FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to dusting powder composition in general and a talc free dusting powder in particular. There is provided a talc free dusting powder composition and a process for the preparation of the composition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Dusting powder is a fine powder used to spread on the body, preferably after bathing to relieve irritation on the skin or to absorb moisture. Various other kinds of dusting powders are also available in the market which are used as medicines for treatment of fungal infections. Dusting powder absorbs moisture and helps reduce friction, helping to keep the skin dry and prevent rashes.
[003] Most of the available dusting powders predominantly comprise talc for better slip, spreading, drying and fragrance delivery. Talc is a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen and is widely used in cosmetics, body powders and facial powders. It is a well-known fact that talc contains asbestos in its natural state. It has been proved in various clinical studies carried out by different scientific agencies that the asbestos present in talc is a carcinogenic substance. In addition to being carcinogenic, asbestos is also responsible for ‘asbestosis’; a condition characterized by chronic inflammation and scarring of the lung tissues. People suffering from this condition may experience severe shortness of breath and as mentioned above are at a higher risk of certain cancers, including lung cancer. In extreme cases, asbestosis is also believed to lead to another form of cancer called mesothelioma. For all these reasons use of talc is now restricted in many parts of the world.
[004] US 5030446 describes an oil and talc free powder composition, primarily comprising silica, nylon, mica, and polymethyl methacrylate. However, apart from the aforementioned and few such other references, little work has been done towards coming up with dusting powder compositions free of talc.
[005] Accordingly, there remains a need for a dusting powder composition which is free of talc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive; and (d) at least one active, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive; and (d) optionally at least one active, the process including the steps of: (a) obtaining at least one starch; (b) obtaining at least one alkaline earth metal salt; (c) obtaining at least one additive; (d) optionally obtaining at least one active; and (e) contacting at least one starch, at least one alkaline earth metal salt, at least one additive, and optionally at least one active to obtain a talc free composition, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight percentage is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
Definitions
[0011] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain
terms employed in the specification, and examples are delineated here. These
definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and
understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings
recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and
completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0012] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one
(i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0013] The terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense,
meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as
“consists of only”.
[0014] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word
“comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not
the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0015] The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to”.
“Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably
[0016] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which

this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to
those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the
preferred methods, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein
are incorporated herein by reference.
[0017] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific
embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification
only. Functionally-equivalent products, compositions, and methods are clearly within
the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.
[0018] In view of the above mentioned problems related to the existing dusting
powders, i.e., the presence of talc which may be carcinogenic, the present invention
provides a talc free dusting powder composition. The aforementioned composition
comprises of a combination of specific ingredients in specific amounts and the
composition is mainly based on the use of corn starch along with phosphates,
carbonates and metal oxides, thus avoiding the use of talc, to provide desired
characteristics such as slip, spreading, drying, and fragrance delivery.
[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting
powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth
metal salt; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the at least one starch to the at least
one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting
powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch selected from the group
consisting of tapioca starch, maize starch, potato starch, and combinations thereof; (b)
at least one alkaline earth metal salt; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the at least
one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of
1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free
dusting powder composition comprising: (a) maize starch; (b) at least one alkaline
earth metal salt; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the at least one starch to the at
least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt selected from the group consisting of tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and combinations thereof; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) tricalcium phosphate; (c) calcium carbonate; and (d) at least one additive, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25. [0024] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) tricalcium phosphate having weight percentage in the range of 18 – 20 % with respect to the talc free dusting powder composition; (c) calcium carbonate having weight percentage in the range of 22 - 27% with respect to the talc free dusting powder composition; and (d) at least one additive, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; and (c) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch having weight percentage in the range of 38% - 50% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of tapioca starch, maize starch, potato starch, and combinations thereof; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt having weight percentage in the range of 40% - 47% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group

consisting of tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and combinations thereof; and (c) at least one additive having weight percentage in the range of 0.5% - 1.5% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition as described herein, further comprising at least one cosmetically acceptable excipient selected from the group consisting of fragrance, colour, and combination thereof.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch having weight percentage in the range of 38% - 50% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of tapioca starch, maize starch, potato starch, and combinations thereof; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt having weight percentage in the range of 40% - 47% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and combinations thereof; (c) at least one additive having weight percentage in the range of 0.5% - 1.5% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof; (d) at least one fragrance having weight percentage in the range of 0.4%-2.0 % with respect to the talc free composition, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25. [0029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; and (c) at least one additive; and (d) at least one active selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO), salicylic acid, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; and (c) at least one additive; and (d) at least one active having weight percentage in the range of 0.1 - 20% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO), salicylic acid, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch having weight percentage in the range of 38% - 50% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of tapioca starch, maize starch, potato starch, and combinations thereof; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt having weight percentage in the range of 40% - 47% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and combinations thereof; (c) at least one additive having weight percentage in the range of 0.5% - 1.5% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof; and (d) at least one active having weight percentage in the range of 0.1 - 20% with respect to the talc free composition and selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO), salicylic acid, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch selected from the group consisting of tapioca starch, maize starch, potato starch, and combinations thereof; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt selected from the group consisting of tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and combinations thereof; (c) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof; (d) salicylic acid;

