WO1998034652A1

WO1998034652A1 - Shaped skin-adhering support for the release of cosmetic or pharmacological substances and method for the manufacture thereof

Info

Publication number: WO1998034652A1
Application number: PCT/EP1998/000539
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davide Noti
Original assignee: WALLCOVERING PUBBLICITA' Srl
Current assignee: WALLCOVERING PUBBLICITA' Srl
Priority date: 1997-02-05
Filing date: 1998-02-02
Publication date: 1998-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 1999-08-05
Also published as: AU6618998A; IT1290255B1; ITMI970218A1

Abstract

The present application describes systems for the percutaneous release of active principles which consist in a shaped support comprising a part adhering to the skin, characterized in that said adhering part comprises an adhesive incorporating, in a vehicle, one or more cosmetic, dermatological or pharmacological active substances. Said shaped support may be in the form of a bra, buttock support or eye-mask.

Description

SHAPED SKIN-ADHERING SUPPORT FOR THE RELEASE OF COSMETIC

OR PHARMACOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES AND METHOD FOR THE

MANUFACTURE THEREOF

The present invention relates to a system for the percutaneous release of active principles, and in particular to a shaped support to be worn, preferably in the form of a bra, buttock support or eye-mask, which adheres to the skin and is able to incorporate, in a vehicle, cosmetic or pharmacological active principles. Background of the invention

Cosmetic products, in particular those with a toning or anti-cellulitis action are currently applied onto the skin by means of more or less prolonged massaging. It is known that some cosmetic effects may be better obtained when the necessary active substances are applied in a regular and dosed manner; in particular, mention may be made of substances which are able to act with toning effects which prevent and help treat stretch-marks, prevent ageing of the skin, stimulate the skin's tissues, together with a soothing, softening, decongestant , refreshing action providing protection against aggressive chemical, physical and biological agents which are harmful.

In the cosmetic field there is a specific demand for toning of the breasts, elimination of stretch marks, treatment of the breast during breast-feeding, decongestion and refreshing of the area around the eyes. The abovementioned effects, by way of example, are normally obtained with the application of cosmetic or dermatological preparations containing various active substances. The normal method of use envisages application of the product once or twice a day, using a quantity of active substances intended for the purpose. Application performed with a conventional massage may have the following drawbacks: adequate quantities for the effect required, but excessive side effects and/or irritation due to the high concentration; quantities without negative effects which are effective and applied repeatedly at short time intervals, but with considerable inconvenience for the user; quantities without negative effects, which are applied with the usual methods, but which have little or no effect; quantities with limited negative effects, but applied with incorrect procedures.

The systems for the percutaneous release of pharmacological active principles currently in use are generally in the form of patches, the application of which is not always liked or aesthetically acceptable.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations for application to the skin are emulsions of various types and complexity and are not compatible with the adhesiveε used.

The problem of an article of intimate clothing which is also able to perform the function of a system for the percutaneous release of active principles has not yet been resolved. In addition to the problems of chemical and physical compatibility between a dermo-compatible adhesive and an emulsion containing the active substance, there are also technological problems relating to the manufacture of such a release system. The points of the body where cosmetic principles are usually applied are the face, in particular the area surrounding the eyes, the breast and the buttocks and the upper part of the thighs.

A system for the percutaneous release of cosmetic and pharmacological active principles able to solve advantageously the abovementioned problems has now been devised.

By means of a special manufacturing method it has been possible to obtain a dermo-compatible adhesive which contains one or more cosmetic or pharmacological active substances. This adhesive is able to release in a controlled manner the active substance percutaneously. The percutaneous release system may be advantageously incorporated in a shaped support so that it can be worn and carried for a long time. The application time or presence of the product is in any case determined by the specific use.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a shaped support comprising a part adhering to the skin, characterized in that said adhering part comprises an adhesive incorporating, in a vehicle, one or more cosmetic, dermatological or pharmacological active substances.

The present invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of said support.

These and other subjects of the invention will be described in detail also by means of drawings and examples.

In the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a way of embodiment a shaped support according to the invention in the form of a bra;

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate various embodiments of the bra according to Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates another method of manufacturing the shaped support in the form of a support for the buttocks and the upper part of the thighs;

Figure 5 illustrates yet another method of manufacturing the shaped support in the form of an eye- mask. Detailed description of the invention

A first problem solved by the present invention is the compatibility between the adhesive and the vehicle containing the active substance.

