COSMETIC BIO -CELLULOSE SHEET FOR LIPS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cosmetic sheet for lips and the like, as well as a cosmetic process using a cosmetic sheet for lips.

BACKGROUND ART

There have been some types of lip treatment products. One is a cosmetic product in the form of a stick, ointment or cream which includes mainly oily ingredients such as oil or wax. This type of product is applied onto the lips preferably to prevent the lips from drying. However, this drying prevention effect may not be sufficient in winter, and is limited to the lips.

Another is a cosmetic product in the form of a sheet or mask including several cosmetic ingredients to provide cosmetic effects. This type of product can also be applied onto lips. An example of the cosmetic sheets or masks for lips is disclosed in JP-A-2005-314427. The substrate of the cosmetic sheets or masks may be made from, for example, a woven or non-woven cotton fabric sheet, a polyglutamic acid gel sheet, a hydrogel plaster sheet and a polyethylene sheet.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

However, it is difficult for a cosmetic sheet or mask based on a woven or non-woven cotton fabric sheet to adhere well onto lips, and therefore, it cannot provide the lips with sufficient cosmetic effects.

The polyglutamic acid gel sheet also has limited adhesive power, and cannot adhere onto lips for a sufficient time to provide cosmetic effects.

The hydrogel plaster sheet has an uncomfortable feeling during the application thereof onto lips, because it is relatively hard. In addition, it is difficult for the hydrogel plaster sheet to adhere well onto lips. The polyethylene sheet can adhere onto lips. The polyethylene sheet has drawbacks of not being moist, not having comfortable feeling, and making breathing difficult.

Thus, an objective of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic sheet for lips which can adhere well onto the lips for a sufficient time to provide cosmetic effects, such as lip dryness and wrinkle alleviation effects.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic sheet for lips which can include a substantial amount of cosmetic ingredients

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic sheet for lips which can be used easily or simply, and which can provide a comfortable feeling of use.

The above objectives of the present invention can be achieved by a cosmetic sheet for lips comprising at least one cellulose produced by at least one microorganism, and at least one nonvolatile oil.

It is preferable that the cellulose comprise cellulose

microfibrils. The cellulose microfibrils can have a diameter of 1 to 500 nm, preferably 2 to 300 nm, and more preferably 10 to 250 nm. The cellulose microfibrils may form a network structure.

The cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention may have at least one axis of symmetry.

The cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention may have a slit. It is preferable that the slit be present on the axis of symmetry.

The cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention may have the thickness of from 0.01 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 0.02 mm to 3 mm, and more preferably from 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

The non-volatile oil in the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention may be selected from non-volatile non-polar oils, preferably non-volatile non-polar hydrocarbon-based oil.

The cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention may comprise at least one substrate layer comprising at least one cellulose produced by at least one microorganism, and at least one additional layer comprising at least one non-volatile oil.

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for treating at least lips, comprising the step of:

applying onto the lips and optionally around the lips at least one cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention.

The above cosmetic process according to the present invention may further comprise the step of applying at least one cosmetic product onto the lips and optionally around the lips, before applying the cosmetic sheet onto the lips and optionally around the lips.

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for treating at least lips, comprising the step of:

applying onto the lips and optionally around the lips at least one non-volatile oil; and

applying onto the lips and optionally around the lips at least one cosmetic sheet comprising at least one cellulose produced by at least one microorganism.

The above cosmetic process according to the present invention may further comprise the step of applying at least one cosmetic product onto the lips and optionally around the lips, before applying the cosmetic sheet onto the lips and optionally around the lips.

The cosmetic process according to the present invention may further comprise the step of leaving the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention on the lips and optionally around the lips for 10 seconds to 20 minutes, preferably 30 seconds to 10 minutes, and more preferably 1 to 5 minutes.

The present invention may also relate to a kit comprising:

at least one cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention or at least one cosmetic sheet comprising at least one cellulose produced by at least one microorganism with at least one non-volatile oil; and

at least one cosmetic product.

The present invention may also relate to a package comprising at least one cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a front view of a preferable example of a cosmetic sheet according to the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

After diligent research, the inventors have discovered that it is possible to provide a cosmetic sheet for lips which can adhere well onto the lips for a sufficient time and provide superior cosmetic effects, such as lip dryness and wrinkle alleviation effects, by using cellulose produced by microorganism ( s ) as the material for the cosmetic sheet in combination with one or more non-volatile oils.

Since the cellulose produced by microorganism ( s ) has a high flexibility, especially when combined with water, the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can suitably fit lips which have complicated surfaces and do not have a flat surface.

