WO2018210304A1

WO2018210304A1 - Wash-durable skin care fabric product

Info

Publication number: WO2018210304A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/087278
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yin Man Erica CHING
Original assignee: Ching Yin Man Erica
Priority date: 2017-05-17
Filing date: 2018-05-17
Publication date: 2018-11-22

Abstract

A wash-durable skin care fabric product comprising: a fabric substrate; and a skin care layer detachably arranged on the fabric substrate, wherein the skin care layer comprises microcapsules, and the microcapsules comprise at least two active ingredients for improving the skin condition of a user, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a skin-hydrating agent, a skin-whitening agent, a skin anti-aging agent, an aromoatherapeutic agent, and a combination thereof; wherein the skin care layer is to be placed in direct contact with a skin of the user.

Description

WASH-DURABLE SKIN CARE FABRIC PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a skin care product, in particular but not exclusively a skin care product containing active ingredients to improve the skin condition of the user. The present application also relates to a sleeping kit containing the skin care product for use while sleeping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Topical skin care products are generally liquid, gel or cream compositions which may be used together with a paper mask or a paper pad to hold the composition on the skin surface. Facial mask is a typical example of a combination of a liquid composition and a paper mask. In general, the facial mask cannot be left on the skin surface for too long as the liquid composition will evaporate and/or be absorbed by the skin which results in a dry mask. The mask may in turn dry the skin and cause irritation to the skin. That is to say, a facial mask cannot be applied for a period over 1 hour or overnight. Moreover, some people may not feel good about the texture of a mixture of liquid and mask. The liquid composition on the mask is usually in excess and may leak out from the mask and cause a mess or hassle. The leakage of the liquid composition also results in waste of the active ingredients.

In some cases, a gel like skin care product may be applied to keep the skin moist overnight without the application of a solid substrate. However, it may be messy if a user tosses and turns during sleep. In such cases a substantial portion of the composition might be lost due to the movement of the head.

Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved skin care product which can be applied for a prolonged period of time and allows a user to use it conveniently while at rest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a skin care product in which the aforesaid shortcomings are mitigated or at least to provide a useful alternative to the trade and public.

The present invention pertains to a wash-durable skin care fabric product. The wash-durable skin care fabric product includes a fabric substrate; and a skin care layer disposed on the fabric substrate, wherein the skin care layer contains microcapsules, and the microcapsules have at least two active ingredients for improving the skin condition of a user, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a skin-hydrating agent, a skin-whitening agent, a skin anti-aging agent, an aromoatherapeutic agent, and a combination thereof; wherein the skin care layer is detachably arranged on the fabric substrate and is to be placed in direct contact with the skin of the user. The skin care layer of the skin care fabric product is to be placed in direct contact with the skin of the user.

In particular, the skin care fabric product is dry to the touch during use. Preferably, the microcapsules on the skin care layer are present in an amount of at least about 50%to about 100%after at least 5 wash cycles, with respect to the amount of microcapsules prior to the wash cycles.

The present invention also provides a sleeping kit containing the wash-durable skin care fabric product.

Furthermore, the present invention pertains to a wash-durable mask having a detachable skin care layer with microcapsules; a wash-durable pillow case or garment containing a detachable skin care layer with microcapsules, wherein the microcapsules contain at least two active ingredients, and the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a skin-hydrating agent, a skin-whitening agent, a skin anti-aging agent, an aromoatherapeutic agent, and a combination thereof.

Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the skin care fabric product is capable of delivering active ingredients in a controlled release manner to promote the skin condition of a user. The shelf life of the active ingredients contained in microcapsules increases as they are encapsulated in the microcapsules to minimize the external environmental effects. As such, the loss of the active ingredients to the surrounding is significantly reduced. In use, the microcapsules rupture when a mechanical pressure is applied or when biodegradation occurs upon contact with the user’s skin surface.

Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that a possible exceptional advantage of the skin care fabric product of the present invention is that it may allow extended use of the skin care fabric product without causing harm to the skin. For example, a user can wear or in contact with the skin care fabric product directly in a prolonged period of time, in particular at rest or at travel. Furthermore, the present invention can be used in dry while promoting the health of the skin. In other words, it is more convenient to use.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all steps and features referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of the steps or features.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an eye mask of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the eye mask of Fig. 1 as seen along the line A--A.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a pillow having a pillow case of the present application.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the pillow of Fig. 3 along the line B--B.