According to the present invention, the vehicle to be inserted into the adhesive is an emulsion, which has the following composition:

Table 1

The emulsifying system may be formed with one or more emulsifiers which are normally available in commerce. In the case of oil/water emulsions, the quantity of water indicated above must not be exceeded otherwise the emulsion, although stable, will contain an excessive amount of water for production requirements.

Anionic or non-ionic emulsifiers may be used. In the case of water/oil emulsions, the percentage content of the water varies from about 0 to 55% by weight. Preferred examples of emulsifiers are the combinations: ceteareth-3 + sodium lauryl sulphate; glyceryl behenate

+ hydrogenated lecithin; polysorbate 80 + sorbitan oleate + glyceryl isopalmitate; sodium ricinoleate + hydrogenated lanolin. Outside of the range indicated, the emulsions are on average compatible with the adhesive system, but their stability is uncertain.

Other emulsions are possible, such as water/oil/water, oil/water/oil, water/silicone/ water, silicone/water/ silicone, water/silicone, silicone/water. The mixture of active substances is composed depending on the effects required in the product.

The other substances present in the product are inserted on the basis of criteria used in accepted industrial practice, such as adjuvants for the stability, preservation, colouring and perfuming of the finished product.

The production of the emulsions complies with normal industrial practice which envisages the preparation of the different phases at the correct temperature and the subsequent mixing thereof in order to obtain the emulsion, the order of phase addition depending on the type of emulsion required.

In a different embodiment of the present invention, the active substance may be introduced into the adhesive also in forms other than an emulsion.

A first example consists in the solidified anhydrous lipid mixtures, as illustrated in Table 2.

Table 2

The formulations devised are based on the exclusive use of fatty substances mixed in proportions such as to obtain an anhydrous lipid mass with paste-like consistency able to return to the liquid state with a slight raising of the temperature. Formulations containing vegetable oil and cocoa butter in various proportions were prepared.

The active substances present, which are selected depending on the required effect, must be compatible with the oily vehicle; water-soluble substances cannot be used.

A second example consists in oily substances, as illustrated in Table 3. Table 3

Ingredient Function

Oil 100 Vehicle

Mixture of active qs Active substances depending ingredients on the desired effect

The formulations realized are based on the mixing of the active ingredients with an oily vehicle, the oil used may consist of a single oil or of a mixture of oils in variable proportions. All types of oils (vegetable, animal, mineral, synthetic, silicone) may be used and formulations were prepared with a vegetable oil, a mineral oil, a synthetic oil and a silicone oil and with mixtures of vegetable oil + mineral oil, vegetable oil + silicone oil, synthetic oil and silicone oil.

The active substances present, selected depending on the required effect, must be compatible with the oily vehicle; water-soluble substances may not be used.

A third example are solutions, as illustrated in the Table 4.

Table 4

The formulations thus composed are based on the use of a solvent which incorporates the active substances. General solvents used in cosmetics may be used, for example: water, demineralized and/or purified water, distilled water, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, methyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and solvents for adhesive bases.

Oil substances may also be used as a solvent in accordance with the formulation indicated for the oily substances.

The active substances are directly dispersed in the compatible solvent which is then used in the production of the active release system.

A fourth example are microcapsules, as illustrated in Table 5.

Table 5

The formulations thus composed incorporate the microcapsules directly in the adhesive mass where - this being a typical characteristic of microcapsules - they gradually break up releasing the active principle contained in them.

The microcapsules are composed essentially of an active base "nucleus" and by a coating based on fatty acids. In the cosmetic field, these microcapsules are useful in relation to their constitution since the fatty acids have a useful action on the skin.

The schematic composition of the microcapsules is as follows: ingredient

active base 30-60 fatty acids 15-35 excipients 15-35

The grain size ranges between 200 and 800 microns and may be in a dry form or already dispersed in an aqueous solution.

Where the microcapsules are used in the product, a further improvement in temporal release of active substances associated with their breakage and dissolving mechanism is obtained. Another advantage associated with the use of microcapsules is a reduction in the use of preservatives and a reduction in the possible drawbacks resulting from interaction between active substances and adhesive mass.

Among the possible variants which may be used, depending on the dissolving and breakage time required, in the area of microcapsules the following forms may be mentioned: microcapsules with a non-hardened gelatinous membrane, a hardened gelatinous membrane, a membrane based on urea-formaldehyde resin, a membrane based on fatty acids and a membrane based on natural waxes.

