FR3141856A1 - Solid composition comprising at least one cavity comprising at least one aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase - Google Patents

Abstract

Solid composition comprising at least one cavity comprising at least one aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase The present invention relates to a solid composition comprising at least one cavity such that the composition comprises a porosity greater than or equal to 20% by volume relative to the total volume of the solid composition, in which the solid composition comprises a fatty phase comprising at least one lipophilic gelling agent or a phase deriving from a saponification reaction, at least one cavity comprises at least one aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, preferably aqueous. Figure for the abstract: none

Description

Solid composition comprising at least one cavity comprising at least one aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase

The invention relates to a solid composition comprising at least one cavity comprising at least one aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase.

Today, cleaning or cosmetic compositions come in liquid or solid form (for example sticks, compacted or loose powders, (or wipes) to be dispersed in water.

• Les produits liquides reposent sur des circuits de distribution non pertinents sur le plan écologique, car majoritairement composé d’eau et donc dotés de volumes et de poids élevés.
• Les compositions solides de nettoyage ont généralement un pouvoir moussant insuffisant, notamment par rapport aux compositions liquides. En outre, à l’usage, c’est à dire après mise en contact avec une phase aqueuse, la périphérie des compositions solides telles que les savons évolue souvent vers une texture gel-crème, généralement gluante, et perçue par l’utilisateur comme désagréable. Cet inconvénient peut même conduire l’utilisateur à jeter la composition solide, ce qui est évidemment critiquable sous un angle économique et écologique. Pour les poudres à disperser, leur hydratation conduit souvent à la formation d’agrégats de nature à réduire les performances recherchées. Enfin, pour les pads, généralement à base d’alcool polyvinylique (PVA ou PVOH), il s’agit de solutions faussement écologiques car, dissous dans l’eau, le PVA pollue les nappes phréatiques. En outre, le PVA confère généralement une texture collante et peu agréable.

However, none of these solutions are completely satisfactory. For example:

• Liquid products rely on distribution channels that are not ecologically relevant, as they are mainly composed of water and therefore have high volumes and weights.
• Solid cleaning compositions generally have insufficient foaming power, particularly compared to liquid compositions. In addition, during use, i.e. after coming into contact with an aqueous phase, the periphery of solid compositions such as soaps often evolves towards a gel-cream texture, generally sticky, and perceived by the user as unpleasant. This drawback can even lead the user to throw away the solid composition, which is obviously questionable from an economic and ecological perspective. For powders to be dispersed, their hydration often leads to the formation of aggregates likely to reduce the desired performance. Finally, for pads, generally based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA or PVOH), these are falsely ecological solutions because, dissolved in water, PVA pollutes groundwater. In addition, PVA generally gives a sticky and unpleasant texture.

Some of these disadvantages argue in favor of solid compositions in the form of single doses. However, it is observed that their size and volume are generally dictated to ensure good grip by the user, and are generally greater than those useful for ensuring the desired technical effect. A portion of these solid single-dose compositions is in reality dispensable, and therefore the cause of losses and pollution.

The Applicant has overcome these drawbacks by means of solid compositions provided with cavity(ies), as described in the patent applications filed under Nos. FR2203881, FR2203882 and FR2206461. According to a particular embodiment, these solid compositions may further comprise an aqueous phase dispersed in the solid composition, preferably in encapsulated form.

However, such solid compositions have limitations in terms of aqueous phase contents. Also, it is not always easy to achieve sufficient shear to ensure satisfactory rupture, or at least spreading, when the aqueous phase is in the form of capsules. At the same time, optimizing the performance of solid compositions in terms of comfort and sensoriality during application remains a constant objective.

The inventors have found that it is possible to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks using a solid composition according to the invention, without prejudice to good grip by the user.

Composition

The invention relates to a solid composition comprising at least one cavity such that the composition comprises a porosity greater than or equal to 20%, preferably greater than or equal to 30%, better still greater than or equal to 40%, in particular greater than or equal to 50%, or even greater than or equal to 60%, in particular greater than or equal to 70%, and very particularly greater than or equal to 80%, by volume relative to the total volume of the solid composition, in which the solid composition comprises a fatty phase comprising at least one lipophilic gelling agent or a phase deriving from a saponification reaction, at least one cavity comprises at least one aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, preferably aqueous.

Such an embodiment is advantageous in that it makes it possible to provide high quantities of gelled phase, in particular aqueous, compared to the solid compositions developed by the Applicant and cited above. This gives said compositions even better performance in terms of sensoriality and comfort on application, or even effectiveness, without prejudice to their mechanical resistance.

On the contrary, and unexpectedly, the Applicant observed that the presence of the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase within all or part of the cavities increases the mechanical resistance of the solid composition, without prejudice to the kinetics of transformation between the original solid state and the liquid state.

The invention is therefore based on a subtle compromise between (i) mechanical resistance, (ii) kinetics of the transformative effect, namely the capacity of the solid composition, under shear and/or in the presence of water, to quickly pass from the original solid state to a liquid state, for example of the gel or cream type and (iii) satisfactory sensoriality and comfort on application.

In the presence of an aqueous gelled phase, the gelled nature prevents the transformation effect from occurring. The presence of the aqueous gelled phase is therefore not detrimental to maintaining the solid nature of the composition according to the invention before its use, and therefore its application to the surface to be treated.

Even more unexpectedly, the Applicant observed that a composition according to the invention, when it comprises a sufficient quantity of aqueous gelled phase, makes it possible to dispense with the addition of water before, during or after application to the surface to be treated, which allows a new application technique and water savings.

Finally, in the case where the solid composition is dedicated to cleaning, in particular as a household product and/or as a laundry detergent, or of a keratin material, the Applicant has observed that it generates quantities of foam greater than those obtained with the solid compositions of the prior art, including those described in FR2203881, FR2203882 and FR2206461, in particular when the gelled phase is an aqueous gelled phase.