Fig. 5A is a microscopic diagram showing an embodiment of the intact microcapsules attached on the skin care layer of the fabric product of the present application.

Fig. 5B is a microscopic diagram showing an embodiment of ruptured microcapsules on the skin care layer of the fabric product of the present application.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a padding process for affixing microcapsules to a fabric substrate.

Fig. 7 is an embodiment of the eye mask according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an embodiment of the eye mask according to the present invention and its decoration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which the invention belongs.

As used herein, “comprising” means including the following elements but not excluding others. “Essentially consisting of” means that the material consists of the respective element along with usually and unavoidable impurities such as side products and components usually resulting from the respective preparation or method for obtaining the material such as traces of further components or solvents. “Consisting of” means that the material solely consists of, i.e. is formed by the respective element. As used herein, the forms “a, ” “an, ” and “the, ” are intended to include the singular and plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention provides a wash-durable skin care fabric product having a fabric substrate; and a skin care layer disposed on the fabric substrate. The skin care layer includes microcapsules with an active ingredient, preferably at least two active ingredients, for improving the skin condition of a user. In particular, the skin care layer is to be placed in direct contact with the skin of a user in use so as to efficiently release the active ingredient to the user upon contact.

The expression “wash-durable” used herein means that the skin care fabric product can be subject to washing for at least one time. In the present invention, the skin care fabric product is dry in use, i.e. is dry to the touch during use, and can be washed for removing any dirt or undesired contaminants adhered thereon. If the skin care layer of the skin care fabric product is also subject to washing, at least part of the microcapsules remain intact on the skin care layer after washing. In an embodiment, at least about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80% or about 90%to about 100%of microcapsules remain intact on the skin care layer after at least 5 wash cycles, at least 10 wash cycles, at least 15 wash cycles, at least 20 wash cycles, at least 25 wash cycles or at least 30 wash cycles, with respect to the microcapsules present before the first wash cycle.

In particular, about 75%to about 100%of microcapsules may remain intact on the skin care layer after 5 wash cycles, about 50%to about 85%may remain intact on the skin care layer after 10 wash cycles, about 35%to about 70%may remain intact on the skin care layer after 15 wash cycles, about 15%to about 50%may remain intact on the skin care layer after 20 wash cycles, or about 3%to about 30%may remain intact on the skin care layer after 30 wash cycles, with respect to the microcapsules present before the first wash cycle.

One having skill in the art is aware of methods and conditions for determining the amount of microcapsules on the skin care fabric product, for example electronic microscopic quantification may be performed. For instance, 40x, 10x, 400x or 1000x magnification power may be used to determine the amount of microcapsules whose average size is from about 1μm to about 50μm, or from about 1μm to about 25μm.

The determination of the amount of microcapsules whose mean diameter is about 5μm on a 50cm ² sample of the skin care layer includes steps of:

- randomly selecting three spots on the skin care layer for observation under an electronic microscope at 400x magnification power;

- marking the spots so that they can be found again later;

- prior to washing, counting the number of intact microcapsules as shown in the microscopic view of the three spots;

- counting the number of intact microcapsules as shown in the three spots after washing; and

- calculating the percentage of intact microcapsules remain on the skin care layer, with respect to the intact microcapsules present before the first wash cycle.

It is appreciated that the magnification power can be adjusted for better observation of microcapsules and for ease of counting.

Alternatively, an odor tracker may also be applied to the microcapsules such that a user can simply smell and determine whether the microcapsules are still present on the skin care fabric product after washing. The use of an odor tracker provides a simple and straightforward approach for determination of the presence of microcapsules.

“Skin care” as used herein means regulating and/or improving the skin condition. The skin care fabric product provided by the present invention is capable of regulating and/or improving the skin condition of a user, in particular when the skin care layer is in contact with the facial skin of the user for a period of time. The skin care product is dry in use and allows the user to be in contact with it for a prolonged period of time, for example but not exclusively for at least 30 minutes or at least one hour without doing harm to the skin. In an embodiment, a user wears the skin care fabric product as an eye mask at rest or during sleep. It is exceptionally advantageous that no excess liquid will leak out from skin care fabric product and will not make the user feel wet and messy. The active ingredient contained in the microcapsules will be absorbed readily by the skin upon rupture of the microcapsules.