In addition, the cellulose produced by microorganism ( s ) is relatively strong. For example, it has a high tensile strength as compared to other natural polymers such as polyglutamic acid. Accordingly, the cosmetic sheet according to the present

invention may not be broken but kept adhered onto lips even though the lips move when, for example, speaking.

In addition, the non-volatile oil can form a long-lasting barrier on the lips to prevent the evaporation of moisture from the lips.

Thus, the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can sufficiently inhibit the evaporation of moisture from lips, and therefore, it can provide cosmetic effects for the lips by alleviating dryness and wrinkles on the lips.

Since cellulose produced by microorganism ( s ) may contain nonvolatile oil ( s ) and optional other cosmetic ingredient ( s ) , the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention may provide desired cosmetic effects depending on the type of the nonvolatile oil(s) and the optional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) .

The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention comprising cellulose produced by microorganism ( s ) and at least one nonvolatile oil can be used easily and simply, and can provide a comfortable feeling of use. Furthermore, as the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can be used not only for lips but also the skin around the lips, the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can also ameliorate wrinkles, in particular not only fine lines but also deep lines such as nasolabial folds, and dryness of the skin around the lips.

Accordingly, the cosmetic sheet according to the present

invention can enhance the facial impression of the user of the cosmetic sheet simply by application of the cosmetic sheet onto the lips and optionally the skin around the lips for a short period of time such as 10 seconds to 20 minutes, preferably 30 seconds to 10 minutes, and more preferably 1 to 5 minutes.

(Bio-Cellulose)

The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention comprises at least one cellulose produced by at least one microorganism.

The cellulose produced by the microorganism may be called "bio- cellulose". A single type of bio-cellulose may be used for the present invention. On the other hand, two or more types of bio- celluloses may be used together for the present invention.

As the microorganism, any microbe can be used as long as it can produce bio-cellulose. A single type of microorganism may be used, or two or more types of microorganisms may be used together.

It is preferable to use at least one microbial strain of the genus Acetobacter, the genus Agrobacterium, the genus Rhizobium, the genus Sarcina, the genus Pseudomonas, the genus Achromobacter, the genus Alcaligenes, the genus Aerobacter, the genus

Azotobacter, the genus Gluconacetobacter, the genus Xanthomonas, the genus Bacillus, and the like. Acetobacter Xylinum among the genus Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter xylinus or Hansenii among the genus Gluconacetobacter, Xanthomonas camperastris among the genus Xanthomonas, and Bacillus var Natto among the genus

Bacillus, are more preferable. Acetobacter Xylinum among the genus Acetobacter is most preferable.

The bio-cellulose can be produced by culturing at least one microorganism which can produce bio-cellulose, such as those listed above. The mode of culturing the microorganism is not limited. For example, a static culture mode or a spinner culture mode may be employed. In the static culture mode, a microorganism which can produce bio-cellulose will be seeded on a culture media and incubated at a temperature of, for example, from 10 to 40 °C, preferably from 25 to 40 °C, and for a time period of, for example, from 1 to 60 days, preferably from 5 to 14 days. Thus, the cellulose produced by the microorganism will accumulate at the surface of the culture media to form a cellulose membrane. The thickness of the cellulose membrane will increase as the culture of the microorganism proceeds. Thus, the cellulose membrane can be in the form of a sheet. It is preferable to employ the static culture mode, since the collection of the cellulose membrane or sheet is easy.

The conditions for culturing the microorganism are not limited either. For example, any type of culture media can be used as long as it can increase the microorganism which can produce bio- cellulose. It is typical that the culture media include sources of carbon, nitrogen, and the like, as well as inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins and the like. It is preferable to use a culture media including ingredients from plants such as grains (for example, rice and wheat), vegetables (for example, cabbage and onion), and fruits (for example, orange and pineapple), because the obtained bio-cellulose may have less odor, and the culture media can be handled safely. The pH of the culture media can be adjusted depending on the type of the microorganism. It is possible that the pH of the culture media is from 2 to 9.

However, it is preferable that the pH of the culture media is from 2.5 to 7, and more preferably 3 to 5, because the

proliferation of saprophytic bacteria in the culture media can be controlled.

The bio-cellulose comprises cellulose microfibrils. The

cellulose microfibrils have a diameter of 1 to 500 nm, preferably 2 to 300 nm, and more preferably 10 to 250 nm. The cellulose microfibrils can form a network structure wherein microfibrils are entwined with each other. It is preferable that the network structure is dense, in view of the strength of the bio-cellulose.

