MXPA98001358A - Composition of cosmetic gel having irritation of skin reduc - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glycol-containing base gel composition having a reduced skin irritation potential, in which a cosmetically active agent can be incorporated (eg an active deodorant agent, sun lotion, active antiperspirant agent, etc.) to provide a cosmetic gel composition (e.g., a soft gel or stick). The deicing agent for the gel composition can be a soap. The base gel composition includes at least one glycol having a structure of the formula H (OC3H6) nOH, where n represents the number of repeating propylene oxide groups and varies from 1.80, with the proviso that (1) more than zero and up to 100 percent by weight of the glycol component has n-3 or 4; (2) less than 20 percent by weight of the glycol component has n = 1; (3) not more than 90 percent by weight of the glycol component has n = 2, and (4) not more than 90 percent by weight of the glycol component has n greater than or equal to 5. The composition can also include a nonionic or anionic surfactant, a clarifying agent, to provide a translucent or clear gel composition

Description

COMPOSITION OF COSMETIC GEL HAVING IRRITATION OF REDUCED SKIN Technical Field The present invention is directed to a cosmetic gel composition containing a glycol (or a mixture of glycols) and having a reduced potential for skin irritation. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a solid stick composition of soft cosmetic gel containing a glycol (or a mixture of glycols) and having a reduced irritation potential for the skin. The present invention has particular use in, for example, solid stick or soft deodorant gel compositions containing a glycol or a mixture of glycols and also containing a soap gelation agent. However, the gelation agent does not need to be a soap gelation agent, but it can be. for example, other gelation agents known in the art.

The present invention is also directed to a clear or clear cosmetic gel composition (eg, deodorant), especially a bar or gel soft gel composition using a soap gelation agent, having a reduced irritation potential to the skin but having an improved clarity.

Art Background Gel compositions, such as gelled / soap compositions, have proven to be convenient and an efficient vehicle for the applications of various active ingredients to the skin. Such active ingredients include (but are not limited to) antiperspirants, deodorants, sun lotions, cosmetics, emollients, insect repellents, medicaments and the like. Such gel compositions may be in the form of a soft gel and / or a stick. Rubbing a soft gel or a solid stick composition containing an appropriate amount of a dissolved active ingredient dispersed there against the skin causes the transfer of a film of the composition to the surface of the skin found from which the gel is rubbed. soft or bar, leaving the active ingredient within the film of the composition on the desired skin surface area.

Conventional gelled / soap based formulations (ie, gel base compositions gelled using a soap gelation agent) to deposit the active ingredient typically include as a main component a mixture of from about 3 to about 10 percent by weight, of the total weight of the composition, of an alkali metal salt of a fatty acid containing primarily 12 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, sodium palmitate soap or sodium stearate, and a suitable solvent in which the soap it is soluble, for example, organic solvents such as lower monohydric alcohols and / or glycols, or mixtures thereof. Soft gels or solid bars can be formulated as known in the art, depending, for example, on a quantity of gelation agent used. For example, the bar is formulated by pouring a mixture of the various components into a mold in a suitable manner and allowing the composition to gel and cool thereby hardening the composition.

A typical example of a water-based cosmetic stick formula is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,322,400 issued to Yuhas, wherein the composition includes a mixture of water, sodium stearate, a consettically active ingredient and up to about 5 percent by weight of the total weight of the composition, sodium chloride, which tends to increase the gel settling point. The composition may also optionally contain up to about 10 weight percent of one or more glycols, such as propylene glycol or polypropylene glycols having molecular weights of up to 25,000.

Other gel bar formulas, which are essentially free of water, are described, for example, in United States Patent No. 5,284,649 issued to Juneja. The composition of this patent includes a mixture of about 1-20 percent by weight, of the total weight of the composition, of a fatty acid soap, a zinc peridinethione, an active deodorant, and about 7-95 weight percent, of the total weight of the composition, of a polar solvent system which solubilizes the soap. Suitable solvents in the polar solvent system include lower monohydric alcohols such as ethanol or propanol, glycols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and propylene glycols such as dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol and glycols. superiors In addition, U.S. Patent No. 4,504,465 to Sampson et al. Discloses a free-water bar formulation based on a blend of about 3-10 percent by weight soap, from about 6-70 percent by weight. percent by weight of an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol containing 2 or 3 carbon atoms and from 2 to 3 hydroxy groups, for example, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylene glycol or glycerin, and from about 20 to 80 percent by weight weight of a condensation product of formula a (OCjH4) bOH, wherein R is either hydrogen or a hydrocarbon chain having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and a and b are each from 0 to 35 and a + b is from 5 to 35. The preferred solvent system disclosed includes a mixture of a lower alkanol such as ethanol, propylene glycol and a major amount of polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol or condensates of propylene oxide with C2-C20 alcohols.

European patent application (EP) 284765 Bl discloses a soap-based cosmetic bar formula of improved transparency and a more pleasing aesthetic appearance, wherein the solvent used to formulate the bar is dipropylene glycol or a mixture of dipropylene glycol and propylene glycol.

A bar-based antiperspirant formula without soap base is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,200,174 issued to Gardlik et al., Wherein the solvent system includes a mixture of 2-oxazolidinone and one or more hydroxy solvents including lower alkanols. , glycols such as propylene glycol and polyglycols such as polyethylene and polypropylene glycols. Dipropylene glycol and the combinations of dipropylene glycol and propylene glycol are specifically used in the examples.

The gel bar formulas containing both glycol and water are well known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,702,916 issued to Geria discloses an analgesic bar composition including a blend of from about 10-65 percent by weight of an alcohol, about 6-10 percent by weight of soap and about 10-30 percent water. The alcohol component is preferably propylene glycol.

One of the problems associated with the use of gel sticks, particularly gel bars containing soap, is that they can be rough to the skin of some consumers, causing skin irritation and leading to the development of erythema. The substitution of the soap with other gelation agents such as dibenzylidene alditol as in the US Pat. No. 5,200,174 discussed above, may reduce the problems of irritation, but these formulas in turn present stability problems and increase the cost of the product.