The suitable adhesive system must be of the non- irritating type, dermo-compatible and in any case formulated for the specific use. Preferably, the adhesive system is chosen from the group consisting of: acrylic adhesive in solvent, acrylic adhesive in an aqueous solution, and silicone and polyurethane adhesives. The present invention also provides a method for the manufacture of the shaped support described above.

In a first mode, the method envisages the preparation of a master namely a mixture comprising the adhesive mass and the active principles in their various formulations, as described above. In the method according to the invention, in a machine for rolling adhesive masses, a first rolling head with a roller doctor blade, containing suitable collecting shoulders, deposits a master consisting of an adhesive containing the active principles onto a roller supporting the liner arranged in a horizontal position so as to form a moist adhesive mass; once treated in a first oven, arranged on the liner, said moist adhesive mass is introduced into a drying oven from which it emerges in the form of a dry mass; upon leaving said oven, a calendering head joins together with pressure the liner spread with the dry mass and the supporting film.

Drying takes place in an oven with at least five chambers for forced circulation of hot air, at temperatures, inside the respective chambers, of 40, 80,

110, 70 and 40^βC.

A support is obtained in which the adhesive contains, dispersed in the mass, the active substance. The support thus obtained is then suitably shaped depending on the intended use.

Alternatively, in a machine for rolling adhesive masses, a first rolling head with a roller doctor blade, containing suitable collecting shoulders, deposits a moist adhesive mass onto a roller supporting the liner arranged in a horizontal position so as to form a moist adhesive mass; once treated in a first oven and arranged on the liner, said moist adhesive mass is made to pass under a second rolling head with a Mayer bar; said head deposits on said adhesive mass a colloidal solution containing one or more active principles, the resultant stratified mass is introduced into a drying oven from which it emerges in the form of a dry mass; upon leaving said oven, a calendering head joins together with pressure the liner spread with the dry mass and the supporting film.

Drying is performed as described above.

This results in a support in which the adhesive and the phase containing the active substance are arranged in layers. It is possible to obtain up to 4 different layers. The support thus obtained is then suitably shaped depending on the intended use .

The liner support roller is arranged in a horizontal position for at least one metre.

In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shaped support is in the form of a complete bra, understood as being a cup covering the breast entirely.

In the clothing sector there is a problem regarding adaptability of the garment to the body's surface and in particular this problem is accentuated by the anatomical shape of the breast.

Articles of clothing known as bras are today still made of a fabric which is reinforced with rigid structures and supported with shoulder straps and fixed with hooks or other closing systems.

These garments may have, among other things, the following drawbacks: overall rigidity; metal, plastic or other rigid and/or semi-rigid material inserts for ensuring the support and shape; hooks or fastening systems; supporting systems such as shoulder straps which are not always aesthetically pleasing; points where there is rubbing or friction on the skin; manufacture involving manual processing operations; fixed standard sizes with the need for numerous variations in order to satisfy different requirements; - discomfort resulting from the rigid parts present in the article of clothing; problems of use in particular physiological and/or pathological conditions; costs. The present invention, in its first preferred embodiment, relates to a product which is able to eliminate or reduce the abovementioned drawbacks.

According to the present invention, the shaped support is a bra which comprises a shaped surface treated with a suitable adhesive, does not cause irritation, is dermo-compatible and in any case designed for the specific use, being able to adhere to the skin. As a result of the specific shape and the fact that it adheres to the body's surface, the support is able to perform efficiently the function of a bra. It perfectly matches the surface and preferably does not have inside it rigid parts or hooks which may be troublesome or create discomfort. The bonding substance incorporates active substances which are able to perform a cosmetic, dermatological or medical action. The support is able to cover the breast entirely, replacing fully the usual garments.

Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of a breast covering cup according to the present invention.

The cup is formed by a suitably shaped punch. The dimensions A, A' and B are determined by the person skilled in the art depending on the final design. The top part is made of fabric or other suitable pliable material. The bottom part, which extends over an area identical to the top part, consists of the adhesive system for the percutaneous release of the active substances. The adhesive support arranged along the shaped edge of the punched form also allows connection with the edges which, once they are made to adhere, form the bra cup. Figures 2 and 3 are examples of different embodiments of the breast covering cup according to the present invention.

