CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT/EP2016/071079 filed on Sep. 7, 2016; and this application claims priority to Application No. 102015000049538 filed in Italy on Sep. 8, 2015 under 35 U.S.C. § 119. The entire contents of each application are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention relates to aqueous cosmetic compositions containing one or more esters selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate.

In the cosmetics sector increasing attention is being paid to the identification of new ingredients having a low environmental impact, of natural and renewable origin and at the same time provided with excellent functional and sensory properties.

Among cosmetic compositions, aqueous compositions may be for example in the form of water-based emulsions (O/W), oil-based emulsions (W/O), microemulsions or water-lipid dispersions. These are used in care of the skin, of the hair, in make-up and in hygiene products and together with a hydrophilic component may have a lipophilic component which, depending on the product, helps to ensure optimal detergency, hydration, resistance to water and softness.

It has now been observed that esters of pelargonic acid obtainable from renewable sources with polyols such as neopentyl glycol, glycerol and pentaerythritol, used alone or in a mixture, have special lubricating and plasticising capabilities within the composition and are capable of providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance because of their emollient and film-forming properties; they are also capable of keeping the skin hydrated because of their ability to form a barrier which slows down the loss of water from the skin. They also have an excellent ability to solubilise and disperse sun filters, pigments, active agents and other additives.

The excellent properties of softness and softness of touch which distinguishes them makes them particularly suitable for use, in mixtures or alone, as ingredients of the lipophilic component in aqueous compositions for cosmetic use, i.e. for the preparation of products intended for application to the outer surface of the human body (epidermis, lips and cutaneous annexes) in order exclusively or mainly to clean them, perfume them, modify their appearance, protect them, maintain them in a good condition or correct body odours.

The object of this invention is therefore aqueous cosmetic compositions comprising at least 20% by weight of an aqueous component and a lipophilic component characterised in that the said lipophilic component comprises at least one ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate, pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate or mixtures thereof. The said cosmetic compositions preferably contain more than 30%, more preferably more than 35%, and even more preferably more than 50%, by weight of the aqueous component. Compositions comprising at least two esters selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate, pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate are preferred.

According to one aspect of the present invention, aqueous cosmetic compositions whose lipophilic component comprises at least one of glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate are preferred; among these, those comprising glycerol tripelargonate are more preferred.

The said ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate is present in quantities of preferably between 0.1% and 50% by weight, preferably between 0.1% and 35% by weight, with respect to the weight of the cosmetic composition.

According to one advantageous aspect of the invention, the said esters (neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate) are prepared from pelargonic acid from a renewable source, obtained for example through processes for the oxidative cleavage of vegetable oils, fatty acids and their derivatives, whether modified or not. Preferred examples of renewable sources of pelargonic acid are the vegetable oils from sunflowers, brassicaceae or thistles (such asCynara cardunculusandSilybum marianum). Particularly preferred sources of pelargonic acid are vegetable oils with a high oleic or erucic acid content.

The said pelargonic acid is preferably obtained through oxidative cleavage processes in which inorganic and organic peroxides, peracids, nitric acid, permanganates, periodates, O2, O3or their gaseous mixtures are used as oxidising agents.

Oxidative cleavage processes in which peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide, and O2or mixtures containing O2are used as oxidising agents are preferred. Specific examples are the oxidative cleavage processes described in applications WO 94/10122, WO 07/039481, WO 2008/138892, WO 2011/080296, WO 2011/080297 or WO 2013/079849.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the said esters are prepared from pelargonic acid of high purity, preferably more than 95%, preferably more than 98%, and a polyol selected from neopentyl glycol, glycerol or pentaerythritol, through an esterification reaction which is advantageously performed in the absence of catalyst.

The said esterification is advantageously performed in the presence of a molar excess of pelargonic acid with respect to the moles of polyol, preferably 30% or more and less than 70%, operating at temperatures typically between 180 and 240° C., preferably at 200-210° C. The water forming during the esterification reaction is advantageously removed from the reaction environment, for example by applying a gradual reduction in pressure; at the end of the reaction the excess acid is removed, preferably through evaporation. The ester so obtained may advantageously undergo purification treatments according to processes known to those skilled in the art, for example using activated carbon agents and/or decolouring earths, with a view to removing any colour, odour and residual activity. Examples of decolouring earths which may be used, including in combination with activated carbon agents, are Grade F-118FF, Grade F76 (marketed by BASF), Minclear N100, Minclear E100 or Pansil 2 (marketed by Tolsa).

