Abstract: A distributive and dispersive mixing apparatus comprising two confronting surfaces (1,2) having cavities (3) therein which on relative motion of the surfaces function as a cavity transfer mixer (CTM) or controlled deformation dynamic mixer (CDDM) or both, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the normal separation of the confronting surfaces varies in the direction of bulk flow, so as to define a plurality of regions of successive closer and wider spacing of the confronting surfaces.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic composition comprising solid particulates of 2-hydroxystearic acid having a particle size distribution such that 99% or more by weight have a particle size of less than 125 microns and a method of manufacture of such a composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a distributive and dispersive mixing apparatus of the CDDM or CTM type comprising two spaced-apart mutually rotatable confronting surfaces (1, 2) having cavities (3) therein. The surfaces have preferably relatively widely-spaced, axially-disposed confronting surfaces which alternate with preferably relatively narrowly-spaced, radially-disposed confronting surfaces, thereby preventing any leakage flow through the mixer and allowing expansion during operation with reduced danger of contact of the radially-disposed confronting surfaces.

Abstract: A distributive and dispersive mixing apparatus comprising two confronting surfaces (1,2) having cavities (3) therein which on relative motion of the surfaces function as a cavity transfer mixer (CTM) or controlled deformation dynamic mixer (CDDM) or both, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the normal separation of the confronting surfaces varies in the direction of bulk flow, so as to define a plurality of regions of successive closer and wider spacing of the confronting surfaces.

Abstract: A distributive and dispersive mixing apparatus of the CDDM type comprising two confronting surfaces as being the inner surface of shell (4) and the outer surface of fixed cage (2)) and at least one cage-like member (3) disposed between the confronting surfaces said cage-like member (3) defining passages for fluid flow adjacent at least one of the confronting surfaces CHARACTERISED IN THAT the or at least one cage-like member (3) has a relative rotational movement but is not freely rotating relative to at least one of the confronting surfaces and/or at least one other cage-like member, and the bulk fluid flow within the mixing apparatus is in the plane of the surface of the or at least one cage-like member perpendicular to the direction of relative rotational movement.

Abstract: Cellobiose esters and particularly &agr; cellobiose octanonanoate has been found able to structure water-immiscible liquids well, and in particular can produce clear structured emulsions. However, such emulsions tend to lose clarity or structural strength during storage. Deviating from &agr;-cellobiose octanonanoate can result in impaired clarity and/or impaired hardness of emulsion sticks. However, acylated cellobiose which contains acyl substituents of formula —O—CO—R in which R represents an n-octyl residue and the percentage Y of the nonanoate acyl substituent —O—CO—R at the anomeric carbon is at least 60% and the percentage A of &agr; anomer is greater than the anomer and not higher than A=74.5 +0.2Y when Y is up to 92% and not higher than A=161−0.74Y when Y is greater than 92% offers the production of sticks combining structurant stability with product clarity and hardness.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition preferably an antiperspirant composition, in solid or soft-solid form has a continuous phase which contains a water-immiscible liquid carrier and also contains a structurant which is partially or fully esterified cellobiose of the formula wherein each Z is independently hydrogen or an acyl group of the formula where R denotes a hydrocarbyl group containing from 4 to 22 carbon atoms. Not more than half of the Z groups are hydrogen.

Abstract: Cellobiose esters and particularly &agr; cellobiose octanonanoate has been found able to structure water-immiscible liquids well, and in particular can produce clear structured emulsions. However, such emulsions tend to lose clarity or structural strength during storage. Deviating from &agr;-cellobiose octanonanoate can result in impaired clarity and/or impaired hardness of emulsion sticks.

Abstract: A process for producing a liquid composition containing at least one active component and a diluent by mixing the active with diluent and/or liquid active to produce a liquid crystal mixture and incorporating diluent into it such that the mixture remains substantially homogeneous to produce a composition in which the concentration of active components is lower than the concentration of active components in the liquid crystal mixture. Novel apparatus for use in the process is also described.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition preferably an antiperspirant composition, in solid or soft-solid form has a continuous phase which contains a water-immiscible liquid carrier and also contains a structurant which is partially or fully esterified cellobiose of the formula 1

Abstract: A cosmetic composition preferably an antiperspirant composition, in solid or soft-solid form has a continuous phase which contains a water-immiscible liquid carrier and also contains a structurant which is partially or fully esterified cellobiose of the formula wherein each Z is independently hydrogen or an acyl group of the formula where R denotes a hydrocarbyl group containing from 4 to 22 carbon atoms. Not more than half of the Z groups are hydrogen.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition preferably an antiperspirant composition, in solid or soft-solid form has a continuous phase which contains a water-immiscible liquid carrier and also contains a structurant which is partially or fully esterified cellobiose of the formula wherein each Z is independently hydrogen or an acyl group of the formula where R denotes a hydrocarbyl group containing from 4 to 22 carbon atoms. Not more than half of the Z groups are hydrogen.

Abstract: An antiperspirant composition is a structured emulsion of a continuous phase containing water-immiscible liquid carrier plus a structurant, and a disperse phase which is a solution of antiperspirant active in water or a mixture of water and water-soluble solvent. The structurant is a fully or partially esterified saccharide. The compositions give low visible residue when applied to skin or to clothing.

Abstract: Antiperspirant compositions herein comprise an antiperspirant active, a carrier and a structurant for the carrier which comprises an effective concentration of a combination of at least one sterol and at least one sterol ester, to form a solid or a soft solid. The compositions can be anhydrous and in the form of a suspension of antiperspirant active, or can comprise aqueous emulsions. A particularly suitable sterol comprises &bgr; sitosterol and a particularly preferred sterol ester comprises oryzanol. Preferably the mole ratio of sterol to sterol ester is in the range of 3:1 to 1:2.

Abstract: A process for producing a liquid composition containing at least one active component and a diluent by mixing the active with diluent and/or liquid active to produce a liquid crystal mixture and incorporating diluent into it such that the mixture remains substantially homogeneous to produce a composition in which the concentration of active components is lower than the concentration of active components in the liquid crystal mixture. Novel apparatus for use in the process is also described.