WO2016065437A1 - Cosmetic conditioning composition including cationic aqueous phase - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising an oil phase and an aqueous phase; the oil phase comprising liquid fatty esters, volatile oils other than the liquid fatty esters, and thickeners; the aqueous phase comprising cationic conditioning polymers having a high charge density, water, optionally a thickening polymer, and optionally an aesthetic modifier; the aqueous phase being dispersed in the oil phase as drops ranging in diameter from about 0.1 mm to about 4.6 mm. The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment process, especially for caring for or conditioning the hair, using the foregoing composition, which is more particularly intended for curly or frizzy hair.

Description

COSMETIC CONDITIONING COMPOSITION INCLUDING CATIONIC AQUEOUS

PHASE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to oily cosmetic compositions comprising a cationic conditioning phase in the form of aqueous drops. These compositions are particularly useful in repairing damaged hair, and/or provide frizz control and/or afford increasing styling properties to the hair. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various techniques are known to impart waves to straight hair or conversely to straighten wavy hair. Such techniques may afford long term properties to the hair, for example using a chemical treatment, or only temporary properties, for example using a styling product (chemical or mechanical) for hair setting. Use of these techniques and the accompanying compositions may damage the hair fibers. This is particularly true in the case of chemical treatments with hair relaxers such as reducing and oxidizing agents, or with alkaline hydroxides. Alternatively, styling products often provide shaping or a color sheen that is not natural, such as with the use of film-forming polymers, for example. Mechanical shaping such as with hot appliances may also damage hair fibers.

Serums, gels and hair oils can alleviate some of the damage, for example fizziness, caused by the foregoing hair treatments. These products also assist in straightening and/or maintaining the shape of straightened hair and may also increase manageability of the hair. However, the performance of these products is still not optimal. There is still a perceived deficiency in the ease of application of some of these products as well as lack of reduction in frizziness, control and or volume of the hair. In addition, current products tend to leave an undesirable residue or sticky feel on the hands.

It is thus an object of the invention to provide a cosmetic composition that is easy to apply to hair, provides conditioning to reduce or eliminate frizziness and affords improved hair control and visual appeal of the hair. It is another object of the invention to provide such hair treatment compositions that have improved cosmeticity and yet leave oniy minimal or no residue or sticky feel on the hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to cosmetic compositions comprising two phases:

(1) an oil phase comprising:

(a) from about 10% to about 40% by weight of at least one liquid fatty ester;

(b) greater than or equal to 30% by weight one or more volatile oils, other than the liquid fatty esters (a); and

(c) at least one thickener chosen from optionally hydrogenated block, especially diblock or triblock, copolymers of styrene and of olefin, preferably containing one or two ethylenic unsaturations, and/or preferably containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms;

the foregoing weights being relative to the total weight of the composition; and

(2) from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an aqueous phase comprising:

(d) from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from about 50% to about 94% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at feast one aesthetic modifier;

wherein the aqueous phase is dispersed in the oil phase as individual drops ranging in diameter from about 0.1 mm to about 4.6 mm.

The present invention is also directed to an aqueous conditioning cosmetic composition comprising:

(d) from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from about 50% to about 94% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at least one aesthetic modifier;

said aqueous composition having high polarity and a viscosity greater than or equal to about 120 cP; all weights being relative to the total weight of the aqueous composition.

The present invention is also directed to methods of forming an oil- insoluble aqueous phase in the form of individual drops, to methods of applying to the hair a composition as defined above, and to airless pump containers containing a cosmetic composition as herein defined.

The oil phase (1) of the instant compositions is discussed in PCT/EP2014/06428, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present compositions provide not only good conditioning of keratinous substrates and reduce frizz, they are also non-sticky to the hands and leave very little or no residue on the hands. The compositions including oil and uniformly distributed aqueous phase in the form of droplets are also visually appealing and long-term stable at room temperature, particularly when packaged in an airless container. These compositions are silicone free. Preferably, the compositions are clear in appearance, meaning that the water phase {immiscible drops) is clearly visibie in the/oil phase. The water phase is easily visibie due at least in part to the presence of aesthetic modifiers.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings,

"A" and '"the" as used herein are understood to encompass the plural as well as the singular.

"About" as used herein means within 10% of the indicated number (e.g. "about 10%" means 9% - 11 % and "about 2%" means 1.8% - 2.2%),

"At least one" as used herein means one or more and thus includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

"Clear" as used herein means that the composition is visually clear (a person is able to see through the composition with their naked eyes), it also means that the composition does not exhibit phase separation. The clarity of a formulation can be measured by the transmittance percentage of light with a wavelength of 700 nm by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. "Clear" samples allow for transmittance of about 70%, preferably about 80% or higher, of the light to pass through the formula,

"Conditioning" as used herein means imparting to hair at least one property chosen from compatibility, manageability, moisture-retentivity, luster, shine, and softness. The state of conditioning is evaluated by measuring, and comparing the ease of combing of the treated hair in contrast with the untreated hair,

"Comprising" as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including" and not in the exclusive sense of . "consisting only of."

Tree" or "devoid" of as it is used herein means that while it is preferred that no amount of the specific component be present in the composition, it is possible to have very small amounts of it in the compositions of the invention provided that these amounts do not materially affect at least one, preferably most, of the advantageous properties of the compositions of the invention. Thus, for example, " silicone free" means that silicone is preferably omitted (that is 0% by weight), but can be present in the composition at an amount of less than about 0.25% by weight, typically less than about 0.1% by weight, typically less than about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition as a whole.

"INC!" is an abbreviation of International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, which is a system of names provided by the International Nomenclature Committee of the Personal Care Products Council to describe personal care ingredients.

"Polymers" as defined herein, include homopolymers and copolymers formed from at least two different types of monomers.

The compositions and methods of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditions are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." All percentages, parts and ratios herein are based upon the total weight of the compositions of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated.

As used herein, all ranges provided are meant to include every specific range within, and combination of subranges between, the given ranges. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1 , 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as subranges such as 2- 5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

As used herein a range of ratios is meant to include every specific ratio within, and combination of subranges between, the given ranges. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to cosmetic compositions comprising two phases:

(1) an oil phase comprising:

(a) from about 10% to about 40% by weight of at least one liquid fatty ester;

(b) greater than or equal to 30% by weight of one or more volatile oils, other than the liquid fatty esters (a); and

(c) at least one thickeners chosen from optionally hydrogenated block, especially diblock or triblock, copolymers of styrene and of olefin, preferably containing one or two ethylenic unsaturations, and/or preferably containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms;

the foregoing weights being relative to the total weight of the composition; and

(2) from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an aqueous phase comprising:

(d) from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from about 50% to about 94% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at least one aesthetic modifier;

wherein the aqueous phase is dispersed in the oil phase as individual drops ranging in diameter from about 0.1 mm to about 4.6 mm.

