Cosmetic Compositions Having Persistent Tightening Effects

Abstract

Cosmetic compositions are provided, which are capable of having a tightening and/or curling effect on a human integument when applied thereto. Cosmetic compositions according to the invention typically include a cosmetically acceptable vehicle and a pH-dependent film-forming polymer of either a poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) or a poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate). The tightening and/or curling effect of these cosmetic compositions is prolonged and substantially resistant to environmental stresses such as increased heat or humidity.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for improving the aesthetic appearance of skin affected by aging comprising topically applying thereto an effective amount of a pH-dependent film-forming polymer of poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) with a ratio of methacrylic acid to methyl methacrylate of about 1:1 to about 1:2, an acid value of from about 150 to about 350 mg KOH/g, and a weight average molar mass between about 100,000 and about 150,000 g/mol, in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle for a time sufficient to achieve a tightening effect. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said ratio of methacrylic acid to methyl methacrylate is about 1:1. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said ratio of methacrylic acid to methyl methacrylate is about 1:2. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said acid value is from about 150 to about 200 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said acid value is from about 300 to about 350 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the tightening effect is selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) reduction and/or mitigation of the appearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles;   (b) improvement in skin tautness;   (c) improvement in skin appearance negatively impacted by aging and or menopause; and   (d) reduction or mitigation of the appearance of sagging skin.   
     
     
         7 . A method for providing a curling effect to an eyelash in need thereof comprising applying to said eyelash a cosmetic composition having a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, optionally one or more colorants, and an effective amount of a pH-dependent film-forming polymer of poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) with a ratio of methacrylic acid to methyl methacrylate of about 1:1 to about 1:2, an acid value of from about 150 to about 350 mg KOH/g, and a weight average molar mass between about 100,000 and about 150,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said ratio of methacrylic acid to methyl methacrylate is about 1:1. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said ratio of methacrylic acid to methyl methacrylate is about 1:2. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said acid value is from about 150 to about 200 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said acid value is from about 300 to about 350 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
         12 . A method for providing a curling effect to an eyelash in need thereof comprising applying to said eyelash a cosmetic composition having a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, optionally one or more colorants, and an effective amount of a pH-dependent film-forming polymer of poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) with a ratio of methacrylic acid to ethyl acrylate of about 1:1, an acid value of from about 300 to about 350 mg KOH/g, and a weight average molar mass between about 200,000 and about 350,000 g/mol.