WO2021039936A1

WO2021039936A1 - Composition comprising polyion complex and texture agent

Info

Publication number: WO2021039936A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/032494
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tong XING; Richard Ferguson; Takehiko Kasai; Tatsushi Isojima; Toshifumi Shiroya
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2019-08-28
Filing date: 2020-08-21
Publication date: 2021-03-04
Also published as: JP2021031468A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cosmetic composition for keratin fibers such as hair, comprising: (a) at least one polyion complex comprising at least one ionic polymer selected from the group consisting of cationic polymers, anionic polymers, amphoteric polymers, and mixtures thereof, and at least one crosslinker selected from the group consisting of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof, non-polymeric bases having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof, and mixtures thereof; (b) at least one texture agent; and (c) water. The composition according to the present invention can provide keratin fibers with improved textures such as smoothness, softness and less stickiness.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF INVENTION

COMPOSITION COMPRISING POLYION COMPLEX AND TEXTURE AGENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cosmetic composition for keratin fibers such as hair, which includes polyion complex.

BACKGROUND ART

A polyion complex which is formed with an anionic polymer and a cationic polymer has already been known.

For example, WO 2017/104221 discloses a composition which is useful for cosmetic treatments and comprises at least one polyion complex particle comprising at least one cationic polymer, at least one anionic polymer and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values.

Also, WO 2018/230673 discloses a composition which includes such a polyion complex particle and an oil, which may further include an oil-gelling agent. The oil-gelling agent is used to enhance the stability of the composition.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It has been discovered that when a composition including a polyion complex is used for cosmetically treating keratin fibers such as hair, the textures such as smoothness, softness and stickiness of the treated keratin fibers need to be improved.

Thus, an objective of the present invention is to provide a composition including a polyion complex, which can provide keratin fibers such as hair with improved textures such as smoothness, softness and less stickiness.

The above objective of the present invention can be achieved by a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cosmetic composition for keratin fibers such as hair, comprising:

(a) at least one polyion complex comprising at least one ionic polymer selected from the group consisting of cationic polymers, anionic polymers, amphoteric polymers, and mixtures thereof, and at least one crosslinker selected from the group consisting of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof, non-polymeric bases having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof, and mixtures thereof;

(b) at least one texture agent; and

(c) water.

The (a) polyion complex(es) may comprise (i) at least one cationic polymer and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof;

(ii) at least one cationic polymer, at least one anionic polymer, and at least one non- polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof and/or at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof,

(iii) at least one cationic polymer, at least one amphoteric polymer, and at least one non- polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof and/or at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof,

(iv) at least one cationic polymer, at least one anionic polymer, at least one amphoteric polymer, and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof and/or at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof,

(v) at least one anionic polymer and at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof,

(vi) at least one anionic polymer, at least one amphoteric polymer, and at least one non- polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof and/or at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof, or

(vii) at least one amphoteric polymer and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof and/or at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof.

The cationic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyquatemium-4, polyquatemium-6, polyquatemium-7, polyquatemium-10, polyquatemium-24, polyquatemium-67, and a mixture thereof.

The anionic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides such as alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, and cellulose polymers, anionic (co)polyaminoacids such as (co)polyglutamic acids, (co)poly(meth)acrylic acids, (co)polyamic acids, (co)polystyrene sulfonate, (co)poly(vinyl sulfates), dextran sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, (co)polymaleic acids, polyfumaric acids, maleic acid (co)polymers, and salts thereof.

The amphoteric polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyquatemium-22, polyquatemium-39, polyquatemium-53, polyquatemium-64, polyquatemium-51, polyquatemium-61, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the ionic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.1% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid and salts thereof (Mexoryl SX), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF), ascorbic acid, phytic acid and salts thereof, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, histidine, cysteine, tyrosine, tryptophan, ornithine, and a mixture thereof. The amount of the crosslinker(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The (b) texture agent may be selected from nonionic polymeric thickeners, preferably selected from nonionic polymeric associative thickeners and nonionic polysaccharide thickeners, and more preferably selected from the group consisting of agar, guar gum, hydroxyproyl guar gum, sclerotium gum, and PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether.

The amount of the (b) texture agent in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (c) water in the composition according to the present invention may be from 50% to 90% by weight, preferably from 60% to 85% by weight, and more preferably from 70% to 80% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The pH of the composition according to the present invention may be from 3 to 9, preferably from 3.5 to 8.5, and more preferably from 4 to 8.

The composition according to the present invention may further comprise (d) at least one fatty material, preferably at least one oil, and more preferably at least one volatile oil.

The amount of the (d) fatty material(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 10% to 40% by weight, preferably from 15% to 35% by weight, and more preferably from 20% to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for keratin fibers such as hair, comprising: applying to the keratin fibers the composition according to the present invention; and drying the composition to form a cosmetic film on the keratin fibers.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

After diligent research, the inventors have discovered that it is possible to provide a composition which includes a polyion complex and can provide keratin fibers such as hair with improved textures such as smoothness, softness and less stickiness.

Thus, the composition according to the present invention comprises:

(b) at least one texture agent; and

(c) water.

It may be preferable that the (a) polyion complex is in the form of a particle. The composition according to the present invention can provide keratin fibers such as hair with improved textures such as smoothness, softness and less stickiness.

In addition, the composition according to the present invention is stable such that it causes no phase separation over time.

Hereinafter, the composition and the like according to the present invention will be explained in a more detailed manner.

[Polyion Complex]

The composition according to the present invention includes (a) at least one polyion complex. Two or more different types of (a) polyion complexes may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of (a) polyion complex or a combination of different types of (a) polyion complexes may be used.

It may be preferable that the (a) polyion complex is in the form of a particle. The size of the polyion complex particle may be from 5 nm to 100 pm, preferably from 100 nm to 50 pm, more preferably from 200 nm to 40 pm, and even more preferably from 500 nm to 30 pm. A particle size less than 1 pm can be measured by a dynamic light scattering method, and a particle size more than 1 pm can be measured by an optical microscope. This particle size may be based on a number-average diameter.

The amount of the (a) polyion complex(es) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (a) polyion complex(es) in the composition according to the present invention may be 25% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less, and more preferably 15% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (a) polyion complex(es) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 25% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The ratio of the cation/anion as charge density of the (a) polyion complex(es) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 1.01 to 5 by ratio of cation equivalent/g divided by anion equivalent/g, preferably from 1.05 to 4, and more preferably from 1.1 to 3, even more preferably from 1.5 to 2.

If the composition according to the present invention includes (d) at least one fatty material, the (a) polyion complex in the form of a particle can be present at the interface between the (c) water and the (d) fatty material. Thus, the (a) polyion complex can form, for instance, an emulsion. For example, if the (c) water constitutes a continuous phase and the (d) fatty material such as oil constitutes dispersed phases, the (a) polyion complex can form an O/W emulsion which may be similar to a so-called Pickering emulsion.

Alternatively, the (a) polyion complex can form a capsule having a hollow. The (d) fatty material can be present in the hollow. In other words, the (d) fatty material can be incorporated into the capsule. The wall of the capsule may be composed of a continuous layer or film formed from the (a) polyion complex. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the (a) polyion complex can re-organize at the interface of the (d) fatty material and the (c) water to spontaneously form a capsule having a hollow to include the (d) fatty material. For example, a continuous phase constituted with the (c) water and a dispersed phases constituted with the (d) fatty material such as oil in the capsule can form an O/W emulsion which may also be similar to a so-called Pickering emulsion.

The above would mean that the (a) polyion complex itself is amphiphilic and insoluble in fatty material such as oil, or water.

{Ionic Polymer and Crosslinker}

The (a) polyion complex includes at least one ionic polymer selected from the group consisting of cationic polymers, anionic polymers, amphoteric polymers, and mixtures thereof, and at least one crosslinker selected from the group consisting of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof, non-polymeric bases having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof, and mixtures thereof.

In a preferable embodiment, the (a) polyion complex comprises:

(i) at least one cationic polymer and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof;

There is no limit to the type of the cationic, anionic and amphoteric polymers. Two or more different types of cationic polymers may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of cationic polymer or a combination of different types of cationic polymers may be used. Two or more different types of anionic polymers may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of anionic polymer or a combination of different types of anionic polymers may be used.

Two or more different types of amphoteric polymers may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of amphoteric polymer or a combination of different types of amphoteric polymers may be used. In the above component (ii), the ratio of the amount, for example the chemical equivalent, of the cationic polymer(s)/the anionic polymer(s) may be 0.05-18, preferably 0.1-10, and more preferably 0.5-5.0. In particular, it may be preferable that the number of the cationic groups of the cationic polymer(s)/the number of anionic groups of the anionic polymer(s) be 0.05-18, more preferably 0.1-10, and even more preferably 0.5-5.0.

In the above component (iii), the ratio of the amount, for example chemical equivalent, of the cationic polymer(s)/the amphoteric polymer(s) may be 0.05-18, preferably 0.1-10, and more preferably 0.5-5.0. In particular, it may be preferable that the number of the cationic groups of the cationic polymer(s)/the number of cationic and anionic groups of the amphoteric polymer(s) be 0.05-18, more preferably 0.1-10, and even more preferably 0.5-5.0.

In the above component (vi), the ratio of the amount, for example chemical equivalent, of the anionic polymer(s)/the amphoteric polymer(s) may be 0.05-18, preferably 0.1-10, and more preferably 0.5-5.0. In particular, it may be preferable that the number of the anionic groups of the anionic polymer(s)/the number of cationic and anionic groups of the amphoteric polymer(s) be 0.05-18, more preferably 0.1-10, and even more preferably 0.5-5.0.

The amount of the ionic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the ionic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 15% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or less, and more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the crosslinker(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the crosslinker(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 10% by weight or less, preferably 5% by weight or less, and more preferably 1% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the crosslinker(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

(Cationic Polymer)

A cationic polymer has a positive charge density. The charge density of the cationic polymer may be from 0.01 meq/g to 20 meq/g, preferably from 0.05 tol5 meq/g, and more preferably from 0.1 to 10 meq/g. It may be preferable that the molecular weight of the cationic polymer be 1000 or more, preferably 2000 or more, more preferably 3000 or more, and even more preferably 10,000 or more.

Unless otherwise defined in the descriptions, “molecular weight” means a number-average molecular weight.

The cationic polymer may have at least one positively chargeable and/or positively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of a primary, secondary or tertiary amino group, a quaternary ammonium group, a guanidine group, a biguanide group, an imidazole group, an imino group, and a pyridyl group. The term (primary) “amino group” here means a group of -NH₂.

The cationic polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The term “copolymer” is understood to mean both copolymers obtained from two kinds of monomers and those obtained from more than two kinds of monomers, such as terpolymers obtained from three kinds of monomers.

The cationic polymer may be selected from natural and synthetic cationic polymers. Non limiting examples of the cationic polymers are as follows.

(1) Homopolymers and copolymers derived from acrylic or methacrylic esters and amides and comprising at least one unit chosen from units of the following formulas:

wherein:

Ri and R₂, which may be identical or different, are chosen from hydrogen and alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for instance, methyl and ethyl groups;

R3, which may be identical or different, is chosen from hydrogen and CH3; the symbols A, which may be identical or different, are chosen from linear or branched alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, from 2 to 3 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

R.4, Us, and R.₆, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and benzyl groups, and in at least one embodiment, alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and

X is an anion derived from an inorganic or organic acid, such as methosulphate anions and halides, for instance chloride and bromide.

The copolymers of family (1) may also comprise at least one unit derived from comonomers which may be chosen from acrylamides, methacrylamides, diacetone acrylamides, acrylamides and methacrylamides substituted on the nitrogen atom with (C1-C4) lower alkyl groups, groups derived from acrylic or methacrylic acids and esters thereof, vinyllactams such as vinylpyrrolidone and vinylcaprolactam, and vinyl esters.

Examples of copolymers of family (1) include, but are not limited to: copolymers of acrylamide and of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quatemized with dimethyl sulphate or with a dimethyl halide, copolymers of acrylamide and of methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride described, for example, in European Patent Application No. 0 080 976, copolymers of acrylamide and of methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium methosulphate, quatemized or nonquaternized vinylpyrrolidone/dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate or methacrylate copolymers, described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2077 143 and 2393 573, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate/vinylcaprolactam/vinylpyrrolidone terpolymers, vinylpyrrolidone/methacrylamidopropyldimethylamine copolymers, quatemized vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamide copolymers, and crosslinked methacryloyloxy(Ci -Chalky ltri(Ci-C4)alkylammonium salt polymers such as the polymers obtained by homopolymerization of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quatemized with methyl chloride, or by copolymerization of acrylamide with dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quatemized with methyl chloride, the homopolymerization or copolymerization being followed by crosslinking with a compound containing an olefmic unsaturation, for example, methylenebisacrylamide.

(2) Cationic cellulose derivatives such as cellulose ether derivatives comprising quaternary ammonium groups described, for example, in French Patent No. 1 492597, such as the polymers sold under the names "JR” (JR 400, JR 125, JR 30M) or "LR" (LR 400, LR 30M) by the company Union Carbide Corporation. These polymers are also defined in the CTFA dictionary as quaternary ammoniums of hydroxyethylcellulose that have reacted with an epoxide substituted with a trimethylammonium group.