Unless otherwise indicated, in all that follows, we consider that we are at room temperature (for example T = 25°C ± 2°C) and atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg, or 1,013.10 ⁵ Pa or 1013 mbar).

By "solid" ", for the purposes of the present invention, is intended to denote a composition which, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, is not capable of collapsing under its own weight. Advantageously, is intended to denote any composition having a compressive strength greater than or equal to 20 g, preferably greater than or equal to 50 g, and better still greater than or equal to 100 g, at room temperature (20-25°C), after penetration by a cylindrical probe of revolution having a diameter of 0.8 cm into the matrix of the composition to a thickness of 1 mm at a speed of 0.5 mm/s and removal of said probe from the matrix of the composition at a speed of 0.5 mm/s; the compressive strength being measured with an analyzer of the "LFRA Texture Analyzer" type marketed by the company STEVENS/MECHTRIC.

A composition according to the invention is not in the form of a paste. However, at the time of its manufacture, in particular when it uses an extrusion process as described below, the composition according to the invention may be in the form of a paste.

A composition according to the invention is not a powdery composition, and is therefore not in the form of a powder, in particular in the form of a loose or compacted powder. Finally, a composition according to the invention is also not a porous solid deriving from the agglomeration of powders.

According to a first embodiment, a composition according to the invention is not an expanded composition, and is therefore not a foam. According to a second embodiment, a composition according to the invention may be an expanded composition, and therefore may be in the form of a foam.

Advantageously, a solid composition according to the invention is not made up of a network of fibers. A composition according to the invention does not comprise (or is not based on) a water-soluble solid support, for example of the hydrogel type, in particular based on starch, where appropriate destructured, and/or poloxamer 407.

Advantageously, a solid composition according to the invention is not in the form of a mask.

By "porosity", for the purposes of the present invention, is meant all the voids of a solid body (or material), these voids being able to be filled by the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase or fluids, in particular water, when the solid composition is placed in the presence of an aqueous solution, for example water such as tap water, shower water or bath water.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cavity" is understood to mean an empty space inside a solid body and which communicates directly with the external environment, such as, for example, the cavities illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. A cavity can therefore be referred to interchangeably by the terms "orifice", "pore" or "hole". Advantageously, the cavity(ies) is/are through-cavity, i.e. the cavity designates an empty space inside a solid body and which communicates directly with the external environment on either side of the solid body. In the context of the present invention, at least one cavity may comprise an aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, and preferably an aqueous gelled phase.

Thus, the volume of the cavity(ies) in a solid composition according to the invention represents at least 20%, in particular at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, or even at least 60%, in particular at least 70%, and very particularly at least 80%, of the total volume of the solid composition.

Advantageously, a solid composition according to the invention has a density of between 0.2 and 0.8, preferably between 0.3 and 0.7, in particular between 0.4 and 0.6.

A solid composition according to the invention may have a total volume of between 0.125 cm ³ and 100 cm ³ , preferably between 0.250 cm ³ and 75 cm ³ , in particular between 0.5 cm ³ and 50 cm ³ , better still between 1 cm ³ and 25 cm ³ , and very particularly between 2.5 cm ³ and 15 cm ³ .

A solid composition according to the invention may have a weight of between 0.025 g and 200 g, preferably between 0.20 g and 150 g, in particular between 0.5 g and 100 g, better still between 1 g and 75 g, and very particularly between 2.5 g and 50 g, or even between 5 g and 25 g (“g” corresponding to the unit “gram”).

According to a first preferred embodiment, a solid composition according to the invention comprises a ratio between the volume of the cavity(ies) and the total volume of the composition of between 0.05 and 0.9, preferably between 0.1 and 0.8, better still between 0.2 and 0.7, or even between 0.2 and 0.6, regardless of the presence or absence of the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase in all or part of the cavities.

By “total volume” is meant the volume resulting from the sum of the volume of solid and the volume of the cavities, regardless of the presence or absence of aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase in all or part of the cavities.

In the context of the present invention, the cavities can be described as macroporosity, that is to say pores whose minimum width, or even diameter, is greater than or equal to 1 mm, or even between 1 mm and 2 cm, preferably between 2 mm and 1 cm, in particular between 3 mm and 75 mm, better still between 4 mm and 50 mm, and very particularly between 5 mm and 25 mm.

The presence of cavities in the contents and/or volumes and/or dimensions considered above makes it possible to access solid compositions that are less demanding in terms of raw materials while still having satisfactory gripping properties. A solid composition according to the invention is therefore capable of generating less loss. This weight saving also has the advantage of allowing less polluting and less expensive transport. A solid composition according to the invention is therefore advantageous both ecologically and economically.

Furthermore, the inventors observed an unexpected effect in terms of texture and transformative effect when a solid composition according to the invention is applied to the surface to be treated. Indeed, the inventors observed that a solid composition according to the invention, where appropriate combined with water, produces a greater quantity of foam and more quickly than with a solid composition of the same size and volume but without a cavity, or even exhibits faster transformation kinetics between the original solid state to a liquid state, for example of the gel or cream type. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the presence of cavity(ies) within the solid composition allows an increase in the contact surface with the aqueous phase, in particular water, and therefore better hydration of said solid composition.

Thus, the invention even makes it possible to adjust the speed at which the solid composition will foam, or even swell and/or melt, by adjusting the surface area developed at constant volume, by adjusting the percentage of porosity, and more particularly by adjusting the shape and/or the number and/or the dimensions of the cavities, or even the number of walls and/or the thickness of the walls of the cavities and/or the volume of the cavities occupied by the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase.

Advantageously, the size and/or volume of the cavities can be adjusted to store and/or react the right amount of aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase and/or water necessary to achieve, when using the solid composition, a final liquid composition with satisfactory/expected properties, or even optimized and/or homogeneous properties (i.e. between different single doses), for example in terms of viscosity, ease of spreading, amount of foam formed and/or transformative effect.