In comparison with esters obtained through ordinary esterification procedures catalysed by metals, for example tin, the esters obtained by operating according to the abovementioned procedure do not contain metal residues which might have an effect on the organoleptic properties (e.g. colour, odour) and stability of the finished cosmetic products and on their toxicological properties. They therefore have the particular advantage of a low inorganic matter content and require simplified preliminary treatments for use in the cosmetics environment.

The aqueous cosmetic compositions according to the invention may have a variable content of the lipophilic component. In addition to the esters of pelargonic acid specified above (neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate, pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate), the said lipophilic component may comprise one or more oils selected from esters, ethers, amides, alcohols and hydrocarbons of natural and/or synthetic origin, silicone oils or their mixtures. The said oils are typically in liquid form at ambient temperature (25° C.) and atmospheric pressure.

Possible examples of esters of natural origin are triglycerides of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, such as for example triglycerides of C8 and C10 acids, or their mixtures such as for example those present in vegetable oils. Suitable vegetable oils are for example olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil, soya oil, castor oil, apricot oil, avocado oil, almond oil, macadamia oil, jojoba oil or karite oil.

Esters of synthetic origin are for example esters of linear and branched carboxylic acids with monoalcohols, such as isononyl isononanoate, isopropyl myristate, 2-ethy hexyl palmitate, isodecyl neopentanoate, isostearyl neopentanoate, 2-octyldodecyl stearate, 2-octyldodecyl erucate or isostearyl isostearate, diisostearyl maleate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate; esters of C7-C10 chain fatty acids with fatty alcohols; hydroxylated esters, such as isostearyl lactate, octyl hydroxystearate, octyldodecyl hydroxystearate; esters of polyols, such as propylene glycol dioctanoate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate or diethylene glycol diisononanoate and pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate.

One example of an ether is dicaprilyl ether. One example of an amide is dibutyl lauroyl glutamide.

Other examples of oils include fatty alcohols such as octyldodecanol, hexyldodecanol, isostearyl alcohol.

Hydrocarbon oils of natural origin are for example terpene hydrocarbons such as squalene and squalane; hydrocarbon oils of mineral or synthetic origin are for example liquid paraffin and its derivatives such as isoparaffins (e.g. isododecane, isohexadecane, polydecene hydrogenate) and cycloparaffins.

The silicone oils are synthetic compounds based on silicon; they may be volatile or non-volatile, linear or cyclic. Examples of silicone oils are polysiloxanes and their derivatives comprising for example alkyl, alkoxyl or phenyl groups; silicone oils typically used include the polydimethylsiloxanes (Dimethicone), Amodimethicone, Cyclomethicones such as Cyclopentasiloxane and Cyclohexasiloxane, Amino Bispropyl Dimethicone, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Amodimethicone hydroxystearate, Behenoxy-Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, C24-28 Alkyl Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Dimethoxysilyl Ethylenediaminopropyl Dimethicone, Hexyl Methicone, Hydroxypropyldimethicone, Stearamidopropyl Dimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Methicone, Stearyl Dimethicone and Vinyl Dimethicone.

The lipophilic component of the cosmetic compositions according to the invention may also comprise one or more components in solid or pasty form at ambient temperature (25° C.) and atmospheric pressure, such as butters and/or waxes. The said components impart body, viscosity, film-forming and barrier properties to the cosmetic compositions containing them, such as for example creams, milks, serums. These too may be of plant, animal, mineral and/or synthetic origin.

By the term “butters” are meant all those substances comprising a high fraction of triglycerides responsible for the emollient, hydrating and regenerating properties of the skin barrier. They may contain a proportion of insaponifiable fraction, rich for example in terpene alcohols, phytosterols, tocopherols and hydrocarbons. Examples are Karite butter, cocoa butter, cupuacu butter.

Suitable waxes are the waxes typically used in cosmetic compositions, and may be of natural and/or synthetic origin. Examples of natural waxes are beeswax or cera alba, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, Japan wax, rice wax, waxes deriving from hydrogenated oils such as jojoba oil or sunflower oil or coconut oil, esters of saturated long chain fatty acids with long chain monoalcohols or their glycerides, such as cetyl palmitate, cetyl stearate, palmitic and stearic triglycerides.