The cellulose fibers of a woven or non-woven cotton fabric sheet or even a paper sheet have a micron-order diameter such as 10 to 100 μπι. On the other hand, the cellulose microfibrils are very fine such that they have a nano-order diameter such as 2 to 100 nm. Therefore, the macroscopic appearance of bio-cellulose is not similar to that of a woven or non-woven cotton fabric sheet or a paper sheet. Rather, bio-cellulose appears like agar or gelatin. Therefore, in the field of foods, bio-cellulose is well-known as the material of "nata de coco".

It is preferable to wash the bio-cellulose obtained just from a culture media with water, because it may include the ingredients in the culture media or organic acids derived from microorganism in the culture media. In particular, the bio-cellulose obtained from the genus Acetobacter may include acetic acid. Therefore, it is possible to treat the bio-cellulose with alkali such as a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. However, for safety reasons, it is preferable to wash the bio-cellulose with water until the pH of the water becomes to a neutral range.

According to the present invention, the bio-cellulose obtained as above will be used as the material for the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention.

Bio-cellulose can contain water. Therefore, the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can preferably contain water. The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention which includes water can have better moisturizing or hydrating effects.

In addition, bio-cellulose has a unique feeling to touch, such as a cool and moist feeling. Thus, the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can provide a comfortable feeling to use based on the unique feeling to touch based on the bio-cellulose.

The bio-cellulose typically is translucent or opaque, and in general has a pale while color. It is preferable, for example in order to avoid undesirably coloring of the lips or the skin around the lips, that the bio-cellulose has only little or no artificial color. In other words, it is preferable that the bio- cellulose includes only a little amount of additional coloring agent, and more preferably no coloring agent.

(Non-Volatile Oil)

The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention comprises at least one non-volatile oil. A single type of non-volatile oil may be used for the present invention. On the other hand, two or more types of non-volatile oil may be used together for the present invention. For the purposes of the invention, the term "non-volatile oil" means an oil remaining on the skin at room temperature and

atmospheric pressure for at least several hours and especially having a vapour pressure of less than 0.13 Pa (0.01 mmHg) .

According to one particular embodiment, the non-volatile oil is chosen from oils with an evaporation rate of less than 0.002 mg/cm ² /minute .

The form of the non-volatile oil is not limited. The nonvolatile oil may be in the form of a solid, a semi-solid or a paste, or a liquid.

The term "solid" here means that the measurement of the maximum force measured by texturometry during the penetration of a probe into a sample should be at least equal to 0.25 newtons, in

particular at least equal to 0.30 newtons and especially at least equal to 0.35 newtons, evaluated under specific measuring

conditions as follows .

The sample formulations are cast while hot into jars 4 cm in diameter and 3 cm deep. Cooling is performed at room temperature. The hardness of the formulations prepared is measured after waiting for 24 hours. The jars containing the samples are

characterized in texturometry using a texturometer such as the machine TA-XT2 sold by the company Rheo, according to the

following protocol: a probe of stainless-steel ball type 5 mm in diameter is brought into contact with the sample at a speed of 1 mm/sec. The measuring system detects the interface with the sample with a detection threshold equal to 0.005 newtons. The probe penetrates 0.3 mm into the sample, at a speed of 0.1 mm/sec. The measuring machine records the change in force measured in compression over time, during the penetration phase. The hardness of the sample corresponds to the mean of the maximum values of the force detected during penetration, over at least three

measurements .

The non-volatile oil may be in the form of a wax which may be a solid, or a semi-solid or paste.

For the purposes of the patent application, the scope of "wax" includes those generally used in cosmetics and dermatology. They may be hydrocarbon-based waxes, silicone waxes and/or fluoro waxes, optionally comprising ester or hydroxyl functions. It is possible, for example, to use mineral waxes; waxes of animal origin; waxes of plant origin; hydrogenated oils that are solid, or semi-solid or paste at 25°C; fatty esters and glycerides that are solid or semi-solid or paste at 25°C synthetic waxes and silicone waxes; and mixtures thereof.

As examples of waxes that may be used in the present invention, particular mention may be made of macrocrystalline waxes;

Vaselines that are solid or semi-solid at 25°C, paraffin waxes; lignite waxes; ceresin; ozokerite; montan wax; beeswax; lanolin and its derivatives; candelilla wax, ouricury wax, carnauba wax and Japan wax; cocoa butter; palm oil in paste form at 20 °C; cork fibre wax or sugarcane wax; hydrogenated oils that are solid at 25°C; fatty esters and glycerides that are solid at 25°C;

polyethylene waxes and the waxes obtained by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; silicone waxes, and mixtures thereof.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one wax chosen from carnauba wax, beeswax, palm oil in paste form at 20 °C, polyethylene waxes with a starting melting point of greater than 65°C and microcrystalline waxes with a starting melting point of greater than 65°C, and mixtures thereof, may be used.