Thus, a composition according to the invention even makes it possible to access evanescent compositions, namely those capable of transforming into liquid compositions, in particular in the form of gels or creams, upon application, where appropriate upon contact with an adequate quantity of water.

Finally, the advantages described above in terms of the ability to foam and/or transform into a liquid composition may also require lower water consumption, which constitutes an additional advantage from an ecological and economic point of view.

The solid nature of a composition according to the invention may be based on a phase consisting mainly, or even entirely, of a fatty phase comprising at least one lipophilic gelling agent (also referred to as “solid fatty phase”).

Also, the solid character can be based on a phase deriving from a saponification reaction (or “pasting”), and therefore result from the transformation of a fatty phase comprising at least one oil, preferably vegetable, under the action of soda and, where appropriate, heat (also referred to as the “soap phase”).

A composition according to the invention further comprises at least one aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase arranged in at least one cavity of the solid composition.

For the sake of clarity, throughout the description, the term “solid fatty phase” or “soap phase” is understood to mean the phase which constitutes the architecture of the solid composition and the term “aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase” is understood to mean the phase injected/localized in all or part of the cavities.

In the remainder of the description, the “solid fatty phase” and the “soap phase” may commonly be referred to by the expression “solid phase”.

The fatty gel phase is preferably different from the solid phase, and in particular is different from the solid fatty phase.

According to a particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention may further comprise an aqueous phase dispersed in the solid fatty phase or the soap phase of the solid composition, preferably in encapsulated form, such as for example in the form of matrix spheres (or pearls or balls) or of core/shell type (or capsules), for example in the form of capsules as described in WO2010063937.

This aqueous phase may be identical or different from the gelled phase when represented by a gelled aqueous phase.

Preferably, a solid composition according to the invention is a single-dose composition.

Preferably, a solid composition according to the invention is a topical composition.

A solid composition according to the invention may have any shape, for example a spherical, ellipsoidal, tetrahedral, or even polygonal shape, in particular in the shape of a parallelogram, preferably a right-angled parallelogram.

Preferably, in particular to ensure good grip, a solid composition according to the invention has:

- a width, or even a diameter, of between 1 and 10 cm, preferably between 2 and 8 cm, in particular between 3 and 6 cm, and better still between 4 and 5 cm; and/or

- a height (or thickness) between 0.5 and 5 cm, preferably between 1 and 4 cm, and in particular between 2 and 3 cm.

Cavity

The cavity(ies) of a solid composition according to the invention may be of any shape, for example round, oblong, ovoid, triangular, polygonal, in particular hexagonal, honeycomb, or in the form of a tiling (or cutting), for example of the Voronoi diagram type, preferably in the form of a honeycomb, as illustrated in .

The cavity(ies) of a solid composition according to the invention may also represent letters or the logo of a brand or a company.

A solid composition according to the invention comprises one or more cavities, preferably several cavities, identical or different.

According to a first variant, a composition according to the invention comprises at least one cavity, in particular a through cavity.

According to a second preferred variant, a composition according to the invention comprises several cavities, in particular through cavities, as illustrated in and 4.

According to a particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention may comprise at least two cavities connected to each other. Such an embodiment is advantageous because it makes it possible to promote capillarity phenomena when brought into contact with water, which makes it possible to improve the aforementioned technical effects.

Advantageously, a solid composition according to the invention comprises several cavities which adopt a honeycomb-shaped structure, as illustrated in . This honeycomb shape is particularly advantageous in that it allows the manufacture of a solid composition with a very interesting “volume of the cavity(ies) / total volume of the composition” ratio, in particular greater than or equal to 0.5, or even greater than or equal to 0.75, without prejudice to the grip and robustness of said composition to the mechanical stresses likely to be applied to it and/or to storage. In other words, this honeycomb structure offers an excellent compromise between cavity volume and mechanical strength.

Advantageously, a solid composition according to the invention comprises several cavities which adopt a honeycomb-shaped structure comprising walls having a thickness of between 10 μm and 600 μm, preferably between 20 μm and 500 μm, in particular between 30 μm and 400 μm, very particularly between 50 μm and 300 μm, or even between 100 μm and 200 μm.

According to a particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention may further comprise additional patterns distinct from the cavities, said patterns being able for example to be produced by embossing.

The skilled person will take care to choose the possible constituent compound(s) of a composition according to the invention and/or their quantity in such a way that the advantageous properties of a composition according to the invention are not or are not substantially altered. Also, the skilled person will take care to choose the nature and/or the quantity of compound(s) with regard to the solid nature of said composition and/or the manufacturing process. These adjustments fall within the general knowledge of the skilled person.

According to a particular embodiment, a solid composition according to the invention, in particular when it adopts a honeycomb-type configuration as described above, may comprise a plurality of sections, in particular polygonal sections, each of the sections defining a fracturable perimeter allowing the separation of at least one section from the rest of the solid composition. Thus, according to this embodiment, each section of the solid composition corresponds to a single dose.

Lipophilic gelling agent

A composition according to the invention advantageously comprises at least one lipophilic gelling agent, in particular at least one solid fatty substance, preferably chosen from at least one wax, at least one pasty fatty substance, at least one butter, and their mixtures, for example as described in WO2021234135.

In particular, the solid fatty phase and the fatty gelled phase necessarily comprise at least one such lipophilic gelling agent.

Advantageously, a lipophilic gelling agent is a heat-sensitive gelling agent, namely one which reacts to heat, and in particular is a gelling agent which is solid at room temperature and liquid at a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 60°C, and better still above 70°C. Preferably, a heat-sensitive lipophilic gelling agent according to the invention has a melting point of between 50°C and 130°C, and preferably between 60°C and 120°C.

