WO2001021141A2

WO2001021141A2 - Personal-care compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2001021141A2
Application number: PCT/IB2000/001324
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barry Stoddart
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1999-09-23
Filing date: 2000-09-20
Publication date: 2001-03-29
Also published as: GB2354439A; WO2001021141A3; AU7033200A; GB9922487D0

Abstract

The invention provides the use of a polymeric component capable of forming liquid crystals upon contact with water, and/or a polymeric component which is in the form of liquid crystals, each of these polymeric components comprising at least one polymeric compound, for the preparation of a composition for the reduction of the activity of hydrolytic enzymes, in particular lipase enzymes or the formation of fatty acids by lipase enzymes, the composition preferably being for reduction of skin irritation, acne, eye irritation, dandruff or for improvement of skin healing. The invention also provides specific personal-care compositions containing these polymeric components. The polymeric compound has preferably a cloud point of 35 °C or below, and preferably the polymeric component has a cloud point of 30 °C or below or even 25 °C or below. The invention also relates to the use of polymeric components which are in the form of liquid crystals which comprise other active ingredients, for preparation of personal-care compositions, and to specific liquid crystals containing active ingredients.

Description

Personal-Care Compositions

The invention relates to polymeric components and compositions containing these components which can be used to treat various skin, eye and hair problems

Background

It is known that for example chemicals, micro-organisms and enzymes can have undesirable effects on the human skin For example, enzymes are believed to cause skin rash and infections of the skin, which for example, is a problem encountered by the users of articles which are in contact with the skin and the enzymes thereon, such as bandages, plaster, diapers, incontinence articles, sanitary towels, training pants etc Particularly troublesome enzymes are lipase enzymes

It has been found that in particular compounds generated by lipase enzymes, such as fatty acids generated by lipase enzymes, can negatively effect the human body

In recent years, manufacturers of skin and health care products have developed products which help reduce the occurrence of problems such as skin rash For example, enzyme inhibitors and antibodies which are specific to certain lipase enzymes are used, such as described in WO 95/24896 and WO 95/01155 EP 0117632-B relates to disposable articles which comprise lipase inhibiting agents, preferably zinc containing components, and a vehicle material US 3,091,241 relates to the use of triacetin in vaginal tampons to inhibit lipase enzyme activity US 3, 961,486 teaches the use of adipic acid to reduce the lipase enzyme activity and to reduce the skin rash

The inventor has now found that certain polymeric components in the form liquid crystals can very effectively reduce the activity of enzymes and reduce the problems caused by the enzymes but also chemicals on the human body, for example in or on the skin The inventor also found that specific polymeric components which comprise polymeric compounds of a cloud point below 35°C, can form liquid crystals upon contact with the human body, for example the skin, under the conditions prevailing on the skin, body temperature, moisture levels and electrolyte concentrations, to thus reduce the enzyme activity, or and reduce the problems caused by the enzymes but also chemicals on the human body.

It is believed that these liquid crystals not only reduce the enzyme activity but also act as a barrier on the skin which reduces the interaction of the skin and enzymes and/ or the interaction of the skin and other chemicals, such as components produced by the enzymes, thus resulting in reduced problems. For example, the liquid crystals have been found to very effectively reduce the interaction of fatty acids produced by lipase enzymes with the skin.

The inventor also found that the polymeric components which already are present in the form of liquid crystals are useful to deliver other active ingredients to the skin, by incorporating these active ingredients in the liquid crystals. This is particularly useful for solubilising non-polar, active ingredients and to thus deliver such ingredients to the compositions and subsequently to the skin.

The inventors also found that the polymeric components exhibit shear thinning or reducing properties, and that the polymeric component can thus be useful to protect the skin against friction.

The inventors also found that the polymeric components can be useful to maintain or control the skin water balance.

The components have been found to be useful in various applications. For example, it has been found that the use on the skin of the polymeric components or liquid crystal polymeric components results in a very effective reduction or a prevention of skin rash, acne, dandruff, irritation of the eyes and also improved healing of wounds. Summary of the Invention

The invention provides the use of a polymeric component capable of forming liquid crystals upon contact with water, and/ or a polymeric component which is in the form of liquid crystals, each of these polymeric components comprising at least one polymeric compound, for the preparation of a composition for the reduction of the activity of hydrolytic enzymes, in particular lipase enzymes; or for the reduction of the interaction of chemicals, such as formed by hydrolytic enzymes, with the human body. In particular, these compositions are for reduction of formation and/ or interaction with the skin of fatty acids generated by lipase enzymes. The composition are preferably being for reduction or treatment of skin irritation, acne, eye irritation, dandruff or for improvement of skin healing.