The particular manufacturing method results in a product which has the advantage that it can be removed from the skin where it has been applied without any type of inconvenience or negative reaction.

The combination of adhesives used may be chosen from among those proposed so that, unlike other existing systems, the product can be kept on the application area even in a water or salty water environment.

When in the presence of particular physiological situations, such as breast-feeding, or pathological conditions such as tumours, degenerative pathologies and/or similar problems of illness in the area of the breast, the product helps limit the associated problems both favouring the functions and performing protective activities.

Owing to the original combination of components, ingredients and the production process, the product is considerably cheaper than a bra of the traditional type. The customary procedure for the manufacture of a similar article of clothing requires several stages with operations performed by an operator. Compared to the conventional manufacturing process, the product offers the advantage of a completely automatic cycle, not requiring manual finishing operations.

The general shape of the product is in no way limiting, variations in the design being possible provided it is possible to perform the intended function. In a possible variation of the invention, the bra, as a result of its constructional properties, may be without rigid or reinforcing parts, shoulder straps or hooks or other elements indispensable for wearing purposes. In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shaped support is in the form of a buttock support, understood as being a specific support forming part of intimate clothing able to perform a modelling function supporting the buttocks. In the clothing sector and as in demand in the fashion world, there is a problem of an aesthetic nature regarding the buttocks and the thighs, which concerns women in particular. The anatomical and aesthetic problem is complicated by a phenomenon commonly known as

"cellulitis". At the present time articles of clothing with a modelling action and separate forms of treatment for the problem of cellulitis are available.

Some of the drawbacks which may arise are as follows: - treatment of cellulitis with articles of clothing or the like acting in an exclusively mechanical or physical manner; articles of clothing which have a modelling action, but are unable to deal with the problem of cellulitis and in some cases worsen the actual problem; systems for the application of localized active substances which are unable to exert a complete action over all of the anatomical part concerned; - systems which are particularly inconvenient; problems of use in particular physiological and/or pathological conditions; costs.

A second preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a product which is able to eliminate or reduce the abovementioned drawbacks.

According to the present invention the shaped support comprises an adhesive as described above, able to cause said support to the adhere to the skin. As a result of the specific shape and the fact that it adheres to the body's surface, the product is able to perform effectively the supporting and modelling function. It perfectly matches the surface and does not have inside it rigid parts or hooks which may be troublesome or create discomfort. The adhesive substance may incorporate the active substances able to perform a complete cosmetic, dermatological or medical action, in particular an anti-cellulitis, toning action preventing stretch marks. The product may applied in order to perform a medical action for the treatment of aesthetic and circulatory problems as well as torn and aching muscles, with both a curative and a preventive action, and in particular may be applied during sports activities, containing substances which favour the action of the muscle under stress. The product is able to cover entirely the part to be treated and may be conveniently positioned underneath usual clothing.

Figure 4 shows an example of embodiment of the shaped support for buttocks and thighs according to the present invention. In this case also, as for the breast supporting cup, the adhesive support is arranged so as to ensure adhesion of the shaped support to the skin in the relevant area of the body.

Other forms of the shaped support may be easily devised by the person skilled in the art. The particular manufacturing method results in a product which has the advantage that it can be removed from the skin where it is applied without discomfort or negative reactions of any kind.

The combination of adhesives used may be chosen from those proposed so that, unlike other existing systems, the product can be kept on the application area even in a water and salty water environment.

The product, owing to the original combination of components, ingredients and the production process, may be manufactured by means of a completely automatic cycle, without the need for any finishing operations.

In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shaped support is in the form of a mask for the area surrounding the eyes.

With regard to treatment of the area around the eyes there is a problem relating to the application of active substances and maintaining adequate safety levels combined with an effective action.

Some of the problems which may arise are as follows: - products which are difficult to apply with possible problems affecting the eyes; low level of effectiveness compared to the dose applied; exclusively physical systems which require prior heat treatment and cannot be transported over long distances; physical systems which must be applied using ties, elastics or other fixing systems with the possibility of points where there is rubbing and friction with the skin or complications as a result of interference with the hair; fixed standard sizes and storage problems; difficulties of use in unprotected environments, such as transportation means, all the environments outside one's home, communal environments, etc.; problems of use in particular physiological and/or pathological conditions; costs.

A third embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a product which is able to eliminate or reduce the abovementioned drawbacks.