Preferably, the aqueous phase is present in the oil phase in the form of drops that are distributed or suspended throughout the oil phase. The drops are preferably reasonably evenly distributed throughout the oil phase. Moreover, said aqueous drops are oblong or rounded in shape, preferably soft and homogenous. By homogenous drops it is meant that the drops themselves have no separate phases or layers and no outer shell or capsule. The drops may incorporate a component that is insoluble in both the water and oil phases. Another way of describing the drops is that they are agglomerates of the aqueous composition which form when said aqueous composition is added to the oil phase.

The self-contained water-based drops of the water phase form in the oil phase independently of the pH of the aqueous composition. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous phase has a pH from about 3 to about 5

Unless otherwise stated, viscosity measurement referred to herein were made with a Rheomat RM 200 instrument (measured at 25°C, 1 atmosphere), spindle M2/30" (oil phase and overall composition) or M5/30"(water phase).

The foregoing cosmetic composition having an oil and a water phase has a viscosity from about 100 cP to about 350 cP (centipoises), including all ranges and sub ranges there between. Typically the cosmetic composition has a viscosity from about 150 cP to about 300 cP, more typically from about 175 cP to about 250 cP, most typically from about 200 cP to about 240 cP (as measured with spindle 2), including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an aqueous conditioning cosmetic composition comprising:

(d) from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from about 50% to about 94% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at least one aesthetic modifier;

said aqueous phase having high polarity and a viscosity greater than or equal to about 120 cP; all weights being relative to the total weight of the aqueous composition. The foregoing aqueous composition has a viscosity (measured using an M5/30" spindle) greater than or equal to about 120 cP, typically from about 120 cP to about 340 cP, more typically from about 180 cP to about 300 cP, most typically from about 200 cP to about 240 cP, including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

The present invention is also directed to a method of forming a suspended oil-insoluble aqueous phase in the form of individual drops in an oil composition comprising:

1) contacting and mixing together:

(d) from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from about 50% to about 94% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at least one aesthetic modifier;

said aqueous medium having high polarity and a viscosity greater than or equal to about 120 cP; and

2) adding the aqueous medium of 1) above to an oil composition having a viscosity greater than about 70 cP, with agitation, such that an aqueous phase of individual drops uniformly suspended in the oil phase is formed.

The foregoing oil composition typically has a viscosity from about 70 cP to about 300 cP prior to addition of the aqueous composition. More typically, the oil composition has a viscosity from about 150 cP to about 250 cP, most typically from about 165 cP to about 185 cP, including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

"High polarity" as used herein, such as "aqueous medium having high polarity," means the polarity is such as to minimize, preferably prevent, the aqueous phase from mixing with or migrating to the oil phase. This polarity is achieved with use of hydrophilic agents that repel the oil phase sufficiently such that the components of the water phase either do not migrate to the oil phase, or only migrate in such small amounts such that the composition does not become turbid.

Another object of the invention is a method of treating hair comprising applying to the hair an oily composition as defined above. Preferably, the oily composition is left on the hair after application. However, it optionally may be rinsed from the hair, for example with water, after an optional leave-in time.

Another subject of the invention is a cosmetic process for treating hair, especially for caring for, conditioning and/or styling the hair, comprising the application of a cosmetic composition comprising two phases:

(1) an oil phase comprising:

(a) from about 10% to about 40% by weight of at least one liquid fatty ester;

(b) greater than or equal to 30% by weight one or more volatile oils, other than the liquid fatty esters (a); and

(c) at least one thickeners chosen from optionally hydrogenated block, especially diblock or triblock, copolymers of styrene and of olefin, preferably containing one or two ethylenic unsaturations, and/or preferably containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms;

the foregoing weights being relative to the total weight of the composition;

(2) from about 0.5%to about 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an aqueous phase comprising:

(d) from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from about 50% to about 94% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at feast one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at least one aesthetic modifier;

wherein the aqueous phase is dispersed in the oil phase as individual drops ranging in diameter from about 0.1 mm to about 4.6 mm.

Another embodiment of the invention is a container comprising the above-described cosmetic composition, said container having a pump applicator with a nozzle having an exit diameter of about 27 mm. Preferably the container is airless. One type of useful applicator has a pump such that with consecutive applications there is no headspace created at the top of the container. For example, the container may comprise a compartment at the bottom of the container that moves upward toward the top of the container with each application. Such containers are commercially available, for example, from the company Europlastex (France).

The compositions of the invention can also give the hair manageability, the hair then readily resuming the shape that it has been given during styling; and also a soft feel and sheen.

In addition, the compositions according to the invention are sufficiently viscous such as to allow easy application, and also the suspension within the composition of the aqueous phase herein described.

Advantageously, the composition obtained has a malleable, preferably transparent gelled texture. The texture of the composition is that on an oily gel (which sometimes is likened to a thickened or gelled oil). The water phase coalesces into self-contained drops due to the immiscibility of the aqueous phase in the oil phase. The water drops remain suspended in the thickened oil phase.

I. THE OIL PHASE

LIQUID FATTY ESTER (A)

The compositions of the invention comprise one or more liquid fatty esters. The term "liquid fatty ester" means an ester that is liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure (25°C, 1 atm) and which comprises in its structure at least one hydrocarbon-based chain containing at least 6 carbon atoms. Preferably, it has a melting point of less than or equal to 10°C.

The liquid fatty esters may be esters of monoalcohols or of polyols with monocarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids, at least one of the alcohols and/or acids comprising at least one hydrocarbon-based chain containing at least 6 carbon atoms.

These liquid fatty esters may be glycerol esters and especially natural or synthetic mono-, di- or triglycerides, such as plant oils (non-volatile), for instance sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, marrow oil, grapeseed oil, pracaxi oil, argan oil, sesame oil, hazelnut oil, apricot oil, macadamia oil, arara oil, castor oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil or shea butter oil.

Preferably, the liquid fatty ester according to the invention is chosen from esters of a fatty acid (at least 6 carbon atoms) and of a monoalcohol, more particularly from esters of a fatty monoacid and of a monoalcohol. Preferably, at least one of the alcohols and/or acids is branched. Preferably, the alcohol and/or the acid are saturated, and preferentially both are saturated. Preferentially, the liquid fatty ester is not oxyalkylenated.

