Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to pressurized shaving cream compositions which provide aerosol shaving lathers having improved lubricating properties. More particularly, this invention relates to a composition packaged in a pressure container which consists essentially of propellant, stearate soap, water and a unique combination of liquid oily material and fatty acid alkylolamide.
While aerosol shaving creams have been popular for the past twenty years, these compositions have been the subject of continuing research in order to improve their characteristics, particularly foam characteristics, and overcome consumer dissatisfactions. For example, much effort has been expended on improving the lubricating properties of the lathers so as to protect the face and speed the shaving operation. In the course of these efforts, a wide variety of additives for the shaving cream compositions have been proposed and tested. For instance, polysiloxanes have been added in amounts of up to 5 percent by weight to enhance lubricity. Similarly, up to 5 percent of water-soluble polymeric materials such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene oxide, and copolymers of acrylic acid and polyallyl sucrose have been employed for the same purpose. Additionally, oily materials such as lanolin, lanolin fractions, petrolatum, mineral oil, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, etc. have been added to shaving creams in varying amounts from about 0.5 to 8 or 10 percent by weight for a variety of reasons including lubrication. However, lack of consumer dedication to any specific aerosol lather product and the tendency of the consumer to try new products suggests that consumers remain somewhat dissatisfied with the aerosol lathers presently available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present foaming shaving cream composition which is packaged in a pressure container having a dispensing valve yields a lather or foam having improved lubricating properties. Such properties appear to be due to the employment of a unique combination of emollients in a somewhat higher concentration than proposed heretofore in a specific type of formulation. The fact that such proportions of emollients could be included in the shaving cream containing alkali metal soap without substantial adverse effects on foam rigidity and stability was surprising in view of the known defoaming effects of oily materials on soap.
The inventive shaving cream compositions are packaged in a pressure container having a dispensing valve and consist essentially of 4 to 15 percent by weight of a water-soluble soap selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium stearate and mixtures thereof; about 12 to 25 percent by weight of a liquid, water-immiscible oily material having skin lubricating or emollient properties; about 1 to 5 percent by weight of a C 10 - C 16 fatty acid monoethanolamide or diethanolamide as a supplemental emollient, the weight ratio of said oily material to alkylolamide being in the range of about 5:1 to about 25:1; about 40 to 78 percent by weight of water; and about 5 to 15 percent by weight of a liquefied, normally gaseous chlorofluorinated C 1 - C 2 hydrocarbon propellant, said propellant being effective to provide a pressure in the range of about 30 to 70 p.s.i.g. at 70°F. Preferred compositions include in addition up to 8 percent by weight of glycerine or propylene glycol humectant and up to 5 percent by weight of a water-soluble sodium, potassium or triethanolammonium cocoate soap.
These inventive shaving creams when dispensed from the aerosol container provide a stable, rigid foam which persists throughout the shaving operation. This foam exhibits desired wetting action while at the same time lubricates the face so that minimal razor drag is noted. Additionally, the cream serves to soften the skin and leaves the face smooth and in non-irritated condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The essential foaming and wetting agent used in these shaving cream compositions is a water-soluble soap selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium stearate and mixtures thereof. The term stearate as used herein refers to the salt of commerical stearic acid which is actually a mixture consisting primarily of stearic and palmitic acids as well as the salt of a chemically pure stearic acid. The preferred soap is a mixture of potassium and sodium stearates wherein the weight ratio of potassium stearate to sodium stearate is in the range of 2:1 to 7:1, and most preferably at least about 3.5:1. This preferred soap mixture provides a rich, stable lather which does not collapse readily after discharge from the container.
Triethanolammonium stearate may be substituted for either sodium and/or potassium stearate in an amount of up to 50 percent by weight of the total stearate concentration in the shaving cream compositions. It is preferred, however, that the triethanolamine stearate be less than one third of the total stearate content of the complete cream.