(3) Cationic cellulose derivatives such as cellulose copolymers and cellulose derivatives grafted with a water-soluble monomer of quaternary ammonium, and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,576, such as hydroxyalkylcelluloses, for instance, hydroxymethyl-, hydroxy ethyl-, and hydroxypropylcelluloses grafted, for example, with a salt chosen from methacryloylethyltrimethylammonium, methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium, and dimethyldiallylammonium salts.

Commercial products corresponding to these polymers include, for example, the products sold under the name "Celquat® L 200" and "Celquat® H 100" by the company National Starch. (4) Non-cellulose-based cationic polysaccharides described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,589,578 and 4,031,307, such as guar gums comprising cationic trialkylammonium groups, cationic hyaluronic acid, and dextran hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride. Guar gums modified with a salt, for example the chloride, of 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium (guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride) may also be used.

Such products are sold, for instance, under the trade names JAGUAR® C13 S, JAGUAR®

Cl 5, JAGUAR® Cl 7, and JAGUAR® Cl 62 by the company MEYHALL.

(5) Polymers comprising piperazinyl units and divalent alkylene or hydroxyalkylene groups comprising straight or branched chains, optionally interrupted with at least one entity chosen from oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen, aromatic rings, and heterocyclic rings, and also the oxidation and/or quatemization products of these polymers. Such polymers are described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 162 025 and 2280361.

(6) Water-soluble polyamino amides prepared, for example, by polycondensation of an acidic compound with a polyamine; these polyamino amides possibly being crosslinked with an entity chosen from epihalohydrins; diepoxides; dianhydrides; unsaturated dianhydrides; bisunsaturated derivatives; bishalohydrins; bisazetidiniums; bishaloacyidiamines; bisalkyl halides; oligomers resulting from the reaction of a difunctional compound which is reactive with an entity chosen from bishalohydrins, bisazetidiniums, bishaloacyidiamines, bisalkyl halides, epihalohydrins, diepoxides, and bisunsaturated derivatives; the crosslinking agent being used in an amount ranging from 0.025 to 0.35 mol per amine group of the polyamino amide; these polyamino amides optionally being alkylated or, if they comprise at least one tertiary amine function, they may be quatemized. Such polymers are described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2252 840 and 2368 508.

(7) Polyamino amide derivatives resulting from the condensation of polyalkylene polyamines with polycarboxylic acids, followed by alkylation with difunctional agents, for example, adipic acid/dialkylaminohydroxyalkyldialkylenetriamine polymers in which the alkyl group comprises from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, and propyl groups, and the alkylene group comprises from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as an ethylene group. Such polymers are described, for instance, in French Patent No. 1 583 363. In at least one embodiment, these derivatives may be chosen from adipic acid/dimethylaminohydroxypropyldiethylenetriamine polymers.

(8) Polymers obtained by reaction of a polyalkylene polyamine comprising two primary amine groups and at least one secondary amine group, with a dicarboxylic acid chosen from diglycolic acid and saturated aliphatic dicarboxylic acids comprising from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The molar ratio of the polyalkylene polyamine to the dicarboxylic acid may range from 0.8:1 to 1.4:1; the polyamino amide resulting therefrom being reacted with epichlorohydrin in a molar ratio of epichlorohydrin relative to the secondary amine group of the polyamino amide ranging from 0.5:1 to 1.8:1. Such polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,227,615 and 2,961,347.

(9) Cyclopolymers of alkyldiallylamine and cyclopolymers of dialkyldiallyl-ammonium, such as homopolymers and copolymers comprising, as the main constituent of the chain, at least one unit chosen from units of formulas (la) and (lb):

(lb) wherein: k and t, which may be identical or different, are equal to 0 or 1, the sum k+t being equal to 1 ; Ri2 is chosen from hydrogen and methyl groups;

Rio and Rn, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups in which the alkyl group comprises, for example, from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and lower (Ci-C4)amidoalkyl groups, or Rio and Rn may form, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, heterocyclic groups such as piperidinyl and morpholinyl; and

Y' is an anion such as bromide, chloride, acetate, borate, citrate, tartrate, bisulphate, bisulphite, sulphate, and phosphate. These polymers are described, for example, in French Patent No. 2 080 759 and in its Certificate of Addition 2 190 406.

In one embodiment, Rio and Rn, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Examples of such polymers include, but are not limited to, (co)polydiallyldialkyl ammonium chloride such as the dimethyidiallylammonium chloride homopolymer sold under the name "MERQUAT® 100" by the company CALGON (and its homologues of low weight-average molecular mass) and the copolymers of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and of acrylamide sold under the name "MERQUAT® 550".

Quaternary diammonium polymers comprising at least one repeating unit of formula (II):

wherein:

Ri3, Ri4, Ri5, and Ri₆, which may be identical or different, are chosen from aliphatic, alicyclic, and arylaliphatic groups comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and lower hydroxyalkyl aliphatic groups, or alternatively Rn, RM, Rn, and Rn may form, together or separately, with the nitrogen atoms to which they are attached, heterocycles optionally comprising a second heteroatom other than nitrogen, or alternatively Rn, Rn, Rn, and Rn, which may be identical or different, are chosen from linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl groups substituted with at least one group chosen from nitrile groups, ester groups, acyl groups, amide groups, -CO-0-Rn E groups, and -CO-NH-Rn-E groups, wherein Rn is an alkyl ene group and E is a quaternary ammonium group;

Ai and Bi, which may be identical or different, are chosen from polymethylene groups comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, which may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and which may comprise, linked or intercalated in the main chain, at least one entity chosen from aromatic rings, oxygen, sulphur, sulphoxide groups, sulphone groups, disulphide groups, amino groups, alkylamino groups, hydroxyl groups, quaternary ammonium groups, ureido groups, amide groups, and ester groups, and

X is an anion derived from an inorganic or organic acid;

Ai, Rn, and R15 may form, together with the two nitrogen atoms to which they are attached, a piperazine ring; if Ai is chosen from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkylene or hydroxyalkylene groups, Bi may be chosen from:

-(CH₂)n— CO-E'-OC-(CH₂)n- wherein E' is chosen from: a) glycol residues of formula -O-Z-O-, wherein Z is chosen from linear or branched hydrocarbon-based groups and groups of the following formulas:

wherein x and y, which may be identical or different, are chosen from integers ranging from 1 to 4, which represent a defined and unique degree of polymerization, and numbers ranging from 1 to 4, which represent an average degree of polymerization; b) bis-secondary diamine residue such as piperazine derivatives; c) bis-primary diamine residues of formula -NH-Y-NH-, wherein Y is chosen from linear or branched hydrocarbon-based groups and the divalent group -CH₂-CH₂-S-S-CH₂-CE1₂-; and d) ureylene groups of formula -NH-CO-NH-.

In at least one embodiment, X is an anion such as chloride or bromide.

Polymers of this type are described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 320 330; 2270 846; 2 316271; 2 336434; and 2413 907 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,273,780; 2,375,853; 2,388,614; 2,454,547; 3,206,462; 2,261,002; 2,271,378; 3,874,870; 4,001,432; 3,929,990; 3,966,904; 4,005,193; 4,025,617; 4,025,627; 4,025,653; 4,026,945; and 4,027,020.

Non-limiting examples of such polymers include those comprising at least one repeating unit of formula (III):

wherein R13, R14, Ris, and Ri₆, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n and p, which may be identical or different, are integers ranging from 2 to 20, and X is an anion derived from an inorganic or organic acid.

(11) Polyquatemary ammonium polymers comprising units of formula (IV):

wherein:

Ri₈, Ri9, R20, and R21, which may be identical or different, are chosen from hydrogen, methyl groups, ethyl groups, propyl groups, b-hydroxyethyl groups, b-hydroxypropyl groups, - CH2CH2(OCH2CH2)_pOH groups, wherein p is chosen from integers ranging from 0 to 6, with the proviso that Ris, R19, R20, and R21 are not simultaneously hydrogen, r and s, which may be identical or different, are chosen from integers ranging from 1 to 6, q is chosen from integers ranging from 0 to 34,

X is an anion such as a halide, and

A is chosen from radicals of dihalides and -CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-.

Such compounds are described, for instance, in European Patent Application No. 0 122324.

(12) Quaternary polymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinylimidazole.

Other examples of suitable cationic polymers include, but are not limited to, cationic proteins and cationic protein hydrolysates, polyalkyleneimines, such as polyethyleneimines, polymers comprising units chosen from vinylpyridine and vinylpyridinium units, condensates of polyamines and of epichlorohydrin, quaternary polyureylenes, and chitin derivatives.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one cationic polymer is chosen from cellulose ether derivatives comprising quaternary ammonium groups, such as the products sold under the name "JR 400" by the company UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION, cationic cyclopolymers, for instance, the homo-polymers and copolymers of dimethyldiallylammonium chloride sold under the names MERQUAT® 100, MERQUAT® 550, and MERQUAT® S by the company CALGON, guar gums modified with a 2,3- epoxypropyltrimethylammonium salt, and quaternary polymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinylimidazole.

(13) Polyamines As the cationic polymer, it is also possible to use (co)polyamines, which may be homopolymers or copolymers, with a plurality of amino groups. The amino group may be a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amino group. The amino group may be present in a polymer backbone or a pendent group, if present, of the (co)polyamines.

As example of the (co)polyamines, mention may be made of chitosan, (co)polyallylamines, (co)polyvinylamines, (co)polyanilines, (co)polyvinylimidazoles,

(co)polydimethylaminoethylenemethacrylates, (co)polyvinylpyridines such as (co)poly-l- methyl-2-vinylpyridines, (co)polyimines such as (co) polyethyleneimines, (co)polypyridines such as (co)poly(quatemary pyridines), (co)polybiguanides such as (co)polyaminopropyl biguanides, (co)polylysines, (co)polyomithines, (co)polyarginines, (co)polyhistidines, aminodextrans, aminocelluloses, amino(co)polyvinylacetals, and salts thereof.

As the (co)polyamines, it is preferable to use (co)polylysines. Polylysine is well known. Polylysine can be a natural homopolymer of L-lysine that can be produced by bacterial fermentation. For example, polylysine can be e-Poly-L-lysine, typically used as a natural preservative in food products. Polylysine is a polyelectrolyte which is soluble in polar solvents such as water, propylene glycol and glycerol. Polylysine is commercially available in various forms, such as poly D-lysine and poly L-lysine. Polylysine can be in salt and/or solution form.

(14) Cationic Polyaminoacids

As the cationic polymer, it may be possible use cationic polyaminoacids, which may be cationic homopolymers or copolymers, with a plurality of amino groups and carboxyl groups. The amino group may be a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amino group. The amino group may be present in a polymer backbone or a pendent group, if present, of the cationic polyaminoacids. The carboxyl group may be present in a pendent group, if present, of the cationic polyaminoacids.

As examples of the cationic polyaminoacids, mention may be made of cationized collagen, cationized gelatin, steardimoium hydroxyprolyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed conchiolin protein, steardimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed soy protein, cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein, and the like.

It may be preferable that the cationic polymer be selected from the group consisting of cyclopolymers of alkyldiallylamine and cyclopolymers of dialkyldiallylammonium such as (co)polydiallyldialkyl ammonium chloride, (co)polyamines such as (co)polylysines, cationic (co)polyaminoacids such as cationized collagen, and salts thereof.

It may be more preferable that the cationic polymer be selected from the group consisting of polyquatemium-4, polyquatemium-6, polyquatemium-7, polyquatemium-10, polyquaternium-24, polyquatemium-67, and a mixture thereof.

The amount of the cationic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition. The amount of the cationic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 15% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or less, and more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the cationic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.1% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

(Anionic Polymer)

An anionic polymer has a negative charge density. The charge density of the anionic polymer may be from 0.1 meq/g to 20 meq/g, preferably from 1 to 15 meq/g, and more preferably from 4 to 10 meq/g if the anionic polymer is a synthetic anionic polymer, and the average substitution degree of the anionic polymer may be from 0.1 to 3.0, preferably from 0.2 to 2.7, and more preferably from 0.3 to 2.5 if the anionic polymer is a natural anionic polymer.

It may be preferable that the molecular weight of the anionic polymer be 1,000 or more, preferably 10,000 or more, more preferably 50,000 or more, and even more preferably 100,000 or more.

The anionic polymer may have at least one negatively chargeable and/or negatively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of a sulfuric group, a sulfate group, a sulfonic group, a sulfonate group, a phosphoric group, a phosphate group, a phosphonic group, a phosphonate group, a carboxylic group, and a carboxylate group.

The anionic polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The term “copolymer” is understood to mean both copolymers obtained from two kinds of monomers and those obtained from more than two kinds of monomers, such as terpolymers obtained from three kinds of monomers.

The anionic polymer may be selected from natural and synthetic anionic polymers.

The anionic polymer may comprise at least one hydrophobic chain.

