FORM - 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)
SHEAR GELS AND COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING SHEAR GELS
HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LIMITED, a company incorporated under
the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and having its registered office
at 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai -400 020, Maharashtra, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

SHEAR GELS AND COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING SHEAR GELS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to shear gels and compositions comprising the same. More particularly, the present invention is directed to shear gels prepared from biopolymer particle. The shear gels can be used in topical compositions as a silicone elastomer mimetic and, when used, they unexpectedly yield topical compositions that result in excellent sensory characteristics upon application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Dry skin is a problem in varying degree for most consumers. This condition is particularly evident in winter. Personal care products, such as skin creams, shampoos, shower gels and antiperspirants, are normally formulated with materials so that dry skin symptoms may be addressed.
Other consumers are concerned with the evenness of color of their skin, and particularly, age spots, freckles, as well as other blemishes resulting from hyperpigmentation. To meet the needs of consumers, a variety of attempts have been made to develop products that reduce pigment production in melanocytes.
Still other consumers are concerned with oily skin, acne and/or pores within the skin. These conditions have also been addressed in topical compositions made commercially available.
Notwithstanding the breakthroughs in treating skin conditions with topical compositions, the products developed thus far often tend to have poor sensory benefits and do not always employ desirable natural ingredients.
The present invention, therefore, is directed to shear gels and compositions comprising the same. The shear gels comprise a swollen biopolymer particle (i.e. biopolymer), and are suitable for use in topical compositions as a silicone elastomer mimetic. When employed, the shear gels of the present invention unexpectedly result in topical compositions yielding excellent sensory characteristics upon application and especially, an excellent silky feel when compared to conventional silicone elastomer containing products. Moreover the shear gels of the present invention are suitable to act as silicone

elastomer mimetics that are compatible with skin care actives, and compositions comprising the same have sensory characteristics similar to compositions comprising an about equal amount of silicone elastomer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Efforts have been disclosed for making personal care products. In US 2006/0088495 A1,
a personal care moistening product with dihydroxypropyltri(C1-C3 alkyl) ammonium salt is
described.
Other efforts have been disclosed for making personal care products. In US 6 875 425, 7 250 158, 7 247 294 and 7 720 805, skin lightening products are described.
Still other efforts have been disclosed that address gelling agents. In US 5 738 897, gelled biopolymers made to impart fat-like character in consumer products are described. In EP 0 432 835 A1, fluid compositions with chemically setting gelling agents are described.
None of the additional information above describes shear gels prepared from biopolymer particles whereby the shear gels are suitable for use in topical compositions as a silicone elastomer mimetic.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a shear gel having been prepared
with:
(a) from about 0.01 to about 15% by weight biopolymer particle; and
(b) water, polar solvent, or both
wherein the biopolymer particle is swollen to yield a biopolymer that has a swollen diameter in the shear gel that is from about 1 to about 200 microns and has been cooled with shear through its gelation temperature, the shear gel being one which is suitable for use as a silicone elastomer mimetic in a topical composition.
In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for making the shear gel of the first aspect of this invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a topical composition comprising the shear gel of the first aspect of this invention.
Topical composition, as used herein, is meant to include a composition for application to skin of mammals, especially humans. Such a composition may be generally classified as leave-on or rinse off and is meant to include conditioners or tonics, lipsticks, color cosmetics, and general topical compositions that in some fashion and at the very least improve a skin characteristic. Preferably the topical composition of this invention is a leave-on composition. Lightening, as used herein, is meant to mean the lightening or whitening of skin directly as well as the lightening or whitening of spots on the skin, like age spots or freckles. Moisturizing, as used herein, means to make soft, supple and/or making the skin visually pleasing.
Comprising, as used herein, is meant to include consisting essentially of, and consisting of. Substantially free of means less than about 0.5 percent by weight, and preferably less than about 0.3% by weight, and most preferably from 0 to less than about 0.1% by weight based on total weight of the topical composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.
The topical composition of the present invention can, for example, be in the form of a foam, liquid, lotion, cream, serum, gel, soap bar, cleansing product (e.g. body wash, facial wash or shampoo and conditioner) or toner, or applied via a face mask or patch. Again the topical composition of this invention is preferably a leave-on composition. Skin is meant to include skin on the face, neck, chest, back, arms, hands, buttocks, legs and scalp. All ranges identified herein are meant to implicitly include all ranges subsumed therein, if, for example, reference to the same is not explicitly made. Biopolymer particle, as used herein, means a macromolecule suitable for swelling with water, polar solvent or both and that may be synthetically made but is normally produced by living organisms. The biopolymer particle of the present invention can be, for example, grain-like, powdery, crystalline or the like (including freeze, and/or spray dried as described in US 5 738 897) and is meant to mean the material supplied as a precursor to the shear gel. Swollen diameter, as used herein, means the diameter of the biopolymer particle after the same has been saturated with a swelling agent like water, a polar solvent, or both. Biopolymer, as used herein, means swollen biopolymer particle. Swollen diameter is measured by taking the longest distance between two points on the swollen particle. Swollen

