COSMETIC TREATMENT PROCESS FOR A KERATIN MATERIAL

Abstract

A cosmetic treatment process for a keratin material, including placing the keratin material in contact with at least one cationic polymer with a molecular weight of between 500 and 5,000,000 daltons, and either simultaneously with or consecutively to the placing the keratin material in contact with said cationic polymer, an electric current is applied using at least one electrode for a time that is sufficient to deposit at the surface of the keratin material an effective amount of said cationic polymer.

Claims

1. A cosmetic treatment process for a keratin material, comprising: placing in the keratin material in contact with at least one cationic polymer with a molecular weight of between 500 and 5,000,000 daltons, and either simultaneously with or consecutively to placing the keratin material in contact with said cationic polymer, applying an electric current using at least one electrode for a time that is sufficient to deposit at the surface of the keratin material an effective amount of said cationic polymer, when electrically powered with a supply.

2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application of the current is performed with a mean current density at the surface of contact with the keratin materials of between 0.01 mA/cm.sup.2 rms and 1 mA/cm.sup.2 rms.

3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the current is applied for a time of between 30 seconds and 30 minutes.

4. The process as claimed in claim 1, comprising the simultaneous delivery of a continuous current and a pulsed current and the generation of a pulsed current stimulus with a mean current density on the surface of the keratin materials ranging from 0.05 mA/cm.sup.2 rms to 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2 rms, a pulse time ranging from 200 microseconds to 300 microseconds and a pulse frequency ranging from 100 Hz to 300 Hz.

5. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein current intensity is modified for the purposes of locally adjusting a given degree of deposition of the cationic polymers on a keratin material.

6. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein which the current intensity is modified as a function of location on the keratin materials, in which the keratin materials are hair and the current intensity is varied according to the location on the hair spanning from the root of the hair to the end of the hair.

7. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein which the current intensity is modified as a function of a locally detected characteristic, especially a color.

8. The process as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an additional step consecutive to the step of applying the electric current, the additional step comprising placing in contact of the deposited cationic polymers with the anionic form of an additional cosmetic active agent and/or care active agent, chosen especially from dyestuffs.

9. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cationic polymer has a cationic charge density at least equal to 0.7, ranging from 0.9 to 7 meq/g.

10. The process as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a) the generation of a continuous current stimulus with a mean current density of between 0.01 mA/cm.sup.2 rms and 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2 rms; and b) the generation of a current stimulus, especially a unidirectional pulsed current with a mean current density of between 0.01 mA/cm.sup.2 rms and 10 mA/cm.sup.2 rms, a pulse time ranging from 10 microseconds to 500 microseconds; and a pulse frequency ranging from 10 Hz to 500 Hz, the continuous current and the pulsed current being applied for a time that is sufficient to deposit said cationic polymer on the surface.

11. A device for the cosmetic treatment of keratin materials, for the use of the treatment process as claimed in claim 1, when the device is electrically powered by a supply.

12. A kit comprising: a) a topical composition for caring for and/or washing keratin materials, comprising at least an effective amount of at least one cationic polymer with a molecular weight ranging from 500 to 5,000,000 daltons, and b) a device for treatment by applying an electric current, which is suitable for performing a process as claimed in claim 1, when the device is electrically powered by a supply.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0125] The invention may be understood better from reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments thereof and from studying the appended drawing, in which:

[0126] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example of a device according to the invention,

[0127] FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate implementation variants,

[0128] FIG. 4a illustrates the deposition of a cationic polymer onto the hair, and

[0129] FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate electric current stimuli according to various embodiments.

[0130] FIG. 1 shows a treatment device 1 for performing the process according to the invention on the skin P.

[0131] The device 1 comprises, in the described example, a handle member 3 bearing a positively charged application electrode 5 intended to allow the application of an electric current to the keratin materials, when the device is electrically powered by a supply 10, and also the application and spreading of the cationic polymer C+ onto the surface of the keratin materials P to be treated.