Japanese Patent Document Number 63-279614 also discloses a soap-free gel base including a mixture of 0.1-5 percent by weight of a carboxyvinyl polymer used as a gelation agent, 30-80 percent by weight of an alcohol polyhydric and water. Examples of the described polyhydric alcohols include propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol and hexylene glycol. This composition is described as being safe to the skin.

A bar composition also described, having a reduced tendency to irritate the skin, while also being transparent, is described in United States Patent No. 5,128,123 issued to Brewster. This composition includes, in addition to the soap and a polyhydric alcohol solvent such as propylene glycol, up to 40 percent by weight of an alkoxylate copolymer which is a condensate of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, or a condensate of the product of addition of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with ethylenediamine.

The conventional wisdom so far, to produce cosmetic formulas which are softer to the skin, seems to be (a) removing the soap completely from the formula and replacing it with a gelation agent without soap, (b) reducing the amount of soap present in the formula and including a less irritating and different constructurant such as the alkylene oxide condensates, or (c) both removing the soap and the irritating lower alcohols, such as ethanol, from the formula.

Recently, in view of the enhanced consumer appeal, much effort has been expended to provide clear gel compositions, such as soft gel or light bar compositions, that contain clarity over an extended period of time (ie, have a clarity). stable) to have a long shelf life. A particular problem in gel compositions, to provide a clear composition, is to avoid the formation of crystals in the composition during, for example, the shelf life and until the product is used by the consumer.

The aforementioned US Pat. No. 5,128,123 discloses cosmetic stick compositions which are not only softer but are also clearer, the alkoxylate copolymer mentioned above having and additionally, a basic amine-based clarifying agent. This patent further discloses that the clarifying agent is preferably selected from amino alkanols having from 2-6 hydroxyl groups, particularly effective being propanolamines.

U.S. Patent No. 5,128,123 also defines what is meant by the term "transparent" with respect to the stick composition described therein. Specifically, the term "transparent" has its usual dictionary definition; therefore, a transparent bar, such as glass, allows an easy view of the objects behind it. This patent contrasts clear bars with translucent bars, which allow light to pass through them but cause the light to be scattered so that it will be impossible to clearly identify the objects behind the translucent bar. This patent also shows that, in present art, there is a difference between a clear, translucent and opaque bar; this patent continues to define clear, translucent and opaque bars based on the transmission of light wavelengths in the range of 400 to 900 nm through a one centimeter thick sample.

The United States patent application of North America series number 08 / 054,302 granted to Kasat and others, filed on April 30, 1993, whose contents are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes that by incorporating a sodium salt of a methyl carboxy derivative of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol ( for example, sodium laureth-13 carboxylate as defined in the CTFA ingredient dictionary International Cosmetic (fourth edition 1991)) in a bar composition gelled with soap, a clear and transparent bar, which maintains such transparency and clarity for extended periods of time can be achieved.

U.S. Patent No. 5,424,070 issued to Kasat et al., The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses that by incorporating an Eumulgin compound (e.g., Eumulgin L, which is PPG-2-Cetearet- 9, as defined in the CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary) in a bar composition gelled with soap, a clear transparent bar can be achieved which maintains such transparency and clarity for extended periods of time.

Neither the United States patent of North American No. 5,424,070 and United States Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 054,302 focus on reducing the potential for skin irritation.

European Patent Application Publication No. 0 404 532 A1 teaches the use of tripropylene glycol and similar polyglycols as co-solvents in an antiperspirant stick; however, this reference does not include soap based deodorant bars.

In spite of the foregoing, it is still desired to provide a cosmetic gel composition such as a deodorant gel composition, which may be in the form of a soft gel or a hard stick, and which has a potential for irritation to the skin reduced. It is further desired to provide such a composition, which is clear and which maintains such clarity for extended periods of time.

Decree of the Invention Therefore, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a gel base composition for a cosmetic gel composition (that is, which can be used as a vehicle to apply a cosmetically active ingredient to the skin), having incorporated glycols there, which has a potential for reduced irritation to the skin.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic gel composition having glycols of cosmetically active ingredients incorporated therein, having a reduced irritation potential of the skin.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gelled cosmetic gel composition, for example, by means of a soap gelation agent, and having glycols and cosmetically active ingredients (eg, an active deodorant ingredient) incorporated therein, which has a potential of reduced skin irritation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a soft gel or stick gel composition containing glycols, which has a reduced potential for irritation to the skin.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a deodorant gel composition especially in the form of a soft gel or a stick containing glycols, having a reduced irritation potential to the skin.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a gelled deodorant composition with glycol-containing soap, the composition being in the form of a soft gel or stick, having a reduced potential for skin irritation.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a gelled cosmetic composition with translucent to clear soap (e.g., a gelled deodorant composition with translucent to clear soap), containing glycols, having a reduced skin irritation potential.

The above objects are achieved through the invention, which uses, as a glycol component, the base gel composition or the cosmetic gel composition, at least one glycol corresponding to the formula H (OCsHß) " 0H, where n represents the number of repetitive propylene oxide groups and varies from 1 to and including 80, with more than zero and up to and including 100 weight percent, of the total weight of the glycol component, having a structure in where n is 3 or 4; less than 20 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component having the structure there where n is 1; not more than 90 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component, having the structure where n is 2; and not more than 90 percent by weight of the total weight of the glycol component, having the structure wherein n is equal to or greater than 5. Therefore, at least some of the glycol component can be tripropylene glycol and / or tetrapropylene glycol .

Desirably, at least 10 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component, is tripropylene glycol and / or tetrapropylene glycol; and preferably 25 percent - 100 percent by weight, more preferably 50 percent - 100 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component is tripropylene glycol and / or tetrapropylene glycol.

The base gel composition according to the present invention may be in a soft stick or gel form and may contain a conventional soap gelling agent (but does not require to contain a conventional soap gelation agent; other gelation agents known can also be used). By using the glycol component of the base gel composition as in the present invention, the composition is considerably less irritating to the skin, than, for example, conventional soap-based gel formulations.

