WO2008056997A2

WO2008056997A2 - Use of desiccated coconut as a scrubbing agent, askin scrub composition containing same, and method of making and using the scrub compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2008056997A2
Application number: PCT/PH2007/000017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rolando B. Hortaleza
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-11-09
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2008-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2009-05-09
Also published as: WO2008056997A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to the novel use of desiccated coconut as a scrubbing agent for use in the cosmetic industry, particularly, in skin scrub compositions. The invention is essentially characterized by combining desiccated coconut with a cosmetically acceptable scrub carrier such as oil, cream, or gel A method for making the scrub compositions of the invention, and a method for exfoliating the skin using the scrub compositions ideal for use in commercial spas are also provided.

Description

USE OF DESICCATED COCONUT AS A SCRUBBING AGENT, ASKIN

SCRUB COMPOSITION CONTAINING SAME, AND METHOD OF MAKING

AND USING THE SCRUB COMPOSITIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This patent application relates to personal care compositions, particularly to skin scrub compositions, and more particularly, to a novel use of desiccated coconut as skin scrub agent, skin scrub compositions containing desiccated coconut, method of making the skin scrub compositions containing desiccated coconut, and use of the scrub composition for exfoliating the skin.

BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION

The human body forms dead skin cells at the outermost and visible layer of the skin. The exposure of the skin to polluted air and other harsh elements increases the formation of dead skin cells and impurities in the skin. When left un-exfoliated, the skin becomes dry, rough, and ugly. To overcome this problem, the cosmetic industry had developed a wide range of personal skin care products to keep the skin radiantly clean, healthy, and rejuvenated.

One particular class of personal skin care products is concerned with skin scrub compositions which usually provide instant exfoliating action on the skin. These skin scrub compositions normally contain abrasive particles as the main scrubbing agent. Examples of abrasive particles used in the formufafioπ of scrub compositions are inorganic particles such as sea salt, alumina silicate, powdered zeolite, coral powder, Kaolin, etc.

Sea salt scrubs have been used in Oriental Spas as a way of getting rid of impurities and exfoliate dead skin cells. Fine pure sea salts are usually mixed with different kind of oils such as sunflower oil, peanut oil, olive oil, coconut oil etc. Since sea salt is insoluble in oil, it maintains its form in the saturated state. The exfoliating properties is drawn from the natural abrasive texture of the sea salt together with the rubbing motion when the product is applied The coarse texture and the rubbing motion sometimes creates irritation of the skin especially when done by someone not skilled in applying the salt scrub. Thus, the use of abrasive particles such as sea salt usually leaves a scratching feel, and in some cases, makes the skin dry.

To overcome the drying and scratching problem, skin scrub compositions are formulated using oils, humectants and moisturizers as the cosmetic scrub carrier for the abrasive particles. For oily skins however, aqueous scrub carrier is recommended setting aside the problem on scratching. Other solutions focus on the type and size of abrasive particles. Thus, some make careful selection of abrasive materials to overcome the problem on scratching during and after use. In US 4,673,526, the use of water-insoluble polymeric materials that breaks at low shear force has been suggested as substitute to highly abrasive materials. However, to some people, they are still abrasive even in non-aqueous or oiiy media or emulsion.

US 6,531,433 B1 discloses the use of non-aqueous media and water - soluble carbohydrates such as sugars having specific particle size diameter. However, it is observed that the efficacy of water soluble abrasive sparticles is diminished when used with large amount of water. This patent also teaches the use of coconut oil as a non-aqueous media. Although the use of coconut oil is suggested, the use of virgin coconut oil was not specifically mentioned.

CA 2,331,827 discloses the use of a specific sea salt called sodium sesquicarbonate and a mineral oil in specific ratio to reduce skin irritation, it is noted that slight skin irritation is still observed, which is attributable to the naturally rough crystal structure of the salt.