[0132] In the described example, the device 1 comprises a composition reservoir 7 allowing the application electrode 5 to be supplied with the composition. This reservoir may be in the form of a removable cartridge. The use of several cartridges of different compositions is possible. Thus, the composition may be dispensed gradually as it is applied to the keratin materials, especially the skin P.

[0133] The device 1 also comprises a counterelectrode 9, which is attached to the handle member 3 of the device 1.

[0134] As a variant, the counterelectrode 9 is intended to be held in the user's other hand, then being separate from the handle member 3 of the device 1 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0135] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 also differs from that of FIG. 1 in that it lacks a reservoir 7, but comprises a porous, electrically conductive absorbent substrate intended to be impregnated with the composition, which goes with the application electrode 5.

[0136] Implementation examples for performing the process according to the invention on the hair H are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. These devices are in the form of a comb comprising electrically conductive teeth 12 allowing the hairs to pass through so that the cationic polymer C+ is applied thereon. The gap e between the teeth may especially be between 70 and 120 μm, as illustrated in FIG. 4a, which shows a hair H in cross section.

[0137] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the device comprises a counterelectrode 9 attached to the handle member 3 of the device 1. In addition, the device therein lacks a reservoir.

[0138] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the device comprises a reservoir 7 for dispensing the composition on the teeth 12 and for allowing its application onto the hair. The counterelectrode 9 is separate from the handle member 3 of the device 1.

[0139] FIGS. 5-7 show embodiments of representative current density waveforms emitted by the iontophoresis device.

[0140] FIG. 5 shows a first current density waveform for the deposition of cationic polymers onto keratin materials via the use of iontophoresis.

[0141] The current density waveform is regulated about a constant value for the duration or a part of the iontophoresis treatment. A current density waveform regulated at a constant value is referred to as a continuous current, and the terms “constant current”, “galvanic current” and “continuous current” are interchangeable. The current density is defined by units in amperes per unit area (of the cross section of the active electrode).

[0142] Whereas FIG. 5 shows a certain value and a certain time for the continuous current density, it should be understood that the values shown are given for illustrative purposes. In one embodiment of the continuous current waveform of FIG. 5, the current density is constant and regulated at or below 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2. In one embodiment of the continuous current waveform of FIG. 5, the current density is constant and regulated at or below 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2. In one embodiment of the continuous current waveform of FIG. 5, the current density is constant and regulated between 0.01 mA/cm.sup.2 and 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2. In one embodiment of the continuous current waveform of FIG. 5, the current density is constant and regulated at any one of the following values: 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2 or in a range between any two values serving as limit points. In one embodiment of the continuous current waveform of FIG. 5, the amplitude is constant at any one of the above values and the electric current is applied for a time of at least 1 minute. In one embodiment of the continuous current waveform of FIG. 5, the amplitude is constant at any one of the above values and the electric current is applied for a time of 10 to 20 minutes. In one embodiment of the continuous current waveform of FIG. 5, the amplitude is constant at any one of the above values and the electric current is applied for a time (in minutes) of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60 or in any range between any two values serving as limit points.

[0143] FIG. 6 shows a second current density waveform for the deposition of cationic polymers onto keratin materials via the use of iontophoresis. The current density waveform is regulated as positive pulses. The pulses of FIG. 6 are single-phase, which means that the current is unidirectional. A pulse of FIG. 6 has a maximum amplitude. The pulse waveform will increase from a minimum amplitude, will reach the maximum amplitude and will then decrease to the minimum amplitude, will remain at the minimum amplitude, and the cycle will be repeated. A pulse is counted from the minimum amplitude until it reaches the maximum amplitude and then returns to the minimum amplitude. Thus, a pulse does not comprise the period of the minimum amplitude. A pulse cycle comprises the period at the minimum amplitude. When the pulse cycle frequency is indicated, the durations of the maximum and minimum amplitudes are not modified.