and (e) zinc oxide, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch selected from the group consisting of tapioca starch, maize starch, potato starch, and combinations thereof; (b) a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof; (d) salicylic acid; and (e) zinc oxide, wherein the at least one starch to the combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; and (c) at least one additive, the process including the steps of: (a) obtaining at least one starch; (b) obtaining at least one alkaline earth metal salt; (c) obtaining at least one additive; and (d) contacting at least one starch, at least one alkaline earth metal salt, and at least one additive, to obtain the composition, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt; and (c) at least one additive, the process including the steps of: (a) obtaining at least one starch; (b) obtaining tricalcium phosphate (c) obtaining calcium carbonate; (d) obtaining at least one additive; and (d) contacting at least one starch, tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and at least one additive, to obtain the composition, wherein the at least one starch to the a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive; and (d) at least one active, the process including the steps of: (a) obtaining at least one starch; (b) obtaining at least one alkaline earth metal salt; (c) obtaining at least one additive; (d) obtaining at least one active; and (d) contacting at least one starch, at least one alkaline earth metal salt, at least one additive, and at least one active, to obtain the composition, wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive; and (d) at least one active, the process including the steps of: (a) obtaining at least one starch; (b) obtaining tricalcium phosphate; (c) obtaining calcium carbonate (d) obtaining at least one additive; (e) obtaining at least one active; and (d) contacting at least one starch, tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, at least one additive, and at least one active, to obtain the composition, wherein the at least one starch to the a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive; (d) at least one active; and (e) at least one fragrance, the process including the steps of: (a) introducing a first portion of at least one starch into a blender; (b) contacting a first portion of at least one alkaline earth metal salt with the first portion of at least one starch to obtain a first mixture; (c) contacting a first portion of at least one active with the first mixture to obtain a second mixture; (d) contacting a first portion of at least one additive with the second mixture to obtain a third mixture; (e) contacting a second portion of at least one

starch with the third mixture to obtain a fourth mixture; (f) contacting a second portion of at least one alkaline earth metal salt with the fourth mixture to obtain a fifth mixture; (g) contacting a second portion of at least one active with the fifth mixture to obtain a sixth mixture; (h) contacting a second portion of at least one additive with the sixth mixture to obtain a seventh mixture; and (i) contacting at least one fragrance with seventh mixture to obtain the composition.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive; (d) at least one active; and (e) at least one fragrance, the process including the steps of: (a) introducing a first portion of at least one starch into a blender; (b) contacting a first portion of combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt with the first portion of at least one starch to obtain a first mixture; (c) contacting a first portion of at least one active with the first mixture to obtain a second mixture; (d) contacting a first portion of at least one additive with the second mixture to obtain a third mixture; (e) contacting a second portion of at least one starch with the third mixture to obtain a fourth mixture; (f) contacting a second portion of combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt with the fourth mixture to obtain a fifth mixture; (g) contacting a second portion of at least one active with the fifth mixture to obtain a sixth mixture; (h) contacting a second portion of at least one additive with the sixth mixture to obtain a seventh mixture; and (i) contacting at least one fragrance with seventh mixture to obtain the composition.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive; (d) at least one active; and (e) at least one fragrance, the process including the steps of: (a) introducing a first portion of at least one starch into a blender at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing for a period in the range of 2-10 minutes; (b) contacting a first

portion of at least one alkaline earth metal salt with the first portion of at least one starch at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes, to obtain a first mixture; (c) contacting a first portion of at least one active with the first mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a second mixture; (d) contacting a first portion of at least one additive with the second mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a third mixture; (e) contacting a second portion of at least one starch with the third mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a fourth mixture; (f) contacting a second portion of at least one alkaline earth metal salt with the fourth mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a fifth mixture; (g) contacting a second portion of at least one active with the fifth mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a sixth mixture; (h) contacting a second portion of at least one additive with the sixth mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a seventh mixture; and (i) contacting at least one fragrance with seventh mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, for a period in the range of 20 – 40 minutes, followed by further mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain the composition.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt; (c) at least one additive; (d) at least one active; and (e) at least one

fragrance, the process including the steps of: (a) introducing a first portion of at least one starch into a blender at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing for a period in the range of 2-10 minutes; (b) contacting a first portion of combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt with the first portion of at least one starch at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes, to obtain a first mixture; (c) contacting a first portion of at least one active with the first mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a second mixture; (d) contacting a first portion of at least one additive with the second mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a third mixture; (e) contacting a second portion of at least one starch with the third mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a fourth mixture; (f) contacting a second portion of the combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt with the fourth mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a fifth mixture; (g) contacting a second portion of at least one active with the fifth mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a sixth mixture; (h) contacting a second portion of at least one additive with the sixth mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain a seventh mixture; and (i) contacting at least one fragrance with seventh mixture at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, for a period in the range of 20 – 40 minutes, followed by further mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes to obtain the composition.

