WO2024142841A1 - Composition - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a composition that exhibits a novel tactile sensation different from existing compositions.　A composition according to the present disclosure includes an oil phase component and alcohol gel particles dispersed within the oil phase component.

Description

Composition

This disclosure relates to compositions that can be used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, etc.

In recent years, for example, compositions that can be used in cosmetics have been the subject of extensive research into the feel of the composition when applied to the skin, etc.

Patent Document 1 describes a thickened aqueous cosmetic preparation that has a viscoelastic ratio of 10 or more and a viscosity of 500 mPa·s or less at a shear rate of 1/s, and that when concentrated 5 times by drying to remove water, changes into a gel-like form with a viscoelastic ratio of 0.5 or less and a viscosity of 70,000 mPa·s or more at a shear rate of 1/s.

JP 2019-182810 A

For example, in the field of cosmetics, various cosmetics that provide a smooth feel and a bouncy, elastic feel are available. Compositions that provide a new feel when used that is different from conventional ones are desired in various fields, not limited to cosmetics, for example, from the viewpoint of increasing the variety of products.

The subject of this disclosure is therefore to provide a composition that provides a new and different feel when used.

<Aspect 1>
A composition comprising an oil phase component and alcohol gel particles dispersed in the oil phase component.
<Aspect 2>
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water content is 10% by weight or less.
Aspect 3
3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the alcohol gel particles are composed of an alcohol and an alcohol gelling agent.
<Aspect 4>
A composition according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the oil phase component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an oil, an alcohol, and an ultraviolet absorber.
<Aspect 5>
The composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the alcohol gel particles contain at least one selected from the group consisting of an alcohol insoluble component and an alcohol soluble component.
<Aspect 6>
A composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the alcohol gel particles contain, as the alcohol insoluble component, at least one selected from inorganic particles and organic particles.
Aspect 7
Aspect 7. The composition according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less.
<Aspect 8>
Aspect 8. The composition according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, which is used by spraying.
<Aspect 9>
A cosmetic preparation comprising the composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8.
Aspect 10
mixing alcohol and an alcohol gelling agent to form an alcohol gel;
The alcohol gel is pulverized to prepare alcohol gel particles;
The alcohol gel particles and an oil phase component are mixed to disperse the alcohol gel particles in the oil phase component.
Method for producing the composition.
<Aspect 11>
The method according to aspect 10, wherein when the alcohol gel particles and the oil phase component are mixed, at least one selected from the group consisting of an alcohol insoluble component and an alcohol soluble component is further mixed.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a composition that provides a new, different feel when used.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments below, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention.

The composition of the present disclosure contains an oil phase component and alcohol gel particles dispersed in the oil phase component.

Although not limited by any particular principle, it is believed that the principle of action that allows the composition disclosed herein to provide a new and different feel when used is as follows.

For example, when an oil gelling agent is blended into an oil phase component, typically the entire oil phase component thickens or gels uniformly. Such thickened or gelled compositions are already commercially available, for example, in the field of cosmetics, and their texture when used (e.g., moist feeling, elastic, bouncy texture) is already known.

In the composition of the present disclosure, the entire oil phase component is not thickened or gelled, but gelled alcohol gel particles are dispersed in the oil phase component. In other words, for example, a conventional composition in which the entire oil phase component is gelled is in a state similar to that of a pudding or jelly confectionery, and the gel-like material does not move around in the composition.

On the other hand, in the composition of the present disclosure, the alcohol gel particles are present in a dispersed state in the oil phase component, so the gel-like material (alcohol gel particles) can move within the composition. As a result, when the composition of the present disclosure is applied to the skin, for example, the user will initially feel the sensation of use associated with the oil phase component (e.g., a moist sensation) and the granular sensation associated with the alcohol gel particles, and as the composition is spread further, the alcohol gel particles will crumble and the encapsulated alcohol will burst, resulting in a refreshing sensation of use. This difference in the state of the gel-like material in the composition is believed to be one of the factors that causes the novel sensation of use. Note that in the present disclosure, such a sensation of use may be referred to as a "novel sensation of use, such as a granular sensation" or simply a "novel sensation of use."

In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure may contain alcohol-insoluble particles (sometimes referred to as "insoluble particles"), such as inorganic particles. Such particles are generally difficult to disperse in oil phase components and are prone to settling and caking. The composition of the present disclosure can also reduce or inhibit the occurrence of caking when insoluble particles are incorporated. The principle of this action is believed to be as follows.

If the entire composition is thickened or gelled with a gelling agent, it is believed that the non-soluble particles in the composition will be less likely to move, and therefore the phenomenon of settling and caking will be less likely to occur. However, in the composition system disclosed herein, the entire composition does not gel, and the non-soluble particles can move in the same way as the alcohol gel particles, so it was thought that it would be difficult to suppress the caking phenomenon. However, surprisingly, the inventors have found that by incorporating (e.g., adsorbing) non-soluble particles into alcohol gel particles, the caking phenomenon of non-soluble particles can be reduced or suppressed. This is because the non-soluble particles are in a state where they are protected by the alcohol gel particles, and the rate of aggregation that occurs due to collisions between non-soluble particles, etc., is reduced, and it is believed that the caking phenomenon can be suppressed.

"Composition"
The composition of the present disclosure comprises an oil phase component and alcohol gel particles dispersed in the oil phase component.

<Oily Phase Components>
The oil phase component is a component that can constitute the oil phase in the composition, and may be a single component or a combination of multiple components. The oil phase component may be appropriately blended so as to obtain a desired feel when used, and there is no particular limit to the blending amount. The blending amount of the oil phase component may be, for example, 30% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, 50% by mass or more, 60% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, or 80% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the composition. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the blending amount of the oil phase component, but it may be, for example, 95% by mass or less, 90% by mass or less, 85% by mass or less, 80% by mass or less, 75% by mass or less, or 70% by mass or less. Here, when the oil phase component is composed of multiple components, the blending amount of the oil phase component refers to the total amount of each of those components.

In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure may be a single-phase composition. Here, in this disclosure, "single phase" refers to a single phase in which the continuous phase is substantially composed of oil phase components, which may contain alcohol gel particles, but does not substantially contain oil droplet emulsion particles. Thus, in this disclosure, "single phase" may be a phase that contains any insoluble solid, such as hydrophobic particles. However, it is acceptable for the composition to contain, for example, some moisture or emulsion particles, as long as it does not affect the effects of the present disclosure.

The oil phase component is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected to obtain the intended use and the desired feel when used. The oil phase component can be, for example, at least one selected from oil, alcohol, and ultraviolet absorber. Among them, alcohol is preferred from the viewpoint of dispersibility of the alcohol gel particles described later, and lower alcohols such as ethanol are more preferred. Here, in the present disclosure, volatile oils and lower alcohols such as ethanol can be distinguished and referred to as "non-aqueous volatile components".

