying the flexible substrate. Then the cosmetic mask comprising the self-tanning composition and the flexible substrate is smoothed onto the skin (and left for 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 mins).

In one embodiment the backing sheet is a polymeric sheet or film. Preferably the backing sheet is made of polypropylene, for example, biaxially oriented polypropylene.

In one embodiment, a polymeric film may be laminated on the flexible substrate or applied coating the flexible substrate, or heat sealing the flexible substrate. The resulting flexible substrate with the laminated polymeric film, coating or heat sealing comprises an occluded side on one side of the substrate, which faces away from the skin, and a skin facing side that is positioned on the skin surface. By having a substrate with an occluded side, the substrate may acquire low air permeability. By low air permeability it is meant that the side of the substrate having the film, coating or heat sealing allows very little air to enter into the substrate and very little vapour to escape from the substrate.

In one embodiment the cosmetic mask of the invention comprises the self-tanning composition described herein above, a flexible substrate and a backing sheet.

The cosmetic mask of the present invention can be sold in a bag or a sachet. Said bag or a sachet can be made from synthetic resin or aluminium foil.

The user can use the cosmetic mask simply by taking it out of the bag or sachet and unfolding the flexible substrate carrying the self-tanning composition and contacting it with the skin (e.g. face).

The bags or sachets may contain one or more cosmetic masks according to the present invention. Inside the bag or sachet the cosmetic mask may be folded.

In one embodiment the self-tanning composition is squirted into the bag or sachet which distributes it around the flexible substrate, the bag or sachet is then sealed until its use.

The cosmetic mask of the present invention is suitable for topical application on human body skin, particularly facial skin. The use of the present cosmetic mask provides a tan or darker skin tone changing benefit to the skin due to distribution and deposition of the skin tanning agent on the skin.

The cosmetic mask of the invention may be applied to or contacted with the skin for up to 30 minutes to produce the desired skin colouration. Preferably the cosmetic mask is contacted with the skin (i.e. skin of the face) for between 5 and 30 minutes, or for 5 to 20 minutes, or for 5 to 15 minutes to produce the desired skin colouration.

After that period, the flexible substrate can be removed from the skin with great ease. The flexible substrate can be removed without wiping or washing.

The cosmetic mask of the invention provides an increasing level of skin colouration as the application time of the mask is increased, typically from 5 minutes for a light tan to 30 minutes for a dark tan.

The present invention further provides a self-tanning composition as described herein above.

Self-tanning compositions are also known as sunless or tanning compositions and produce a tanning or darkening effect on the skin.

In particular, the self-tanning composition may comprise:

to 30% w/w of a skin tanning agent;

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 6% w/w of one or more stabilising agents;

to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; water.

Said self-tanning composition can comprise any of the additional ingredients and amounts previously described. For example, the stabilising agents may comprise a gelling agent, one or more emulsifying/thickening agents and an antioxidant. The selftanning composition may further comprise one or more ingredients selected from cosmetic preservatives, fragrances and combinations thereof. For example the selftanning composition may comprise:

to 30% w/w of a skin tanning agent;

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex; a gelling agent;

one or more emulsifying/thickening agents; an antioxidant;

In one embodiment, the self-tanning composition comprises:

to 10% w/w of a skin tanning agent;

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 1% w/w of a gelling agent;

0.5 to 4% w/w of one or more emulsifying/thickening agents;

0.1 to 1% w/w of an antioxidant;

Furthermore, the present invention provides a cosmetic kit or two part-cosmetic mask comprising one or more flexible substrates and a container or sachet containing the self-tanning composition as described herein above.

The present invention also provides a flexible substrate for use as a cosmetic mask, wherein the flexible substrate is made of a nonwoven fabric, has a thickness from 100 pm to 5 mm and has a fabric density from 10 gr/m² to 70 gr/m². Said flexible substrate can additionally comprise any of the characteristics previously described.

The flexible substrate is particularly suitable for contact with the skin (e.g. skin of the face) and is compatible with the self-tanning compositions describe herein above.

In one embodiment, the flexible substrate is made of a spunlace nonwoven fabric, wherein the spunlace nonwoven fabric comprises polyester, rayon, acrylic, nylon and cellulose.

In one embodiment the flexible substrate further comprise a backing film of polypropylene. Preferably the polypropylene is biaxially oriented polypropylene.