The liquid fatty esters according to the invention are preferably of formula

R1-COOR2 (I)

in which:

- R1 denotes a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally mono- or polyhydroxylated hydrocarbon-based radical, containing from 5 to 31 carbon atoms, preferably containing from 7 to 21 carbon atoms, and

- R2 denotes a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally mono- or polyhydroxylated hydrocarbon-based radical, containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, R1 denotes a linear or branched alkyl (saturated) radical containing 7 to 21 carbon atoms, especially from 8 to 17 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 8 to 15 carbon atoms,

Preferably, R2 denotes a linear alkyl (saturated) radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl (saturated) radical containing from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, especially from 3 to 16 carbon atoms. More preferably, R2 denotes a branched saturated alkyl radical containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

Non-limiting examples of liquid fatty esters useful in the invention include ethyl laurate, butyl laurate, hexyl laurate, isohexyl laurate, isopropyl laurate, isoamyl laurate, methyl myristate, ethyl myristate, butyl myristate, isobutyl myristate, isopropyl myristate, 2-octyldodecyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl monococoate (or octyl monococoate), ethyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, isobutyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate (or octyl palmitate), butyl stearate, isopropyl stearate, isobutyl stearate, isocetyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, isopropyl isostearate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate (or octyl stearate), 2-ethylhexyl hydroxystearate (or octyl hydroxystearate), decyl oleate, isononyl isononanoate, tridecyl neopentanoate, isocetyl neopentanoate, isostearyl neopentanoate, octyldodecyl neopentanoate and isoarachidyl neopentanoate, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the liquid fatty ester used in the invention is chosen from isoamyl laurate, isopropyl myristate, methyl myristate, ethyl myristate, butyl myristate, isobutyl myristate, 2-octyldodecyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl monococoate (or octyl monococoate), ethyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, isobutyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate (or octyl palmitate), butyl stearate, isopropyl stearate, isobutyl stearate, isocetyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, isopropyl isostearate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate (or octyl stearate), isononyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexyl hydroxystearate (or octyl hydroxystearate) and decyl oleate, and mixtures thereof; and more particularly from isopropyl myristate, isononyl isononanoate, isopropyl palmitate, isoamyl laurate, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions according to the invention comprise the said liquid fatty ester(s) in an amount ranging from 10% to 40% by weight, preferably from 10% to 35% by weight, preferentially from 12% to 30% by weight and better still from 12% to 25% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and including all ranges and sub ranges there between. VOLATILE OIL (B)

The compositions of invention also comprise one or more volatile oils, other than the liquid fatty esters (a) above.

Preferably, the volatile oil is non-silicone, i.e. it does not comprise in its structure a sequence of several siloxane units Si-O.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "volatile oil" means an oil that is capable of evaporating on contact with a keratin surface at room temperature (20°C) and at atmospheric pressure (1 atm), preferably in less than one hour. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure it is liquid and especially has a non-zero vapor pressure, in particular ranging from 0.13 Pa to 40 000 Pa (10^-3 to 300 mmHg), especially ranging from 1.3 Pa to 13 000 Pa (0.01 to 100 mmHg) and more particularly ranging from 1.3 Pa to 1300 Pa (0.01 to 10 mmHg). Non-limiting examples of volatile oil(s) that may be used in the instant compositions include hydrocarbon-based oils comprising 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and especially branched C8-C16 alkanes (also known as isopa raff ins), for instance isododecane, isodecane or isohexadecane; and linear C8-C16 and especially C11- C15 alkanes, such as undecane and tridecane, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment the volatile oil is selected from oils sold under the trade names Isopar or Permethyl.

The compositions according to the invention comprise the said volatile oil(s) in an amount of greater than or equal to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and especially in an amount ranging from 30% to 98% by weight, preferably from 35% to 97% by weight, preferentially from 40% to 95% by weight and better still from 45% to 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and including all ranges and sub ranges there between. THICKENER(C)

The composition according to the invention also comprises one or more thickeners. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "thickener" means a compound that is capable, by virtue of its presence, at 25°C, of increasing the viscosity of the composition in which it is present, preferably by at least 50 cP (centipoises). The thickeners may be chosen from non-polymeric thickeners and polymeric thickeners or thickening polymers.

The thickening polymer that is preferred is a polymer having, as a solution or dispersion containing 1 % by weight of active material in water, in ethanol, in liquid paraffin, in isopropyl myristate or in D5 cyclic silicone, at 25°C, a viscosity greater than 0.2 poise at a shear rate of 1 s^'1. The viscosity is measured with a Haake RS600 viscometer from Thermo Electron, which is an imposed-stress viscometer with cone-plate geometry (for example 60 mm in diameter). Preferably, the thickener is a thickening polymer, preferentially a non- silicone thickening polymer, and may be chosen from associative or non-associative acrylic thickening polymers; modified or unmodified, associative or non-associative polymers bearing sugar units; block polymers. Advantageously, the thickener is chosen from block, especially diblock or triblock, or even multiblock, radial or star polymers, and a mixtures thereof. Most preferably the polymer is a diblock or triblock copolymer. Non-limiting examples of such polymeric thickeners are described in patent application US-A-2002/005 562 and in patent US-A-5 221 534.

In an embodiment, the thickener is an amorphous block, preferably diblock or triblock, copolymer of styrene and olefin(s). Examples of olefins that may be used include ethylenic carbide monomers especially containing one or two ethylenic unsaturations, containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, butadiene and isoprene.

The polymeric thickener of block polymer type is preferably hydrogenated to reduce the residual ethylenic unsaturations after polymerization of the monomers.

In particular, the said thickener is an optionally hydrogenated copolymer, bearing styrene blocks and ethylene and/or C3-C5 and especially C3-C4 alkylene blocks, and especially butylene or propylene. In a particular embodiment the thickener is a diblock copolymer, which is preferably hydrogenated, bearing styrene blocks and ethylene/C3-C4 alkylene blocks, more particularly a diblock copolymer, which is preferably hydrogenated, bearing styrene blocks and ethylene/propylene (INCI: stryrene/isoprene compolymer) or ethylene/butylene blocks. Mention may also be made of diblock copolymers, which are preferably hydrogenated, bearing styrene and ethylene/butadiene blocks. Such diblock polymers are commercially available under the name Kraton G1701 by the company Kraton Polymers.

The thickener may also be a triblock copolymer, which is preferably hydrogenated, chosen from styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene copolymers, styrene- ethylene/butadiene-styrene copolymers, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers and styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers. Such triblock polymers are especially commercially available under the names Kraton® G1650, Kraton® G1652, Kraton® D1101, Kraton® D1102 and Kraton® D1160 by the company Kraton Polymers.

