Fecha de publicación: 11/10/2000 Fuente: WIPO "miel" Patches for application to the skin have a polymeric matrix containing at least one cosmetically active material and, embedd in the matrix, permanently orientated magnetic particles. A patch (1) is shown in the drawing in which the polymeric matrix (3) has magnetic particles (4) embedded in it, and one surface of the patch (5) is adhesive or becomes adhesive, such as on hydration. The magnetic particles are preferably ferrites, optional coated with a polyurethane, epoxy, polyester, polyamide or cyanoacrylate, and these are magnetized in situ once the patch has be prepared. The particles preferably comprise 0.2-80 %, especially 2-15 % of the volume of the matrix. The orientation of the magn field generated by the particles is preferably from one side of the patch to the other. The cosmetically active material that is also within the matrix may be a slimming agent, cleanser, anti-oxidant, anti-free radical agent, hydrating agent, depigmenting agent, liporegulator, anti-acne agent, anti-seborrheic, anti-aging agent, softener, anti-wrinkle agent, keratolytic agent, anti-inflammatory, refreshing agent, cicatrizing agent, vascular protector, antibacterial, antifungal, antiperspirant, deodorant skin conditioner, insensitizer, immunomodulator, nourisher, or humidity absorbent. In addition the matrix may contain a wide ran of other materials, such as enzymes, antibiotics, sugars, urea, hydroxylated polyacids, vitamins, oils, steroids, etc. The patch are prepared by dispersing the active material and magnetic particles in the matrix material, and, after (partial) polymerizatio passing this through a magnetic field so as to orientate the particles permanently.