The anionic polymer which may comprise at least one hydrophobic chain may be obtained by copolymerization of a monomer (a) chosen from carboxylic acids comprising a,b-ethylenic unsaturation (monomer a’) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid (monomer a”) with a non-surface-active monomer (b) comprising an ethylenic unsaturation other than (a) and/or a monomer (c) comprising an ethylenic unsaturation resulting from the reaction of an acrylic monomer comprising an a,b-monoethylenic unsaturation or of an isocyanate monomer comprising a monoethylenic unsaturation with a monohydric nonionic amphiphilic component or with a primary or secondary fatty amine.

Thus, the anionic polymer with at least one hydrophobic chain may be obtained by two synthetic routes:

- either by copolymerization of the monomers (a’) and (c), or (a’), (b) and (c), or (a”) and (c), or (a”), (b) and (c),

- or by modification (and in particular esterification or amidation) of a copolymer formed from the monomers (a’) or from the monomers (a’) and (b), or (a”) and (b), by a monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compound or a primary or secondary fatty amine. Mention may in particular be made, as 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid copolymers, of those disclosed in the article “Micelle formation of random copolymers of sodium 2-(acrylamido)-2-methylpropanesulfonate and nonionic surfactant macromonomer in water as studied by fluorescence and dynamic light scattering - Macromolecules, 2000, Vol. 33, No. 10 - 3694-3704” and in applications EP-A-0 750 899 and EP-A-1 069 172.

The carboxylic acid comprising an a,b-monoethylenic unsaturation constituting the monomer (a’) can be chosen from numerous acids and in particular from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid and maleic acid. It is preferably acrylic or methacrylic acid.

The copolymer can comprise a monomer (b) comprising a monoethylenic unsaturation which does not have a surfactant property. The preferred monomers are those which give water- insoluble polymers when they are homopolymerized. They can be chosen, for example, from C1-C4 alkyl acrylates and methacrylates, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate or the corresponding methacrylates. The more particularly preferred monomers are methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate. The other monomers which can be used are, for example, styrene, vinyltoluene, vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile and vinylidene chloride. Unreactive monomers are preferred, these monomers being those in which the single ethylenic group is the only group which is reactive under the polymerization conditions. However, monomers which comprise groups which react under the effect of heat, such as hydroxyethyl acrylate, can optionally be used.

The monomer (c) is obtained by reaction of an acrylic monomer comprising a,b- monoethylenic unsaturation, such as (a), or of an isocyanate monomer comprising monoethylenic unsaturation with a monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compound or a primary or secondary fatty amine.

The monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compounds or the primary or secondary fatty amines used to produce the nonionic monomer (c) are well known. The monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compounds are generally alkoxylated hydrophobic compounds comprising an alkylene oxide forming the hydrophilic part of the molecule. The hydrophobic compounds are generally composed of an aliphatic alcohol or an alkylphenol, in which compounds a carbonaceous chain comprising at least six carbon atoms constitutes the hydrophobic part of the amphiphilic compound.

The preferred monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compounds are compounds having the following formula (V):

R-(OCH₂CHR’)_m-(OCH₂CH₂)_n-OH (V) in which R is chosen from alkyl or alkylene groups comprising from 6 to 30 carbon atoms and alkylaryl groups having alkyl radicals comprising from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, R’ is chosen from alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is a mean number ranging from approximately 1 to 150 and m is a mean number ranging from approximately 0 to 50, provided that n is at least as great as m.

Preferably, in the compounds of formula (V), the R group is chosen from alkyl groups comprising from 12 to 26 carbon atoms and alkylphenyl groups in which the alkyl group is C8-C13; the R’ group is the methyl group; m = 0 and n = 1 to 25. The preferred primary and secondary fatty amines are composed of one or two alkyl chains comprising from 6 to 30 carbon atoms.

The monomer used to form the nonionic urethane monomer (c) can be chosen from highly varied compounds. Use may be made of any compound comprising a copolymerizable unsaturation, such as an acrylic, methacrylic or allylic unsaturation. The monomer (c) can be obtained in particular from an isocyanate comprising a monoethylenic unsaturation, such as, in particular, a,a-dimethyl-m-isopropenylbenzyl isocyanate.

The monomer (c) can be chosen in particular from acrylates, methacrylates or itaconates of oxyethylenated (1 to 50 EO) C6-C30 fatty alcohol, such as steareth-20 methacrylate, oxyethylenated (25 EO) behenyl methacrylate, oxyethylenated (20 EO) monocetyl itaconate, oxyethylenated (20 EO) monostearyl itaconate or the acrylate modified by polyoxyethylenated (25 EO) C12-C24 alcohols and from dimethyl-m-isopropenylbenzyl isocyanates of oxyethylenated (1 to 50 EO) C6-C30 fatty alcohol, such as, in particular, the dimethyl-m-isopropenylbenzyl isocyanate of oxyethylenated behenyl alcohol.

According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the anionic polymer is Chosen from acrylic terpolymers obtained from (a) a carboxylic acid comprising an a,b-ethylenic unsaturation, (b) a non-surface-active monomer comprising an ethylenic unsaturation other than (a), and (c) a nonionic urethane monomer which is the reaction product of a monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compound with an isocyanate comprising a monoethylenic unsaturation.

Mention may in particular be made, as anionic polymers comprising at least one hydrophobic chain, of the acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/alkyl acrylate terpolymer, such as the product as a 30% aqueous dispersion sold under the name Acusol 823 by Rohm & Elaas; the acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, such as the product sold under the name Aculyn 22 by Rohm & Haas; the (meth)acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/oxyethylenated (25 EO) behenyl methacrylate terpolymer, such as the product as an aqueous emulsion sold under the name Aculyn 28 by Rohm & Haas; the acrylic acid/oxyethylenated (20 EO) monocetyl itaconate copolymer, such as the product as a 30% aqueous dispersion sold under the name Structure 3001 by National Starch; the acrylic acid/oxyethylenated (20 EO) monostearyl itaconate copolymer, such as the product as a 30% aqueous dispersion sold under the name Structure 2001 by National Starch; the acrylates/acrylate modified by polyoxyethylenated (25 EO) C12-C24 alcohol copolymer, such as the 30-32% copolymer latex sold under the name Synthalen W2000 by 3 V SA; or the methacrylic acid/methyl acrylate/dimethyl-meta- isopropenylbenzyl isocyanate of ethoxylated behenyl alcohol terpolymer, such as the product as a 24% aqueous dispersion and comprising 40 ethylene oxide groups disclosed in the document EP-A-0 173 109.

The anionic polymers may also be Polyester-5, such as the product sold under the name of Eastman AQ™ 55S Polymer by EASTMAN CHEMICAL having a chemical formula below.

HO-G-A-G-A-G-A-G-A-G-A-G-A-G-A-G-A-G-OH

S0₃ Na⁺ S0₃ Na⁺

A: dicarboxylic acid moiety G: glycol moiety SOa NaT sodium sulfo group OH: hydroxyl group

It may be preferable that the anionic polymer be selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides such as alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, and cellulose polymers (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose), anionic (co)polyaminoacids such as (co)polyglutamic acids, (co)poly(meth)acrylic acids, (co)polyamic acids, (co)polystyrene sulfonate, (co)poly(vinyl sulfate), dextran sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, (co)polymaleic acids, (co)polyfumaric acids, maleic acid (co)polymers, and salts thereof.

The maleic acid copolymer may comprise one or more maleic acid comonomers, and one or more comonomers chosen from vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinylpyrrolidone, olefins comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and styrene.

Thus, the "maleic acid copolymer" is understood to mean any polymer obtained by copolymerization of one or more maleic acid comonomers and of one or more comonomers chosen from vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinylpyrrolidone, olefins comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, such as octadecene, ethylene, isobutylene, diisobutylene or isooctylene, and styrene, the maleic acid comonomers optionally being partially or completely hydrolysed.

Use will preferably be made of hydrophilic polymers, that is to say polymers having a solubility of water of greater than or equal to 2 g/1.

In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, the maleic acid copolymer may have a molar fraction of maleic acid units of between 0.1 and 1, more preferably between 0.4 and 0.9.

The weight-average molar mass of the maleic acid copolymer may be between 1 ,000 and 500,000, and preferably between 1,000 and 50,000.

It is preferable that the maleic acid copolymer be a styrene/maleic acid copolymer, and more preferably sodium styrene/maleic acid copolymer.

Use will preferably be made of a copolymer of styrene and of maleic acid in a 50/50 ratio.

Use may be made, for example, of the styrene/maleic acid (50/50) copolymer, in the form of an ammonium salt at 30% in water, sold under the reference SMA1000H® by Cray Valley or the styrene/maleic acid (50/50) copolymer, in the form of a sodium salt at 40% in water, sold under the reference SMAlOOOHNa® by Cray Valley.

The use of the styrene/maleic acid copolymer such as sodium styrene/maleic acid copolymer can improve the wettability of a film prepared by the composition according to the present invention.

It may be preferable that the anionic polymer be selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides such as alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, and cellulose polymers, anionic (co)polyaminoacids such as (co)polyglutamic acids, (co)poly(meth)acrylic acids,

(co)polyamic acids, (co)polystyrene sulfonate, (co)poly(vinyl sulfates), dextran sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, (co)polymaleic acids, polyfumaric acids, maleic acid (co)polymers, and salts thereof. The amount of the anionic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.001% by weight or more, preferably 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the anionic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 25% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less, and more preferably 15% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the anionic polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.001 to 25% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 1 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

(Amphoteric Polymer)

An amphoteric polymer has both a positive charge density and a negative charge density.

The positive charge density of the amphoteric polymer may be from 0.01 meq/g to 20 meq/g, preferably from 0.05 to 15 meq/g, and more preferably from 0.1 to 10 meq/g.

The negative charge density of the amphoteric polymer may be from 0.01 meq/g to 20 meq/g, preferably from 0.05 tol5 meq/g, and more preferably from 0.1 to 10 meq/g.

It may be preferable that the molecular weight of the amphoteric polymer be 1000 or more, preferably 2000 or more, more preferably 3000 or more, and even more preferably 10,000 or more.

Unless otherwise defined in the descriptions, “molecular weight” means a number average molecular weight.

The amphoteric polymer may have at least one positively chargeable and/or positively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of a primary, secondary or tertiary amino group, a quaternary ammonium group, a guanidine group, a biguanide group, an imidazole group, an imino group, and a pyridyl group, and at least one negatively chargeable and/or negatively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of a sulfuric group, a sulfate group, a sulfonic group, a sulfonate group, a phosphoric group, a phosphate group, a phosphonic group, a phosphonate group, a carboxylic group, and a carboxylate group.

The amphoteric polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The term “copolymer” is understood to mean both copolymers obtained from two kinds of monomers and those obtained from more than two kinds of monomers, such as terpolymers obtained from three kinds of monomers.

The amphoteric polymers which can be used in accordance with the present invention may be chosen from the polymers containing K and M units distributed randomly in the polymer chain where K denotes a unit which is derived from a monomer containing at least one basic nitrogen atom and M denotes a unit which is derived from an acidic monomer containing one or more carboxylic or sulphonic groups or alternatively K and M may denote groups which are derived from zwitterionic monomers of carboxybetaines or of sulphobetaines. K and M may also denote a cationic polymer chain containing primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine groups, in which at least one of the amine groups carries a carboxylic or sulphonic group linked through a hydrocarbon radical or alternatively K and M form part of a chain of a polymer with an a,b-dicarboxylic ethylene unit in which one of the carboxylic groups has been caused to react with a polyamine containing one or more primary or secondary amine groups.

The amphoteric polymers corresponding to the definition given above which are more particularly preferred are chosen from the following polymers:

(1) The polymers resulting from the copolymerization of a monomer derived from a vinyl compound carrying a carboxylic group such as more particularly acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, alpha-chloroacrylic acid, and from a basic monomer derived from a substituted vinyl compound containing at least one basic atom such as more particularly dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate and acrylate, dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide and acrylamide. Such compounds are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,836,537. There may also be mentioned the sodium acrylate/acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride copolymer sold under the name POLYQUART KE 3033 by the company HENKEL. The vinyl compound may also be a dialkyldiallylammonium salt such as dimethyldiallylammonium chloride. The copolymers of acrylic acid and of the latter monomer are provided under the names MERQUAT 280, MERQUAT 295, MERQUAT 2003 PR, MERQUAT 3330 PR, and MERQUAT PLUS 3330 by the company Lubrizol.

(2) The polymers containing units which are derived from: a) at least one monomer chosen from acrylamides or methacrylamides substituted on the nitrogen by an alkyl radical, b) at least one acidic comonomer containing one or more reactive carboxylic groups, and c) at least one basic comonomer such as esters with primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amine substituents of acrylic and methacrylic acids and the product of quatemization of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate with dimethyl or diethyl sulphate.

The N-substituted acrylamides or methacrylamides most particularly preferred according to the invention are groups whose alkyl radicals contain from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and more particularly N-ethylacrylamide, N-tert-butylacrylamide, N-tert-octylacrylamide, N- octylacrylamide, N-decylacrylamide, N-dodecylacrylamide as well as the corresponding methacrylamides.