In particular, a composition according to the invention may comprise from 10% to 90%, preferably from 20% to 80%, in particular from 30% to 70%, and better still from 40% to 60%, by weight of lipophilic gelling agent(s) relative to the total weight of composition (or phase) comprising it.

Aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase

A solid composition according to the invention also comprises an aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase in all or part of the cavities, in particular having a viscosity suitable for remaining housed in the cavity(ies) before use.

The aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase is solid at room temperature and at ambient pressure, i.e. it is not capable of flowing under its own weight. On the other hand, it has properties, and in particular a viscosity, adapted to ensure easy, even comfortable, application to the surface to be treated.

Advantageously, the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase has a viscosity of between 25,000 mPa.s and 100,000 mPa.s, preferably between 30,000 mPa.s and 80,000 mPa.s, and better still between 50,000 mPa.s and 60,000 mPa.s, as measured at 25°C according to the method described above.

The aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase therefore comprises at least one hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent, preferably heat-sensitive.

According to a first variant, the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase is an aqueous gelled phase, which comprises water and at least one hydrophilic gelling agent, in particular as defined below.

In addition to distilled or deionized water, water suitable for the invention may also be natural spring water or floral water.

According to a second variant, the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase is a fatty gelled phase, which comprises at least one lipophilic gelling agent, in particular as defined above, and optionally in addition at least one oil.

According to a third variant, the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase comprises both a fatty gelled phase and an aqueous gelled phase, preferably in the form of a direct (i.e. oil-in-water) or inverse (water-in-oil) emulsion.

According to this third variant, the dispersed phase may advantageously be in the form of matrix spheres (or pearls or balls), as described for example in WO2021234135, or of core/shell type capsules, for example in the form of capsules as described in WO2010063937 or WO2017046305.

Preferably, the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase is an aqueous gelled phase.

In the case where the variant is based in whole or in part on a fatty gelled phase, the lipophilic gelling agent may be identical or different from that/those present in the solid phase and be as defined above,

According to one embodiment, the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase comprises from 0.1% to 30%, preferably from 0.2 to 20%, in particular from 0.3% to 15%, very particularly from 0.4% to 10%, and better still from 0.5% to 5%, by weight of hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent(s) relative to the total weight of the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase.

According to one embodiment, the mass percentage of water in the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase may be between 0.5 and 50%, preferably between 1 and 40%, in particular between 2.5 and 30%, and better still between 5 and 20%, by weight relative to the total mass of the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase.

Hydrophilic gelling agent

The aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase may comprise at least one hydrophilic gelling agent, i.e. soluble or dispersible in water. The hydrophilic gelling agents make it possible to modulate the fluidity of the phase comprising it, and therefore the sensoriality and/or galenic properties that are desired to be obtained and/or contribute to further improving the kinetic stability of the composition.

A hydrophilic gelling agent according to the invention may be chosen from thermosensitive, rheofluidifying and/or hydrophilic gelling agents capable of gelling in the presence of at least one salt or base.

Advantageously, a hydrophilic gelling agent is a heat-sensitive gelling agent, namely one which reacts to heat, and in particular is a gelling agent which is solid at room temperature and liquid at a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 60°C, and better still above 70°C. Preferably, a heat-sensitive hydrophilic gelling agent according to the invention has a melting point of between 50°C and 130°C, and preferably between 60°C and 120°C.

Examples of hydrophilic gelling agents include:

- natural gelling agents, in particular chosen from algae extracts, such as for example agar-agar, carrageenans, alginates; plant exudates, such as for example gum tragacanth, karaya gum, gatty gum, gum arabic; seed extracts such as for example carob gum, guar gum, tara gum, konjac gum, pectins; fungal exudates or extracts, such as for example sclerotium gum; exudates of microorganisms, such as for example xanthan gum, gellan gum, pullulan, sclerotium gum, alcasealan marketed by the company Hakuto (INCI: Alcaligenes Polysaccharides), and other natural agents, such as for example gelatin, collagen, keratin, vegetable proteins in particular wheat and/or soya, anionic, cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric chitin or chitosan polymers, hyaluronic acid or one of its salts, in particular sodium hyaluronate such as that marketed under the names HA Oligo, SC Hyaluronic Acid or HyaCare; and mixtures thereof;

- semi-synthetic gelling agents, in particular chosen from cellulose derivatives and modified starches,

- synthetic gelling agents, in particular chosen from homopolymers of (meth)acrylic acid or one of their esters, copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid or one of their esters, copolymers of AMPS (2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid), associative polymers,

- other gelling agents, notably chosen from polyethylene glycols (marketed under the name Carbowax), clays, silicas such as those marketed under the names Aérosil® 90/130/150/200/300/380), and

- their mixtures.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “associative polymer” means any amphiphilic polymer comprising in its structure at least one fatty chain and at least one hydrophilic portion; the associative polymers in accordance with the present invention may be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric; these include in particular those described in FR2999921. Preferably, these are amphiphilic and anionic associative polymers and amphiphilic and non-ionic associative polymers as described below.

These hydrophilic gelling agents are described in more detail in FR3041251.

The skilled person will take care to choose the hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent(s) and/or their quantity in such a way that the advantageous properties of the solid composition according to the invention are not or are not substantially altered by the envisaged addition. In particular, the skilled person will take care to choose the hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent(s) and/or their quantity with regard to their melting point in such a way that the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase is (i) in a liquid form under certain conditions, in particular temperature, to ensure the manufacture of a solid composition according to the invention and (ii) in a gelled form at room temperature and where appropriate at rest, i.e. in the absence of shear, so as not to alter the integrity of the solid composition. Indeed, this liquid character is required to ensure the incorporation (or injection) of the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase into the cavity(ies). These adjustments fall within the general knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

Additional compounds

A solid composition according to the invention, in particular, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may further comprise at least one additional compound different from the lipophilic gelling agents, oils, and/or hydrophilic gelling agents mentioned above.