The preferred glycols forming the glycol component of the present gel composition of the present invention are tripropylene glycol and tetrapropylene glycol and mixtures thereof with dipropylene glycol and / or polypropylene glycol wherein n in the above mentioned formula is 5 or greater. It is desired that at least 25 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component is tripropylene glycol; more preferably, the glycol component consists essentially of tripropylene glycol (e.g., more preferably it is 100 percent tripropylene glycol, with possibly other glycol impurities (e.g., propylene glycol)).

The most preferred compositions of the present invention are those wherein the glycol component contains less than 10 percent by weight of the total weight of the glycol component, propylene glycol; and preferably, the compositions according to the present invention are free of propylene glycol (for example, containing only impurity of propylene glycol introduced with the glycol component).

The base gel composition according to the present invention which acts as a vehicle for depositing a cosmetically active ingredient on the skin, may also include water, as in conventional gel compositions.

As an aspect of the present invention, the composition according to the present invention utilizes a soap gelation agent, which includes a metal salt of at least one fatty acid having a chain length of about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms. By using the glycol component of the present invention with such a soap gelation agent, the skin irritation due to the soap gelation agent can be reduced.

The cosmetically active ingredient incorporated in the base gel composition according to the present invention, may be those conventionally known in the art, and include, (but are not limited to) antiperspirant active agents, deodorant active agents, repellents to insects, emollients, sun lotions, etc., as previously discussed and as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,322,400, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. By rubbing the cosmetic gel composition according to the present invention on the skin, the cosmetically active ingredient incorporated therein can be deposited on a film of the base gel composition on the skin, while a film having a potential of reduced irritation.

Applicants have further found that by using the glycol component according to the present invention, as discussed previously, in the base gel compositions or in the cosmetic gel compositions, the compositions formed have reduced clarity. Having made this finding, applicants have also found, surprisingly, that by incorporating nonionic and / or anionic surfactants into the composition, especially in the gelled soap compositions, the clarity of the compositions is significantly increased.

Therefore, as a further aspect of the present invention, applicants have found that by incorporating a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic and nonionic surfactants in the composition, as a clarifying agent, clarity is significantly increased. of the composition, and a composition that is at least translucent (that is, translucent or transparent) can be achieved.

Illustratively (but not limitatively), anionic and nonionic surfactants, which can be used as clarifying agents according to this aspect of the present invention include poloxamine 1307, PPG-2-Cetearet-9 and sodium laureth-13 carboxylate. Illustratively (and not limitatively), the surfactant or mixture of surfactants can be included in the composition in an amount of from about 3 percent to about 10 percent by weight, of the total weight of the composition.

Thus, by means of the present invention a base gel composition can be provided, including a gelled base gel composition using a soap gelation agent, having a reduced skin irritation potential. A cosmetic gel composition containing the base gel composition and at least one cosmetically active ingredient (including gelled cosmetic gel compositions using a soap gelation agent), having a reduced skin irritation potential, can be achieved. In addition, a composition that is at least translucent (e.g., translucent or clear), while containing polypropylene glycols can be achieved.

Best Way to Carry Out the Invention Although the present invention will be described in relation to the specific and preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alterations, modifications and equivalents as they could be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Therefore, even when the description is more specific with respect to the soft gel or clear deodorant stick compositions, the present invention is not limited to clear gel compositions, or soft stick or gel compositions, or compositions deodorants, but includes within its scope several cosmetic products, depending on the cosmetically active material incorporated in the composition.

Throughout the present description, wherein the compositions are described as including or comprising specific components or materials, it is contemplated by the inventors that the compositions of the present invention also consist essentially of, or consist of the components or materials recited. Thus, through the present disclosure any disclosed composition of the present invention can consist essentially of or consists essentially of the recited components or materials.

Throughout the present description, various components of the compositions described are denoted by the name of the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary CTFA (fourth edition 1991), whose contents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present invention, in one of its aspects, is directed to translucent or transparent gel compositions. By clear or translucent, we want to mean the usual dictionary definitions of these terms. Therefore, a clear gel composition, such as glass, allows easy viewing of the objects behind it. A translucent gel composition, even though it allows light to pass through it, causes the light to spread out so that it is impossible to clearly identify the objects behind the translucent gel. Opaque gels do not allow light to pass through them. Therefore, according to the present invention, there is a distinction between "clear" and "translucent" gels, and between these gels and "opaque gels".

As previously mentioned, the present invention includes within its scope (but is not limited to) "soft gels" and bars. The bar shape can be distinguished from a soft gel in the sense that, in a bar, the formulated product can maintain its shape for extended periods of time outside the package, the product does not lose its shape significantly (allowing some shrinkage due to the evaporation of the solvent). Soft gels can be packaged properly in containers which have the appearance of a bar, but which are dispensed through the openings (eg, slits or pores) on the upper surface of the package.

In the field of cosmetics, the systems are classified as soft gels or bars, depending on their viscosity or hardness alone. Typically, it is understood that soft gels are deformable and soft products while bars are solids that separate strictly. For example, by means of a biological analysis, a commercial deodorant bar has been determined to have a plate storage module G '(w) of approximately 105Pa and a complex viscosity of 106Pa second, both at an angular frequency (of 0.1 rad / sec). on the other hand, a commercial antiperspirant soft gel that has been determined to have a G '(w) value of approximately 103 Pa and a complex viscosity of 104 Pa second (at 0.1 rad / sec).