The polymeric compound has preferably a cloud point of 35°C or below, and preferably the polymeric component has a cloud point of 30°C or below or even 25°C or below.

The invention also provides specific personal-care compositions containing these polymeric components.

The invention also relates to the use of polymeric components which are in the form of liquid crystals which comprise other active ingredients, for preparation of personal-care compositions, and to specific liquid crystals containing active ingredients.

The invention also relates to the use of these polymeric components for various applications, such as reduction of hydrolytic enzyme activity, including lipase activity, reduction of formation of fatty acids, reduction or treatment of dandruff, skin irritation or eye irritation, reduction of skin surface friction, and also for the delivery of active ingredients to a composition and/ or to the human body, to control the moisture level of the skin and to improve wound healing.

Detailed Description of the Invention The polymeric component herein is such that it is in the form of liquid crystals or is capable of forming liquid crystals upon contact with water, in particular upon contact with water in or on the human body. It should thus be understood that the polymeric components used in the compositions herein in the form liquid crystals, or in the form of a component which forms liquid crystals upon contact with water, preferably with water on or in the human body.

Liquid crystals are for example described in 'Biologican Membranes' by D. Chapman, Academic Press New York, 1968, Chapter 3 and in D. Sek: 'Structural Variations of liquid crystalline polymer macromolecules'; Acta Polymerica, 39 (1988) No. 11, p. 599.

The liquid crystalline state exists between the boundaries of the solid phase and the isotropic liquid phase (i.e. an intermediate between the three-dimensionally ordered crystalline state and the disordered dissolved or dispersed state). In this state some of the molecular order characteristics of the solid phase are retained in the liquid state because of the molecular structure and short range intermolecular interaction.

In the literature, liquid crystals are also referred to as anisotropic fluids, a fourth state of matter, association structure, mesophases, or lyotropic liquid crystals, and thermotropic liquid crystals (heat or magnetically induced, liquid).

Polymeric liquid crystals are subdivided into three subclasses: I.nematic, II. cholesteric, and III. smectic, which are optically anisotropic, see also J. H. Wendorff, in "Scattering in Liquid Crystalline Polymer Systems" in "Liquid Crystalline Order in Polymers," A. Blumstein (ed.), Academic Press, Chapter 1 (1978).

Light microscopy can be sued to distinguish between various phases; light microscopy of liquid crystals is described in The Microscopy of Liquid Crystals, Norman Hartshorn, Microscopy Publications, Ltd, Chicago, III, USA, 1974. Preferred are liquid crystals which have three-dimensional periodicity, liquid crystal structures which have two-dimensional periodicity. Preferred are liquid lamellar phase crystals, or hexagonal or cubic phase crystals.

The liquid crystal polymeric component herein is preferably further hydratable, thus being able to absorb water in or on the human body. This may further improve the properties of the component, s described herein.

The liquid crystal polymeric component or polymeric component capable to form liquid crystals preferably has a cloud point below 35°C, or even below 25°C or even below 20°C, as measured by ISO 1065 (10% aq. mixture).

The polymeric components or compositions thereof can be used in any application where reduction of the hydrolytic enzyme activity of hydrolytic enzymes is required.

In one embodiment of the invention the polymeric components or compositions thereof are used for reduction of the lipase enzyme activity, in particular those present on or in the human body, or preferably in or on the human skin, including the reduction of bacterial lipase enzyme activity.

The enzymes can be derived from or generated by micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast, or can be produced by the human or animal body, or can be derived from the diet or can be derived from products comprising lipase enzymes. In particular, the compositions or components are used for reduction of the enzyme activity of lipase enzymes in contact with the human or animal body, in particular the skin, eyes or hair.

In a highly preferred aspect of the invention, the polymeric components or the compositions are used for reduction of the enzyme activity of lipase enzymes of microorganisms, in particular bacterial lipase enzymes which can cause skin rash or skin irritation, infected skin, acne, malodour of the body and dandruff or which can cause decaying or rotting of food products and beverages, and reduce the longevity of perfumes.

More importantly, the polymeric components and compositions thereof are used to reduce the negative effects of chemicals produced by these hydrolytic enzymes, such a fatty acids produce by lipase enzymes, and to reduce the contact of the skin, eyes or hair with such chemicals. Namely, the polymeric components which are on the skin in the form of liquid crystals are found to reduce these negative effects such as skin rash, skin or eye irritation, acne, dandruff and to reduce the contact of the skin, eyes or hair with chemicals with can cause these problems.