diameters may be determined by, for example, analyzing the diluted shear gel with an optical microscope (typically 25x magnification) under phase contrast or with a size analyzer such as a Malvern Mastersizer. Silicone elastomer mimetic means a shear gel able to mimic a silicone elastomer paste that is conventionally added to a topically applied consumer product. An example of such a silicone elastomer paste is Dow Corning® DC9045. Shear gel, as used herein, means a gel with biopolymer whereby the biopolymer has a swollen diameter that is from about 1 micron to about 200 microns, the shear gel being suitable for use as a silicone elastomer mimetic. Swollen diameter is determined by diluting shear gel with the swelling agent it is made with (about 1 part by weight shear gel to about 10 parts by weight swelling agent).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The only limitation with respect to the biopolymer that may be used in this invention is that the same is one which may be used in a topical composition suitable for application on to human skin. Illustrative yet non-limiting examples of the type of biopolymer suitable for use in this invention include the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins as well as mixtures thereof.
Preferably the biopolymer can be prepared from, for example, particles of carrageenan, furcellaran, pectin, alginate, agar, agarose, gellan, glucomannan (e.g. Konjac), galactomannan (e.g. locust bean gum, guar), xanthan, modified cellulose, glucan (e.g. starches, curdlan), gelatin, whey protein or mixtures thereof. More preferably the biopolymer particle used is agar, agarose, carrageenan, or a mixture thereof. In a most preferred embodiment the biopolymer particle used is agarose.
The biopolymer particles suitable for use in this invention are made commercially available from suppliers like FMC Corporation; National Starch and Chemical Co.; Cyber Colloids Ltd., as well as Hispangar S.A. Additional descriptions of the types of biopolymer particles that may be used in this invention may be found in Food Gels, Chapter 1, edited by Peter Harris, Elsevier, 1990 and US 6 673 371 and 5 738 897, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In an especially preferred embodiment, the biopolymer used herein is also used in conjunction with a synthetic thickener. Illustrative examples of the type of synthetic thickeners suitable for use in the shear gel of this invention include alkylated