(Oil content)
The oil is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include volatile oil and non-volatile oil. Here, "volatile" refers to a material that exhibits a volatile content of more than 5% when left at 105°C for 3 hours under atmospheric pressure. The volatile content that serves as an indicator of volatility can be 10% or more, 20% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more, 80% or more, or 100%. On the other hand, "non-volatile" refers to a material that exhibits a volatile content of 5% or less when left at 105°C for 3 hours. The oil can be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

A. Volatile oil The amount of volatile oil is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately blended to obtain a desired feel when used. The amount of volatile oil may be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1.0% by mass or more, 3.0% by mass or more, or 5.0% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the composition. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the blended amount, and it may be, for example, 50% by mass or less, less than 50% by mass, 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 8.0% by mass or less.

There are no particular limitations on the volatile oil, and examples include volatile silicone oils and other volatile oils other than volatile silicone oils. Among these, volatile silicone oils (e.g., volatile dimethicone) are preferred from the standpoint of usability, etc. The volatile oils can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

Volatile silicone oils include, for example, volatile acyclic silicone oils and volatile cyclic silicone oils. Among these, volatile acyclic silicone oils are preferred.

As the volatile acyclic silicone oil, for example, a volatile linear silicone oil and a volatile branched silicone oil can be used. Among them, a volatile linear silicone oil is preferred.

Examples of volatile linear silicone oils include decamethyltetrasiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, ethyltrisiloxane, caprylyl methicone, and volatile dimethicone (sometimes referred to as volatile dimethylpolysiloxane). Among these, volatile dimethicone is preferred, and examples of such dimethicone include low molecular weight linear dimethicones such as dimethicone with a viscosity of 0.65 cSt, dimethicone with a viscosity of 1 cSt, dimethicone with a viscosity of 1.5 cSt, and dimethicone with a viscosity of 2 cSt. Here, these viscosities are intended to be kinetic viscosities in an atmosphere of 25°C.

Volatile branched silicone oils include, for example, low molecular weight branched siloxanes such as methyltrimethicone, tris(trimethylsilyl)methylsilane, and tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)silane.

Volatile cyclic silicone oils include, for example, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane.

b. Other volatile oils Volatile oils other than volatile silicone oils are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include volatile hydrocarbon oils. Examples of volatile hydrocarbon oils include linear or branched hydrocarbons having 8 to 16 carbon atoms. Specific examples of volatile hydrocarbon oils include octane, isooctane, nonane, isononane, decane, isodecane, undecane, isoundecane, dodecane, isododecane, tridecane, isotridecane, tetradecane, isotetradecane, pentadecane, isopentadecane, hexadecane, and isohexadecane. In addition, isoparaffin-based volatile hydrocarbon oils such as light isoparaffin can also be used.

B. Non-volatile oil The non-volatile oil may be appropriately blended to obtain a desired feel when used, and there is no particular limit to the blending amount. The blending amount of the non-volatile oil may be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1.0% by mass or more, 3.0% by mass or more, or 5.0% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the composition. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the blending amount, and it may be, for example, 50% by mass or less, less than 50% by mass, 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 8.0% by mass or less.

The type of non-volatile oil is not particularly limited, and examples include hydrocarbon oils, ester oils, silicone oils, and fats and oils. Non-volatile oils can be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

Non-volatile Hydrocarbon Oils Examples of non-volatile hydrocarbon oils include liquid paraffin, hydrogenated polyisobutene, squalane, squalene, paraffin, isoparaffin, ceresin, isododecane, isohexadecane, ozokerite, pristane, and petrolatum.

b. Non-volatile ester oils Examples of non-volatile ester oils include tri(caprylic acid/capric acid)glyceryl, pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, jojoba oil, di(phytosteryl/octyldodecyl) lauroyl glutamate, triisostearin, glyceryl diisostearate, triethylhexanoin, dimer dilinoleate (phytosteryl/behenyl), dimer dilinoleate (phytosteryl/isostearyl/cetyl/stearyl/isostearyl/cetyl/stearyl/behenyl), isopropyl palmitate, macadamia nut fatty acid phytosteryl, tetra(behenic acid/benzoic acid/ethyl) ester, glyceryl triisostearate ... Pentaerythrityl myristate, ethylhexyl palmitate, myristyl myristate, isopropyl myristate, tripropylene glycol dipivalate (PPG-3 dipivalate), diisopropyl sebacate, isodecyl neopentanoate, octyl octanoate, nonyl nonanoate, cetyl octanoate, octyldodecyl myristate, butyl stearate, hexyl laurate, decyl oleate, hexyldecyl dimethyloctanoate, cetyl lactate, myristyl lactate, isocetyl stearate, isocetyl isostearate, cholesteryl 12-hydroxystearate, ethylene di-2-ethylhexanoate Glycol, dipentaerythritol fatty acid esters, N-alkyl glycol monoisostearate, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, tripropylene glycol pivalate, diisostearyl malate, glycerin di-2-heptylundecanoate, glycerin diisostearate, trimethylolpropane tri-2-ethylhexanoate, trimethylolpropane triisostearate, pentaerythritol tetra-2-ethylhexanoate, glycerin tri-2-ethylhexanoate, glycerin trioctanoate, glycerin triisopalmitate, cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate-2-ethylhexyl palmitate glycerin trimyristate, tri-2-heptylundecanoic acid glyceride, castor oil fatty acid methyl ester, oleyl oleate, acetoglyceride, 2-heptylundecyl palmitate, diisobutyl adipate, N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid-2-octyldodecyl ester, di-2-heptylundecyl adipate, ethyl laurate, di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, 2-hexyldecyl myristate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, 2-hexyldecyl adipate, 2-ethylhexyl succinate, triethyl citrate, and C12 to C15 alkyl benzoate.

c. Non-volatile Silicone Oils Examples of non-volatile silicone oils include non-volatile dimethicone and phenyl-modified silicone.

d. Non-volatile fats and oils Examples of non-volatile fats and oils include linseed oil, camellia oil, macadamia nut oil, corn oil, olive oil, avocado oil, camellia oil, castor oil, safflower oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, triglycerin, sesame oil, persic oil, wheat germ oil, cottonseed oil, perilla oil, tea seed oil, kaya oil, rice bran oil, Chinese tung oil, Japanese tung oil, jojoba oil, germ oil, etc. Examples of solid fats and oils include cacao butter, coconut oil, hardened coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, Japan wax kernel oil, hardened oil, Japan wax, and hardened castor oil.

(alcohol)
The alcohol may be appropriately blended so as to obtain a desired feel when used, and there is no particular limit to the blending amount. The blending amount of the alcohol may be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1.0% by mass or more, 3.0% by mass or more, 5.0% by mass or more, 10% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, or 30% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the composition. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the blending amount, and it may be, for example, 50% by mass or less, less than 50% by mass, 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 8.0% by mass or less. From the viewpoint of dispersibility of the alcohol gel particles described later, the blending amount of the alcohol is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 35% by mass or more. In addition, when the composition contains a high concentration (e.g., 20% by mass or more) of alcohol as a continuous phase, the alcohol gel particles are in a state of being dispersed in the alcohol as a continuous phase, and such a composition can be called an "alcohol-in-alcohol type composition." The alcohols can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure may contain a lower alcohol such as ethanol as an oil phase component. When a lower alcohol is used, the amount of the lower alcohol may be, for example, 30% by mass or more, 32% by mass or more, or 35% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the composition, and may be 50% by mass or less, less than 50% by mass, 49% by mass or less, 47% by mass or less, or 45% by mass or less. When the lower alcohol is contained in the composition in such a ratio, the dispersibility of the alcohol gel particles can be improved and a low-viscosity composition can be obtained, so that the composition can be suitably used, for example, as a lotion, mist-type cosmetic, etc.

