WO2004073662A1

WO2004073662A1 - Mascara reconditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2004073662A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000185
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anne Grunseit
Original assignee: Booth, Kathryn; Leech, Gary
Priority date: 2003-02-24
Filing date: 2004-02-18
Publication date: 2004-09-02
Also published as: AU2003900815A0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mascara reconditioner formulation including a one or more mascara-thinning agents adapted to be added to the mascara to thereby dilute the mascara to a desired consistency. In addition to this, the reconditioner formulation can be used to remove mascara from the mascara brush, either in the form of a wipe, or through the use of soaking the brush in the formulation.

Description

MASCARA RECONDITIONER

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and reconditioner for reconditioning mascara.

Description of the Prior Art

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Mascara products generally become dry and unuseable before the product has been finished. In the initial stages of the drying process, the mascara which is stored within a receptacle such as a tube, develops clumps or congealed, dehydrated fragments, which alter its requisite, smooth consistency. Eventually, the product may become difficult to remove from its tube as it becomes dry and adheres to the walls of the storage tube. In most "dried up" mascara tubes there will be up to half of the original quantity of material still inside the tube when it is discarded. As a result, the majority of the product is discarded unused, which represents a waste of money to the consumer.

Additionally the mascara brush becomes clogged over time with dried-on material and can also collect eyelashes, fibres and other external contaminants. Clogging of the brush results in the product being difficult to apply, as well as "lumpy" or "flaky" when it is applied, thereby reducing it's effectiveness as an aesthetic enhancer.

Summary of the Present Invention

In a first broad form the present invention provides a mascara reconditioner formulation, the mascara reconditioner formulation including a one or more mascara-thinning agents adapted to be added to the mascara to thereby dilute the mascara to a desired consistency. Preferably the mascara-thinning agents include hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic solvents.

The reconditioner formulation may include one or more cosmetically suitable auxilliaries. The cosmetically suitable auxiliaries may include an anti-microbial agent.

At least one of the mascara thinning agents and the auxiliaries are preferably selected in accordance with the properties of the mascara to be reconditioned.

The relative concentrations of at least one of the mascara thinning agents and the auxiliaries are also typically selected in accordance with the properties of the mascara to be reconditioned.

The reconditioner formulation can therefore be adapted for use with respective types and/or makes of mascara.

In a second broad form the present invention provides a method of reconditioning a mascara product, the method including periodically adding mascara reconditioner formulation to the mascara to thereby dilute the mascara to a desired consistency.

The method typically includes adding a predetermined volume of mascara reconditioner formulation to the mascara.

The method may include providing the mascara reconditioner formulation in a capsule including a predetermined volume of mascara reconditioner formulation.

The method typically includes selecting a reconditioner formulation in accordance with the properties of the mascara to be reconditioned.

The method may also include determining the volume of reconditioner formulation to be added in accordance with the mascara properties.

The properties may include the make and/or type of the mascara. ln a third broad form the present invention provides a method of reconditioning a mascara product, the mascara product including a brush, the method including periodically wiping the brush using a cloth impregnated with mascara reconditioner formulation, such that the mascara reconditioner formulation dissolve any mascara on the brush, allowing the mascara to be removed by the cloth.

In a fourth broad form the present invention provides a method of reconditioning a mascara product, the mascara product including a brush, the method including soaking the brush in reconditioner formulation, the reconditioner formulation being adapted to remove any mascara on the brush.

In a fifth broad form the present invention provides a brush reconditioner for reconditioning a mascara brush, the mascara reconditioner including a cloth impregnated with reconditioner formulation, whereby wiping the brush with the cloth causes the solvent to dissolve any mascara on the brush, thereby allowing the mascara to be removed by the cloth.