Accordingly, in an embodiment herein the skin care fabric product of the present invention refers to a product containing or made of fibers and can regulate and/or improve the skin condition of the user. For example but not exclusively, the fabric product may be a mask, a garment, a pillow, a pillow case, a decorative accessory, a glove, a sock, a scarf, a towel, or the like.

The fabric substrate used in the present application contains a natural fiber, a synthetic fiber or a combination of the two. In an embodiment herein, the fabric substrate is made of a natural fiber such as silk to provide suitable comfortableness to a user. In another embodiment, the fabric substrate may be made of a synthetic fiber or a combination of the natural fiber and synthetic fiber. In a particular embodiment, the fabric substrate contains a fiber selected from silk, cotton, polyester, nylon, tencel, rayon, wool, cashmere, and a combination thereof; or silk, cotton, wool, cashmere and a combination thereof. Other commercially available natural fibers and synthetic fibers may be applied in the present application to provide a support to the skin care layer.

The skin care layer used herein refers to a layer containing microcapsules disposed on the fabric substrate. In an embodiment herein, this skin care layer may be formed by, for example, spreading, coating, binding on the fabric substrate or impregnating microcapsules into the fabric substrate. In another embodiment, the skin care layer may be a separate fabric layer with a certain thickness to be attached physically directly or indirectly onto the fabric substrate. In a particular embodiment, microcapsules are attached to the fabric substrate by use of a binding agent so as to form a skin care layer directly on the fabric substrate. The binding agent is a substance capable of holding the microcapsules on the fabric substrate. The binding agent used herein may be, for example but not exclusively, acrylic, polyurethane, silicone or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, a skin care layer is prepared by dipping a fabric substance/layer with a certain thickness to a bath containing microcapsules and a binding agent. This separate skin care layer impregnated with microcapsules is then formed and can be detachably attached to the fabric substrate for use.

The microcapsules of the present application encapsulate at least two active ingredients therein for improving the skin condition. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the application of microcapsules can effectively protect the active ingredients from or minimize the effects caused by undesirable external factors such as excess humidity, evaporation, heat, oxidation, ultraviolet light, sunlight, or the like. Accordingly, the shelf-life of the skin care product may be extended compared with the existing skin care products in liquid or cream form.

In the present invention, the microcapsules may have a mean diameter of from about 1 μm to about 25 μm, or from about 2μm to about 15μm, or from about 3 μm to about 10 μm, or from about 5 μm to about 8 μm, or about 5μm. One having skill in the art is aware of methods and conditions to determine the mean diameter and particle size distribution of the microcapsules, for example by laser diffraction methods. In general, the microcapsules include a polymer shell and a cavity holding at least two active ingredients and optionally an excipient. The microcapsules are susceptible to at least one of mechanical pressure or biodegradation to release the active ingredients to the skin of the user. That is to say, the microcapsules can rupture to release the active ingredient when they are being pressed or when they interact with an enzyme, protein or other substance upon contact with a user. In a particular embodiment, the microcapsules are susceptible to enzymatic degradation.

“Active ingredient” used herein refers to a compound or substance which can regulate and/or improve the skin condition upon contact with or being placed near the skin of the user. In an embodiment, the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a skin hydrating agent, a skin whitening agent, a skin anti-aging agent, an aromoatherapeutic agent, and a combination thereof. In an embodiment herein the microcapsule contains at least 2 active ingredients; or from about 2 to about 20 active ingredients; or from about 2 to about 10 active ingredients; or from about 2 to about 4 active ingredients.

A skin hydrating agent, also called a humectant, is a substance capable of binding moisture and it is, in general, hydrophilic and can form hydrogen bonds well with water. The skin-hydrating agent attracts the moisture, for example, from the air nearby by absorption, and may draw water molecules via formation of hydrogen bonds. It may also retain the water molecules in the user’s skin by forming a barrier on the user’s skin to prevent evaporation of moisture therefrom. The skin-hydrating agent of the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glycerin, urea, glyceryl triacetate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetearyl ethylhexanoate, ethylhexyl palmitate, hyaluronic acid and its salts, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, sucrose cocoate, shea butter, silica dimethylsilylate, sorbitan isostearate, ceramides, jojoba derivatives, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii) , d-panthenol (vitamin B5) , phenoxyethanol, methyl paraben, methylchloroisothiazolinone, dimethicone, cyclomethicon, and a combination thereof; or may be selected from the group consisting of glyceryl triacetate, caprylic/capic triglyceride, ethylhexyl palmitate, butylene glycol and a combination thereof; or may be selected from the group consisting of caprylic/capic triglyceride, ethylhexyl palmitate, butylene glycol and a combination thereof.