JP 10338625 discloses a scrub cosmetic composition that has excellent removal and massage effect, affording the skin with dampish feeling after use with slight skin irritation by including specific plant seed-ground particles in combination with powdered inorganic particles. However, skin inflation and scratching is still observed. Furthermore, the powdered particles can deposit in and block the skin pores.

It is observed that existing skin scrub compositions use either aqueous or non-aqueous materials as a scrub carrier depending on the abrasive material used. If the abrasive material is soluble or slightly soluble in water, a nonaqueous scrub carrier is used. On the other hand, for non-soluble abrasives, an aqueous or non-aqueous scrub carrier can be used. The choice of scrub carrier is also predicated on the skin type of the target user. For example, if the product is intended for oily skin type, an aqueous scrub carrier is more appropriate to use. However, regardless of the type of scrub carrier used, the problem of scratching still remains as most of these scrub compositions use abrasive materials as the scrubbing agent.

In view of the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art, there is a need to find a scrub agent that is not abrasive but can still exfoliate the dead skin cells and impurities from the skin. There is also a need to solve the abrasiveness of existing skin scrub compositions having abrasive particles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has found a novel use for the indigenous and abundant desiccated coconut, which has been practically used only in the food industry for a long time, as an effective scrubbing agent per se or as a cushion to dampen the abrasiveness of existing scrubbing agents. The use of desiccated coconut in skin scrub compositions does not leave a scratching effect on the skin even when abrasive particles are present. It also provides a smoothing and relieving effect to the skin scratches caused by the abrasive particles during use of the skin scrub.

Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a novel use of desiccated coconut as a scrubbing agent for exfoliating dead skin cells and impurities, in the preparation of a skin scrub composition for exfoliating the skin.

In another aspect, there is provided a novel use of desiccated coconut in the preparation of a skin scrub composition for exfoliating the skin.

Still in another aspect, there is provided a skin scrub eompossfion comprising desiccated coconut and a cosmetically acceptable scrub carrier. The skin scrub composition can be used as an exfoliating and/or a massaging formulation.

Furthermore, there is provided a method of making a skin scrub composition comprising: (a) mixing desiccated coconut to a cosmetically acceptable carrier and (b) optionally adding cosmetically acceptable abrasive particles to the mixture obtained in step (a). The method further comprising adding additives selected from fragrance, colorant, humectants, anti-øxidants, vitamins, and preservative, and mixtures thereof.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for exfoliating skin, comprising applying the skin scrub composition onto the skin, scrubbing the composition on the skin for a time period effective to exfoliate the skin, and then removing the used composition and the exfoliated dead skins and impurities-

Aside from its usefulness as a mild scrubbing agent, the desiccated coconut also functions as a filler to reduce cost of scrub compositions and increase production rate conventional scrub compositions to at least 20%. The rate increases as the amount of desiccated coconut is increased.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become clear upon reading the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides desiccated coconut as a soft scrubbing agent useful for exfoliating dead skin and impurities. Desiccated coconut is advantageously organic and abundant in tropical countries like the Philippines. It is commercially available with varying physical and chemical specification such as size, odor, taste, moisture content, fat and fatty acid content, etc. In accordance with the invention, it is preferable to use particle sizes from 10 to 20 mesh. At this preferred size range, its exfoliating and/or cushioning function is effectively optimized. Furthermore, it is important to use desiccated coconut with low moisture content, preferably, not more than 3%, to ensure a longer sheff life especially when no preservatives are added. If the moisture content of the desiccated coconut is above 3%, it is preferable to add preservatives to ensure a longer shelf life for the scrub agent and the scrub composition. Food grade desiccated coconut that is commercially available normally has a fat content of not less than 55% and a fatty acid content of about 0.3%, as [auric acid. However, the fat content of desiccated coconut is not really critical to the invention. In fact, any amount of fat content may be acceptable for use ϊn this invention. However, for certain considerations like cost, utilization of waste products in coconut oil production, and target skin type of the scrub product, it is recommendable to use the waste coconut flakes or shred from coconut oil manufacturers, which had been dried, preferably, to less than 3% moisture.