According to the present invention the mask for the area surrounding the eyes comprises a shaped surface which is treated with an adhesive, as described above for the two previous embodiments, able to cause said surface to adhere to the skin.. Owing to the specific shape and the fact that it adheres to the body's surface, the product is able to perform effectively the function of supporting active substances which are able to have a soothing and refreshing effect on the skin and/or in any case are able to exert a cosmetic, dermatological or medical action, and also perform an aesthetic function of both a masking and decorative nature .

It matches the surface perfectly and does not have inside it rigid parts or hooks which may be troublesome or create discomfort. The product is able to cover the relevant area surrounding the eyes without affecting the eye-ball and therefore without causing any irritation.

Figure 5 shows a possible embodiment of the mask according to the present invention. The manufacturing method and the components are similar to those described above for the breast support cup.

The particular manufacturing method results in a product which has the advantage that it can be removed from the skin where it is applied without discomfort or negative reactions of any kind. The particular combination of adhesives used, unlike other existing systems, allows the product to be kept on the application area even in a water and salty water environment. Owing to the original combination of components, ingredients and the production process, the product has a very low cost and has the advantage of a completely automatic cycle, not requiring any manual finishing operations. According to the present invention, the active principles may be chosen from among those with a cosmetic or pharmacological action or the various actions may be combined.

For example, in the case of a shaped support in the form of a bra, active principles with functions having a firming, tonifying or protective effect, favouring or preventing milk production, are advantageously used.

The firming effect for the breast may be obtained by means of use of active substances which may be used individually or as a mixture in variable proportions. Examples of these active substances are substances extracted from medicinal plants (in the various forms available), such as alchemilla, capsella bursa pastoris, centella asiatica, echinacea, equisetum, fenugreek, ginseng, horse chestnut, liquorice, hop, sage; common mallow mucilage, calendula, algae; essential oils of camphor and mint; the following principles: glycyrrhetic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine, collagen, extract of Breckland thyme and lupine, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, in particular vitamin A, vitamin E, hydroxy prolisilene C, derivatives with hydroxyproline. The possibility of release by means of the support described achieves a toning effect which is greater than that resulting from the application of the normal products available. As regards the effect on breast feeding, examples of active substances which may be used include the substances favouring milk production: aniseed, caraway, fennel, vervain, Acacia cathecu, Asparagus racemosus,

Ipo oea digitata, Leptadenia reticulata, dill, cumin, galega, basil, harehound, alder, nettle, elder, yohimbehe, castor oil, malt and the pharmacologically active chemical substances; among the substances preventing milk secretion: agaric, ground ivy, periwinkle, parsley, sage, scilla, horned rye, deadly nightshade, foxglove and the pharmacologically active chemical substances.

As regards the protective effect, examples of active substances which may be used are artichoke, boldo, fumitory, rosemary, orthosiphon and the pharmaco- logically active chemical substances. It may be desirable to obtain a protective effect in the case of use of contraceptives in order to reduce the side effects.

The following examples further illustrate the invention: Example 1

A shaped support in the form of a bra was made .

The product thus made was subjected to practical tests in order to assess the degree of improvement which can be obtained. Twelve female volunteers were selected and asked to try the product and express an opinion on certain characteristics. It is obviously not possible to carry out a blank control test, but only a comparative subjective test.

The opinion requested on the various characteristics, compared to a bra of the traditional type, was expressed in accordance with the following criteria: less comfortable = 1; no difference = 2; more comfortable = 3; very comfortable = 4.

Subject Wearability Supporting Elegance Ease function of use

A 3 3 4 3

B 2 4 2 3

C 2 4 3 4

D 3 2 3 3

E 2 3 2 3

F 3 4 4 4

G 3 2 3 3

H 2 3 4 4

I 1 2 2 1

J 2 2 2 2

K 4 3 3 2

L 3 2 2 4

M 3 4 3 3

Average evaluation: Wearability = more comfortable Supporting action = more comfortable Elegance = more comfortable Ease of use = more comfortable On the basis of all the evaluation criteria the product of the invention was considered to be more comfortable than a bra of the conventional type. Example 2

A shaped support in the form of a bra containing an active substance with a firming action was made.