A skin whitening agent is a compound or substance which can inhibit or reduce the formation of melanin, and/or remove excess pigmentation on the skin. The skin whitening agent may be selected from the group consisting of hydroquinone or its derivate, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, green tea extract, melatonin, azelaic acid, kojic acid (tripeptides) , arbutin, retinoids or retinoic acid, mequinol, niacinamide, licorice, hydroxystilbene, alosein, glutathione, glycolic acid, hydroxyacetic acid or 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, aloesin, monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, soybean extract, corticosteroids, acetyl glucosamine, gentistic acid, tretinoin, alpha-hydroxyacids, salicylic acid, linoleic acid, octadecenediodic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arbutin/deoxyarbutin, pearl powder, retinyl palmitate and a combination thereof; or may be selected from the group consisting of green tea extract, melatonin, glycolic acid, hydroxystilbene, glutathione and a combination thereof.

A skin anti-aging agent refers to a compound or substance which can reduce or diminish the effects of aging. In general, the skin anti-aging agent possesses antioxidant properties and delays skin aging by reducing the formation of free radicals and removing free radicals from a subject. The skin-anti-aging agent may be selected from the group consisting of ubiquinone, caprylic/capric triglyceride, tocopheryl acetate, tocopherol, Vitamin E, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, palmitoyl peptide complex, geranylgeranyl isopropanol, benzyl salicylate, sodium hyaluronate, knotgrass flavonoids, mallow extract, lacto-ceramide, biopeptide, hyaluronic acid, hydroxyl acid, glycoproteins, coenzyme Q10 (with vitamin E &C) , ceramide complex, beta glucan, argireline NP, carrot cell extract, alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) , beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) , glyolic acid, niacinamide, resveratrol, grape seed extract, curcuminoids, acetyl hexapeptide-3, palmitoyl-pentapeptide 3, palmitoyl-tripeptide, palmitoyl-oligopeptide, kojic acid, and a combination thereof; or may be selected from the group consisting of caprylic/capric triglyceride, tocoperyl acetate, tocopherol, palmitoyl tripeptide, geranylgeranyl isopropanol and a combination thereof; or may be selected from the group consisting of tocoperyl acetate, tocopherol, palmitoyl tripeptide, geranylgeranyl isopropanol and a combination thereof.

An aromatherapeutic agent refers to a compound or substance which is rich in or essentially consisting of aromatic molecules and has therapeutic effects on a subject. The aromatherapeutic agent may relieve stress and promote sleep of a subject. It may also soothe skin conditions, relieve respiratory disorders, inhibit growth of bacteria and/or promote wound healing. Essential oils have become the main source of aromatherapeutic agents. Some examples of the aromatherapeutic agent are lavender oil, citronellol, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, lemongrass oil, rose oil, bergamot oil, terpinen-4-ol, clary sage oil, calendula oil, sunflower oil, camellia oil, marula oil, rosehip seed oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil, wild orange oil, grapefruit oil, chamomile oil, cinnamon oil, ginger oil, clary sage oil, melaleuca oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, cypress oil, and tea tree oil; or may be selected from the group consisting of lavender oil, rose oil, terpinen-4-ol, calendula oil and a combination thereof; or may be selected from the group consisting of lavender oil, terpinen-4-ol, calendula oil and a combination thereof.

It is appreciated that other commercially available agents helpful to improve one or more skin conditions may also be applied in the present invention.

In advanced embodiments, the microcapsules may also contain an extract derived from a plant, fungus or algae which can improve the skin condition in a synergistic or additive manner with the above agents. For example but not limited to, the plant or fungus extract may be derived from Prunus armeniaca, rosemary, lavender, Portulaca pilosa, Helianthus annuus, Crambe maritime, Crithmum maritimum, Aspergillus oryzae, glycyrrhiza glabra, bearberry, Phyllantus emblica, alpine plant, Morus alba, Rumex occidentalis, pomegranate, aloe vera, raspberry, grape seed, witch hazel, Calendula officinalis, olive, grapefruit, rosehip seed, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, Persea gratissima, Vitis vinifera, Simmondsia chinensis, soybean, Butyrospermum parkii, carrot, or mallow. The algae extract may be obtained from brown algae, for example but not limited to, Alaria esculenta, Luminaria digitate, Dictyopteris membranace, and Luminaria digitate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the microcapsules contain at least two active ingredients as described above. In a particular embodiment, the microcapsules encapsulate a skin hydrating agent, a skin anti-aging agent, a skin whitening agent and an aromatherapeutic agent. In another embodiment, the microcapsules may contain more than one anti-aging agent, more than one skin hydrating agent and more than one aromatherapeutic agent, a plant extract and an algae extract. Based on the present disclosure, it is appreciated that various combinations of the above described active ingredients are also applicable to the present invention.

