WO2018219972A1

WO2018219972A1 - Cosmetic composition in aqueous gel form comprising gellan gum

Info

Publication number: WO2018219972A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/064112
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hideyuki Yamaki; Tomomi Kuromiya; Chikako Ichikawa; Hisao Ito
Original assignee: Chanel Parfums Beaute
Priority date: 2017-05-30
Filing date: 2018-05-29
Publication date: 2018-12-06
Also published as: JP2018203620A

Abstract

It is intended to provide a cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form that can be redissolved at a temperature of lower than 100°C after temporal gelation, packed into a container, and then gelated again in the container. [Solution] The present invention provides a cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form comprising (A) gellan gum, (B) a salt capable of producing a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion and a potassium ion in an aqueous solution, and (C) an aqueous medium, wherein the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0% by mass, the mass ratio of the component (B) to the component (C) is in the range of 20 mM to 80 mM, and the cosmetic composition has thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C.

Description

COSMETIC COMPOSITION IN AQUEOUS GEL FORM COMPRISING GELLAN GUM

[Technical Field]

[0001]

The present invention relates to a cosmetic

composition in an aqueous gel form having

thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C.

[Background Art]

[0002]

Gellan gum is a microbial polysaccharide that is produced by Sphingomonas elodea 60 isolated from

waterweeds of the genus Elodea, and is known to be gelated through reaction with a cation. Also, the gel of gellan gum is known to differ in thermal behaviors such as thermoreversibility depending on the type of the cation (Non Patent Literature 1) .

Gellan gum is routinely used as a gelling agent for food products. Since the gel of gellan gum is excellent in transparency, use thereof has also been studied in the cosmetic field in recent years.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004- 292375 (Patent Literature 1) has proposed an aqueous solid cosmetic comprising gellan gum, a cation, water, glycerin, and a powder. This literature states that a divalent cation is preferred because a small amount of the divalent cation can enhance the hardness of the aqueous solid cosmetic.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-251956 (Patent Literature 2) states that a solid compact powder cosmetic is obtained by solidifying or jellifying a paste

comprising a thermoreversible polysaccharide, a

moisturizer, a skin softener, and a powder phase, and then removing water therefrom by heat treatment.

Examples of this literature state that a paste is

obtained using gellan gum as an example of the

thermoreversible polysaccharide, and the paste is then gelated by the addition of calcium chloride.

The cosmetics described in these literatures utilize gellan gum as a gelling agent. However, none of the literatures have paid attention to the exploitation of thermoreversibility possessed by the gel of gellan gum.

[Citation List]

[Patent Literature]

[0003]

[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004- 292375

[Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011- 251956

[Non Patent Literature] [0004]

[ on Patent Literature 1] New Food Industry 1998, Vol. 40, No. 5, p. 51-66

[Summary of Invention]

[Technical Problem]

[0005]

Produced cosmetic preparations are generally packed into containers after being subjected to various quality verifications. In consideration of this series of steps, it is desirable that a temporarily gelated cosmetic preparation should be able to be redissolved at a

temperature of lower than 100°C, packed into a container, and then gelated again in the container.

Under these circumstances, there is a demand for the provision of a cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form having thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C.

[Solution to Problem]

[0006]

The present inventors have conducted diligent

studies to solve the problems described above and

consequently completed the present invention by finding that a composition in an aqueous gel form comprising, as a gelling agent, gellan gum and a salt capable of

producing a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion and a potassium ion in an aqueous solution has thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C.

[0007]

Specifically, the present invention relates to a cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form and a method for producing the same as given below. The present invention also relates to a method for packing a cosmetic composition into a container, comprising temporarily producing a cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form, then solating the cosmetic composition at a temperature of lower than 100°C, and packing the resulting cosmetic composition into the container, followed by gelation again in the container.

[0008]

[1] A cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form comprising

(A) gellan gum,

(B) a salt capable of producing a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion and a potassium ion in an aqueous solution, and

(C) an aqueous medium, wherein

the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0% by mass, the mass ratio of the component (B) to the component (C) is in the range of 20 mM to 80 mM, and the cosmetic composition has thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C. [2] The cosmetic composition according to [1], wherein the gellan gum is low acyl gellan gum.

[3] The cosmetic composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium sulfate, and potassium sorbate.

[4] The cosmetic composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the cosmetic composition has a sol-gel transition temperature in the range of 50°C to 90°C.

[5] The cosmetic composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the cosmetic composition comprises a gel obtained by dissolving the component (A) in the component (C) by heating and then cooling the solution in the presence of the component (B) .

[6] The cosmetic composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the cosmetic composition is in the form of an O/W emulsion.

[7] The cosmetic composition according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the cosmetic composition is intended for skin care or makeup.

[8] A cosmetic method for skin care or makeup,

comprising applying a cosmetic composition according to any one of [1] to [7] to the skin.

[9] A method for producing a cosmetic composition according to any one of [1] to [7], comprising the steps of: (a) dissolving gellan gum and a salt in an aqueous medium by heating to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture, the salt being capable of producing a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion and a potassium ion in an aqueous solution; and

(b) cooling the aqueous-phase mixture obtained in the step (a) to form a gel.

[10] A method for packing a cosmetic composition into a container, comprising producing a cosmetic composition according to any one of [1] to [7], then solating the cosmetic composition at a temperature of lower than 100°C, and packing the resulting cosmetic composition into the container, followed by gelation again in the container.

[Advantageous Effects of Invention]

[0009]

According to the present invention, a cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form having

thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C is obtained. The present invention also provides a novel method for packing a cosmetic composition into a

container, comprising producing a cosmetic composition, then solating the cosmetic composition at a temperature of lower than 100°C, and packing the resulting cosmetic composition into the container, followed by gelation again in the container. [Description of Embodiments]

[0010]

Hereinafter, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention and a method for producing the same, a method for packing a cosmetic composition into a container, etc. will be described in detail .

[0011]

1. Cosmetic composition in aqueous gel form

A feature of the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention is to comprise

(A) gellan gum,

(C) an aqueous medium

at a predetermined quantitative ratio.

[0012]

In the present invention, a cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form having thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C can be obtained by combining gellan gum (component (A) ) , a salt capable of producing a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion and a potassium ion in an aqueous solution (component (B) ) , and an aqueous medium (component (C) ) at a predetermined quantitative ratio. Gellan gum is excellent in transparency and safety and furthermore, can efficiently yield a substance in a gel form lacking flowability, at a low concentration. Therefore, in the present invention, gellan gum can be used as a gelling agent to thereby obtain the desired preparation in an aqueous gel form while suppressing influence, such as stickiness, on feeling after use.

Since the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention has thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C, the produced cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form can be subjected to various quality verifications, then dissolved, packed into a container, and gelated again in the container. Therefore, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention can have advantageous properties in a series of production steps for general cosmetic preparations.

[0013]

The gellan gum (component (A) ) used in the present invention is classified into low acyl gellan gum obtained by deacetylation and high acyl gellan gum in which an acetyl group and a glyceryl group remain. The low acyl gellan gum and the high acyl gellan gum have structures represented by the following formulas:

[Formula 1] low acyl gella n gum

high acyl gella n gum

In the formulas, M represents a metal cation, and n represents 200 to 3000.

[0014]

Among them, low acyl gellan gum is preferably used in the present invention from the viewpoint of

flowability that produces lower viscosity by heating.

The weight-average molecular weight of the gellan gum used in the present invention is preferably 100000 to 2000000, more preferably 200000 to 1000000. In this context, the "weight-average molecular weight" refers to a value based on polystyrene in GPC (gel permeation chromatography) .

[0015]

The salt capable of producing a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion and a potassium ion in an aqueous solution (component (B) ) used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the salt is capable of producing a sodium ion and/or a potassium ion in an aqueous solution. Preferred examples of the salt used in the present invention include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium sulfate, and potassium sorbate. These salts may be used each alone or may be used in

combination of two or more thereof.

[0016]

The aqueous medium (component (C) ) used in the present invention includes water, a water-soluble organic solvent, or a mixture thereof.

Preferred examples of the water-soluble organic solvent include, but are not particularly limited to, water-soluble organic solvents routinely used in

cosmetics. Examples thereof include: lower alcohols (preferably alcohols each having 1 to 5 carbon atoms) such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol ; and polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, isoprene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene methyl glucoside, glycerin, and diglycerin. These water-soluble organic solvents may be used each alone or may be used in combination of two or more thereof.