The acidic comonomers are chosen more particularly from acrylic, methacrylic, crotonic, itaconic, maleic and fumaric acids as well as the alkyl monoesters having 1 to 4 carbon atoms of maleic or fumaric anhydrides or acids.

The basic comonomers preferred are methacrylates of aminoethyl, butylaminoethyl, N,N'- dimethylaminoethyl, N-tert-butylaminoethyl.

Particularly used are the copolymers whose CTFA name (4th ed. 1991) is Octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer such as the products sold under the name AMPHOMER or LOVOCRYL 47 by the company NATIONAL STARCH.

(3) The partially or completely alkylated and crosslinked polyaminoamides derived from polyaminoamides of the following general formula: -[-CO-R4-CO-Z-]- in which R4 represents a divalent radical derived from a saturated dicarboxylic acid, a mono- or dicarboxylic aliphatic acid with ethylenic double bond, an ester of a lower alkanol having 1 to 6 carbon atoms of these acids or a radical which is derived from the addition of any one of the said acids with a bis-primary or bis-secondary amine, and Z denotes a radical of a bis- primary, mono- or bis-secondary polyalkylene-polyamine and preferably represents: a) in the proportions of 60 to 100 mol%, the radical

-NH-[(CH₂)_X-NH-]_p- where x=2 and p=2 or 3, or alternatively x=3 and p=2, this radical being derived from the diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetraamine or dipropylenetriamine; b) in the proportions of 0 to 40 mol%, the radical (IV) above, in which x=2 and p=l and which is derived from ethylenediamine, or the radical which is derived from piperazine:

c) in the proportions of 0 to 20 mol%, the radical -NH-(CH2)6-NH- which is derived from hexamethylenediamine, these polyamino amines being crosslinked by adding a bifunctional crosslinking agent chosen from the epihalohydrins, diepoxides, dianhydrides, bis-unsaturated derivatives, by means of 0.025 to 0.35 mol of crosslinking agent per amine group of the polyamino amide and alkylated by the action of acrylic acid, chloroacetic acid or of an alkanesultone or of their salts.

The saturated carboxylic acids are preferably chosen from the acids having 6 to 10 carbon atoms such as adipic, 2,2,4-trimethyladipic and 2,4,4-trimethyladipic acid, terephthalic acid, the acids with ethylene double bond such as for example acrylic, methacrylic and itaconic acids.

The alkanesultones used in the alkylation are preferably propane or butanesultone, and the salts of the alkylating agents are preferably the sodium or potassium salts.

(4) The polymers containing zwitterionic units of formula:

in which R5 denotes a polymerizable unsaturated group such as an acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide or methacrylamide group, y and z represent an integer from 1 to 3, R.6 and R7 represent a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl or propyl, Rs and R9 represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical such that the sum of the carbon atoms in Rs and R9 does not exceed 10.

The polymers comprising such units may also comprise units derived from nonzwitterionic monomers such as dimethyl or diethylaminoethyl acrylate or methacrylate or alkyl acrylates or methacrylates, acrylamides or methacrylamides or vinyl acetate. By way of example, there may be mentioned the copolymer of butyl methacrylate/dimethylcarboxymethylammonioethyl methacrylate such as the product sold under the name DIAFORMER Z301 by the company SANDOZ. (5) The polymers derived from chitosan containing monomeric units corresponding to the following formulae (VI), (VII), and (VIII):

the (VI) unit being present in proportions of from 0 to 30%, the (VII) unit in proportions of from 5 to 50% and the (VIII) unit in proportions of from 30 to 90%, it being understood that in this (VIII) unit, Rio represents a radical of formula:

R 12 R 13

R 11 C (0)_q - C— in which if q=0, Rii, Ri2 and R13, which are identical or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl, hydroxyl, acetoxy or amino residue, a monoalkylamine residue or a dialkylamine residue optionally interrupted by one or more nitrogen atoms and/or optionally substituted with one or more amine, hydroxyl, carboxyl, alky lthio or sulphonic groups, or an alkylthio residue whose alkyl group carries an amino residue, at least one of the Rn, R12 and R13 radicals being in this case a hydrogen atom; or if q=l, Rn, R12 and R13 each represent a hydrogen atom, as well as the salts formed by these compounds with bases or acids.

(6) The polymers derived from the N-carboxyalkylation of chitosan such as N-carboxymethyl chitosan or N-carboxybutyl chitosan sold under the name "EVALSAN" by the company JAN

DEKKER.

(7) The polymers corresponding to the general formula (IX) such as those described for example in French Patent 1,400,366:

in which RM represents a hydrogen atom, a CH3O, CH3CH2O or phenyl radical, R15 denotes hydrogen or a lower alkyl radical such as methyl or ethyl, Ri₆ denotes hydrogen or a lower alkyl radical such as methyl or ethyl, Rn denotes a lower alkyl radical such as methyl or ethyl or a radical corresponding to the formula: -Ri8-N(Ri6)2, Ri8 representing a group -CH2-CH2-, -CH2-CIT2-CH2- or -CEh-CH(CH3)-, Ri6 having the meanings mentioned above, as well as the higher homologues of these radicals and containing up to 6 carbon atoms.

(8) Amphoteric polymers of the -D-X-D-X- type chosen from: a) the polymers obtained by the action of chloroacetic acid or sodium chloroacetate on the compounds containing at least one unit of formula:

-D-X-D-X-D- (X) where D denotes a radical

and X denotes the symbol E or E', E or E', which are identical or different, denote a bivalent radical which is an alkylene radical with a linear or branched chain containing up to 7 carbon atoms in the principal chain which is unsubstituted or substituted with hydroxyl groups and which may contain, in addition, oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur atoms, 1 to 3 aromatic and/or heterocyclic rings; the oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur atoms being present in the form of ether, thioether, sulphoxide, sulphone, sulphonium, alkylamine or alkenylamine groups, or hydroxyl, benzylamine, amine oxide, quaternary ammonium, amide, imide, alcohol, ester and/or urethane groups b) The polymers of formula:

-D-X-D-X- (XI) where D denotes a radical

and X denotes the symbol E or E' and, at least once, E'; E having the meaning indicated above and E' is a bivalent radical which is an alkylene radical with a linear or branched chain having up to 7 carbon atoms in the principal chain, which is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more hydroxyl radicals and containing one or more nitrogen atoms, the nitrogen atom being substituted with an alkyl chain optionally interrupted by an oxygen atom and necessarily containing one or more carboxyl functional groups or one or more hydroxyl functional groups and betainized by reaction with chloroacetic acid or sodium chloroacetate.

(9) The copolymers (Ci-C5)alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride partially modified by semiamidation with an N,N-dialkylaminoalkylamine such as N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine or by semiesterification with an N,N-dialkanolamine. These copolymers may also contain other vinyl comonomers such as vinylcaprolactam.

The amphoteric polymers particularly preferred according to the invention are those of the family (1), particularly those containing a salt of dialkyldiallyl ammonium as a cationic monomer.

The amphoteric polymers may be chosen from polyquatemium-22, polyquatemium-39, polyquatemium-53, polyquatemium-64, polyquatemium-51, polyquatemium-61 and mixtures thereof. Polyquatemium-39 and polyquatemium-53, for example the product Merquat 3330 PR and Merquat 2003 PR, sold by Lubrizol, are more preferable.

The amount of the amphoteric polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and more preferably 1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the amphoteric polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 15% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or less, and more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the amphoteric polymer(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.1% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

(Non-Polymeric Acid Having Two or More Acid Dissociation Constants)

As a crosslinker for the ionic polymer, the composition according to the present invention may include at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof, i.e., at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more acid dissociation constants or salt(s) thereof. The pKa value (acid dissociation constant) is well known to those skilled in the art, and should be determined at a constant temperature such as 25 °C.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof can be included in the (a) particle. The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values can function as a crosslinker for the cationic polymer, anionic polymer and amphoteric polymers.

The term “non-polymeric” here means that the acid is not obtained by polymerizing two or more monomers. Therefore, the non-polymeric acid does not correspond to an acid obtained by polymerizing two or more monomers such as polycarboxylic acid. It is preferable that the molecular weight of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof is less than 1000, preferably 800 or less, and more preferably 700 or less.

There is no limit to the type of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof. Two or more different types of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salts thereof may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of a non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or a salt thereof or a combination of different types of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salts thereof may be used.

The term "salt" in the present specification means a salt formed by addition of suitable base(s) to the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values, which may be obtained from a reaction with the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values with the base(s) according to methods known to those skilled in the art. As the salt, mention may be made of metal salts, for example salts with alkaline metal such as Na and K, and salts with alkaline earth metal such as Mg and Ca, and ammonium salts.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof may be an organic acid or salt(s) thereof, and preferably a hydrophilic or water-soluble organic acid or salt(s) thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may have at least two acid groups selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic group, a sulfuric group, a sulfonic group, a phosphoric group, a phosphonic group, a phenolic hydroxyl group, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may be a non-polymeric polyvalent acid.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may be selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, disulfonic acids, and diphosphoric acids, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, malic acid, citric acid, aconitic acid, oxaloacetic acid, tartaric acid, and salts thereof; aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and salts thereof; terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid or salts thereof (Mexoryl SX), Benzophenone-9; phytic acid, and salts thereof; Red 2 (Amaranth), Red 102 (New Coccine), Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF), Green 3 (Fast Green FCF), Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF), Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine), Red 201 (Lithol Rubine B), Red 202 (Lithol Rubine BCA), Red 204 (Lake Red CBA), Red 206 (Lithol Red CA), Red 207 (Lithol Red BA), Red 208 (Lithol Red SR), Red 219 (Brilliant Lake Red R), Red 220 (Deep Maroon), Red 227 (Fast Acid Magenta), Yellow 203 (Quinoline Yellow WS), Green 201 (Alizanine Cyanine Green F), Green 204 (Pyranine Cone), Green 205 (Light Green SF Yellowish), Blue 203 (Patent Blue CA), Blue 205 (Alfazurine FG), Red 401 (Violamine R), Red 405 (Permanent Re F5R), Red 502 (Ponceau 3R), Red 503 (Ponceau R), Red 504 (Ponceau SX), Green 401 (Naphtol Green B), Green 402 (Guinea Green B), and Black 401 (Naphtol Blue Black); folic acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, and salts thereof; cystine and salts thereof; EDTA and salts thereof; glycyrrhizin and salts thereof; and a mixture thereof. It may be preferable that the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof be selected from the group consisting of terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid and salts thereof (Mexoryl SX), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF), ascorbic acid, phytic acid and salts thereof, and a mixture thereof

The amount of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be 10% by weight or less, preferably 5% by weight or less, and more preferably 1 % by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

(Non-Polymeric Base Having Two or More Base Dissociation Constants)

As a crosslinker for the ionic polymer, the composition according to the present invention may include at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof, i.e., at least one non-polymeric base having two or more base dissociation constants or salt(s) thereof. The pKb value (base dissociation constant) is well known to those skilled in the art, and should be determined at a constant temperature such as 25 °C.

The non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof can be included in the (a) particle. The non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values can function as a crosslinker for the cationic polymer, anionic polymer and amphoteric polymers.

The term “non-polymeric” here means that the base is not obtained by polymerizing two or more monomers. Therefore, the non-polymeric base does not correspond to a base obtained by polymerizing two or more monomers such as polyallylamine.

It is preferable that the molecular weight of the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof be 1000 or less, preferably 800 or less, and more preferably 700 or less.

There is no limit to the type of the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof. Two or more different types of non-polymeric bases having two or more pKb values or salts thereof may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of a non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or a salt thereof or a combination of different types of non-polymeric bases having two or more pKb values or salts thereof may be used.

The term "salt" in the present specification means a salt formed by addition of suitable acid(s) to the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values, which may be obtained from a reaction with the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values with the acid(s) according to methods known to those skilled in the art. As the salt, mention may be made of ammonium salts, for example salts with inorganic acid such as HC1 and HNO3, and salts with organic acid such as carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids.

The non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof may be an organic base or salt(s) thereof, and preferably a hydrophilic or water-soluble organic base or salt(s) thereof.

The non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values may have at least two basic groups selected from the group consisting of an amino group, a guanidine group, a biguanide group, an imidazole group, an imino group, a pyridyl group and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values may be selected from the group consisting of non-polymeric diamines such as ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, pentanediamine, hexanediamine, urea and derivatives thereof and guanidine and derivatives thereof, non-polymeric polyamines such as spermine and spermidine, basic amino acids, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, histidine, cysteine, cystine, tyrosine, tryptophan, ornithine, and a mixture thereof.

It may be preferable that the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof be selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, histidine, and a mixture thereof.

The amount of the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be 10% by weight or less, preferably 5% by weight or less, and more preferably 1% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present invention may be from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[Texture Agent]

The composition according to the present invention may comprise (b) at least one texture agent. Two or more different types of (b) texture agents may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of (b) texture agent or a combination of different types of (b) texture agents may be used.

The term “texture agent” here means any agent which can provide keratin fibers such as hair with improved textures such as more smoothness, more softness and less stickiness, as compared to a case in which the texture agent is not used. The (b) texture agent may be selected from hydrophilic thickeners.