The non-volatile oil may be in the form of a liquid.

The term "liquid" means that it is a fluid at room temperature (25°C) and can flow under its own weight.

The liquid non-volatile oil may be selected from liquid

hydrocarbon-based oils, liquid silicone oils or mixtures thereof. The term "liquid hydrocarbon-based oil" here means a liquid oil mainly containing hydrogen and carbon atoms and possibly oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and/or phosphorus atoms. Thus, liquid ester oils are encompassed within the scope of the hydrocarbon-based oil in the specification.

Non-volatile liquid hydrocarbon-based oils that may especially be mentioned include:

hydrocarbon-based oils of animal origin such as perhydrosqualene or squalane;

hydrocarbon-based oils of plant origin, such as triglycerides consisting of fatty acid esters of glycerol, the fatty acids of which may have chain lengths ranging from C ₄ to C ₂ , these chains possibly being linear or branched, and saturated or unsaturated; these oils are especially heptanoic or octanoic acid

triglycerides, or alternatively wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, sesame seed oil, corn oil, apricot oil, castor oil, shea oil, avocado oil, olive oil, soybean oil, sweet almond oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, hazelnut oil, macadamia oil, jojoba oil, alfalfa oil, poppy oil, pumpkin oil, marrow oil, blackcurrant oil, evening primrose oil, millet oil, barley oil, quinoa oil, rye oil, safflower oil, candlenut oil, passionflower oil or musk rose oil, shea butter, or

caprylic/capric acid triglycerides, for instance those sold by the company Stearineries Dubois or those sold under the names Miglyol 810®, 812 and 818® by the company Dynamit Nobel;

synthetic ethers containing from 10 to 40 carbon atoms such as diisocetyl ether;

linear or branched hydrocarbons of mineral or synthetic origin, such as petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline which is liquid at 25°C) , polydecenes, hydrogenated polyisobutene such as Parleam®, squalane and liquid paraffins, and mixtures thereof;

synthetic esters, for instance oils of formula RiCOOR ₂ in which Ri represents a linear or branched fatty acid residue containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and R ₂ represents a hydrocarbon-based chain, which is especially branched, containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, on condition that Ri+R ₂ ≥10, for instance Purcellin oil (cetostearyl octanoate) , C _i2 to C15 alkyl benzoates, hexyl laurate, diisopropyl adipate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, isostearyl isostearate, 2-hexyldecyl laurate, 2-octyldecyl palmitate, 2- octyl-dodecyl myristate, and heptanoates, ocatanoates, decanoates or ricinoleates of alcohols or of polyalcohols, for instance propylene glycol dioctanoate; hydroxylated esters, for instance isostearyl lactate, diisostearyl malate or 2-octyl-dodecyl lactate, polyol esters and pentaerythritol esters;

fatty alcohols that are liquid at room temperature, with a branched and/or unsaturated carbon-based chain containing from 12 to 26 carbon atoms, for instance octyldodecanol , isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-butyloctanol and 2- undecylpenta-decanol ;

higher fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid and

linolenic acid;

and mixtures thereof.

Mention can also be made of liquid hydrocarbon-based oils that are partially fluorinated, or perfluorinated oils, and in

particular perfluoropolyethers and perfluoroalkanes .

As the non-volatile liquid silicone oil, mention may be made of, non-volatile polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) , polydimethyl-siloxanes comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups that are pendent and/or at the end of a silicone chain, these groups each containing from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, phenyl silicones, for instance phenyl

trimethicones, phenyl dimethicones,

phenyltrimethylsiloxydiphenylsiloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones and diphenylmethyldiphenyltrisiloxanes, and mixtures thereof.

It is preferable to use non-volatile non-polar oils rather nonvolatile polar oils, because they can appropriately prevent the evaporation of moisture from lips and optionally the skin around the lips, and they are less irritative than polar oils. It is more preferable to use non-volatile non-polar hydrocarbon-based oils such as non-volatile non-polar hydrocarbon-based waxes and/or non-volatile non-polar liquid hydrocarbon-based oils rather than non-volatile non-polar silicone waxes and/or nonvolatile non-polar liquid silicone oils.

(Cosmetic Sheet)

The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention comprises bio-cellulose, preferably as the material for a substrate layer of the cosmetic sheet.