polyvinylpyrrolidones iike butyiated polyvinylpyrrolidone sold under the Ganex line by ISP Corporation; terephthalate polyesters like polypropylene terephthalate and ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, both sold under Aristoflex line by Clariant A.G.; and mono alkyi esters of poly(methyl vinyl/ether maleic acid) sodium salt, like that included in the EZ Sperse line made available by ISP Corporation, as well as (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-methacrylamide/3-methacryloylamidopropyl)-lauryl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride like that included in the Styleze line made available by ISP Corporation. Other thickeners suitable for use include those generally classified as acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymers and carboxyvinyl polymers made available by the B.F. Goodrich Company under the Carbopol name. Such thickeners consist essentially of colloidally water-soluble poly-alkenyl polyether cross-linked polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with a crosslinking agent like polyallyl sucrose or poiyallyl pentaerythritol. These thickeners include, for example, Carbopol 934, 940, 950, 951, 980 and 981.
Other examples of suitable synthetic thickeners for use herein include those sold under the name Carbopol Ultrez 10, Carbopol Ultrez 21, Carbopol ETD2020, Carbopol 1342, Carbopol 1382, and Pemulen TR-1 (CTFA designation: Acrylates/10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Cross-polymer). Still other examples of suitable thickeners include those made available by Seppic under the names Sepigel 305 and Sepiplus. If desired, combinations of synthetic thickeners may be employed whereby those classified as acrylate-derived and/or terephthalate polyesters are generally preferred.
When making the shear gel of the present invention, typically from about 0.01 to about 15%, and preferably from about 0.1 to about 10%, and most preferably from about 0.2 to about 7% by weight biopolymer particle is used based on total weight of the shear gel and including all ranges subsumed therein. When synthetic polymer is desired, the same typically makes up from about 0.001 to about 6%, and preferably from about 0.01 to about 4.0%, and most preferably from about 0.015 to about 2.5% by weight of the topical composition, based on total weight of the topical composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.
Often the topical composition comprising the shear gel of this invention can comprise shear gel and synthetic thickener at a weight ratio from about 55 to 1 to about 1 to 55, and preferably, from about 15 to 1 to about 1 to 15, including all ratios subsumed therein.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the topical composition preferably comprises (by weight) at least about 1.5 to about 8 times more shear ge! than synthetic polymer.
The biopolymer typically has a swollen diameter in the shear gel from about 1 to about 200 microns, and preferably from about 4 to about 150 microns, and most preferably from about 8 to about 90 microns, including all ranges subsumed therein.
When making the shear gel of the present invention, biopolymer particle and water or polar solvent or both are combined and preferably mixed. The resulting biopolymer particle mixture is typically heated to a temperature that is between the gelation temperature of the resulting biopolymer and about twenty (20) percent above the melting temperature of the biopolymer. Preferably the mixture is heated to a temperature from about 35°C to about 100°C, and most preferably to a temperature from about 60°C to about 90°C, including all ranges subsumed therein.
Heating should occur for as long as it takes to yield a homogeneous mixture deplete of non-swollen biopolymer particulate. The homogeneous mixture may then be cooled with shear and through the gelation temperature of the biopolymer. Shear preferably continues until the resulting shear gel reaches ambient temperature. Shear may be provided via any art recognized technique, and preferably under atmospheric pressure unless homogenization is desired. Apparatus/mixers typically preferred for providing shear include those made commercially available by Suppliers like ESCO-Labor AG, Ross, Plough-Share, Sonic, BEE International, Microfluidics, Arde Barinco, Inc., Serendip A.G. or Cherry Burrell. In a most preferred embodiment the shear gel of this invention is mixed with, for example, a mixer (like a u-mixer) and subsequently subjected to homogenization.
Shearing may be achieved by mixing with apparatus comprising blades, paddles or the like. Homogenization is performed, preferably on a machine operating with a flow rate of from about 0.5 to about 2.5, and preferably, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 L/minute, including all ranges subsumed therein. The homogenizer operating pressure should be from about 1 to about 45,000 psi, preferably from about 10 to about 20,000 psi, including all ranges subsumed therein. Homogenization back pressure is typically less than 8,000 psi, and preferably from about 0.001 to about 6000 psi, including all ranges subsumed therein. Typically the homogenization nozzle is from about 0.004 to about 0.01, and