A mixture of hydrogenated styrene-butylene/ethylene-styrene triblock copolymer and of ethylene-propy!ene-styrene hydrogenated star polymer may also be used, such a mixture especially being in isododecane. Such mixtures are sold, for example, by the company Penreco under the trade names Versagel® M5960 and Versagel® M5670.

Preferably, the thickeners are chosen from diblock copolymers, which are preferably hydrogenated, bearing styrene blocks and ethylene/C3-C4 alkylene blocks, more particularly copolymers, which are preferably hydrogenated, bearing styrene blocks and ethylene/propylene or ethylene/butylene blocks.

The composition according to the invention comprises the thickener(s)(c) in an amount preferably ranging from 0.1% to 20% by weight, especially from 0.2% to 15% by weight, better still from 0.3% to 10% by weight, in particular from 0.5% to 8% by weight, or even from 1% to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

II. THE AQUEOUS PHASE (AND AQUEOUS COMPOSITION)

The invention contemplates an aqueous stand-alone composition as well as an aqueous phase within an oil phase. In each instance (stand-alone composition or as an aqueous phase within and oil phase), the aqueous component comprises the below components. HYDROPHILIC CATIONIC CONDITIONING POLYMER (P)

The aqueous composition/phase comprises at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density.

As used herein, "high charge density" means that the conditioning polymer has a charge density (measured as meq/g as active polymer) of from about 0.33 meq/g to about 7 meq/g (cationic). "Cationic" means the overall polymer has a positive charge.

"Hydrophilic" such as "hydrophilic cationic conditioning polymer" means the polymer has a solubility in water at 25 °C of at least 0.25% by weight.

Non-limiting examples of conditioning polymers that can be used in the current compositions include polymer derivatives of diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride ("poly-DADMAs") and of methacryfamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride ("poly-MAPTACs"), and having the following formulas:

MAPTAC:

; and

DADMAC:

A particular such cationic polymer having high a charge density is PQ-6, such as the product Merquat 100 from Nalco (charge density of 6.19 meq/g).

Polymer derivatives of vinylpyrrilodone (VP) and quaternized vinylmidazol (QVI) can also be used. A particular such cationic polymer is PQ-16, such as the product Luviquat Excellence from BASF (charge density 6.1 meq/g).

The foregoing are merely examples. All polyquaternium (quaternary ammonium) conditioning polymers having high charge density are contemplated herein.

The hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density (d) is present in the aqueous composition/phase in an amount preferably ranging from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, especially from about 10% to about 50% by weight, more particularly from about 20% to about 45% by weight, more particularly from about 30% to about 40% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous composition/phase, and including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

WATER (E)

The aqueous composition/phase of the invention includes water. When the aqueous composition is included in the oil phase (I above) it "balls-up" into drops to form a water phase. The water (e) is present in the aqueous composition (or phase) in an amount preferably ranging from about 50% to about 94% by weight, especially from about 52% to about 60% by weight, more particularly from about 53% to about 57% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous composition (or phase), and including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

HYDROPHILIC, CATIONIC THICKENING POLYMER (F) (OPTIONAL)

The compositions of the invention optionally may include a hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d) described above.

As used herein, the term "hydrophilic thickener" is meant to indicate that the thickening agent is soluble or dispersible in water.

Such hydrophilic cationic thickener may be selected, for example, from cellulose polymers (also called resins in this context) and gums. Cationic cellulose derivatives include, for example polyquaternium-10 ("PQ-10"), such as the products marketed by KCI under the name POLYQUTA, including in particular POLYQUTA 400KC^®.

When present, the hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer (f) is present in the aqueous composition/phase in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight, more particularly from about 1% to about 2% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous composition/phase, and including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

(G) CATIONIC CONDITIONER DIFFERENT FROM (D) (OPTIONAL)

The aqueous composition optionally may include a cationic conditioner that is different from the cationic conditioning polymer (d).

Such optional additional conditioning agents include, for example, polymers and positively charged aminoacids. Non-limiting examples of useful polymers include guar derivatives, such as for example hydroxylpropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, a commercial example of which is JAGUAR^® C 162 available from Rhodia. Useful positively charged aminoacids include arginine and lysine.

The cationic conditioner different from (d) may also be selected from mono and di-alkyl quaternary ammonium or diammonium salts. By way of example only, quaternary ammonium or diammonium salts described in US2005071933, incorporated by reference herein, may be chosen, such as, for example, those of the general formula (XXI):

wherein, in formula (XXI):

-R1 and R4, may independently be chosen from saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals comprising from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, alkylamidoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aromatic, aryl or alkylaryl radical comprising from about 12 to about 30 carbon atoms, with at least one radical among R1 , R2, R3 and R4 denoting a radical comprising from 8 to 30 carbon atoms; and

-X^" is an anion chosen from the group comprising halides, phosphates, acetates, lactates and alkyl sulfates; and/or general formula (XXII):

wherein, in formula (XXII):

-R6 denotes an aliphatic radical comprising from about 16 to 30 carbon atoms, -R7, R8, R9, R10 and R11 are independently chosen from hydrogen or an alkyl radical comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and

-X- is an anion chosen from the group comprising halides, acetates, phosphates and sulfates

Quaternary ammonium and diammonium salts include, for example, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyitrimethylammonium chloride, behentrimontum chloride, cetrimonium chloride oleocetyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chloride, stearamidopropyldimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, di(C₁-C₂ alkyl)( C₁₂-C₂2 alkyl)hydroxy(C₁-C₂alkyl)ammonium salt, such as dialkyldimethylammonium or alkyltrimethylammonium salt in which the alkyl radical preferably comprises 12 to 24 carbon atoms, propanetallowdiammonium dichloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of particular quaternary ammonium salts that can be used in the current compositions include in particular behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of cationic conditioning amines that can be used in the current compositions include dimethylamine derivatives, such as for example stearyl dimethyl amine, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine, and mixtures thereof.

The cationic conditioning agent (d) may also be selected from cationic amino acids.

In an embodiment the cationic conditioning agent (d) is selected from stearamidipropyl dimethylamine, cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.

When present, the cationic conditioner (g) that is different from conditioning polymer (d) is present in the aqueous composition/phase in an amount ranging from about 0.01 % to about 1% by weight, more particularly from about 0.05% to about 0.8% by weight, most particularly from about 0.06% to about 0.5% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous composition/phase, and including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

AESTHETIC MODIFIERS (H)

In one preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the invention, in particular the water phase, may also comprise one or more aesthetic modifiers. Aesthetic modifiers are compositions or compounds that impart a visual effect, including pigments. The aesthetic modifiers may be particulate and typically are insoluble.

