Cationic film-forming polymer compositions, and use thereof in topical agents delivery system and method of delivering agents to the skin

Abstract

A mixture of lipophilic and amphiphilic/hydrophilic film-forming polymers of the formula (I) R--(CO).sub.m Y.sup.1 --(CH.sub.2 CHR.sup.1 O).sub.n --›CONH--Z--NHCO(OCH.sub.2 CHR.sup.2).sub.n' --Y.sup.2 --(CH.sub.2 CHR.sup.2 O).sub.n" !.sub.p --CONH--Z--NHCO--(OCH.sub.2 CHR.sup.1).sub.n --Y.sup.1 (CO).sub.m R (I) where R represents (i) an alkyl, alkenyl or alkaryl group of from 1 to 30 carbon atoms or (ii) a polypropylene oxide group or polybutylene oxide group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, each, independently, represent a hydrogen atom, or a methyl or ethyl group; Z represents a divalent linking hydrocarbyl group; m is 0 or 1; when m=0, Y.sup.1 represents O, NR.sup.3 or N.sup.+ R.sup.3 R.sup.4 X.sup.- and when m=1 Y.sup.1 represents O; Y.sup.2 represents O, NR.sup.3, N.sup.+ R.sup.3 R.sup.4 X.sup.-, (R.sup.3 NCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.t, or ›(R.sup.3 R.sup.4 N.sup.+ CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2)X.sup.- !.sub.t ; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, independently, represent C.sub.1 -C.sub.22 alkyl; X represents an anion; t is a positive integer; n and n', are each, independently, a positive number; and p is .gtoreq.0, provide a skin substantive, occlusive moisture barrier covering for skin or hair. When Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.2 are O the polymers are nonionic in character when Y.sup.1 or Y.sup.2 represents NR.sup.3 or N.sup.+ R.sup.3 R.sup.4 X.sup.- the polymers are cationic in character. The compositions have a moisturizing effect by reducing transepidermal water loss. The lipophilic or amphiphilic or hydrophilic film-forming polymers may be used individually or as mixtures as a delivery system for delivering pharmacological or cosmetic agents to the skin or hair.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.