[0144] In one embodiment, the pulse wave is expressed so as to present a duty cycle percentage. In one embodiment, the expression of a duty cycle percentage relative to a pulse wave means that the electric current is on for the duty cycle percentage. For example, a 50% duty cycle means that the electric current is on for 50% and off for 50% of the pulse cycle, a 30% duty cycle means that the electric current is on for 30% and off for 70% of the pulse cycle. In one embodiment, the duty cycle percentage of unidirectional pulses is 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or any range between two values serving as limit points. In one embodiment, the duty cycle percentage of biphasic pulses is 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or any range between two values serving as limit points. In one embodiment, the pulse, meaning the “on” period, may be expressed as a duration having time units. In one embodiment, the “off” period of the pulse may be expressed as a duration. In one embodiment, the frequency of a pulse will be expressed in hertz, meaning cycles per second. In one embodiment, the pulses may be inverted by alternating the polarities of the first and the second electrode between positive and negative. In one embodiment, the biphasic pulses, the alternating pulses, the bidirectional pulses and the inverted pulses have the same meaning. In one embodiment, negative current density pulses will be followed by positive current density pulses, without remaining at a minimum. A pulse waveform comprising current density pulses that are both positive and negative will comprise a maximum value for the negative pulses, a maximum value for the positive pulses and the values must not be identical. In addition, in one embodiment, the duration of the negative current density pulse must not be the same duration as a positive current density pulse. In one embodiment, the duration of the pulses must not have the same duration, independently of whether the pulses are negative or positive.

[0145] In one embodiment, a pulse waveform may combine two or more pulse waveforms. In one embodiment, a pulse waveform may comprise negative pulses followed by positive pulses, thus having a maximum amplitude and a minimum amplitude for the negative pulses and a maximum amplitude and a minimum amplitude for the positive pulses.

[0146] Whereas FIG. 6 shows certain current density values of the maximum and minimum pulse amplitudes and pulse time values, it should be understood that the values shown are given purely for illustrative purposes. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the current density is regulated as pulses and each pulse maximum is regulated at not more than 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 and the minimum amplitude is 0. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the current density is regulated as pulses and each pulse maximum is regulated at or below 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and the minimum amplitude is 0. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the current density is regulated as pulses and each pulse maximum is regulated between 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 and 1 mA/cm.sup.2 and the minimum amplitude is 0. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the current density is regulated as pulses and each pulse maximum is regulated at or below 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 and the minimum amplitude is 0. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the current density is regulated as pulses and each pulse maximum is regulated at 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5 . . . mA/cm.sup.2 or in the range between any two values serving as limit points.

[0147] In one embodiment, the pulse has a positive constant slope (different from the vertical) up to the maximum amplitude, followed by a time at the constant maximum amplitude, followed by a negative constant slope (different from the vertical) down to 0, followed by a time at 0. In one embodiment, the minimum may be other than 0. In one embodiment, the slope may be other than constant, for example exponential. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the pulses are not triangular. In one embodiment of FIG. 6, the pulses are a square wave, the maximum and minimum amplitudes having the same duration. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the pulses are a non-square wave. Certain embodiments of non-square waves comprise sinusoidal, sawtooth and triangular pulse waves, rectangular pulses, with exponential decrease and the like or corresponding combinations.

[0148] In one embodiment of FIG. 6, the duration of the maximum amplitude of the pulses is less than the duration of the minimum amplitude between the pulses. In one embodiment of FIG. 6, the duration of the maximum amplitude of the pulses is greater than the duration of the minimum amplitude between the pulses. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the minimum amplitude is 0 mA/cm.sup.2 (milliamperes per square centimeter). In one embodiment of FIG. 6, the minimum amplitude is greater than 0 mA/cm.sup.2 (which means that it is positive relative to FIG. 6). In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the maximum (and minimum) amplitude may increase from one pulse to another. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the maximum (and minimum) amplitude may decrease from one pulse to another. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the maximum (and minimum) amplitude may increase from one pulse to another and then decrease from one pulse to another and repeat. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the current density is regulated as pulses at any of the above values and the pulse frequency is from 1 Hz to 2000 Hz. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the current density is regulated as pulses at any of the above values and each pulse cycle has a duration of between 5 microseconds and 500 milliseconds. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the current density is regulated as pulses, the pulse frequency is 2000 Hz and each pulse has a duration of 250 microseconds.