The present invention also provides a new method of applying a self-tanning composition or skin tanning agent which gives an improved, streak free and natural looking tan without the need for a guide colour.

The present invention further provides a method of applying a self-tanning composition to the skin by such a cosmetic mask.

In particular, the invention further provides a method of delivering a tanning agent to the skin of a user comprising the steps of: i) contacting the flexible substrate of the cosmetic mask as defined herein above with the skin, ii) allowing said cosmetic mask to remain in contact with the skin for up to 30 minutes, and (iii) removing the flexible substrate from the skin.

In one embodiment the mask remains in contact with the skin for up to 30 minutes to produce the desired skin colouration. The mask remains in contact with the skin for between 5 and 30 minutes, or for 5 to 20 minutes, or for 5 to 15 minutes to produce the desired skin colouration.

The method allows a degree of customisation to the consumer depending on the time the mask is left on the skin (e.g. skin of the face).

In another aspect the invention further describes the use of cosmetic mask of the invention to produce a tanning or darkening effect on the skin.

The cosmetic mask and method of the present invention produce a more even and streak free tan colouration than conventional application formats such as lotions, creams or sprays.

In addition the cosmetic mask and method of the present invention produce an even and streak free tan colouration without reliance on the skill of the user to apply the product evenly.

The cosmetic mask and method of the present invention provide a new way of applying a self-tanning product which gives an improved, streak free and natural looking tan without the need for a guide colour.

The application of a self-tanning composition in the mask format of the present invention produces an accelerated tanning reaction on the skin (when compared to topical application as a lotion).

The occlusive effect of the flexible substrate increases the skin penetration of the skin tanning agent, and thus the cosmetic mask of the invention has an accelerated tanning reaction on the skin and evaporation of the composition is also prevented.

The application of the cosmetic mask and method of the present invention avoids the need for cosmetic guide colours to be included in the composition (which act as a visual aid to produce an even tan).

The cosmetic mask and method of the present invention allow for a degree of customisation by the user to produce the desired degree of colouration.

An additional benefit of this format and method of delivering a tanning product to the skin is that the formulation is more stable than in other conventional formats (the primary active material, DHA, is known to be a reactive molecule). Therefore the cosmetic mask and method of the present invention provide a more stable product that minimises the degradation of DHA in the product thereby removing several negatives for the user - namely malodour formation and discolouration.

The cosmetic mask of the invention comprises a self-tanning composition which includes, and effectively delivers a tanning agent, such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), to the skin in a more effective and even manner than other formats already on the market.

By leaving the cosmetic mask on the skin for variable times, the user is able to achieve variable levels of skin colouration. Typically the mask can be left on the skin for 5 minutes to produce a lighter tan shade, 15 minutes to produce a medium shade and, say, up to 30 minutes to produce a dark skin colouration.

Description of the drawings

A number of embodiments of the invention will now be further described, by means of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a cosmetic mask in the form of a shaped face mask.

Figure 2 shows a flexible substrate.

Figure 3 shows a cosmetic mask according to the invention comprising a self-tanning composition, a flexible substrate and a backing sheet.

Figure 4 illustrates the effect on the skin after application of a cosmetic mask according to the invention during different lengths of time.

An example of the cosmetic mask of the invention in use is shown in Figure 1.

The flexible substrate of figure 2 includes an oval sheet-type flexible substrate designed to cover a face with precut holes approximating the location of eyes, mouth and a precut “flap” in the nose area.

Figure 3 shows a sachet and a cosmetic mask having an oval sheet-type flexible substrate impregnated with the self-tanning composition and a backing sheet (e.g. transparent polymeric sheet).

Figure 4 shows the variations in skin colour depending on application time, being 1) the colour achieved after 5 minutes (light sunkissed glow), 2) the colour achieved after 10 minutes (golden glow), 3) the colour achieved after 15 minutes (golden tan).

Example 1: Self-tanning composition

4.3% w/w dihydroxyacetone

3.5% w/w skin moisturising complex comprising glycerine and pentylene glycol 1.5% w/w/ dimethicone 0.3% w/w xanthan gum

0.4% w/w of a suitable anti-oxidant such as sodium metabisulphite

3.0% w/w mixture of glycereth-26 and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil

q.s. (suitable quantity) of a suitable cosmetic preservative mixture such as caprylhydroxamic acid and phenoxyethanol

q.s. (suitable quantity) of a cosmetically acceptable fragrance balance water up to 100% w/w.