It is preferable that the (b) texture agent be selected from hydrophilic nonionic polymeric thickeners. The hydrophilic nonionic polymeric thickener here means a hydrophilic nonionic thickener based on at least one polymer.

It is more preferable that the (b) texture agent be selected from hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickeners and hydrophilic nonionic polysaccharide thickeners.

It is surprising that the (b) texture agent which may function as a thickener can provide keratin fibers such as hair with better texture such as more smoothness and less stickiness because a thickener is in general considered to provide more stickiness.

{Hydrophilic Nonionic Polymeric Associative Thicker}

The hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickeners here means a nonionic thickener comprising at least one polymer with both at least one hydrophilic unit and at least one hydrophobic unit, such as a least one C8-C30 fatty chain, and is hydrophilic as a whole such that it can thicken an aqueous phase.

The hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickeners may, for example, be chosen from:

(i) celluloses modified with groups comprising at least one fatty chain; examples that may be mentioned include: hydroxyethylcelluloses modified with groups comprising at least one fatty chain chosen from alkyl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups, and in which the alkyl groups are, for example, C8-C22, such as the product Natrosol Plus Grade 330 CS(Ci-C6 alkyls) sold by the company Aqualon, and the product Bermocoll EHM 100 sold by the company Berol Nobel, and celluloses modified with polyalkylene glycol alkylphenyl ether groups, such as the product Amercell Polymer HM-1500 (polyethylene glycol (15) nonylphenyl ether) sold by the company Amerchol;

(ii) hydroxypropyl guars modified with groups comprising at least one fatty chain, such as the product Esaflor HM 22 (C22 alkyl chain) sold by the company Lamberti, and the products Miracare XC95-3 (CM alkyl chain) and RE205-1 (C20 alkyl chain) sold by the company Rhodia Chimie;

(iii) polyether-polyurethanes comprising at least one fatty chain, such as C10-C30 alkyl or alkenyl groups, for instance the products Elfacos T 210 and Elfacos T 212 sold by the company Akzo or the products Aculyn 44 and Aculyn 46 sold by the company Rohm & Haas;

(iv) copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of hydrophobic fatty-chain monomers; examples that may be mentioned include: the products Antaron V216 and Ganex V216 (vinylpyrrolidone/hexadecene copolymer) sold by the company I.S.P., and the products Antaron V220 and Ganex V220 (vinylpyrrolidone/eicosene copolymer) sold by the company I.S.R;

(v) copolymers of C1-C6 alkyl acrylates or methacrylates and of amphiphilic monomers comprising at least one fatty chain, such as the oxyethylenated methyl methacrylate/stearyl acrylate copolymer sold by the company Goldschmidt under the name Antil 208; (vi) copolymers of hydrophilic acrylates or methacrylates and of hydrophobic monomers comprising at least one fatty chain, such as polyethylene glycol methacrylate/lauryl methacrylate copolymer.

It may be preferable that the hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickener be selected from polyether-polyurethanes. The polyether-polyurethanes may have both at least one hydrophilic moiety and at least one hydrophobic moiety. More particularly, they may contain, in their polymer chain, both hydrophilic sequences most often of a polyoxyethylenated nature and hydrophobic sequences which may be aliphatic linkages alone and/or cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic linkages.

Preferably, these polyether-polyurethanes comprise at least two lipophilic hydrocarbon chains, having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 20, separated by a hydrophilic sequence, it being possible for the hydrocarbon chains to be pendent chains or chains at the end of a hydrophilic sequence. In particular, it is possible for one or more pendent chains to be envisaged. In addition, the polyether-polyurethanes may comprise a hydrocarbon chain at one end or at both ends of a hydrophilic sequence.

The polyether-polyurethanes may comprise polyblocks, in particular in triblock form. The hydrophobic sequences may be at each end of the polymer chain (for example: triblock copolymer with hydrophilic central sequence) or distributed both at the ends and in the polymer chain (for example: polyblock copolymers). The same polymers may also be in the form of graft units or may be star-shaped.

The hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickeners can form a network in water in which the hydrophobic part connects to form quasi-micelles.

Therefore, the hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickeners can increase viscosity or consistency of the composition according to the present invention. Thus, after application of the composition according to the present invention, it can recover the original elasticity of the composition quickly.

The nonionic polyether-polyurethanes containing a fatty chain may be triblock copolymers whose hydrophilic sequence is a polyoxyethylenated chain comprising from 50 to 1000 oxyethylenated groups.

The nonionic polyether-polyurethanes comprise a urethane bond between the hydrophilic sequences, hence the origin of the name.

By extension, those whose hydrophilic sequences are linked by other chemical bonds to the hydrophobic sequences are also included among the nonionic polyether-polyurethanes containing a hydrophobic chain.

By way of examples of nonionic polyether-polyurethanes containing a hydrophobic chain which can be used in the present invention, it is also possible to use Rheolate® 205 containing a urea functional group sold by the company RHEOX or else the Rheolates® 208, 204 or 212, as well as Acrysol RM 184®.

There may also be mentioned the product ELFACOS T210® containing a C12-C14 alkyl chain and the product ELFACOS T212® containing a Cis alkyl chain from AKZO. The product DW 1206B® from ROHM & HAAS containing a C20 alkyl chain and with a urethane bond, sold at 20% dry matter content in water, may also be used.

It is also possible to use solutions or dispersions of these polymers in particular in water or in an aqueous-alcoholic medium. By way of examples of such polymers, there may be mentioned Rheolate® 255, Rheolate® 278 and Rheolate® 244 sold by the company RHEOX. It is also possible to use the product DW 1206F and DW 1206J provided by the company ROHM & HAAS.

The above-described polyether-polyurethanes which can be used can also be chosen from those described in the article by G. Fonnum, J. Bakke and Fk. Hansen-Colloid Polym. Sci 271, 380-389 (1993).

As the above-described polyether-polyurethanes, mention may be made of polyether- polyurethanes comprising in their chain at least one polyoxyethylenated hydrophilic block and at least one of hydrophobic blocks containing at least one sequence chosen from aliphatic sequences, cycloaliphatic sequences, and aromatic sequences.

It may be preferable that the polyether-polyurethanes comprise at least two hydrocarbon- based lipophilic chains having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, separated by a hydrophilic block, and wherein the hydrocarbon-based chains are chosen from pendent chains and chains at the end of the hydrophilic block.

According to a specific form of the present invention, use will be made of a polyurethane/polyether that may be obtained by polycondensation of at least three compounds comprising (i) at least one polyethylene glycol comprising from 150 to 180 mol of ethylene oxide, (ii) a polyoxyethylenated stearyl alcohol comprising 100 mol of ethylene oxide, and (iii) a diisocyanate.

Such polyurethane/polyethers are sold especially by the company Elementis under the name Rheolate FX 1100® and Rheoluxe 811®, which is a polycondensate of polyethylene glycol containing 136 mol of ethylene oxide, of stearyl alcohol polyoxyethylenated with 100 mol of ethylene oxide and of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) with a weight-average molecular weight of 40000 (INCI name: PEG-136/Steareth-100/HDI Copolymer).

According to another specific form of the present invention, use will be made of a polyurethane/polyether that may be obtained by polycondensation of at least three compounds comprising (i) at least one polyethylene glycol comprising from 150 to 180 mol of ethylene oxide, (ii) stearyl alcohol or decyl alcohol, and (iii) at least one diisocyanate.

Such polyurethane/polyethers are sold in particular by the company Rohm & Haas under the names Aculyn 46® and Aculyn 44®.

Aculyn 46® having the INCI name: PEG-150/Stearyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer, is a polycondensate of polyethylene glycol comprising 150 or 180 mol of ethylene oxide, of stearyl alcohol and of methylenebis(4-cyclohexyl isocyanate) (SMDI) at 15% by weight in a matrix of maltodextrin (4%) and water (81%) (INCI name: PEG-150/Stearyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer). Aculyn 44® (PEG-150/Decyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer) is a polycondensate of polyethylene glycol comprising 150 or 180 mol of ethylene oxide, of decyl alcohol and of methylenebis(4- cyclohexyl isocyanate) (SMDI) at 35% by weight in a mixture of propylene glycol (39%) and water (26%) (INCI name: PEG- 150/Decyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer).

As the polyether-polyurethanes, it may be preferable to use a compound represented by the following formula (1):

R¹ - { (0-R²)_k-0C0NH-R³ [-NHC00-(R⁴-0)_n-R⁵]h }m ( 1 ) wherein R¹ represents a hydrocarbon group, R² and R⁴ independently represent alkylene groups having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, which alkylene groups may be identical or different from each other, or a phenylethylene group, R³ represents a hydrocarbon group, which may optionally have a urethane bond, R⁵ represents a branched chain or secondary hydrocarbon group, m represents a number of at least 2, h represents a number of at least 1, k represents a number within the range of 1 to 500, and n represents a number within the range of 1 to 200.

The hydrophobically modified polyurethane that is represented by the general formula (1) shown above is obtained by, for example, reacting at least one polyether polyol that is represented by the formula R¹-[(0-R²)_k-OH]_m, at least one polyisocyanate that is represented by the formula R³-(NCO)_h+i, and at least one polymonoalcohol that is represented by the formula E[0-(R⁴-0)_n-R⁵.

In such cases, R¹ to R⁵ in the general formula (1) are determined by the compounds R '-[(0- R²)_k-OH]_m, R³-(NCO)_h+i and H0-(R⁴-0)_n-R⁵. The loading ratios among the three compounds are not limited particularly and should preferably be such that the ratio of the isocyanate group derived from the polyisocyanate to the hydroxyl group derived from the polyether polyol and the polyether monoalcohol is selected within the range of NCO/OH of between 0.8:1 and 1.4:1.

The polyether polyol compound that is represented by the formula R¹-[(0-R²)_k-OH]_m and that may be used preferably for obtaining the polyether-polyurethane represented by the general formula (1) may be obtained from addition polymerization of an m-hydric polyol with an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or epichlorohydrin, or with styrene oxide, and the like.

The polyols should preferably be di- to octa-hydric polyols. Examples of the di- to octa- hydric polyols include dihydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexamethylene glycol, and neopenthyl glycol; trihydric alcohols, such as glycerol, trioxy isobutane, 1,2,3-butanetriol, 1,2,3-pentanetriol, 2 -methyl- 1,2, 3 -propanetriol, 2-methyl-

2.3.4-butanetriol, 2-ethyl- 1,2,3-butanetriol, 2,3,4-pentanetriol, 2,3,4-hexanetriol, 4-propyl-

3.4.5-heptanetriol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,3,4-pentanetriol, pentamethylglycerol, pentaglycerol, 1,2,4- butanetriol, 1,2,4-pentanetriol, trimethylolethane, and trimethylolpropane; tetrahydric alcohols, such as pentaerythritol, 1,2,3,4-pentanetetrol, 2,3,4,5-hexanetetrol, 1, 2,4,5- pentanetetrol, and 1,3,4,5-hexanetetrol; pentahydric alcohols, such as adonitol, arabitol, and xylitol; hexahydric alcohols, such as dipentaerythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, and iditol; and octahydric alcohols, such as sucrose.

Also, R² is determined by the alkylene oxide, styrene oxide, or the like, which is subjected to the addition. Particularly, for availability and excellent effects, an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or styrene oxide is preferable.

The alkyl ene oxide, styrene oxide, or the like, to be subjected to the addition may be subjected to single polymerization, or random polymerization or block polymerization of at least two members. The procedure for the addition may be a conventional procedure. Also, the polymerization degree k may be selected within the range of 0 to 1,000, preferably within the range of 1 to 500, and more preferably within the range of 10 to 200. Further, the ratio of the ethylene group occupying R² should preferably be within the range of 50 to 100 mass % with respect to the total quantity of R². In such cases, the hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickener appropriate for the purposes of the present invention is obtained.

Furthermore, the molecular weight of the polyether polyol compound that is represented by the formula R¹-[(0-R²)_k-OH]_m should preferably be selected within the range of 500 to 100,000, and should more preferably be selected within the range of 1,000 to 50,000.

The polyisocyanate that is represented by the formula R³-(NCO)h+i and that may be used preferably for obtaining the hydrophobically modified polyether urethane represented by the general formula (1) employed in accordance with the present invention is not limited particularly in so far as the polyisocyanate has at least two isocyanate groups in the molecule. Examples of the polyisocyanates include aliphatic diisocyanates, aromatic diisocyanates, alicyclic diisocyanates, biphenyl diisocyanate, phenylmethane diisocyanate, phenylmethane triisocyanate, and phenylmethane tetraisocyanate.

Also, it is possible to employ dimers and trimers (isocyanurate bonds) of the above- enumerated polyisocyanates. Further, it is possible to employ biuret obtained by a reaction with an amine.

Furthermore, it is possible to employ a polyisocyanate having a urethane bond obtained by a reaction of the aforesaid polyisocyanate compound and a polyol. As the polyol, di- to octa- hydric polyols are preferable, and the above-enumerated polyols are preferable. In cases where a tri- or higher-hydric polyisocyanate is used as the polyisocyanate that is represented by the formula R³-(NCO)_n+i, it is preferable to employ the aforesaid polyisocyanate having the urethane bond.