Turning to the embodiments, Figs. 1 to 2 show a wash-durable skin care fabric product, in particular an eye mask 100, according to the present invention. The eye mask 100 includes a fabric substrate 102 with an elastic strap 104. The fabric substrate 102 includes nature fibers and in this particular embodiment the fabric substrate 102 essentially consists of silks which provide sufficient flexibility and comfortableness to a user. The elastic strap 104 may be wrapped by silk or other fabric. The eye mask 100 further includes a separate skin care layer 106 detachably attached on the rear side of the fabric substrate 102 such that the skin care layer 106 faces towards the user in use.

The skin care layer 106 is impregnated with microcapsules (see Fig. 5A at 400) that contain at least active ingredients. The microcapsules can release the active ingredients to the user upon actuation such as mechanical stress or biodegradation. The microcapsules in this embodiment can release the active ingredients in a controlled manner for a prolonged period of time, and are susceptible to mechanical stress applied by the user. In other words, when the user wears the eye mask 100 while sleeping, the microcapsules can rupture to release the active ingredients in a slow release manner to provide a continuous delivery of active ingredients to the user’s skin. At the same time, the user will not feel a wet sensation or that the application of the skin care actives is messy.

Fig. 5A shows an intact microcapsule 400 adhering to a fiber 402 before rupture, and Fig. 5B shows a ruptured microcapsule 500 after being subject to mechanical pressure or biodegradation to release the active ingredients. As shown in Fig. 5B, the ruptured microcapsules are found to be present on the fiber 502 despite the release of the active ingredients therefrom.

In this embodiment, the microcapsules have a mean diameter of from about 1 μm to about 25 μm;or from about 2 μm to about 15 μm; or from about 3 μm to about 10 μm; or from about 5μm to about 8μm, or about 5 μm. It is preferred that the microcapsules have a narrow size distribution prior to being affixed to, for example, the fabric substrate, the skin care layer, etc.

The skin care layer 106 may be woven to the fabric substrate 102 or attached to the fabric substrate through an adhesive mechanism. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the skin care layer 106 is detachably attached to the fabric substrate 102 through an adhesive mechanism which is represented by two binding straps 108 provided on the skin care layer. The straps 108 can then adhere to the fabric substrate 102. The adhesive mechanism provides a user-friendly approach for a user to remove the detachable skin care layer from the skin care fabric product when needed. For example, the adhesive mechanism is useful when the microcapsules on the skin care layer are depleted and replacement of a new skin care layer with unbroken microcapsules is required, when the skin care fabric product is subject to washing but the user does not want to wash the skin care layer, or under other scenarios.

In this particular embodiment, the skin care layer 106 can be detached from the fabric substrate 102, and a new piece of skin care layer can be attached thereon. Optionally, the detachable skin care layer 106 can be removed from the fabric substrate 102 before washing.

Alternative adhesive mechanisms may include but not exclusively a button, a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener system, a magnetic fastener system, etc. In an embodiment, the skin care layer is detachably arranged on the fabric substrate through a magnetic fastener system. The magnetic fastener system comprises one or more magnetic elements on the fabric substrate and/or the skin care layer. One having skill in the art would appreciate how to arrange the adhesive mechanism to physically hold the skin care layer directly or indirectly on the fabric substrate. Other possible adhesive mechanism can also be applied in the present invention to achieve the effect as disclosed herein.

In an alternative embodiment, the skin care layer may be woven or otherwise permanently-attached to the fabric substrate so as to form a single piece of fabric product.