It should be noted that the term "substrate layer" here means a support of the cosmetic sheet, and a substrate layer can be the cosmetic sheet itself, or can have one or more additional layers thereon. It is possible that 80 wt%, preferably 90 wt%, and more preferably 100 wt% of the solid content of the substrate is derived from bio-cellulose.

The shape of the cosmetic sheet according to the present

invention is not limited. However, since the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention is used for cosmetically treating lips, it is preferable that the shape of the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention is such that it can cover lips, preferably not only lips but also the skin around the lips. Since lips are symmetric in terms of a center longitudinal axis of a human body, it is preferable for the shape of the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention have C _2v symmetry such as an oval shape.

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a preferable example of a cosmetic sheet according to the present invention.

The cosmetic sheet (1) shown in Fig. 1 has a flat oval shape for covering at least lips. Therefore, the cosmetic sheet (1) has a plurality of axes of symmetry. Fig. 1 shows two axes of symmetry, i.e., the long axis (A) and the short axis (B) . Thus, the

cosmetic sheet (1) can be folded in line with the long axis (A) and/or the long axis (B) , if necessary.

It is preferable for the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention has at least one slit, preferably one slit, in order to allow a user of the cosmetic sheet to breathe via the mouth of the user. Thus, the cosmetic sheet (1) shown in Fig. 1 has a slit (2). Since the slit (2) is on the long axis (A) in the cosmetic sheet (1) shown in Fig. 1, the slit (2) is necessarily present on one of axes of symmetry for the cosmetic sheet (1) .

It is preferable that the center of the slit (2) matches the center of the cosmetic sheet (1).

The length of the slit (2) may vary. For example, the length of the slit (2) can be, for example, from 10 to 130 mm, preferably from 20 to 120 mm, and more preferably from 30 to 110 mm. The width of the slit (2) may also vary. The width of the slit (2) can be, for example, from 0.01 to 10 mm, preferably from 0.1 to 5 mm, and more preferably from 1 to 3 mm.

The length and width of the cosmetic sheet (1) may vary. The length of the cosmetic sheet (1) along with the long axis (A) can be, for example from 40 mm to 180 mm, preferably from 50 mm to 170 mm, and more preferably from 60 to 160 mm. The width of the cosmetic sheet (1) along with the short axis (B) can be, for example from 30 to 120 mm, preferably from 40 to 110 mm, and more preferably from 50 to 100 mm.

The thickness of the cosmetic sheet (1) may also vary. The thickness of the cosmetic sheet (1) can be, for example, from

0.01 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 0.02 mm to 3.0 mm, and more preferably from 0.05 to 1.0 mm.

The cosmetic sheet (1) itself shown in Fig. 1 can be formed by a substrate comprising bio-cellulose and water.

Since the cosmetic sheet (1) is made of a substrate comprising bio-cellulose, it has sufficient adhesive power such that it can adhere to lips for a sufficient time even though the surface of the lips is not flat. As the substrate also comprises water, the adhesive power of the cosmetic sheet (1) can be further enhanced. The cosmetic sheet (1) can prevent the evaporation of moisture from lips, and therefore, it can provide the lips with cosmetic effects by alleviating dryness and wrinkles on the lips. Since the cosmetic sheet (1) comprises water, the above cosmetic effects can be further enhanced due to moisturizing or hydrating effects of the water.

In addition, the cosmetic sheet (1) has a sufficient size to cover not only lips but also the skin around the lips. Thus, it can adhere well onto not only the lips but also the skin around the lips for a time period sufficient to provide the lips with cosmetic effects such as moisturizing or hydrating effects which can also reduce the dryness and wrinkles on the skin around the lips, in particular not only fine lines but also deep lines such as nasolabial folds on the skin around of the lips.

The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention comprises in any way at least one non-volatile oil.

It is possible that the non-volatile oil may be impregnated into the cosmetic sheet, in particular into the bio-cellulose therein.

The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can

comprise at least one cosmetic ingredient other than the nonvolatile oil(s). Water may be included within the scope of the cosmetic ingredient, because it can provide cosmetic effects for improving dryness and wrinkles on lips and the skin around the lips, as explained above. However, typically, the above optional cosmetic ingredients are active agents having cosmetic effects other than water.

It is possible that the optional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) may be impregnated into the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention, and it would be possible for the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can include both the nonvolatile oil(s) and the optional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) therein.

The optional cosmetic ingredients may be water-soluble or oil- soluble .