The term "pigment" means an agent that is or imparts white or color to the compositions containing them and/or to the keratin materials to which the compositions are applied. Pigments can be of any shape and are typically insoluble in the composition in which they are present. When the composition is aqueous, insoluble means the solubility of pigment in water at 25°C and at atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg) is less than 0.05% and preferably less than 0.01 % by weight.

The pigments that may be used may be chosen from organic and/or mineral pigments known in the art, especially those described in the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology and in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.

These pigments may be in the form of powder or of pigmentary paste. They can be coated or uncoated.

The pigments may be chosen, for example, from mineral pigments, organic pigments, lakes, pigments with special effects, such as nacres or glitter flakes, and mixtures thereof. The term "mineral pigment" means any pigment that satisfies the definition in Ullmann's encyclopaedia in the chapter on inorganic pigments. Mention may be made especially of iron oxides, chromium oxides, manganese violet, ultramarine blue, chromium hydrate, ferric blue and titanium oxide. The term "organic pigment" means any pigment that satisfies the definition in Ullmann's encyclopaedia in the chapter on organic pigments. The organic pigment may especially be chosen from nitroso, nitro, azo, xanthene, quinoline, anthraquinone, phthalocyanin, metal complex, isoindolinone, isoindoline, quinacridone, perinone, perylene, diketopyrrolopyrrole, thioindigo, dioxazine, triphenylmethane and quinophthalone compounds. In particular, the white or colored organic pigments may be chosen from carmine, carbon black, aniline black, azo yellow, quinacridone, phthalocyanin blue, sorghum red, the blue pigments codified in the Color Index under the references CI 42090, 69800, 69825, 73000, 74100, 74160, the yellow pigments codified in the Color Index under the references CI 11680, 11710, 15985, 19140, 20040, 21100, 21108, 47000, 47005, the green pigments codified in the Color Index under the references CI 61565, 61570, 74260, the orange pigments codified in the Color Index under the references CI 11725, 15510, 45370, 71105, the red pigments codified in the Color Index under the references CI 12085, 12120, 12370, 12420, 12490, 14700, 15525, 15580, 15620, 15630, 15800, 15850, 15865, 15880, 17200, 26100, 45380, 45410, 58000, 73360, 73915, 75470, the pigments obtained by oxidative polymerization of indole or phenolic derivatives as described in patent FR 2 679 771. The pigments may also be in the form of composite pigments as described in patent EP 1 184 426. These composite pigments may be composed especially of particles comprising a mineral core, at least one binder, which provides for the attachment of the organic pigments to the core, and at least one organic pigment which at least partially covers the core.

The pigment may also be a lake. The term "lake" means dyes adsorbed onto insoluble particles, especially mineral particles, the assembly thus obtained remaining insoluble during use. The mineral substrates onto which the dyes are adsorbed are, for example, alumina, silica, calcium sodium borosilicate, calcium aluminum borosilicate and aluminum. Among the dyes, mention may be made of cochineal carmine. Mention may also be made of the dyes known under the following names: D&C Red 21 (CI 45 380), D&C Orange 5 (CI 45 370), D&C Red 27 (CI 45 410), D&C Orange 10 (CI 45 425), D&C Red 3 (CI 45 430), D&C Red 4 (CI 15 510), D&C Red 33 (CI 17 200), D&C Yellow 5 (CI 19 140), D&C Yellow 6 (CI 15 985), D&C Green (CI 61 570), D&C Yellow 1 O (CI 77 002), D&C Green 3 (CI 42 053), D&C Blue 1 (CI 42 090). An example of a lake that may be mentioned is the product known under the name D&C Red 7 (CI 15 850:1). The term "pigments with special effects" means pigments that generally create a colored appearance (characterized by a certain shade, a certain vivacity and a certain level of luminance) that is non-uniform and that changes as a function of the conditions of observation (light, temperature, angles of observation, etc.). They thus contrast with colored pigments that afford a standard uniform opaque, semi- transparent or transparent shade. There are different types of pigment with special effects. These include pigments with a low refractive index, such as fluorescent, photochromic or thermochromic pigments, and those with a high refractive index, such as nacres or glitter flakes. Examples of pigments with special effects include nacreous pigments such as titanium mica coated with an iron oxide, mica coated with an iron oxide, mica coated with bismuth oxychloride, titanium mica coated with chromium oxide, titanium mica coated with an organic dye especially of the abovementioned type, and also nacreous pigments based on bismuth oxychloride. They may also be mica particles at the surface of which are superimposed at least two successive layers of metal oxides and/or of organic colorants.

The nacres may more particularly have a yellow, pink, red, bronze, orangey, brown, gold and/or coppery color or tint. Examples of nacres include the gold-colored nacres sold especially by the company Engelhard under the name Gold 222C (Cloisonne), Sparkle gold (Timica), Gold 4504 (Chromalite) and Monarch gold 233X (Cloisonne); the bronze nacres sold especially by the company Merck under the name Bronze fine (17384) (Colorona) and Bronze (17353) (Colorona), by the company Eckart under the name Prestige Bronze and by the company Engelhard under the name Super bronze (Cloisonne); the orange nacres sold especially by the company Engelhard under the name Orange 363C (Cloisonne) and Orange MCR 101 (Cosmica) and by the company Merck under the name Passion orange (Colorona) and Matte orange (17449) (Microna); the brown nacres sold especially by the company Engelhard under the name Nu-antique copper 340XB (Cloisonne) and Brown CL4509 (Chromalite); the nacres with a copper tint sold especially by the company Engelhard under the name Copper 340A (Timica) and by the company Eckart under the name Prestige Copper; the nacres with a red tint sold especially by the company Merck under the name Sienna fine (17386) (Colorona); the nacres with a yellow tint sold especially by the company Engelhard under the name Yellow (4502) (Chromalite); the red nacres with a gold tint sold especially by the company Engelhard under the name Sunstone G012 (Gemtone); the black nacres with a gold tint sold especially by the company Engelhard under the name Nu antique bronze 240 AB (Timica), the blue nacres sold especially by the company Merck under the name Matte blue (17433) (Microna), Dark Blue (117324) (Colorona), the white nacres with a silvery tint sold especially by the company Merck under the name Xirona Stiver, and the golden-green pink-orange nacres sold especially by the company Merck under the name Indian summer (Xirona), and mixtures thereof. In addition to nacres on a mica support, multilayer pigments based on synthetic substrates such as alumina, silica, sodium calcium borosilicate or calcium aluminum borosilicate, and aluminum, may also be used.

