num="0103">According to a fifth embodiment, the aminosilicones corresponding to formula (B) are chosen from the silicones of formula (G) below:

[Image Omitted]

- in which:
  - m and n are numbers such that the sum (n+m) ranges from 1 to 2000 and in particular from 50 to 150, n possibly denoting a number from 0 to 1999 and notably from 49 to 149, and m possibly denoting a number from 1 to 2000 and notably from 1 to 10;
  - A denotes a linear or branched alkylene radical, preferably branched, containing from 4 to 8 carbon atoms and preferably 4 carbon atoms.

The weight-average molecular mass (Mw) of these aminosilicones preferably ranges from 500 to 1 000 000 and even more particularly from 1000 to 200 000.

A silicone corresponding to this formula is, for example, DC2-8566 Amino Fluid from Dow Corning;

- c) the aminosilicones corresponding to formula (H):

[Image Omitted]

- in which:
  - R₅represents a monovalent hydrocarbon-based radical containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and in particular a C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₂-C₁₈alkenyl radical, for example methyl;
  - R₆represents a divalent hydrocarbon-based radical, in particular a C₁-C₁₈alkylene radical or a divalent C₁-C₁₈, for example C₁-C₈, alkyleneoxy radical linked to the Si via an SiC bond;
  - Q⁻ is an anion, such as a halide ion, in particular a chloride ion, or an organic acid salt, in particular an acetate;
  - r represents a mean statistical value ranging from 2 to 20 and in particular from 2 to 8;
  - s represents a mean statistical value ranging from 20 to 200 and in particular from 20 to 50.

Such aminosilicones are notably described in patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,087.

- d) the quaternary ammonium silicones of formula (I):

[Image Omitted]

- in which:
  - R₇, which may be identical or different, represent a monovalent hydrocarbon-based radical containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and in particular a C₁-C₁₈alkyl radical, a C₂-C₁₈alkenyl radical or a ring comprising 5 or 6 carbon atoms, for example methyl;
  - R₆represents a divalent hydrocarbon-based radical, in particular a C₁-C₁₈alkylene radical or a divalent C₁-C₁₈, for example C₁-C₈, alkyleneoxy radical linked to the Si via an SiC bond;
  - R₈, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a monovalent hydrocarbon-based radical having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and in particular a C₁-C₁₈alkyl radical, a C₂-C₁₈alkenyl radical or a radical —R₆—NHCOR₇;
  - X⁻ is an anion such as a halide ion, notably chloride, or an organic acid salt, notably acetate;
  - r represents a mean statistical value ranging from 2 to 200 and in particular from 5 to 100.

These silicones are described, for example, in patent application EP-A 0 530 974;

- e) the aminosilicones of formula (J):

[Image Omitted]

- in which:
  - R₁, R₂, R₃and R₄, which may be identical or different, denote a C₁-C₄alkyl radical or a phenyl group,
  - R₅denotes a C₁-C₄alkyl radical or a hydroxyl group,
  - n is an integer ranging from 1 to 5,
  - m is an integer ranging from 1 to 5, and
  - x is chosen such that the amine number ranges from 0.01 to 1 meq/g;
- f) multiblock polyoxyalkylene aminosilicones, of the type (AB)_n, A being a polysiloxane block and B being a polyoxyalkylene block including at least one amine group.

Said silicones are preferably formed from repeating units having the following general formulae:

[—(SiMe₂O)_xSiMe₂—R—N(R″)—R′—O(C₂H₄O)_a(C₃H₆O)_b—R′—N(H)—R—]

- or alternatively
  
  [—(SiMe₂O)_xSiMe₂—R′—N(R″)—R′—O(C₂H₄O)_a(C₃H₆O)_b—]
- in which:
  - a is an integer greater than or equal to 1, preferably ranging from 5 to 200 and more particularly ranging from 10 to 100;
  - b is an integer between 0 and 200, preferably ranging from 4 to 100 and more particularly between 5 and 30;
  - x is an integer ranging from 1 to 10 000 and more particularly from 10 to 5000;
  - R″ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl;
  - R, which may be identical or different, represent a linear or branched divalent C₂-C₁₂hydrocarbon-based radical, optionally including one or more heteroatoms such as oxygen; preferably, R denotes an ethylene radical, a linear or branched propylene radical, a linear or branched butylene radical or a CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂— radical; preferentially, R denotes a CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂— radical;
- R′, which may be identical or different, represent a linear or branched divalent C₂-C₁₂hydrocarbon-based radical, optionally including one or more heteroatoms such as oxygen; preferably, R′ denotes an ethylene radical, a linear or branched propylene radical, a linear or branched butylene radical or a radical CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂—; preferentially, R′ denotes —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—.