[0017] The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention comprises a gel obtained by

dissolving the component (A) in the component (C) by heating and then cooling the solution in the presence of the component (B) .

In the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention, the mass ratio of the component

(A) to the component (C) is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0% by mass. The mass ratio is preferably 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, further preferably 0.4% by mass or more, and is preferably 0.8% by mass or less, more preferably 0.7% by mass or less, further preferably 0.6% by mass or less.

(B) to the component (C) is in the range of 20 mM to 80 mM. The mass ratio is preferably 25 mM or more, more preferably 30 mM or more, and is preferably 70 mM or less, more preferably 60 mM or less.

In the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention, the contents of the components

(A) and (B) can be appropriately selected according to effects and texture required for various cosmetic

preparations .

[0018]

When the mass ratios of the components (A) and (B) to the component (C) fall within the ranges described above, the obtained substance in a gel form can have thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C and can have the desired hardness.

In the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention, the content of the component

(C) differs largely depending on a dosage form and is usually preferably 20% by mass or larger, more preferably 30% by mass or larger, further preferably 40% by mass or larger, with respect to the total mass of the composition. The upper limit of the content of the component (C) may be nearly 100% by mass and can be appropriately adjusted in the range of smaller than 100% by mass.

[0019]

When the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention is in a gelated state, the hardness at 20°C of the cosmetic composition in an

aqueous gel form of the present invention is preferably in the range of 20 g to 400 g. The hardness is more preferably 50 g or larger, further preferably 80 g or larger, and is more preferably 300 g or smaller, further preferably 200 g or smaller. The hardness is hardness measured using FUDOH RHEO METER (RTC-3002D) manufactured by Rheotech Co., Ltd.

[0020]

The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention has thermoreversibility at a

temperature of lower than 100°C. This temperature of lower than 100°C is advantageous in that the temperature does not require special production facilities and also requires no large energy. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic

composition in an aqueous gel form of the present

invention has a sol-gel transition temperature in the range of 50°C to 90°C. The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention having a sol- gel transition temperature in this range can secure workability while maintaining the stability of a product. The sol-gel transition temperature is more preferably in the range of 60°C to 80°C, further preferably in the range of 65°C to 75°C.

[0021]

As described above, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention comprises the components (A) , (B) , and (C) at a predetermined

quantitative ratio and can thereby have

thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C. A gelling agent other than gellan gum, or a divalent cation contained in an amount exceeding a predetermined amount may become a factor inhibiting thermoreversibility. Therefore, the mass ratio of the gelling agent other than gellan gum contained in the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention to the

component (C) is preferably less than 0.5% by mass, more preferably less than 0.4% by mass, further preferably less than 0.3% by mass. Combined use with a small amount of a gelling agent (polymer component such as a

thickener) may be preferred for adjusting the texture of the composition or improving the stability of a

preparation .

The mass ratio of a salt capable of producing the divalent cation in an aqueous solution to the component

(C) is preferably less than 50 mM, more preferably less than 30 mM, further preferably less than 20 mM.

Particularly preferably, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention is

substantially free from this salt.

[0022]

The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention can be used for skin care or makeup, and its product form can be selected according to a purpose or application. Examples of the product form of the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention include: facial cosmetics such as face washes, lotions, serums, emulsions, creams, and facial masks; makeup cosmetics such as foundations, lipsticks, and eye shadows; body cosmetics; aromatic cosmetics; and body washes.

[0023]

The dosage form of the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention is not

particularly limited as long as an aqueous phase constitutes a continuous phase. Examples thereof include cosmetic compositions in a water-based gel form and cosmetic compositions in an O/W emulsion gel form. In these dosage forms, a powder or the like that is not dissolved in a continuous phase or a disperse phase may be dispersed.

[0024]

(1) Cosmetic composition in water-based gel form

The cosmetic composition in a water-based gel form is a composition that contains various components in an aqueous phase and is free from an oil phase.

The aqueous medium (component (C) ) constituting the aqueous phase includes water, a water-soluble organic solvent, or a mixture thereof. Specific examples of the water-soluble organic solvent can include the same as those listed in the component (C) .

The various components contained in the cosmetic composition in a water-based gel form are not

particularly limited as long as the components are used in cosmetics. These components can be appropriately selected according to the intended application, etc. In the cosmetic composition in a water-based gel form, the various components may be dissolved or may be dispersed.

Examples of the cosmetic composition in a water- based gel form include eye shadows in a water-based gel form, moisturizing serums in a water-based gel form, foundations in a water-based gel form, concealers in a water-based gel form, and sunscreens in a water-based gel form.

[0025]

Examples of components contained in the eye shadow in a water-based gel form include various powders, a thickener, a film-forming agent, a moisturizer, and a surfactant, in addition to the components (A) , (B) , and (C) .

The content of the component (A) contained in the eye shadow in a water-based gel form is preferably 0.1% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.3% by mass to 0.8% by mass, in terms of a mass ratio to the component (C) . The content of the component (B) is preferably 20 mM to 80 mM, more preferably 30 mM to 70 mM, in terms of a mass ratio to the component (C) . The content of the component (C) is preferably 50 to 95% by mass, more preferably 70 to 90% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the powder is preferably 2% by mass to 40% by mass, more preferably 3% by mass to 30% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the thickener is preferably 0.01% by mass to 0.5% by mass, more preferably 0.02% by mass to 0.3% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition .

[0026] <Moisturizing serum in water-based gel form>

Examples of components contained in the moisturizing serum in a water-based gel form include a surfactant, a thickener, various powders, a fragrance, and a

moisturizer, in addition to the components (A) , (B) , and (C) .

The content of the component (A) contained in the moisturizing serum in a water-based gel form is

preferably 0.1% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.3% by mass to 0.8% by mass, in terms of a mass ratio to the component (C) . The content of the component (B) is preferably 20 mM to 80 mM, more preferably 30 mM to 70 mM, in terms of a mass ratio to the component (C) . The content of the component (C) is preferably 50% by mass to 98% by mass, more preferably 70% by mass to 95% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.1% by mass to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.2% by mass to 5% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the

composition .

The content of the powder is preferably 1% by mass to 15% by mass, more preferably 3% by mass to 10% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition. The content of the fragrance can be appropriately determined according to a purpose.

[0027]

(2) Cosmetic composition in O/W emulsion gel form

The cosmetic composition in an O/W emulsion gel form is a composition in which an oil phase is dispersed in a continuous phase consisting of an aqueous phase, and contains various arbitrary components in the aqueous phase and the oil phase, respectively.

In the cosmetic composition in an O/W emulsion gel form, examples of an oil agent constituting the oil phase include natural oils, hydrocarbon oils, ester oils, higher alcohols, fatty acids, and silicone oils.

[0028]

Examples of the natural oils include avocado oil, camellia oil, turtle oil, macadamia nut oil, corn oil, mink oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, egg yolk oil, sesame oil, persic oil, wheat germ oil, sasanqua oil, castor oil, flax seed oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, perilla oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, tea oil, Torreya seed oil, rice bran oil, Chinese tung oil, Japanese tung oil, jojoba oil, jojoba seed oil, rice germ oil, meadowfoam oil, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and fatty acids such as linoleic acid, linolenic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, isostearic acid, hydrogenated coconut fatty acid, and

(capryl/caprylic acid) coconut alkyl.

[0029] Examples of the hydrocarbon oils include paraffins as alkanes (undecane, tridecane, light paraffin, and liquid paraffin) , isoparaffins (isodecane, isododecane, isohexadecane, light isoparaffin, and hydrogenated polyisobutene) , hydrogenated polydecene, squalane, pristane, squalene, cycloparaffin, and coconut alkanes.

[0030]

Examples of the ester oils include isononyl

isononanoate, isodecyl isononanoate, isotridecyl

isononanoate, ethylhexyl isononanoate, neopentyl glycol diisononanoate, tricyclodecanemethyl isononanoate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, hexyldecyl ethylhexanoate, neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate, trimethylolpropane

triethylhexanoate, isostearyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, trimethylolpropane triethylhexanoate,

trimethylolpropane triisostearate, glyceryl tri-2- ethylhexanoate ( triethylhexanoin) , pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, isostearyl myristate, isopropyl myristate, isotridecyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, isocetyl myristate, dihexyldecyl myristate, diethyl sebacate, diethylhexyl sebacate, diisopropyl sebacate, diisopropyl adipate, diisobutyl adipate, dihexyldecyl adipate, isodecyl neopentanoate, hexyl laurate, distearyl malate, isocetyl stearate, butyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate, hexyldecyl dimethyloctanoate, decyl oleate, octyldodecyl erucate, isobutyl isostearate, isocetyl isostearate, ethyl isostearate, isopropyl isostearate, hexyldecyl isostearate, isostearyl isostearate, glyceryl tri (caprylate/caprate) , glyceryl tricaprylate,

diethylhexyl succinate, bisethoxy diglycol succinate, neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate, and isostearyl neopentanoate .