In a sixth broad form the present invention provides a mascara reconditioner for reconditioning a mascara product, the mascara product including:

(a) First and second housings defining first and second cavities for containing mascara and solvent respectively, each cavity being accessible via a respective opening; and, (b) A lid adapted to be selectively coupled to the fist and second openings to thereby seal the first and second cavities, the lid including a brush adapted to be contained in a selected one of the cavities when the lid is coupled to the respective opening, whereby in use the brush is stored in the second cavity, such that the solvent dissolves any mascara on the brush when the brush is not in use.

Typically in the second through sixth broad forms of the invention, the reconditioner formulation is a formulation according to the first broad form of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Figures 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of one example of the use of a mascara reconditioner.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

An example of the method of the invention will now be described.

In one example, the method involves adding a mascara reconditioner formulation to the mascara to thereby thin the mascara. This allows "dried-up" mascara to be reconditioned for further use.

The term "formulation" as used herein encompasses gels, liquids, emulsions, solids, semi-solid mixtures, pastes, powders, suspensions, foams, sprays and the like.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any cosmetologically acceptable agent may be employed as a mascara-thinning agent.

The term "mascara-thinning agent" as used herein encompasses agents which dilute, thin, moisten, weaken and/or remove mascara. The mascara-thinning agents of the mascara reconditioner formulations of the invention include, but are not limited to, solvents, diluents and humectants.

Preferably, the mascara-thinning agent includes one or more hydrophobic or hydrophilic solvents. The solvents can be selected for use according to the properties of the mascara to be removed, with detergent-based solvents being selected for ordinary mascaras and oil-based solvents being used for more permanent types of waterproof mascara. In some cases it may be necessary or desirable to use both types of solvents in sequence to remove particularly durable mascara.

The hydrophobic solvent may be derived from animals, plants, or petroleum and may be natural or synthetic. Preferred hydrophobic components are substantially water-insoluble, more preferably essentially water-insoluble. Suitable hydrophobic solvents include, but are not limited to, C1-C12 straight- or branched-chain alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol, propranol; natural oils, such as coconut oil; hydrocarbons, such as mineral oil and hydrogenated polyisobutene; fatty alcohols, such as octyldodecanol; esters, such as C12-15 alkyl benzoate; diesters, such as propylene glycol dipelargonate; triesters, such as glyceryl trioctanoate; sterol derivatives, such as lanolin; animal waxes, such as beeswax; plant waxes, such as carnauba; mineral waxes, such as ozokerite; petroleum waxes, such as paraffm wax; synthetic waxes, such as polyethylene; and mixtures thereof. Further hydrophobic solvents include oils such as siiicones including, but not limited to, volatile siiicones such as cyclomethicone; polymeric siiicones such as dimethicone; alkylated derivatives of polymeric siiicones, such as cetyl dimethicone and lauryl trimethicone; hydroxylated derivatives of polymeric siiicones, such as dimethiconol; and mixtures thereof. Examples may also include organopolysiloxanes such as polyalkylsiloxanes, alkyl substituted dimethicones, cyclomethicones, trimethylsiloxysilicates, dimethiconols, poiyalkylaryl siloxanes, and mixtures thereof.

Whilst a number of different reconditioner formulations may be used, an example of two preferred formulations are as follows:

• For Water-Resistant Mascara

• Reconditioner formulation is composed of at least 90% and more preferably 98% alcohol as a hydrophobic solvent.

• For Water-Proof Mascara • Reconditioner formulation is composed of at least 90% and more preferably 98% iso paraffin as a hydrophobic solvent.

However, it will be appreciated that a wide range of solvents and/or solvent concentrations may be used.

In one embodiment, the mascara reconditioner formulation is an emulsion formed from either spherical micelles of the hydrophobic solvent in water or spherical droplets of water in the hydrophobic solvent. Typical emulsions can be prepared using standard techniques in the art, such as by first creating the oil phase and water phases, mixing the two phases together, and combining them with one or more emulsifying agents which are incorporated into either or both the water and oil phases.