The alcohol is not particularly limited, and examples include lower alcohols, higher alcohols, and polyhydric alcohols. Among these, lower alcohols are preferred from the standpoint of feel when used, dispersibility of alcohol gel particles, antiseptic effect, etc.

A. Lower Alcohols Examples of lower alcohols include linear or branched monohydric alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably linear or branched saturated monohydric alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Here, the number of carbon atoms of the lower alcohol is preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 2 to 3.

Specific examples of lower alcohols include ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, and butanol. Among these, ethanol and isopropanol are preferred, with ethanol being more preferred, from the standpoint of feel when used, dispersibility of alcohol gel particles, preservative action, and the like.

B. Higher Alcohols There are no particular limitations on the higher alcohol, and for example, one having a carbon chain length of 16 or more can be used. Specific examples of higher alcohols include linear or branched higher alcohols such as lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, monostearyl glycerene ether (batyl alcohol), 2-decyltetradecinol, lanolin alcohol, cholesterol, hexyldodecanol, isostearyl alcohol, and octyldodecanol.

C. Polyhydric Alcohols The polyhydric alcohols are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol (e.g., PPG-17), polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoalkyl ether, glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, and polyglycerin.

(Ultraviolet absorber)
The ultraviolet absorbent may be appropriately blended so as to obtain desired ultraviolet protection performance, and there is no particular limitation on the blending amount.The blending amount of the ultraviolet absorbent may be, for example, 1.0 mass% or more, 3.0 mass% or more, 5.0 mass% or more, 7.0 mass% or more, or 10 mass% or more, based on the total amount of the composition.The upper limit of the blending amount of the ultraviolet absorbent is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 30 mass% or less, 25 mass% or less, 20 mass% or less, 15 mass% or less, 10 mass% or less, or 8.0 mass% or less.The ultraviolet absorbent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

There are no particular limitations on the ultraviolet absorber, and for example, oil-soluble or oil-dispersible oil-based ultraviolet absorbers can be used. Examples of such ultraviolet absorbers include benzoic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA monoglycerin ester, N,N-dipropoxy PABA ethyl ester, N,N-diethoxy PABA ethyl ester, N,N-dimethyl PABA ethyl ester, N,N-dimethyl PABA butyl ester, and diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate; anthranilic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as homomenthyl-N-acetylanthranilate; amyl salicylate, menthyl salicylate, homosalate (homomenthyl salicylate), and ethylhexyl salicylate. salicylic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as (octyl salicylate), phenyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, and p-isopropanol phenyl salicylate; octyl cinnamate, ethyl-4-isopropyl cinnamate, methyl-2,5-diisopropyl cinnamate, ethyl-2,4-diisopropyl cinnamate, methyl-2,4-diisopropyl cinnamate, propyl-p-methoxycinnamate, isopropyl-p-methoxycinnamate, isoamyl-p-methoxycinnamate, octyl-p-methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (2-ethylhexyl- p-methoxycinnamate), 2-ethoxyethyl-p-methoxycinnamate, cyclohexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, ethyl-α-cyano-β-phenylcinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl-α-cyano-β-phenylcinnamate, glyceryl mono-2-ethylhexanoyl-di-paramethoxycinnamate, 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate 3-methyl-4-[methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]butyl, and other cinnamic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers; 2-phenyl-5-methylbenzoxazole, 2,2'-hydroxy-5-methylphenylbenzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy Examples of such compounds include bis-5'-t-octylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenylbenzotriazole, dibenzalazine, dianisoylmethane, t-butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (4-methoxy-4'-t-butyldibenzoylmethane), 5-(3,3-dimethyl-2-norbornylidene)-3-pentan-2-one, bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, ethylhexyl triazone, octocrylene, polysilicone-15, oxybenzone-3, and methylene bisbenzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol. Among these, ethylhexyl salicylate, octocrylene, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate are preferred from the viewpoints of adsorption to alcohol gel particles and the associated uniform dispersion of the ultraviolet absorber.

<Alcohol gel particles>
The composition of the present disclosure contains alcohol gel particles, and the particles are dispersed in the oil phase component described above. The alcohol gel particles can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

There is no particular limit to the amount of alcohol gel particles blended, and it can be appropriately selected in consideration of the desired feel when used, or the resistance to settling when alcohol-insoluble particles such as inorganic particles are blended. The blended amount can be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1.0% by mass or more, 3.0% by mass or more, 5.0% by mass or more, 10% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, or 30% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the composition. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the blended amount, and it can be, for example, 50% by mass or less, less than 50% by mass, 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 8.0% by mass or less.

The alcohol gel particles can be prepared using the above-mentioned alcohol (e.g., a lower alcohol such as ethanol) and an alcohol gelling agent. When the alcohol contained in the oil phase component and the alcohol constituting the alcohol gel particles are the same type or the same alcohol (e.g., a lower alcohol such as ethanol), the dispersibility of the alcohol gel particles in the oil phase component can be improved, and the refractive index of the oil phase component and the alcohol gel particles will be equivalent, making the presence of the alcohol gel particles in the composition less noticeable.

The amount of alcohol constituting the alcohol gel particles, calculated relative to the total amount of the composition, can be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1.0% by mass or more, 3.0% by mass or more, 5.0% by mass or more, 10% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, or 30% by mass or more, and can be 50% by mass or less, less than 50% by mass, 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 8.0% by mass or less.

The method for forming the alcohol gel particles is not particularly limited, and for example, an alcohol gelling agent is mixed with alcohol to gel it, and the resulting alcohol gel is then crushed to obtain alcohol gel particles. The particles obtained by such a method can typically be irregular particles. Alternatively, for example, a method can be used in which alcohol and an alcohol gelling agent are added to a mold of a specific particle shape to gel it to obtain alcohol gel particles. The particles obtained by such a method can typically be regular particles. The alcohol gel particles may be composed of only irregular or regular particles, or may be in a state in which irregular and regular particles are mixed. From the viewpoint of a novel feel when used, or the resistance to sedimentation of inorganic particles and the like mixed with the alcohol gel particles, it is preferable that the alcohol gel particles be irregular. In addition to being able to provide a unique feel when used, irregular alcohol gel particles are easy to adsorb inorganic particles and the like, and therefore can further reduce or suppress particle sedimentation.

(Alcohol Gelling Agent)
The amount of the alcohol gelling agent is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 0.01 mass% or more, 0.02 mass% or more, 0.03 mass% or more, 0.04 mass% or more, or 0.05 mass% or more, calculated based on the total amount of the composition, and can be 5.0 mass% or less, 3.0 mass% or less, 1.0 mass% or less, 0.5 mass% or less, 0.3 mass% or less, or 0.1 mass% or less.

The alcohol gelling agent is not particularly limited as long as it is an agent capable of gelling alcohol. An example of an alcohol gelling agent is a hydrophilic gelling agent.