These stearate soaps may be prepared in accordance with well-known methods by neutralizing stearic acid with potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or triethanolamine and introduced into the composition in the neutralized form. Alternatively, the stearates may be prepared in situ by adding appropriate amounts of stearic acid and one or more of the foregoing neutralizing agents to the aqueous medium. The latter method is preferred in making the inventive compositions.
The amount of stearate soap employed in the shaving cream compositions generally ranges from 4 to about 15 percent by weight, and preferably from about 6 to about 10 percent by weight.
Enhanced effects are achieved when the stearate soap is supplemented by a minor amount of a water-soluble soap of coconut fatty acids (a mixture of C 8 - C 18 fatty acids containing a major proportion of C 12 - C 14 fatty acids). Like the stearate soaps, the cocoate soap may be potassium, sodium or triethanolammonium cocoate or a mixture thereof, with the mixture of potassium and sodium cocoate in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 7:1 being preferred. The proportion of cocoate soap in the inventive compositions may range from 0 to 5 percent by weight, with from 0.2 to about 3 percent by weight being preferred.
The essential primary emollient ingredient in the inventive compositions comprises at least one liquid, water-immiscible oily material having skin lubricating properties. While any liquid oily material having skin lubricating or emollient properties may be employed, this material generally will be selected from the group consisting of mineral oils having a Saybolt viscosity of 65 - 100 seconds at 100°F., cod liver oil, vegetable oil, alkyl esters of C 12 - C 18 fatty acids which contain from 15 to 22 total carbon atoms in the molecule, and mixtures thereof. Among the suitable oily materials are mineral oils having a Saybolt viscosity of 75 - 100 seconds at 100°F., castor oil, olive oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, almond oil, coconut oil, palm oil, sesame oil, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, and the like. If highly unsaturated triglyceride oils such as safflower oil are used, an antioxidant compound also is preferably included in the composition to prevent rancidity. The preferred oily material is the mineral oil of Saybolt viscosity of 75 - 100 seconds and this material can be used either alone or in admixture with a vegetable oil or an isopropyl fatty acid ester.
As set forth above, the proportion of oil in the described shaving cream compositions ranges from 12 to about 25 percent by weight, with proportions of 13 to 17 percent by weight being preferred. Amounts of primary oily material very much less than about 12 percent by weight are not employed because the user does not perceive the desired lubricating or emollient effect.
In order to achieve the desired beneficial lubricating properties, it is preferred that the foregoing oily material be used in conjunction with a supplemental emollient selected from the group consisting of C 10 - C 16 fatty acid monoethanolamide and/or diethanolamide. Such fatty acid alkylolamides are well known in the detergent industry and are condensation products of fatty acid and the desired alkylolamide. Such products may consist of either about 70 percent fatty acid alkylolamide or about 90 percent fatty acid alkylolamide depending upon the particular condensation process chosen, with the 90 percent material being most satisfactory. The fatty acid diethanolamides are preferred, with the C 12 - C 14 fatty acid diethanolamides being most preferred.
The proportion of fatty acid alkylolamide supplemental emollient will generally vary from about 1 to 5 percent by weight of the composition. Preferred fatty acid alkylolamide concentrations are 1.5 to 3 percent by weight. Since the fatty acid alkylolamides supplement the emollient action of the primary oily material, the proportion thereof should be selected to provide a weight ratio of oily material to fatty acid alkylolamide of about 5:1 to 25:1, preferably about 5:1 to 13:1. Such ratios achieve the desired balance of foam stability, lubricity and wetting properties.
The propellant used in the inventive compositions can be any liquefied, normally gaseous, hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon or mixture thereof which is effective to provide a pressure in the range of about 30 to 70 p.s.i.g., preferably 40 to 55 p.s.i.g., in the ultimate container. The well known chlorofluorinated C 1 - C 2 hydrocarbons are suitable propellants because they are odorless, nontoxic and exhibit minimal skin irritation tendencies. The propellant may also be formed of a mixture of two or more such compounds. Suitable propellants include dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl 3 F), dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CClF 2 CClF 2 ), monochloropentafluoroethane (CClF 2 CF 3 ), dichloromonofluoromethane (CHCl 2 F), monochlorodifluoromethane (CHClF 2 ), monochlorodifluoroethane (CH 3 CClF 2 ), trichlorotrifluoroethane (C 2 Cl 3 F 3 ), and difluoroethane (CH 3 CHF 2 ). Preferred propellants are dichlorodifluoromethane and mixtures of dichlorodifluoromethane and dichlorotetrafluoroethane.