Examples of mineral or synthetic waxes are lignite wax, microcrystalline wax, paraffin, ozokerite, ceresin, synthetic beeswax, lanolin and their ethers with polypropylene glycol, polyethylene waxes, esters of fatty acids having a melting point above 25° C., cetyl esters and polyamides. Silicone waxes may also be used, such as alkyl or alkoxy dimethicones or poly(di)methylsiloxanes of high molecular weight.

Advantageously the lipophilic component of the cosmetic compositions according to the invention comprise one or more components deriving from the insaponifiable fraction of vegetable oils (for example carotenoids, xanthophylls, tocopherols, phytosterols, aliphatic and terpene alcohols). Vitamins and active agents of a lipophilic nature may also be present dissolved in the lipophilic component.

Aqueous compositions according to the invention may be for example in the form of oil-based emulsion (water in oil emulsions, W/O), water-based emulsions (oil in water emulsions, O/W) and may take the form of multiple emulsions (for example W/O/W and O/W/O).

A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to cosmetic compositions in the form of oil-based emulsion in which the continuous phase is lipophilic. The said compositions preferably comprise up to 50% by weight, preferably up to 35% by weight, and even more preferably up to 25% by weight of the said lipophilic component comprising at least one ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate and their mixtures. In addition to the abovementioned esters according to the invention the lipophilic component of the said oil-based emulsions advantageously comprises at least one oil from those listed above, for example a silicone oil. A preferred example of oil-based emulsions according to this invention is silicone-based emulsions (W/Si) in which the lipophilic component comprises one or more silicone oils and one or more of the esters of pelargonic acid specified above.

According to a particularly preferred aspect the said aqueous cosmetic compositions in the form of oil-based emulsions comprise, with respect to the total weight of the cosmetic composition:

(a) from 35 to 80% by weight, preferably from 50 to 80% by weight, of an aqueous phase;

(b) from 10% to 50%, preferably from 10 to 35% of a lipophilic component comprising at least one ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate or their mixtures;

(c) from 0.3% to 15% of one or more emulsifying agents with an HLB of preferably between 3 and 6.

Typically the said aqueous phase comprises from 60 to 80% by weight of the cosmetic composition and the said lipophilic component comprises 25-35% by weight.

The said aqueous phase may contain chelating agents such as for example ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and its sodium salts (e.g. disodium, trisodium and tetrasodium salts), sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate and other stabilising agents, preservatives, active ingredients and hydrating agents.

Preferably the lipophilic component of the compositions in the form of oil-based emulsion according to the invention comprises, or advantageously consists of, pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate or its mixtures with glycerol tripelargonate or with neopentyl glycol dipelargonate and glycerol tripelargonate.

According to this embodiment the compositions in the form of oil-based emulsion are suitable for example for the preparation of creams, sun creams, serums, foundation creams, concealers and mascara.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to compositions in the form of water-based emulsion in which the continuous phase is hydrophilic. The said compositions preferably comprise up to 40% by weight, preferably up to 20% by weight, even more preferably up to 15% by weight, of a lipophilic component comprising at least one ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate and their mixtures.

According to a particularly preferred aspect the said aqueous cosmetic compositions in the form of water-based emulsions comprise, with respect to the total weight of the cosmetic composition:

(a) from 60 to 90% by weight of an aqueous phase;

(b) from 0.5% to 40%, preferably from 1 to 20% and preferably from 1 to 15%, of a lipophilic component comprising at least one ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate or their mixtures;

(c) from 5% to 15% of one or more emulsifying agents with an HLB of preferably between 6 and 12.

Preferably the lipophilic component of the compositions in the form of water-based emulsion according to the invention comprises, or advantageously consists of, neopentyl glycol dipelargonate or glycerol tripelargonate or mixtures of neopentyl glycol dipelargonate and glycerol tripelargonate or mixtures of neopentyl glycol dipelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate.

According to this embodiment the compositions in the form of water-based emulsion are suitable for example for the preparation of creams, milks, serums, butters, sun creams, hair products such as conditioners, colouring agents, leave-ons and make-up products such as foundation creams, mascaras, concealers and lipsticks.

Typical emulsifying agents or emulsifiers used in compositions according to the invention have long or medium-length alkyl chains (generally longer than C12), and may be anionic, cationic, amphoteric or non-ionic.