[0031]

The higher alcohols each preferably have 22 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms.

Examples thereof include isostearyl alcohol, octyl

dodecanol, oleyl alcohol, decyl tetradecanol , and hexyl decanol .

The fatty acids each preferably have 22 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 20 carbon atoms.

Examples thereof include oleic acid, isostearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and hydrogenated coconut fatty acid.

[0032]

Examples of the silicone oils include: chain-like polysiloxanes such as dimethicone (dimethylpolysiloxane) , methyl trimethicone, caprylyl methicone, phenyl

trimethicone, methylphenylpolysiloxane, and

diphenylpolysiloxane ; and cyclic polysiloxanes such as octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane,

decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and

dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane .

[0033] In the cosmetic composition in an O/W emulsion gel form, the same as that listed in the cosmetic composition in a water-based gel form can be used as the aqueous medium (component (C) ) constituting the aqueous phase.

[0034]

The cosmetic composition in an O/W emulsion gel form preferably contains a surfactant in order to stabilize the O/W emulsion. Examples of the surfactant include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, lipophilic nonionic surfactants, hydrophilic nonionic surfactants, and silicone surfactants.

In the cosmetic composition in an O/W emulsion gel form, the various components may be dissolved or may be dispersed, and are contained in the oil phase, in the aqueous phase, or at the interface according to their properties .

Examples of the cosmetic composition in an O/W emulsion gel form include foundations in an O/W emulsion gel form, eye shadows in an O/W emulsion gel form, sunscreens in an O/W emulsion gel form, moisturizing creams in an O/W emulsion gel form, concealers in an O/W emulsion gel form, and lipsticks in an O/W emulsion gel form.

[0035]

Examples of components contained in the foundation in an O/W emulsion gel form include a thickener, various powders (including an inorganic sun protectant) , an organic sun protectant, a surfactant, a film-forming agent, and a moisturizer, in addition to the components

(A) , (B) , and (C) .

The content of the component (A) contained in the foundation in an O/W emulsion gel form is preferably 0.1% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.3% by mass to 0.8% by mass, in terms of a mass ratio to the component

(C) . The content of the component (B) is preferably 20 mM to 80 mM, more preferably 30 mM to 70 mM, in terms of a mass ratio to the component (C) . The content of the component (C) is preferably 30% by mass to 80% by mass, more preferably 35% by mass to 70% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the powder is preferably 3% by mass to 40% by mass, more preferably 5% by mass to 30% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the organic sun protectant can be appropriately determined according to a purpose.

The content of the oil agent is preferably 5% by mass to 40% by mass, more preferably 10% by mass to 30% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the

composition . The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.5% by mass to 10% by mass, more preferably 1% by mass to 5% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

[0036]

Examples of components contained in the eye shadow in an O/W emulsion gel form include a thickener, various powders (including an inorganic sun protectant) , an organic sun protectant, a moisturizer, a surfactant, and a film-forming agent, in addition to the components (A) ,

(B) , and (C) .

The content of the component (A) contained in the eye shadow in an O/W emulsion gel form is preferably 0.1% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.3% by mass to 0.8% by mass, in terms of a mass ratio to the component

(C) . The content of the component (B) is preferably 20 mM to 80 mM, more preferably 30 mM to 70 mM, in terms of a mass ratio to the component (C) . The content of the component (C) is preferably 30% by mass to 95% by mass, more preferably 50% by mass to 90% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the thickener is preferably 0.01% by mass to 0.5% by mass, more preferably 0.02% by mass to 0.3% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition . The content of the powder is preferably 3% by mass to 40% by mass, more preferably 5% by mass to 30% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The contents of the organic sun protectant and the moisturizer can be appropriately determined according to a purpose.

The content of the oil agent is preferably 3% by mass to 40% by mass, more preferably 6% by mass to 30% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.5% by mass to 10% by mass, more preferably 1% by mass to 5% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

[0037]

Examples of components contained in the sunscreen in an O/W emulsion gel form include a thickener, various powders (including an inorganic sun protectant) , an organic sun protectant, a moisturizer, a surfactant, and a film-forming agent, in addition to the components (A) ,

(B) , and (C) .

The content of the component (A) contained in the sunscreen in an O/W emulsion gel form is preferably 0.1% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.3% by mass to 0.8% by mass, in terms of a mass ratio to the component

The content of the powder is preferably 1% by mass to 40% by mass, more preferably 2% by mass to 30% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the organic sun protectant is

preferably 0 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0 to 20% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

The content of the moisturizer can be appropriately determined according to a purpose.

Only one of the inorganic sun protectant and the organic sun protectant may be used, or both of the sun protectants may be used in combination.

[0038]

<Moisturizing cream in O/W emulsion gel form> Examples of components contained in the moisturizing cream in an O/W emulsion gel form include a thickener, a moisturizer, a surfactant, powders (including an

inorganic sun protectant) , and an organic sun protectant, in addition to the components (A) , (B) , and (C) .

The content of the component (A) contained in the moisturizing cream in an O/W emulsion gel form is

preferably 0.1% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.3% by mass to 0.8% by mass, in terms of a mass ratio to the component (C) . The content of the component (B) is preferably 20 mM to 80 mM, more preferably 30 mM to 70 mM, in terms of a mass ratio to the component (C) . The content of the component (C) is preferably 30% by mass to 95% by mass, more preferably 50% by mass to 90% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the composition.

[0039] The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention can optionally comprise, if desired, various components that may be added to cosmetics,

without impairing the object and effects of the present invention .

[0040]

Examples of the optional components that can be used in the present invention include a powder, a surfactant, a solid oil/fat, a wax, a silicone elastomer, a

dispersing agent, a co-surfactant, a coating agent, a thickener, a gelatinization agent, an inorganic mineral, a metal sequestering agent, a polyhydric alcohol, a monosaccharide, an oligosaccharide, an amino acid, an organic amine, a polymer emulsion, a vitamin, an

antioxidant, an antioxidant aid, a moisturizing agent, a skin softener, an anti-aging agent, anti-staining agent, a keratolytic agent, an antiphlogistine (anti^¬ inflammatory agent) , a skin-lightening agent (whitening agents) , a skin nutrient, a blood flow accelerator, a disinfectant, a cell (skin) activating agent, a freshener, an astringent, a sunscreen, an antiseptic agent, a plant extract, a buffer and a flagrance, which components can be, if necessary, appropriately added. These optional components may be appropriately selected depending upon e.g., the dosage form and use to be desired.

[0041] Examples of the powder include inorganic powders (for example, talc, kaolin, mica, sericite, muscovite, phlogopite, synthetic mica, deep red mica, biotite, vermiculite, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, aluminum silicate, barium silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, strontium silicate, tungstic acid metal salt, silica, zeolite, barium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, burnt calcium sulfate (plaster) , calcium

phosphate, fluorine apatite, hydroxyapatite, ceramic powders, metallic soaps (for example, zinc myristate, calcium palmitate, aluminum stearate, magnesium stearate) , boron nitride) ; organic powders (for example, polyamide resin powder (nylon powder) , polyethylene powder,

polymethyl methacrylate powder, polystyrene powder, co^¬ polymer resin powder of styrene and acrylic acid,

benzoguanamine resin powder, polytetrafluoroethylene powder, cellulose powder) ; metallic oxide pigments (for example, titanium oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide,

zirconium oxide or cerium oxide; metallic powder pigments (for example, aluminum powder, copper powder) , organic pigments such as zirconium, barium or aluminum lakes; and natural pigments (for example, chlorophyll, β-carotene) . Here, the powders may be subjected to a hydrophobic treatment .

[0042]

The surfactant includes an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an ampholytic surfactant, a lipophilic nonionic surfactant, a hydrophilic nonionic surfactant and a silicone-based surfactant.