As one aspect, the present invention contemplates a gel-based composition, containing a glycol component, within which composition the cosmetically active ingredients can be incorporated in order to provide a cosmetic gel composition, which is less irritating to the skin than conventional gel compositions. Such reduced irritations are achieved due to the use of the specific glycol component forming part of the gel composition; that is, the glycol component corresponds to the formula H (OC3H6) nOH, where n represents the number of repeating propylene oxide groups and varies from 1 to and including 80, (1) where more than zero, and up to and including 100 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component having a structure wherein n is 3 or 4; (2) wherein less than 20 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component, has a structure in which n is 1; (3) wherein not more than 90 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component, has a structure wherein n is 2; (4) wherein not more than 90 percent by weight, of the total weight of the glycol component, has the structure wherein n is equal to or greater than 5. Preferably, the glycol component contains no more than 40 percent by weight , more preferably not more than 20 weight percent, of the total weight of the glycol component, of the structure of the above formula where n is 2. Desirably, the glycol component is not more than 20 weight percent, by weight total of the glycol component, of the structure of the previous formula where n is at least 5.

The use of the glycol component present provides particularly good results in relation to soap-based compositions (for example, gelled deodorant gel compositions using a soap gelation agent). It has been known for some time that soap-based deodorant gel compositions containing enough soap to form a suitable gel can cause skin irritation when applied to a person's skin. The varying degrees of irritation have been observed whether the liquid used to formulate the soap-qualified composition is water or a conventional alcohol such as ethanol or a glycol such as propylene glycol, even when the water-based compositions showed considerable irritation. less. For this reason, it was believed that the primary skin irritant was soap, and that irritation can not be eliminated by simply changing the liquid formula with soap. However, it has surprisingly been found that the use of liquids including tripropylene glycol or tetrapropylene glycol, and optionally higher molecular weight polypropylene glycols, as components of the composition, results in significantly reduced irritation when such compositions qualified with Soap are applied to the skin. Not only do such fluids themselves have been found to be non-irritating, in contrast to liquids such as ethanol or propylene glycol, but they appear to be less permeable to the skin on their own and also act to retard soap permeation ( example, sodium stearate as soap gelation agent) within the skin, thereby significantly reducing the skin irritation factor inherent with the use of these soaps.

The glycol content of the base gel compositions may vary as previously stated, with the preferred ranges set forth in Table 1. In Table 1, the "n" value of the glycol is the number of repeating propylene oxide groups. in the aforementioned formula, and the percent is percent by weight of the total glycol component.

TABLE 1 Preferred Preferred Value n More preferred Glycol (% by weight) (% by weight) (% by weight) 3 or 4 10-100 25-100 35-100 2 0-40 0-35 0-35 0-90 0-35 0-25 1 0 a < 20 0-10 0-5 The glycols used in the present invention where n average 3 or 4 are tripropylene glycol (TPG) and tetrapropylene glycol (TetPG), respectively, with TPG being more preferred. Preferred glycols wherein n is greater than or equal to 5 include the propylene glycols as sold by Dow Chemical under the trade designations P-425, P-1200, P-2000 and the like (the number represents the weight approximation molecular) or L-910 and L-1150. Where n is e, the glycol is dipropylene glycol (DPG). Where n is 1, the glycol is propylene glycol (PG).

In the most preferred embodiments of the invention the glycol component consists essentially of tripropylene glycol or includes mixtures (1) tripropylene glycol with dipropylene glycol present in a respective mixture ratio (weight) of 10:90 to 90:10; (2) mixtures of tripropylene glycol with a polypropylene glycol wherein n in the formula given above is greater than or equal to 5, present in a proportion (by weight) of respective mixture of 10:90 to 90:10; and (3) mixtures of the three of TPG, DPG and polypropylene glycol where n in the formula given above is equal to or greater than 5, containing at least about 10 percent by weight of TPG, or preferably at least 35 percent or at least 50 percent by weight of TPG.

The most preferred compositions in these more preferred embodiments are those in which TPG is present at least about 50 percent by weight of the glycol content.

In another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the glycol component consists essentially of TetPG or includes mixtures of (1) the TetPG with the DPG present at a respective mixing ratio by weight of 10:90 to 90:10; (2) mixtures of TetPG with a polypropylene glycol where n in the formula given above is greater than or equal to 5, present in a proportion (by weight) of respective mixture of 10:90 to 90:10; and (3) mixtures of all three of TetPG, DPG and polypropylene glycol wherein n in the formula given above is equal to or greater than 5, containing at least 10 percent by weight of TetPG, more preferably of at least 35. percent and even more preferably at least 50 percent by weight of TetPG.

The most preferred compositions in these more preferred embodiments are those wherein TetPG is at least 50 percent by weight of the glycol content.

Since polypropylene glycol has been found to be the cause of skin erythema, it is preferred to maintain the propylene glycol level below 20 percent by weight, preferably below 10 percent by weight, more preferably below 5 percent by weight. percent by weight and more preferably essentially 0 percent of the total glycol component. However, the zero concentration of propylene glycol can be difficult to achieve, since polypropylene glycol can be present as an impurity in polyglycols (for example, in DPG and / or TPG). In either case, it is more preferred to have the polypropylene glycol in the composition at as low a level as possible.

In addition to the aforementioned glycols, the composition of this aspect of the present invention may also contain one or a mixture of other polyols which do not contribute seriously to skin irritation. For example, and not of a limiting nature, suitable polyols include glycerin and sorbitol.

The glycol component can constitute from about 10 to about 95 percent by weight, of the total weight of the gel composition, and more preferably constitutes at least about 60 percent by weight, of the total weight of the composition . At those levels, the glycol, either only in the composition or when the water is also included in the composition, can act as a solvent for the gelation agent (for example, the soap gelation agent), but where the The gelation agent can still gel from it, such as to form the gel composition.

As previously indicated, optionally the compositions according to the present invention may contain water. Water can be included in the composition in amounts of up to 88 percent by weight, of the total weight of the composition. Preferably, wherein the compositions according to the present invention contain water, the water is included in the composition in an amount in a range of from about 5 weight percent, to about 88 weight percent, water, of the total weight of the composition. Preferred water-containing compositions contain from about 5 percent to about 40 percent by weight of water, more preferably from about 10 percent to 30 percent water, of the total weight of the composition. The water serves as a diluent for the glycol and polyol components and can aid in the solubilization of active or other ingredients added to the compositions, as well as assist in the gelation of the composition and in the formation of a more transparent gel.