An experiment was carried out in order to verify this phenomenon: seven female subjects were treated in succession using a procedure which did not allow them to recognise the treatment, being divided up into three groups: control, treatment with cosmetic and treatment with the bra according to the invention. The breast and skin tissue were initially examined and the following parameters assessed: size, shape, surface appearance of the skin; the same evaluations were carried out at later stages. The subjects concerned were asked to fill in self-assessment questionnaires relating to their own sensations regarding other parameters. The results indicate that the treated subjects had the sensation of greater toning of the breast than the group which underwent the test without treatment, and an even greater difference was noted between the group who were treated according to the invention. An objective analysis confirms this conclusion. An overall evaluation was expressed by means of a rating from 0 to 7.

Table showing evaluations as to effectiveness

Example 3

A shaped support for supporting the buttocks was made.

The product thus made was subjected to practical tests in order to evaluate the possibility for use. Eight female volunteers were selected and asked to test the product and express an opinion as to certain characteristics. No dummy test was carried out, but only a subjective test.

The opinion requested with regard to the various characteristics was expressed in accordance with the following criteria: uncomfortable = 1; no difference = 2; comfortable = 3; very effective = 4

Subject Appl. Supporting Action Ease function of use

AB 2 4 2 3

BC 2 4 3 4

CE 2 3 2 3

DF 3 4 4 4

EG 3 2 3 3

FH 2 3 4 4

GJ 2 2 2 2

HM 3 4 3 3

Average evaluation: Application = comfortable Supporting function = comfortable Action = comfortable

Ease of use = comfortable

On the basis of all the evaluation criteria the product was considered to be of average comfort. Example 4

A shaped support in the form of a mask surrounding the eyes was made .

The product thus made was subjected to practical tests in order to evaluate the degree of acceptability obtainable. Eight volunteers of both sexes were selected and asked to test the product and express an opinion as to certain characteristics. It is obviously not possible to carry out a blank control test, but only a subjective test, making a comparison with conventional methods such as cold masks and creams.

The opinion requested on various characteristics, compared to those of the conventional treatment, was expressed in accordance with the following criteria: less effective = 1; no difference = 2; more effective = 3; very much more effective = 4

Subject Inconvenience Function Elegance Ease of use

ABC 3 3 4 4

CDE 2 4 3 3

EFG 2 4 3 4

GHI 3 3 4 3

LJK 2 3 2 4

KMN 3 4 4 4

NOP 3 2 3 3

PQR 2 3 4 4 RST 1 2 2 1

Average evaluation: Inconvenience = between more effective and very much more effective (understood as meaning less inconvenient than the other systems proposed) Function = more effective Elegance = more effective Ease of use = between more effective and very much more effective On the basis of all the evaluation criteria the product according to the invention was considered to be more effective than the systems based on cold mask or cream applications of the traditional type.

The cosmetic treatment methods which use the shaped support according to the present invention fall within the scope of the invention itself. In particular, the subject-matter of the present invention also includes a method for cosmetic treatment of the breast, for example a toning treatment, which uses a shaped support in the form of a bra as described above; a method for the treatment of cellulitis, which uses a buttock and thigh support as described above, and a method for treating the area around the eyes, for example with an anti- wrinkle or decongestant effect, which uses a mask as described above.

Claims

1. Shaped support comprising a part adhering to the skin, characterized in that said adhering part comprises a suitable, non-irritating, dermo-compatible adhesive which incorporates, in a vehicle, one or more cosmetic, dermatological or pharmacological active substances.

2. Shaped support according to Claim 1, in which the adhesive is chosen from the group consisting of acrylic adhesive in solvent, acrylic adhesive in aqueous solution, silicone adhesives and polyurethane adhesives.

3. Shaped support according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the adhesive is mixed with the active principles.

4. Shaped support according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the vehicle is an emulsion which, without active principles and auxiliary components, has the following composition: water 0-75% oil 25-100% emulsifier 1-15%

5. Shaped support according to Claim 4, in which the emulsion is of the oil/water type.

6. Shaped support according to Claim 4, in which the emulsion is of the water/oil type with a percentage of water ranging between about 0 and 55% by weight.

7. Shaped support according to Claim 6, in which the emulsion contains an emulsifier chosen from the group consisting of ceteareth-3 and sodium lauryl sulphate; glyceryl behenate and hydrogenated lecithin; polysorbate 80 and sorbitan oleate and glyceryl isopalmitate; sodium ricinoleate and hydrogenated lanolin.

8. Shaped support according to Claim 4, in which the emulsion is selected from the group consisting of: water/oil, oil/water, oil/water/oil, water/oil/water, silicone/water, silicone/water/silicone, water/ silicone, water/silicone/water .