The water-soluble optional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) may be chosen from the following compounds: ascorbic acid and its biologically- compatible salts, enzymes, antibiotics, tightening agents, a- hydroxy acids and their salts, hydroxylated polyacids, sucroses and their derivatives, urea, aminoacids, oligopeptides, water- soluble plant extracts and yeast extracts, protein hydrolysates , hyaluronic acid, mucopolysaccharides, vitamins B ₂ , B ₆ , H, PP, panthenol, folic acid, salicylic acetyl acid, allantoin,

glycyrrhetic acid, kojic acid, and hydroquinone .

The oil-soluble optional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) may be chosen from the following compounds: d- -tocopherol, dl-a-tocopherol, 1- a-tocopherol, dl-a-tocopherol acetate, ascorbyl palmitate,

vitamin F and glycerides of vitamin F, vitamin D, vitamin D ₂ , vitamin D ₃ , retinol, retinol esters, retinol palmitate, retinol propionate, β-carotene, d-panthenol, farnesol, and farnesyl acetate; jojoba oils and black-currant oils rich in essential fatty acids; keratolytics such as salicylic acid, its salts and its esters, n-octanoyl-5 salicylic acid and its esters, a- hydroxyacid alkylesters such as citric acid, lactic acid,

glycolic acid, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, total extract of centella asiatica, β-glycyerrhetinic acid, a-bisabolol, and ceramides such as 2 oleoylamino-1 , 3 octadecane; phytanetriol, milk sphingomyelin, phospholipids of marine origin rich in

polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, and ethoxyquin; rosemary extract, melissa extract, quercetin, extract of dried microalgae, and steroid anti-inflammatory agents.

Such oil-soluble optional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) may be

incorporated in the non-volatile oil(s) as explained above.

On the other hand, such oil-soluble optional cosmetic

ingredient ( s ) may be incorporated in at least one volatile oil.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "volatile oil" means any oil capable of evaporating on contact with the skin, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The volatile oils are preferably volatile cosmetic oils, which are liquid at room temperature, with a non-zero vapour pressure, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, in particular ranging from 0.13 Pa to 40 000 Pa (0.001 to 300 mmHg) and preferably ranging from 1.3 to 1300 Pa (0.01 to 10 mmHg) . In particular, the volatile oils are chosen from oils with an evaporation rate of greater than or equal to 0.002 mg/cm ² /minute .

The volatile oil may comprise a slow volatile oil.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "slow

volatile oil" means an oil chosen from volatile ^' oils as defined above, with an evaporation rate of between 0.002 and 0.05 mg/cm ² /minute .

In particular, the slow volatile oil(s) may be chosen from isohexadecane, cyclohexasiloxane, diethyldodecane (for example Cetiol DD from the company Cognis) and hexyl trimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

The volatile oil may comprise a fast volatile oil.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "fast volatile oil" means an oil chosen from volatile oils as defined above, with an evaporation rate of greater than or equal to 0.05 mg/cm ² /minute, in particular ranging from 0.05 to 200

mg/cm ² /minute, especially greater than or equal to 0.054

mg/cm ² /minute, in particular ranging from 0.054 to 100

mg/cm ² /minute and preferentially ranging from 0.054 to 30

mg/cm ² /minute .

The fast volatile oil may be chosen from hydrocarbon-based volatile oils, silicone volatile oils and fluoro volatile oils, and mixtures thereof.

The term "hydrocarbon-based oil" here means an oil mainly containing hydrogen and carbon atoms, and possibly oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and/or phosphorus atoms.

The volatile hydrocarbon-based oils may be chosen from

hydrocarbon-based oils containing from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and especially branched C8-C ₁₆ alkanes, for instance Cs-Ci6 isoalkanes of petroleum origin (also known as isoparaffins ) , for instance isododecane (also known as 2, 2, 4, , 6-pentamethylheptane) , isodecane, and, for example, the oils sold under the trade names Isopar® or Permethyl®.

Volatile oils that may also be used include volatile silicones, for instance volatile linear or cyclic silicone oils, especially those with a viscosity ≤5 centistokes (5xl0 ^-6 m ² /s) and especially containing from 2 to 10 silicon atoms and preferably from 2 to 7 silicon atoms, these silicones optionally comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. As volatile silicone oils that may be used in the invention, mention may be made especially of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane,

decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, heptamethylhexyltrisiloxane, heptamethyloctyltrisiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane and

dodecamethylpentasiloxane, and mixtures thereof.

The volatile fluoro oil generally does not have a flash point.

Volatile fluoro oils that may be mentioned include

nonafluoroethoxybutane, nonafluoromethoxybutane,

decafluoropentane, tetradecafluorohexane and dodecafluoropentane, and mixtures thereof.