Thus, a solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may also comprise powders; flakes; coloring agents, in particular chosen from water-soluble or non-water-soluble, fat-soluble or non-fatty, organic or inorganic coloring agents, materials with an optical effect, liquid crystals, and mixtures thereof; particulate agents insoluble in the fatty phase; perfuming agents; fillers, of organic or mineral nature, and in particular pigments; preservatives; humectants; effervescent agents; disintegrating agents (eg Croscarmellose, carboxymethylcellulose, etc.); stabilizers; chelators; emollients; pH-modifying agents, osmotic force modifiers and/or refractive index modifiers, etc. or any usual (cosmetic) additive; and mixtures thereof.

Also, a solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may further comprise at least one biological/cosmetic active agent chosen from moisturizing agents, vitamins, healing agents, depigmenting agents, UV filters, desquamating agents, enzymes, antioxidant agents, active agents stimulating the synthesis of dermal and/or epidermal macromolecular agents, dermo-contracting agents, antiperspirant agents, soothing agents and/or anti-aging agents, and mixtures thereof.

A solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may further comprise at least one unsaturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acid, preferably C ₆ – C ₂₂ , in particular C ₈ -C ₂₀ , and better still C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ , such as for example lauric acid (C ₁₂ ), myristic acid (C ₁₄ ), palmitic acid (C ₁₆ ), stearic acid (C ₁₈ ), ricinoleic acid (C ₁₈ ), and mixtures thereof.

A solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may further comprise at least one oil, in particular a vegetable oil, such as for example copra oil, coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, castor oil, babassu oil, and mixtures thereof. As oils, mention may be made, for example, of those described in WO2021234135.

In particular, a solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the fatty gelled phase, may comprise from 10% to 90%, preferably from 20% to 80%, in particular from 30% to 70%, and better still from 40% to 60%, by weight of oil(s) relative to the total weight of the composition (or phase) comprising it.

A solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may further comprise at least one detergent agent, for example a surfactant, in particular chosen from Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Sulfosuccinates, Alpha oleficategories, Alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate, Sodium cocoyl monoglyceride sulfate, Betaine, and their mixtures. This is particularly the case when the composition according to the invention is a SYNDET (which derives from the term “synthetic detergents”) also called “soap-free soap” or “dermatological bar”.

In the case where the solid composition according to the invention is dedicated to hair care, the composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may also comprise at least one hair active ingredient, in particular among those described in the patent application filed under no. FR2206462.

In the case where the solid composition according to the invention is dedicated to cleaning (excluding cleaning of a keratin material), in particular as a household product and/or as a laundry detergent, the solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may also comprise at least one alkaline compound, a complexing agent, a sequestering agent, an enzyme, a bleaching agent, an activator, a brightening agent, a polycarboxylate, abrasive particles, a descaling agent, sodium bicarbonate, a hydrotrope, a softener, an adjuvant or co-adjuvant, a preservative, an electrolyte, an effervescent agent, a disintegrating agent, an essential oil, a perfuming agent, a biocide, a disinfectant, a coloring agent, flakes, a plasticizer, a binder, an absorbent agent, a foaming agent, a masking agent, a pH regulating agent, or any usual cleaning additive, and mixtures thereof, and in particular those described in the patent application filed under no. FR2206461.

A solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, may further comprise at least sodium lactate and/or at least one salt. Such ingredients have the particular advantage of hardening the solid composition.

Advantageously, a solid composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase and/or the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, does not comprise polyvinyl alcohol (PVA or PVOH), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyacrylonitrile (PES or PAN), polyethylene terephthalate methacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, hyaluronic acid, starch, cellulose (eg rayon), cotton, and mixtures thereof.

A composition according to the invention, in particular the solid phase, may further comprise at least one solvent capable of evaporating in whole or in part during the manufacturing process, as described below. As a solvent, mention may for example be made of an apolar or slightly polar organic solvent, for example cyclohexane, THF (tetrahydrofuran), and mixtures thereof.

Of course, the skilled person will take care to choose the possible additional compound(s) and/or their quantity in such a way that the advantageous properties of the solid composition according to the invention are not or are not substantially altered by the envisaged addition. Also, the skilled person will take care to choose the nature and/or the quantity of additional compound(s) according to the aqueous or fatty nature of the phase considered and/or with regard to the manufacturing process of the solid composition. These adjustments fall within the general knowledge of the skilled person.

When the composition according to the invention is a soap and/or a shampoo, the solid composition advantageously satisfies at least one of the criteria (or indices) among those defined below:

- the composition has a cleaning power between 12 and 22, the higher number means that the soap will be more cleaning;

- the composition has a Hardness index between 29 and 54, the higher number indicating a harder soap and the lower number indicating a softer soap;

- the composition has an Emollience index between 44 and 69;

- the composition has a Foaming Power between 14 and 46, the higher number indicating larger bubbles and the lower number indicating smaller bubbles;

- the composition has a Smoothness index between 16 and 48;

- the composition has an iodine index between 41 and 70; and/or

- the composition has an INS (Iodine Number Saponification) between 136 and 170, preferably between 150 and 165.

The above criteria (or indices), as well as their measurement method, fall within the general knowledge of those skilled in the art.

The solid nature of a composition according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to do without conventional packaging. Indeed, the packaging of a solid composition according to the invention can be limited to simple wrapping in paper.

Manufacturing process

A solid composition according to the invention is obtained by any process known to those skilled in the art suitable for the manufacture of a solid composition, with the necessary adaptations to ensure (i) the formation of cavities, and therefore satisfy the required porosity criterion, and (ii) the incorporation (or injection) of the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase into at least one cavity of the solid composition.

Obviously, the quantity of aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase will be adjusted with regard to the volume of the cavity. This injection can be carried out using any technique known to those skilled in the art, in particular using an injection nozzle, heated if necessary.

