GB2572173A

GB2572173A - Personal cleaning composition

Info

Publication number: GB2572173A
Application number: GB1804504.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Byrne Daniel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-03-21
Filing date: 2018-03-21
Publication date: 2019-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-21
Also published as: GB201804504D0; GB2572173B

Abstract

A personal cleansing composition which comprises a physiologically active amount of carnosine. The personal cleansing composition is in the form of a gel, soap, or water-soluble delivery agent. The composition may also be in the form of a shower gel, bubble bath, bath salt, both bomb or bath melt. The carnosine may be present in a range of 0.1-1.0% by weight of the total composition but preferably will be present at 0.2%. The composition will preferably further comprise magnesium salt so that the carnosine and magnesium salt form a carnosine-magnesium complex on activation with water. The magnesium may be present in a range of 0.5-2.0% by weight of the total composition but preferably will be present at 1.0%. Caffeine, arnica and essential oils selected from camphor, eucalyptus, clove bud and almond may also be present in the composition.

Description

The present invention relates to a personal cleansing composition, particularly but not exclusively to a shower gel, bath salt, bath bomb, bath melt, or bar of soap.

It is common for users having exercised to want to shower or bathe in order to remove sweat and dirt from their bodies, but also to have a relaxing experience following physical exertion.

Many compositions are available which can assist with regeneration or restoration of the body of an exercised individual. However, where topically applicable ingredients are provided, these tend to be applied as a cream, ointment or tincture, which is dispersed and/or washed off during the cleansing process. This requires re-application of the cream to achieve maximum efficacy following washing, which can be wasteful, and can also limit the regeneration process if the user has long since finished exercising by the point of re-application.

The present invention seeks to provide a means of providing improved engagement of physiologically active ingredients which would otherwise not be able to remain on the skin for sufficient durations during a bath or shower experience.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a personal cleansing composition comprising a physiologically active amount of carnosine, wherein the personal cleansing composition is in the form of a gel, soap, or water-soluble delivery agent.

Carnosine advantageously increases the formation of collagen, is an anti-oxidant, and is generally extremely beneficial to a user’s skin, particularly if applied topically. One of the most appropriate access points to a user’s skin is during a washing or cleansing experience, and therefore the provision of the composition which is suitable for use in such an environment improves the user’s ability to maintain a healthy skin appearance.

Preferably, the carnosine may be present in an amount of 0.1 % to 1.0% by weight of the total composition, and more preferably present in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the total composition.

The provision of approximately 0.2% by weight of the carnosine in the total composition advantageously provides the physiological benefits of the carnosine without adversely affecting the consistency or aroma of the personal cleansing composition.

Optionally, the personal cleansing composition may further comprise a magnesium salt.

Magnesium has a relaxing effect on the body and can serve to reduce inflammation. Prolonged exposure to magnesium on the skin allows absorption thereof, which can assist with restoration of the body, particularly after exercise.

On activation with water the carnosine and magnesium salt may form a carnosinemagnesium complex.

Such a complex may improve magnesium uptake through the skin, which improves the effectiveness of the associated anti-inflammatory capabilities of the composition.

Preferably, the magnesium salt may be present in an amount of 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of the total composition. More preferably, the magnesium salt may be present in an amount of 1.0% by weight of the total composition. In any event, it is preferred that the magnesium salt may be present in a larger amount by weight of the total composition that the carnosine.

The increased absorption of the magnesium salt through the skin of the user by combination with the carnosine is one of the main advantages of the present composition, and the above-referenced ranges have been found to have a most efficacious improved effect on the absorption properties thereof.

In preferred embodiments, the personal cleaning composition may further comprise caffeine.

Caffeine, when used topically, can soothe skin after periods of intense activity, and can also result in a firmer appearance to the skin.

Optionally, the caffeine may be present in an amount of up to 1.0% by weight of the total composition, and more preferably the caffeine may be present in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the total composition

The efficacious effects of the caffeine can be realised with relatively small percentages by weight, resulting in a firmer appearance to the user’s skin, which, when coupled with the benefits of the carnosine, leads to an improved user appearance.

At least one essential oil may be provided as part of the composition, and which is selected from the set of: camphor oil; eucalyptus oil; clove bud oil; and almond oil.

Essential oils can not only add vibrant aromatic sensations to the composition but may also have advantageous properties which may further assist with the recovery or revitalisation of the user.

Preferably, the at least one essential oil may be present in an amount of up to 2.0% by weight of the total composition, and more preferably, the at least one essential oil is present in an amount of 1.0% by weight of the total composition.

It is preferred that greater amounts of essential oils may be utilised when compared with the other ingredients, since the essential oils may impart beneficial fragrances or aromas which are significant for the final composition.

