Lyophilic colloids

1. A non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid comprised of (i) at least one anionic, non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (ANSG) having a molecular weight greater than about 500 kDa and (ii) glycerin.

2. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 1 containing at least two anionic, non-sulfated glycosaminoglycans, one ANSG having a molecular weight of at least 500 kDa, and one or more ANSGs having a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa.

3. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 1 that does not contain a polyglycerin fatty acid ester having a polyglycerin of 2-20 units and at least one branched fatty acid residue of 8 to 22 carbons.

4. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 1 that does not contain a polycarboxylic acid or an oxycarbonic acid.

5. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 1 in which the at least one ANSG is present at a concentration from about 0.1% to about 20%.

6. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 5 in which glycerin is present at a concentration from about 20% to about 99.9%.

7. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 6 further comprising an alginate or a polysaccharide selected from the group of gums, carrageenans, and modified cellulose polymers.

8. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 6 further comprising at least one functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of (i) surfactants and emulsifiers, (ii) oils and esters and (iii) emollients and conditioning agents, and (iv) ingredients that confer one or more benefits to a keratinaceous substrate.

9. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 6 that has a water content of less than about 40%.

10. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 9 that has a water content of less than about 20%.

11. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 10 that is substantially anhydrous.

12. The non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 11 that is substantially preservative free.

13. A method for preparing a non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid of claim 6 by the steps of adding at the least one ANSG having a molecular weight greater than about 500 kDa to glycerin and mixing at a temperature of at about least 25° C. until homogenous.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the least one ANSG having a molecular weight greater than about 500 kDa and glycerin are mixed at a temperature of at about least 40° C. until homogenous.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid further comprises an alginate, and the alginate is hydrated and is prepared by the steps of (i) adding at least 5 parts water to 95 parts alginate, forming a hydrated alginate; (ii) combining the hydrated alginate of step (i) with glycerin; and (iii) mixing the hydrated alginate in glycerin of step (ii) at a temperature of at least 40° C. until homogenous.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein the non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid further comprises an alginate, and the alginate is hydrated and is prepared by the steps of (i) adding alginate to glycerin, forming a dispersed alginate; (ii) combining the dispersed alginate of step (i) with water in a water-to-alginate ratio of at least 1:19 and mixing at a temperature of at least 40° C. until homogenous.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the non-Newtonian, lyophilic colloid further comprises an alginate, and the alginate is hydrated and is prepared by the steps of (i) adding alginate to hydroglycolic solution comprised of glycerin and water wherein the water-to-alginate ratio is at least 1:19 and mixing at a temperature of at least 40° C. until homogenous.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein an alginate and water are added to at least one ANSG having a molecular weight greater than about 500 kDa and glycerin, and the water-to-alginate ratio is at least 1:19.