The emulsions of this embodiment of the present invention include at least one aqueous phase, which can comprise water, alcohols, diols or polyols of low carbon number, and ethers thereof, preferably ethanol, isopropanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl, monoethyl or monobutyl ethers, diethylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ethers and analogous products, and also alcohols of low carbon number, e.g. ethanol, isopropanol, 1 ,2-propanediol, glycerol or combinations thereof.

The oil phase of the emulsions of the invention includes a suitable hydrophobic solvent for removal of mascara, and preferably, one or more additional hydrophobic substances, chosen from the group of lecithins and of fatty acid triglycerides, such as the triglycerol esters of saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alkanecarboxylic acids having a chain length of from 8 to 24 carbon atoms, in particular 12 to 18 carbon atoms, Vaseline (petrolatum), paraffin oil and polyolefins.

The oil phase can also include one or more compounds chosen from the group of esters of saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alkanecarboxylic acids having a chain length of from 3 to 30 carbon atoms and saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alcohols having a chain length of from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, and from the group of esters of aromatic carboxylic acids and saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alcohols having a chain length of from 3 to 30 carbon atoms. Such ester oils can then advantageously be chosen from the group consisting of isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isopropyl oleate, n- butyl stearate, n-hexyl laurate, n-decyl oleate, isooctyl stearate, isononyl stearate, isononyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl laurate, 2-hexyldecyl stearate, 2-octyldodecyl palmitate, oleyl oleate, oleyl erucate, erucyl oleate, erucyl erucate, and synthetic, semisynthetic and natural mixtures of such esters, such as, for example, jojoba oil. The oil phase can also be chosen from the group of branched and unbranched hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon waxes, silicone oils, dialkyl ethers, and the group of saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched alcohols.

Any combination of such oil and wax components can also be used for the oil phase of the emulsions of this embodiment.

Preferably, the emulsions include one or more emulsifying agents. A variety of cosmetologically acceptable emulsifiers exist which reduce the surface tension between the oil and water phases thereby making the combination of the two phases more stable. Emulsifiers are chosen according to their differing proportions of lipophilic and hydrophilic molecular structures. This ratio is characterised by the HLB value (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance), a measure of the water affinity (hydrophilicity) or lipid affinity (lipophilicity) of the emulsifier. Emulsifiers with HLB values <10 are more lipophilic molecules are appropriate for solubilising in the oil phase and thus tend to form W/O emulsions. Emulsifiers with HLB values >10 are suitable as hydrophilic emulsifiers, they exhibit a higher water solubility and tend to form OΛ/V emulsions or are used as solubilisers

Suitable anionic OΛ/V- emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, potassium cetyl phosphate, hydrogenated palm glycerides, hydromyristenol-N-cetearyl alcohol, PEG-9 stearamide carboxylic acid, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl oleate citrate, caprylic, capric, triglyceride, glycol stearate and Ceteareth-20.

Non-ionic OΛ/V emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth, Dragosan, sorbitan isostearate, hydrogenated castor oil, Ceresin and Cera Alba

A variety of suitable, stable emulsion forms exist for OΛ/V preparations for cosmetic or dermatological use, for example gels and creams, which are spreadable in the range from room to skin temperature, or lotions and milks, which are flowable in this temperature range. A preferred form of the mascara reconditioner formulations of the present invention are emulsifier gels. These are understood as being systems which, in addition to water, have a high concentration of emulsifiers, typically more than about 25% by weight, based on the total composition. Preferably, such microemulsion gels comprise nonionic emulsifiers, for example alkyl poly-glycosides.

OΛΛ emulsions are preferably stabilised by thickeners to increase the viscosity of the aqueous phase. Examples of suitable thickeners for this purpose are polyacrylates (carbomers), silicon dioxide, aluminium silicates, polysaccharides or derivatives thereof, e.g. hyaluronic acid, xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl- methylcellulose, particularly from the group consisting of polyacrylates, preferably a polyacrylate from the group of carbopols, for example carbopol grades 980, 981 , 1382, 2984, 5984,or also ETD (easy-to-disperse) grades 2001, 2020, 2050, or combinations thereof.