The said emulsifying agents may be selected for example from the group comprising monoglycerides of fatty acids, sorbitan esters (for example monoesters, diesters, triesters and their mixtures) which may optionally be ethoxylated, saccharose esters, protein condensates with fatty acids, polyglycerols and/or their esters with fatty acids, ethers of glucose and/or polyglucose with fatty alcohols, lecithin and/or hydrogenated lecithin, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated fatty acids (for example PEG-100 stearate), soaps such as triethanolamine stearate, ethoxylated and non-ethoxylated phosphoric esters (for example potassium cetyl phosphate).

Emulsifying agents suitable for oil-based emulsions typically have unsaturated, branched or substituted alkyl chains, such as for example the oleic, isostearyl, ricinoleic and hydroxystearyl chains.

Emulsifying agents suitable for water-based emulsions typically have saturated and linear chains, such as for example stearyl and palmitoleic chains.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention the said aqueous compositions comprise up to 15% by weight, preferably up to 10% and more preferably up to 5% by weight of a lipophilic component comprising at least one ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate and their mixtures. The said aqueous cosmetic compositions preferably comprise, with respect to the total weight of the cosmetic composition:(a) from 60 to 90% by weight of an aqueous component;(b) from 0.5% to 15%, preferably from 1 to 10%, preferably from 1 to 5% by weight of a lipophilic component comprising at least one ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate or their mixtures;(c) from 8% to 40% of one or more surfactants.

Advantageously aqueous compositions according to this aspect of the invention comprise a quantity of ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate or their mixtures comprising between 0.1 and 12% by weight, preferably between 0.1 and 6% by weight of the lipophilic component.

Among such compositions those preferred are those in which the lipophilic component comprises neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate or their mixtures.

According to this aspect of the invention the said aqueous compositions may advantageously be in the form of microemulsion; they are suitable for example for the preparation of bath foam, shower foam, detergents, shampoos, leave-on products and liquid soaps.

In such aqueous cosmetic compositions the said surfactants have the function of reducing surface tension, encouraging detergency; they may or may not have a foam-generating function and may be non-ionic, anionic, amphoteric or cationic.

Typical surfactants used in compositions according to the invention typically have short or medium-length alkyl chains (generally shorter than C14), such as for example those of capric, caprylic and lauric acids.

They may be selected for example from the group comprising: alkyl sulfates and/or alkyl ether sulfates, preferably of Na, Mg, Zn or ammonium (NH4), monoethanolamine (MEA), triethanolamine (TEA) or monoisopropylamine (MIPA); alkyl ether carboxylates; protein condensates with fatty acids; acyl glutamates; acyl sarcosinates; acyl isothionates; acyl methyl taurates; alkyl sulfosuccinates; soaps; alkyl betaine and alkylamidopropyl betaine; alkyl and alkylamidohydroxy sultaine; alkyl amphoacetates and alkyl amphodiacetates; alkyl amphopropionates and alkyl amphodipropionates; alkyl and alkylamidopropyl aminoxides; polysorbates (e.g. polysorbate 20); monosaccharose esters; alkyl glucosides; quaternary ammonium salts.

Those skilled in the art will readily be able to determine the quantity of surfactant required on the basis of the type of cosmetic product for which the composition is intended. For example, cosmetic compositions intended for the preparation of intimate detergents typically contain a quantity of surfactants comprising from 8 to 10% by weight; shampoos from 10 to 15% by weight; shower foam from 13 to 18% by weight, and bath foam from 18 to 22% by weight. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the said aqueous cosmetic compositions are in biphasic form, or have the aqueous phase separate from the lipophilic phase in two separate layers. Cosmetic products prepared with such compositions typically require mixing before use, which brings about the formation of temporary emulsions.

Preferably the said compositions comprise, with respect to the total weight of the cosmetic composition:

(a) from 50 to 70% by weight of an aqueous phase;

(b) from 30% to 50% of a lipophilic phase comprising at least one ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate or their mixtures.

Preferably the said compositions in two-phase form according to the invention comprise a quantity of ester selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate or their mixtures comprising between 0.1 and 50% by weight, preferably between 0.1 and 30% by weight, even more preferably between 0.1 and 10% by weight, of the lipophilic component.

Compositions whose lipophilic component comprises neopentyl glycol dipelargonate or glycerol tripelargonate or a mixture of neopentyl glycol dipelargonate and glycerol tripelargonate or a mixture of neopentyl glycol dipelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate are preferred.

