Patent Picks— Electromagnetic Radiation, Omentum, Plant Extracts, Growth Factors, Gingerone and More

By: Rachel L. Grabenhofer

Posted: October 10, 2012

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This invention refers to a mixture of vegetable triglycerides, particularly fromn olive oil, containing saturated fatty acids with chain lengths of C16-C18. The invention further relates to their composition, possibly in combination with other vegetable glycerides; technological process for their preparation; and use for cosmetic applications. Compared to other esters having the same thickening function in cosmetic formulations, the mixture has the advantage of being of vegetable origin and of having a positive environmental impact assessment according to the method of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Another advantage, compared to synthetically derived esters, is the presence of a residual heavy fraction of unsaponifiables, exerting recognized cosmetic activity, e.g., as emollients and antioxidants.

Fractional cosmetic treatment process using laser or microneedles
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/131623
Publication date: Oct. 4, 2012
Assignee: L'Oreal, J.-P. Hirt, A. Potin and Y. Mahe

This patent describes a cosmetic skin treatment process, for nontherapeutic purposes, comprising the following steps: performing a fractional treatment of the skin to reduce its barrier function, and applying an aqueous material comprising a hydrogel and/or biocellulose incorporating the desired agents to be delivered. It is a known practice to use microneedles arranged in a network to perforate the upper layers of the skin to facilitate the penetration of active agents. Another known technique is based on the use of a laser whose ray is separated into a multitude of relatively fine rays for a plurality of treatment points on skin. At each point of impact photothermolysis excavates a microwell, facilitating the penetration of active agents.

Since fractional treatment aids the action of cosmetic or therapeutic agents across various layers of the skin where the barrier function is reduced, these points are temporarily more sensitive to  inflammatory effects. In relation, the current patent addresses the need to make a fractional treatment more comfortable and/or to broaden the field of active agents that may be applied after a fractional treatment without causing excessive discomfort to the individual undergoing the treatment.

Use of gingerone or derivatives thereof for reducing or delaying the signs of skin ageing
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/131072
Publication date: Oct. 4, 2012
Assignee: L'Oreal and S. Saussay