The siloxane blocks preferably represent between 50 mol % and 95 mol % of the total weight of the silicone, more particularly from 70 mol % to 85 mol %.

The amine content is preferably between 0.02 and 0.5 meq/g of copolymer in a 30% solution in dipropylene glycol, more particularly between 0.05 and 0.2.

The weight-average molecular mass (Mw) of the silicone is preferably between 5000 and 1 000 000 and more particularly between 10 000 and 200 000.

Mention may notably be made of the silicones sold under the name Silsoft A-843 or Silsoft A+ by Momentive.

- g) and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the aminosilicones of formula (B) are chosen from the aminosilicones corresponding to formula (E).

Preferably, the composition according to the invention comprises at least one aminosilicone (b) having the INCI name amodimethicone, preferably introduced in the form of an emulsion or microemulsion with surfactants.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention comprises at least one aminosilicone (b) having the INCI name amodimethicone as an emulsion or microemulsion with surfactants, having the INCI names trideceth-5 and trideceth-10.

Preferably, the composition comprises aminosilicone(s) (b) selected from amodimethicones, preferably selected from the aminosilicones of formulae (C), (D), (E), (G) and mixtures thereof, more preferably selected from the aminosilicones of formula (E) and mixtures thereof.

Advantageously, the total amount of aminosilicone(s) (b) in the composition ranges from 0.01 to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.05 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 10% by weight, even more preferably from 0.5 to 6% by weight, better from 1 to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

Advantageously, the total amount of amodimethicone(s) in the composition ranges from 0.01 to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.05 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 10% by weight, even more preferably from 0.5 to 6% by weight, better from 1 to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

Copolymer (c)

According to the present invention, the composition comprises at least one copolymer (c) comprising at least one monomer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, at least one monomer with a hydrophobic group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer which does not comprise any hydrophobic groups.

Within the context of the present invention, the term “hydrophobic group” is understood to be a hydrocarbon-based, branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated fatty chain comprising from 6 to 50 carbon atoms.

The copolymer(s) (c) may be crosslinked in the presence of a crosslinking agent.

The term “crosslinked copolymer” is understood to be a non-linear copolymer which is in the form of a three-dimensional network that is insoluble in water but swellable in water, leading to the production of a chemical gel.

The crosslinking agent is chosen from polyolefinically unsaturated compounds commonly used for the crosslinking of polymers obtained by radical polymerization.

The crosslinking agent is more particularly chosen from ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, tetraallyloxyethane, ethylene glycol diacrylate, diallylurea, triallylamine, trimethylolpropane triacrylate or methylenebisacrylamide, or a mixture of these compounds.

Preferably, the crosslinking agent is trimethylolpropane triacrylate.

Preferably, the copolymer(s) (c) are crosslinked by a crosslinking agent, preferably trimethylolpropane triacrylate.

The 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer(s) of the copolymer (c) contained in the composition in accordance with the invention are in free form or are partially or completely neutralized by an inorganic base (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or aqueous ammonia) or an organic base, such as mono-, di- or triethanolamine, an aminomethylpropanediol, N-methylglucamine, basic amino acids, such as arginine and lysine, and the mixture of these compounds.

According to the invention, the 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomers preferably correspond to the following general formula (1):

[Image Omitted]

In which X⁺ denotes a cationic counterion, in particular an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal, or an ammonium, preferably ammonium, or a mixture of cations; R₁denotes a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C₁-C₆alkyl radical such as methyl, and R₁preferably denotes a hydrogen atom.