The personal-care compositions thus include skin-care products, eye-care products such as eye drops, hair-care products, in particularly anti-dandruff products but also hair conditioners, hair styling products, antiseptic compositions, tooth care products, and the compositions can be used in absorbent articles.

The polymeric components and compositions thereof can also improve skin healing, in particular wound healing.

Reduction of the hydrolytic enzyme activity, when used herein, includes the reduction of any of the processes conducted by the enzymes, and thus the reduction of formation of chemicals, such as materials which can negatively effect the body.

Reduction, treatment, and improvement of a specific problem or condition, when used herein includes at least stabilisation of the specific problem or condition.

The amount of the component or composition of the invention needed to achieve the desired effect will vary with the particular location of the condition being treated, the severity of the condition being treated, the expected duration of the treatment, any specific sensitivity to either the composition specific to the user, the condition of the user, concurrent therapies being administered, other conditions present in the user.

In a preferred embodiment the polymeric component is in the form of liquid crystals which comprises a) a polymeric compound of a cloud point below 35°C, as described herein after, b) a polar solvent, preferably water and c) an active ingredient, preferably being non- polar active ingredients. The active ingredient or part thereof is present in said solvent.

The active ingredient preferably is a skin-care, hair-care, eye-care ingredient, preferably selected from additional enzyme inhibitors, enzyme antibodies, anti-microbial agents, zinc components, vitamins, steroids or cortisone' s, sunscreen, anti-oxidants, lipids, perfumes, preservatives and mixtures thereof.

Such a liquid crystal polymeric component can be used to deliver the active ingredients to the compositions, and subsequently to the human body, whilst they also provide the other benefits of the polymeric liquid crystals, as described herein, e.g. reduce the enzyme activity or the interaction of the enzymes or chemicals with the human body.

Preferred polymeric liquid crystals, comprising an active ingredient, comprise one or more polymeric compounds which comprise a polyalkoxy backbone having 50% to 95% by weight of branched C₃-C6 alkoxy units, preferably C₃-C branched alkoxy units, and of from 5% to 50%) of linear Ci-Cβ alkoxy units, C₂-C₄ linear alkoxy units. Preferred are the Synperonic and Pluronic materials described herein after, in particular Pluronic 3100, 6100, 6200, 8100, 9200 and 10100 and Synperonic or Synperonic (PE), L31, L42, L61, L62, L62LF, L81, L92, L101, L121.

These polymeric components may also be used to reduce the skin surface friction, or to reduce the malodour of the body, and thus they may be used in deodorants.

Polymeric components and polymeric compounds The polymeric component of the invention comprises preferably polymeric compounds of a cloud point of 35°C or below, preferably 30°C or below, or even 25°C or below. Preferably the polymeric component has a cloud point of 35°C or below, preferably 30°C or below, or even 25°C or below. The cloud point of a polymeric material, as used herein, can be determined by ISO 1065 method, at 10%> aqueous concentration.

Preferred are copolymers which have different polymerised units, one unit being more hydrophilic and thus less lipophilic than another unit.

Preferably, the copolymer comprises a backbone having at least one branched C₃-C₂₄ alkoxy unit and at least one linear Cι-C₂₄ alkoxy unit, more preferably at least one branched C₃-Cι alkoxy unit and at least one linear C]-Cι₄ alkoxy unit, and even more preferably at least one branched C₃-C₆ alkoxy unit and at least one linear Ci-Cβ alkoxy unit. Most preferably, the backbone comprising a condensation product of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol units, and/ or condensation products of butylene glycol and ethylene glycol and/ or propylene glycol.

Preferably, the polymeric compound has a polymeric backbone comprises of from 50%> to 95%> by weight, more preferably from 55%> to 95%>, more preferably from 60%> to 95%>, even more preferably from 65% to 95%>, most preferably from 70% to 90% by weight of branched alkoxy units and of from 5%> to 50%>, more preferably from 5% to 45%, more preferably from 5% to 40%>,even more preferably from 5% to 35%, most preferably from 10 % to 30%) by weight linear alkoxy units, in particular such a combination of ethoxy units and propoxy units and/ or butoxy units.

The polymeric compound has an average molecular weight of at least 400, preferably from 600 to 200,000, more preferably from 900 to 70,000 or even to 10,000, or even from 1000 to 8500. The selection of required polymeric compound will depend on the application thereof and the form it is used in, for example used in the form of a liquid, non-aqueous liquid or solid composition and used in an environment which is aqueous, non-aqueous or dry.