Also useful are pigments with an interference effect not bound to a substrate, for instance liquid crystals (Helicones HC from Wacker), holographic interference flakes (Geometric Pigments or Spectra f/x from Spectratek). Special effect pigments also comprise fluorescent pigments, whether these are substances which are fluorescent in daylight or which produce ultraviolet fluorescence, phosphorescent pigments, photochromic pigments, thermochromic pigments and quantum dots, for example sold by Quantum Dots Corporation.

The variety of pigments that may be used in the present invention makes it possible to obtain a wide range of colors, and also particular optical effects such as metallic effects or interference effects.

Preferably, the size of the pigment is generally between 10 nm and 200 μm, preferably between 20 nm and 80 μm and preferentially between 30 nm and 50 μm. The pigments may be dispersed in the composition by means of a dispersant. The dispersant serves to protect the dispersed particles against agglomeration or flocculation. This dispersing agent can be a surfactant, an oligomer, a polymer or a mixture of several of them carrying one or more functionalities having a strong affinity for the surface of the particles to be dispersed. In particular, they can become physically and/or chemically attached to the surface of the pigments. These dispersants additionally exhibit at least one functional group compatible with or soluble in the continuous medium. Examples of useful pigment dispersants include in particular, 12- hydroxystearic acid esters and C8 to C20 fatty acid esters of polyols such as glycerol or diglycerol are used, such as poly(12-hydroxystearic acid) stearate with a molecular weight of about 750 g/mol, such as the product sold under the name Solsperse 21 000 by the company Avecia, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate (CTFA name) sold under the reference Dehymyls PGPH by the company Henkel, or polyhydroxystearic acid such as the product sold under the reference Arlacel P100 by the company Uniqema, and mixtures thereof.

Other useful pigment dispersants include quaternary ammonium derivatives of polycondensed fatty acids, such as Solsperse 17 000, sold by Avecia, or polydimethylsiloxane/oxypropylene mixtures, such as those sold by Dow Corning under the references DC2-5185 and DC2-5225 C.

The pigments that may be used may be surface-treated with an organic agent. Thus, the pigments that have been surface-treated beforehand, which are useful in the context of the invention, are pigments that have totally or partially undergone a surface treatment of chemical, electronic, electrochemical, mechanochemical or mechanical nature, with an organic agent such as those described especially in Cosmetics and Toiletries, February 1990, vol. 105, pp. 53-64, before being dispersed in the composition in accordance with the invention. These organic agents may be chosen, for example, from amino acids; waxes, for example carnauba wax and beeswax; fatty acids, fatty alcohols and derivatives thereof, such as stearic acid, hydroxystearic acid, stearyl alcohol, hydroxystearyl alcohol and lauric acid and derivatives thereof; anionic surfactants; lecithins; sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, titanium, zinc or aluminum salts of fatty acids, for example aluminum stearate or laurate; metal alkoxides; polysaccharides, for example chitosan, cellulose and derivatives thereof; polyethylene; (meth)acrylic polymers, for example polymethyl methacrylates; polymers and copolymers containing acrylate units; proteins; alkanolamines; silicone compounds, for example silicones, polydimethylsiloxanes, alkoxysilanes, alkylsilanes and siloxysilicates; organofluorine compounds, for example perfluoroalkyl ethers; fluorosilicone compounds. The surface-treated pigments may also have been treated with a mixture of these compounds and/or may have undergone several surface treatments.

Preferably, the surface-treated pigments are coated with an organic layer. The organic agent with which the pigments are treated can be deposited on the pigments by solvent evaporation, chemical reaction between the molecules of the surface agent or creation of a covalent bond between the surface agent and the pigments. When pigments with an organic layer are used, preferably the organic layer is covalently bonded to the pigments.

The surface treatment can thus be carried out, for example, by chemicaf reaction of a surface agent with the surface of the pigments and creation of a covalent bond between the surface agent and the pigments or fillers. This method is described in particular in patent US 4 578 266.

The surface treatment can represent from 0.1% to 50% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 30% by weight and more preferentially still from 1% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the surface-treated pigments.

Preferably, the surface treatments of the pigments are chosen from the following treatments:

- a PEG-silicone treatment, such as the AQ surface treatment sold by LCW;

- a chitosan treatment, for instance the CTS surface treatment sold by

LCW;

- a triethoxycaprylylsilane treatment, for instance the AS surface treatment sold by LCW; - a methicone treatment, for instance the SI surface treatment sold by

LCW;

- a dimethicone treatment, such as the Covasil 3.05 surface treatment sold by LCW;

- a dimethicone/trimethylsiloxysilicate treatment, such as the Covasil

4.05 surface treatment sold by LCW;

- a lauroyl!ysine treatment, for instance the LL surface treatment sold by

LCW;

- a lauroyllysine dimethicone treatment, for instance the LL/SI surface treatment sold by LCW;

- a magnesium myristate treatment, such as the MM surface treatment sold by LCW;

- an aluminum dimyristate treatment, such as the Ml surface treatment sold by Miyoshi;

-a perfluoropolymethylisopropyl ether treatment, such as the FHC surface treatment sold by LCW;

- an isostearyl sebacate treatment, such as the HS surface treatment sold by Miyoshi;

- a disodium stearoyl glutamate treatment, for instance the NAI surface treatment sold by Miyoshi;

- a dimethicone/disodium stearoyl glutamate treatment, for instance the SA/NAI surface treatment sold by Miyoshi;

- a perfluoroalkyl phosphate treatment, such as the PF surface treatment sold by Daito;

- an acrylate/dimethicone copolymer and perfluoroalkyl phosphate treatment, such as the FSA surface treatment sold by Daito;

- a polymethylhydrosiloxane/perfluoroalkyl phosphate treatment, such as the FS01 surface treatment sold by Daito;

- a lauroyllysine/aluminum tristearate treatment, for instance the LL-AISt surface treatment sold by Daito;

- an octyltriethylsilane treatment, for instance the OTS surface treatment sold by Daito;

- an octyltriethy!silane/perfluoroalkyl phosphate treatment, for instance the FOTS surface treatment sold by Daito; - an acrylate/dimethicone copolymer treatment, such as the ASC surface treatment sold by Daito;

- an isopropyl titanium triisostearate treatment, such as the ITT surface treatment sold by Daito;

- a microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose treatment, for instance the AC surface treatment sold by Daito;

- a cellulose treatment, for instance the C2 surface treatment sold by

Daito;

- an acrylate copolymer treatment, such as the APD surface treatment sold by Daito;

- a perfluoroalkyl phosphate/isopropyl titanium triisostearate treatment, such as the PF + ITT surface treatment sold by Daito.