[0149] In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the iontophoresis treatment is applied for a time of from 1 to 5 minutes. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 6, the iontophoresis treatment is applied for a time (in minutes) of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 or in any range between any two values serving as limit points. In one embodiment of the pulse waveform of FIG. 6, the electric current is applied as pulses for a time (in minutes) of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60 or any range between any two values serving as limit points.

[0150] FIG. 7 shows a third current density waveform for the deposition of cationic polymers onto keratin materials via the use of iontophoresis. In one embodiment, the current density waveform is regulated as positive single-phase pulses or as biphasic pulses and intermediate pulses. In one embodiment, the current density is regulated as a constant continuous current. FIG. 7 shows a synchronous mode of application of two waveforms. The two waveforms in combination are applied synchronously for the duration or any part of the iontophoresis treatment. In particular, the pulse wave has an on period and an off period. By superposition of the pulse wave over the constant continuous current, the current profile shows the pulse which starts at the constant value of the constant continuous current. The pulse reaches a maximum for the predetermined time, then the profile returns to 0. After the off period, starting from the value 0, the constant continuous current is applied up to the next pulse. Thus, the current density of the waveform may be described as the addition of the constant continuous current of a first amplitude to a pulse of a second amplitude, the pulse having an off period before applying the continuous current again. A pulse is counted from the continuous current amplitude until it reaches the maximum pulse amplitude and then returns to the minimum amplitude or to 0. Thus, a pulse does not comprise the period of the minimum amplitude at 0. A pulse cycle comprises the period at the minimum amplitude. When the pulse cycle frequency is indicated, the durations of the maximum and minimum amplitudes are identical.

[0151] In one embodiment, the pulse is expressed so as to present a duty cycle percentage. In one embodiment, the expression of a duty cycle percentage relative to a pulse wave means that the electric current is on for the duty cycle percentage. For example, a 50% duty cycle means that the electric current is on for 50% and off for 50% of the pulse cycle, a 30% duty cycle means that the electric current is on for 30% and off for 70% of the pulse cycle. In one embodiment, the duty cycle percentage of unidirectional pulses is 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or any range between two values serving as limit points. In one embodiment, the percentage of a respective biphasic pulse is 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or any range between any two values as limit points. In one embodiment, the pulse, meaning the “on” period, may be expressed as a duration. In one embodiment, the “off” period of the pulse may be expressed as a duration. In one embodiment, the pulse wave will be expressed in hertz, meaning cycles per second. In one embodiment, the pulses may be inverted by alternating the polarities of the first and the second electrode between positive and negative. In one embodiment, the biphasic pulses, the alternating pulses and the inverted pulses have the same meaning. In one embodiment, negative current density pulses will be followed by positive current density pulses, without remaining at a minimum. A pulse waveform comprising current density pulses that are both positive and negative will comprise a maximum value for the negative pulses, a maximum value for the positive pulses and the values must not be identical. In addition, in one embodiment, the duration of the negative current density pulse must not be the same duration as a positive current density pulse. In one embodiment, the duration of the pulses must not have the same duration, independently of whether the pulses are negative or positive.

[0152] In one embodiment, a pulse waveform may combine two or more pulse waveforms. In one embodiment, a pulse waveform may comprise negative pulses followed by positive pulses, thus having a maximum amplitude and a minimum amplitude for the negative pulses and a maximum amplitude and a minimum amplitude for the positive pulses.

[0153] Whereas FIG. 7 shows certain current density values of the maximum and minimum pulse amplitudes and pulse time values, it should be understood that the values shown are given purely for illustrative purposes. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the current density is regulated as pulses and each pulse maximum is regulated at not more than 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 and the minimum amplitude is 0. This means that the addition of the pulse to the continuous current is 0.4 mA/cm.sup.2. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the current density is regulated as a continuous current in combination with pulses and each pulse maximum is at or below 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2 and the minimum amplitude is 0 and the continuous current is regulated at or below 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the current density is regulated as a continuous current in combination with pulses and each pulse maximum is regulated between 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 and 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2 and the minimum amplitude is 0 and the continuous current is regulated between 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 and 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the current density is regulated as a continuous current in combination with pulses and each pulse maximum is regulated at or below 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 and the minimum amplitude is 0 and the continuous current is regulated at or below 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the current density is regulated as a continuous current in combination with pulses and the continuous current and each pulse maximum is regulated at 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2 or in the range between any two values serving as limit points.

