| abstract |
The present inventors have discovered a base composition which when mixed with one or more dispersions of hydrophobic ingredients, and in particular cationic dispersions, forms a highly stable composition which is substantially free of aggregates and in which the water and hydrophobic ingredients in the composition do not readily separate. The compositions formed may be topically, orally, nasally, anally, ophthalmically, or vaginally applied to an animal, such as a human. The base composition comprises (a) a phosphorylated starch derivative; (b) one or more co-thickening agents, such as carbomer and acrylate/alkyl acrylate crosspolymers; and (c) water. Another embodiment of the invention is a composition for topical, oral, nasal, anal, ophthalmic, or vaginal application comprising the base composition of the present invention and at least one dispersion comprising suspended particles of a hydrophobic active agent, a hydrophobic adjuvant, or a combination thereof. Yet another embodiment is a method of preparating a composition for topical, oral, nasal, anal, ophthalmic, or vaginal application. The method comprises mixing (a) the base composition of the present invention, and (b) at least one dispersion comprising suspended particles of a hydrophobic active agent, a hydrophobic adjuvant, or a combination thereof. The composition prepared is substantially free of emulsifying surfactants and the suspended particles have a diameter less than about 500 nm. Mixing may be performed with a propeller mixer or manually, i.e., by hand. Preferably, the base composition is premanufactured. Since the composition is simple and quick to prepare, custom cosmetic compositions may be prepared at the point of sale for customers in minutes. Prior to the present invention, such products would take hours to be prepared. |