In an embodiment of the instant invention, the aqueous phase includes at least one pigment chosen from a special effects pigment, in particular mica coated with an iron oxide.

The variety of the pigments which can be used in the present invention makes it possible to obtain a rich palette of colors and also specific optical effects, such as metallic effects or interference effects.

The size of the pigment used in the cosmetic composition according to the present invention is generally between about 10 nm and about 200 μm, preferably between about 20 nm and about 80 μm and more preferentially between about 30 nm and about 50 μm.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention comprises pigment(s) in a total amount of from about 0.01% to about 40% by weight, preferably from about 0.05% to about 30% by weight, or even from about 0.1 % to about 20% by weight, better still from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, or even from about 1 % to about 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous composition/phase in which they are contained, and including all ranges and sub ranges there between. By virtue of the suspending capability of the thickened oil phase (the thickener in the oil composition), the cosmetic compositions according to the invention enable the suspension of an aqueous phase in the form of drops. The aqueous phase/drops may themselves include insoluble particles. The aqueous drops may be present in large amounts in the oil composition, while at the same time conserving a homogeneous suspension (no destabilization of the composition, for example no settling-out of the said particles or drops). It is thus possible to obtain a wide diversity of visual effects for the composition. Prior to addition to the oil composition (I), the aqueous composition has a viscosity (measured using an M5/30" spindle) greater than or equal to about 120 cP, typically from about 120 cP to about 340 cP, more typically from about 180 cP to about 300 cP, most typically from about 200 cP to about 240 cP, including all ranges and sub ranges there between.

OTHER INGREDIENTS (OPTIONAL)

The composition according to the invention may also comprise at least one or more common cosmetic ingredient that does not interfere with the properties of the composition. Such additional ingredients may be chosen from propellants; sunscreens; protein hydrolysates; moisturizers; antidandruff agents; antioxidants; chelating agents; reducing agents; oxidation bases, couplers, oxidizing agents, direct dyes; relaxants; hydroxy acids; fragrances. A person skilled in the art will take care to choose the ingredients included in the composition, and also the amounts thereof, such that they do not harm the properties of the compositions of the present invention. Thus, for example, the compositions of the invention do not contain surfactants as these would adversely affect the properties of the composition.

The cosmetic composition according to the invention are particularly useful for use in hair, especially for caring for and/or conditioning the hair. hair compositions as conditioners, styling or care gels, care lotions, blow-drying lotions, conditioners, masks, sera, fixing and styling compositions. The compositions are preferentially in the form of hair oils or serums.

The cosmetic composition, may or may not be rinsed out after having been applied to the keratin materials, such as the hair. It is thus optionally possible to perform rinsing, for example with water, after an optional leave-in time.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention is a hair composition, which is left on the hair (not rinsed out).

The composition is useful to treat curly and/or frizzy and/or hair that is sensitive due to damage to the hair.

PROCESSES

in an embodiment, the invention relates to a method of treating hair, especially curly, frizzy and or damaged hair comprising applying to the hair a composition according to the invention.

A particular method of treating hair comprises contacting the hair with a composition comprising:

(1) an oil phase comprising:

(a) from about 10% to about 40% by weight of at least one liquid fatty ester;

(b) greater than or equal to 30% by weight one or more volatile oils, other than the liquid fatty esters (a); and

(c) at least one thickeners chosen from optionally hydrogenated block, especially diblock or triblock, copolymers of styrene and of olefin, preferably containing one or two ethylenic unsaturations, and/or preferably containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms;

the foregoing weights being relative to the total weight of the composition;

(2) from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an aqueous phase comprising:

(d) from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from about 50% to about 94% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at least one aesthetic modifier;

wherein the aqueous phase is dispersed in the oil phase as individual drops ranging in diameter from about 0.1 mm to about 4.6 mm.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a process of making a composition according to the invention comprising:

1 ) contacting and mixing together:

(d) from about 1.5% to about 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from about 50% to about 94% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at least one aesthetic modifier;

said aqueous medium having a viscosity greater than or equal to about

120 cP; and

2) adding the aqueous medium of 1 ) above to an oil composition having a viscosity greater than about 70 cP, with agitation, such that an aqueous phase of individual drops uniformly suspended in the oil phase is formed.

CONTAINER The compositions of the invention are preferably packaged in an airless container. For example, an airless pump may be used to expel the composition(s) from the reservoir(s). Airless pumps are generally used to pump a substance from a reservoir in essentially a single direction without permitting the reverse flow (i.e., intake) of air via the pump. Thus, as product is pumped from the reservoir, the pumped product is not replaced with a corresponding volume of air through the pump. One type of useful applicator has a pump such that with consecutive applications there is no headspace created at the top of the container. For example, the container may comprise a compartment at the bottom of the container that moves upward toward the top of the container with each application.

To obtain an airless pump, a one-way valve such as a check valve, may be used to prevent or reduce the intake of air that would otherwise replace the volume of the composition expelled from the reservoir. Examples of such airless pumps include diaphragm pumps, piston pumps, squeeze tubes, and vented dip tube pumps. These pumps may rely on manual pumping by a user or may rely on assistive energy, such as a battery, spring, or elastic element to generate pressure. Examples of airless pumps suitable for use with the instant compositions are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,375,045, 6,332,561 , 6,352,182, 6,499,898; and 7,021 ,495; and PCT Publication Nos. 2009/028810 and 2009/054612.

Preferably, the container is airless and has a pump applicator with a nozzle having an exit diameter of about 27 mm. Such containers are commercially available, for example, from the company Europlastex (France).

The present invention will be better understood from the examples which follow, all of which are intended for illustrative purposes only. EXAMPLES

A composition in accordance with the present invention for the treatment of hair was prepared as described below. The ingredients employed in the example are provided in Tables 1 and 2 below. EXAMPLE 1

The two phase composition described below is a leave-in conditioning/caring composition for hair. TABLE 1 (TOTAL COMPOSiTION INCLUDING OIL +AQUEOUS PHASES)

TABLE 2 (AQUEOUS PHASE)

PROCESS FOR MAKING

a. The aqueous ingredients were combined and mixed to form the aqueous composition.

b. The oil composition was combined and mixed to form an oil composition.

c. The aqueous composition was added to the oil composition with stirring using a Maxilab unit vacuum mixer homogenizer from Olsa The resulting composition is a two-phase composition: an oil phase in which is dispersed an immiscible water phase in the shape of flexible drops.