Process #1

According to a first variant, a method of manufacturing a solid composition according to the invention comprises at least the steps consisting of:

(i) have a first fatty phase or one deriving from a saponification reaction in liquid or semi-liquid form;

(ii) have a second aqueous and/or fatty phase comprising at least one hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent in liquid or semi-liquid form;

(iii) pour the first phase into a mold and dry until a solid composition is obtained,

(iv) cutting the solid composition into the desired shape,

(v) forming at least one cavity in the solid composition, and

(vi) injecting the second phase into all or part of the cavities, whereby a solid composition according to the invention is obtained.

According to a particular embodiment, the method of manufacturing the solid composition is based on a saponification (or “pasting”) process.

Step (i) is advantageously carried out hot.

Step (ii) is advantageously carried out hot in the case where the hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent is heat-sensitive and/or via the application of a sufficient shear force in the case where the hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent is rheofluidifying, so as to guarantee good incorporation (or injection) of the second phase into the cavity(ies) in step (vi).

Advantageously, steps (iv) and (v) are simultaneous.

Advantageously, steps (iii), (iv) and (v) are simultaneous, in which case the mold has a shape adapted to ensure the formation of the cavity(ies).

Step (v) is advantageously carried out using a cookie cutter.

Process No. 1 is advantageous in that the scraps obtained at the end of step (v) can be recovered during subsequent manufacturing. Indeed, these scraps can be reheated and reintroduced into a subsequent process No. 1 at step (i) and/or (iii).

Advantageously, in particular when the solid composition according to the invention is a soap and/or a shampoo, and therefore comprises a soap phase as described above; a process according to the invention may further comprise, before step (iii), at least one washing step, in order to remove the remaining soda.

Method #2

According to a second variant, a method of manufacturing a solid composition according to the invention is an extrusion method.

1. disposer d’une première phase grasse ou dérivant d’une réaction de saponification sous forme liquide ou semi-liquide ;
2. disposer d’une deuxième phase aqueuse et/ou grasse comprenant au moins un agent gélifiant hydrophile et/ou lipophile sous forme liquide ou semi-liquide ;

Such a manufacturing method according to the invention comprises at least the steps consisting of:

1. have a first fatty phase or one deriving from a saponification reaction in liquid or semi-liquid form;
2. have a second aqueous and/or fatty phase comprising at least one hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent in liquid or semi-liquid form;

(c) passing the first phase of step (a) through an extrusion device provided with a die of suitable shape to form a solid bar,

(d) cutting the bar obtained in step (c) to obtain a solid composition comprising at least one cavity; and

(e) injecting the second phase into all or part of the cavities, whereby a solid composition according to the invention is obtained.

Step (a) is advantageously carried out hot.

Step (b) is advantageously carried out hot in the case where the hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent is heat-sensitive and/or via the application of a sufficient shear force in the case where the hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent is rheofluidifying, so as to guarantee good incorporation (or injection) of the second phase into the cavity(ies) in step (e).

For obvious reasons, step (c) is carried out at a temperature suitable for obtaining a composition with sufficient viscosity and capable of retaining the shape assigned by the die.

For obvious reasons, the shape of the die of the extrusion device is also adapted to ensure the formation of the cavity(ies).

Advantageously, step (c) can be carried out at a temperature lower than room temperature, and for example at a temperature lower than or equal to 15°C, or even lower than or equal to 10°C.

At step (c), the extrusion device comprises a die having a shape adapted to form the desired cavity(ies) and level of porosity in the solid bar.

By way of illustration, an extrusion method according to the invention comprises a die such as that illustrated in .

Step (d) can be done using a knife or a wire, such as a butter cutter.

Preferably, steps (c) and (d) are simultaneous.

Preferably, the method for manufacturing a composition according to the invention is extrusion method no. 2 described above.

According to a particular embodiment, applicable to processes no. 1 and no. 2 described above, step (i) / (a) consists of having a fluid composition which can comprise at least one solvent capable of evaporating in whole or in part during step (iii) / (c), or even in addition during step (iv) and/or (v) / (d).

As a solvent, we can for example cite a non-polar or slightly polar organic solvent, for example cyclohexane, THF (tetrahydrofuran), and their mixture.

In processes No. 1 and No. 2 above, when the solid phase of the solid composition comprises at least one fatty phase comprising at least one lipophilic gelling agent, step (i) / (a) may require heating said composition to a temperature above the highest melting point of the lipophilic gelling agents present in said composition.

According to a particular embodiment, extrusion process no. 2 can be carried out using a 3D printing technique.

A manufacturing method according to the first or second variants described above may comprise an additional step occurring between the manufacturing of the solid composition and the injection step of the second phase, this additional step aiming to place the solid composition in a receptacle provided with a design adapted to give the cavity(ies) intended to be filled with the second phase a particular design, different from that given by the cavity.

In other words, the receptacle can here be described as a shaped part or mold.

Use

A solid composition according to the invention can be used in the field of cleaning, in particular as a household product and/or as a laundry detergent, or in the cosmetic field, in particular for hygiene, cleaning, beautification, care and/or make-up of a keratin material, in particular of the skin and/or hair.

In particular, a solid composition according to the invention can be dedicated to hygiene, cleaning and/or beautification of a keratin material.

In particular, a solid composition according to the invention is dedicated to the hygiene of a keratin material, in particular of the skin and/or hair, such as for example toothpastes, deodorants, shower gels, intimate cleansing gels, soaps, shampoos, mouthwashes, hair care products (hair dyes and bleaches), hair care products, cleaning products, shaving and depilatory products, such as for example aftershaves, depilatory creams and shaving creams, bath and shower preparations, such as for example bubble baths, bath oils and bath salts. Preferably, a solid composition according to the invention is a soap and/or a shampoo.