A. Hydrophilic gelling agent Hydrophilic gelling agents that are usually used in the field of cosmetics to increase the viscosity of the aqueous phase can be used. When a hydrophilic gelling agent is added to an aqueous phase, the gelling agent generally takes in a large amount of water and swells, so that it is easy to form a soft gel-like substance. As a result, it is difficult to obtain stable gel particles even if such a gel-like substance is subjected to, for example, a crushing process. On the other hand, in the present disclosure, since such a hydrophilic gelling agent is used for alcohol instead of water, a gel-like substance with a suitable hardness can be obtained, and as a result, stable gel particles can be obtained after a crushing process or the like. Such gel particles with a suitable hardness can contribute to the development of a new and unprecedented feeling of use. In addition, when such gel particles contain an alcohol-insoluble component and an alcohol-soluble component described later, these components can also be stably dispersed in the composition together with the gel particles.

The composition of the present disclosure may contain water (e.g., ion-exchanged water, distilled water, ultrapure water, tap water) as an optional component to the extent that it does not adversely affect the effects of the present invention. However, from the viewpoint of obtaining stable alcohol gel particles, the amount of water is preferably 10% by mass or less, 7.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, 3.0% by mass or less, 1.0% by mass or less, 0.5% by mass or less, or 0.1% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the composition, and it is more preferable that water is not substantially contained in the composition. Here, "substantially" is intended to mean that trace amounts of moisture present due to adsorption or the like in the components blended in the composition are acceptable. When the amount of water is such a low amount, the preservative performance of the composition can also be improved.

There are no particular limitations on the hydrophilic gelling agent, and examples include various hydrophilic gelling agents such as natural water-soluble polymers, semi-synthetic water-soluble polymers, synthetic water-soluble polymers, inorganic thickeners, etc. Among these, synthetic water-soluble polymers are preferred from the standpoint of feel when used and dispersibility of alcohol gel particles. The hydrophilic gelling agents can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

Examples of natural water-soluble polymers include plant-based polymers such as gum arabic, tragacanth gum, galactan, guar gum, carrageenan, pectin, quince seed extract, agar, and brown algae powder; microbial polymers such as xanthan gum, dextran, pullulan, and succinoglycan; and animal polymers such as collagen, casein, albumin, and gelatin.

b. Semi-synthetic water-soluble polymers Examples of semi-synthetic water-soluble polymers include starch-based polymers such as carboxymethyl starch and methylhydroxystarch; cellulose-based polymers such as methyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, stearoxyhydroxypropyl methylcellulose, cellulose sulfate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and crystalline cellulose; and alginic acid-based polymers such as sodium alginate and propylene glycol alginate.

c. Synthetic Water-Soluble Polymers Examples of synthetic water-soluble polymers include vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate copolymers, and carboxyvinyl polymers; and acrylic polymers such as sodium polyacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polyacrylamide, acrylic acid/alkyl methacrylate copolymers (e.g., (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymers), alkanolamine polyacrylates, alkyl methacrylate and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymers, poly 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, polymethacryloyloxytrimethylammonium, (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP) copolymers, (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymers, and (dimethylacrylamide/Na acryloyldimethyltaurate) crosspolymers. Among these, from the viewpoints of feel when used, dispersibility of alcohol gel particles, and the like, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer and dimethylacrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate crosspolymer are preferred.

d. Inorganic Thickeners Examples of inorganic thickeners include bentonite, laponite, hectorite, magnesium aluminum silicate, and anhydrous silicic acid.

(Alcohol insoluble components and alcohol soluble components)
In some embodiments, the alcohol gel particles of the present disclosure include at least one selected from the group consisting of an alcohol-insoluble component and an alcohol-soluble component. Since the alcohol gel particles of the present disclosure can be stably dispersed in the oil phase component, the components contained in the alcohol gel particles can also be stably dispersed in the oil phase component. Here, the components contained in the alcohol gel particles are not limited to the components incorporated inside the gel particles, but also include components present on the surface of the gel particles due to the action of adsorption or the like. For example, when improving the ultraviolet absorbing ability of the ultraviolet absorbing agent, it is preferable that such components (e.g., alcohol-insoluble components such as silica) are present on the surface of the gel particles and in the vicinity thereof.

A. Alcohol-insoluble component The alcohol-insoluble component is not particularly limited as long as it is a component that does not dissolve in alcohol. For example, at least one type of particle (insoluble particle) selected from inorganic particles and organic particles can be mentioned as such a component. Here, the "inorganic particle" in the present disclosure includes, in addition to particles made of materials called inorganic substances or inorganic compounds such as carbon, inorganic oxides, and inorganic nitrides, for example, particles called metal particles, metal alloy particles, and metal compound particles. The alcohol-insoluble component can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

The average particle diameter of the non-soluble particles can be appropriately selected so as to obtain the desired effect (e.g., UV protection effect, water resistance, feel when used, and coatability). The average particle diameter of the non-soluble particles can be determined by the average particle diameter calculated by static light scattering, and such average particle diameter can be, for example, 5 nm or more, 10 nm or more, 20 nm or more, 30 nm or more, 40 nm or more, 50 nm or more, 60 nm or more, or 70 nm or more. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the average particle diameter, and it can be, for example, 1 μm (1,000 nm) or less, 800 nm or less, 700 nm or less, 500 nm or less, 300 nm or less, 100 nm or less, 50 nm or less, 30 nm or less, or 20 nm or less. For example, the use of non-soluble particles with an average particle size of 5 to 30 nm can prevent clogging of the spray nozzle of a spray-type cosmetic container, and since uniform and dense non-soluble particles can be applied to the skin, etc., the performance of the applied composition (e.g., UV protection effect, water resistance, feel when used) can be further improved.

The amount of the non-soluble particles can be appropriately selected so as to obtain the desired effect (e.g., UV protection effect, water resistance, feel when used, and coatability). The amount can be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1.0% by mass or more, 1.5% by mass or more, 2.0% by mass or more, 2.5% by mass or more, or 3.0% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the composition. There is no particular upper limit to the amount of the non-soluble particles, but it can be, for example, 10% by mass or less, 8.0% by mass or less, 7.0% by mass or less, 6.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 4.0% by mass or less. In addition, for example, in a single-phase formulation containing a non-aqueous volatile component, the UV protection effect can be significantly improved by using non-soluble particles (especially hydrophobic particles) together with an ultraviolet absorber and, optionally, a dispersant and/or an oil gelling agent. This performance can also be referred to as "boost property" or "boost effect", and from the viewpoint of boost property, the amount of non-soluble particles blended is preferably 1.0% by mass or more, 1.5% by mass or more, 2.0% by mass or more, more than 2.0% by mass, 2.1% by mass or more, 2.3% by mass or more, or 2.5% by mass or more.

a. Inorganic particles There is no particular limitation on the material of the inorganic particles, and examples thereof include metals such as silver, copper, and aluminum, inorganic oxides such as silica (e.g., fumed silica, silicic acid, or anhydrous silica), zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium dioxide, and cerium oxide, carbon, mica, clay, chalk, talc, calcite (e.g., CaCO ₃ ), barium sulfate, zinc sulfide, silica aluminate, and calcium silicate. Among these, inorganic oxides are preferred, and silica is more preferred, from the viewpoint of improving (boosting) the ultraviolet protection performance when used in combination with an ultraviolet absorber. Silica, especially fumed silica, can also act to make uniform the film composed of non-volatile components (e.g., ultraviolet absorbers) remaining on the surface of the skin after the volatile components have volatilized. In addition, particles containing a material having a refractive index of 1.5 or more (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, barium sulfate) can also function as an ultraviolet scattering agent, so that when such particles are used in combination with an ultraviolet absorber, the ultraviolet protection performance can be further improved.

b) Organic Particles The material of the organic particles is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include acrylic, methacrylic, polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene), styrene, polyamide, silicone, polyurethane, cellulose, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, and polyhydroxybutyric acid.