The gel-forming agent used in the present invention can be one of those conventionally used in the art. A preferred gel forming agent, suitable in deodorant gel compositions is a soap which is a metal salt of one or more fatty acids having a chain length of 12-22 carbon atoms. Preferred are alkali metal salts, for example sodium or potassium salts, of fatty acids containing 12-22 carbon atoms.

The fatty acid part of the soap is preferably a relatively pure saturated or unsaturated C12 to CJJ acid including myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and margaric acids, as well as mixtures thereof. Naturally occurring sources of such acids include coconut oil, meat bait, lanolin, fish oil, palm oil, peanut oil and the like.

Thus, preferred soaps include sodium stearate, sodium palmitate, potassium stearate, potassium palmitate, potassium myristate and sodium myristate, with sodium stearate being most preferred.

Generally sodium soaps are used to formulate the bars, with the bar hardness being directly proportional to the level of sodium stearate. Potassium soaps can be used to form soft gels.

The most preferred soap is sodium stearate, which is actually a mixture of sodium salts of fatty acids having carbon chain lengths of C12 to Cu in various proportions. For various soap gelation agents that can be used according to the present invention, see U.S. Patent No. 5,424,070, the contents of which have been previously incorporated herein by reference.

The soap may be present in the composition at a level of from about 2-12 percent by weight, more preferably 3-10 percent by weight, more preferably from about 5-9 percent by weight, of the weight total of the composition.

Various active ingredients may be incorporated into the base gel composition in order to form the cosmetic gel composition of the present invention. Therefore, depending on the end use, any one of for example deodorant, insecticide, sun lotion, emollient, antiperspirant, etc., active ingredients may be incorporated into the composition, such as to form a cosmetic gel composition having properties of deodorant, insecticidal properties, properties for sun lotion, emollient properties, antiperspirant properties, etc. The active ingredients may include biologically active materials such as bacterial or bacteriostats, as well as fungicides, analgesics, emollients, ultraviolet absorbers or sun lotions, talc, etc. The active ingredient must be stable in the environment of the gel composition. For example, the gelation agent is a soap such as sodium stearate, any active ingredient must be stable in the alkaline environment provided by the vehicle of sodium stearate / glycol or sodium stearate / water / glycol. Various ingredients which can be incorporated into the cosmetic gel compositions according to this aspect of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,322,400 whose contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other active ingredients are described in the United States patent number 4,382,079 issued to Marschner, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Depending on the identity and function, the active ingredients can be added to the gel compositions at various levels, for example, in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired effect; for example, the deodorant actives can be added to the soap-based gel compositions at levels of up to about 3 percent by weight of the active ingredient, of the total weight of the composition. Preferably, these deodorant actives are added in a range of from about 0.01 to about 2 weight percent, more preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.75 weight percent, the total weight of the composition.

Where a deodorant active ingredient is added as the cosmetically active ingredient, the composition can be used as a deodorant gel composition. A preferred category of deodorant active ingredients are the antibacterials, and one of the most preferred in deodorant soap base gel compositions according to the present invention is 2-4-4 '-trichloro-2'-hydroxy diphenyl ether (Triclosan). Other antibacterial ingredients include bacteriostatic quaternary ammonium compounds such as trimethylammonium cetyl bromide, pyridinium cetyl chloride, benzethonium chloride, diisobutyl phenoxy ethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, N-alkyl pyridinium chloride, N-cetyl pyridinium bromide, N-lauroyl sarcosine. sodium, N-palmethoyl sarcosine sodium, lauroyl sarcosine, N-myristoyl glycine, N-laoroyl sarcosine potassium and stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride. The antibacterial or bacteriostatic compounds are usually present in a range of from about 0.05 to 1.0 percent by weight, of the total weight of the composition; preferably, 0.05 percent -0.5 percent by weight of antibacterial or bacteriostatic compound is present.

Conventional deodorizing actives, to form deodorant gel compositions (including deodorant gel compositions containing soap gelation agents) according to this aspect of the present invention, are described in several previously mentioned US Pat. Nos. 4,322,400 and in U.S. Patent No. 4,759,924 issued to Luebbe et al. These deodorant active materials include the known deoperfumes.

Various additional components, such as coloring agents, including dyes and pigments, fillers, fragrances, etc., may be incorporated into the gel compositions of this aspect of the present invention. fragrances and coloring agents are those which have conventionally been incorporated into cosmetic bars. Reference is made, for example, to U.S. Patent No. 5,114,717 issued to Kuznitz et al .; and the number 5,380,707 granted to Barr et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, for various fragrance compounds which have been incorporated into cosmetic stick compositions. This invention is not limited to the use of such fragrance compounds, but may include fragrance compounds conventionally used, whether for transparent or non-transparent bars.

When these additional components are present, these are included, illustratively, in the composition in amounts ranging from about 0.1 percent to about 3.0 percent by weight of the total weight of the composition.

Various other optional components may be included in the compositions according to the present invention. For example, in addition to the glycol components, water and soap gelation agents and, for example, in addition to the deodorant active ingredient (wherein the composition is a deodorant gel composition), the compositions may also include emollients. , fillers, chelating agents (e.g., ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), DEA lauramide, antioxidants (e.g., sodium metabisulfite), pH regulating agents and other solubilizers conventionally known in gel formulations.

Other optional components conventionally incorporated into soap-based gels are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,504,465, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

An illustrative deodorant gel composition within the scope of this aspect of the present invention is set forth in the following. This composition is an example, and is not limited to the present invention. The composition includes, in percent by weight of the total weight of the composition: (a) 2% -12% by weight of a gelation agent; (b) 10% -95% by weight of a glycol component, the glycol component has a mixture of glycols of the formula H (OC3H6) nOH, n being as previously defined, with the conditions previously established; (c) deodorant active ingredients, in an amount sufficient to have a deodorizing effect; Y (d) 0-88% by weight of water.