[0154] In one embodiment of FIG. 7, the pulses are triangular with a defined maximum and a defined minimum, the maximum and minimum amplitudes having the same duration. In particular, the pulse has a positive constant slope (different from the vertical) up to the maximum amplitude, followed by a period at the constant maximum amplitude, followed by a negative constant slope (different from the vertical) down to 0, followed by a period at 0. In one embodiment, the minimum may be other than 0. In one embodiment, the slope may be other than constant, for example exponential. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the pulses are not triangular. Certain embodiments of pulse waveforms comprise sinusoidal, sawtooth and square pulse waves, with exponential decrease and the like or corresponding combinations.

[0155] In one embodiment of FIG. 7, the duration of the maximum amplitude of the pulses is less than the duration of the minimum amplitude between the pulses. In one embodiment of FIG. 7, the duration of the maximum amplitude of the pulses is greater than the duration of the minimum amplitude between the pulses. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the minimum amplitude is 0 mA/cm.sup.2. In one embodiment of FIG. 7, the minimum amplitude is greater than 0 mA/cm.sup.2 (which means that it is positive relative to FIG. 7) or negative relative to the continuous current (which means that its polarity is opposite to that of the continuous current). In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the maximum (and minimum) amplitude may increase from one pulse to another. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the maximum (and minimum) amplitude may decrease from one pulse to another. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the maximum (and minimum) amplitude may increase from one pulse to another and then decrease from one pulse to another and repeat.

[0156] In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the current density is regulated as a continuous current in combination with pulses at any of the above values and the pulse frequency is from 0.2 Hz to 500 Hz, with a corresponding pulse time of from 0.5 second to 0.0025 second. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the pulse interval is 0.002 . . . 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0 seconds. In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the iontophoresis treatment is applied for a time of from 1 to 20 minutes.

[0157] In one embodiment of the current waveform of FIG. 7, the iontophoresis treatment is applied for a time (in minutes) of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 or in any range between any two values serving as limit points. In one embodiment of the pulse waveform of FIG. 7, the electric current is applied as a continuous current and as pulses for a time (in minutes) of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60 or any range between any two values serving as limit points.

[0158] In one embodiment of FIG. 7, the pulses are applied at a frequency of from 1 Hz to 200 Hz, each pulse being, respectively, from 1 second to 0.005 second. In one embodiment of FIG. 7, the pulses are applied at a frequency of 200 Hz, each pulse being 0.005 second.

[0159] In one embodiment, the current waveforms of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 may be combined to give combinations of waveforms for the deposition of cationic polymers onto keratin materials via the use of iontophoresis. In one embodiment, the current waveform of any one of FIGS. 5-7 is applied for a first period, followed by a current waveform different from any one of FIGS. 5-7 for a second period, or vice versa. In one embodiment, two or more different current waveforms may be cycled throughout the treatment by an electric current. The particular features of the waveform as described above for FIGS. 2-4 are similarly applicable to combined treatments applying the two or more different waveforms. That is to say, any one or more of the embodiments of the continuous current waveform may be combined with any one or more of the pulse waveforms sequentially or simultaneously or with off period intervals.

[0160] In the case of the waveforms of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the maximum peak to peak voltage is 99 volts. In one embodiment the maximum electric current transmission time is 120 minutes during the iontophoresis treatment.

EXAMPLES

[0161] Various tests were performed in order to evaluate in vitro the capacity of iontophoresis to increase the attachment of cationic polymers according to the invention to bodily hairs or the skin.

[0162] To do this, compositions comprising two different cationic polymers were applied according to the protocols detailed below to samples of hairy pig ear skin (the term “sample” is used hereinbelow to denote them) measuring 2 cm×2 cm, cleaned beforehand using a shampoo, or on skin samples.