9. Shaped support according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the adhesive contains the active principle in the form of oily substances.

10. Shaped support according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the adhesive contains the active principle in the form of a solidified anhydrous lipid fusion.

11. Shaped support according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the adhesive contains the active principle in solution form.

12. Shaped support according to Claims 1, 2 or 3, in which the adhesive contains the active principle in the form of microcapsules.

13. Shaped support according to Claim 1 or 2 and any one of Claims 4 to 12, in which the adhesive is arranged in successive layers with the phase containing the active principles.

14. Shaped support according to Claim 1 and any one of Claims 2 to 13, in the form of a bra cup.

15. Shaped support according to Claim 14, in which the active principles have firming cosmetic properties.

16. Shaped support according to Claim 14, in which the active principles have properties stimulating or inhibiting the secretion of milk.

17. Shaped support according to Claim 14, in which the active principles have properties providing protection against radiation.

18. Shaped support according to Claim 17, in which the active principles have properties providing protection against solar radiation.

19. Shaped support according to Claim 14, in which the active principles have a protective action, in particular against the side effects of contraceptives.

20. Shaped support according to Claim 14, in which the active principles have an anti-tumoural action.

21. Shaped support according to any one of Claims 14 to 19, which is devoid of rigid or reinforcing parts, shoulder straps or hooks or other elements indispensable for wearability.

22. Shaped support according to Claim 1 and any one of Claims 2 to 13 in the form of a support for the buttocks and the upper part of the thigh.

23. Shaped support according to Claim 22, in which the active principles have cosmetic properties selected from toning, stretch-mark treating and anti-cellulitis properties.

24. Shaped support according to Claim 22, in which the active principles are effective for the treatment of torn muscles and muscular problems.

25. Shaped support according to Claim 22, in which the active principles favour muscular activity.

26. Shaped support according to Claim 1 and any one of Claims 2 to 13, in the form of a mask surrounding the eyes.

27. Shaped support according to Claim 26, which is devoid of rigid or reinforcing parts, ties, elastics, hooks or other elements indispensable for wearability.

28. Shaped support according to Claim 26 or 27, in which the active principles have properties providing protection against radiation.

29. Method for the manufacture of the shaped support according to Claims 1 to 12 and any one of Claims 14 to 28 in which, in a machine for rolling adhesive masses, a first rolling head with a roller doctor blade, which is provided with suitable collecting shoulders, deposits a master consisting of an adhesive mixed with the active principles onto a roller supporting the liner arranged in a horizontal position so as to form a moist adhesive mass; once treated in a first oven, arranged on the liner, said moist adhesive mass is introduced into a drying oven from which it emerges in the form of a dry mass; upon leaving said oven a calendering head joins together with pressure the liner spread with the dry mass and the supporting film.

30. Method for the manufacture of the shaped support according to Claims 1 to 13 and any one of Claims 14 to 28, in which, in a machine for rolling adhesive masses, a first rolling head with a roller doctor blade, which is provided with suitable collecting shoulders, deposits onto a roller supporting the liner arranged in a horizontal position a moist adhesive mass arranged on the liner; said moist adhesive mass, once treated in a first oven, is made to pass underneath a second rolling head with a Mayer bar; said head deposits on said adhesive mass a colloidal solution containing one or more active principles; the resultant stratified mass is introduced into a drying oven from which it emerges in the form of a dry mass; upon leaving said oven a calendering head joins together with pressure the liner spread with the dry mass and the supporting film.

31. Method according to Claim 30, in which up to 4 different layers are deposited.

32. Method according to one of Claims 29 to 31, in which the roller supporting the liner is arranged in a horizontal position for at least one metre.

33. Method according to Claim 29, 30 or 31, in which the drying oven comprises at least 5 chambers having respectively a temperature of 40, 80, 110, 70 and 40^βC.

34. Method according to Claim 33, in which the chambers are of the type with forced air circulation.

35. Method for cosmetic treatment of the breast, characterized in that it uses the shaped support according to one of Claims 14, 15 and 21.

36. Method for cosmetic treatment of the buttocks and thighs, characterized in that it uses the shaped support according to Claims 22 and 23.

37. Method for cosmetic treatment of the area surrounding the eyes, characterized in that it uses the shaped support according to Claims 26 and 27.