The mascara reconditioning formulations according to the invention can, accordingly, also comprise cosmetic auxiliaries, as are customarily used in such preparations, for example bodying agents, stabilizers, fillers, preservatives, perfumes, antifoams, dyes, pigments which have a colouring action, thickeners, surface-active substances, emulsifiers, emollients, moisturisers and/or humectants, anti-inflammatory substances, additional active ingredients such as vitamins or proteins, sunscreens, insect repellants, bactericides, virucides, water, salts, antimicrobial, proteolytic or keratolytic substances, medicaments or other customary constituents of a cosmetic or dermatological formulation such as alcohols, polyols, polymers, foam stabilizers, organic solvents or also electrolytes.

In one embodiment, the efficacy of the mascara reconditioner formulations of the invention is enhanced or otherwise improved by a combination of the one or more mascara-thinning agents and at least one of the cosmetically suitable auxiliaries.

Particularly preferred auxiliaries include anti-microbial agents. There are concerns regarding the length of time for which mascara is used due to the potential buildup of bacteria, or other pathogenic microbes.

Accordingly, preservative efficacy tests were performed based on the principles outlined in British Pharmacopeia 2003 (Appendix XVID). A preferred form of a water-resistant, mascara reconditioner formulation was employed for the tests, which consisted of approximately 98% alcohol, 2% water and 0.001% each of three additives: Aloe Vera lipo-quinone extract, dragasantol, lavender oil.

The tests were performed against the organisms Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at various contact times to assess the antimicrobial nature of the mascara reconditioner formulation. The product was evaluated at 5% and 10% strength, representing the typical range of use.

The results are present in tables 1 and 2.

Table 1

Table 2

The results indicate that at a use level of 10% the formulation showed excellent anti-microbial properties and exceeding the levels determined in the BP test for topical preparations. At this level of use the mascara reconditioner formulation would contribute to the preservatives already existing in mascara formulations. The use of the product will not therefore contribute to any microbiological hazards of mascara as a consequence of its use.

However, to further improve anti-microbial effects, the formulations can include additional anti-microbial ingredients, thereby allowing the life of the mascara to be extended, without the risk of microbial growth.

Whilst a number of forms of anti-bacterial agents can be used, it is necessary for this to be safe for use, and accordingly, it is preferred to use agents such as tea- tree oil, eucalyptus oil, garlic, horseradish, mint, aloe vera, mustard seed, or the like. Similarly, anti-fungal agents or the like can also be added.

Alternatively, artificially synthesised anti-microbial agents can be included, such as, but not limited to, dermatologically acceptable salts of tetracylin and tetracyclin derivatives, gentamycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, neomycin, capreomycin, lineomycin, paromomycin, tobramycin, erythromycin, triclosan, octopirox, parachlorometa xylenol nystatin, tolnafiate, miconazole hydrochloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidin hydrochloride, methanamine hippurate, methanamine mandelate, minocycline hydrochloride, clindamycin, cloecin, b- lactam derivatives such as aminopenicillin and mixtures thereof.

The anti-microbial agent can be used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms by introducing a microbicidally effective amount of the agent.

Water Resistant and water-proof mascara proprietary brands which may be reconditioned using the mascara reconditioner formulations of the invention include, but are not limited to, LOreal FeatherLash Water-Resistant Mascara, L'Oreal Waterproof Voluminous Volume Building Mascara, L'Oreal Waterproof Lash Out Extra Extending Mascara, L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara, Revlon Lash Fantasy Primer & Mascara, Revlon Lashfull Mascara, Revlon Lengthwise Mascara, Revlon High Dimension Mascara, L'Oreal Waterproof Voluminous, Max Factor 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash, Revlon ColorStay Lashcolor, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, Max Factor 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash Waterproof Mascara, and Maybelline Illegal Lengths Waterproof Mascara.

The mascara reconditioner formulations can be provided to consumers in a number of different forms depending on the circumstances.