Preferably, the 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer(s) according to the invention are partially or completely salified in the form of the ammonium salt.

Preferably, the 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer(s) according to the invention are completely salified, preferably in the form of the ammonium salt.

AMPS® may be cited as an example of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer(s).

The copolymer(s) (c) comprise at least one monomer with a hydrophobic group which is preferably an ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprising at least one fatty hydrocarbon-based chain comprising from 6 to 50 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 22 and more particularly from 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

The monomer with a hydrophobic group is preferably chosen from the acrylates or acrylamides of formula (2):

[Image Omitted]

- in which R₁denotes a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C₁-C₆alkyl radical, preferably methyl; Y denotes O or NH; R₂denotes a hydrocarbon-based radical comprising from 6 to 50 carbon atoms and more preferably from 6 to 22 carbon atoms and even more preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; x denotes a number ranging from 0 to 100.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, in formula (2), Y denotes an oxygen atom.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, in formula (2), the R₁group represents a methyl.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, x represents an integer between 3 and 25, and x is preferably equal to 4.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, in formula (2), the R₂group represents an alkyl radical comprising from 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

According to one even more preferred embodiment of the invention, in formula (2), Y denotes an oxygen atom, the R₁group represents a methyl, the R₂group represents an alkyl radical comprising from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and x represents an integer between 3 and 25, and x is preferably equal to 4.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the hydrophobic monomer of formula (2) is tetraethoxylated (4EO) lauryl methacrylate, corresponding to the compound of formula (2) in which the Y group denotes O, the R₂group represents and alkyl radical comprising 12 carbon atoms and x is equal to 4.

Preferably, the monomer with a hydrophobic group is tetraethoxylated lauryl methacrylate.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the copolymer (c) may comprise at least one monomer of formula (2) in which x is equal to 0, with Y representing an oxygen atom, the R₁group representing a methyl, and the R₂group representing an alkyl radical comprising from 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

In this embodiment, the monomer with a hydrophobic group is preferably lauryl methacrylate.

According to one particular embodiment, the copolymer (c) comprises at least one monomer of formula (2) in which x is equal to 0, with Y preferably denoting an oxygen atom, the R₁group representing a methyl, and the R₂group representing an alkyl radical comprising from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and at least one monomer of formula (2) in which Y denotes an oxygen atom, the R₁group represents a methyl, the R₂group represents an alkyl radical comprising from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and x represents an integer between 3 and 25, and x is preferably equal to 4.

Preferably, the copolymer (c) comprises, as monomers with a hydrophobic group, lauryl methacrylate and tetraethoxylated lauryl methacrylate.

The copolymer(s) (c) also comprise at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, which does not comprise any hydrophobic groups, preferably corresponding to the following general formula (3):

[Image Omitted]

in which R₁denotes a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C₁-C₄alkyl radical, R₁preferably denotes a hydrogen atom, R₂denotes a linear or branched C₁-C₄alkyl radical and R₃denotes a linear or branched C₁-C₄alkyl radical and R₂and R₃preferably denote a methyl.

The ethylenically unsaturated monomer which does not comprise any hydrophobic groups is chosen from (meth)acrylamides such as acrylamide, (meth)acrylic acids and the esters ((meth)acrylates) thereof, such as 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, vinylpyrrolidones, N—(C₁-C₄)alkylacrylamides, and N,N-di(C₁-C₄)alkylacrylamides such as N,N-dimethylacrylamide.

Preferably, the ethylenically unsaturated monomer which does not comprise any hydrophobic groups is N,N-dimethylacrylamide.

Preferably, the copolymer (c) is chosen from the copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, preferably completely salified, of N,N-dimethylacrylamide, of tetraethoxylated lauryl methacrylate and of lauryl methacrylate, preferably crosslinked, such as for example the copolymer sold under the name Sepimax Zen® by SEPPIC, with INCI name Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6.