The preferred amounts of the glycol component modalities are as previously discussed.

A more specific illustration of a deodorant gel composition of the present invention, which is not intended to be limiting of the present invention, is set forth in the following, as a percentage by weight of the total weight of the composition. (a) from 3% -10% of a soap that includes metal salts of at least one fatty acid having a soap chain length in the range of 12-22 carbon atoms; (b) 0-20% by weight of propylene glycol; (c) 40% -80% by weight of polypropylene glycol having a formula H (OC3H6) nOH, wherein n varies from 2 to and including 80, no more than 35 weight percent of polypropylene glycol has n = 2, and not more than 20 percent by weight of the polypropylene glycol has n = 5; (d) 0-0.5% by weight of Triclosan; Y (e) 0-2.5% by weight of fragrance and color.

As a further aspect of the present invention, applicants have found that the replacement of polypropylene glycol in, for example, a deodorant stick composition with tripropylene glycol or higher molecular weight polypropylene glycols, significantly reduces skin irritation, but also lead to a reduction in the clarity of the composition. Having discovered this problem in relation to clarity, applicants have also found that the incorporation of nonionic and / or anionic surfactants into the composition containing TPG and / or higher molecular weight polypropylene glycols significantly increases clarity. By incorporating sufficient amounts of the surfactants into the composition, a translucent, or still clear, deodorant bar composition can be achieved.

Specific illustrative surfactants which can be incorporated as clarifying agents according to this aspect of the present invention include poloxamine 1307, PPG-2-Cetearet-9 and sodium laureth-13-carboxylate. However, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactants that have been used as a clarifying agent according to the present invention are not limited to the three surfactants mentioned above. Various other nonionic and / or anionic surfactants can be used.

The nonionic and / or anionic surfactant is included in the composition in an amount sufficient to improve the clarity of the composition. Illustratively, and not limitatively, this surface active agent (or mixture of surfactants) is incorporated in the composition in an amount of from about 3 percent to about 10 percent by weight, of the total weight of the composition.

The compositions according to the present invention can be made using conventional techniques to form gel compositions. For example, to prepare the stick compositions according to the present invention, the components, in liquid (melted) form, can be mixed together and then poured into the dispensing containers or molds, after which they are allowed to gel. Heating the components to 60 degrees - 90 degrees is usually necessary in order to provide the components in liquid form for the necessary mixing. In view of processing at relatively high temperatures, it is desirable to add the fragrances at a relatively late time during mixing, as is conventional in the art, such as to avoid volatilization of the fragrances.

The gels according to the present invention are used as such products are conventionally used by the consumer. Therefore, the soft gel or the bar is rubbed, for example, over the area of the body where the application is desired. Illustratively, in the case of a soft deodorant gel or a stick for application to the underarm area, the soft gel or stick is rubbed into the armpit area to deposit the deodorant active agent on the skin. In use, the end of the bar is exposed from the conventional dispensing container and can then be retracted back into the dispensing container until the next use.

In the case of a soft gel, the consumer extrudes an appropriate amount of the gel from the package through the slots or pores in the upper part of the package and applies the dispensing amount by rubbing the upper part of the package on the skin.

In the following, the specific examples will be established within the scope of the various aspects of the present invention. The declared percentages are percentages by weight, of the declared component, in relation to the total weight of the composition. The names used are the CTFA names for the ingredients where possible.

Examples 1-8 A series of deodorant stick formulas having the following general composition were prepared: Component% by Weight Glycol 70.25 Deionized water 21.50 Sodium stearate 7.0 Perfume 1.0 Triclosan 0.25 Dye 0.0005 The compositions were prepared by mixing all the ingredients except for the perfume at elevated temperatures sufficient to form a liquid solution or suspension by adding the perfume and cooling it.

The particular glycols used for the component present in relation to the formulas of Examples 1-8, and the amounts thereof in percent by weight of the total formula weight are shown in Table 2. The glycols identified in Table 2 are as follows: PG is propylene glycol; DPG is dipropylene glycol; TPG is tripropylene glycol and PPG is polypropylene glycol (MW about 425).

T A B A 2 Example PG DPG TPG PPG 1 70.25. 2 0.02 70.2 3 0.02 --- 70.2 4 0.02 35.1 35.1 5 0.02 25.1 25.1 20 6 17.6 52.7 7 35.2 35.1 8 20.2 25 25 Each of the formulas of Examples 1-8 was evaluated with respect to its tendency to cause erythema of the skin using the following protocol. According to the protocol, the female panelist volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 were selected based on a medical questionnaire and medical evaluation which excluded pregnant panelists who were breastfeeding, who were reporting known allergies to cosmetics, which were taking medications or showed signs of subcutaneous systemic diseases, except for facial acne, or the presence of irritation on the forearm. The test was carried out using Hill Top Chambers, which are small circular plastic cups about 1.5 centimeters in diameter and about 2.3 millimeters in height and contain a non-woven cotton pad.

The test procedures in the form of a gel were heated in a sealed container in a microwave oven at a temperature sufficient to form a liquid, after which about 0.3 mL of each test product was applied to the cotton pad from a different designated camera. Each chamber was then covered to prevent evaporation and allow it to equilibrate the ambient temperature for 30 minutes. Each product to be tested and to be cooled after which the chamber was applied (cotton side inside) with the palmar forearms of each test panelist in a round Robin distribution. Each chamber was covered with medical tape to maintain an occluded environment. After 24 hours, the cameras were removed from each panelist and their forearms rinsed, but they were not rubbed, with tap water and tapped lightly to dry.

After 3 hours of equilibrium time, the degree of erythema with respect to each test site was visually evaluated by a trained evaluator, as described below. The panelists were then reparchados with fresh test solutions on the same test sites or an additional 24 hours, after which, the patches were removed and the erythema was again evaluated as described above. In most cases, the sites were re-qualified after being left uncovered for an additional 24 hours. Sites with an erythema rating of more than 2 after the removal of the first chamber were not repaired and were assigned a rating of 4 after the second patch period of 24 hours. The data generated by the test protocol was analyzed by a nonparametric Friedman analysis to detect statistically significant differences at the 5 percent confidence level.

