Topical use of microfine calcined alumina
Dispersions containing from about 0.5% to about 30% by weight dispersed microfine calcined alumina, stainless steel, or gold particles typically having particle size of less than about 5μ, more narrowly 1μ or less, suspended in a cosmetically acceptable carrier are useful as sunblocks for skin and hair while simultaneously providing treatments that render skin and hair smoother, more uniform, lustrous, visually appealing and healthier-looking.
1. A sunblock composition comprising a dispersion of calcined alumina, stainless steel, or gold particles, or combinations thereof, having a particle size of less than about 25μ in a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
2. A dispersion according to claim 1 which has an SPF of at least about 15.
3. A dispersion according to claim 1 which has an SPF of at least about 25.
4. A dispersion according to claim 1 wherein the particle size is about 10μ or less.
5. A dispersion according to claim 4 wherein the particle size is about 5μ or less.
6. A dispersion according to claim 5 wherein the particle size is about 1μ or less.
7. A dispersion according to claim 1 comprising calcined alumina particles.
8. A dispersion according to claim 1 comprising stainless steel particles.
9. A dispersion according to claim 1 comprising gold particles.
10. A dispersion according to claim 1 wherein the carrier comprises a film-forming silicone.
11. A dispersion according to claim 10 wherein the carrier comprises a methicone.
12. A dispersion according to claim 1 comprising from about 0.5% to about 30% by weight particles.
13. A dispersion according to claim 12 comprising from about 5% to about 25% by weight particles.
14. A dispersion according to claim 13 comprising from about 5% to about 25% by weight calcined alumina particles having a particle size of about 1μ or less suspended in a cosmetically acceptable carrier containing a silicone.
15. A method of protecting mammalian skin or hair from radiation-induced skin damage comprising applying to exposed skin or hair an effective amount of a dispersion containing microfine calcined alumina, stainless steel, or gold particles in a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the particles have a particle size of less than about 10μ.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the particles are calcined alumina.
18. A method according to claim 16 wherein the particles are stainless steel.
19. A method according to claim 16 wherein the particles are gold.
20. A method according to claim 16 wherein the dispersion comprises from about 0.5% to about 30% by weight particles.