[0043]

Examples of the anionic surfactant include fatty acid soaps (for example, sodium laurate and sodium palmitate) ; higher alkyl sulfate salts (for example, sodium lauryl sulfate and potassium lauryl sulfate) ;

alkylether sulfate salts (for example, triethanolamine POE-lauryl sulfate and POE-sodium lauryl sulfate) ; N-acyl sarcosine acids (for example, sodium lauroylsarcosinate) ; higher fatty acid amide sulfonates (for example, sodium N-myristoyl-N-methyl taurate, sodium cocoyl methyl tauride and sodium lauryl methyltauride) ; phosphate salts (sodium POE-oleyl ether phosphate, a POE-stearyl ether phosphoric acid, etc.); sulfosuccinates (for example, sodium di-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate, sodium monolauroyl monoethanolamide polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinate and sodium lauryl polypropylene glycol sulfosuccinate) ; alkyl benzenesulfonates (for example, linear sodium

dodecylbenzenesulfonate, linear triethanolamine

dodecylbenzenesulfonate and a linear

dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid) ; higher fatty acid ester sulfate salts (for example, sodium cocomonoglyceride sulfate) ; N-acyl glutamates (for example, monosodium N- lauroyl glutamate, disodium N-stearoyl glutamate and monosodium N-myristoyl-L-glutamate) ; sulfated oils (for example, Turkey red oil) ; POE-alkylether carboxylic acids; POE-alkylallylether carboxylates ; a-olefin

sulfonates; higher fatty acid ester sulfonates; secondary alcohol sulfate ester salts; higher fatty acid

alkylolamide sulfate ester salts; sodium lauroyl

monoethanolamide succinates; ditriethanolamine N- palmitoyl aspartate; and sodium casein.

[0044]

Examples of the cationic surfactant include

alkyltrimethylammonium salts (for example,

stearyltrimethylammonium chloride and

lauryltrimethylammonium chloride) ; alkylpyridinium salts (for example, cetylpyridinium chloride) ; a chloride distearyldimethylammonium dialkyldimethylammonium salt; poly (N, ' -dimethyl-3 , 5-methylene piperidinium) chloride; alkyl quaternary ammonium salts;

alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts; alkylisoquinolinium salts; dialkylmorpholium salts; POE-alkylamine ;

alkylamine salts; polyamine fatty acid derivatives;

amylalcohol fatty acid derivatives; benzalkonium

chloride; and benzethonium chloride.

[0045]

Examples of the ampholytic surfactant include imidazoline-based ampholytic surfactants (for example, sodium 2-undecyl-N, , - (hydroxyethylcarboxymethyl) -2- imidazoline; and a 2-cocoyl-2-imidazolinium hydroxide-1- carboxyethyloxy disodium salt) ; and betaine-based

surfactants (for example, 2-heptadecyl-N-carboxymethyl-N- hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine, lauryldimethylamino acetate betaine, alkyl betaine, amide betaine, and sulfobetaine) .

[0046]

Examples of the lipophilic nonionic surfactant include sorbitan fatty acid esters, such as sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monoisostearate, sorbitan

monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan

monostearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan trioleate, diglycerol sorbitan penta-2-ethylhexylate and diglycerol sorbitan tetra-2-ethylhexylate; glyceryl polyglyceryl fatty acids, such as glyceryl mono-cottonseed oil fatty acid, glyceryl monoerucate, glyceryl sesquioleate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl α,α'-oleate

pyroglutamate, and glyceryl monostearate malate;

propylene glycol fatty acid esters such as monostearate propylene glycol; a hydrogenated castor oil derivative; a glycerin alkyl ether; and steareth-2.

[0047]

Examples of the hydrophilic nonionic surfactant include POE-sorbitan fatty acid esters, such as POE- sorbitan monooleate, POE-sorbitan monostearate, POE- sorbitan monooleate and POE-sorbitan tetraoleate; POE sorbitol fatty acid esters, such as POE-sorbitol

monolaurate, POE-sorbitol monooleate, POE-sorbitol pentaoleate and POE-sorbitol monostearate; POE-glycerin fatty acid esters, such as POE-glycerin monostearate, POE-glycerin monoisostearate and POE-glycerin triisostearate ; POE-fatty acid esters, such as POE- monooleate, POE-distearate, POE-monodioleate and ethylene glycol distearate; POE-alkyl ethers, such as POE-lauryl ether, POE-oleyl ether, POE-stearyl ether, POE-behenyl ether, POE-2-octyldodecyl ether and POE-cholestanol ether; Pluronic type surfactants (e.g., Pluronic) ; POE- POP-alkyl ethers, such as POE-POP-cetyl ether, POE-POP-2- decyltetradecyl ether, POE-POP-monobutyl ether, POE-POP- hydrogenated lanolin and POE-POP-glycerin ether; and steareth-21.

Examples of a silicone-based surfactant include polyether-modified silicones, such as PEG-10 dimethicone, cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone, PEG-9

polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, lauryl PEG-9

polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone; polyglycerin- modified silicones, such as polyglyceryl-3

polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, lauryl polyglyceryl- 3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone; bis (polyglyceryl-3 oxyphenylpropyl ) dimethicone . Further, examples of a silicone-based surfactant include cross-linked polyether- modified silicones (silicone elastomers into which a polyether group has been introduced) , such as

dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer, PEG-15/lauryl

dimethicone crosspolymer; cross-linked polyglycerin- modified silicones (silicone elastomers into which a polyglycerin group has been introduced) , such as dimethicone/polyglycerin-3 ,

lauryldimethicone/polyglycerin-3 crosspolymer .

[0048]

Examples of the solid oil/fat (oil/fat which is solid at room temperature (25°C) ) include cacao butter, coconut oil, horse tallow, hardened coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, Japan tallow kernel oil, hardened oil, Japan tallow, and hardened castor oil.

[0049]

Examples of the wax include bees wax, candelilla wax, cotton wax, carnauba wax, bayberry wax, Chinese insect wax, montan wax, bran wax, lanolin, kapok wax, acetylated lanolin, liquid lanolin, sugar cane wax, lanolin fatty acid isopropyl ester, hexyl laurate, reduction lanolin, jojoba wax, hard lanolin, shellac wax, POE lanolin

alcohol ether, POE lanolin alcohol acetate, POE

cholesterol ether, lanolin fatty acid polyethylene glycol, and POE hydrogenated lanolin alcohol ether.

[0050]

Examples of the silicone elastomer include non- emulsifying organopolysiloxane elastomers and emulsifying organosiloxane elastomers. Examples of the non- emulsifying organopolysiloxane elastomer include

dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymers and lauryl dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymers.

[0051] The dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymers include products commercially available from DOW CORNING

(Midland, Michigan) under the trade names of, for example, "DC 9040" and "DC 9045"; products commercially available from MOMEN IVE under the trade name of "SFE 839" and the "Velvasil" series products; products commercially

available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade names of, for example, "KSG-15", "KSG-16", and

"KSG-18" ( [dimethicone/phenyl vinyl dimethicone

crosspolymer ] ) ; and Gransil (TM) series products from GRANT INDUSTRIES, Inc.

[0052]

The lauryl dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone

crosspolymers include products commercially available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade names of, for example, "KSG-41", "KSG-42", "KSG-43", and "KSG- 44" .

Further, (lauryl

polydimethylsiloxyethyldimethicone/bis-vinyl dimethicone ) crosspolymers include products commercially available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade names of, for example, "KSG-042Z", "KSG-045Z", and "KSG-048Z".

[0053]

Examples of the emulsifying organosiloxane elastomer include polyether-modified silicone elastomers,

polyalkoxylated silicone elastomers and polyglycerolated silicone elastomers. The polyether-modified silicone elastomers include (dimethycone (PEG-10/15) ) crosspolymers commercially available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade names of, for example, "KSG-210" and "KSG-240".

[0054]

The polyalkoxylated silicone elastomers include products commercially available from DOW CORNING under the trade names of, for example, "DC9010" and "DC9011"; and products commercially available from Shin-Etsu

Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade names of, for example, "KSG-310", "KSG-320", "KSG-330", "KSG-340", "KSG-320Z", "KSG-350Z", "KSG-360Z", and "KSG-380Z".

[0055]

The polyglycerolated silicone elastomers include products commercially available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade names of, for example, "KSG- 710", "KSG-810", "KSG-820", "KSG-830" and "KSG-840". In addition, examples of silicone elastomers into which 2 types of branches, i.e., a silicone chain and an alkyl chain have been introduced include products commercially available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade names of, for example, "KSG-820Z" and "KSG-850Z".

[0056]

Silicone elastomers comprising a polyalkyl ether group as pendant or cross-linked may also be used.