surprisingly, excellent silicone elastomer mimetics. Optionally, however, silicone elastomers may be used along with the shear gels.
In addition to water, organic solvents may be optionally included to act as carriers along with the shear gels within the topical compositions of the present invention. Illustrative and non-limiting examples of the types of organic solvents suitable for use in the present invention include alkanols like ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, mixtures thereof or the like.
Other optional additives suitable for use as carriers along with the shear gels of this invention include ester oils like isopropyl myristate, cetyl myristate, 2-actyldodecyl myristate, avocado oil, almond oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, neopentylglycol dicaprate, mixtures thereof or the like. Typically, such ester oils are used at an amount to yield a stable, and most preferably, water-in-oil emulsion when such an emulsion is desired. Other oils suitable for use include those generally classified as hydrocarbons, including those known as waxes, and jellies, including petroleum jelly.
Emollients may also be used, if desired, as carriers within the topical composition of the present invention. Alcohols like 1-hexadecanoi (i.e., cetyl alcohol) are often desired as are the emollients generally classified as silicone oils and synthetic esters. Silicone oils suitable for use include cyclic or linear polydimethylsiloxanes containing from 3 to 9, preferably from 4 to 5, silicon atoms. Non-volatile silicone oils useful as an emollient material in the inventive topical composition described herein include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes and polyether siloxane copolymers. The essentially non-voiatile polyalkyl siloxanes useful herein include, for example, polydimethylsiloxanes.
The ester emollients that may optionally be used are:
(1) Alkenyl or alkyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include isoarachidyl neopentanoate, isononyl isonanonoate, oleyl myristate, oleyl stearate, and oleyl oleate.
(2) Ether-esters such as fatty acid esters of ethoxylated fatty alcohols.
(3) Polyhydric alcohol esters. Ethylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, diethylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol (200-6000) mono- and di-fatty acid esters, propylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polypropylene glycol 2000 monooleate, polypropylene glycol 2000 monostearate,

ethoxyfated propylene glycol monostearate, glyceryl mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyglycerol poly-fatty esters, ethoxylated glyceryl mono-stearate, 1,3-butylene glycol monostearate, 1,3-butylene glycol distearate, polyoxyethylene polyol fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters are satisfactory polyhydric alcohol esters.
(4) Wax esters such as beeswax, spermaceti, stearyl stearate and arachidyl behenate.
(5) Sterol esters, of which cholesterol fatty acid esters are examples.
Emollients, when used, typically make up from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight of the topical composition, including all ranges subsumed therein.
Fatty acids having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms may also be included as cosmetically acceptable carriers within the composition of the present invention. Illustrative examples of such fatty acids include pelargonic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, isostearic, oleic, linoleic, arachidic, behenic or erucic acid, and mixtures thereof. Compounds that are believed to enhance skin penetration, like dimethyl sulfoxide, may also be used as an optional carrier.
The polar solvents described herein may also be added as humectants in the desired topical composition of this invention. Therefore, such polar solvents may be used to make shear gel, only as a humectant as an additive to the topical composition, or both. In an especially preferred embodiment, the topical composition of this invention has less than about 50% by weight polar solvent, and preferably, from about 0.001 to about 25% by weight polar solvent based on total weight of the topical composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.
Collectively, water, shear gels, silicones, esters, fatty acids and/or humectants will constitute the cosmetically acceptable carrier in amounts from 1 to 99.9%, preferably from 80 to 99% by weight.
Surfactants may also be present in the topical compositions of the present invention. Total concentration of the surfactant will range from about 0 to about 40%, and preferably from about 0 to about 20%, optimally from about 0.001 to about 5% by weight of the composition.

The surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric actives. Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants are those with a C10-C20 fatty alcohol or acid hydrophobe condensed with from 2 to 100 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per mole of hydrophobe; mono- and di- fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol; fatty acid monoglyceride; sorbitan, mono- and di- C8-C2o fatty acids; block copolymers (ethylene oxide/propylene oxide); and polyoxyethylene sorbitan as well as combinations thereof. Alky! polyglycosides and saccharide fatty amides (e.g. methyl gluconamides) are also suitable nonionic surfactants.
Preferred anionic surfactants include soap, alkyl ether sulfate and sulfonates, alkyl sulfates and sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, C6-C2o acyl isethionates, acyl glutamates, C8-C20 alkyl ether phosphates and combinations thereof. In an especially preferred embodiment, the surfactant employed is nonionic, and especially, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate sold as Tween 40 by lCI Americas, Inc.
Perfumes may be used in the topical composition of this invention. Illustrative non-limiting examples of the types of perfumes that may be used include those comprising terpenes and terpene derivatives like those described in Bauer, K., et al., Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials, VCH Publishers (1990).
Illustrative yet non-limiting examples of the types of fragrances that may be used in this invention include myrcene, dihydromyrenol, citral, tagetone, cis-geranic acid, citronellic acid, mixtures thereof or the like.
Preferably the amount of fragrance employed in the topical composition of this invention is in the range from about 0.0% to about 10%, more preferably about 0.00001% to about 5 wt %, most preferably, about 0.0001% to about 2%.
Various types of optional ingredients/additives may be used in the topical compositions of the present invention. Although not limited to this category, general examples include talcs and silicas, as well as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, zinc salts, and sunscreens.
Beta-hydroxy acids include salicylic acid, for example. Zinc pyrithione is an example of the zinc salts useful in the topical composition of the present invention.