When the said composition is applied to the hair, it reduces the frizziness, while at the same time giving the hair sheen and a pleasant feel.

Claims

SET OF CLAIMS

1. Cosmetic composition comprising two phases:

(1) an oil phase comprising:

(a) from 10% to 40% by weight, preferably 10% to 30% by weight, more preferably 12% to 30% by weight, of at least one liquid fatty ester;

(b) (b) greater than or equal to 30% by weight, preferably 30% to 98% by weight, more preferably 35% to 97% by weight, of one or more volatile oils, other than the liquid fatty esters (a); and

(c) (c) at least one thickener chosen from optionally hydrogenated block, especially diblock or triblock, copolymers of styrene and of olefin, preferably containing one or two ethylenic unsaturations, and/or preferably containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms;

the foregoing weights being relative to the total weight of the composition; and

(2) and an aqueous phase comprising:

(d) from 1.5% to 60% by weight, preferably 10% to 50% by weight, more preferably 20% to 45% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from 50% to 94% by weight, preferably 52% to 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) at least one aesthetic modifier;

wherein the aqueous phase is dispersed in the oil phase as individual drops ranging in diameter from 0.1 mm to 4.6 mm, said aqueous phase being present in an amount of from 0.5% to 3% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition.

2. A composition according to claim 1 having a viscosity of from 100 cP to 350 cP, preferably from 150 cP to 300 cP, more preferably from 175cP to 250 cP, most preferably from 200 cP to 240 cP.

3. A composition according to either the preceding claims wherein the liquid fatty ester (a) is an esters of a monoalcohol or of a polyol with monocarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid, at least one of the alcohols and/or acids comprising at least one hydrocarbon-based chain containing at least 6 carbon atoms.

4. A composition according to one of the preceding claims, in which the liquid fatty ester (a) has a formula R1-COOR2, in which:

- R1 denotes a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally mono- or polyhydroxylated hydrocarbon-based radical, containing from 5 to 31 carbon atoms, preferably containing from 7 to 21 carbon atoms; preferentially, R1 denotes a linear or branched alkyl radical containing 7 to 21 carbon atoms, especially 8 to 17 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 8 to 15 carbon atoms; and

- R2 denotes a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally mono- or polyhydroxylated hydrocarbon-based radical, containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; preferentially, R2 denotes a linear alkyl radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a branched alkyl radical containing 3 to 20 carbon atoms, especially 3 to 16 carbon atoms; more preferably, R2 denotes a branched saturated alkyl radical containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

5. A composition according to one of the preceding claims, in which the volatile oil (b) is a non-silicone oil selected from C8-C16 alkanes.

6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the volatile oil (b) is selected from isododecane, isodecane, isohexadecane, undecane, tridecane, and mixtures thereof.

7. A composition according to one of the preceding claims comprising the said volatile oil(s) (b) in an amount ranging from 35% to 97% by weight, preferably 40% to 95% by weight, more preferably from 45% to 90% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition.

8. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, in which the thickener is chosen from:

- diblock copolymers, which are preferably hydrogenated, bearing styrene blocks and ethylene/C3-C4 alkylene blocks, more particularly a diblock copolymer, which is preferably hydrogenated, bearing styrene blocks and ethylene/propylene or ethylene/butylene blocks;

- diblock copolymers, which are preferably hydrogenated, bearing styrene and ethylene/butadiene blocks;

- triblock copolymers, which are preferably hydrogenated, of styrene- ethylene/propylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene- styrene or styrene-butadiene-styrene;

- a mixture of styrene-butylene/ethylene-styrene triblock hydrogenated copolymer and of ethylene-propy!ene-styrene hydrogenated star polymer; and mixtures thereof,

9. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the thickener(s) (c) in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 8%, more preferably from about 1% to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

10. A composition according to one of the preceding claims, in which the hycrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density (d) is selected from PQ-6, PQ-16, and mixtures thereof.

11. A composition according to one of the preceding claims comprising a cationic thickening polymer (f) that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d).

12. The composition of claim 12 wherein the cationic thickening polymer is PQ-10.

13. A composition according to one of the preceding claims, in which the aesthetic modifier (h) is present in an amount of from 0.1 % to 20%, by weight, preferably 0.5% to 15% by weight, more preferably 1 % to 10% by weight relative to the weight of the composition.

14. A composition according to one of the preceding claims, in which the aesthetic modifier is selected from iron oxides.

15. An aqueous composition comprising

(d) from 1.5% to 60% by weight, preferably 10% to 50% by weight, more preferably from 20% to 45% by weight, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from 50% to 94% by weight, preferably 52% to 60% by weight, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) from 0.01%) to 40%, preferably 0.05% to 30%, more preferably 0.01 % to 20% by weight of at least one aesthetic modifier;

said aqueous composition having a viscosity from 120 cP to 340 cP, preferably from 180 cP to 300 cP, more preferably from 200 cP to 240 cP; all weights being relative to the total weight of the aqueous composition.

16. Cosmetic composition comprising two phases:

(1) an oil phase comprising:

(a) from 10% to 40% by weight, preferably 10% to 30% by weight, more preferably 12% to 30% by weight of at least one liquid fatty ester;

(b) greater than or equal to 30% by weight, preferably 30% to 98% by weight, more preferably 35% to 97% by weight, of one or more volatile oils, other than the liquid fatty esters (a); and

(c) at least one thickeners chosen from optionally hydrogenated block, especially diblock or triblock, copolymers of styrene and of olefin, preferably containing one or two ethylenic unsaturations, and/or preferably containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms;

the foregoing weights being relative to the total weight of the composition; and (2) and an aqueous phase comprising:

(d) from 1.5% to 60% by weight, preferably 10% to 50% by weight, more preferably from 20% to 45% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one hydrophilic, cationic conditioning polymer having a high charge density;

(e) from 50% to 94% by weight, preferably 52% to 60% by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, water;

(f) optionally at least one hydrophilic, cationic thickening polymer that is different from thickener (c) and from conditioning polymer (d);

(g) optionally at least one cationic conditioner that is different from conditioning polymer (d); and

(h) from 0.01 % to 40%, preferably 0.05% to 30%, more preferably 0.01% to 20%, by weight, relative to the weight of the aqueous phase, of at least one aesthetic modifier;

Said composition having a viscosity from 175 cP to 250 cP, preferably from 200 cP to 240 cP.

17. A cosmetic treatment process, especially for caring for, cleansing and/or conditioning keratin materials, especially the hair, comprising the application to the said materials of a cosmetic composition as defined in one of the preceding claims.

18. An airless, pump container containing a composition according to anyone of the preceding claims.