Particularly suitable silicone elastomers comprising a polyalkyl ether group include compounds with an International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) name: bis-vinyldimethicone/bis-isobutyl PPG-20

crosspolymer, bis-vinyldimethicone/PPG-20 crosspolymer, dimethicone/bis-isobutyl PPG-20 crosspolymer,

dimethicone/PPG-20 crosspolymer, and dimethicone/bis- secbutyl PPG-20 crosspolymer. Such cross-linked

elastomers are available from DOW CORNING under the experimental compound names of, for example, "SOEB-1", "SOEB-2", "SOEB-3" and "SOEB-4", and under the proposed commercial name of, for example, "DC EL-8052 IH Si

Organic Elastomer Blend" . The elastomer particles are supplied pre-swollen in the respective solvents,

isododecane (for SOEB-1 and -2), isohexadecane (for SOEB- 3), and isodecyl neopentanoate (for SOEB-4).

[0057]

As a coating agent, a silicone-based coating agent is preferably mentioned. Examples of the silicone-based coating agent include a silicone resin, an acrylic silicone resin, a silicone-modified pullulan, an adhesive silicone, a fluorosilicone resin and a silicone-urethane coating agent.

Examples of the silicone resin include

trimethylsiloxysilicate commercially available from

Wacker under the trade name of "Belsil TMS 803";

polypropylsilsesquioxane commercially available from Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd., under the trade name of

"670Fluid"; MQ resin, such as polypropylsilsesquioxane and trimethylsiloxysilicate commercially available under the trade name of "MQ1640 Flake Resin"; and T resin and MTQ resin.

Examples of the acryl silicone resin include an (acrylates/polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate) copolymer commercially available from Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd., under the trade name of "FA4002ID Silicone Acrylate" and "FA4001CM Silicone Acrylate"; and an

(acrylates/dimethicone) copolymer commercially available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade name of "KP-545" .

Examples of the silicone-modified pullulan include trimethylsiloxysilylcarbamoyl pullulan commercially available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade name of "TSPL-30-ID" .

Examples of the adhesive silicone include a

trimethylsiloxysilicate/dimethiconol cross-polymer commercially available from Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd., under the trade name of e.g., " DOW CORNING 7-4411

Cosmetic Fluid" .

Examples of the fluorosilicone resin include a trifluoroaIky1dimethyltrimethylsiloxysilicate

commercially available from Momentive under the trade name of "XS66-B8636" ; and

( trifluoropropyldimethylsiloxy/trimethylsiloxy)

silsesquioxane commercially available under the trade name of "FR-5". Examples of the silicone-urethane coating agent include a bishydroxypropyldimethicone/SMDI copolymer commercially available from Siltech under the trade name of "Silmer UR 5050" .

Examples of other coating agents include sucrose acetate isobutyrate commercially available from Eastman Chemical Company under the trade name of "Sustane SAIB"; dextrin isostearate commercially available from Chiba Flour Milling Co., Ltd., under the trade name of

"Unifilma HVY"; and a candelilla wax extract commercially available from Ina Trading Co. Ltd. under the trade name of "Candelilla resin E-l".

[0058]

The water-soluble polymer may be used as the

thickener. Examples of the water-soluble polymer include natural polymers such as Arabian gum, carrageenan, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, quince seed (marmelo) , casein, dextrin, gelatine, sodium pectate, sodium alginate, locust bean gum, guar gum, tara gum, Tamarind gum, glucomannan, xylan, mannan, xanthan gum, agar, pectin, fucoidan, galactomannan, curdlan, gellan gum, fucogel, casein, collagen, starch, sodium hyaluronate and

Alcasealan (Alcaligenes Polysaccharides) ; semi-synthetic polymers such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethy1cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,

hydroxymethy1cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,

methylhydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose stearoyl ester, propylene glycol alginate and cellulose dialkyldimethylammonium sulfate; and synthetic polymers such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) , PVM (polyvinyl methyl ether) , PVP

(polyvinylpyrrolidone) , polyethylene oxide, sodium polyacrylate, carboxyvinyl polymer, acrylate/Cio-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer , and sodium polyacrylate.

[0059]

Clay minerals may also be used as the thickener. Examples of the clay minerals include one which can provide thickening properties to the water phase such as bentonite, hectorite, magnesium aluminum silicate

(veegum) and laponite.

[0060]

Examples of the metal sequestering agent include 1- hydroxyethane-1 , 1-diphosphonic acid; tetrasodium 1- hydroxyethane-1 , 1-diphosphonate salt; disodium edetate; trisodium edetate; tetrasodium edetate; sodium citrate; sodium polyphosphate; sodium metaphosphate ; gluconic acid; phosphoric acid; citric acid; ascorbic acid;

succinic acid; edetic acid; and trisodium

ethylenediaminehydroxyethyl triacetate .

[0061]

Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include a dihydric alcohol, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, 1,2- butylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol, 2,3-butylene glycol, pentamethylene glycol, 2- butene-1, 4-diol, hexylene glycol and octylene glycol; a trihydric alcohol, such as glycerin and

trimethylolpropane ; a tetrahydric alcohol such as

pentaerythritol (e.g., 1 , 2 , 6-hexanetriol ) ; a pentahydric alcohol such as xylitol; a hexahydric alcohol, such as sorbitol and mannitol; a polyhydric alcohol polymer, such as diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol; dihydric alcohol alkyl ethers, such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and ethylene glycol monoethyl ether; dihydric alcohol alkyl ethers, such as diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether; a dihydric alcohol ether ester, such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate and ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate; a glycerol monoalkyl ether, such as chimyl alcohol,

selachyl alcohol and batyl alcohol; and a sugar alcohol, such as sorbitol, maltitol, maltotriose, mannitol, sucrose, erythritol, glucose, fructose, starch sugar, maltose, xylitose, and a reduced alcohol of a starch sugar .

[0062]

Examples of the monosaccharide include a triose, such as D-glyceryl aldehyde and dihydroxyacetone ; a tetrose, such as D-erythrose, D-erythrulose, D-threose and erythritol; a pentose, such as L-arabinose, D-xylose, L-lyxose, D-arabinose, D-ribose, D-ribulose, D-xylulose and L-xylulose; a hexose, such as D-glucose, D-talose, D- psicose, D-galactose, D-fructose, L-galactose, L-mannose and D-tagatose; a heptose, such as aldoheptose and

heprose; an octose such as octurose; a deoxy sugar, such as 2-deoxy-D-ribose, 6-deoxy-L-galactose and 6-deoxy-L- mannose; an amino sugar, such as D-glucosamine, D- galactosamine, sialic acid, amino uronic acid and muramic acid; and an uronic acid, such as D-glucuronic acid, D- mannuronic acid, L-guluronic acid, D-galacturonic acid and L-iduronic acid.

[0063]

Examples of the oligosaccharide include sucrose, lactose, maltose, trehalose, cellobiose, gentiobiose, umbilicin, raffinose, gentianose, maltotriose, melezitose, planteose, unbelliferose, stachyose, and verbascose.

[0064]

Examples of the amino acid include a neutral amino acid, such as threonine and cysteine; and a basic amino acid such as hydroxylysine. Further, as an amino acid derivative, for example, sodium acyl sarcosinate (sodium lauroyl sarcosinate) , acyl glutamate, sodium acyl β - alanine, glutathione, and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid is exemplified .

[0065]

Examples of the organic amine include

monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, morpholine, triisopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-l , 3- propanediol, and 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol .

[0066]

Examples of the polymer emulsion include an acrylic resin emulsion, a poly (ethyl acrylate) emulsion, an acrylic resin solution, a poly(alkyl acrylate) emulsion, a poly (vinyl acetate) resin emulsion, and a natural rubber latex.

[0067]

Examples of the vitamins include vitamins A, Βχ, B₂, Be, C and E and derivatives thereof, pantothenic acid and derivatives thereof and biotin.

[0068]

Examples of the antioxidants include ascorbic acid and derivatives thereof such as ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and

ascorbyl sorbate; tocopherol and derivatives thereof, such as tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl sorbate, and other esters of tocopherol; dibutyl hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) ; gallic acid ester;

phosphoric acid; citric acid; maleic acid; malonic acid; succinic acid; fumaric acid; cephalin; a

hexametaphosphate ; phytic acid;

ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; and plant extracts, for instance from Chondrus crispus, Rhodiola, Thermus thermophilics , mate leaves, oak wood, kayu rapet bark, sakura leaves and ylang ylang leaves.