Highly preferred polymeric compounds are specific polyethylene glycol/ polypropylene glycol copolymers, available from BASF under the tradename Pluronic and from ICI under the tradename Synperonic.

Highly preferred are Pluronic 3100, 6100, 6200, 8100, 9200 and 10100 and Synperonic or Synperonic (PE), L31, L42, L61, L62, L62LF, L81, L92, L101, L121. Mixtures of these compounds may also be used.

These highly preferred Pluronic and Symperonic polymeric compounds can also be used to reduce skin surface friction.

These highly preferred polymeric compounds can also be used in deodorants, to reduce the malodour caused by hydrolytic enzymes, in particular lipase enzymes, by reducing the activity of these enzymes.

Method of Preparation of the Compositions

In finished compositions as described herein, the level of the component herein is preferably from 0.05% or 0.1%> to 30%, more preferably from 0.1%> to 20% or even to 10% or even to 4,5%, or even from 0.1% to 3.5% or even from 0.5% to 2% by weight of the composition.

The polymeric components of the invention may be comprised in compositions, which may be cosmetic or skin-care compositions, preferably in the form of a spray, cream, foam, lotion, gel, oil, ointment or powder or tablet, preferably in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion. It is preferred that the polymeric component as described herein is present in medium other than water, preferably an organic solvent, such as an oil, examples of which are described herein after.

The components or compositions herein may also be applied on absorbent articles to be applied to the skin or to affected areas, such as diapers, tissues, wet wipes, as described herein.

The compositions may comprise additional ingredients and the exact nature and levels of the additional ingredients will depend on the application of the compounds of the invention or the compositions thereof.

Highly preferred compositions herein are steroid-containing compositions. Also highly preferred compositions herein anti-acne ingredients, preferably benzoyl peroxide.

Highly preferred additional components of the compositions (in addition to the actives which may be present in the liquid crystals) of the invention may be bactericidal or fungicidal agents, anti-dandruff agents, and/ or other enzyme inhibitors. In a number of applications, surfactants may be included, and in skin-care products zinc-containing compounds may be used.

The compositions herein can be prepared by any method known in the art for preparation for cosmetic compositions or medicament. The exact method will depend on the nature of the composition.

Method of Use of Compositions

The compositions may be used directly for the relevant purpose or may be added to other products such as absorbent articles. The composition of the invention can be administered to the user by any method known in the art, depending on the application of the composition and the purpose of use. It may be preferred that the composition is applied to the human body, e.g. skin, hair or eyes, directly.

When the composition is used for treatment of dandruff, the composition may preferably be in the form of a shampoo or conditioner composition.

When the composition is used for treatment of dermatitis, acne or skin rash, the composition may preferably be in the form of any skin-care composition such as cream, gel, powder, solution, lotion or aftershave, preferably comprising an alcohol, preferably a mixture of ethanol in water, and preferably also comprising a perfume component.

The compositions can also be applied (firstly) to an article, which will then be applied to the skin. Then, compositions of the present invention is preferably comprised in an absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article. As used herein, the term "absorbent articles" refers to devices which absorb and contain body exudates or blood, and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

The structure of the disposable absorbent article is not critical to the practice of the present invention.

The disposable absorbent article preferably contains the composition according to the invention at a level such that the polymeric compounds therein are present at a level of from 0.01% to 30%, more preferably from 0.01% to 10%, most preferably from 0.05% to 5%o by weight of the article, or even from 0.1%> to 5%, more preferably from 0.1%> to 3%, or even from 0, l%o to 2% or even from 0.1% to 1%> or even to 0.5%> by weight. Highly preferred articles are bandages, plaster, wipes, catamenials and diapers, or also tissue and tampons.

Additional Ingredients

The composition of the invention can comprise additional ingredients. Which ingredients are present and at which level depends on the character of the composition and the use thereof.

In personal-care products it may be highly preferred to include cationic organic compounds, such as cationic surfactants. It can be preferred that the compositions comprise one or more other ingredient which can reduce dermatitis or compounds which can help the healing of the skin, such as triacetin, benzalkonium salts, metal-containing compounds, in particular zinc-containing compounds, vitamins and cortisone' s, and also compounds to soften the skin such as vaseline, glycerin, triethyleneglycol, lanolin, paraffin and another group of polymers extensively employed by pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufactures, as also described herein.