In addition to the abovementioned esters of pelargonic acid, the said lipophilic phase preferably comprises mineral and/or silicone oils, for example isododecanes, cyclopentasiloxane, products of the reaction between propylene oxide and stearyl alcohols (such as polypropyleneglycol-15 stearyl ether) or vegetable oils such as almond, olive and jojoba oils.

According to this aspect the compositions in the form of aqueous two-phase solution are suitable for example for the preparation of products for the removal of make-up.

According to a preferred aspect the aqueous cosmetic compositions according to this invention also comprise one or more sun filters, in quantities of preferably between 0.05% and 35% by weight, preferably between 0.1 and 25%, with respect to the weight of the cosmetic composition.

Sun filters have the function of protecting skin and/or hair from UVA/UVB radiation. These include for example filters or physical screens with reflecting properties such as for example zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, either in the form of nanomaterials or having particles of larger size, silica, kaolin, iron and/or magnesium oxides, and chemical filters, typically organic molecules capable of absorbing and converting the energy of ultraviolet radiation such as cinnamates, benzoimidazoles, benzophenones, benzylidene camphorate, PABA and its derivatives, salicylates, anthranylates, dibenzoyl methanes, octocrylene, triazines such as octyltriazone, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine and diethyl hexyl butamido triazone, natural antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E or synthetic vitamins, such as Tinogard TT, or their combinations.

Physical and chemical filters may be of natural origin (such as for example gamma orizanol) or synthetic, and be used alone or more advantageously in combination.

Specific examples of sun filters suitable for use in the compositions according to the invention are octyl-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethyl-hexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate, butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl triazone, diethyl hexylbutamido triazone, ethyl hexyl salicylate, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or their combinations.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment the cosmetic composition according to the invention take the form of an emulsion and comprise, with respect to the total weight of the composition, from 0.1 to 35% by weight, preferably from 1 to 25, preferably from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one sun filter.

Because of the characteristics of the esters of pelargonic acid in the oily component, the cosmetic compositions according to the invention have the particular advantage of ensuring optimum dispersion and/or solubilisation of the sun filters, and may increase the stability of the emulsion and help to increase their protection factor. Additionally, they have shown a higher solubilisation and dispersion rates when compared to some of the commonly used oily solvents/dispersants. They are therefore suitable for the preparation of cosmetics for the care of the body and hair and make-up products having a protective and anti-aging function.

Compositions comprising pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate and glycerol tripelargonate or their mixtures, which have particular softness, are particularly suitable for this purpose. Compositions comprising pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate are more preferred.

According to a preferred aspect the cosmetic composition according to the invention advantageously comprises one or more colouring agents or dyes, in a quantity of preferably between 0.1% and 35% by weight, more preferably of between 0.1 and 30% by weight, even more preferably between 0.1 and 20% by weight. The said colouring agents may be soluble or insoluble in water, soluble or insoluble in fats, mineral or organic, natural or synthetic, and have the function of colouring or opacifying the cosmetic composition. Examples of suitable colouring agents are pigments, lacquers or pearls, which may be used as such or after surface treatments intended for example to modify water-repellence or hydrophilic properties. The pigments include derivatives of metals of an inorganic nature, for example oxides of iron, cerium, chromium, titanium, zinc or zirconium, silicates (e.g. micas), sulfosilicates (e.g. ultramarine) and their combinations, and molecules of an organic nature, such as for example plant extracts. By the term “pearls” are meant special pigments capable of developing reflection and refraction phenomena with light, which may be iridescent or non-iridescent, either organic (such as guanine, CI 75170) or inorganic (such as bismuth oxychloride, CI 77163, or sericite, CI 77019).

Because of the characteristics of the esters of pelargonic acid present in the lipophilic component the cosmetic compositions according to the invention have the particular advantage of ensuring optimum dispersion of the pigments, in particular lipophilic pigments and coated pigments, of which they may help to intensify the colour.

The aqueous cosmetic compositions according to this invention may also contain other additives typically used in the field of cosmetics, such as antioxidants and/or vitamins, sun filters for protection products, preservatives, pH modifiers, moisturisers, conditioners, chelating agents, flow modifiers, texturising agents, film-forming agents, silicones, perfumes, essential oils, and active ingredients, in particular cosmetically and/or dermatologically active ingredients. Each additive may be present in quantities from 0 to 35%, preferably from 0 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 10%, with respect to the total weight of the cosmetic composition.