[0163] The two cationic polymers tested are: [0164] Polyquaternium-10 (Ucare® Polymer JR-400 sold by The Dow Chemical Company); and [0165] Polyquaternium-6 (Merquat® 100 sold by Lubrizol).

Example 1

[0166] A. Preparation and Treatment of the Bodily Hair Samples

[0167] a. Application of the Polymer

[0168] After cleaning the samples with shampoo, they are wetted with water, the excess water being removed manually.

[0169] The samples are then placed in a diffusion cell known as a Franz cell, and a magnetic stirrer is placed in the receptor compartment.

[0170] The edges of the donor and receptor compartments are then impregnated with a vacuum silicone (Rhodorsil silicones, Rhodia Siliconi) and the sample is placed between these compartments, the stratum corneum side of the sample facing the donor compartment.

[0171] Once the system has been attached using a clip, the receptor compartment is filled with 6 mL of an NaCl (150 mM)—HEPES (20 mM) pH 7.4 solution.

[0172] 0.2 g of test polymer is then added to the donor compartment, followed by gentle massaging for 30 seconds by finger to impregnate the hairs with the test polymer.

[0173] A further 0.2 g of the polymer formulation tested is added to the donor compartment.

[0174] b. Applied Treatment

[0175] Each polymer formulation tested is left either for 5 minutes or for 20 minutes on the sample at 37° C. with magnetic stirring (200 rpm).

[0176] Furthermore, in each of these situations and for each of the formulations tested, either the formulation applied is allowed to diffuse passively, or the sample is subjected to anodic iontophoresis (0.5 mA/cm.sup.2-0.39 mA).

[0177] The sample subjected to iontophoresis is connected by means of a salt bridge to a flask containing 150 mM of NaCl and 20 mM of a HEPES buffer at pH 7.4.

[0178] The electrodes are then placed in the appropriate compartments: the anode in the flask connected to the donor compartment and the cathode in the receptor compartment.

[0179] The electrodes are connected to a KEPCO BHK-MG 0-2000V current-generating device from the company KEPCO, Inc., Flushing, NY(USA).

[0180] The current density and its intensity are indicated above.

[0181] The following eight treatments are tested: [0182] composition with Polyquaternium-10 for 5 minutes without iontophoresis; [0183] composition with Polyquaternium-10 for 5 minutes with iontophoresis; [0184] composition with Polyquaternium-10 for 20 minutes without iontophoresis; [0185] composition with Polyquaternium-10 for 20 minutes with iontophoresis; [0186] composition with Polyquaternium-6 for 5 minutes without iontophoresis; [0187] composition with Polyquaternium-6 for 5 minutes with iontophoresis; [0188] composition with Polyquaternium-6 for 20 minutes without iontophoresis; [0189] composition with Polyquaternium-6 for 20 minutes with iontophoresis.

[0190] After 5 or 20 minutes, the samples are rinsed with running water while passing the fingers between the hairs 10 times for 10 seconds. The excess water is removed manually or with a hairdryer (10 minutes at 60° C.).

[0191] c. Revelation of the Samples

[0192] A solution of Red 80 dye is prepared and used for the revelation of the samples.

[0193] The dye Red 80 is a water-soluble polyazo dye of direct type comprising 6 sulfonate functions. These anionic sites make it possible to reveal the cationic compounds present on the fiber. Thus, at the end of the experiment, the efficiency of attachment of the cationic polymers will be proportional to the intensity of the red color observed on the hairs of the treated sample.

[0194] A first solution prepared comprises: [0195] 0.4665 g of Red 80 dye; [0196] 0.125 mL of glacial acetic acid; and [0197] a sufficient quantity (qs) of deionized water to make up to 100 mL.

[0198] The final solution applied to the samples comprises: [0199] 10.8 g of the Red 80 solution indicated above; and [0200] qs of deionized water to make up to 54 g.

[0201] Each of the samples mentioned above is immersed in 1 mL of this final solution for 5 minutes without stirring, along with a sample which has undergone the same steps as the samples discussed above, except that it has not been placed in contact with a cationic polymer (negative control).