A solid composition according to the invention may also be dedicated to cleaning, in particular as a household product and/or as a laundry detergent. Thus, a solid composition according to the invention dedicated to cleaning advantageously further comprises at least one surfactant and/or at least one detergent.

A solid composition according to the invention can also be dedicated to the care and/or makeup of a keratin material, in particular the skin and/or the lips.

The use of a solid composition according to the invention can be carried out in the presence of water added to the solid composition before, simultaneously and/or after its application to the surface to be treated.

A solid composition according to the invention, in particular when it comprises a sufficient quantity of aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, in particular aqueous gelled phase, can also be brought into contact directly with the surface to be treated without requiring the addition of water before, simultaneously and/or after application to the surface to be treated.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

There represents a composition according to the invention provided with honeycomb cavities (top view), where three cavities comprise an aqueous gelled phase.

There represents a channel used for the process of the invention.

There represents a comparative sector.

There represents other examples of solid compositions according to the invention, part of the cavities of which comprise an aqueous gelled phase.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 – Comparative study for skin cleansing

Step 1a – making the soap phase :

Using a mixer and a bain-marie at 80°C, mix the raw materials described in Table 1 below until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

Name Weight (in kg) Phase Water 85 HAS Pure caustic soda 35 HAS Coconut oil 80 B Shea butter 60 B Olive oil 100 B Sweet almond oil 8 C Total 368

In a first container, mix the water and caustic soda (= mixture A). In a second container, melt and mix the coconut oil and shea butter in a bain-marie (70°C), then add the olive oil and mix until homogenized (= mixture B). When the temperature of mixtures A and B is below 40°C, pour mixture A into mixture B and add the sweet almond oil, then mix until homogenized (= mixture C). Leave mixture C to stand for 48 hours at room temperature. The pH of mixture C is between 9 and 10.

Step 1b – manufacturing the aqueous gel phase:

Using a mixer and a bain-marie at 80°C, mix the raw materials described in the following table 2 until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

Name INCI name Weight (in kg) Osmosis water Aqua Qsp Microcare PE Phenoxyethanol, aqua 0.80 Microcare Emollient PTG Pentylene Glycol, aqua 2.00 Agar Agar Agar 0.50 Glycerin codex (99%) Glycerin 51.00 EDETA BD DISODIUM EDTA 0.04 Total 100

* Sufficient Quantity For

The preparation of this aqueous phase falls within the general knowledge of those skilled in the art.

This aqueous phase will then either be mixed hot (i.e. 80°C) with mixture C obtained in step 1a prior to the aforementioned cooling step and the extrusion step described below, or injected hot (and therefore in liquid form) into 3 cavities of the solid composition obtained from the extruded mixture C.

Step 2 - extrusion :

Mixture C, if necessary combined with the aqueous gelled phase, is injected into an extruder provided, in a first case, with a die according to the invention as illustrated in and in a second case, of a comparative channel as illustrated in . If necessary, the injected composition is preheated to change from a solid state to a pasty state and thus ensure the proper completion of the extrusion step. At the die outlet, the extruded bars of soap are cut so as to obtain single-dose soaps, respectively, in the form of a solid composition according to the invention provided with 7 honeycomb-shaped cavities (soaps 2 and 3, for example like that described in ) and a comparative solid composition with a general shape identical to soaps 2 and 3 but without a cavity (soap 1).

Soaps 1 and 2 are obtained from a composition before extrusion based on a mixture of “mixture C (95%) / aqueous gelled phase (5%)”.

Soaps 3 are obtained from a composition before extrusion formed of mixture C only, the aqueous gelled phase being injected in liquid form after extrusion into 3 cavities only. In soaps 3, mixture C and the aqueous gelled phase represent respectively approximately 15% and 35% of the solid composition, the remainder being represented by the volume occupied by the 4 empty cavities.

Step 3 - Application :

Step 3 is carried out on a panel of 18 women and 18 men between 22 and 47 years old (hereinafter the “candidates”), 3 groups then being formed, each group being made up of 6 women and 6 men (groups A, B and C).

For each group:

3.1/ Candidates pour a glass filled with 30 cl of tap water over both hands.

3.2/ Then, the candidates wash their hands with soap 1, 2 or 3.

3.3/ Candidates rinse their hands with tap water and then dry their hands.

Each of groups A, B and C will use soaps 1, 2 and 3, but each time in different orders.

Candidates evaluate the performance of soaps 1, 2 and 3 in terms of (i) grip, (ii) mechanical resistance to grip, (iii) solid -> liquid transformation kinetics, (iv) foaming capacity, (v) sensoriality and comfort on application and (vi) condition of the soap after use.

Scoring criteria :

RATING CRITERIA 0 1 2 Gripping Satisfactory Average Bad R mechanical resistance Satisfactory Average Bad C transformation inetics
solid -> liquid < 15 seconds 15 - 40 seconds > 40 seconds Mousse Raised Average Insufficient S ensoriality and C comfort in application Satisfactory Average) Bad) Condition of soap after use Total disappearance Some residues General structure preserved

The averages of the results obtained with the three groups A, B and C are presented in the following table 4, it being understood that the observed trends are identical between the three groups.

Soap 1
(Comparative) Soap 2
(Comparative) Soap 3
( Invention ) Composition Aqueous gel phase (5%) mixed with mixture C (95%) before extrusion Aqueous gel phase (5%) mixed with mixture C (95%) before extrusion Aqueous gel phase injected into 3 of the 7 cavities after extrusion of mixture C Gripping 0 0 0 R mechanical resistance 0 1 1 C transformation inetics
solid -> liquid 2 0 0 S ensoriality and C comfort in application 2 1 0 Mousse 2 1 0 Condition of soap after use 2 0 0

Soaps 2 and 3 have a lower mechanical resistance than soap 1 due to the honeycomb structure and the significant volume represented by the cavities. Nevertheless, this mechanical resistance remains entirely satisfactory for the use considered.

