Kanebo, Limited

Kanebo Spun Silk, Ltd.

Kiyoshi Otoi

Toshihiro Nasuno

Yukio Horikawa

A makeup composition is disclosed which consists essentially of a homogeneous mixture of a fibroin-coated pigment comprising a carrier pigment in the form of finely divided particles whose surfaces are substantially coated with a film of regenerated fibroin and an oily material-coated pigment comprising a carrier pigment in the form of finely divided particles whose surfaces are substantially coated with an oily material and which is in the form of powder (i.e., loose powder) or a cake (i.e., pressed powder). This makeup composition in powder or cake form has excellent properties such as adhesion to the skin, moisture retention, durability of the makeup, fragrance retention, stability and the like, causes no irritation to the skin, and can give an agreeable feeling (i.e., a moist and silkily smooth feeling) and a natural silk-like gloss to the skin. In particular, the makeup composition in cake form can be smoothly applied to the skin during all seasons by using a wet applicator (e.g., a wet puff) and/or a dry applicator (e.g., a dry puff). It is so stable that no agglomeration or caking of its particles results.

Makeup compositions in cake form including fibroin-coated and oily

A fibroin-coated pigment and two processes for producing the same are disclosed. The fibroin-coated pigment comprises a carrier pigment in the form of finely divided particles whose surfaces are substantially coated with a film of regenerated fibroin and is characterized in that at least 50% by weight of the regenerated fibroin is constituted of hot-water-insoluble fibroin having the .beta.-configuration.

Fibroin-coated pigment and processes for producing same

A process for producing a fine powder of high-purity silk fibroin in nonfibrous and particulate form is disclosed. The process comprises dissolving a degummed silk material in at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of an aqueous cupri-ethylenediamine solution, an aqueous ammoniacal solution of cupric hydroxide, an aqueous alkaline solution of cupric hydroxide and glycerol, an aqueous lithium bromide solution, an aqueous solution of the chloride, nitrate or thiocyanate of calcium, magnesium or zinc, and an aqueous sodium thiocyanate solution; adding a coagulating salt to the resulting aqueous silk fibroin solution having a silk fibroin concentration of from 3 to 20% by weight to coagulate and precipitate the silk fibroin; dehydrating and drying the gel so formed; and then pulverizing the resulting powder. Alternatively, the process comprises dissolving a degummed silk material in a solvent as defined above; dialyzing the resulting aqueous silk fibroin solution; subjecting the dialyzed aqueous silk fibroin solution having a silk fibroin concentration of from 3 to 20% weight to at least one treatment for coagulating and precipitating the silk fibroin, the treatment being selected from the group consisting of the addition of a coagulating salt, aeration, coagulation at the isoelectric point, exposure to ultrasonic waves, and agitation at high shear rate; dehydrating and drying the gel so formed; and then pulverizing the resulting powder. The fine powder of silk fibroin thus obtained is particularly useful as an additive for cosmetic preparations.

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Nagano, Japan

Kiyoshi Otoi