Title:  Stable gelled composition with a high electrolyte content

United States Patent:  6,166,078

Assignee:  L'Oreal (Paris, FR)

Filed:  April 9, 1999

Foreign Application Priority Data:  Jan 23, 1996[FR] (96 00742)

A gel composition containing an at least one cosmetic and/or dermatological active agent, at least one electrolyte, cetylhydroxyethyl cellulose and water. The composition is useful for treating the skin, scalp, hair, mucous membranes and/or nails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a stable gel composition containing a cosmetic and/or dermatological active agent and electrolyte which has a pleasant feeling when applied to the skin, scalp, hair, mucous membranes and/or nails.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a stable gel composition containing a large quantity of electrolyte.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gel composition useful for treating the skin, scalp, hair, mucous membranes and/or nails.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gel composition useful for treating the skin, scalp, hair, mucous membranes and/or nails of a sensitive subject.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gel composition useful for treating sensitive skin and/or sensitive scalp.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gel composition useful for moisturizing the skin.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gel composition useful for combating the visible signs of skin aging.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of treating the skin, scalp, hair, mucous membranes and/or nails.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of treating sensitive skin and/or sensitive scalp.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of moisturizing the skin.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of combating the visible signs of skin aging.

These objects and others may be accomplished with a gel composition containing at least one cosmetic and/or dermatological active agent, at least one electrolyte, cetylhydroxyethyl cellulose and water.

The above objects may also be accomplished with a gel composition additionally containing a dispersed oil.

The above objects may also be accomplished with a gel composition additionally containing an oily phase.

The objects above may also be accomplished by a method of treating the skin, scalp, hair, mucous membranes and/or nails by applying a gel composition to the skin, scalp, hair, mucous membranes and/or nails of a subject, where the gel composition contains at least one cosmetic and/or dermatological active agent, at least one electrolyte, cetylhydroxyethyl cellulose and water.

The above objects may also be accomplished with a processing of manufacturing a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition by combining at least one cosmetic or dermatological active agent, at least one electrolyte cetylhydroxyethyl cellulose and water to produce a gel.

Claim 1 of 21 Claims

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A gel composition, comprising:

at least one cosmetic and/or dermatological active agent;

at least one electrolyte;

cetylhydroxyethyl cellulose; and

water.

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