Soap 3 according to the invention is the one which presents the best performances in terms of sensoriality and comfort on application and quantity of foam formed.

The presence of the aqueous gel phase did not alter the kinetics of transformation from the solid state to the liquid state.

Finally, it was found that soap 3 even allows one to bypass step 3.1 during which the candidates pour a glass filled with 30 cl of tap water over both hands.

The invention is therefore based on a subtle compromise between (i) mechanical resistance, (ii) kinetics of the transformative effect and (iii) sensoriality and comfort on application.

A similar study to the one described above was also carried out with a SYNDET (also called “soapless soap” or “dermatological bar”). Identical results were obtained.

Example 2 – Comparative study for hair care (i.e. shampoo)

This comparative study differs from that described in example 1 by the composition of the solid phase and its use, here a shampoo. In step 3, the candidates apply the tested composition to the hair, previously mixed with both hands until a viscous liquid solution is obtained.

The composition of the solid phase of this example 2 is described in Table 5 below.

N OM INCI % Phase LABRAFAC CC Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride QSP* HAS CETIOL OE Dicaprylyl Ether 20.00 HAS JOJOBA OIL Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil 8.00 HAS Avocado Oil Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil 4.00 HAS ESTOGEL M Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer (and) Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride 30.00 HAS ESTOGEL GREEN HydrogenatedCastor Oil/SebacicAcid Copolymer 8.00 HAS REP’HAIR Behenyl / Stearyl aminopropanediol esters 0.20 HAS Coenzyme Q10 Ubiquinone 0.2 B COPHEROL 1250 C Tocopheryl Acetate 0.50 B SCENT Fragrance 0.50 B Total 100.00

* Sufficient Quantity For

Preparation protocol:

• Place the ingredients of phase A in a container and heat the mixture with stirring to 90°C until homogenized;
• Cool to 70°C and add the ingredients of phase B while stirring until homogenized.

The results are substantially identical to those described in Example 1.

Example 3 – Comparative study for skin care

This comparative study differs from that described in Example 1 by the composition of the solid phase and its use, here a composition for skin care. In step 3, the candidates apply the tested composition to the skin of the face.

The composition of the solid phase of this example 3 is described in Table 6 below.

N OM INCI % Phase LABRAFAC CC Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride QSP* HAS CASTOR OIL RicinusCommunis(Castor) SeedOil 8.00 HAS ESTOGEL M Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer (and) Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride 30.00 HAS ESTOGEL GREEN HydrogenatedCastor Oil/SebacicAcid Copolymer 8.00 HAS LUSPLAN DD-DA7 Dimer DilinoleylDimer Dilinoleate 3.70 HAS Coenzyme Q10 Ubiquinone 0.2 B COPHEROL 1250 C Tocopheryl Acetate 0.50 B SCENT Fragrance 0.50 B Total 100.00

* Sufficient Quantity For

Preparation protocol:

• Place the ingredients of phase A in a container and heat the mixture with stirring to 90°C until homogenized;
• Cool to 70°C and add the ingredients of phase B while stirring until homogenized.

The results are substantially identical to those described in Example 1, with the exception of the foaming character which, for obvious reasons, was not considered.

Claims (12)

Solid composition comprising at least one cavity such that the composition comprises a porosity greater than or equal to 20% by volume relative to the total volume of the solid composition, in which the solid composition comprises a fatty phase comprising at least one lipophilic gelling agent or a phase deriving from a saponification reaction, at least one cavity comprises at least one aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase, preferably aqueous. Solid composition according to claim 1, in which the porosity is greater than or equal to 30%, preferably greater than or equal to 40%, in particular greater than or equal to 50%, or even greater than or equal to 60%, in particular greater than or equal to 70%, and very particularly greater than or equal to 80%, by volume relative to the total volume of said solid composition. Solid composition according to claim 1 or 2, in which the cavity(ies) is/are through. Solid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, said composition comprising one or more cavities, preferably several cavities, identical or different. Solid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cavity(ies) are round, oblong, ovoid, triangular, polygonal, honeycomb, or in the form of a tiling (or cutting), for example of the Voronoi diagram type, preferably in the form of a honeycomb. Solid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the ratio between the volume of the cavity(ies) and the total volume of the composition is between 0.05 and 0.9, preferably between 0.1 and 0.8, better still between 0.2 and 0.7, or even between 0.2 and 0.6. Solid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase comprises at least one hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent, preferably heat-sensitive. Solid composition according to claim 7, comprising from 0.1% to 30%, preferably from 0.2 to 20%, in particular from 0.3% to 15%, very particularly from 0.4% to 10%, and better still from 0.5% to 5%, by weight of hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent(s) relative to the total weight of the aqueous and/or fatty gelled phase. A solid composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the solid composition is a single-dose composition. A solid composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is a topical composition. A method of manufacturing a solid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least the steps of:
(i) have a first fatty phase or one deriving from a saponification reaction in liquid or semi-liquid form;
(ii) have a second aqueous and/or fatty phase comprising at least one hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent in liquid or semi-liquid form;
(iii) pour the first phase into a mold and dry until a solid composition is obtained,
(iv) cutting the solid composition into the desired shape,
(v) forming at least one cavity in the solid composition, and
(vi) injecting the second phase into all or part of the cavities, whereby a solid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is obtained. Method of manufacturing a solid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least the steps of:

1. have a first fatty phase or one deriving from a saponification reaction in liquid or semi-liquid form;
2. have a second aqueous and/or fatty phase comprising at least one hydrophilic and/or lipophilic gelling agent in liquid or semi-liquid form;

(c) passing the first phase of step (a) through an extrusion device provided with a die of suitable shape to form a solid bar,
(d) cutting the bar obtained in step (c) to obtain a solid composition comprising at least one cavity; and
(e) injecting the second phase into all or part of the cavities, whereby a solid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is obtained.