The polyether monoalcohol that is represented by the formula H0-(R⁴-0)_n-R⁵ and that may be used preferably for obtaining the hydrophobically modified polyether urethane represented by the general formula (1) employed in accordance with the present invention is not limited particularly in so far as the polyether monoalcohol is a polyether of a straight chain, branched chain, or secondary monohydric alcohol. The polyether monoalcohol may be obtained by addition polymerization of the straight chain, branched chain, or secondary monohydric alcohol with an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or epichlorohydrin, or with styrene oxide, and the like.

The compound represented by the general formula (1) may be produced by, for example, heating at a temperature of 80 to 90°C for 1 to 3 hours and thereby causing a reaction to occur in the same manner as that in the ordinary reaction of a polyether and an isocyanate.

As the compound represented by the general formula (1), polyethyleneglycol- 240/decyltetradeceth-20/hexamethylene diisocyanate copolymer is preferable. The polyethyleneglycol-240/decyltetradeceth-20/hexamethylene diisocyanate copolymer is referred to also as PEG-240/HDI copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether.

According to the present invention, it is preferable that the hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickener be selected from Steareth-100/PEG- 136/HDI Copolymer sold by the company Rheox under the name of Rheolate FX 1100, PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis- decyltetradeceth-20 ether sold by the company Asahi Denka under the name of Adekanol GT- 700, and mixtures thereof.

{Hydrophilic Nonionic Polysaccharide Thickeners}

The hydrophilic nonionic polysaccharide thickener here means a hydrophilic nonionic thickener based on at least one polysaccharide, preferably as a backbone of the thickener.

The hydrophilic nonionic polysaccharide thickener may be chosen from those described, for example, in "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology", Kirk-Othmer, Third Edition, 1982, volume 3, pp. 896-900, and volume 15, pp. 439-458, in "Polymers in Nature" by E. A. MacGregor and C. T. Greenwood, published by John Wiley & Sons, Chapter 6, pp. 240- 328,1980, and in "Industrial Gums— Polysaccharides and their Derivatives", edited by Roy L. Whistler, Second Edition, published by Academic Press Inc., the content of these three publications being entirely incorporated by reference.

Specifically, the hydrophilic nonionic polysaccharide thickener may be chosen, for example, from glucans, modified and unmodified starches (such as those derived, for example, from cereals, for instance wheat, com or rice, from vegetables, for instance yellow pea, and tubers, for instance potato or cassaya), amylose, amylopectin, glycogen, dextrans, celluloses and derivatives thereof (methylcelluloses, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, ethyl hydroxyethylcellu loses, and carboxymethylcelluloses), mannans, xylans, lignins, arabans, galactans, galacturonans, chitin, chitosans, glucuronoxylans, arabinoxylans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, pectic acids and pectins, alginic acid and alginates, arabinogalactans, carrageenans, agars, glycosaminoglucans, gum arabics, gum tragacanths, ghatti gums, karaya gums, carob gums, galactomannans, such as guar gums, and nonionic derivatives thereof (e.g., hydroxypropyl guar) and xanthan gums, and mixtures thereof.

As the hydrophilic nonionic polysaccharide thickener, for example, starches, guar gums and celluloses and derivatives thereof may preferably be used.

Among the starches that may be used, mention may be made, for example, of macromolecules in the form of polymers comprising elemental moieties that are anhydroglucose units. The number of these moieties and their assembly make it possible to distinguish between amylose (linear polymer) and amylopectin (branched polymer). The relative proportions of amylose and of amylopectin, and also their degree of polymerization, can vary as a function of the botanical origin of the starches.

The botanical origin of the starch molecules used may be cereals or tubers. Thus, the starches can be, for example, chosen from com starch, rice starch, cassaya starch, tapioca starch, barley starch, potato starch, wheat starch, sorghum starch and pea starch.

Starches are generally in the form of a white powder which is insoluble in cold water and which has an elementary particle size ranging from 3 to 100 microns. The starches may optionally be C1-C6 hydroxyalkylated or C1-C6 acylated (such as acetylated). The starches may also have undergone heat treatments.

Distarch phosphates or of compounds rich in distarch phosphate, for instance the products sold under the references Prejel VA-70-T AGGL (gelatinized hydroxypropylated cassaya distarch phosphate) or Prejel TK1 (gelatinized cassaya distarch phosphate) or Prejel 200 (gelatinized acetylated cassaya distarch phosphate) by the company Avebe, or Structure ZEA from National Starch (hydroxypropylated com distarch phosphate), may also be used.

The guar gums may be modified or unmodified.

The unmodified guar gums are, for example, the products sold under the name Vidogum GH 175 by the company Unipectine and under the names Meyro-Guar 50 and Jaguar C by the company Meyhall.

The modified nonionic guar gums are, for example, modified with C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl groups.

Among hydroxyalkyl groups, mention may be made, for example, of hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl and hydroxybutyl groups.

These guar gums are well known in the state of the art and can be prepared, for example, by reacting corresponding alkene oxides, such aspropylene oxides, with guar gum so as to obtain a guar gum modified with hydroxypropyl groups.

The degree of hydroxyalkylation, which corresponds to the number of alkylene oxide molecules consumed by the number of free hydroxyl functions present on the guar gum, may, for example, range from 0.4 to 1.2.

Such nonionic guar gums optionally modified with hydroxyalkyl groups are sold, for example, under the trade names Jaguar HP-8 COS, Jaguar HP-60, Jaguar HP- 120, and Jaguar HP- 120 by the company Solvay.

Among the celluloses that are used are, for example, hydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcelluloses. Mention may be made of the products sold under the names Klucel EF, Klucel H, Klucel MF and Klucel G by the company Ashland.

Alternatively, as the hydrophilic nonionic polysaccharide thickener, polysaccharides derived from microorganisms may also preferably be used.

The polysaccharide derived from microorganisms means polysaccharide produced by microorganisms such as germ or bacteria.

The polysaccharide derived from microorganisms is not polysaccharide derived from plants. Thus, it may be preferable that polysaccharide derived from microorganisms is not based on cellulose.

As examples of the polysaccharide derived from microorganisms, mention may be made of cardollan, xanthan gum, Jellan gum, dextran, pullulan, sclerotium gum, and mixtures thereof.

It may be preferable that the polysaccharide derived from microorganisms be selected from the group consisting of sclerotium gum, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof. It may be even more preferable that the (b) texture agent be selected from the group consisting of agar, guar gum, hydroxyproyl guar gum, sclerotium gum and PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether.

The amount of the (b) texture agent in the composition according to the present invention may be 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (b) texture agent in the composition according to the present invention may be 15% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight or less, and more preferably 5% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[Water]

The composition according to the present invention comprises (c) water.

The amount of the (c) water may be 50% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or more, and more preferably 70% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (c) water may be 90% by weight or less, preferably 85% by weight or less, and more preferably 80% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (c) water may be from 50% to 90% by weight, preferably from 60% to 85% by weight, and more preferably from 70% to 80% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[Fatty Material]

The composition according to the present invention may comprise (d) at least one fatty material. Two or more different types of (d) fatty materials may be used in combination.

Thus, a single type of (d) fatty material or a combination of different types of (d) fatty materials may be used.

The term “fatty material” means an organic compound that is insoluble in water at ordinary temperature (25°C) and at atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg) (solubility of less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, and more preferably less than 0.1% by weight).

The fatty material may contain, in its structure, a sequence of at least two siloxane groups or at least one hydrocarbon-based chain containing at least 6 carbon atoms. In addition, the fatty substances may be soluble in organic solvents under the same temperature and pressure conditions, for instance chloroform, ethanol, benzene or decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.

The (d) fatty material may be in the form of a liquid or a solid. Here, “liquid” and “solid” mean that the fatty material is in the form of a liquid or a paste (non-solid) or solid, respectively, at ambient temperature (25°C) under atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg or 10⁵ Pa).

The (d) fatty material may be in the form of a paste or a solid at ambient temperature and under atmospheric pressure. As examples of the (d) fatty material in the form of a solid, mention may be made of, for example, fatty alcohols and waxes.

The term “fatty alcohol” here means any saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C8-C30 fatty alcohol, which is optionally substituted, in particular with one or more hydroxyl groups (in particular 1 to 4). If they are unsaturated, these compounds may comprise one to three conjugated or non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds.

Among the C8-C30 fatty alcohols, C12-C22 fatty alcohols, for example, may be used as long as they are solid. Mention may be made among these of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, linolenyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, arachidonyl alcohol and erucyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol or a mixture thereof (e.g., cetearyl alcohol), as well as myristyl alcohol, can be used as a solid fatty material.

The term “wax” here means that the fatty material is substantially in the form of a solid at room temperature (25°C) under atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg), and has a melting point generally of 35°C or more. As the waxy fatty material, waxes generally used in cosmetics can be used alone or in combinations thereof.

For example, the wax may be selected from camauba wax, microcrystalline waxes, ozokerites, hydrogenated jojoba oil, polyethylene waxes such as the wax sold under the name "Performalene 400 Polyethylene" by the company New Phase Technologies, silicone waxes, for instance poly(C24-C2s)alkylmethyldimethylsiloxane, such as the product sold under the name "Abil Wax 9810" by the company Goldschmidt, palm butter, the C20-C40 alkyl stearate sold under the name "Kester Wax K82H" by the company Kester Keunen, stearyl benzoate, shellac wax, and mixtures thereof. For example, a wax selected from camauba wax, candelilla wax, ozokerites, hydrogenated jojoba oil and polyethylene waxes can be used. In at least one embodiment, the wax is preferably selected from candelilla wax and ozokerite, and mixtures thereof.

On the other hand, the (d) fatty material may be in the form of a liquid, at ambient temperature and under atmospheric pressure. As examples of fatty material in the form of a liquid, mention may be made of oil.

It is preferable that the (d) fatty material be selected from oils.

Here, “oil” means a fatty compound or substance which is in the form of a liquid or a paste (non-solid) at room temperature (25 °C) under atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). As the oils, those generally used in cosmetics can be used alone or in combination thereof. These oils may be volatile or non-volatile.

The oil may be selected from the group consisting of oils of plant or animal origin, synthetic oils, silicone oils, hydrocarbon oils and liquid fatty alcohols.

As examples of plant oils, mention may be made of, for example, linseed oil, camellia Oil, macadamia nut oil, com oil, mink oil, olive oil, avocado oil, sasanqua oil, castor oil, safflower oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, and mixtures thereof.

As examples of animal oils, mention may be made of, for example, squalene and squalane.

As examples of synthetic oils, mention may be made of alkane oils such as isododecane and isohexadecane, ester oils, ether oils, and artificial triglycerides.

The ester oils are preferably liquid esters of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Ci- C26 aliphatic monoacids or polyacids and of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched Ci- C26 aliphatic monoalcohols or polyalcohols, the total number of carbon atoms of the esters being greater than or equal to 10.

Preferably, for the esters of monoalcohols, at least one from among the alcohol and the acid from which the esters of the present invention are derived is branched.

Among the monoesters of monoacids and of monoalcohols, mention may be made of ethyl palmitate, ethyl hexyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, dicaprylyl carbonate, alkyl myristates such as isopropyl myristate or ethyl myristate, isocetyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl isononanoate, isononyl isononanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate and isostearyl neopentanoate.

Esters of C4-C22 dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of C1-C22 alcohols, and esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of non-sugar C4-C26 dihydroxy, trihydroxy, tetrahydroxy or pentahydroxy alcohols may also be used.

Mention may especially be made of: diethyl sebacate; isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate; diisopropyl sebacate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate; diisopropyl adipate; di-n-propyl adipate; dioctyl adipate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate; diisostearyl adipate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) maleate; triisopropyl citrate; triisocetyl citrate; triisostearyl citrate; glyceryl trilactate; glyceryl trioctanoate; trioctyldodecyl citrate; trioleyl citrate; neopentyl glycol diheptanoate; diethylene glycol diisononanoate.

As ester oils, one can use sugar esters and diesters of C6-C30 and preferably C12-C22 fatty acids. It is recalled that the term “sugar” means oxygen-bearing hydrocarbon-based compounds containing several alcohol functions, with or without aldehyde or ketone functions, and which comprise at least 4 carbon atoms. These sugars may be monosaccharides, oligosaccharides or polysaccharides.

Examples of suitable sugars that may be mentioned include sucrose (or saccharose), glucose, galactose, ribose, fucose, maltose, fructose, mannose, arabinose, xylose and lactose, and derivatives thereof, especially alkyl derivatives, such as methyl derivatives, for instance methylglucose.

The sugar esters of fatty acids may be chosen especially from the group comprising the esters or mixtures of esters of sugars described previously and of linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C6-C30 and preferably C12-C22 fatty acids. If they are unsaturated, these compounds may have one to three conjugated or non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds.

The esters according to this variant may also be selected from monoesters, diesters, triesters, tetraesters and polyesters, and mixtures thereof. These esters may be, for example, oleates, laurates, palmitates, myristates, behenates, cocoates, stearates, linoleates, linolenates, caprates and arachidonates, or mixtures thereof such as, especially, oleopalmitate, oleostearate and palmitostearate mixed esters, as well as pentaerythrityl tetraethyl hexanoate.