Optionally, the elastic strap 104 may be adjustable by incorporating a strap adjusting mechanism in the eye mask 100. For example, the elastic strap 104 may have one end woven to the fabric substrate 102 and another end being detachably attached to the fabric substrate 102 via a

strap adjusting mechanism

110, 112. The strap adjusting mechanism includes a number of holes 112 at the detachable end of the elastic strap 104 and a button 110 provided on the fabric substrate 102 which is to be fitted to the hole on the elastic strap according to the desired length of the user. It thus provides a user-friendly eye mask for a user to adjust according to his/her need under different condition such as at home or at travel.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show another embodiment of the wash-durable skin care fabric product, in particular a pillow 300. The pillow 300 has a pillow case 302 covering a soft stuffing 304. The soft stuffing 304 may be rubbers, fibers, an air cushion or the like. The pillow case 302 is a fabric substrate coated with a skin care layer on its surface facing outwards. The skin care layer includes microcapsules as described above. During sleep, the microcapsules on the pillow 300 rupture because of the pressure made by the user and release active ingredients. Thus, it allows the skin to easily uptake the active ingredient from the pillow without presence of excess liquid. And the microcapsules may slowly release the active ingredient for a prolonged period of time.

The present invention also includes a method of preparing the skin care fabric product. In particular, the method includes preparing microcapsules containing the active ingredient; disposing the microcapsules on a fabric substance/layer or on a fabric substrate to form a skin care layer; and optionally attaching the skin care layer to the fabric substrate.

In an embodiment herein, the microcapsules useful are prepared by in situ polymerization having the following steps:

i) preparing a mixture containing polymer precursors by dissolving a first monomer and a second monomer in an aqueous solution at a pH value of about 7 to 10, and optionally heating the mixture at a temperature above 50℃;

ii) subjecting the mixture of polymer precursors to a mixture containing an active ingredient;

iii) adding a surfactant to the mixture in step ii) and stirring thoroughly;

iv) activating the polymer precursors in the mixture of iii) to undergo polymerization;

v) optionally adding a scavenger to remove excess reactants from the resultant mixture;

vi) filtering the microcapsules and optionally washing the microcapsules to remove impurities.

“Polymer precursor” , which also called pre-polymer, as used herein refers to monomers which have been activated to an intermediate molecular mass state and can be subject to further polymerization to form a fully cured polymer with a high molecular mass state. In an embodiment of this invention, amino polymer precursors are prepared by dissolving the first and second monomers in an aqueous solution. The pH of the aqueous solution is increased to promote the formation of the intermediate molecular mass state.

In step (iv) , after mixing with the active ingredient, the pH of the mixture is adjusted to be less than 7 so as to promote the polymerization of the intermediate molecular mass state to form a polymer with a high molecular mass state. The low pH also enhances the formation of the microcapsules with a smaller particle size. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the low pH value may reduce the surface tension of the continuous phase leading to an enhanced emulsification between the monomers and thus the microcapsules formed may have a narrow size distribution and smaller mean diameter.

A scavenger can be added to remove the excess reactants such as monomers form the resultant mixture in step (v) . In one embodiment, formaldehyde is used as the first monomer and melamine is used as the second monomer to form melamine resins. A formaldehyde scavenger can be applied to remove the excess, unreacted formaldehyde in step (v) . The formaldehyde scavenger may be primary, secondary, or tertiary amine, ammonia, glycine, urea, ethylene urea, ethyl acetoacetate or sodium bisuphite acetoacetamide. Alcohol such as methanol and ethanol can also be used to remove other excess, unreacted reactants.

Subsequently, processes such as coating, padding and spraying can be applied to attach the microcapsules on a fabric substance/layer or on a fabric substrate to form the skin care layer. In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 6, the microcapsules are provided in a liquid bath 600 containing a binding agent. The binding agent may be acrylic, polyurethane, silicone or the like to bind and fix the microcapsules to the fabric layer or fabric substrate 602. The binding agent is capable of holding at least about 50%to about 100%; or about 60%to about 100%; or about 75%to about 100%; or about 90%to about 100%of the microcapsules on the skin care fabric product during a wash cycle. The fabric layer or the fabric substrate 602 is then placed in the liquid bath 600 through an impregnation unit 604 to take up the microcapsules. After that, the fabric layer or the fabric substrate 602 is subject to a padding process and/or a curing process though a mangler 606 and a stenter 608 to cure and affix the microcapsules to the fabric layer or the fabric substrate 602. One having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that machines generally used in textile industry are applicable to the present invention to obtain the skin care layer with microcapsules. For example, stenter used herein is a common machine used for stretching the fibers and heat-setting the fibers. Optionally, a washing step and drying step may be performed to remove excess reactants.