For example, the formulation can be provided in a capsule which includes a suitable volume of solvent to allow a mascara to be dilute. This may therefore depend on the composition of the mascara itself and the volume of mascara left in the mascara vessel, such that respective capsules may be provided for respective mascara products, with different sized capsules being provided for different points in the product's life. Alternatively, a single predetermined capsule may be used.

Additionally the exact composition of the formulation including the nature of the solvents used and the solvent concentrations may depend on properties of the mascara. It will therefore be appreciated that a respective formulation may be provided for respective types and brands of mascara. Thus, for example, the reconditioner formulation will be tailored such that the a respective mascara formulation may be provided for each of L'Oreal FeatherLash Water-Resistant Mascara, L'Oreal Waterproof Voluminous Volume Building Mascara, L'Oreal Waterproof Lash Out Extra Extending Mascara, L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara. Similarly, it would be typically for manufacturers to produce respective formulations thereby optimising the reconditioning properties of the formulation for the respective mascara product to be reconditioned.

Thus, respective capsules of reconditioner formulation could be provided for respective types of mascara, with the volume and composition of the formulation depending on type of mascara to be diluted.

In addition to this, the solvent could be provided in a dispenser bottle which allows the formula to be added a drop at a time. This allows the current state of dilution to be assessed at any time, thereby ensuring optimum dilution is achieved.

Additionally, or alternatively reconditioner formulation can be applied to the mascara brush to thereby unclog the and removed dried mascara therefrom. The term "mascara brush" as used herein includes brushes, combs, coils and any device adapted to apply mascara to the eyelashes. In one example, this is achieved using wipes or towlettes formed from cloth including the formula outlined above.

In this case, the wipes could be sold in the form of a dry cloth, with an associated quantity of the reconditioner formulation that can be applied to the cloth. Typically however, the cloth is impregnated with the reconditioner formulation, and contained in a sealed package, allowing the wipe to be removed from the pack, used and discarded, without any further intervention from the user.

Suitable materials for the wipes depend on the exact composition of the mascara reconditioner formulation, but will generally include nonwoven fabrics, felts, cotton fabrics, cellulose, foams, and other material conventionally used in wipes. In one example, the cloth is formed from non-woven cloth impregnated with the mascara reconditioner formulation.

In use, the reconditioner formulation in the wipes dilutes any mascara present on the brush, thereby allowing it to be removed from the brush. This allows used brushes to be unclogged, thereby improving the brush's characteristics for applying the mascara.

In a further example, the reconditioner formulation is provided in a container, allowing the brush to be soaked therein. Again, this has the effect of thinning the dried mascara such that it will not adhere to and hence clog the brush. In this case, when it is desired to apply the mascara, the brush can be removed from the reconditioner formulation and rinsed, allowing the mascara to be applied in the normal way.

It will be appreciated that any suitable container may be used. However, a preferred example is shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In this example, the container system is formed from first and second housings 1, 2 that are attached to a common lid 3, via respective screw tops 4, 5, as shown. In use, the housings 1 , 2 define respective first and second cavities 6, 7 which contain mascara and mascara reconditioner formulation respectively.

The lid 3 includes a brush 8, which is arranged such that when the lid 3 is attached to the housing 1 , the brush will be submerged in the mascara reconditioner formulation. In use, when mascara is to be applied, the lid can be removed from the housings 1, 2, allowing the brush to be inserted into the cavity 6 containing the mascara, as shown in Figure 1 B. When the mascara has been applied, the brush can then be inserted into the cavity 7 containing the mascara reconditioner formulation, and the lid attached to the housings 1, 2, so that the brush soaks in the mascara reconditioner formulation when not in use, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

Thus, the invention seeks to provide a method for overcoming the problems outlined above, in particular, the drying up of the mascara is addressed by using a mascara reconditioner formulation which can be safely used to dilute the mascara. The consumer will be instructed to add the mascara reconditioner formulation drop-by-drop, to a maximum number of drops, until the required consistency is achieved.

