Increased moisturization efficacy using hydroxyalkylurea

Abstract

The present invention relates to a personal care composition comprising at least one hydroxyalkylurea in combination with at least one other moisturizing agent in a synergistically moisturizing effective ratio, which provides not only the perception of moisturization, but also actual increased moisturization efficacy. Such personal care compositions provide an enhanced smooth feel as well as enhanced flexibility, elasticity, suppleness and firmness without leaving a heavy or greasy feel.

1 . A personal care composition comprising at least one hydroxyalkyl urea and at least one moisturizing agent, wherein the hydroxyalkyl urea and the moisturizing agent are present in a synergistically moisturizing effective ratio.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the ratio of hydroxyalkylurea to moisturizing agent is at least about 0.5:15 and no more than about 15:0.05.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the ratio of hydroxyalkylurea to moisturizing agent is at least about 1:5 and no more than about 5:1.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the hydroxyalkyl urea is N-2-hydroxyethylurea.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of hydroxyalkylurea is present in an amount of from about 0.5% to 15.0% by weight of the personal care composition.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the amount of hydroxyalkylurea is present in an amount of from about 1 to 8% by weight of the personal care composition.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of hydroxyalkylurea is present in an amount of from about 1.5% to 5% by weight of the personal care composition.  
     
     
         8 . The personal care composition of  claim 1 , wherein the moisturizer is selected from the group consisting of petrolatum, mineral and vegetable oils, lanolins, glycerin, sorbitol, polyols, urea, lactic acid, lactates, sugars, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the moisturizer is present in an amount of from about 0.5% to 15% by weight of the personal care composition.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the moisturizer is present in an amount of from about 1% to 10% by weight of the personal care composition.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the moisturizer is present in an amount of from about 2% to 6% by weight of the personal care composition.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the hydroxyalkylurea is N-2-hydroxyethylurea and the moisturizer is selected from the group consisting of petrolatum, mineral and vegetable oils, lanolins, glycerin, sorbitol, polyols, urea, lactic acid, lactates, sugars, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid.  
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is a skin care composition.  
     
     
         14 . A personal care composition comprising at least one hydroxyalkyl urea and at least one ammonium salt, wherein the hydroxyalkyl urea and the ammonium salt are present in a synergistically moisturizing effective ratio.  
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein the ammonium salt is prepared by neutralizing ammonia with a cosmetically suitable acid.  
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the ammonium salt is prepared by neutralizing ammonia with an acid selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, and salicylic acid.  
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 14  produced by the process comprising: 
 a) reacting at least one ethanolamine with urea to form hydroxyalkylurea; and    b) neutralizing residual ammonia with a cosmetically suitable acid to form an ammonium salt.