As indicated above, the proportion of propellant must be sufficient to provide the desired pressure within the container. Generally, the propellant will be present in an amount of from 5 to 15 percent by weight of the composition, and preferably about 7 to 12 percent by weight. After giving effect to the known vapor-reducing effects of the oily material such as mineral oil, the proportion of propellant or propellant mixture can be readily ascertained by calculation.
The aqueous solvent medium of the compositions of this invention is usually water. Tap water, distilled water and deionized water have been found to possess adequate solubility for the soap and the required dispersibility for the propellant. In general, however, up to about 5 percent by weight of C 2 - C 3 monohydric alcohol such as ethanol or isopropanol may be admixed with the water so long as the amount of alcohol does not adversely affect the foaming properties of the shaving cream. In general, the amount of aqueous solvent employed will be about 40 to 78 percent by weight of the composition.
While not required, it is advantageous to include up to 8 percent by weight, preferably 3 to 6 percent by weight, of glycerine or propylene glycol humectant in the shaving cream compositions. In addition, it is usually preferred to include from about 0.3 to 3 percent by weight of C 12 - C 18 fatty acid, e.g., coconut fatty acid or stearic acid, in the shaving cream product for its bubble modifying characteristics.
Additional ingredients which are compatible with the described shaving cream compositions can also be added to modify or enhance the properties thereof as desired. For example, minor proportions of 0.5 to 3 percent by weight of water-soluble synthetic anionic, amphoteric or nonionic wetting agents such as lauryl sulfate salts, higher alkyl substituted imidazolinium salts, and ethoxylated fatty acid sorbitan esters or ethoxylated fatty alcohols can be included to further modify lather characteristics. Also, up to 1 percent by weight of various adjuvants such as water-soluble and water-insoluble germicides, perfumes, coloring agents, polymeric materials such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, sequestering agents, menthol, and corrosion inhibitors such as silicates, phosphates, etc. may be incorporated in the compositions.
The novel shaving cream compositions disclosed herein are adapted for use in conventional pressure containers or aerosol dispensers now in commerical use. Such containers are equipped with a manually operated discharge valve. Upon operation of this valve, the contents emerge as a coherent foam having a sufficient lather density and rigidity to enable the user to apply it to the face without substantial breakdown.
The inventive compositions can be prepared in any suitable manner. For example, one satisfactory manner consists of admixing the soap, oily material, alkylolamide and any other desired ingredients with water and thereafter adding the resultant mixture to the pressure container which is subsequently sealed with a sealing means including a discharge valve. Thereafter, the container and contents may be chilled and the propellant under pressure is admitted through the valve. Alternatively, the aqueous mixture may be chilled prior to being added to the container.
The following specific examples are set forth in order to more fully define the inventive compositions. Such examples are illustrative only and are not intended as limitations of this invention. In the examples, all parts and percentages are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated.
EXAMPLE 1
A preferred lubricious shaving cream has the following composition.