The personal cleaning composition may optionally further comprise arnica extract.

Arnica extract has significant anti-bruising capabilities, reduces inflammation around a bruised area. This may be of particular importance where a personal cleansing composition is provided which is suitable for use after exercise.

The arnica extract may be present in an amount of up to 0.5% by weight of the total composition, and more preferably, the arnica extract may be present in an amount of 0.4% by weight of the total composition.

Relatively small concentrations of arnica extract can result in improvements to the reductions in the appearance of bruising, further improving the benefits of the present composition for the appearance of the user’s skin.

An exfoliant may also be provided as part of the personal cleaning composition.

Exfoliation of the user’s skin using the composition can assist with the removal of dirt, sweat and dead skin, and may further improve the ability of absorption of magnesium, for example, through the skin.

In one embodiment, the exfoliant may be present in an amount of the exfoliant is present in an amount of up to 0.5% by weight of the total composition, and more preferably, in an amount of 0.2%.

It is preferred that the total amount of exfoliant be limited, to prevent over-exfoliation of the user’s skin during a cleansing experience, which would otherwise be irritating or painful.

Preferably, the composition may be in the form of an aqueous gel, such as a shower gel or bubble bath gel.

A shower gel or bubble bath provides a mechanism by which the user can topically apply the physiologically active component of the composition to the skin, so as to improve in particular magnesium absorption, in contexts which would otherwise not normally be associated with prolonged skin contact and therefore efficacy.

Alternatively, the composition may be in the form of a water-soluble delivery agent formed as a bath salt. In another embodiment, the composition may be in the form of a water-soluble delivery agent formed as a bath bomb or bath melt.

Such arrangements allow for a bath to be run and the composition inserted in such a way as to allow for the ingredients, and in particular the carnosine and magnesium, to be maintained within the bath water for prolonged exposure to the user’s skin.

In a further embodiment, the composition may be in the form of a bar of soap.

A soap bar is another effective agent for delivery of the physiologically active ingredients to a user’s skin during a cleansing experience.

Examples of the present invention will now be provided.

The personal cleansing composition may be formed as a shower gel, suitable for use by a user washing themselves in a shower and/or shower cubicle, though the product could evidently be used in any context in which a user washes themselves. Shower gel is an aqueous composition, typically formed as an emulsion of water and a detergent. Fragrance may be added, in addition to one or more additional skin-cleansing agents.

One exemplary embodiment may comprise ingredients including water and non-ionic surfactants with good dermatological compatibility and/or viscosity-enhancing effects, such as those containing fatty alcohol polyglycosides, and in particular, C8-C16 or C l 2C16 fatty alcohol polyglycosides. Other surfactants may be included, such as anionic surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate, or co-surfactants such as cocamidopropyl betaine.

Other ingredients may include xantham gum extracts, or similar products to improve the flow properties of the shower gel, preservatives such as sodium chloride, sodium benzoate, or mixed preservatives, for example, based upon dehydroacetic acid and benzyl alcohol. Colourings or perfumes may also be included, examples of which may include menthol, for improving the revitalisation of a user immediately after exercise, lemon fragrance, having restorative properties, and/or antimicrobial agents for full body cleansing.

Active ingredients which are designed to improve the revival, restoration or relaxation properties of the shower gel when used can also be included.

In particular, carnosine, specifically L-carnosine or β-alanyl-L-histidine, can be included. Typically, carnosine is utilised by the body, and is ingested orally. However, it has been found that advantageous effects can be achieved for the body when applied topically, and particularly during a washing or cleansing environment. Carnosine increases the formation of collagen in the body and is an anti-oxidant to offer protection against free radical or glycation damage.

The provision of carnosine which is applied topically can assist with a variety of skin complaints. However, whereas carnosine has previously been incorporated into creams or similar emollients, it has been found that advantageous effects for the skin can still be achieved if the carnosine is provided in a water-soluble or -applicable delivery agent. The application of a shower gel containing carnosine can provided these benefits, whilst providing an invigorating shower experience for the user.

In order to be physiologically effective, it is preferred that the carnosine be present in an amount of 0.1 % to 1.0% by weight of the total composition, and in one preferred embodiment of the shower gel, may be present in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the total composition. The total amount may be dependent upon the desirable characteristics of the shower gel, and how carnosine may otherwise affect said characteristics, for example, viscosity or aroma.