The inorganic particles and organic particles described above may be hydrophobic particles. There are no particular limitations on the hydrophobic particles, and for example, the particles themselves may be hydrophobic, or may be particles that have been treated to be hydrophobic.

When the hydrophobic particles are hydrophobically treated particles, there are no particular limitations on the hydrophobizing treatment. The hydrophobizing treatment may be any treatment that can modify the surface of the particles with an organic compound to make them hydrophobic, such as silicone-based or silane-based treatments using methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, dimethylpolysiloxane (dimethicone), alkylsilane, etc.; fluorine-based treatments using perfluoroalkyl phosphate esters, perfluoroalcohols, etc.; titanate-based treatments using alkyl titanates, etc.; amino acid treatments using N-acylglutamic acid, etc.; and other examples include lecithin treatments; metal soap treatments; fatty acid treatments; and alkyl phosphate ester treatments. The hydrophobizing treatments may be used alone or in combination. The hydrophobizing treatment may be carried out using a hydrophobizing treatment agent.

Examples of silicones that can be used as hydrophobic treatment agents include known silicones that have hydrogen-silicon bonds, such as methylhydrogenpolysiloxane (dimethicone/methicone) copolymer. Other examples include triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone and triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethylhexyl dimethicone, which have an alkoxy group-silicon bond as a reactive group. In addition, dimethylpolysiloxane can also be used.

Silane-based treatment agents include, for example, silylating agents with organic groups introduced therein and silane coupling agents, such as triethoxycaprylylsilane.

Titanate-based treatment agents include, for example, titanium coupling agents such as alkyl titanates, pyrophosphate-type titanates, phosphorous acid-type titanates, and amino acid-type titanates.

B. Alcohol-soluble components There are no particular limitations on the alcohol-soluble components as long as they are components that can be dissolved in alcohol. Examples of such components include various extracts, skin nutrients, vitamins, drugs that can be applied to quasi-drugs or cosmetics, and fragrances that are soluble in alcohol. The alcohol-soluble components can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In addition, when the alcohol gel particles contain an alcohol-soluble component and the oil phase component is alcohol, the alcohol-soluble component on the surface of the alcohol gel particles may migrate to the oil phase, but the components inside the alcohol gel particles can be retained in the gel-like material without migrating to the oil phase.

The amount of the alcohol-soluble component can be appropriately selected so as to obtain the desired effect based on the component. The amount can be, for example, 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, or 1.0% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the composition. There is no particular upper limit to the amount of the alcohol-soluble component, but it can be, for example, 10% by mass or less, 7.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, 3.0% by mass or less, 2.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less.

<Optional ingredients>
The composition of the present disclosure can be appropriately blended with various components within a range that does not affect the effects of the present disclosure. Examples of such components include dispersants, oil gelling agents, surfactants (anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants), moisturizing agents, aqueous or oily polymers, sequestering agents, various extracts, amino acids, organic amines, neutralizing agents, chelating agents, UV scattering agents, skin nutrients, vitamins, drugs applicable to quasi-drugs or cosmetics, preservatives, propellants, pigments, dyes, colorants, fragrances, water, etc. Optional components can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

(Dispersant)
In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure may include a dispersant. Examples of dispersants include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxystearic acid, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and polyglycerin-modified silicone. Among them, polyhydroxystearic acid is preferred from the viewpoint of ultraviolet protection effect when used in combination with an ultraviolet absorber. Such a dispersant can also further improve the ultraviolet protection performance of a composition containing an ultraviolet absorber (especially a single-phase composition containing a non-aqueous volatile component) due to the synergistic effect with the above-mentioned non-soluble particles (especially hydrophobic particles). The dispersant can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

Polyhydroxystearic acid is a polymer of hydroxystearic acid having one hydroxyl group. The degree of polymerization of hydroxystearic acid is preferably 3 to 12, and more preferably 4 to 8.

b. Polyglycerol fatty acid ester Examples of polyglycerin fatty acid esters include polyglyceryl-2 stearate, polyglyceryl-2 oleate, polyglyceryl-2 dioleate, polyglyceryl-2 isostearate, polyglyceryl-2 diisostearate, polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate, polyglyceryl-4 stearate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate, polyglyceryl-4 tristearate, polyglyceryl-4 pentaoleate, polyglyceryl-6 laurate, polyglyceryl-6 myristate, polyglyceryl-6 stearate, polyglyceryl-6 oleate, polyglyceryl-6 tristearate, polyglyceryl-6 tetrabehenate, polyglyceryl-6 pentastearate, polyglyceryl-6 pentaoleate, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, and polyglyceryl-10 myristate. , Polyglyceryl-10 stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 oleate, Polyglyceryl-10 linoleate, Polyglyceryl-10 distearate, Polyglyceryl-10 diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 tristearate, Polyglyceryl-10 trioleate, Polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, Polyglyceryl-10 pentahydroxystearate, Examples of such polyglyceryl-10 pentaisostearate, polyglyceryl-10 pentaoleate, polyglyceryl-10 heptastearate, polyglyceryl-10 heptaoleate, polyglyceryl-10 decastearate, polyglyceryl-10 decaisostearate, polyglyceryl-10 decaoleate, polyglyceryl-10 decamademium nut fatty acid, and polyglyceryl-10 polyricinoleate are listed. Among these, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate is preferred from the viewpoint of ultraviolet protection effect when used in combination with an ultraviolet absorber.

c. Polyglycerin-Modified Silicone Examples of polyglycerin-modified silicones include linear polyglycerin-modified silicones represented by the following formula A (sometimes referred to as "polyglycerin modified at both ends with silicone").

In formula A, _R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, _R2 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 11 carbon atoms, p is 10 to 120, and q is 1 to 11. Specific examples of polyglycerin-modified silicones include bisbutyldimethicone polyglyceryl-3. Among these, bisbutyldimethicone polyglyceryl-3 is preferred from the viewpoint of ultraviolet protection effect when used in combination with an ultraviolet absorber.

There is no particular limit to the amount of dispersant used, and it can be, for example, 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.2% by mass or more, or 0.3% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the composition. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the amount of dispersant used, and it can be, for example, 5.0% by mass or less, 3.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less.

The composition of the present disclosure may contain dispersants other than those described above. Examples of other dispersants include liquid higher fatty acids (e.g., isostearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid) and sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g., sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, and sorbitan trioleate).