More particularly, use is made of monoesters and diesters and especially sucrose, glucose or methylglucose monooleates or dioleates, stearates, behenates, oleopalmitates, linoleates, linolenates and oleostearates.

An example that may be mentioned is the product sold under the name Glucate® DO by the company Amerchol, which is a methylglucose dioleate.

As examples of preferable ester oils, mention may be made of, for example, diisopropyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, 2-ethylhexyl hexanoate, ethyl laurate, cetyl octanoate, octyldodecyl octanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate, myristyl propionate, 2-ethylhexyl 2-ethylhexanoate, 2- ethylhexyl octanoate, 2-ethylhexyl caprylate/caprate, methyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, dicaprylyl carbonate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, isononyl isononanoate, ethylhexyl palmitate, isohexyl laurate, hexyl laurate, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, isodecyl oleate, glyceryl tri(2-ethylhexanoate), pentaerythrityl tetra(2-ethylhexanoate), 2-ethylhexyl succinate, diethyl sebacate, and mixtures thereof.

As examples of artificial triglycerides, mention may be made of, for example, capryl caprylyl glycerides, glyceryl trimyristate, glyceryl tripalmitate, glyceryl trilinolenate, glyceryl trilaurate, glyceryl tricaprate, glyceryl tricaprylate, glyceryl tri(caprate/caprylate) and glyceryl tri(caprate/caprylate/linolenate).

As examples of silicone oils, mention may be made of, for example, linear organopolysiloxanes such as dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, and the like; cyclic organopolysiloxanes such as cyclohexasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, and the like; and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, silicone oil is chosen from liquid polydialkylsiloxanes, especially liquid polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) and liquid polyorganosiloxanes comprising at least one aryl group.

These silicone oils may also be organomodified. The organomodified silicones that can be used according to the present invention are silicone oils as defined above and comprise in their structure one or more organofunctional groups attached via a hydrocarbon-based group.

Organopolysiloxanes are defined in greater detail in Walter Noll’s Chemistry and Technology of Silicones (1968), Academic Press. They may be volatile or non-volatile.

When they are volatile, the silicones are more particularly chosen from those having a boiling point of between 60°C and 260°C, and even more particularly from:

(i) cyclic polydialkylsiloxanes comprising from 3 to 7 and preferably 4 to 5 silicon atoms. These are, for example, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane sold in particular under the name Volatile Silicone® 7207 by Union Carbide or Silbione® 70045 V2 by Rhodia, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane sold under the name Volatile Silicone® 7158 by Union Carbide, Silbione® 70045 V5 by Rhodia, and dodecamethylcyclopentasiloxane sold under the name Silsoft 1217 by Momentive Performance Materials, and mixtures thereof. Mention may also be made of cyclocopolymers of the type such as dimethylsiloxane/methylalkylsiloxane, such as Silicone Volatile® FZ 3109 sold by the company Union Carbide, of formula:

Mention may also be made of mixtures of cyclic polydialkylsiloxanes with organosilicon compounds, such as the mixture of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and tetratrimethylsilylpentaerythritol (50/50) and the mixture of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and oxy- 1,1’ -bis(2,2,2 ’ ,2 ’ ,3 ,3 ’ -hexatrimethylsilyloxy)neopentane; and (ii) linear volatile polydialkylsiloxanes containing 2 to 9 silicon atoms and having a viscosity of less than or equal to 5 x 10⁶ m²/s at 25°C. An example is decamethyltetrasiloxane sold in particular under the name SH 200 by the company Toray Silicone. Silicones belonging to this category are also described in the article published in Cosmetics and Toiletries, Vol. 91, Jan. 76, pp. 27-32, Todd & Byers, Volatile Silicone Fluids for Cosmetics. The viscosity of the silicones is measured at 25°C according to ASTM standard 445 Appendix C.

Non-volatile polydialkylsiloxanes may also be used. These non-volatile silicones are more particularly chosen from polydialkylsiloxanes, among which mention may be made mainly of polydimethylsiloxanes containing trimethylsilyl end groups.

Among these polydialkylsiloxanes, mention may be made, in a non-limiting manner, of the following commercial products: the Silbione^® oils of the 47 and 70 047 series or the Mirasil^® oils sold by Rhodia, for instance the oil 70 047 V 500 000; the oils of the Mirasil^® series sold by the company Rhodia; the oils of the 200 series from the company Dow Coming, such as DC200 with a viscosity of 60 000 mm²/s; and the Viscasil^® oils from General Electric and certain oils of the SF series (SF 96, SF 18) from General Electric.

Mention may also be made of polydimethylsiloxanes containing dimethylsilanol end groups known under the name dimethiconol (CTFA), such as the oils of the 48 series from the company Rhodia.

Among the silicones containing aryl groups, mention may be made of polydiarylsiloxanes, especially polydiphenylsiloxanes and polyalkylarylsiloxanes such as phenyl silicone oil.

The phenyl silicone oil may be chosen from the phenyl silicones of the following formula:

in which

Ri to Rio, independently of each other, are saturated or unsaturated, linear, cyclic or branched C1-C30 hydrocarbon-based radicals, preferably C1-C12 hydrocarbon-based radicals, and more preferably C1-C6 hydrocarbon-based radicals, in particular methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl radicals, and m, n, p and q are, independently of each other, integers 0 to 900 inclusive, preferably 0 to 500 inclusive, and more preferably 0 to 100 inclusive, with the proviso that the sum n+m+q is other than 0.

Examples that may be mentioned include the products sold under the following names: the Silbione® oils of the 70641 series from Rhodia; the oils of the Rhodorsil® 70633 and 763 series from Rhodia; the oil Dow Coming 556 Cosmetic Grade Fluid from Dow Coming; the silicones of the PK series from Bayer, such as the product PK20; certain oils of the SF series from General Electric, such as SF 1023, SF 1154, SF 1250 and SF 1265.

As the phenyl silicone oil, phenyl trimethicone (Ri to Rio are methyl; p, q, and n = 0; m=l in the above formula) is preferable.

The organomodified liquid silicones may especially contain polyethyleneoxy and/or polypropyleneoxy groups. Mention may thus be made of the silicone KF-6017 proposed by Shin-Etsu, and the oils Silwet® L722 and L77 from the company Union Carbide.

Elydrocarbon oils may be chosen from: linear or branched, optionally cyclic, C6-C16 lower alkanes. Examples that may be mentioned include hexane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, and isoparaffins, for instance isohexadecane, isododecane and isodecane; and linear or branched hydrocarbons containing more than 16 carbon atoms, such as liquid paraffins, liquid petroleum jelly, polydecenes and hydrogenated polyisobutenes such as Parleam®, and squalane.

As preferable examples of hydrocarbon oils, mention may be made of, for example, linear or branched hydrocarbons such as isohexadecane, isododecane, squalane, mineral oil (e.g., liquid paraffin), paraffin, vaseline or petrolatum, naphthalenes, and the like; hydrogenated polyisobutene, isoeicosan, and decene/butene copolymer; and mixtures thereof. As examples of liquid fatty alcohol, mention may be made of lauryl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, undecylenyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, hexyldecanol, oleyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

It is more preferable that the (d) fatty material be selected from volatile oils. The volatile oils may be volatile silicone oils such as volatile linear and cyclic silicones, as explained above, volatile hydrocarbon oils such as isododecane and isohexadecane, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the (d) fatty material(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 10% by weight or more, preferably 15% by weight or more, and more preferably 20% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (d) fatty material(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 40% by weight or less, preferably 35% by weight or less, and more preferably 30% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[Cosmetic Active Ingredient]

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at least one (additional) cosmetic active ingredient in addition to the (d) fatty material. There is no limitation to the additional cosmetic active ingredient as long as it is not the (d) fatty material. Two or more additional cosmetic active ingredients may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of additional cosmetic active ingredient or a combination of different types of additional cosmetic active ingredients may be used.

Among the additional cosmetic active ingredients to be used, mention may be made of hydrophobic or water-insoluble UV filters, anti-oxidants, cleansing agents, free radical scavengers, moisturizers, whitening agents, liporegulators, anti-acne agents, antidandruff agents, anti-aging agents, softeners, anti-wrinkle agents, keratolitic agents, fresheners, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiperspirants, deodorants, skin conditioners, anesthetics, nourishing agents, and sebum absorbers or moisture absorbers.

The composition according to the present invention may comprise the additional cosmetic active ingredient(s) in an amount of from 0.01% to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[pH]

At a pH of from 3 to 9, the (a) polyion complex can be very stable.

The pH of the composition according to the present invention may be adjusted by adding at least one alkaline agent and/or at least one acid, other than the crosslinker, to be incorporated into the (a) polyion complex. The pH of the composition according to the present invention may also be adjusted by adding at least one buffering agent.

(Alkaline Agent)

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at least one alkaline agent. Two or more alkaline agents may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of alkaline agent or a combination of different types of alkaline agents may be used.

The alkaline agent may be an inorganic alkaline agent. It is preferable that the inorganic alkaline agent be selected from the group consisting of ammonia; alkaline metal hydroxides; alkaline earth metal hydroxides; alkaline metal phosphates and monohydrogenophosphates such as sodium phosphate or sodium monohydrogen phosphate.

As examples of the inorganic alkaline metal hydroxides, mention may be made of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. As examples of the alkaline earth metal hydroxides, mention may be made of calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. As an inorganic alkaline agent, sodium hydroxide is preferable.

The alkaline agent may be an organic alkaline agent. It is preferable that the organic alkaline agent be selected from the group consisting of monoamines and derivatives thereof; diamines and derivatives thereof; polyamines and derivatives thereof; basic amino acids and derivatives thereof; oligomers of basic amino acids and derivatives thereof; polymers of basic amino acids and derivatives thereof; urea and derivatives thereof; and guanidine and derivatives thereof.

As examples of the organic alkaline agents, mention may be made of alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and tri-ethanolamine, and isopropanolamine; urea, guanidine and their derivatives; basic amino acids such as lysine, ornithine or arginine; and diamines such as those described in the structure below:

R1 R3

R2 R4 wherein R denotes an alkyl ene such as propylene optionally substituted by a hydroxyl or a Ci- C4 alkyl radical, and Ri, R2, R3 and R4 independently denote a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical or a C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl radical, which may be exemplified by 1,3-propanediamine and derivatives thereof. Arginine, urea and monoethanolamine are preferable.

The alkaline agent(s) may be used in a total amount of from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, depending on their solubility.

(Acid)

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at least one acid other than the (d) acid to be incorporated into the (a) particle. Two or more acids may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of acid or a combination of different types of acids may be used. As the acid, mention may be made of any inorganic or organic acids, preferably inorganic acids, which are commonly used in cosmetic products. A monovalent acid and/or a polyvalent acid may be used. A monovalent acid such as citric acid, lactic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid (HC1) may be used. HC1 is preferable.

The acid(s) may be used in a total amount of from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, depending on their solubility.

(Buffering Agent)

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at least one buffering agent. Two or more buffering agents may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of buffering agent or a combination of different types of buffering agents may be used.

As the buffering agent, mention may be made of an acetate buffer (for example, acetic acid + sodium acetate), a phosphate buffer (for example, sodium dihydrogen phosphate + di-sodium hydorogen phosphate), a citrate buffer (for example, citric acid + sodium citrate), a borate buffer (for example, boric acid + sodium borate), a tartrate buffer (for example, tartaric acid + sodium tartrate dihydrate), Tris buffer (for example, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane),

Hepes buffer (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-l-piperazineethanesulfonic acid).

[Optional Additives]

The composition according to the present invention may comprise, in addition to the aforementioned components, components typically employed in cosmetics, specifically, surfactants or emulsifiers, hydrophobic thickeners, organic non-volatile solvents, silicones and silicone derivatives other than the (d) fatty material, natural extracts derived from animals or vegetables, waxes, and the like, within a range which does not impair the effects of the present invention.

The composition according to the present invention may comprise the above optional additive(s) in an amount of from 0.01% to 50% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 30% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

However, it may be preferable that the composition according to the present invention include a very limited amount of surfactant(s) or emulsifier(s). The amount of the surfactant(s) or emulsifier(s) in the composition according to the present invention may be 1% by weight or less, preferably 0.1% by weight or less, and more preferably 0.01% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition. It is in particular preferable that the composition according to the present invention include no surfactant or emulsifier.

[Composition]

Since the composition according to the present invention comprises (c) water, the composition according to the present invention can comprise at least one aqueous phase.

The aqueous phase may comprise at least one C2-C6 monohydric alcohol. Two or more C2-C6 monohydric alcohols may be used in combination. The C2-C6 monohydric alcohol suitable for the present invention may comprise from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, such as ethanol, isopropanol, propanol or butanol.

Ethanol and isopropanol, and preferably ethanol, are very particularly suitable for the present invention.