Advantageously, the total amount of copolymer(s) (c) comprising at least one monomer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, at least one monomer with a hydrophobic group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer which does not comprise any hydrophobic groups in the composition ranges from 0.001 to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.001 to 15% by weight, more preferably from 0.01 to 10% by weight, even more preferably from 0.05 to 5% by weight, better from 0.1 to 2% by weight, even better from 0.1 to 1% by weight, still even better from 0.2 to 0.6% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Advantageously, the total amount of polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 in the composition ranges from 0.001 to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.001 to 15% by weight, more preferably from 0.01 to 10% by weight, even more preferably from 0.05 to 5% by weight, better from 0.1 to 2% by weight, even better from 0.1 to 1% by weight, still even better from 0.2 to 0.6% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Polyol (d)

According to the present invention, the composition comprises at least one polyol (d).

Herein, the term “polyol” relates to an alcohol having two or more hydroxy groups and does not encompass a saccharide or a derivative thereof. The derivative of a saccharide includes a sugar alcohol which is obtained by reducing one or more carbonyl groups of a saccharide, as well as a saccharide or a sugar alcohol in which the hydrogen atom or atoms in one or more hydroxy groups thereof has or have been replaced with at least one substituent such as an alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyl group or a carbonyl group.

The polyol (d) may be a C_2-12polyol, preferably a C_2-9polyol, more preferably a C_2-6polyol, comprising at least 2 hydroxy groups, and preferably from 2 to 5 hydroxy groups.

The polyol (d) may be a natural or synthetic polyol. The polyol may have a linear, branched or cyclic molecular structure.

The polyol (d) may be selected from glycerins and derivatives thereof, and glycols and derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. The polyol (d) may be selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol and mixtures thereof.

It may be preferable that the polyol (d) have 3 or more carbon atoms, and be selected from the group consisting of glycerin, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the polyol(s) (d) is selected from C_2-12polyols, preferably C_2-9polyols, more preferably C_2-6polyol, comprising at least 2 hydroxy groups, and preferably from 2 to 5 hydroxy groups and mixtures thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of glycerin and derivatives thereof, and glycols and derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof, even more preferably from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol and mixtures thereof, better from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

Advantageously, the total amount of polyol(s) (d) in the composition ranges from 5 to 60% by weight, preferably from 10 to 55% by weight, more preferably from 15 to 50% by weight, even more preferably from 20 to 45% by weight, better from 25 to 45% by weight, even better from 30 to 45% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Advantageously, the total amount of polyol(s) (d) selected from C_2-6polyols in the composition ranges from 5 to 60% by weight, preferably from 10 to 55% by weight, more preferably from 15 to 50% by weight, even more preferably from 20 to 45% by weight, better from 25 to 45% by weight, even better from 30 to 45% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Silicone (e)

The composition according to the present invention may also include at least one silicone (e) different from silicones (a) and aminosilicones (b) as defined previously.

The silicones (e) may be solid or liquid at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure (1.013×10⁵Pa), and volatile or non-volatile.

The silicones (e) that may be used may be soluble or insoluble in the composition according to the invention; they may be in the form of oil, wax, resin or gum.

Silicones are notably described in detail in Walter Noll's Chemistry and Technology of Silicones (1968), Academic Press.

The composition may contain one or more silicones that are liquid at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure (1.013×10⁵Pa).

The volatile silicones may be chosen from those with a boiling point of between 60° C. and 260° C. (at atmospheric pressure) and more particularly from linear polydialkylsiloxanes containing 2 to 9 silicon atoms, which generally have a viscosity of less than or equal to 5×10⁻⁶m²/s at 25° C., such as decamethyltetrasiloxane.

Other silicones belonging to this category are described in the article published in Cosmetics and Toiletries, Vol. 91, January 76, pages 27-32—Todd & Byers Volatile silicone fluids for cosmetics; mention may be made of the product sold under the name SH 200 by the company Toray Silicone.

Among the non-volatile silicones, mention may be made, alone or as a mixture, of polydialkylsiloxanes and notably polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), silicone gums and resins, and also organopolysiloxanes (or organomodified polysiloxanes, or alternatively organomodified silicones) which are polysiloxanes including in their structure one or more organofunctional groups, generally attached via a hydrocarbon-based group, and preferably chosen from alkoxy groups and polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene groups.