[0069]

Examples of the moisturizing agent include

polyethylene glycol; propylene glycol; dipropylene glycol; glycerin; 1,3-butylene glycol; xylitol; sorbitol; maltitol; mucopolysaccharides such as chondroitin

sulfuric acid; hyaluronic acid; sodium hyaluronate;

sodium acetyl hyaluronate; mucoitinsulfuric acid; caronic acid; atelo-collagen; cholesteryl-12-hydroxystearate; a bile salt; a main component of NMF (natural moisturizing factor) , such as a pyrrolidone carboxylic acid salt and a lactic acid salt; amino acids such as urea, cysteine and serine; short-chain soluble collagen; a diglycerin (EO) PO addition product; homo- or copolymers of 2- methacry1oyloxyethylphosphorylcholine commercially available from NOF Corporation under the names of, for example, Lipidure HM and Lipidure PBM; panthenol;

allantoin; PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin commercially available from NOF Corporation under the trade name of "Wilbride S 753"; trimethylglycine

commercially available from Asahi Kasei Chemicals

Corporation under the trade name of "AMINOCOAT"; and various plant extracts such as Castanea sativa extracts, hydrolyzed hazelnut proteins, Polianthes tuberosa

polysaccharides, Argania spinosa kernel oil, and an extract of pearl containing conchiolin commercially available from Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. under the trade name of "Pearl Extract" (R) .

[0070]

Examples of the skin softener include glyceryl polymethacrylate and methyl gluceth-20.

[0071]

Examples of the anti-aging agent include acyl amino acids (specifically for example, products commercially available from SEDERMA, S.A.S. under the trade names of "Maxilip", "Matrixyl L 3000" and "Biopeptide CL", and a product commercially available from SEPPIC under the trade name of "Sepilift " ) ; Pisum sativum extracts;

hydrolyzed soy proteins; methylsilanol mannuronate;

hydrolyzed cucurbita pepo seedcake; and Scenedesmus extracts .

[0072]

Examples of the anti-staining agents include Moringa pterygosperma seed extracts (specifically, such as a product commercially available from LSN under the trade name of "Purisoft"); and Shea butter extracts

(specifically, for example, products commercially available from SILAB under the trade name of "Detoxyl", and a blend of an ivy extract, phytic acid and a

sunflower seed extract (for example, a product

commercially available from SEDERMA, S.A.S. under the trade name of "OSMOPUR")).

[0073] Examples of the keratolytic agents include a-hydroxy acids (specifically, for example, glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, mandelic and tartaric acids) , β-hydroxy acids (specifically, for example, salicylic acid) , esters thereof (specifically, C12-13 alkyl lactate) , and plant extracts containing these hydroxy acids (specifically, for example, Hibiscus sabdriffa extracts) .

[0074]

Examples of the anti-inflammatory agents include bisabolol, allantoin, tranexamic acid, zinc oxide, sulfur oxide and derivatives thereof, chondroitin sulfate, and glycyrrhizinic acid and derivatives thereof (for example, glycyrrhizinates) .

[0075]

The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention may also contain at least one whitening agent to block the synthesis of structural proteins such as the melanocyte-specific protein Pmell7 involved in the mechanism of melanogenesis (stage I) . Examples of such a whitening agent include the ferulic acid-containing cytovector (water, glycol, lecithin, ferulic acid, and hydroxyethylcellulose) commercially available from BASF under the trade name of "Cytovector"

(R) .

[0076] Furthermore, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention may contain at least one peptide as described in WO2009/010356.

[0077]

Furthermore, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention may include a whitening agent having an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis, on nanophthalmia-related transcription factor expression, on an anti-tyrosinase activity and/or on endothelin-1 synthesis. Examples of such a whitening agent include a Glycyrrhiza glabra extract commercially available from Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. under the trade name of "Licorice extract" (R) .

[0078]

Furthermore, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention may include whitening agents having an antioxidant action as well, such as vitamin C compounds, which include ascorbate salts, ascorbyl esters of fatty acids or of sorbic acid, and other ascorbic acid derivatives. Specific examples include ascorbyl phosphates (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and the like) , and saccharide esters of ascorbic acid (ascorbyl-2-glucoside, 2-O-a-D- glucopyranosyl L-ascorbate, β-Ο-β-D-galactopyranosyl L- ascorbate, and the like) . Active agents of this type are commercially available from DKSH under the trade name of "Ascorbyl glucoside" (R) . [0079]

Furthermore, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention may include other whitening agents. Examples of the other whitening agents include pigmentation inhibiting agents such as plant extracts (e.g., Narcissus tazetta extracts), cetyl tranexamate (Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd; trade name:

"NIKKOL TXC"), arbutin, kojic acid, ellagic acid, cysteine, 4-thioresorcin, resorcinol or rucinol or derivatives thereof, glycyrrhizinic acid and

hydroquinone-p-glucoside .

[0080]

Furthermore, the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention may also include organic and/or inorganic sunscreens.

Examples of the organic sunscreens include

dibenzoylmethane derivatives such as butyl

methoxydibenzoylmethane (for example, a product

commercially available from HOFFMANN LA ROCHE under the trade name of "Parsol 1789"); cinnamic acid derivatives such as octyl methoxycinnamate (for example, a product commercially available from HOFFMANN LA ROCHE under the trade name of "Parsol MCX"); salicylates; para- aminobenzoic acids; β , β ' -diphenylacrylate derivatives; benzophenone derivatives; benzylidenecamphor derivatives such as terephtalylidene dicamphor sulphonic acid;

phenylbenzimidazole derivatives; triazine derivatives; phenylbenzotriazole derivatives; and anthranilic acid derivatives, all of which may be coated or encapsulated.

Examples of the inorganic sunscreens include

pigments and nanopigments formed from coated or uncoated metal oxides. Examples of the nanopigments include titanium oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide and cerium oxide, which are all well-known as UV

photoprotective agents.

[0081]

Examples of the antiseptic agent include p- oxybenzoate ester (e.g., methylparaben and propylparaben) and phenoxyethanol .

[0082]

In addition, as an optional component to be used in the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention, those mentioned in the "International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook", 13th

Edition, 2010, published by the Personal Care Products Council, can be used.

The amounts of these optional components contained are not particularly limited as long as the optional components are in a range which does not impair the object of the present invention.

[0083]

The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention can be applied to the skin for skin care or makeup. [0084]

2. Method for producing cosmetic composition in aqueous gel form

The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention can be produced by a method

comprising the steps of:

(a) dissolving gellan gum and a salt in an aqueous medium by heating to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture, the salt being capable of producing a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion and a potassium ion in an aqueous solution; and

(b) cooling the aqueous-phase mixture obtained in the step (a) to form a gel.

Hereinafter, each step will be described.

[0085]

In the step (a) , gellan gum and a salt capable of producing a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion and a potassium ion in an aqueous solution are dissolved in an aqueous medium by heating to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture.

The heating temperature is preferably 55 to 95°C, more preferably 65 to 90°C, further preferably 70 to 80°C.

The gellan gum and the salt capable of producing a monovalent cation in an aqueous solution are added into the aqueous medium and mixed therewith, if necessary with stirring, until uniform to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture. The aqueous-phase mixture may be supplemented with an arbitrary component, together with the gellan gum and the salt capable of producing a monovalent cation in an aqueous solution.

The time at which the gellan gum and the salt

capable of producing a monovalent cation in an aqueous solution are added into the aqueous medium is not

particularly limited. The gellan gum is dissolved in advance in the aqueous medium by heating, and the salt capable of producing a monovalent cation in an aqueous solution is then added to the solution. This approach can mix both of the components more uniformly.

[0086]

In the step (b) , the aqueous-phase mixture obtained in the step (a) is cooled to form a gel.

The cooling temperature is preferably 5 to 50°C, more preferably 10 to 40°C, further preferably 15 to 30°C. The cooling method is not particularly limited and may be, for example, spontaneous cooling or may be ice cooling.

[0087]

Defoaming treatment is difficult to achieve after the gelation by cooling. Therefore, it is preferred to perform defoaming treatment before the step (b) . A smooth preparation having fine texture can be obtained by the defoaming treatment.

[0088] When the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention is a cosmetic composition in a water-based gel form, the desired composition can be obtained by performing the step (a) , the step (b) , and, if necessary, defoaming treatment, etc.