However, other dispersants (e.g., sorbitan sesquiisostearate and PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone) may reduce the UV protection performance when used in combination with an UV absorber, so it is preferable to incorporate other dispersants in an amount of 0.1% by mass or less, 0.05% by mass or less, or 0.01% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the composition, and it is more preferable not to incorporate other dispersants (e.g., sorbitan sesquiisostearate and PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone) in the composition.

(Oil gelling agent)
In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure may contain an oil gelling agent. The oil gelling agent is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, dextrin fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, glyceryl fatty acid ester, amino acid-based gelling agent, fatty acid or its salt, or organically modified clay mineral. Among them, amino acid-based gelling agents and/or fatty acid or its salt are preferred from the viewpoint of the feel when used and the ultraviolet protection effect associated with the combined use of an ultraviolet absorber with an optional non-soluble particle (especially hydrophobic particle) and a dispersant. The oil gelling agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The oil gelling agent does not include the above-mentioned alcohol gelling agent.

a. Dextrin fatty acid ester Dextrin fatty acid ester is an ester of dextrin or reduced dextrin with a higher fatty acid. As the dextrin or reduced dextrin, one having an average degree of glycopolymerization of 3 to 100 can be used. As the fatty acid constituting the dextrin fatty acid ester, a saturated fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms can be used. Specific examples of such fatty acids include dextrin palmitate, dextrin oleate, dextrin stearate, dextrin myristate, and dextrin (palmitate/2-ethylhexanoate).

b. Sucrose fatty acid esters Sucrose fatty acid esters in which the fatty acid is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and has 12 to 22 carbon atoms can be used. Specific examples of sucrose fatty acid esters include sucrose caprylate, sucrose caprate, sucrose laurate, sucrose myristic acid, sucrose palmitate, sucrose stearate, sucrose oleate, and sucrose erucate.

Glyceryl fatty acid esters are esterification reaction products obtained by reacting glycerin, a dibasic acid having 18 to 28 carbon atoms, and a fatty acid having 8 to 28 carbon atoms (excluding dibasic acids). Specific examples of glyceryl fatty acid esters include glyceryl (behenic acid/isostearic acid/eicosane dioic acid), glyceryl (behenic acid/eicosane dioic acid), and polyglyceryl-10 (behenic acid/eicosane dioic acid).

d. Amino acid gelling agents Examples of amino acid gelling agents include dibutyl lauroyl glutamide, dibutyl ethyl hexanoyl glutamide, polyamide-8, and polyamide-3. Among these, polyamide-8 is preferred from the viewpoints of feel when used and ultraviolet protection effect associated with combined use of an ultraviolet absorber with optional non-soluble particles (particularly hydrophobic particles) and a dispersant.

e. Fatty acid or its salt Fatty acid that is solid at room temperature can be used, and examples thereof include myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, and 12-hydroxystearic acid. Examples of fatty acid salts include calcium salts, magnesium salts, and aluminum salts. Among these, palmitic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, or salts thereof are preferred from the viewpoints of feel when used and ultraviolet protection effect associated with the combined use of an ultraviolet absorber with optional non-soluble particles (especially hydrophobic particles) and a dispersant. Here, in the present disclosure, "room temperature" refers to a temperature range of 15°C to 25°C.

f. Organically modified clay minerals Organically modified clay minerals include, for example, water-swelling clay minerals treated with quaternary ammonium salts.Specific examples of organically modified clay minerals include dimethyl distearate ammonium hectorite, dimethyl alkyl ammonium hectorite, benzyl dimethyl stearyl ammonium hectorite, and magnesium aluminum silicate treated with distearate dimethyl ammonium chloride.

There is no particular limit to the amount of oil gelling agent, and it can be, for example, 0.1 mass% or more, 0.3 mass% or more, 0.5 mass% or more, 0.7 mass% or more, or 1.0 mass% or more relative to the total amount of the composition. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the amount of oil gelling agent, and it can be, for example, 5.0 mass% or less, 4.0 mass% or less, 3.0 mass% or less, 2.0 mass% or less, or 1.5 mass% or less.

<viscosity>
The viscosity of the composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to, for example, the dosage form. The viscosity of the composition can be, for example, 3,000 mPa·s or less, 2,000 mPa·s or less, 1,000 mPa·s or less, 500 mPa·s or less, 300 mPa·s or less, 100 mPa·s or less, or 80 mPa·s or less. There is no particular limit to the lower limit of the viscosity, and it can be, for example, 1 mPa·s or more, 5 mPa·s or more, 10 mPa·s or more, 30 mPa·s or more, or 50 mPa·s or more. The viscosity can be measured using an L-type viscometer (manufactured by Shibaura Semtec Co., Ltd.) under conditions of 30°C, rotor No. 1, and 12 rpm.

The composition of the present disclosure can be used, for example, as a composition applicable to a roll-on container, or as a composition that can be sprayed with a spray (e.g., mist-type cosmetics). The composition of the present disclosure can have a low viscosity and can be suitably used as a liquid or spray composition (e.g., liquid or spray cosmetics). In addition, when the viscosity of the composition is low, in addition to the grainy feel of the alcohol gel particles, a comfortable feel when used can be provided. From the viewpoint of use in liquid or spray compositions and the feel of the composition when used, the viscosity of the composition is preferably 100 mPa·s or less, 80 mPa·s or less, 50 mPa·s or less, 30 mPa·s or less, or 10 mPa·s or less. When the viscosity of the composition is low, non-soluble particles such as inorganic particles generally tend to settle. However, in the composition of the present disclosure, such non-soluble particles that tend to settle are typically contained in the alcohol gel particles dispersed in the oil phase component, so that even under low viscosity, the settling of the non-soluble particles and the caking associated therewith can be reduced or suppressed. When the alcohol contained in the oil phase component and the alcohol constituting the alcohol gel particles are the same or the same type of alcohol (e.g., a lower alcohol such as ethanol), the dispersibility of the alcohol gel particles in the oil phase component can be further improved, so that the settling of insoluble particles and the associated caking can be further reduced or inhibited.

<Dispersibility (sedimentation)>
In the composition of the present disclosure, alcohol gel particles are dispersed in an oil phase component. The dispersibility of the alcohol gel particles and the alcohol insoluble and alcohol soluble components contained in the gel particles can be evaluated by sedimentation volume. Here, the sedimentation volume is the volume of the phase based on the alcohol gel particles, or the phase based on the alcohol insoluble or alcohol soluble components contained in the gel particles (e.g., alcohol gel particle phase, insoluble particle phase) calculated from the maximum height of the phase when the composition is added to a predetermined container and the container is left to stand for a predetermined time, and it can be said that the larger this volume is, the better the dispersibility of the components such as alcohol gel particles dispersed in the oil phase component is. The sedimentation volume can be evaluated using the device and method described in the examples below. In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure can exhibit a sedimentation volume of more than 30 mL, 40 mL or more, 50 mL or more, 60 mL or more, 70 mL or more, or 80 mL or more when a 100 mL container (sedimentation tube) is used. There is no particular limitation on the upper limit of the sedimentation volume, and it can be 100 mL or less or less than 100 mL.