The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention may further comprise additional cosmetic active ingredients which are

commonly used in cosmetics. Among the cosmetic active

ingredients to be used, mention may be made of anti-oxidant cleansing agents, free radical scavengers, moisturizers,

depigmenting agents, liporegulators, anti-acne agents,

antidandruff agents, anti-aging agents, softeners, antiwrinkle agents, keratolitic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, fresheners, healing agents, vascular protectors, antibacterial agents,

antifungal agents, antiperspirants, deodorants, skin conditioners, anesthetics, immunomodulators, nourishing agents, and sebum absorbers (e.g. Orgasol) or moisture absorbers.

As explained above, the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention may consist of a substrate layer comprising bio-cellulose and preferably water, or may comprise the substrate layer and one or more additional layers thereon.

If the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention consists of the substrate layer comprising bio-cellulose and preferably water, the substrate layer contains non-volatile oil(s) and may contain the above optional and/or additional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) .

On the other hand, if the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention comprises at least one additional layer in addition to the substrate layer comprising bio-cellulose and preferably water, the additional layer and/or the substrate layer contain (s) non-volatile oil(s) and may contain the above optional and/or additional cosmetic ingredient (s) .

The material of the additional layer (s) is not limited, and therefore any material can be used for preparing the additional layer (s) . Two or more different materials may be used. The material of the additional layer (s) may be a woven or non- woven fabric made of natural fibers such as cotton, pulp, bamboo and paper cellulose fibers, semi-natural fibers such as viscose rayon fibers and synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polyethylene fibers, and polypropylene fibers. Two or more selected from the above fibers may be used in combination.

Alternatively, the material of the additional layer (s) may be a film or sheet made from at least one selected from synthetic polymers such as polyethylenes and polyvinylalcohols , semisynthetic polymers such as alginates, and natural polymers such as polysaccharides (e.g., carageenan and xanthan gum),

mucopolysaccharides (e.g., hyaluronic acid and sodium

hyaluronate) , polypeptides (e.g., γ-polyglutamic acid) and proteins (e.g., gelatin and collagen) . The film or sheet may be in the form of a gel or a jelly which may be transparent, translucent or opaque. Two or more selected from the above substances may be used in combination.

If the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention comprises a plurality of additional layers, the material of each additional layer may be the same or different from each other. For example, the additional layers may be prepared by laminating the above film or sheet made from a synthetic polymer, a semisynthetic polymer and/or a natural polymer on the above woven or non-woven fabric.

It is also possible that at least one additional layer consists of at least one non-volatile oil with or without the above optional and/or additional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) . For example, at least one non-volatile oil with or without the above optional and/or additional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) may be applied onto the substrate layer of the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention in order to form the additional layer as a thin film or barrier composed of the non-volatile oil(s) with or without the above optional and/or additional cosmetic

ingredient ( s ) . Two or more different non-volatile oils with or without the above optional and/or additional cosmetic

ingredient ( s) may be applied onto the substrate layer in order to form a plurality of additional layers.

In terms of the adhesion power of the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention to the lips and of cosmetic effects on the lips, it is preferable that the cosmetic sheet according to the present invention comprises at least one additional layer comprising or consisting of at least one non-volatile oil with or without the above optional and/or additional cosmetic

ingredient ( s ) .

The cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention may be contained in a container to prepare a package. The container may preferably be a bag or sack made from any material, preferably a plastic or metal film. An aluminum foil, in particular a laminated aluminum foil, is more preferable as the material of the bag or sack. Thus, the present invention relates to a package comprising the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention. If necessary, the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention may be folded.

It is preferable that the above package comprising the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention further

contains a cosmetic composition which may comprise at least one non-volatile oil and/or the above optional and/or additional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) , preferably in the form of a liquid, including at least one cosmetic ingredient as explained above.

The non-volatile oil(s) may be present in the cosmetic

composition in a content ranging from 1% to 100% by weight, preferably from 30% to 100% by weight and more preferentially from 50% to 100% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The cosmetic composition may comprise at least one volatile oil as explained above. A combinational use of non-volatile oil(s) and volatile oil(s) may enhance the spreadability of the cosmetic composition. The total amount of the volatile oil(s) in the cosmetic composition may be in a content ranging from 1% to 50% by weight, preferably from 3% to 30% by weight and more

preferentially from 5% to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. It is preferable that the amount of the volatile oil be relatively small in order to enhance the moisture barrier effects by the non-volatile oil. Thus, it is preferable that the total amount of the volatile oil(s) in the cosmetic composition may be 5% by weight or less, preferably 3% by weight or less, more preferably 1% by weight or less. It may be possible that the total amount of the volatile oil(s) is zero.