Example 2: Flexible substrate with backing sheet

Mask material	Spunlace nonwoven fabric comprised of polyester, rayon, acrylic, nylon and cellulose.
Thickness	0.4 mm
Fabric density	34 gms/m²
Backing sheet	Biaxially oriented polypropylene

The flexible substrate is folded and then inserted into the sachet on the production line, 22 ml of a self-tanning composition is then squirted into the sachet which distributes it around the flexible substrate.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A cosmetic mask comprising: a) a flexible substrate, and b) a self-tanning composition, the composition comprising:

1 to 30% w/w of a skin tanning agent;

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 6% w/w of one or more stabilising agents;

0 to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; and water.

2. The mask of claim 1, wherein the self-tanning composition is a liquid gel composition.

3. The mask of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the skin tanning agent is dihydroxyacetone.

4. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the skin tanning agent is present in the self-tanning composition in an amount of 1 to 10% w/w.

5. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the skin moisturising complex is present in the self-tanning composition in an amount of 1 to 10% w/w.

6. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the skin moisturising complex is selected from glycerine, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, saccharide isomerate and combinations thereof.

7. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more cosmetic oils are selected from dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclomethicone, Bis-PEG-15methyl ether dimethicone, amodimethicone, dimethiconol, phenyl trimethicone, siloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-12 dimethicone and combinations thereof.

8. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stabilising agent is present in the self-tanning composition in an amount of 0.1 to 4% w/w.

9. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stabilising agent comprises an antioxidant, a gelling agent, one or more emulsifying/thickening agents or combinations thereof.

10. The mask of claim 9, wherein the gelling agent is selected from a natural polysaccharide, guar gum, xanthan gum, acrylic acid, sodium acrylate, methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylate and combinations thereof.

11. The mask of claim 9, wherein the antioxidant is sodium metabisulphite.

12. The mask of claim 9, wherein the emulsifying/thickening agent comprises a polyethylene glycol derivative of castor oil.

13. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the self-tanning composition further comprises one or more cosmetic preservatives.

14. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the self-tanning composition further comprises cosmetically acceptable fragrance.

15. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the total amount of the selftanning composition in the flexible substrate is 35 ml or less.

16. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the flexible substrate is coated, impregnated, soaked or moistened with the self-tanning composition.

17. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flexible substrate is made of a sheet of material.

18. The mask of claim 17 wherein the sheet of material is a polyester sheet, a woven or nonwoven fabric or a sheet of fine fibres highly dense packed.

19. The mask of any one of claims 1 to 18 further comprising a backing sheet.

20. A sealed sachet or bag which contains the cosmetic mask as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A self-tanning composition comprising:

1 to 30% w/w of a skin tanning agent;

0.5 to 15% w/w of a skin moisturising complex;

0.1 to 6% w/w one or more stabilising agents;

0 to 10% w/w of one or more cosmetic oils; and water.

22. The self-tanning composition of claim 21, wherein the stabilising agent comprises an antioxidant, a gelling agent, one or more emulsifying/thickening agents or combinations thereof.

23. The self-tanning composition of claim 21 or claim 22 further comprising a cosmetic preservative.

24. The self-tanning composition of any one of claims 21 to 23 further comprising a cosmetically acceptable fragrance.

25. A cosmetic kit or two part-cosmetic mask comprising one or more flexible substrates and a container or sachet containing the self-tanning composition as defined in any one of claims 21 to 24.

26. A flexible substrate for use as a cosmetic mask, wherein the flexible substrate has a thickness from 100 pm to 5 mm, is made of a nonwoven fabric and has a fabric density from 10 gr/m2 to 70 gr/m2.

27. A method of delivering a tanning agent to the skin of a user comprising the steps of:

i) contacting the flexible substrate of the cosmetic mask as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19 with the skin, ii) allowing the cosmetic mask to remain in contact with the skin for up to 30 minutes, and (iii) removing the flexible substrate from the skin.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the mask remains in contact with the skin for between 5 and 30 minutes.

5

29. The method of claim 27 wherein, at step (i), the flexible substrate of the cosmetic mask is contacted with the facial skin.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1705352.1 Examiner: Miss Anna Crosby