Among the organomodified silicones, mention may be made of organopolysiloxanes including:

- polyoxyethylene and/or polyoxypropylene groups optionally including C₆-C₂₄alkyl groups, such as dimethicone copolyols, and notably those sold by the company Dow Corning under the name DC 1248 or the oils Silwet® L 722, L 7500, L 77 and L 711 from the company Union Carbide; or alternatively (C12)alkylmethicone copolyols, and notably those sold by the company Dow Corning under the name Q2-5200;
- thiol groups, such as the products sold under the names GP 72 A and GP 71 from Genesee;
- alkoxylated groups, such as the product sold under the name Silicone Copolymer F-755 by SWS Silicones and Abil Wax® 2428, 2434 and 2440 by the company Goldschmidt;
- hydroxylated groups, for instance polyorganosiloxanes bearing a hydroxyalkyl function;
- acyloxyalkyl groups, such as the polyorganosiloxanes described in patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,732;
- anionic groups of the carboxylic acid type, as described, for example, in EP 186 507, or of the alkylcarboxylic type, such as the product X-22-3701E from the company Shin-Etsu; or alternatively of the 2-hydroxyalkylsulfonate or 2-hydroxyalkylthiosulfate type, such as the products sold by the company Goldschmidt under the names Abil® S201 and Abil® S255.

The silicones may also be chosen from polydialkylsiloxanes, among which mention may be made mainly of polydimethylsiloxanes bearing trimethylsilyl end groups. Among these polydialkylsiloxanes, mention may be made of the following commercial products:

- the Silbione® oils of the 47 and 70 047 series or the Mirasil® oils sold by Rhodia, for instance the oil 70 047 V 500 000;
- the oils of the Mirasil® series sold by the company Rhodia;
- the oils of the 200 series from the company Dow Corning, such as DC200, with a viscosity of 60 000 mm²/s;
- the Viscasil® oils from General Electric and certain oils of the SF series (SF 96, SF 18) from General Electric.

Mention may also be made of polydimethylsiloxanes bearing dimethylsilanol end groups, known under the name dimethiconol (CTFA), such as the oils of the 48 series from the company Rhodia.

In this category of polydialkylsiloxanes, mention may also be made of the products sold under the names Abil Wax® 9800 and 9801 by the company Goldschmidt, which are poly(C1-C20)dialkylsiloxanes.

Products that may be used more particularly in accordance with the invention are mixtures such as:

- mixtures formed from a polydimethylsiloxane with a hydroxy-terminated chain, or dimethiconol (CTFA), and from a cyclic polydimethylsiloxane, also known as cyclomethicone (CTFA), such as the product Q2-1401 sold by the company Dow Corning,
- mixtures formed from a polydimethylsiloxane with a hydroxy-terminated chain, or dimethiconol (CTFA), and from a polydimethylsiloxane, also known as dimethicone (CTFA), such as the product Xiameter® PMX-1503 Fluid sold by the company Dow Corning.

Preferably, the composition further comprises at least one silicone (e) different from silicones (a) and aminosilicones (b), and more preferably at least two different silicones (e).

Preferably, the silicone(s) (e) selected from:

- polydialkylsiloxanes, more preferably from polydimethylsiloxanes, even more preferably from polydimethylsiloxanes bearing trimethylsilyl end groups,
- polydimethylsiloxanes with a hydroxy-terminated chain (dimethiconol), and
- mixtures thereof.

More preferably, the composition comprises one or more polydimethylsiloxanes and one or more dimethiconols.

Advantageously, the total amount of silicone(s) (e) in the composition ranges from 0.1 to 45% by weight, preferably from 1 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 35% by weight, even more preferably from 10 to 35% by weight, better from 15 to 30% by weight, even better from 20 to 25% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

Advantageously, the total amount of silicone(s) (e) selected from polydimethylsiloxanes, dimethiconols, and their mixtures in the composition ranges from 0.1 to 45% by weight, preferably from 1 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 35% by weight, even more preferably from 10 to 35% by weight, better from 15 to 30% by weight, even better from 20 to 25% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

Preferably, the silicone (e) is not chosen from cyclic polydialkylsiloxanes including from 3 to 7 and in particular 4 to 5 silicon atoms, such as octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.