______________________________________ % by Weight ______________________________________ Potassium stearate 5.2 Sodium stearate 1.11 Lauric acid diethanolamide 1.6 Mineral oil (Saybolt viscosity of 75-100 seconds at 100°F.) 20 Stearic acid 0.14 Coconut fatty acid 0.68 Glycerine 3.2 Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Grade K-30) 0.12 Perfume 0.37 Water 57.58 Propellant* 10 100.00 ______________________________________ *Dichlorodifluoromethane
The foregoing shaving cream composition is prepared by admixing 6.12 parts of stearic acid, 1.60 parts of lauric acid diethanolamide, 20 parts of mineral oil and 0.68 parts of coconut fatty acids at a temperature of 167° - 176°F. and thereafter adding thereto with agitation a mixture of 0.12 parts of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 3.2 parts of glycerine, 0.9 parts of potassium hydroxide and 0.2 parts of sodium hydroxide in 57.58 parts of water at a temperature of 167° - 176°F. The resultant mixture is cooled to about 120°F. with agitation where the perfume is added and the perfumed product is further cooled to 86°F. The resultant aqueous phase is filled into a pressure container which is sealed with a valved closure assembly and thereafter 10 parts of the chilled propellant under pressure are added through the valve. The ratio of oily material to lauric acid diethanolamide is about 12.5:1.
When this shaving cream is used in the conventional manner, users observe that a close, smooth shave is obtained with minimal razor drag and the facial skin feels softened and moisturized after shaving.
EXAMPLE 2
Another satisfactory shaving cream having good lubricity characteristics is prepared according to the procedure of example 1 and has the following composition.
______________________________________ % by Weight ______________________________________ Potassium stearate 6.8 Sodium stearate 1.8 Potassium-sodium (3.5:1) cocate 0.33 Lauric acid diethanolamide 2 Mineral oil (Saybolt viscosity of 75-100 seconds at 100°F.) 14 Coconut fatty acid 0.55 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 0.15 Perfume 0.50 Water 59.87 Propellant* 10 100.00 ______________________________________ * Isobutane
This composition when dispensed from a valved, pressure container yields a firm, form-retaining foam with highly satisfactory lubricating and wetting properties. The foam discharges from the container smoothly and without sputtering. When used in ordinary fashion, shaving takes place with no perceivable razor drag and without a burning or tingling sensation in the facial area.
EXAMPLES 3 - 6
Other suitable lubricious shaving creams are tabulated in Table A below.
Table A ____________________________________________________________
______________ % by Weight Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 ____________________________________________________________
______________ Potassium stearate 3.4 3.4 6.8 3.4 Sodium stearate 0.9 0.9 1.8 0.9 Potassium-sodium (3.5:1) cocoate 0.17 0.17 0.33 0.17 Lauric acid diethanolamide 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 Coconut fatty acids 0.28 0.28 0.55 0.28 Glycerine 2.0 2.0 4.0 2.0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone (K-30) 0.08 0.08 0.15 0.08 Mineral oil (Saybolt viscosity of 75-100 seconds at 100°F.) 12 15 12 20 Water 70.17 67.17 62.27 62.17 Propellant (CCl 2 F 2 ) 10 10 10 10 100.0 100.0 100.00 100.00 Ratio of oily material to fatty acid diethanolamide 12:1 15:1 20:1 6:1 ____________________________________________________________
______________
When the foregoing creams are dispensed from a pressurized container in the usual manner, all of the foregoing compositions yield a firm, coherent foam having good stability and a desirable lubricious slip during shaving.
EXAMPLE 7
The following shaving cream exhibits a satisfactory lather with lubricating characteristics.
______________________________________ % by Weight ______________________________________ Potassium stearate 7.0 Sodium stearate 1.0 Triethanolammonium stearate 4.0 Lauric-myristic acid diethanolamide 3.0 Mineral oil (Saybolt viscosity of 75- 100 seconds at 100°F.) 15 Propylene glycol 5 Perfume 0.4 Water 54.6 Propellant* 10 100.0 ______________________________________ * 85 parts by weight of dichlorodifluoromethane and 15 parts by weight of dichlorotetrafluoroethane
The composition is prepared by admixing the neutralized soaps, propylene glycol, lauric-myristic acid diethanolamide, mineral oil and water at about 160°F. to form a soap solution which is chilled to about 85°F. prior to filling into an aerosol container. Thereafter, the container is closed and the propellant is added through the valve. Upon dispensing, a stable, rigid foam having lubricious properties is formed.
While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other modifications and variations of the invention can be made and various equivalents substituted therein without departing from the principles disclosed.