(Cosmetic Process) The cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention can be used for a cosmetic process for beautifying the lips and optionally the skin around the lips.

Thus, the cosmetic process according to the present invention is intended for treating at least lips, comprising the step of applying onto the lips and optionally the skin around the lips at least one cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention as explained above.

If the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention consists of a substrate layer comprising bio-cellulose and preferably water, as well as non-volatile oil(s) with or without the above optional and/or additional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) , it can be easily or simply used by being applied onto the lips and optionally the skin around the lips.

If the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention comprises the substrate layer and at least one additional layer comprising or consisting of at least one non-volatile oil, the cosmetic process can be simplified, because a step of applying at least one non-volatile oil onto lips and optionally the skin around the lips may be omitted.

It is possible to apply at least one cosmetic product such as a lip care stick, ointment or cream onto lips and optionally the skin around the lips, before applying the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention onto the lips and optionally the skin around the lips. The cosmetic product can comprise at least one non-volatile oil with or without the above optional and/or additional cosmetic ingredient ( s ) . This will further enhance or improve the cosmetic effects such as the dryness alleviating effect of the cosmetic product.

Accordingly, it is preferable to combine the cosmetic product and the cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention in order to further enhance cosmetic effects. Thus, the present invention can also relates to a kit comprising at least one cosmetic sheet for lips according to the present invention, and at least one cosmetic product as explained above.

The non-volatile oil(s) may be present in the cosmetic product in a content ranging from 1% to 100% by weight, preferably from 30% to 100% by weight and more preferentially from 50% to 100% by weight relative to the total weight of the product. The cosmetic product may comprise at least one volatile oil as explained above. The total amount of the volatile oil(s) in the cosmetic product may be in a content ranging from 1% to 40% by weight, preferably from 3% to 30% by weight and more

preferentially from 5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the product. It is preferable that the total amount of the volatile oil(s) in the cosmetic product may be 5% by weight or less, preferably 3% by weight or less, more preferably 1% by weight or less. It may be possible that the total amount of the volatile oil(s) is zero.

Alternatively, the cosmetic process according to the present invention may be performed by:

applying onto the lips and optionally around the lips at least one non-volatile oil as explained above; and

applying onto the lips and optionally around the lips at least one cosmetic sheet comprising cellulose produced by at least one microorganism.

According to this embodiment, a cosmetic sheet according to the present invention can be prepared in situ on the lips and

optionally around the lips. In addition, it is not necessary to apply the non-volatile oil onto the bio-cellulose sheet, and therefore, this application process can be omitted.

Also, it is possible to apply at least one cosmetic product such as a lip care stick, ointment or cream onto lips and optionally the skin around the lips, before applying the above cosmetic sheet onto the lips and optionally the skin around the lips. The cosmetic product can comprise at least one non-volatile oil with or without the above optional and/or additional cosmetic

ingredient ( s ) . This will further enhance or improve the cosmetic effects such as the dryness alleviating effect of the cosmetic product .

Accordingly, it is preferable to combine the cosmetic product with the above cosmetic sheet and the non-volatile oil in order to further enhance cosmetic effects. Thus, the present invention can also relate to a kit comprising at least one cosmetic sheet for lips comprising at least one cellulose produced by at least one microorganism, at least one non-volatile oil, and at least one cosmetic product as explained above. Since the cosmetic process according to the present invention uses, in any embodiment, a combination of a bio-cellulose sheet and a non-volatile oil or oils, it can provide the lips and the skin around the lips with superior cosmetic effect, such as alleviation of dryness and wrinkles on the lips and the skin around the lips.

Under the cosmetic process according to the present invention, it is possible to leave the above cosmetic sheet on the lips and optionally the skin around the lips for from 10 seconds to 20 minutes, preferably from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, and more preferably from 1 to 5 minutes.

Even for such a relatively short period of time, the present invention can provide sufficient cosmetic effects to not only lips but also the skin around the lips. Thus, it is possible for the present invention to realize youthfulness of the face by the application of the above cosmetic sheet only for a short period of time such as several minutes.

The cosmetic process according to the present invention may be combined with a cosmetic treatment applying energy such as

electromagnetic wave (e.g., UV rays, visible light, IR rays and microwave) , in particular laser or LED beam, ultra sonic and heat, to the lips or the skin around the lips. However, it is

preferable to simplify the cosmetic process that it is performed without such a cosmetic treatment.

The specific nature of the present invention, as well as other objects, uses and advantages thereof, will be clearly apparent from the above description and from the accompanying drawing.