Sunscreens include those materials commonly employed to block ultraviolet light. Illustrative compounds are the derivatives of PABA, cinnamate and salicylate. For example, avobenzophenone (Parsol 1789®) octyl methoxycinnamate and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone (also known as oxybenzone) can be used. Octyl methoxycinnamate and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone are commercially available under the trademarks, Parsol MCX and Benzophenone-3, respectively. The exact amount of sunscreen employed in the compositions can vary depending upon the degree of protection desired from the sun's UV radiation. Additives that reflect or scatter the suns rays may also be employed. These additives include oxides like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Many topical compositions, especially those containing water, should be protected against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Anti-microbial compounds, such as triclosan, and preservatives are, therefore, typically necessary. Suitable preservatives include alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred preservatives of this invention are methyl paraben, propyl paraben, phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol. Preservatives will usually be employed in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to 2% by weight of the topical composition.
Still other optional ingredients/additives that may be used in the topical composition of this invention include chelators like EDTA, pH modifiers (e.g. NaOH), dioic acids (e.g. malonic acid, sebacic acid), antioxidants like vitamin E, retinoids, including retinoic acid, retinal, retinol and retinyl esters, conjugated linoleic acid, petroselinic acid and mixtures thereof, as well as any other conventional ingredients well known for wrinkle-reducing, anti-acne effects and reducing the impact of sebum.
Even other optional additives that may be employed in the topical composition of the present invention are skin lightening additives. Illustrative yet non-limiting examples of skin lightening additives that may be used in this invention are niacinamide, vitamin C and its derivatives, 12-hydroxystearic acid, resorcinols and their derivatives (including those esterified with, for example, ferulic acid, vanillic acid or the like), extracts of kudzu, chamomile, and yarrow as well as any mixtures of the skin lightening sources.

Often preferred optional additives suitable for use in the topical composition of this invention include sensory modifying particles like microcrystalline cellulose, silica modified ethylene/methacrylate copolymer microspheres, talc modified ethylene/methacrylate copolymer microspheres, mixtures thereof or the like. Other examples of the types of particles suitable for use in this invention include those comprising polyolefins like polyethylene, polypropylene and/or polybutylene-based polymers, polyamides (like nylon fibers), mixtures thereof or the like. Still other preferred particles suitable for use in this invention include those comprising polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy resins, urea resins, silicone resins, mixtures thereof or the like.
In a preferred embodiment, the particles used in this invention comprise polyethylenes, or are talc comprising particles or mixtures thereof. The former are often sold under the names Cerapure (made commercially available by Shamrock), Asensa (made commercially available by Honeywell) and Miperon (made commercially available by Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd.). Another preferred polyethylene-based particle is sold under the name CL-2080 (made commercially available by Kobo Industries). Other preferred particles suitable for use in this invention include nylons (e.g. nylon-12) sold under the name SP-10 which is made commercially available by Kobo Industries. Still other preferred particles suitable for use in this invention include those comprising copolymers of ethylene and methacrylate that contain silica or talc and sold under the names SPCAT-I2 and DSPCS-I2, respectively, both of which are also made commercially available by Kobo Industries. Other particles comprising polystyrenes and polymethyl methacrylate (sold, for example, under the names Ganzpearl GS-0605 and GME0380, respectively) and made available from Presperse are also often preferred.
Even other particles suitable for use in this invention include natural polymeric spheroids like those which comprise starch and those which comprise silk, the former, for example, made available from National Starch and Chemical and the latter, for example, made available by Engelhard Corporation. Still other natural polymeric particles suitable for use in this invention include those natural polymeric particles comprising cellulose such as Celluflow and Cellulo Beads, the former made commercially available by Chisso Corporation and the latter made available by Kobo Industries.
When used, such particles typically make up from about 0.001 to about 10%, and preferably from about 0.01 to about 8%, and most preferably from about 0.1 to about 6%