Erythema baseline values were recorded for each test panelist based on the following scale of 0-4; Measurement Scale Observation Erythema 0 No redness 1 Light red, dotted and diffuse 2 Redness uniform Moderate 3 Intense redness 4 Red fierce Control samples comprising 5 percent by weight of aqueous solutions of commercial "Ivory" and "Dove" soaps were also included in the tests where it was indicated to show relative values compared to harsher and milder soaps.

The following test results shown in Table 3 were obtained in the first test protocol.

T A B L A 3 These test data from Table 3 demonstrate that the formulas containing DPG and TPG as the only glycols are considered less irritating to the skin than commercial controls. Example 3 containing TPG as the sole glycol component is less irritant than Example 2 containing DPG as the sole glycol.

In a second test protocol, the results were achieved as indicated in Table 4.

TABLE The data series in Table 4 demonstrate that Example 5 containing a mixture of DPG (25), TPG (25) and PPG 425 (20) is considerably less less irritating than Example 1 containing propylene glycol as the only glycol and then less irritating in this test than the "Dove" control. The results are achieved for example 8, which is a mixture of PG (20), DPG (25) and TPG (25) indicates that the presence of 20 weight percent of propylene glycol in the product serves to increase the factor of irritation compared to Example 5 which contains the PPG in place of the PG.

In a third test protocol, the results were achieved as indicated in Table 5.

The test data in Table 5 demonstrate that Example 4 containing equal parts by weight of DPG and TPG and Example 3 containing TPG as the sole glycol component are essentially non-irritating to the skin. Examples 6 and 7 wherein a portion of the PG is replaced with TPG and PPG are less irritating than Example 1 which contains PG as the sole glycol component, but are more irritating than Examples 3 and 4.

From these data it is evident that not only PG is a major contributor to irritation caused by deodorant products under the arm, but compositions containing TPG as well as the unique glycol component or mixtures of TPG with one or more of DPG and PPG are considerably less irritating to the skin than compositions containing PG as the only glycol or compositions containing significant amounts of PG mixed with other glycols.

Surprisingly it has been found that the high molecular weight glycols of the present invention appear to minimize the irritation caused by the other components or deodorant products under the standard arm such as soap and fragrances.

Examples 9-12 % By Weight of the Total Weight of the Composition The compositions as in Examples 9-12 were produced using processing as discussed above in connection with Examples 1-8. These Examples 9-12 include a surfactant agent that acts as a clarifying agent in the present compositions, the compositions having significantly increased clarity as compared to the compositions containing the polypropylene glycols but without the clarifying agent.

Thus, through the use of the present invention, a cosmetic gel composition (such as a soft gel or stick), including gelled deodorant gel compositions using a soap gelation agent, having a reduced skin potential, can be achieved. It can be achieved. In addition, such a composition having the reduced irritation potential of the skin, but which is still translucent (and in some cases is clear) can be achieved.

Industrial Applicability As is clear from the foregoing, the composition of the present invention has applicability as a composition for delivering active cosmetic ingredients to for example the skin of a human. The composition has several uses, depending on the active cosmetic ingredient incorporated there. For example, wherein the active cosmetic ingredient is an active deodorant ingredient (for example an antimicrobial agent such as Triclosan, or a fragrance), the composition can be used as a deodorant composition for application to the armpit regions of the human body, to reduce the bad smell of the body. However, the composition of the present invention is not limited to deodorant compositions (eg, wherein an insect repellent, a sun lotion agent, an emollient, etc., is incorporated into the composition, the composition may be an insect repellent, a sun protection bar, a skin softener, etc.) and is not limited to the application to the armpit regions of the human body.

Although various embodiments according to the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that they are not limited to these, but are susceptible to numerous changes and modifications as known to one having ordinary skill in the art, and we therefore do not wish to limit ourselves to the details shown and described there, but rather attempt to cover all those modifications as they are covered by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (46)

R E I V I ND I C A C I O N S

1. A base gel composition adapted to have a cosmetically active ingredient found there and exhibit reduced skin irritation comprising: (a) a soap-based gelation agent in an amount sufficient to form a gel; Y (b) a glycol component in which: (i) each glycol used to form the glycol component has a formula of H (OCjH-H, where n represents the number of repetitive propylene oxide groups and varies from 1 to including 80; (ii) at least a part of the glycol component is selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol, tetrapropylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

2. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that n is 3.

3. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least 25 percent by weight of the total weight of at least one glycol has the structure where n is 34.

The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one glycol is tripropylene glycol.

5. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one glycol comprises less than 10 percent by weight of the total weight of the propylene glycol composition.

6. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it has no propylene glycol added.

7. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 further characterized in that it comprises at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants, whose surfactant is incorporated into the composition in a amount such that the composition is translucent or clear.

8. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 7 characterized in that at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene, a polyoxypropylene block polymer of ethylene diamine which is formed into the formula where x = 23 and y = 74; a polyoxypropylene, polyoxyethylene ether of cetearyl alcohol having the formula R (OCH (CH3) CH2) x (OCH2CH2), OH, wherein R is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl radicals, a has an average value of 2 and b has a value average of 9; Y a sodium salt of the carboxylic acid derived from laureth-13 having the formula CH3 (CH2) uC ^ (OCH3CH2) 12OCH2COONa.

9. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 8 characterized in that the gelation agent is a soap comprising a metal salt of at least one fatty acid having 12-22 carbon atoms.

10. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the gelation agent is a soap comprising a metal salt of at least one fatty acid having 12-22 carbon atoms.

11. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the glycol part of the composition does not contain more than 40 weight percent of a glycol where n is 2.

12. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the glycol part of the composition does not contain more than 20 weight percent of a glycol where n is equal to or greater than 5.

13. A cosmetic gel composition comprising the base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 and at least one cosmetically active ingredient in an amount sufficient to have a cosmetic effect.

