Cationic film-forming polymer compositions, and use thereof in topical agents delivery system and method of delivering agents to the skin

A mixture of lipophilic and amphiphilic/hydrophilic film-forming polymers of the formula (I)R-(CO)mY1-(CH2CHR1O)n-[CONH-Z-NHCO(OCH2CHR2)n'-Y2-(CH2CHR2O)n'']p-CONH-Z-NHCO-(OCH2CHR1)n-Y1(CO)mR(I)where R represents (i) an alkyl, alkenyl or alkaryl group of from 1 to 30 carbon atoms or (ii) a polypropylene oxide group or polybutylene oxide group; R1 and R2, each, independently, represent a hydrogen atom, or a methyl or ethyl group; Z represents a divalent linking hydrocarbyl group; m is 0 or 1; when m=0, Y1 represents O, NR3 or N+R3R4X- and when m=1 Y1 represents O; Y2 represents O, NR3, N+R3R4X-, (R3NCH2CH2)t, or [(R3R4N+CH2CH2)X-]t; R3 and R4, independently, represent C1-C22 alkyl; X represents an anion; t is a positive integer; n and n', are each, independently, a positive number; and p is >/=0, provide a skin substantive, occlusive moisture barrier covering for skin or hair. When Y1 and Y2 are O the polymers are nonionic in character when Y1 or Y2 represents NR3 or N+R3R4X- the polymers are cationic in character. The compositions have a moisturizing effect by reducing transepidermal water loss. The lipophilic or amphiphilic or hydrophilic film-forming polymers may be used individually or as mixtures as a delivery system for delivering pharmacological or cosmetic agents to the skin or hair.