In particular, the personal-care or cosmetic compositions can be in the form of creams, sprays, lotions, gels, and the like. Preferably the cosmetic compositions herein are in the form of an oil-in- water emulsion of one or more oil phases in an aqueous continuous phase, each oil phase comprising a single oily component or a mixture of oily components in miscible or homogeneous form but said different oil phases containing different materials or combinations of materials from each other. The overall level of oil phase components in the compositions of the invention is preferably from about 0.1% to about 60%), preferably from about 1%> to about 30%> and more preferably from about 1%> to about 10%) by weight.

The present compositions preferably comprise, as either all or a portion of the oil phase or oil phases referred to above a first silicone-containing phase comprising a crosslinked polyorganosiloxane polymer and a silicone oil, wherein the composition comprises 0 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 0 5% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0 5% to about 5%ι, by weight of composition, of the combination of crosslinked silicone and silicone oil

Compositions herein preferably also comprise a second non-crosslinked silicone-containing phase In preferred embodiments the second silicone-containing phase is present in a level of from about 0 1%> to about 20%, especially from about 0 1% to about 10%> by weight of composition

Suitable silicone fluids for use in the second silicone-containing phase herein include water-insoluble silicones inclusive of non- volatile polyalkyl and polyaryl siloxane gums and fluids, volatile cyclic and linear polyalkylsiloxanes, polyalkoxylated silicones, amino and quaternary ammonium modified silicones, and mixtures thereof

In preferred embodiments the second silicone-containing phase comprises a silicone gum or a mixture of silicones including the silicone gum As used herein, the term "silicone gum" means high molecular weight silicone-based fluids having a mass-average molecular weight in excess of about 200,000 and preferably from about 200,000 to about 400,000 Silicone oils generally have a molecular weight of less than about 200,000 Typically, silicone gums have a viscosity at 25°C in excess of about 1,000,000 mm^.s'l The silicone gums include dimethicones as described by Petrarch and others including US-A-4, 152,416, May 1, 1979 to Spitzer, et al, and Noll, Walter, Chemistry and Technology of Silicones, New York Academic Press 1968 Also describing silicone gums are General Electric Silicone Rubber Product Data Sheets SE 30, SE 33, SE 54 and SE 76

In preferred embodiments, another, third, oil phase is present in an amount of from about 0 l%o to about 15%, more preferably from about 1% to about 10% by weight of composition The third oil phase can be either a separate phase or can form one phase together with either or both of the first and second silicone phases. Preferably, the third oil phase is a separate phase.

This oil phase preferably comprises a non-silicone organic oil, such as a natural or synthetic oil selected from mineral, vegetable, and animal oils, fats and waxes, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acids and mixtures thereof, which ingredients are useful for achieving emollient cosmetic properties.

Suitable first oil phase components for use herein include, for example, optionally hydroxy-substituted Cg-C5Q unsaturated fatty acids and esters thereof, beeswax, saturated and unsaturated fatty alcohols such as behenyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol, hydrocarbons such as mineral oils, petrolatum and squalane, fatty sorbitan esters (see US-A-3988255, Seiden, issued October 26 1976), lanolin and lanolin derivatives, animal and vegetable triglycerides such as almond oil, peanut oil, wheat germ oil, linseed oil, jojoba oil, oil of apricot pits, walnuts, palm nuts, pistachio nuts, sesame seeds, rapeseed, cade oil, corn oil, peach pit oil, poppyseed oil, pine oil, castor oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, shea butter, shorea butter, and sunflower seed oil and C1 24 esters of dimer and trimer acids such as diisopropyl dimerate, diisostearylmalate, diisostearyldimerate and triisostearyltrimerate. Of the above, highly preferred are the mineral oils, petrolatums, unsaturated fatty acids and esters thereof and mixtures thereof.

A wide variety of optional ingredients such as non-occlusive moisturizers, humectants, gelling agents, neutralizing agents, perfumes, colouring agents and surfactants, can be added to the skin compositions herein.

The compositions herein can comprise a humectant. Suitable humectants for use herein include sorbitol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxylated glucose derivatives, hexanetriol, glycerine, glycine, hyaluronic acid, arginine, Ajidew (NaPCA), water-soluble polyglycerylmethacrylate lubricants and panthenols. A preferred humectant herein is glycerine (sometimes known as glycerol or glycerin). Chemically, glycerine is 1,2,3-propanetriol and is a product of commerce. One large source of the material is in the manufacture of soap. Glycerine is especially preferred in the compositions of the invention from the viewpoint of boosting moisturisation. Also preferred for use herein is butylene glycol. Particularly preferred from the viewpoint of boosting moisturisation is a combination of glycerine and urea.