The amount of the C2-C6 monohydric alcohol in the composition according to the present invention may be 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition. On the other hand, the amount of the C2-C6 monohydric alcohol in the composition according to the present invention is 5% by weight or more, preferably 6% by weight or more, and more preferably 7% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, the amount of the C2-C6 monohydric alcohol may be from 5% to 20% by weight, preferably from 6% to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 7% to 10% by weight, in relation to the total weight of the composition.

The aqueous phase may comprise polyhydric alcohols containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, 1,3 -butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, pentyleneglycol, hexyleneglycol, glycerin, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the polyhydric alcohol(s) such as glycols, if present, in the aqueous phase according to the present invention may range from 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 12% by weight, and more preferably from 1 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

If the composition according to the present invention comprises (d) at least one fatty material, the composition according to the present invention can comprise at least one fatty phase.

If the (d) fatty material is oil, the composition according to the present invention can be in the form of an emulsion, an O/W emulsion or a W/O emulsion. It is preferable that the composition according to the present invention be in the form of an O/W emulsion, because it can provide a fresh sensation due to the (c) water which forms the outer phase thereof.

It may be more preferable that the amount of the surfactant(s) or emulsifier(s) in the emulsion, in particular an O/W emulsion, be 1% by weight or less, preferably 0.1% by weight or less, and more preferably 0.01% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the composition, because the surfactant(s) may negatively affect water-resistance. It is in particular preferable that the emulsion, in particular an O/W emulsion include no surfactant or emulsifier.

The composition according to the present invention may be intended to be used as a cosmetic composition. Thus, the cosmetic composition according to the present invention may be intended for application onto a keratin substance. Keratin substance here means a material containing keratin as a main constituent element, and examples thereof include the skin, scalp, nails, lips, hair, and the like. It is preferable that the cosmetic composition according to the present invention be used for a cosmetic process for the keratin substance, preferably keratin fibers, and more preferably hair. The composition according to the present invention can be prepared by mixing the above essential and optional ingredients in accordance with any of the processes which are well known to those skilled in the art.

The composition according to the present invention can be prepared by simple or easy mixing with a conventional mixing means such as a stirrer. Thus, strong shearing by, for example, a homogenizer is not necessary. Also, heating is not necessary.

[Cosmetic Process and Use]

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for keratin fibers such as hair, comprising: applying to the keratin fibers the composition according to the present invention; and drying the composition to form a cosmetic film on the keratin fibers, and a use of the composition according to the present invention for the preparation of a cosmetic film on keratin fibers such as hair.

The cosmetic process here means a non-therapeutic cosmetic method for caring and/or styling keratin fibers such as hair.

In both the above process and use, the above cosmetic film is resistant to water with a pH of 7 or less, and is removable with water with a pH of more than 7, preferably 8 or more, and more preferably 9 or more.

In other words, the above cosmetic film can be water-resistant under neutral or acidic conditions such as a pH of 7 or less, preferably in a range of 6 or more and 7 or less, and more preferably in a range of 5 or more and 7 or less, while the above cosmetic film can be removed under alkaline conditions such as a pH of more than 7, preferably 8 or more, and more preferably 9 or more. The upper limit of the pH is preferably 13, more preferably 12, and even more preferably 11.

Accordingly, the above cosmetic film can be water-resistant, and therefore, it can remain on keratin fibers such as hair even if the surface of the keratin fibers is wet due to, for example sweat and rain. On the other hand, the above cosmetic film can be easily removed from keratin fibers such as hair under alkaline conditions. Therefore, the film formed by the process according to the present invention is difficult to remove with water, while it can be easily removed with a soap which can provide alkaline conditions.

Furthermore, the above cosmetic film may have cosmetic effects such as absorbing or adsorbing malodor, changing the appearance of keratin fibers such as hair, changing the feel to the touch of the keratin fibers, and/or protecting the keratin fibers from, for example, dirt or pollutant, due to the properties of the polyion complex in the cosmetic film, even if the cosmetic film does not include any cosmetic active ingredient.

If the above cosmetic film includes at least one additional cosmetic active ingredient other than the (d) fatty material, the cosmetic film can have cosmetic effects provided by the additional cosmetic active ingredient(s).

The present invention may also relates to a use of (b) at least one texture agent in a cosmetic composition for keratin fibers such as hair, comprising:

(a) at least one polyion complex comprising at least one ionic polymer selected from the group consisting of cationic polymers, anionic polymers, amphoteric polymers, and mixtures thereof, and at least one crosslinker selected from the group consisting of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof, non-polymeric bases having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof, and mixtures thereof; and

(c) water in order for the composition to provide keratin fibers such as hair with improved textures such as smoothness, softness and less stickiness. The composition may further comprise (d) at least one fatty material.

The explanations regarding the ingredients (a) to (d) in the composition according to the present invention can apply to those in the use according to the present invention.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described in a more detailed manner by way of examples. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 1

[Preparation]

(Example 1)

0.37 g of Polyquatemium-67 and 0.88 g of Polyquatemium-6 were dissolved in about 73 g of water to obtain an aqueous mixture, and 0.05 g of sodium hydroxide and 0.50 g of phenoxyethanol were added into the mixture. Next, 0.6 g of a 50 wt% phytic acid aqueous solution was added into the above mentioned mixture to prepare a DIC-gel solution. The pH was adjusted to about 4 with NaOH. Into this DIC-gel solution, 4.5 g of dimethicone, 19.5 g of isododecane, and 0.3 g of hydroxypropyl guar were added and homogenized. The preparation was carried out using a homogenizer. A uniform composition in the form of a milk was obtained.

The formulation of the composition according to Example 1 is shown in Table 1. The numerical values for the amounts of the components shown in Table 1 are all based on “% by weight” as active raw materials.

(Example 2)

0.37 g of Polyquatemium-67 and 0.88 g of Polyquatemium-6 were dissolved in about 73 g of water to obtain an aqueous mixture, and 0.05 g of sodium hydroxide and 0.50 g of phenoxyethanol were added into the mixture. Next, 0.6 g of a 50 wt% phytic acid aqueous solution was added into the above mentioned mixture to prepare a DIC-gel solution. The pH was adjusted to about 4 with NaOH. Into this DIC-gel solution, 4.5 g of dimethicone, 19.5 g of isododecane, 3 g of PEG-240/HDI copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether and 0.4 g of sclerotium gum were added and homogenized. The preparation was carried out using a homogenizer. A uniform composition in the form of a cream was obtained.

The formulation of the composition according to Example 2 is shown in Table 1. The numerical values for the amounts of the components shown in Table 1 are all based on “% by weight” as active raw materials.

The ratio of the cation/anion as charge density of the polyion complex (es) in the compositions according to Example 1 and Example 2 is 1.79.

(Comparative Example 1)

0.37 g of Polyquatemium-67 and 0.88 g of Polyquatemium-6 were dissolved in about 73 g of water to obtain an aqueous mixture, and 0.05 g of sodium hydroxide and 0.50 g of phenoxyethanol were added into the mixture. Next, 0.6 g of a 50 wt% phytic acid aqueous solution was added into the above mentioned mixture to prepare a DIC-gel solution. The pH was adjusted to about 4 with NaOH. Into this DIC-gel solution, 4.5 g of dimethicone and 19.5 g of isododecane were added and homogenized. The preparation was carried out using a homogenizer. After the preparation of the composition, the composition caused a phase separation, and therefore, a uniform composition was not obtained.

The formulation of the composition according to Comparative Example 1 is shown in Table 1. The numerical values for the amounts of the components shown in Table 1 are all based on “% by weight” as active raw materials.

[Evaluations]

{Smoothness}

(Normal Conditions)

Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 1, in the same amount, was applied onto a hair swatch (1 g, 27 cm). This was repeated twice for the other two hair swatches. Thus, three hair swatches were prepared for each of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 1. They were maintained in an atmosphere of 24°C temperature and 40% relative humidity for 30 minutes.

The COF (Coefficient of Friction) of each of the hair swatches was measured with Efandy Rub Tester Model TL701 (Trinity Lab). First, the hair swatch was placed on a plate and the root side thereof was fixed with a hair clip. Second, a sensor was applied onto the hair swatch and moved from the root to the top of the hair swatch to measure the COF of the hair swatch. The measurement was repeated 3 times. Thus, nine pieces of COF data were obtained for each of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 1. The average of the nine pieces of COF data was determined as the COF value. The results are shown in the line labeled “Smoothness (under normal conditions)” in Table 1.

As a reference, the above evaluation was also performed for a hair swatch without applying any composition onto the hair swatch (kept under the normal conditions). The COF value was 0.1868±0.0126.

Under less humid conditions, the compositions according to Examples 1 -2 were able to provide hair with better smoothness than the composition according to Comparative Example 1.

(Efumid Conditions)

Each of the compositions according to Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 1, in the same amount, was applied onto a hair swatch (1 g, 27 cm). This was repeated twice for the other two hair swatches. Thus, three hair swatches were prepared for each of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 1. They were maintained in an atmosphere of 30°C temperature and 80% relative humidity for 30 minutes.

The COF (Coefficient of Friction) of each of the hair swatches was measured with Efandy Rub Tester Model TL701 (Trinity Lab). First, the hair swatch was placed on a plate and the root side thereof was fixed with a hair clip. Second, a sensor was applied onto the hair swatch and moved from the root to the top of the hair swatch to measure the COF of the hair swatch. The measurement was repeated 3 times. Thus, nine pieces of COF data were obtained for each of Examples 1 -2 and Comparative Example 1. The average of the nine pieces of COF data was determined as the COF value. The results are shown in the line labeled “Smoothness (under humid conditions)” in Table 1.

As a reference, the above evaluation was also performed for a hair swatch without applying any composition onto the hair swatch (kept under the humid conditions). The COF value was 0.1798±0.0009. Even under humid conditions, the compositions according to Examples 1-2 were able to provide hair with better smoothness than the composition according to Comparative Example 1. {Sensory Assessments}

Using a hair swatch, the textures of softness of dried hair and stickiness, after the application of each of the composition according to Example 1 -2 and Comparative Example 1 onto the hair swatch followed by drying, were assessed by 6 panelists in accordance with the following criteria. The benchmark means a hair swatch to which the composition has not been applied.

Very Good: 4-6 panelists considered better than the benchmark Good: 2 or 3 panelists considered better than the benchmark Poor: 0 or 1 panelist considered better than the benchmark

The results are shown in the line labeled “Sensory Assessments” in Table 1.

The compositions according to Examples 1-2 were able to provide hair with more softness and less stickiness than the composition according to Comparative Example 1.

Claims

1. A composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, and more preferably a cosmetic composition for keratin fibers, comprising:

(b) at least one texture agent; and

(c) water.

2. The composition according to Claim 1, wherein the (a) polyion complex(es) comprise(s)

(ii) at least one cationic polymer, at least one anionic polymer, and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof and/or at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof,

(iii) at least one cationic polymer, at least one amphoteric polymer, and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof and/or at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof,

(vi) at least one anionic polymer, at least one amphoteric polymer, and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof and/or at least one non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof, or

3. The composition according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the cationic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyquatemium-4, polyquatemium-6, polyquatemium-7, polyquatemium-10, polyquatemium-24, polyquatemium-67, and a mixture thereof.

4. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the anionic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides such as alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, and cellulose polymers, anionic (co)polyaminoacids such as (co)polyglutamic acids, (co)poly(meth)acrylic acids, (co)polyamic acids, (co)polystyrene sulfonate, (co)poly(vinyl sulfates), dextran sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, (co)polymaleic acids, polyfumaric acids, maleic acid (co)polymers, and salts thereof.

5. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the amphoteric polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyquatemium-22, polyquatemium-39, polyquatemium-53, polyquatemium-64, polyquatemium-51, polyquatemium-61, and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the amount of the ionic polymer(s) in the composition is from 0.1% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

7. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof is selected from the group consisting of terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid and salts thereof (Mexoryl SX), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF), ascorbic acid, phytic acid and salts thereof, and a mixture thereof.

8 The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the non-polymeric base having two or more pKb values or salt(s) thereof is selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, histidine, cysteine, tyrosine, tryptophan, ornithine, and a mixture thereof.

9. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the amount of the crosslinker(s) in the composition is from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

10. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the (b) texture agent is selected from hydrophilic nonionic polymeric thickeners, preferably selected from hydrophilic nonionic polymeric associative thickeners and hydrophilic nonionic polysaccharide thickeners, and more preferably selected from the group consisting of agar, guar gum, hydroxyproyl guar gum, sclerotium gum and PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether.

11. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the amount of the

(b) texture agent in the composition is from 0.01% to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

12. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the amount of the

(c) water in the composition is from 50% to 90% by weight, preferably from 60% to 85% by weight, and more preferably from 70% to 80% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

13. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the pH of the composition is from 3 to 9, preferably from 3.5 to 8.5, and more preferably from 4 to

8.

14. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the composition further comprises (d) at least one fatty material, preferably at least one oil, and more preferably at least one volatile oil.

15. The composition according to Claim 14, wherein the amount of the (d) fatty material(s) in the composition is from 10% to 40% by weight, preferably from 15% to 35% by weight, and more preferably from 20% to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

16. A cosmetic process for keratin fibers such as hair, comprising applying to the keratin fibers the composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 15; and drying the composition to form a cosmetic film on the keratin fibers.