Carnosine can also improve the ability of the skin to absorb magnesium, which can assist with inflammation of, in particular, the user’s muscles. As such, the shower gel may comprise a magnesium salt, such as magnesium sulfate, and the provision of the carnosine results in improved uptake of the magnesium through the skin during and potentially after the shower experience. The improved absorption capability may be at least in part achieved by the chelation of the magnesium ion with the camosine, forming a more efficacious and physiologically active composition, such as a carnosinemagneisum complex, preferably on activation with water.

In order to achieve a desirable effect from the magnesium, it is preferred that it is present in the composition in an amount of 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of the total composition, and in the example where the shower gel comprises 0.2% by weight of carnosine, there is 1.0% by weight of magnesium sulfate. In any event, it is preferred that the magnesium salt be present in an amount which is greater than that of the carnosine, in order for the efficacy of the composition to be maintained, and may be present of the order of several times the amount, for example two, three, four or five times the amount of magnesium salt with respect to the carnosine.

Other efficacious compounds for restoration of the skin could also be considered. For example, caffeine may be introduced, which acts to soothe skin after a period of intense activity, providing a firming effect. Efficacious amounts of caffeine have been found to be an amount of up to 1.0% by weight of the total composition, and in the above referenced shower gel, the caffeine is present in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the total composition.

Arnica extract could also be considered, since it has effective anti-inflammatory capabilities, derivable from its primary pharmacologically active constituent, helenalin, which has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, particularly when applied topically. The arnica extract is present in an amount of up to 0.5% by weight of the total composition, and preferably in an amount of 0.4%, as is the case in the abovereferenced shower gel.

Essential oils could also be included in the shower gel, which assist with increasing the flow of blood to a particular area of the body, thereby improving the body’s natural response to reduce pain and swelling, and this may be particularly important as part of a post-exercise routine. Camphor oil, for example, produces a warming sensation when applied vigorously, or a cooling sensation if applied more gently to the skin, via activation of ion channels in the skin via camphor in the camphor oil. Other essential oils could be considered and are discussed in detail in respect of the later embodiments below.

The at least one essential oil is present in an amount of up to 2.0% by weight of the total composition, and this may be applicable for the total amount by weight of all essential oils, or for the or each individual essential oil where more than one is present. Essential oil is present in an amount of 1.0% by weight of the total composition for the abovereferenced shower gel.

An exfoliant may also be considered, which assists with exfoliation of the skin of the user during application of the shower gel. One appropriate exfoliant might be Luffa Cylindrica, which is a naturally derived mild abrasive ingredient, but other mildly abrasive materials could also be provided in suspension in the shower gel. Exfoliant, such as Luffa Cylindrica, may preferably be present in an amount of up to 0.5% by weight of the total composition, and is present in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the total composition for the above-referenced shower gel.

Such a shower gel is able to provide a user with an invigorating shower experience and may be tailored accordingly to the type of experience the user requires. For instance, a reviving shower experience may be implemented by the inclusion of menthol, mint, or tea tree oil to improve the aromatics of the experience, assisting with clearing of the user’s air passages.

Alternatively, a restorative experience may be created by the provision of citrus fragrance, in particular lemon fragrance, which provides a zesty aroma which energises the user. Relaxation effects could also be achieved, for example by the provision of calming aromas such as lavender, rose, or similar floral fragrances.

A bubble bath, which is also formed as an aqueous gel, may also be provided having similar or identical compositions to the shower gel. Typically, a bubble bath would comprise ingredients designed to reduce the viscosity of the gel with respect to a shower gel, but otherwise, the same kind of ingredients will be equally applicable.

It will be appreciated that water-soluble delivery agents could be used to impart the restorative properties of the carnosine and other physiologically active components of the shower gel. Similar or identical percentages by weight of the relevant components to those referenced in respect of the shower gel will also be applicable in respect of the water-soluble delivery agents.

For instance, various arrangements may be suitable for inclusion as part of a bathing experience. Bath salts may be one such delivery mechanism, typically formed as watersoluble, pulverised minerals which can be dissolved into a bath to improve the bathers experience.

Dead sea salt may form the basis of any bath salt mixture, as could Epsom salts, which naturally contain magnesium sulfate, in addition to other salts. Other ingredients may include emollients, humectants, or lubricants.

In such an arrangement, it may be useful to include one or more essential oils to improve the experience, such as clove bud or eucalyptus oil, which respectively have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The salt mixture could be treated so as to include any or all of the carnosine, magnesium sulfate and/or caffeine, in particular, in order to create the same benefits as are experienced with the shower gel.

Bath bombs are another alternative delivery mechanism, typically formed as spherical or similarly shaped items which have material products designed to effervesce in bathwater. Generally, a bath bomb with comprise a weak acid, such as citric acid, and a bicarbonate base, such as sodium bicarbonate, which are activated upon contact with water to provide the effervescence associated with bath bombs, and additional preservatives or stabilisers may also be included. The remaining ingredients may then be added in with the dry, hard-packed mixture which forms the bath bomb body.