The present invention further pertains to a method of applying a wash-durable skin care fabric product. The method includes

-placing the skin care fabric product on a user, wherein the skin care layer is to be placed in direct contact with the skin of the user for at least about 15 minutes; or from about 15 minutes to about 22 hours; or from about 30 minutes to about 20 hours; or from about 1 hour to about 16 hours; or from about 2 hours to about 12 hours; or about 3 hours to about 11 hours; or from about 4 hours to about 10 hours; or from about 15 minutes to about 3 hours; or from about 25 minutes to about 2 hours; or from about 30 minutes to about 1.5 hours;

-washing the skin care fabric product when the skin care fabric product has dirt or contaminant thereon for at least one wash cycle, wherein at least about 50%; or 50%to 100%; or 60%to 100%; or 75%to 100%; or 90%to 100%of the microcapsules remain on the skin care layer after the wash cycle with respect to the amount of the microcapsules present prior to the wash cycle.

As described above, the skin care fabric product may be subject to at least 5 wash cycles, at least 10 wash cycles, at least 15 wash cycles, at least 20 wash cycles, at least 25 wash cycles or at least 30 wash cycles, and at least about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%or about 90%to about 100%of microcapsules are found to remain intact on the skin care layer after the wash cycles, with respect to the amount of the microcapsules present before the first wash cycle. In particular, about 75%to about 100%of microcapsules may remain intact on the skin care layer after 5 wash cycles, about 50%to about 85%may remain intact on the skin care layer after 10 wash cycles, about 35%to about 70%may remain intact on the skin care layer after 15 wash cycles, about 15%to about 50%may remain intact on the skin care layer after 20 wash cycles, or about 3%to about 30%may remain intact on the skin care layer after 30 wash cycles, with respect to the microcapsules present before the first wash cycle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the skin care fabric product is placed on the user in a dry state without using any adhesive agent in liquid or cream form. In other words, no excess liquid or cream will leak out from the skin care fabric product.

It is appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modification may be made to the invention as described in the above specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Example 1A

Formulations of active ingredients

Table 1 lists three formulations that are prepared to regulate and/or improve the skin condition of a user through different approaches, in particular the first one focuses on anti-aging, the second one focuses on moisturizing the skin, and the last one focuses on revitalizing the skin conditions.

Table 1

Example 1B

Preparation of Formulation 1

Formulation 1 as listed above is prepared based on the following composition:

Example 2

Preparation of microcapsules

An interfacial polymerization method is used to prepare microcapsules. Hydrogen formaldehyde, melamine and water are mixed thoroughly to form an aqueous solution (A) . In order to ensure complete dissolution, the pH value of solution A is adjusted to 8.5-9.0 and the temperature is adjusted to 70-80 ℃.

Active ingredients as described in the formulations of Example 1 and an emulsifying agent are mixed in an organic solvent dichloromethane to form an organic solution (B) . The solution B is mixed with solution (A) in a homogenizer at a speed of 3000-4000 rpm. During the mixing, water is gradually added to the mixture to trigger microencapsulation at the interface of two phrases, i.e. between the organic phase and the aqueous phase. Methanol and formaldehyde scavengers are added to the resultant mixture to remove any excess unreacted formaldehyde.

Example 3

Padding process

Microcapsules obtained in Example 1 are introduced into a bath solution. The concentration of the microcapsules in the bath solution is approximately 70-90 g/l. The bath solution also includes 50g/l binding agent, 20g/l softener, and 2g/l wetting agent. A fabric is inserted to the bath solution and it enters the padder/squeezing cylinders. The minimum pick-up ratio of the bath solution is 80-90%. The microcapsules are then homogenously distributed on the fabric to form a skin care layer. The pick-up ratio (%) of the bath solution is the percentage ratio of the mass of bath solution taken by the fabric to the mass of dry fabric as per the following formula:

The mass is measured in g/m ². Accordingly, the mass of microcapsules picked up by the fabric can be calculated based on the following equation:

Mass percentage of microcapsules on the fabric w/w= mass of the dry fabric kg×pickup ratio (%) ×concentration of microcapsules in the bath solution

In this example, when the concentration of microcapsules in the bath solution is 70g/l and the pickup ratio is 85%, the mass percentage of microcapsules per 1 square meter fabric (w/w) is calculated by 1kg dry fabric x 85%x 70/1000 = 5.95%w/w.