The procedures can also address the issue of the brush becoming clogged with the provision of the means to clean an old mascara brush and to remove external fibres & contaminants from it. This may be achieved with a single-use non-woven cloth which has been impregnated with mascara reconditioner formulation and which can be applied directly to the brush to wipe away dried-on material and contaminants. The cloth is preferably supplied packed in a heat-sealed sachet so that it is ready-to-use.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1) A mascara reconditioner formulation, the mascara reconditioner formulation including one or more mascara-thinning agents adapted to be added to the mascara to thereby dilute the mascara to a desired consistency.

2) A reconditioner formulation according to claim 1 , the mascara-thinning agents including hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic solvents.

3) A reconditioner formulation according to claim 1 or claim 2, the reconditioner formulation including one or more cosmetically suitable auxilliaries.

4) A reconditioner formulation according to claim 3, the cosmetically suitable auxilliaries including an anti-microbial agent.

5) A reconditioner formulation according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, at least one of the mascara thinning agents and the auxiliaries being selected in accordance with the properties of the mascara to be reconditioned.

6) A reconditioner formulation according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, the relative concentrations of at least one of the mascara thinning agents and the auxiliaries being selected in accordance with the properties of the mascara to be reconditioned.

7) A reconditioner formulation according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, the reconditioner formulation being adapted for use with respective types and/or makes of mascara.

8) A method of reconditioning a mascara product, the method including periodically adding mascara reconditioner formulation to the mascara to thereby dilute the mascara to a desired consistency.

9) A method according to claim 8, the reconditioner formulation being a reconditioner formulation according to any one of the claims 1 to 7.

10)A method according to claim 8 or claim 9, the method including adding a predetermined volume of mascara reconditioner formulation to the mascara. 11)A method according to any one of the claims 8 to 10, the method including providing the mascara reconditioner formulation in a capsule including a predetermined volume of mascara reconditioner formulation.

12)A method according to any one of the claims 8 to 12, the method including selecting a reconditioner formulation in accordance with the properties of the mascara to be reconditioned.

13)A method according to any one of the claims 8 to 13, the method including determining the volume of reconditioner formulation to be added in accordance with the mascara properties.

14)A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, the properties including the make and/or type of the mascara.

15)A method of reconditioning a mascara product, the mascara product including a brush, the method including periodically wiping the brush using a cloth impregnated with mascara reconditioner formulation, such that the mascara reconditioner formulation dissolve any mascara on the brush, allowing the mascara to be removed by the cloth.

16)A method according to claim 15, the reconditioner formulation being a reconditioner formulation according to any one of the claims 1 to 7.

17) A method of reconditioning a mascara product, the mascara product including a brush, the method including soaking the brush in reconditioner formulation, the reconditioner formulation being adapted to remove any mascara on the brush.

18)A method according to claim 17, the reconditioner formulation being a reconditioner formulation according to any one of the claims 1 to 7.

19)A brush reconditioner for reconditioning a mascara brush, the mascara reconditioner including a cloth impregnated with reconditioner formulation, whereby wiping the brush with the cloth causes the solvent to dissolve any mascara on the brush, thereby allowing the mascara to be removed by the cloth.

20)A brush reconditioner according to claim 19, the reconditioner formulation being a reconditioner formulation according to any one of the claims 1 to 7.

21 )A mascara reconditioner for reconditioning a mascara product, the mascara product including:

(a) First and second housings defining first and second cavities for containing mascara and solvent respectively, each cavity being accessible via a respective opening; and,

(b) A lid adapted to be selectively coupled to the fist and second openings to thereby seal the first and second cavities, the lid including a brush adapted to be contained in a selected one of the cavities when the lid is coupled to the respective opening, whereby in use the brush is stored in the second cavity, such that the solvent dissolves any mascara on the brush when the brush is not in use. 22)A mascara reconditioner according to claim 21 , the reconditioner formulation being a reconditioner formulation according to any one of the claims 1 to 7.