Patent Picks—Wrinkle-removing Tape, Amber Anti-aging, Melanocyte Protection Factor and More

By: Rachel L. Grabenhofer

Posted: February 23, 2011

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System and methods for measuring melanocyte protection factor
US Patent 7888001
Publication date: Feb. 15, 2011
Assignee: STC.UNM

This patent describes a system and methods of establishing a Melanocyte Protection Factor (MPF), which indicates the level of protection against DNA damage to a target cell, such as the level of protection a particular sunscreen offers against UVA rays when compared to the unprotected case, i.e., no sunscreen. The invention determines and records levels of stable melanin radicals (SMR) in a target cell. Light is applied to the target cell forming light-induced melanin radicals (LIR). The levels of SMR and intensity of LIR are measured to determine the amount of incident light reaching the target cell. Since LIR is proportional to the square root of light intensity reaching the target cell, the ratio of light reaching the target cell is determined as the MPF in an equation disclosed in the patent.

Cosmetic composition containing an amber extract
US Patent 7887858
Publication date: Feb. 15, 2011
Assignee: LVMH Recherche

Disclosed in this patent is a cosmetic composition includes as active agents, a first active agent consisting of an amber extract, and at least one other cosmetically active agent selected from the group consisting of extracts of Bertholletia excelsa; extracts of Potentilla erecta; magnesium aspartate; peptides acting on muscle contraction, particularly acetyl hexapeptide 3; peptides and their derivatives grafted with a fatty acid, particularly a C16 fatty acid, promoting collagen synthesis, particularly palmitoyl oligopeptide pentapeptide 3 or palmitoyl tetrapeptide 7; and soy flour hydrolyzates and plant glycolipids, particularly cereal glycosphingolipids, and more particularly wheat glycosphingolipids. Said amber extract also may be used as a cosmetic agent acting on dermal-supporting proteins and/or the enzymatic systems that degrade the dermal proteins and/or the glycan-type essential components of the extracellular matrix, particularly proteoglycans, for improving the essential biomechanical properties of the skin, namely firmness and elasticity, in the preparation of a cosmetic composition.

Compositions for promoting a healthy appearance of the skin
WIPO Patent Application  WO/2011/017274
Publication date: Feb. 10, 2011
Assignee: Peter Thomas Roth Labs LLC and PT Roth