by weight of the total weight of the topical composition, including all ranges subsumed therein,
Other preferred optional additives suitable for use with the shear gels of this invention include moisturizing agents like hydroxypropyl tri(C1-C3 alkyl)ammonium salts. These salts may be obtained in a variety of synthetic procedures, most particularly by hydrolysis of chlorohydroxypropyl tri(C1-C3 alkyl)ammonium salts. A most preferred species is 1,2-dihydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, wherein the C1-C3 alkyl is a methyl group. Amounts of the salt may range from about 0.2 to about 30%, and preferably from about 0.5 to about 20%, optimally from about 1% to about 12% by weight of the topical composition, including all ranges subsumed therein.
Ordinarily the C1-C3 alkyl constituent on the quaternized ammonium group will be methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl or hydroxyethyl and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred is a trimethyl ammonium group known through INCI nomenclature as a "trimonium" group. Any anion can be used in the quaternary ammonium salt. The anion may be organic or inorganic with proviso that the material is cosmetically acceptable. Typical inorganic anions are halides, sulfates, phosphates, nitrates and borates. Most preferred are the halides, especially chloride. Organic anionic counter ions include methosulfate, toluoyl sulfate, acetate, citrate, tartrate, lactate, gluconate, and benzenesulfonate.
Still other preferred moisturizing agents which may be used, especially in conjunction with the aforementioned ammonium salts include substituted urea like hydroxymethyl urea, hydroxyethyl urea, hydroxypropyl urea; bis(hydroxymethyl) urea; bis(hydroxyethyl) urea; bis(hydroxypropyl) urea; N,N'-dihydroxy methyl urea; N,N'-di-hydroxyethyl urea; N,N'-di-hydroxypropyl urea; N,N,N'-tri-hydroxyethyl urea; tetra(hydroxymethyl) urea; tetra(hydroxyethyl) urea; tetra(hydroxypropyl urea; N-methyl, N'-hydroxyethyl urea; N-ethyl-N'-hydroxyethyl urea; N-hydroxypropy(-N'-hydroxyethyl urea and N,N'dimethyl-N-hydroxyethyl urea. Where the term hydroypropyl appears, the meaning is generic for either 3-hydroxy-n-propyl, 2-hydroxy-n-propyl, 3-hydroxy-i-propyl or 2-hydroxy-i-propyl radicals. Most preferred is hydroxyethyl urea. The latter is available as a 50% aqueous liquid from the National Starch & Chemical Division of ICI under the trademark Hydrovance.

Amounts of substituted urea that may be used in the topical composition of this invention range from about 0.01 to about 20%, and preferably from about 0.5 to about 15%, and most preferably from about 2 to about 10% based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.
When ammonium salt and substituted urea are used, in a most especially preferred embodiment at least from about 0.01 to about 25%, and preferably from about 0.2 to about 20%, and most preferably from about 1 to about 15% humectant, like glycerine, is used, based on total weight of the topical composition and including all ranges subsumed therein. In yet another especially preferred embodiment, the topical composition of this invention is substantially free of silicone elastomer.
The topical composition of the present invention is intended for use primarily as a product for topical application to human skin, especially and at least as a product that may moisturize the skin. Thus, the inventors have discovered that the described shear gels unexpectedly can be used as an excellent base in a topical composition to deliver excellent sensory benefits (e.g. silkiness) when the topical composition is, for example, substantially free of silicone elastomer. Other benefits from using the topical composition of this invention may include skin lightening, decreasing the effect of sebum on the skin and skin wrinkle reducing. In an especially preferred embodiment, the topical composition of the present invention has a pH from about 4.5 to about 7.5, including all ranges subsumed therein. In yet another especially preferred embodiment, the shear gel of the present invention predominately carries additives and, therefore, is not required to entrap or encapsulate additive. Moreover, the shear gel of the present invention typically has a viscosity from about 4 000 to about 30 000, and preferably, from about 8 000 to about 25 000, and most preferably from about 12 000 to about 23 000 cps initially and after 24 hours at ambient temperature (measured with a Brookfield DV-1 Viscometer, with RV-S06 spindle, 25°C, 20 rpm).
When making the topical composition of the present invention, the desired shear gel and other ingredients are mixed in no particular order and usually at temperatures from about 50 to about 80°C and under atmospheric pressure.
The packaging for the composition of this invention can be a patch, bottle, tube, roll-ball applicator, propellant driven aerosol device, squeeze container or lidded jar.