Accordingly, desiccated coconut as used herein refers to dried coconut meat flakes or shreds having low moisture content, which have or have not been stripped off of its fat or oil content.

In one embodiment, the skin scrub compositions of the invention are essentially characterized by the presence of desiccated coconut in a cosmetically acceptable scrub carrier in significant amounts to at least cover and/or saturate the desiccated coconut. The amount of desiccated coconut should at least be sufficient to provide necessary mechanical exfoliating action. In another preferred embodiment, it also desirable to add abrasive particles to the essential desiccated coconut-scrub carrier mixture to increase the exfoliating action of the scrub composition. Likewise, desiccated coconut can be added to existing scrub formulations for the purpose of cushioning the abrasiveness of other scrubbing agents usually used in existing scrub compositions. When used in combination with abrasive scrubbing agents, desiccated coconut acts in two-ways, as a mild scrubbing agent and as a cushion and smoothening agent to prevent and relieve the scratching action of abrasive particles. The abrasive particles such as salts, zeolites, silicates, Kaolin, and mixtures thereof may be used. .Examples of salts are sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sesquicarbonate.

Aside from its utility as a mild scrubbing agent, the desiccated coconut also functions as a filler to reduce cost of scrub compositions and increase the production rate of conventional scrub compositions to over 20%. The rate of increase is proportionate to the amount of desiccated coconut present in the mixture.

In another embodiment, the scrub composition based on vegetable oil, preferably, virgin coconut oil, may also be used as a massaging and exfoliating media in one formulation.

The prior art teaches a number of cosmetically available scrub carrier. For the non-aqueous scrub compositions, oil or wax is commonly used. For one, the use of ordinary coconut oil is common. However, it is noted that the prior art does not particularly teach the use of virgin coconut oil in scrub compositions. Although virgin coconut oil is a coconut oil per se, it is distinct from the generic coconut oil in terms of quality and absorbability. Hence, due to the abundance and source proximity of virgin coconut oil in the Philippines, it is preferred to use virgin coconut oil as the scrub carrier. Virgin coconut oil is proven as a good moisturizer to the skin. It has better skin absorbency than ordinary coconut oil and other vegetable oils. It is also commonly used as a perfect body massage oil. When applied to the skin, it leaves soft velvety and smooth feel Moreover, other known scrub carrier may also be used, with some considerations like viscosity of the carrier, the need to add preservative, and the target skin type. For example, when aqueous scrub carrier is used, the use of preservative is a must to avoid rancidity and to extend shelf life. On another note, the aqueous scrub carrier may have to be thickened to prevent the desiccated coconut and abrasive particles, when present, from settling down the bottom of the container. Since aqueous scrub carriers tend to dry the skin, humectants may also be added, in sum, the scrub carrier may be in the form of liquid, gel, or cream.

In another embodiment, the scrub compositions of the present invention may further contain cosmetically acceptable additives such as fragrances, preservatives, coloring agents, emulsifiers, humectants and active ingredients such as anti-oxidants, vitamins, etc.

Preferably, the scrub compositions of the present invention comprises 10 to 70% w/w desiccated coconut dispersed in 30 to 90% w/w scrub carrier. If other materials are added to the essential components, the percentage amounts vary. In a preferred embodiment, the scrub composition may comprise 10 to 40% w/w desiccated coconut, 10 to 40% w/w of the abrasive particles, and 30 to 70% w/w carrier. Other additives may be added in pre-determined amounts.

It is preferred to use vanilla as it blends well with the natural coconut scent of virgin coconut oil and desiccated coconut. However, other fragrances can be used such as mint, flowery scents, perfumes, etc.