Menthol may be an appropriate ingredient to utilise in such a bath bomb, since there is a synergistic effect with the effervescence of the bath bomb to release aromas. Essential oils, in particular clove bud and eucalyptus oils, are preferably included with the mixture prior to drying, along with any carnosine, caffeine and/or magnesium sulfate.

A similar arrangement may be created with bath melts, which are designed to disperse within hot water. It is therefore similar to a bath bomb, but the dispersal of the ingredients is dependent upon thermal degradation of the structure of the bath melt, rather than being as a result of water-activation of a chemical reaction. Typically, the bath melt is formed from a material having a low melting temperature, such as a fat compound or vegetable or nut butter.

The bath melt may melt and thereby created a layer of oil in the bath, but also may be viably used as a scrub before complete melting occurs. As such, exfoliant may be a suitable additive to a bath melt, in addition to essential oils, particularly eucalyptus and camphor oil, arnica extract, magnesium salt, and carnosine.

A bath melt could also be created by providing the active ingredients encased in a water-soluble package, for example, from a soluble polyvinyl alcohol package. Such packaging may dissolve over time, allowing for a staged release of the physiologically active components. This may allow additional constituents to be included within the packaging, which may not otherwise be suitable for, for example, bath bombs or unpackaged melts. This may include, for instance, improved lathering or chelating agents, such as pentasodium pentetate, or tetrasodium etidrononate, which may alter the amount of bubbles or foam produced.

It may also be possible to provide a bar of soap having the same physiologically active ingredients, which allows the user to apply the relevant ingredients topically by using the bar of soap. Carnosine and essential oils may be readily added to the soap, providing the advantages described above. Additional constituents may include almond or shea butter, or similar moisturisers, which assist with moisturisation of the skin. Exfoliants can be added, and oatmeal could be considered as an alternative to Luffa Cylindrica, for example. Other components, flavourings or scents could also be considered in specific bars of soap, such as eucalyptus and clove, aloe vera for anti-inflammatory purposes, and black pepper and patchouli in which the black pepper also acts as an exfoliant, by way of example only.

Again, similar or identical percentages by weight of the relevant components to those referenced in respect of the shower gel will also be applicable in respect of the soap.

It is therefore possible to provide a personal cleansing composition which allows for the application of carnosine or similar physiologically active agents to be applied to a user in an aqueous environment, such as a bath or shower. This allows the benefit of the ingredients to the skin to be effective without the danger of being washed off, as would be the case for a topically applied cream or emollient, for instance.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A personal cleansing composition comprising a physiologically active amount of carnosine, wherein the personal cleansing composition is in the form of a gel, soap, or water-soluble delivery agent.

2. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carnosine is present in an amount of 0.1 % to 1.0% by weight of the total composition.

3. A personal cleaning composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the carnosine is present in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the total composition.

4. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the personal cleansing composition further comprises a magnesium salt.

5. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the personal cleansing composition, wherein the carnosine and magnesium salt form a carnosinemagnesium complex on activation with water.

6. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the magnesium salt is present in an amount of 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of the total composition.

7. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the magnesium salt is present in an amount of 1.0% by weight of the total composition.

8. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the magnesium salt is present in a larger amount by weight of the total composition that the carnosine.

9. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising caffeine.

10. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the caffeine is present in an amount of up to 1.0% by weight of the total composition.

11. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the caffeine is present in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the total composition.

12. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one essential oil selected from the set of: camphor oil; eucalyptus oil; clove bud oil; and almond oil.

13. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one essential oil is present in an amount of up to 2.0% by weight of the total composition.

14. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one essential oil is present in an amount of 1.0% by weight of the total composition.

15. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one the preceding claims, further comprising arnica extract.

16. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 15, wherein the arnica extract is present in an amount of up to 0.5% by weight of the total composition.

17. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 16, wherein the arnica extract is present in an amount of 0.4% by weight of the total composition.

18. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an exfoliant.

19. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein the exfoliant is present in an amount of up to 0.5% by weight of the total composition.

20. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 19, wherein the exfoliant is present in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the total composition.

21. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is in the form of an aqueous gel.

22. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in claim 21, wherein the aqueous 5 gel is a shower gel or bubble bath gel.

23. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the composition is in the form of a water-soluble delivery agent formed as a bath salt.

24. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the composition is in the form of a water-soluble delivery agent formed as a bath bomb or bath melt.

15

25. A personal cleansing composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the composition is in the form of a bar of soap.