The compositions of the invention can also contain additional hydrophilic gelling agent at a level preferably from about 0.01%) to about 10%. The gelling agent preferably has a viscosity (1%> aqueous solution, 20°C, Brookfield RVT) of at least about 4000 mPa.s, more preferably at least about 10,000 mPa.s and especially at least 50,000 mPa.s.

Preferred may be to include cellulose ethers (e.g. hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum and xanthan gum.

Neutralizing agents suitable for use in neutralizing acidic group containing hydrophilic gelling agents herein include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. The pH of the compositions is preferably from about 4 to about 9, more preferably from about 6 to about 8.0.

The compositions of the invention are preferably in the form of a moisturising cream or lotion, which can be applied to the skin as a leave-on product.

Claims

1. Use of a polymeric component capable of forming liquid crystals upon contact with water, and/ or of a polymeric component which is in the form of liquid crystals, the polymeric components comprising at least a polymeric compound, for the preparation of a personal-care composition for the reduction of the activity of a hydrolytic enzyme, preferably for the reduction of a lipase enzyme.

2. Use according to claim 1 for the preparation of a personal-care composition for reduction of skin irritation, acne, eye irritation, dandruff or for improvement of wound healing.

3. Use according to claim 1 or 2 whereby the polymeric compound has a cloud point of 35°C or below.

4. Use according to claim 1 or 2 whereby the polymeric component is in the form of liquid crystals which comprise: a) a polymeric compound having a cloud point of 35°C or below; b) polar solvent, preferably water; and c) an active ingredient, partially ro completely present in said solvent, the active ingredient preferably selected from non-polar active ingredients, preferably selected from enzyme inhibitors, enzyme antibodies, zinc components, vitamins, anti-microbial agents, sunscreen, anti-oxidants, lipids, perfumes, preservatives, cortisone' s or steroids, and mixtures thereof.

5. Use according to any preceding claim wherein the polymeric compound has a copolymeric backbone comprising from 50%o to 95%> by weight of branched C3-C6 alkoxy units, preferably C₃-C branched alkoxy units, and of from 5% to 50% of linear d-C₆ alkoxy units, preferably C -C₄ linear alkoxy units.

6. Use according to any preceding claim wherein the polymeric compound is selected from the group consisting of Pluronic 3100, 6100, 6200, 8100, 9200, 10100 and/ or Synperonic L31, L42, L61, L62, L62LF, L81, L92, L101, L121, or mixtures thereof.

7. Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the polymeric component is present at a level of from 0.1%> to 4.5%> by weight of the composition.

8. A polymeric liquid crystal component as in claim 4, whereby the polymeric compound comprises a polyalkoxy backbone having 50%> to 95%> by weight of branched C₃-Cβ alkoxy units, preferably C₃-C₄ branched alkoxy units, and of from 5%) to 50%) of linear Ci-Cβ alkoxy units, C -C linear alkoxy units, preferably selected from the group consisting of Pluronic 3100, 6100, 6200, 8100, 9200, 10100 and/ or Synperonic L31, L42, L61, L62, L62LF, L81, L92, L101, L121, or mixtures thereof.

9. A personal-care composition comprising the polymeric component of claim 4 or 8, preferably a eye-care, skin-care, anti-dandruff or anti-sceptic composition.

10. A personal-care composition comprising 0.1% to 4.5%> by weight of the composition, of the polymeric component of claim 4 or 8, the composition being in the form of a liquid, cream, spray, foam, lotion, gel, oil, ointment or powder and being in the form of a skin-care, hair-care, eye-care or anti-septic composition.

11. An absorbent article comprising the component of claim 4 or 8 the article preferably being in the form of a bandage, plaster, wound dressing, wipe, tissue, tampon, catamenial or a diaper.

12. Use of a polymeric component of any of claims 1 to 8 for the deposition of liquid crystals on the human body for reduction of the activity of the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and/ or the reduction of the interaction of said enzymes or components generated by said enzymes, with the human body.

13. Use according to claim 12 for reduction of dandruff, acne, skin irritation or eye irritation, or for improvement of wound healing.

14. Use a polymeric component of claim 4 or 8 for reduction of skin surface friction.

15. Use of a polymeric component of claim 4 or 8 or for the delivery of active ingredients to a composition and/ or to the skin.

16. Use a polymeric component of any of claims 1 to 9 to control the moisture balance of the skin.