EXAMPLES
[0042] The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may vary.
Example 1
Talc-free dusting powder compositions
[0043] With the intention of coming up with a talc-free dusting powder composition
which was equal to or better than the talc-containing powder compositions in terms of
its performance on parameters like ease of spread, texture, and overall likeability, etc.,
various compositions were prepared and tested. These compositions differed from each
other in terms of weight percentages of the components used. The compositions were
tested for their performance on the following parameters:
• in use - fragrance likeability
• in use - ease of spread
• in use - texture likeability
• feeling on skin after applying
• ability to absorb sweat
• overall likeability
[0044] A panel of 15 volunteers was constituted for this purpose. Observations recorded in the tables below (Tables 1 and 2) are based on opinions of the panelists on the various compositions that were tested.

[0045] Working example 1 which comprised components in weight percentages as detailed in Table 1 was liked by the panelists on all parameters listed herein above. Table 2 provides details of a few more compositions which were prepared and tested. Non-working example 1, which had starch present in a high quantity compared to Working example 1, was not liked by the panelists for its texture, feel on skin, and overall likeability. This was further confirmed by Non-working example 2, which contained higher amount of starch, akin to Non-working example 1. Difference between Non-working examples 1 and 2 was that, while Non-working example 1 used tapioca starch, Non-working example 2 used maize starch. Panel view on Non-working example 2 was similar to that for Non-working example 1. Further, in Non-working example 3, weight percentage of tricalcium phosphate was reduced, in comparison to Working example 1, which was compensated by an increase in the

weight percentage of sodium bicarbonate. However, these changes had a negative impact, in that the ease of spread of the composition was found to be compromised. Finally, in Non-working example 4, weight percentage of calcium carbonate was kept on a lower side compared to Working example 1. Sodium bicarbonate was not a part of this composition. It was observed that, for this composition fragrance did not last for long. All these observations were recorded with reference to a control product (talc based composition), composition of which is detailed in Table 3 below. Table 3: Control product formulation (Talc based)

[0046] Based on the results obtained for the various compositions that were tried, for which the data is provided in Tables 1 – 3 above, weight percentage ranges for each component were ascertained. When the composition was devoid of any actives like zinc oxide or salicylic acid, the working weight percentage ranges are as provided in Table 4 below.



[0047] Further, for compositions comprising actives like salicylic acid and zinc oxide, the working weight percentage ranges are as mentioned in Table 5 below. While composition detailed in Table 4 is more of cosmetic dusting powder, composition of Table 5, containing zinc oxide and salicylic acid constitutes a prickly heat powder providing relief from the skin irritation typically experienced in harsh summers.

Example 2
Antimicrobial efficacy of various compositions against S. epidermidis
(Staphylococcus epidermidis)
[0048] Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) is a gram-positive, round-shaped bacterium known to be responsible for certain skin and soft tissue infections. Various

compositions, working and non-working alike, were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against S. epidermidis Results of the same are provided in Table 6 below.
Table 6

[0049] It can be inferred from the data in Table 6 that when only one of the actives were used as a part of the composition, the antimicrobial activity was comparatively low or none. When zinc oxide was a part of the composition with a weight percentage of 15.00%, a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of about 13 mm was observed (Non-working example 6). In case of Non-working examples 5 and 7, ZOI was not observed. However, when Working example 1 was tested for antimicrobial activity,

comparatively higher ZOI value was observed (17 mm, as against the theoretically predicted value of 13 mm).
Example 3
General process for the preparation of talc-free dusting powder composition [0050] The talc-free dusting powder composition was prepared using the following process: (a) a portion of starch (40 - 50%) was added into a blender and was mixed well for a period of 2 to 10 minutes; (b) a portion of alkaline earth metal salts (50%) was then added along with mixing, followed by further mixing for 15 - 30 minutes; (c) a portion of actives (40 - 50%) was then added with mixing and the mixing continued for a further 15 – 30 minutes; (d) subsequently, a portion of additive (40 - 50%) was added with mixing and mixing continued for a further 15 – 30 minutes; (e) steps a – d were then repeated in essentially the same sequence, wherein the remaining portions of all the components were added; and (f) finally, fragrance was sprayed over 20-40 minutes with mixing and mixing continued for a further 15 – 30 minutes to obtain the composition.
[0051] All compositions described in this Examples section, working as well as non-working ones, were prepared using the process described above, in Example 3. [0052] The present disclosure thus provides a talc-free dusting powder composition, comprising primarily a starch, an alkaline earth salt, and an additive. Despite being talc-free, the composition of instant disclosure exhibits all the desired characteristics expected from a good dusting powder, i.e., fragrance likeability and longevity, ease of spread, texture, superior feel on skin upon wearing the composition, ability to absorb sweat, and an overall pleasant experience.
[0053] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the present subject matter as defined.