14. A cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that the gelation agent is a soap comprising metal salts of at least one fatty acid having 12-22 carbon atoms and wherein the cosmetic gel composition comprises in percent by weight of the total weight of the cosmetic composition: (a) 2-12% of the soap; (b) 10-95% of at least one glycol; (c) 0-88% water; Y (d) 0-3% of a cosmetically active ingredient.

15. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 14 comprising 5-88 percent water.

16. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that the soap comprises sodium stearate.

17. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 16 characterized in that the cosmetically active ingredient is an active deodorant ingredient in an amount sufficient to have a deodorizing effect.

18. . The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that the active deodorant ingredient comprises an antibacterial agent.

19. . The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that the antibacterial agent is 2-4-4 '-trichloro-2'-hydroxy diphenyl ether.

20. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that the antibacterial agent is a bacteriostatic quaternary ammonium compound.

21. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that it also comprises a fragrance.

22. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 18 further characterized in that it comprises at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants in an amount such that the cosmetic gel composition is translucent or clear.

A surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene, a polyoxypropylene ethylene diamine block polymer that conforms to the formula CH3 1 1 1 1 (CHCH20). c (CH2CH20) yH N- (CH (CH3) CH2Ox (CH2CH20) yH 1 1 1 1 CH2 1 1 1 1 CH2 1 1 1 N- (CH (CH3CH20) x (CH2CH20) y11 1 1 1 (CHCH20), CHjCHjOj yH 1 1 1 CH3, where x = 23 and y = 74; a polyoxypropylene, polyoxyethylene ether of cetearyl alcohol having the formula R (OCH (CH3) CH2) x (OCH2CH2) bOH, wherein R is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl radicals, a has an average value of 2 and b has an average value of 9; Y a sodium salt of the carboxylic acid derived from laureth-13 having the formula a sodium salt of the carboxylic acid derived from laureth-13 having the formula CH3 (CH2) 15CH2 (OCH3CH2) l2OCH2COONa.

24. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 22 characterized in that it comprises from 3-10 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition of at least one surfactant.

25. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that at least one glycol is less than or equal to 40 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a glycol wherein n is 2.

26. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that at least one glycol has less than or equal to 20 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a glycol wherein n is 5.

27. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that the cosmetic gel composition is a soft gel.

28. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that the cosmetic gel composition is a stick composition.

29. A cosmetic gel composition comprising in percent by weight of the total weight of the composition: (a) 2-12% by weight of a gelation agent; (b) 10-95% of at least one glycol which is selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol, tetrapropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; (c) an active deodorant ingredient in an amount sufficient to have a deodorizing effect; Y (d) 0-88% by weight of water.

30 ,. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 29 characterized in that at least one glycol comprises less than 10 weight percent propylene glycol and at least 35 weight percent tripropylene glycol.

31. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 29 characterized in that the gelation agent is a soap comprising metal salts of at least one fatty acid having 12-22 carbon atoms.

32. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 31 further characterized in that it comprises at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants, whose surfactant is incorporated into the composition in a amount such that the composition is translucent or clear.

33. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 32 characterized in that at least one glycol is tripropylene glycol.

34. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 32 characterized in that it does not have an added propylene glycol.

35. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 32 characterized in that the cosmetic gel composition is a stick composition.

36. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 31 characterized in that at least one glycol is tripropylene glycol.

37. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 31 characterized in that it has no propylene glycol added.

38. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 29 characterized in that at least one glycol is less than or equal to 40 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a glycol wherein n is 2.

39. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 38 characterized in that at least one glycol has less than or equal to 20 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a glycol wherein n is 5.

40. A cosmetic gel composition comprising in percent by weight of the total weight of the composition: (a) 3% -10% of a soap comprising metal salts of at least one fatty acid having a carbon chain length of 12 to 22 carbon atoms; (b) from 0 to less than 20 weight percent propylene glycol; (c) from 40% -80% by weight of polypropylene glycol having the formula H (OCJH DOH where n is a number from 2-80 provided that: (i) not more than 35% by weight of polypropylene glycol has n = 2, and (ii) not more than 20% by weight of the polypropylene glycol has n = 5; (d) 0-0.5% by weight 2-4-4 '-trichloro-2' -hydroxydiphenyl ether; Y (e) 0-2.5% by weight of fragrance and color.

41. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 40 characterized in that the metal salts of at least one fatty acid are sodium salts of at least one fatty acid.

42. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 40 further characterized in that it comprises at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants, whose surfactant is incorporated into the composition in an amount such that the composition is translucent or clear.

43. The cosmetic gel composition as claimed in clause 42, characterized in that the composition comprises from 3-10 weight percent of the total weight of the composition of the surfactant.

44. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that more than one glycol is present and at least 10 weight percent of the total weight of the glycol component is selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol, tetrapropylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

45. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that 25 percent - 100 percent of the total weight of the glycol component is selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol, tetrapropylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

46. The base gel composition as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that 50 percent -100 percent of the total weight of the glycol component is selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol, tetrapropylene glycol and mixtures thereof. SUMMARY A glycol-containing base gel composition having a reduced skin irritation potential is described, in which a cosmetically active agent (for example an active deodorant agent, sun lotion, active antiperspirant agent, etc.) can be incorporated to provide a cosmetic gel composition (e.g., a soft gel or stick). The gelation agent for the gel composition can be a soap. The base gel composition includes at least one glycol having a structure of the formula wherein n represents the number of repeating propylene oxide groups and ranges from 1-80, with the proviso that (1) more than zero and up to 100 percent by weight of the glycol component has n-3 or 4; (2) less than 20 percent by weight of the glycol component has n = 1; (3) not more than 90 percent by weight of the glycol component has n = 2; and (4) not more than 90 percent by weight of the glycol component has n greater than or equal to 5. The composition can further include a nonionic or anionic surfactant, a clarifying agent, to provide a translucent gel composition or clear.