The examples which follow are provided to illustrate and facilitate an understanding of the invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.
Example 1
2% w/w agarose shear gels were made by mixing, with shear, agarose and water in a manner consistent with the process steps of this invention. The apparatus used was a U-mixer made commercially available by Arcje Barinco Inc. 3% w/w agarose shear gels were also made by mixing agarose, with shear provided by a U-mixer, in a manner consistent with the process steps of this invention. The shear gels in this example were further processed with a homoqenizer supplied by Bee International and consistent with the processing steps described herein.
The following ingredients were combined to make topical compositions consistent with this invention. The resulting topical compositions were mixed, homogenized or both in order to produce a homogeneous end use product with biopolymer having swollen diameter consistent with this invention. Synthetic thickener was neutralized with base either before or after addition.

Topical Composition I Topical Composition II Topical Composition III
Ingredient % by Weight % by Weight % by Weight
Water Balance Balance Balance
Synthetic thickener (Carbopol Ultrez 21) 1.0 1.0 1.5
Tween 40 0,7 0.7 1.2
Glycerine 15.0 15.0 15
Preservative 0.7 0.7 0.7
Shear gel 15,0* 10.0*** --
NaOH (50% w/w aqueous) 0.6 0.5 0.5
50% aqueous solution of 1,2-dihydroxypropyitrimonium choride 8 8 8
Silicone oil 9.0 9.0 9.0
Mineral oil 1.0 1.0 1.0
Sensory modifying particle 2.0** 2.0** 2.0***
Chelator -%. ~ 0.05
Fragrance 0.3 0.3 0.3
50% aqueous solution of hydroxyethyl urea 2 2 2

* 2% w/w agarose shear gel, water solvent
polymethylmethacrylate (KOBO, ES-830) *** 3% w/w agarose shear gel, water solvent **** methylmethacrylate crosspolymer (KOBO, MSP-825)
Example 2
The topical compositions of example 1 were evaluated by panelists. All panelists applied about 0.1 mL of composition onto about a 38 cm2 section of their volar forearm and assessed the same for absorption speed and three skin feels (greasiness, stickiness and
panelists concluded that topical compositions made according to this invention were overall perceived as less sticky and greasy than the compositions made free of shear gel. The panelists also concluded that the compositions made according to this invention were perceived to absorb faster into the skin than compositions free of shear gel. Moreover, all panelists concluded that the compositions of the present invention were perceived as more silky overall than compositions deplete of the shear gel of this invention.
Example 3
The following ingredients were combined to make topical compositions consistent with
this invention.

Ingredients % by Weight
Water Balance
Synthetic thickener (Aristoflex AVC) 0.5
Chelator 0.050
Tween 40 1.2
Glycerine 3.5
Preservative 0.7
3% w/w agarose shear gel of example 1 10.0
Silicone oil 41.0
Mineral oil 1.5
Sensory modifying particle 4.000
Fragrance 0.300

The topical compositions of this example were compared to a commercially available Pond's Fine Pore product containing 40% silicone elastomer blend and no shear gel. A bilateral comparison was made by panelists and all panelists surprisingly concluded that the composition made with shear gel and consistent with this invention was, after application, comparable in silkiness to a superior commercial product containing 40% silicone elastomer blend.
Example 4
The following ingredients were combined to make topical compositions consistent with this invention and with 40% by weight shear gel. Shear gel and topical compositions were made in a manner similar to the one described in example 1.