Preferably the composition does not comprise decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, meaning the composition comprises less than 0.1% of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, better, the composition comprises 0% of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.

Alkane

The composition according to the present invention may also include at least one alkane, preferably at least one volatile alkane.

More particularly, the volatile alkanes may have a flash point ranging from 40° C. to 102° C., preferably ranging from 40° C. to 55° C. and preferentially ranging from 40° C. to 50° C.

The alkanes may in particular be chosen from alkanes containing from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof, and in particular:

- branched C₈-C₁₆alkanes such as C₈-C₁₆isoalkanes (also known as isoparaffins), isododecane, isodecane and isohexadecane, and, for example, the oils sold under the trade name Isopar or Permethyl,
- linear alkanes, for instance n-dodecane (C12) and n-tetradecane (C14) sold by Sasol under the respective references Parafol 12-97 and Parafol 14-97, and also mixtures thereof, the undecane-tridecane mixture (Cetiol UT), the mixtures of n-undecane (C11) and of n-tridecane (C13) obtained in Examples 1 and 2 of patent application WO 2008/155059 from the company Cognis, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention further comprises at least one alkane, preferably selected from alkanes comprising from 8 to 16 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, more preferably selected from branched C₈-C₁₆alkanes, even more preferably from C₈-C₁₆isoalkanes such as isododecane, isodecane, isohexadecane, and mixtures thereof, more preferably from isododecane.

Advantageously, the total amount of alkane(s) in the composition ranges from 0.1 to 25% by weight, from 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 15% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The composition according to the invention is preferably aqueous.

The water content may range from 1% to 70% by weight, preferably from 10% to 60% by weight, more preferably from 15% to 50% by weight, even more preferably from 20 to 45% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition according to the invention.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention comprises:

- (a) at least one silicone of formula (X) chosen from the group consisting of phenyl trimethicone, diphenyl dimethicone, or phenyl methicone, and mixtures thereof,
- (b) at least one aminosilicone selected from the group consisting of amodimethicones,
- (c) at least one polyacrylate crosspolymer-6,
- (d) at least one polyol is selected from the group consisting of C_2-12polyols, comprising at least 2 hydroxy groups, and preferably from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol and mixtures thereof.
  
  Other Ingredients

The composition according to the present invention may also include at least one optional or additional ingredient.

The optional or additional ingredient(s) may be selected from the group consisting of anionic, non-ionic or amphoteric polymers; anionic, non-ionic or amphoteric surfactants; organic or inorganic UV filters; peptides and derivatives thereof; protein hydrolyzates; swelling agents and penetrating agents; agents for combating hair loss; anti-dandruff agents; natural or synthetic thickeners for water or oils; suspending agents; sequestering agents; dyes; pearlescent agents, pigments, opacifying agents, sunscreen agents; vitamins or provitamins; fragrances; preservatives, co-preservatives, stabilizers; and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the optional or additional ingredient(s) is not limited, but may be from 0.01 to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 1 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition according to the present invention.

The composition according to the present invention may be leave-in type or rinse-off type, preferably leave-in type.

Use

The composition according to the present invention may preferably be used as a cosmetic composition. The cosmetic composition may be used for treating keratin fibres. The keratin fibres may be hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and the like.

In particular, the composition according to the present invention may be intended for application onto keratin fibres such as hair. Thus, the composition according to the present invention can be used for a cosmetic process for keratin fibres.

Thus, the present invention also relates to the use of a cosmetic composition as previously defined for the treatment of keratin fibres, preferably human keratin fibres, such as hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and the like, even more preferably hair.

Process

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for treating keratin fibres, preferably hair, comprising the step of applying the cosmetic composition according to the present invention to the keratin fibres.

The keratin fibres to which the composition according to the present invention has been applied can be left for an appropriate time which is required to treat the keratin fibres.

The composition according to the present invention may be rinsed or not. When the composition is rinsed, the time length for the treatment is not limited, but it may range from 1 minute to 10 minutes, preferably from 1 minute to 5 minutes.

Preferably, the composition of the invention is not rinsed.