The present invention also provides a method for making the scrub compositions comprising: (a) mixing desiccated coconut to a cosmetically acceptable carrier and (b) optionally adding cosmetically acceptable abrasive particles to the mixture obtained from step (a). It is preferable to add other additives where necessary such as fragrances, colorants, emulsifiers, humectants, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and preservatives, and mixtures thereof. In accordance with the invention, a method for exfoliating the skin of dead skin cells and impurities comprising applying the composition onto the skin, scrubbing the composition on the skin for a time period effective to exfoliate the skin, and then removing the used composition and the exfoliated dead skin cells and impurities. In accordance with the present invention, different methods for removing the used composition and impurities can be employed especially if the scrub composition is used commercially in spas and salons. Thus, such removal can be facilitated by washing off with water, wiping off with damp cloth, or by vacuum.

EXAMPLES

The following examples further illustrate the invention but are not intended to limit its scope thereto.

Example 1

100 kgs. of desiccated coconut and 300 kgs. of VCO were mixed in a mixing tank. The mixture was allowed to stay for a few minutes and then packed in containers. When this composition was used on the skin, it provided mild scrubbing effect without skin irritation and scratches. When the composition was washed, the skin was clean, smooth and moisturized.

Example 2

To the mixture obtained in Example 1, 100 kgs. of fine sea salt were added and mixed until homogeneous. The resulting mixture was filled into small jars. When this composition was applied and rubbed to the skin, the scrubbing effect was improved and the scratching action was dampened. When the composition was washed with water, the skin was smooth, moisturized, and clean without any trace of scratches. EΞxample 3

50 grams of desiccated coconut was added to 200 grams of existing facial scrub cream composition containing powdered zeolites as abrasive materials.

When this composition was applied on the face, the scrubbing effect felt like a towel was used to exfoliate the skin. When the composition was washed, the skin was clean and smooth.

Claims

1. Use of desiccated coconut as a soft scrubbing agent for exfoliating dead skin cells and impurities of the skin.

2. Use of desiccated coconut in the preparation of a skin scrub composition for exfoliating the skin.

3. A skin scrub composition comprising desiccated coconut and a cosmetically acceptable scrub carrier.

4. The composition according to claim 3 wherein the cosmetically acceptable carrier is selected from vegetable oil and mineral oil, and mixtures thereof.

5. The composition according to claim 4 wherein the vegetable oil is virgin coconut oil.

6. The composition according to claim 2 further comprising cosmetically acceptable abrasive particles.

7. The composition according to claim 6 wherein the abrasive particles are selected from salts, zeolites, silicates, and mixtures thereof.

8. The composition according to claim 7 wherein the salt is selected from sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sesquicarbonate.

9. The composition according to claim 3 or 6 wherein the amount of desiccated coconut is about 10 to 70% w/w.

10. The composition according to claim 6 which comprises 10 to 40% w/w of the desiccated coconut, 10 to 40% w/w of the abrasive particles, and 30 to 70% w/w of the carrier.

11. The composition according to claim 3 or 6 further comprising cosmetically acceptable additives selected from fragrances, colorants, preservatives, emulsifiers, humectants, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and mixtures thereof.

12. The composition according to claim 3 or 6 wherein the carrier is the form of a liquid, gel, or cream.

13. The composition according to claim 3 or 6 for use as a massaging formulation.

14. A method of making a skin scrub composition comprising: (a) mixing desiccated coconut to a cosmetically acceptable carrier and (b) optionally adding cosmetically acceptable abrasive particles to the mixture obtained from step (a).

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising adding additives selected from fragrance, colorant, emulsifiers, humectants, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and preservatives, and mixtures thereof.

16. A method for exfoliating skin, comprising applying the composition of claim 3 or 6 onto the skin, scrubbing the composition on the skin for a time period effective to exfoliate the skin, and then removing the composition from the skin.

17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the step of removing is done by washing off the rubbed composition with water.

18. A method according to claim 16 wherein the step of removing is done by wiping off the rubbed composition with a damp cloth.

19. A method according to claim 16 wherein the step of removing is done by vacuuming the rubbed composition.