[0089]

When the cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention is a cosmetic composition in an O/W emulsion gel form, the desired composition can be obtained by performing the step of obtaining an oil-phase mixture (hereinafter, also referred to as "step (c)"), the step of mixing the aqueous-phase mixture with the oil-phase mixture to form an emulsion (hereinafter, also referred to as "step (d)"), and, if necessary, defoaming treatment, etc., in addition to the step (a) and the step

(b) . In this case, the desired composition can be obtained by performing the step (a) and the step (c) and then performing the step (d) , followed by the step (b) . In this case, in the step (b) , the emulsion obtained in the step (d) can be cooled so that the aqueous-phase mixture obtained in the step (a) is cooled to form a gel. For obtaining a smooth preparation having fine texture, it is preferred to perform defoaming treatment before the step (b) .

[0090]

<Step (c)> In the step (c) , an oil agent and, if necessary, an arbitrary component are added and dissolved by heating to obtain an oil-phase mixture.

The heating temperature is preferably 55 to 95°C, more preferably 65 to 90°C, further preferably 70 to 80°C. These components are mixed, if necessary with stirring, until uniform to obtain an oil-phase mixture.

[0091]

In the step (d) , the aqueous-phase mixture obtained in the step (a) and the oil-phase mixture obtained in the step (c) are combined and mixed with stirring until uniform to form an emulsion. It is preferred to

respectively heat the aqueous-phase mixture and the oil- phase mixture before mixing, and maintain their dissolved states .

[0092]

3. Method for packing cosmetic composition in aqueous gel form into container

The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention can have thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C. In the present

invention, by exploiting this property, the produced cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form can be

redissolved (solated) at a temperature of lower than

100°C, packed into the desired container, and galated again in the container by cooling. The redissolution temperature is preferably 50°C to 90°C, more preferably 60°C to 80°C, further preferably 65°C to 75°C.

The re-gelation temperature (cooling temperature) is preferably 5 to 50°C, more preferably 10 to 40°C, further preferably 15 to 30°C.

According to the present invention, the produced cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form can be

repacked into a container after being subjected to

various quality verifications, and is thus very

advantageous for the production of a cosmetic preparation. According to the present invention, a product having favorable quality can be produced at high yields.

[Examples ]

[0093]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples.

However, the present invention is not intended to be limited by these Examples.

[0094]

[Example 1]

Study on type and concentration of salt

Gels were prepared using gellan gum (low acetyl gellan gum) and various salts to study the types and concentrations of the salts.

[0095]

<Preparation of gel> Gellan gum was dispersed in distilled water and dissolved by heating at 75 to 80°C.

Next, each salt was added with stirring to the gellan gum dissolved by heating.

Distilled water was added thereto in an amount corresponding to the amount decreased by the heating, and the mixture was mildly stirred.

The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature (20°C) spontaneously. The hardness of the gel was measured at 20°C.

[0096]

100 g of each sample packed in a 100-ml UM sample bottle was left overnight at 20°C. Then, the hardness was measured using FUDOH RHEO METER (RTC-3002D)

manufactured by Rheotech Co., Ltd. The measurement was performed under conditions involving a load of 2 kg, an ascent rate of 6 cm/min, a 10 mm disk as an adapter, a moving distance of 3 mm, and a measurement temperature of

20°C. The largest hardness was used as a measurement value .

[0097]

Each sample gelated at 20°C was incubated at 75°C or 40°C, and its state at each temperature was confirmed.

[0098]

The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. [Table 1]

Table 1 Various monovalent salts (50 mM) , 0.5% by mass of low acetyl gellan gum

[Table 2]

Table 2 Various divalent salts (50 mM) , 0.5% by mass of low acetyl gellan gum

[0099]

As shown in Table 1, in the case of adding 50 mM monovalent salt (ion) , all of the samples were gelated at room temperature (20°C) , but became flowable aqueous solutions by heating to 75°C again and exhibited

thermoreversibility .

On the other hand, as shown in Table 2, in the case of adding a divalent salt (ion) , none of the samples were flowable by heating to 75°C again and exhibited

thermoreversibility .

[0100]

Next, in order to use potassium sorbate also having an antiseptic effect, the influence of its concentration was confirmed. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0101]

[Table 3]

Table 3 Potassium sorbate at each concentration, 0.5% by mass of low acetyl gellan gum

intermediate state between the flowable and gelated states

[0102]

As shown in Table 3, in the range of 20 to 80 mM, the samples were gelated at room temperature (20°C) , but

produced flowability by heating to 75°C again and exhibited thermoreversibility .

As shown in Table 4, in the range of 0.2% by mass to 0.8% by mass of gellan gum, the samples were gelated at room temperature (20°C) , but produced flowability by heating to 75°C again and exhibited thermoreversibility.

[0103]

[Table 4]

Table 4 Each concentration of low acetyl gellan gum + 50 mM potassium sorbate

[0104]

[Example 2 (Formulation Example) ]

Foundation in O/W emulsion gel form

Components 1 to 6 described in Table 5 were mixed until uniform to obtain a mixture in a paste form.

Further, components 7 to 11 were sequentially added thereto, and the resulting mixture was heated to

approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) and then mixed until uniform to obtain an oil-phase mixture. Subsequently, components 12 to 21 were mixed with stirring until uniform, and the resulting mixture was heated to approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) and then further

thoroughly mixed until uniform to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture .

Next, the aqueous-phase mixture was added with stirring to the oil-phase mixture heated to approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) .

Finally, the obtained mixture was defoamed at

approximately 60°C and then allowed to cool without stirring to obtain a foundation in an O/W emulsion gel form.

[0105]

[Table 5]

Table 5 Foundation in O/W emulsion gel form (% by mass)

[0106]

The obtained O/W emulsion foundation was qelated at room temperature (20°C) , but produced flowability by heatinq to 70°C aqain and exhibited thermoreversibility. In addition, the foundation is gelated at 40°C, and this also contributes to product stability.

[0107]

[Example 3 (Formulation Example) ]

Eye shadow in water-based gel form (black)

Components 1 to 8 described in Table 6 were

sequentially added, mildly stirred, heated to approximately

75°C (70 to 80°C) , and then mixed until uniform to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture.

Next, components 9 to 13 were added with stirring to the aqueous-phase mixture heated to approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) .

Finally, the obtained mixture was defoamed at

approximately 60°C and then allowed to cool without stirring to obtain an eye shadow in a water-based gel form.

[0108]

[Table 6]

Table 6 Eye shadow in water-based gel form (% by ma

Component

1. Purified water 43 .40

2. Antiseptic (phenoxyethanol ) 1 .00

3. Pentylene glycol 5 .00

4. Butylene glycol 5 .00

5. Glycerin 5 .00

Aqueous 6. Polyoxyethylene-methylpolysiloxane 1 .50 phase copolymer (KF-6011, manufactured by

Shin-Etsu Chemical)

7. Acrylic emulsion thickener (SIMULGEL 1 .50 NS, manufactured by SEPPIC)

8. Low acetyl gellan gum (KELCOGEL CG- 0 .30

LA, manufactured by CP Kelco)

Sodium 9. Sodium citrate 0 .30 salt

Powder 10 Spherical powder (silica) 5 .00 (pigment)

11 Black iron oxide 20.00

12 Pearl pigment (COLORONA MICA BLACK, 10.00 manufactured by Merck KGaA)

Film- 13 Aqueous polymer (PVP/VA W-735, 2.00 forming manufactured by ISP (Japan) Ltd.)

agent

Total 100.0

0

[0109]

The obtained eye shadow in a water-based gel form was gelated at room temperature (20°C) , but produced flowability by heating to 70°C again and exhibited thermoreversibility. In addition, the eye shadow is gelated at 40°C, and this also contributes to product stability.

[0110]

[Example 4 (Formulation Example) ]

Eye shadow in O/W emulsion gel form

Components 1 to 6 described in Table 7 were heated to approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) and then mixed until uniform to obtain an oil-phase mixture.

Also, components 7 to 13 were mixed with stirring until uniform, and the resulting mixture was heated to

approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) and then further thoroughly mixed until uniform to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture.

Next, the oil-phase mixture was added with stirring to the aqueous-phase mixture heated to approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) .

Further, components 14 to 23 were sequentially added thereto, and the resulting mixture was mixed until uniform. Finally, the obtained mixture was defoamed at

approximately 60°C and then allowed to cool without stirring to obtain an eye shadow in an O/W emulsion gel form.

