Low oil compositions comprising a 4-substituted resorcinol and a high carbon chain ester

Abstract

A composition including water, about 0.1% to about 0.4% of a 4-substituted resorcinol, an ester having at least about 25 carbon atoms, and a polymeric emulsifier is provided. The composition comprises less than about 5% by weight of oils and is substantially free of monomeric emulsifier. Methods of treating the skin are also provided.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising:
 water;   about 0.1% to about 0.4% by weight of a 4-substituted resorcinol;   an ester having at least about 25 carbon atoms; and   a polymeric emulsifier,   wherein the composition comprises less than about 5% by weight of oils and is substantially free of monomeric emulsifier.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  comprising less than about 1% by weight of monomeric emulsifier. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the ester has a carbon chain length of about 25 to about 100 carbon atoms. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the ester comprises one to four ester groups. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the ester comprises only hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the ester is non-ionic and is free of hydrophilic moieties. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1  comprising about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the ester. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1  comprising at least about 70% by weight of water. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , comprising about 0.2% to about 0.4% of 4-substituted resorcinol. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the 4-substituted resorcinol is 4-hexyl resorcinol.