By the term “preservatives” according to the invention are meant natural or synthetic substances having the primary function of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in the cosmetic composition. The list of permitted preservatives makes reference to Appendix V to EC Regulation 1223/2009. The maximum permitted percentages used, any limitations and methods of use may be found within the document. The most widely used preservatives include for example: benzoic acid, propionic acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid and their salts, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, its salts and esters, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, imidazolidinyl urea. In combination or as an alternative to the said preservatives the cosmetic compositions according to the invention may also contain other substances capable of contributing to inhibition of the growth of microorganisms such as for example honey, essential oils such as extracts of rosemary,Melaleuca alternifoliaand thyme, and complexing agents such as EDTA.

The cosmetic compositions according to some aspects of the invention advantageously comprise one or more flow modifiers. By “flow modifiers” are meant gelling agents, thickening agents, dispersing agents, suspension agents and other substances influencing the rheological behaviour and consequently the stability and application of the cosmetic compositions. They may be of natural or synthetic, mineral or organic origin. Among the organic substances natural polymers such as alginates, carrageens, agar agar, pectin, starches, cellulose and their chemically modified derivatives; synthetic polymers such as acrylic polymers which may or may not have been modified hydrophobically, hydrophobically modified urethanes, alkene/styrene copolymers, polyethylene, polyamides, polyesters, derivatives of polyethylene glycol, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, fatty acids and their salts are preferred. Examples of inorganic flow modifiers are the clays, the silicas and their modified derivatives, magnesium and/or aluminium silicates.

The cosmetic compositions according to some aspects of the invention advantageously comprise one or more moisturisers. Examples of moisturisers are glycerine, sorbitol, glycols or polyethylene glycols.

The cosmetic compositions according to this invention may be in solid, paste or liquid form. The cosmetic compositions according to the invention may be prepared according to processes known to those skilled in the art in the cosmetics sector. According to a preferred method of preparation the desired quantity of the ingredients of the composition are mixed in mixers and/or turboemulsifiers of suitable capacity preferably provided with heat-regulating systems so as to operate at suitable temperatures according to the stability and the melting points of the ingredients.

Because of properties of the neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate, pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate esters and their mixtures, the aqueous cosmetic compositions to which this invention relates are particularly pleasant to the touch and are at the same time characterised by an emollient and liporestoring effect.

They therefore find application in coloured or colourless care and make-up products, sun protection products and products for detergency of the skin and skin annexes. Aqueous compositions in the form of two-phase solutions according to this invention are also suitable for the preparation of products for the removal of make-up.

Examples of possible applications are creams, milks, sun creams, serums, butters, bath foams, shower foams, detergents, shampoos, leave-on products, hair products such as conditioners, colouring agents, leave-ons and make-up products such as foundation creams, fards, mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, lip glosses, concealers, or eye shadow.

Preferred applications are creams, milks, serums, colouring agents, lotions, and products for make-up and for sun protection and for the care of the hair and delicate skins.

One aspect of this invention relates to aqueous cosmetic compositions containing neopentyl glycol dipelargonate. The said cosmetic compositions have a light soft and silky touch, and leave an invisible and not very persistent film on the skin and hair. Surprisingly the said compositions have the particular advantage that they allow delicate and light emulsions to be prepared without using volatile silicones, thus appreciably reducing the environmental impact of the cosmetic products.

Another aspect of this invention relates to aqueous cosmetic compositions containing glycerol tripelargonate. The said cosmetic compositions have a light touch and good softness and hydration. They are therefore suitable for example for nutrient but non-unctuous emulsions and hair products.

Another aspect of this invention relates to aqueous cosmetic compositions containing pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate. The said ester has appreciable emollient properties and imparts a rich touch and brilliant effect to cosmetic compositions, leaving a very obvious film on the skin or hair. Thanks to the optimum softness and excellent dispersion of UVA/UVB sun filters, they are particularly suitable for application in rich emulsions such as sun creams and mascaras.

Another aspect of this invention relates to aqueous cosmetic compositions containing at least two esters selected from neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate. Anhydrous cosmetic compositions comprising binary or ternary mixtures of the abovementioned esters, such as for example mixtures of neopentyl glycol dipelargonate and glycerol tripelargonate, or mixtures of neopentyl glycol dipelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate, or mixtures of glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate, or again mixtures of neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, glycerol tripelargonate and pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate are therefore the object of the invention.

The invention will now be illustrated through the following non-limiting examples.