[0111]

[Table 7]

Table 7 Eye shadow in O/W emulsion gel form (% by ma

Component Pink Khaki

1. Oil agent (caprylyl methicone) 6.00 6.00

2. Oil agent (cetyl ethylhexanoate) 2.00 2.00

3. Nonaqueous thickener (ANTARON 0.50 0.50 V-220, manufactured by ISP

Oil

(Japan) Ltd. )

phase

4. Ultraviolet absorber 7.50 7.50 (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)

5. Surfactant (sorbitan tristearate) 0.20 0.20

6. Antiseptic (caprylyl glycol) 0.40 0.40

7. Purified water 61.85 56.35

8. Antiseptic (phenoxyethanol ) 0.60 0.60

9. Butylene glycol 2.00 2.00

10 Glycerin 5.00 5.00

11 Sodium hyaluronate 0.05 0.05

Aqueous

phase

12 Acrylic emulsion thickener 0.50 0.50 (SEPINOV EMT 10, manufactured by SEPPIC)

13 Low acetyl gellan gum 0.40 0.40 (KELCOGEL CG-LA, manufactured by CP Kelco)

Potassium 14 Potassium sorbate 0.30 0.30 salt

Sodium 15 Sodium dehydroacetate 0.20 0.20 salt

16 Red 226 (RED30) 0.50

17 Pearl pigment (FLAMENCO 4.00

ORANGE, manufactured by BASF

Powder Japan Ltd.)

(pigment) 18 Pearl pigment (COLORONA 10.00

BLACKSTAR GOLD, manufactured by Merck KGaA)

19 Pearl pigment (COLORONA 4.00 1EGYPTIAN EMERALD, manufactured by Merck KGaA)

20 Pearl pigment (C0L0R0NA MICA BLACK, 2.00 manufactured by Merck KGaA)

21 Pearl pigment (C0L0R0NA RED GOLD, 2.00 manufactured by Merck KGaA)

22 Talc 3.00

23 Spherical powder (silica) 5.00

Total 100.0 100.0

0 0

[0112]

The obtained eye shadow in an O/W emulsion gel form was gelated at room temperature (20°C) , but produced flowability by heating to 70°C again and exhibited thermoreversibility. In addition, the eye shadow is gelated at 40°C, and this also contributes to product stability.

[0113]

[Example 5 (Formulation Example) ]

Sunscreen in O/W emulsion gel form (SPF30)

Components 1 to 3 described in Table 8 were mixed until uniform to obtain a mixture in a paste form.

Further, components 4 to 7 were sequentially added thereto, and the resulting mixture was heated to

approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) and then mixed until uniform to obtain an oil-phase mixture.

Subsequently, components 8 to 18 were mixed with stirring until uniform, and the resulting mixture was heated to approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) and then further

thoroughly mixed until uniform to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture . Next, the aqueous-phase mixture was added with stirring to the oil-phase mixture heated to approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) .

Finally, the obtained mixture was defoamed at

approximately 60°C and then allowed to cool without stirring to obtain a sunscreen in an O/W emulsion gel form.

[0114]

[Table 8]

Table 8 Sunscreen in O/W emulsion gel form (SPF30) (% by mass)

Component

1. Oil agent (caprylyl methicone) 6 .00

2. Oil agent (cetyl ethylhexanoate) 2 .00

3. Hydrophobized fine titanium oxide 10 .00 particle (UV-TITAN M160, manufactured

by Merck KGaA)

Oil

4. Nonaqueous thickener (ANTARON V-220, 0 .50 phase

manufactured by ISP (Japan) Ltd.)

5. Ultraviolet absorber (ethylhexyl 7 .50 methoxycinnamate)

6. Surfactant (sorbitan tristearate) 0 .20

7. Antiseptic (caprylyl glycol) 0 .40

8. Purified water 58 .85

9. Antiseptic (phenoxyethanol ) 0 .60

10. Butylene glycol 2 .00

11. Glycerin 6 .00

12. Sodium hyaluronate 0 .05

Aqueous

13. Acrylic emulsion thickener (SEPINOV 0 .50 phase

EMT 10, manufactured by SEPPIC)

14. Low acetyl gellan gum (KELCOGEL CG- 0 .30 LA, manufactured by CP Kelco)

15. Polyethylene glycol distearate 0 .80

16. Surfactant (polysorbate 85) 1 .00

Potassium 17. Potassium sorbate 0 .30 salt

Powder 18. Spherical powder (silica) 3 .00

Total 100 .00

[0115]

The obtained sunscreen in an O/W emulsion gel form was gelated at room temperature (20°C) , but produced flowability by heating to 70°C again and exhibited thermoreversibility. In addition, the sunscreen is gelated at 40°C, and this also contributes to product stability.

[0116]

[Example 6 (Formulation Example) ]

Moisturizing cream in O/W emulsion gel form Components 1 to 8 described in Table 9 were heated to approximately 75°C (70 to 80°C) and then mixed until uniform to obtain an oil-phase mixture.

Also, components 9 to 18 were mixed with stirring until uniform, and the resulting mixture was heated to

Further, component 19 was added thereto, and the resulting mixture was mixed until uniform.

Finally, the obtained mixture was defoamed at

approximately 60°C and then allowed to cool without stirring to obtain a moisturizing cream in an O/W emulsion gel form.

[0117]

[Table 9]

Table 9 Moisturizing cream in O/W emulsion gel form

(% by mass)

[0118]

The obtained O/W moisturizing cream was gelated at room temperature (20°C) , but produced flowability by heating to 70°C again and exhibited thermoreversibility. In addition, the cream is gelated at 40°C, and this also contributes to product stability.

[0119]

[Example 7 (Formulation Example) ] Moisturizing serum in water-based gel form Components 1 to 8 described in Table 10 were

sequentially added, mildly stirred, heated to approximately

Finally, the obtained mixture was defoamed at

approximately 60°C and then allowed to cool without stirring to obtain a moisturizing serum in a water-based gel form.

[0120]

[Table 10]

Table 10 Moisturizing serum in water-based gel form

(% by mass)

Component

1. Purified water 75. 64

2. Antiseptic (phenoxyethanol ) 1. 00

3. Pentylene glycol 5. 00

4. Butylene glycol 5. 00

5. Glycerin 5. 00

6. Surfactant (NIKKOL PEN-4620, 1. 50

Aqueous

manufactured by Nikko Chemicals

phase

Co., Ltd.)

7. Thickening polysaccharide 0. 06 (ALCASEALAN, manufactured by

Hakuto Co . , Ltd . )

8. Low acetyl gellan gum (KELCOGEL 0. 50

CG-LA, manufactured by CP Kelco)

Potassium 9. Potassium sorbate 0. 30 salt

Sodium 10 Sodium citrate 0. 30 salt

11 Spherical powder (silica) 5. 00

Powder .

(pigment) 12 Pearl pigment (TIMIRON SPLENDID 0. 50

RED, manufactured by Merck KGaA)

13 Fragrance (essential oil) 0. 20

Fragrance

Total 100 .0

0

[0121]

The obtained moisturizing serum in a water-based gel form was gelated at room temperature (20°C) , but produced flowability by heating to 70°C again and exhibited

thermoreversibility . In addition, the serum is gelated at 40°C, and this also contributes to product stability.

[Industrial Applicability] [0122]

The cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form of the present invention has thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C. Therefore, the produced cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form can be repacked into a container after being subjected to various quality

verifications. A product having favorable quality can be produced at high yields.

Claims

[Document Name] Claims

[Claim 1]

A cosmetic composition in an aqueous gel form

comprising

(A) gellan gum,

(C) an aqueous medium, wherein

the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0% by mass, the mass ratio of the component (B) to the component (C) is in the range of 20 mM to 80 mM, and the cosmetic composition has

thermoreversibility at a temperature of lower than 100°C.

[Claim 2]

The cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the gellan gum is low acyl gellan gum.

[Claim 3]

The cosmetic composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium sulfate, and potassium sorbate.

[Claim 4] The cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cosmetic composition has a sol-gel transition temperature in the range of 50°C to 90°C.

[Claim 5]

The cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cosmetic composition comprises a gel obtained by dissolving the component (A) in the component (C) by heating and then cooling the solution in the presence of the component (B) .

[Claim 6]

The cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cosmetic composition is in the form of an O/W emulsion.

[Claim 7]

The cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cosmetic composition is intended for skin care or makeup.

[Claim 8]

A cosmetic method for skin care or makeup, comprising applying a cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to the skin.

[Claim 9]

A method for producing a cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of:

(b) cooling the aqueous-phase mixture obtained in the step (a) to form a gel.

[Claim 10]

A method for packing a cosmetic composition into a container, comprising producing a cosmetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, then solating the cosmetic composition at a temperature of lower than 100°C, and packing the resulting cosmetic composition into the container, followed by gelation again in the container.