| abstract |
Disclosed is a clear cosmetic gel composition in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion, and methods of forming and of using the composition. The composition has a water-based phase containing water, a cosmetically active ingredient, and at least one coupling agent; and an oil-based phase containing a material having a refractive index in the range of 1.40-1.50, silicone fluids and an alkoxylated, alkyl substituted siloxane surface active agent (e.g., dimethicone copolyol). The composition has a refractive index in a range of 1.4026 to 1.4150. Where the cosmetically active ingredient is an antiperspirant active ingredient, the composition can be an antiperspirant gel (e.g., soft gel) composition. In the refractive index range of the present invention, increased amounts of, e.g., antiperspirant active ingredient, and other high-refractive-index materials providing cosmetic benefits, can be incorporated in the water and oil phases of the composition while still achieving a clear composition. The composition can also include polypropylene glycols (e.g., tripropylene glycol), as part of the water-based phase, to provide a composition having reduced tackiness and reduced whitening (decreased residue); this composition is also mild (reduced skin irritation potential) relative to comparable commercial products. |