Ethylcellulose formulations and methods of making same

Abstract

Ethylcellulose dispersions in water are film forming compositions that have found use in personal care applications. Conventional methods can require that aqueous dispersions of water-insoluble polymers such as ethylcellulose be obtained using surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). There is a desire to reduce the degree of consumer exposure to SLS in personal care products. The present invention describes ethylcellulose dispersions comprising surfactants to substantially replace sodium lauryl sulfate. The present invention also describes methods of reducing or substantially eliminating SLS in personal care products that comprise ethylcellulose dispersions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An aqueous dispersion composition comprising:
 a) an alkylcellulose polymer;   b) a surfactant;   c) a stabilizer comprising a non-volatile alcohol having 12 carbons or more;   wherein the surfactant comprises from about 0.1% to about 10% wt % of the composition; and   wherein the composition attains a viscosity of less than about 2000 cps; and   wherein the composition attains a concentration of solids from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt %; and   wherein the average particle size of the polymer in the composition is less than about 20 microns; and   wherein the composition is substantially free SLS; and   wherein the composition is suitable for use in personal care compositions.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the alkylcellulose polymer is ethylcellulose. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of (C 10 -C 20 ) olefin sulfonates, phosphates; amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3  wherein the amphoteric surfactants are selected from the group consisting of C 10 -C 20  betaines, salts of C 10 -C 20  glycinates, amphoacetates, glutamate salts, sarcosinates, lactylates and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         5 . A method for the production of an aqueous dispersion of an alkylcellulose polymer wherein the dispersion is substantially free of sodium lauryl sulfate comprising the steps of:
 a) providing an alklycellulose;   b) providing at least one surfactant;   c) providing at least one stabilizer comprising a non-volatile alcohol having 12 or more carbons;   d) subjecting the reactants of parts a)-c) to the action of comminuting forces sufficient to produce an aqueous homogenous emulsion; and   e) recovering the aqueous homogenous emulsion of d) wherein said homogenous emulsion contains polymer having an average particle size of less than 20 microns.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the alkylcellulose polymer is ethylcellulose. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the ethylcellulose polymer is dissolved in an organic solvent. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of (C 10 -C 20 ) olefin sulfonates, phosphates; amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         9 . An aqueous homogenous emulsion comprising an ethylcellulose polymer produced by the method of  claim 5 , wherein the emulsion is substantially free of SLS. 
     
     
         10 . A personal care product comprising the composition of  claim 1  wherein the personal care product is selected from the group consisting of cosmetics, fingernail polishes, nail colors; facial makeup preparations; shampoos; body washes; hair conditioners, permanent waves; hair colors; toothpastes; temporary tattoos; deodorants; skin protectants; skin moisturizers; lotions; sunscreens; antiperspirants; perfumes; topical skin products; and treatments for dandruff or acne. 
     
     
         11 . The personal care product of  claim 10  wherein the personal care product is a sunscreen lotion that retains its SPF rating longer when submerged in water as compared with a comparable sunscreen lotion that lacks alkylcellulose dispersion. 
     
     
         12 . The personal care product of  claim 10  wherein the personal care product is a sunscreen lotion having a reduced amount of SPF agent as compared with a comparable lotion which lacks alkylcellulose dispersion and wherein the lotions have equivalent SPF ratings.