<UV protection performance (SPF)>
In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure containing an ultraviolet absorber can exhibit excellent ultraviolet protection performance. The ultraviolet protection performance of the composition can be appropriately adjusted by the type and amount of ultraviolet absorber, non-soluble particles (e.g., hydrophobic particles), and dispersant, etc., blended in the composition according to the required performance depending on the usage environment, etc. Specifically, the cosmetic composition of the present disclosure can exhibit an SPF value of, for example, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, 60 or more, 80 or more, 85 or more, 90 or more, or 100 or more. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the SPF value, and it can be, for example, 200 or less, 180 or less, 160 or less, or 150 or less. This SPF value is also called the ultraviolet protection index, and can typically be a guide to the ultraviolet protection effect (initial ultraviolet protection effect) when the composition is applied to the skin, etc. The SPF value can be determined, for example, as follows.

The composition is dropped in an amount of 2 mg/ ^cm2 onto a measurement plate (S plate) (a 5 x 5 cm V-groove PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) plate, SPFMASTER (trademark) PA01), applied with a finger for 60 seconds, and dried for 15 minutes, and the absorbance of the formed coating film is measured using a Hitachi U-3500 self-recording spectrophotometer. An uncoated plate is used as a control, and the absorbance (Abs) is calculated from the following formula 1, and the measured values at 290 nm to 320 nm (UVB region) and 320 to 400 nm (UVA region) are integrated, and the sum of the integrated values in the UVB region and the UVA region is taken as the integrated absorbance value of the sample. This integrated absorbance value can be converted by a known method to calculate the SPF value. Here, T means the transmittance of the sample, and T ₀ means the transmittance of the uncoated plate:
Absorbance (Abs)=-log(T/T ₀ ) Equation 1

<Water resistance (water-resistant UV protection performance)>
In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure, which includes an ultraviolet absorber and non-soluble particles (particularly hydrophobic particles), has excellent ultraviolet protection performance (water-resistant ultraviolet protection performance) after being splashed with water or sweating. When the composition includes at least one dispersant (particularly polyhydroxystearic acid) selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxystearic acid, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and polyglycerin-modified silicone, and/or an oil gelling agent, such performance can be further improved. The water resistance performance can also be appropriately adjusted according to the required performance depending on the usage environment, etc., by the type and amount of the ultraviolet absorber, non-soluble particles (e.g., hydrophobic particles), dispersant, oil gelling agent, etc., to be blended in the composition. The water resistance performance can be evaluated, for example, as follows.

The prepared composition is dropped in an amount of 2 mg/ ^cm2 onto a measurement plate (S plate) (5 x 5 cm V-groove PMMA plate, SPF MASTER (trademark) PA01, manufactured by Shiseido Co., Ltd.), applied with a finger for 60 seconds, and dried for 15 minutes, and then its absorbance is measured in the wavelength range of 280 to 400 nm using a Hitachi U-3500 self-recording spectrophotometer. Glycerin, which does not absorb ultraviolet light, is used as a control, and the absorbance (Abs) is calculated from the following formula 2. Here, T means the transmittance of the sample, and T ₀ means the transmittance of glycerin:
Absorbance (Abs)=-log(T/T ₀ ) Equation 2

The plate that was measured is thoroughly immersed in water with a hardness of 50 to 500, and stirred in the water for 30 minutes at 300 rpm using a three-one motor. The plate is then dried for about 15 to 30 minutes until all water droplets on the surface disappear, and the absorbance is measured again. The absorbance integral rate (sometimes called the "absorbance change rate") is calculated from the integrated value (total value) of absorbance before and after the water bath using the following formula 3. Here, if the absorbance integral rate is 80% or more, the performance after the water resistance test is equal to or greater than that before the water resistance test, and therefore it can be said to have excellent water resistance (i.e., the effect of suppressing the decrease in UV protection performance when water is splashed):
Absorbance integral rate (%) = integrated value of absorbance after water bath × 100 / integrated value of absorbance before water bath ... Equation 3

Specifically, the composition of the present disclosure can exhibit an absorbance integral ratio of, for example, 80% or more, more than 80%, 85% or more, 90% or more, 93% or more, or 95% or more. There is no particular upper limit to the absorbance integral ratio, and it can be, for example, 100% or less, or less than 100%.

<Boost rate>
The "boost rate" is the ratio (percentage) of the SPF value of a test sample prepared in the same manner using a composition containing the same amount and type of UV absorber and non-soluble particles (e.g., hydrophobic particles) as the reference cosmetic to the SPF value of a composition containing a UV absorber but not containing non-soluble particles (e.g., hydrophobic particles) (sometimes referred to as a "reference cosmetic"). The value is obtained by subtracting 100 from the ratio. Therefore, when the boost rate exceeds 0%, it can be said that a better UV protection performance is obtained compared to the reference composition. It can also be said that a composition that can increase this boost rate has a UV absorber applied evenly to the skin or hair and exhibits good UV shielding performance compared to a composition that does not contain non-soluble particles (e.g., hydrophobic particles). Therefore, the uniform application state and good UV shielding performance of the composition applied to the surface of the skin or hair can be indirectly specified by this boost rate.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure that include an ultraviolet absorber and non-soluble particles (particularly hydrophobic particles) can achieve a boost rate of more than 0%, 1% or more, 2% or more, or 3% or more. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the boost rate, but it can be, for example, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less, 9% or less, or 8% or less.

<Method of Producing Composition>
An example of a method for producing the composition of the present disclosure is described below, but the method for producing the composition is not limited thereto. In addition, in the method for producing the composition, the various components described above can be used in the same manner.

The composition of the present disclosure can be produced by mixing alcohol with an alcohol gelling agent to form an alcohol gel, pulverizing the resulting alcohol gel to prepare alcohol gel particles, and then mixing the resulting alcohol gel particles with an oil phase component to disperse the alcohol gel particles in the oil phase component. In preparing the composition, heating or cooling may be performed as necessary.

There are no particular limitations on the method for crushing the alcohol gel, and it can be carried out using equipment such as a homomixer, homogenizer, disperser, or mechanical stirrer. By adjusting the stirring speed of such equipment, it is possible to obtain alcohol gel particles of the desired size.

Other manufacturing methods include, for example, preparing a mold for a specific particle shape, adding alcohol and an alcohol gelling agent, either separately or in a mixed state, into the mold and gelling them to prepare alcohol gel particles, and then removing the alcohol gel particles from the mold and mixing them with an oil phase component to disperse the alcohol gel particles in the oil phase component.

When the alcohol gel particles contain at least one component selected from the group consisting of alcohol-insoluble components and alcohol-soluble components, these components can be added, for example, at the stage of mixing alcohol with an alcohol gelling agent to obtain an alcohol gel, and/or at the stage of mixing the alcohol gel particles with an oil phase component. In particular, these components are preferably added at the stage of mixing the alcohol gel particles with an oil phase component. When these components are added at such a stage, the components are more likely to be located on or near the surface of the alcohol gel particles, allowing the performance of the components to be optimally expressed.

<Formulation of Composition>
The dosage form of the composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include liquid, gel, and spray. Among these dosage forms, liquid or spray is preferred from the viewpoint of making it easier to feel the texture associated with alcohol gel particles, i.e., the grainy feel. Here, in the present disclosure, the "liquid composition" refers to a composition in which, for example, a composition such as a beauty serum is taken on the hand or cotton and applied to the skin. In the present disclosure, the "spray composition" also refers to a composition in a container that is liquid, but such a composition is intended to be applied to the skin by a spray method. In addition, in the present disclosure, the "spray" can include a mist type spray, an aerosol type spray, and the like.