[0202] The samples are then rinsed five times with deionized water. Between each rinse, the samples are soaked in this deionized water for 1 minute.

[0203] Once these rinses have been performed, the excess water is removed manually and the samples are dried with a hairdryer at 70° C. for 15 minutes, before being observed.

[0204] B. Results

TABLE-US-00001 Application time (min) Without iontophoresis With iontophoresis 5 3 5 20 4 7

[0205] Results Obtained with Polyquaternium-10

TABLE-US-00002 Application time (min) Without iontophoresis With iontophoresis 5 7 8 20 7 10

[0206] Results Obtained with Polyquaternium-6

[0207] The values indicated in the above tables correspond to scores evaluated by observation with the naked eye, on a color intensity scale ranging from 1 (virtually no color observed) to 10 (highly colored).

[0208] No attachment of the dye Red 80 is observed on the control samples not exposed to a cationic polymer. Consequently, the color observed for the other samples may be attributed to the deposition of these polymers onto the hairs.

[0209] No substantial deposition is observed with Polyquaternium-10 in the absence of iontophoresis, either after 5 or 20 minutes of treatment. Conversely, a significantly stronger slight color is clearly observed after 5 minutes, and especially after 20 minutes, of treatment with application of iontophoresis.

[0210] With Polyquaternium-6, a slight color is observed after 5 or 20 minutes in the absence of iontophoresis. However, a significantly stronger color is observed in both cases when the hairs have been subjected to iontophoresis.

[0211] Consequently, irrespective of the cationic charge of the cationic polymer used, an improvement in the attachment of this polymer to the hairs is observed when they are subjected to the application of the electric current when compared with a treatment in the absence of a current. This improvement is also significant on the homogeneity of the observed deposit.

[0212] Moreover, the more positively charged the cationic polymer used, the greater the improvement in attachment imparted by the step of applying the current.

Example 2

[0213] Skin samples are prepared and treated according to a methodology identical to that detailed in Example 1. These samples also consist, as indicated previously, of pig ear skin samples.

[0214] The results obtained are shown in the tables below:

TABLE-US-00003 Application time (min) Without iontophoresis With iontophoresis 5 5 5 20 5 5

[0215] Results Obtained with Polyquaternium-10

TABLE-US-00004 Application time (min) Without iontophoresis With iontophoresis 5 6 7 20 6 10

[0216] Results Obtained with Polyquaternium-6

[0217] The values indicated in the above tables correspond to scores evaluated by observation with the naked eye, on a color intensity scale ranging from 1 (virtually no color observed) to 10 (highly colored).

[0218] No attachment of the dye Red 80 is observed on the control samples not exposed to a cationic polymer. Consequently, the color observed for the other samples may be attributed to the deposition of these polymers onto the hairs.

[0219] No substantial deposition is observed with Polyquaternium-10 or Polyquaternium-6 in the absence of iontophoresis, either after 5 or 20 minutes of treatment. The skin is only slightly colored.

[0220] After treatment with application of iontophoresis, the behavior of Polyquaternium-10 on the skin is very different from that of Polyquaternium-6.

[0221] Specifically, no color difference is observed on the skin for Polyquaternium-10 after 5 minutes or 20 minutes of treatment with application of iontophoresis, relative to the color obtained in the absence of application of iontophoresis.

[0222] Conversely, a significantly stronger color is observed on the skin after 5 minutes or 20 minutes of treatment with application of iontophoresis for Polyquaternium-6, in particular after treatment of more than 5 minutes, in particular after a treatment of 20 minutes. This improvement is also significant on the homogeneity of the observed deposit.

[0223] These results confirm that the skin is much less negatively charged than the hairs. Results of post-treatment coloring with iontophoresis are thus indeed obtained, but with a polymer of the invention that is highly positively charged (Polyquaternium-6). A less positively charged polymer (Polyquaternium-10) thus has greater difficulty in being attached to a weakly negatively charged keratin material such as the skin during the application of the treatment with iontophoresis.