The keratin fibres may be treated at room temperature. Alternatively, the keratin fibres can be heated at 15° C. to 45° C., preferably 20° C. to 40° C., more preferably 25° C. to 35° C., and even more preferably 27° C. to 35° C., before and/or during and/or after the step of applying the composition according to the present invention onto the keratin fibres.

The keratin fibres to which the composition according to the present invention has been applied may or may not be rinsed, preferably they are not rinsed following application of the composition.

The process, preferably cosmetic process, according to the present invention can provide keratin fibres such as hair with improved conditioning and manageability cosmetic effects such as smoothness (e.g., smooth combing even if the keratin fibres are wet, and smooth feeling to touch when the keratin fibres are dry), softness, shine, ease of styling, ease of detangling and volume down control (therefore, it can be easy to style the shape of keratin fibres, due to anti-frizz properties of the composition according to the present invention). The term “volume down” means that spreading of keratin fibres is reduced or controlled, and therefore, the style of the keratin fibres can be well-controlled.

In particular, the process according to the present invention can provide keratin fibres such as hair with higher level of smoothness, softness, shine, volume control and the like.

Device

A subject of the present invention relates to a dropper device suitable for applying the cosmetic composition according to invention to the keratin fibres such as the hair and delivering said composition in a dropwise manner.

In the present description, the expressions “dropper” and “pipette” are equivalent.

In an embodiment, the cosmetic composition according to the invention may be packaged in a dropper device suitable for applying said cosmetic composition to the keratin fibres, preferably hair, wherein said device comprises ajar, bottle or container containing said cosmetic composition, and a dropper or pipette, and wherein it delivers said cosmetic composition in a dropwise manner.

The dropwise delivery of the composition permits a controlled distribution of the composition via a regular sequence of drops as opposed to an uncontrolled delivery by jet. Thus, dropwise delivery of the composition enables quantity control in product dispensing.

In an embodiment, the dropper or pipette is adapted to be mounted onto the jar, bottle or container via removable joining means and/or releasable fastening means.

In some embodiments, the composition is delivered in suitable quantity to the user using a dropper device comprising a jar, bottle or container and a dropper or pipette.

Herein, “suitable quantity” means enough of the composition is delivered for use, without overdistribution of the composition.

The jar, bottle or container may be made from glass or plastic, or from any other material appropriate as a container for cosmetic compositions.

In an embodiment, the composition may be stored within the body of the jar, bottle or container and dispensed through the tip of the dropper or pipette.

In another embodiment, the composition of the invention is stored in a dropper device comprising a container containing said composition, a closure member entirely screwed onto the container, a pipette attached to the closure member, and a compressible chamber linked to the pipette and configured to expel the product from the pipette when compressed and to suck the product into the pipette when relaxed. Such kind of dropper device is also disclosed in WO0147784.

In a preferred embodiment, the dropper device is suitable for delivering a composition according to the invention that is fluid to semi-fluid, more preferably a composition according to the invention that is fluid.

Advantageously, the different portions making up the dropper device are connected in such a way as to prevent leakage of the composition according to the invention during use.

The composition according to the invention is not limited to be used with the dropper device disclosed above. Other actuating mechanism of dropper device could be used, or the composition can be packaged in a standard jar, bottle or container.

The present invention also relates to a process for applying the composition according to the invention using a dropper device as defined previously onto the hair, comprising the following steps:

- (i) shaking the jar, bottle or container containing at least the composition according to the invention,
- (ii) applying a pressure on the compressible chamber linked to the dropper or pipette for sucking up the composition according to the invention into the dropper or pipette,
- (iii) removing the dropper or pipette from the jar, bottle or container and applying another pressure on the compressible chamber linked to the dropper or pipette to expel the composition according to the invention in a controlled manner, for example onto the hair or the palm of the hand, then
- (iv) spreading with fingers the composition onto the hair and smoothing it until homogenisation.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described in a more detailed manner by way of examples. However, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Example 1

Composition A according to invention and comparative composition B were prepared from the ingredients indicated in the table 1 below, the amounts of which are expressed in grams of AM per 100 g, unless otherwise mentioned (AM meaning “active material”):

TABLE 1

Composition A
Composition B