<<Use of the composition>>
The applications of the composition of the present disclosure are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and quasi-drugs.

For example, cosmetics containing the composition of the present disclosure can be contained in various containers and provided as cosmetics. There are no particular limitations on the product form of the cosmetics, and various product forms that can be used on the skin or hair, etc., can be adopted. Specific examples include lotions, beauty serums, gel-type cosmetics, spray-type cosmetics, and roll-on cosmetics (cosmetics that are applied by rolling a ball-shaped head over the skin). In particular, the composition of the present disclosure can be made to have a low viscosity, and is therefore suitable for use in lotions, beauty serums, spray-type cosmetics, and roll-on cosmetics.

In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure containing an ultraviolet absorber can also be used as a UV care cosmetic (sometimes referred to as a "sunscreen cosmetic"). A UV care cosmetic is intended to mean a cosmetic used to protect the skin, hair, etc. from ultraviolet rays (UV) contained in sunlight and fluorescent lamps. Here, "ultraviolet rays" in this disclosure means ultraviolet rays in region A (UVA), ultraviolet rays in region B (UVB), or ultraviolet rays in both region A and region B.

The composition of the present disclosure can also be suitably used as a quasi-drug such as a disinfectant. For example, a composition in which alcohol gel particles containing a component having bactericidal or antibacterial activity (e.g., silver particles) are dispersed in disinfectant ethanol as an oil phase component can exert an instantaneous bactericidal action due to the ethanol and a sustained bactericidal or antibacterial action due to the component having bactericidal or antibacterial activity.

The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the blend amounts are indicated in mass %. In addition, the various evaluation methods described in the examples are not limited to the compositions described in the examples, but can also be performed similarly on compositions containing each of the above-mentioned components.

Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6
The compositions obtained by the formulations shown in Table 1 and the manufacturing methods shown below were subjected to the following evaluations, and the results are shown in Table 1. The amount of ethanol in Table 1 is the sum of the amount used when preparing the alcohol gel particles and the amount used as an oil phase component.

<Evaluation method>
(Evaluation of feel when used)
Each composition was placed in a container equipped with a spray nozzle with a diameter of 0.3 to 0.45φ, and sprayed as a mist onto the skin of a professional panel wearing makeup. The feel when used (novel feel when used such as grainy feel) was evaluated sensorily according to the following evaluation criteria:
A: A new sensation in use, such as a grainy feel, was clearly felt.
B: Generally felt a new sensation of use, such as graininess.
C: No novel sensation such as graininess was felt at all.

(Evaluation of dispersibility: Sedimentation)
Each composition was poured into a 100 mL sedimentation tube and allowed to stand for 30 minutes. The sedimentation volume (mL) was calculated from the maximum height of the sediment after standing. From the sedimentation volume results, the dispersibility of the alcohol gel particles containing alcohol-insoluble components was evaluated according to the following criteria:
A: The sedimentation volume was more than 80 mL and not more than 100 mL.
B: The sedimentation volume was more than 70 mL and not more than 80 mL.
C: The sedimentation volume was more than 60 mL and not more than 70 mL.
D: The sediment volume was 60 mL or less.

(Evaluation of caking)
Each composition was poured into a container, covered, and allowed to stand. After one day and one month, the state of caking of the alcohol-insoluble components at the bottom of the container was evaluated according to the following criteria:
A: No caking occurred.
B: Caking was very slight.
C: Slight caking was observed.
D: Caking occurred.
E: High degree of caking occurred.

(Evaluation of redispersibility)
Each composition was centrifuged using a Hitachi centrifuge (himac CF702), and the state of the composition was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria:
A: When shaken up and down 10 times, no sedimentation of alcohol-insoluble components occurs.
B: When shaken up and down 10 times, a small portion of the alcohol-insoluble components precipitated.
C: When shaken up and down 10 times, some of the alcohol-insoluble components precipitated.
D: When shaken up and down 10 times, most of the alcohol-insoluble components precipitate.

<Method of Producing Composition>
Example 1
After mixing 10 parts by mass of ethanol and 0.03 parts by mass of an alcohol gelling agent to form an alcohol gel, the alcohol gel was crushed using a homomixer to prepare alcohol gel particles. The obtained alcohol gel particles were uniformly mixed with the remaining components such as the oil phase components listed in Table 1 to obtain the composition of Example 1. It was confirmed by an optical microscope that the alcohol gel particles thus prepared contained particles such as hydrophobic particles, which are alcohol-insoluble components. The composition of Example 1 and the compositions of Examples 2 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 below can also be referred to as single-phase compositions containing ethanol, which is a non-aqueous volatile component.

(Examples 2 to 5)
Compositions of Examples 2 to 5 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ingredients and amounts thereof were changed to those shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 1)
The various components shown in Table 1 were added to ethanol, which was an oil phase component, and mixed uniformly to obtain a composition of Comparative Example 1.

(Comparative Examples 2 to 5)
Compositions of Comparative Examples 2 to 5 were obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the ingredients and amounts were changed to those shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 6)
An alcohol gel was formed by mixing 10 parts by mass of ethanol and 0.03 parts by mass of an alcohol gelling agent. The remaining components such as the oil phase components shown in Table 1 were added to the obtained alcohol gel to obtain a composition of Comparative Example 6. Since the alcohol gel was used as it was without being made into gel particles, this composition had a two-phase structure consisting of an alcohol gel phase and an oil phase.

<result>
As is clear from the results in Table 1, when the compositions of Examples 1 to 5 containing alcohol gel particles were applied to the skin, a novel feel (such as a granular feel) was felt.

Furthermore, from the results of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 2 to 4, it was confirmed that the compositions of Examples 1 to 5, in which alcohol gel particles containing alcohol-insoluble components such as hydrophobic particles are dispersed in an oil phase component, have superior dispersibility of hydrophobic particles, etc., compared to the compositions of Comparative Examples 2 to 4, which were prepared using a general dispersant used to disperse inorganic particles, etc.

Claims (11)

A composition comprising an oil phase component and alcohol gel particles dispersed in the oil phase component. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the water content is 10% by mass or less. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alcohol gel particles are composed of alcohol and an alcohol gelling agent. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oil phase component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of oil, alcohol, and ultraviolet absorber. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alcohol gel particles contain at least one component selected from the group consisting of an alcohol-insoluble component and an alcohol-soluble component. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alcohol gel particles contain at least one type of inorganic particles and organic particles as the alcohol insoluble component. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is used by spraying. A cosmetic comprising the composition according to claim 1 or 2. mixing alcohol and an alcohol gelling agent to form an alcohol gel;
The alcohol gel is pulverized to prepare alcohol gel particles;
The alcohol gel particles and an oil phase component are mixed to disperse the alcohol gel particles in the oil phase component.
Method for producing the composition. The method according to claim 10, wherein when the alcohol gel particles and the oil phase component are mixed, at least one component selected from the group consisting of an alcohol-insoluble component and an alcohol-soluble component is further mixed.