Ingredient wt%
Water Balance
Glycerine 12.000
Preservative 0.350
Tween 40 2.000
Synthetic thickener (Aristoflex AVC) 0.750
4% w/w agarose shear gel, water solvent 40.000
The topical compositions of this example were applied by panelists- All concluded that the composition delivered a silky skin feel and were not sticky, notwithstanding the fact that 40% by weight shear gel was used.

Claims
1. A method for making a shear gel, the shear gel having been prepared from:
(a) from 0.01 to 15% by weight biopolymer particle; and
(b) water, polar solvent or both
wherein the biopolymer particle is swollen to yield a biopolymer that has a swollen
diameter in the shear gel that is from 1 to 200 microns and has been cooled with
shear through its gelation temperature;
the method comprising the steps of:
(i) combining and mixing the biopolymer particle and water or polar solvent or
both; (ii) heating the resulting mixture to a temperature that is from 35"C to 100°C
to produce a homogeneous mixture deplete of non-swollen biopolymer
particulate; (iii) cooling the homogeneous mixture with shear and through the gelation
temperature of the biopolymer until a shear gel at about ambient
temperature is recovered, wherein shearing of the gel is achieved by homogenization at a flow rate of 0.5 to 1.5 L/mrnute. an operating pressure of 1 to 45,000 psi, a back pressure of 0.001 to 6000 psi and with a homogenization nozzle that is from 0.004 to 0.01 inches.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the biopolymer is selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, furceltaran, pectin, alginate, agar, agarose, getlan, glucomannan, galactomannan, xanthan, modified cellulose, glucan, gelatin, whey protein and a mixture thereof.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the biopolymer comprises agar or agarose.
4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the biopolymer has a swollen diameter in the shear gel from 8 to 150 microns.
5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the biopolymer is swollen with water,

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the biopolymer is
swollen with polar solvent.
7. A topical composition comprising:
(i) a shear gel according to any one of the preceding claims;
and (ii) an additive
8. A topical composition according to claim 7 wherein the shear gel is prepared from
0.01 to 12% by weight biopolymer particle.
9. A topical composition according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the topical
composition further comprises cosmetically acceptable carrier.
10. A topical composition according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the polar solvent is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, glycerol, ethoxylated glycerol, propolylated glycerol, polyalkylene glycols like polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, Methylene glycol, 2-ethoxyethanol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexamatriol and a mixture thereof.
11. A topical composition according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the shear gel makes up from 1 to 99% by weight of the topical composition.
12. The topical composition according to any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the topical composition is substantially free of silicone elastomer.
13. A topical composition according to any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein the cosmetically acceptable carrier comprises dimethicone.
14. A topical composition according to any one of claims 7 to 13 wherein the additive comprises a skin lightening additive, a wrinkle-reducing agent, a sunscreen, a vitamin or a moisturizing agent.

15. A topical composition according to any one of claims 7 to 14 wherein the additive comprises hydroxypropyl tri (C1-C3 alkyl) ammonium salt, a substituted urea, glycerine or a mixture thereof.
16. A topical composition according to any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein the topical composition further comprises a surfactant, sensory modifying particle, synthetic thickener or a mixture thereof.
17. A method for making a shear gel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) chopping, cutting and/or grating a precursor block or solid specimen gel to yield gel portions or flakes having a volume of less than 6 mm3;
(b) diluting the portions or flakes with water and/or polar solvent to produce a mixture;
(c) heating the mixture to a temperature from 45° to 65° C with shear; and
(d) cooling the heated mixture, with shear, to about ambient temperature to produce the shear gel;
wherein the method comprises homogenizing the shear gel at a flow rate of 0.5 to 1.5 litres per minute at an operating pressure of 1 to 35,000 psi, a back pressure of 0.002 to 6000 psi and with a homogemzation nozzle that is from 0.004 to 0.01 inches.