I/We Claim:
1. A talc free dusting powder composition comprising:
(a) at least one starch;
(b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt; and
(c) at least one additive,
wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
2. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one starch is selected from the group consisting of tapioca starch, maize starch, potato starch, and combinations thereof.
3. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one starch is maize starch.
4. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one alkaline earth metal salt is selected from the group consisting of tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
5. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one alkaline earth metal salt is a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate.
6. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
tricalcium phosphate has a weight percentage in the range of 18%-20% with
respect to the talc free dusting powder composition, and calcium carbonate has
a weight percentage in the range of 22%-27% with respect to the talc free
dusting powder composition.
7. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
8. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

(a) at least one starch having weight percentage in the range of 38%-50% with respect to the talc free composition;
(b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt having weight percentage in the range of 40%-47% with respect to the talc free composition; and
(c) at least one additive having weight percentage in the range of 0.5%-1.5% with respect to the talc free composition,
wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight percentage is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
9. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprises at least one cosmetically acceptable excipient selected from the group consisting of fragrance, colour, and combinations thereof.
10. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein (a) the fragrance has a weight percentage in the range of 0.4 % - 2.0% with respect to the talc free dusting powder composition

11. The talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-11, further comprises at least one active having weight percentage in the range of 0.1 %- 20% with respect to the talc free dusting powder composition, and the at least one active is selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, salicyclic acid, and combinations thereof.
12. A talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in any of claims 1 - 11, comprising:

(a) at least one starch;
(b) at least one alkaline earth metal salt;
(c) at least one additive; and
(d) at least one active
wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.

13. A talc free dusting powder composition as claimed in any of claims 1- 12,
comprising:
(a) at least one starch;
(b) a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt;
(c) at least one additive;
(d) salicylic acid; and
(e) zinc oxide,
wherein the at least one starch to the combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as an alkaline earth metal salt weight ratio is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
14. A process for preparation of talc free dusting powder composition as claimed
in any of the claims 1-13, the process comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining at least one starch;
(b) obtaining at least one alkaline earth metal salt;
(c) obtaining at least one additive;
(d) optionally obtaining at least one active; and
(e) contacting at least one starch, at least one alkaline earth metal salt, at least one additive, and optionally at least one active to obtain a talc free composition
wherein the at least one starch to the at least one alkaline earth metal salt weight percentage is in the range of 1:0.7-1:1.25.
15. A process for preparation of preparation of talc free dusting powder
composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-13, said process comprising the
steps of: (a) introducing a first portion of at least one starch into a blender; (b)
contacting a first portion of at least one alkaline earth metal salt with the first
portion of at least one starch to obtain a first mixture; (c) contacting a first
portion of at least one active with the first mixture to obtain a second mixture;
(d) contacting a first portion of at least one additive with the second mixture to

obtain a third mixture; (e) contacting a second portion of at least one starch with the third mixture to obtain a fourth mixture; (f) contacting a second portion of at least one alkaline earth metal salt with the fourth mixture to obtain a fifth mixture; (g) contacting a second portion of at least one active with the fifth mixture to obtain a sixth mixture; (h) contacting a second portion of at least one additive with the sixth mixture to obtain a seventh mixture; and (i) contacting at least one fragrance with seventh mixture to obtain the composition. 16. The process as claimed in claim 15, wherein: (a) introducing a first portion of at least one starch into a blender is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing for a period in the range of 2 to 10 minutes; (b) contacting a first portion of at least one alkaline earth metal salt with the first portion of at least one starch is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 -35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes; (c) contacting a first portion of at least one active with the first mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes; (d) contacting a first portion of at least one additive with the second mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes; (e) contacting a second portion of at least one starch with the third mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes; (f) contacting a second portion of at least one alkaline earth metal salt with the fourth mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes; (g) contacting a second portion of at least one active with the fifth mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a

temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes; (h) contacting a second portion of at least one additive with the sixth mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, followed by mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes; and (i) contacting at least one fragrance with seventh mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, for a period in the range of 20 – 40 minutes, followed by further mixing at a temperature in the range of 15 - 35 °C, for a period in the range of 15 – 30 minutes.