Finally, in this example the fabric goes through the stenter. The microcapsules are affixed to the fabric by a thermo-fixing process at about 160 ℃ and the speed of the drying machine is set at about 10m/min to provide a drying time of about 3 min at about 160 ℃. As a result, a skin care layer containing microcapsules is formed.

Example 4

Manufacturing a facial mask

The skin care layer impregnated with microcapsules in Example 3 is woven and cut in a form of a facial mask. A hook component of a hook-and-loop fastener is arranged on one side of the skin care layer. A fabric substrate made of silks, embedding cotton therein, is prepared in a form of a facial mask similar to the skin care layer and has a linear fastening strip on its surface to be coupled with the hook component on the skin care layer. Then, the skin care layer is attached to the fabric substrate via the hook-and-loop fastener to form a facial mask of the present invention.

In addition, an elastic strap is connected to the facial mask. A user can easily wear the facial mask in aid of the elastic strap and at the same time the elastic strap holds the facial mask firmly on the user’s face. The microcapsules affixed to the skin care layer may rupture to release the active ingredients upon contact with the skin of the user while sleeping.

Figs. 7 and 8 respectively demonstrating an eye mask in one embodiment of the present invention in the presence or absence of a decorative element such as a bow.

Claims

A wash-durable skin care fabric product comprising:

- a fabric substrate; and

- a skin care layer detachably arranged on the fabric substrate, wherein the skin care layer comprises microcapsules, and the microcapsules comprise at least two active ingredients for improving the skin condition of a user, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a skin-hydrating agent, a skin-whitening agent, a skin anti-aging agent, an aromoatherapeutic agent, and a combination thereof;

wherein the skin care layer is to be placed in direct contact with the skin of the user.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to claim 1, that is dry to the touch during use.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the microcapsules are susceptible to at least one of mechanical pressure or biodegradation to release the active ingredient to the skin of the user.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fabric substrate comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combination thereof.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to claim 4, wherein the fabric substrate is made of natural fibers or synthetic fibers.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the microcapsules are susceptible to enzymatic degradation.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the microcapsules have a mean diameter of from about 1 μm to about 25 μm.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to claim any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the skin care layer is detachably arranged on the fabric substrate through a magnetic fastener system.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least 50%of the microcapsules are present on the skin care layer after at least 5 wash cycles, with respect to the amount of the microcapsules present prior to washing.
The wash-durable skin care fabric product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fabric product is a mask, a pillow case or a garment.
A sleeping kit comprising the wash-durable skin care fabric product according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
A wash-durable mask comprising:

- a fabric substrate; and

- a skin care layer detachably arranged on the fabric substrate, wherein the skin care layer comprises microcapsules, and the microcapsules comprises at least two active ingredients for improving the skin condition of a user, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a skin-hydrating agent, a skin-whitening agent, a skin anti-aging agent, an aromoatherapeutic agent, and a combination thereof.
A wash-durable pillow case comprising:

- a fabric substrate comprising silks; and

- a skin care layer detachably arranged on the fabric substrate, wherein the skin care layer comprises microcapsules, and the microcapsules comprises at least two active ingredients for improving the skin condition of a user, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a skin-hydrating agent, a skin-whitening agent, a skin anti-aging agent, an aromoatherapeutic agent, and a combination thereof.
A wash-durable garment comprising:

- a fabric substrate made of natural fibers or synthetic fibers; and

- a skin care layer detachably arranged on the fabric substrate, wherein the skin care layer comprises microcapsules, and the microcapsules comprises at least two active ingredients for improving the skin condition of a user, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a skin-hydrating agent, a skin-whitening agent, a skin anti-aging agent, an aromoatherapeutic agent, and a combination thereof;

wherein the skin care layer is to be placed in direct contact with the skin of the user.
A method of applying the wash-durable skin care fabric product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:

- placing the skin care fabric product on a user, wherein the skin care layer is to be placed in direct contact with the skin of the user for at least about 15 minutes;

- washing the skin care fabric product when the skin care fabric product has dirt or contaminant thereon for at least one wash cycle, wherein at least about 50%of the microcapsules remain on the skin care layer after the wash cycle with respect to the amount of the microcapsules present prior to the first wash cycle.
The method according to claim 15, wherein the skin care fabric product is subject to at least 5 wash cycles.
The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the skin care layer is to be placed in direct contact with the skin of the user for about 30 minutes to about 20 hours.
The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the skin care fabric product is placed on the user in a dry state without using any adhesive agent in liquid or cream form.