Patent Picks—Cypress Anti-aging, Theanine Anti-acne, Catmint Insect Repellent and More for Skin

Patent Picks are compiled by the editors and taken from publicly available sources and cover recent patents issued, or applied for, in the cosmetic and personal care industries and relevant peripheral markets. This edition features inventions related to skin health, protection and wellness.

Crystallizing actives to improve stability
U.S. Patent 8558048
Publication date: Oct. 15, 2013
Assignee: Althea Technologies, Inc.

This patent relates to methods for the stabilization, storage and delivery of biologically active macromolecules such as proteins, peptides and nucleic acids; particularly protein or nucleic acid crystals, formulations and compositions comprising them. It further describes encapsulating proteins, glycoproteins, enzymes, antibodies, hormones and peptide crystals or crystal formulations.

Specifically, protein crystals or crystal formulations are encapsulated within a matrix comprising a polymeric carrier to form a composition to enhance the preservation of the native biologically active tertiary structure of the proteins. According to the inventors, this creates a reservoir that can slowly release active protein as needed. Applications include delivery of therapeutic proteins and vaccines, and protein delivery in cosmetics and personal care compositions, among others.

Botanical manufacture of hyaluronan
U.S. Patent 8558060
Publication date: Oct. 15, 2013
Assignee: Bayer Cropscience AG

Cosmetic products frequently incorporate hyaluronan in skin creams and lotions as a moisturizer based on its high water-binding capacity. According to this invention, further possibilities in the medical and cosmetics fields include the use of hyaluronan as carrier for active compounds for controlled release and targeted delivery. The present invention therefore relates to plant cells and plants that synthesize hyaluronan and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these plant cells or plants.

Hydrogenating catmint for insect repellent application
U.S. Patent 8558015
Publication date: Oct. 15, 2013
Assignee: EI du Pont de Nemours and Company

Disclosed in this patent are methods for treating catmint oil to produce hydrogenated catmint oil. This hydrogenated form is enriched in the insect repellent dihydronepetalactone, from which formulated products may be prepared. The oils created are characterized by a relative volatility to obtain a desirably high level of concentration of this active ingredient on, above and around a surface of an animate or inanimate host. The preparations described may be used as active ingredients or formulations for wet or dry application via a liquid, aerosol, gel, aerogel, foam or powder. Suitable carriers include organic and inorganic liquid, solid, or semi-solid carriers or carrier formulations usable in formulating a variety of cosmetic products.

Retinoids, dispersed benzoyl peroxide and carrageenans to treat acne
U.S. Patent 8557871
Publication date: Oct. 15, 2013
Assignee: Galderma Research and Development

Disclosed in this patent are dermatological compositions containing at least one retinoid, dispersed benzoyl peroxide and at least one gelling agent of the family of the carrageenans. Said compositions are useful for treating dermatological conditions linked to disorders of cell differentiation and/or proliferation and/or keratinization, notably for treating Acne vulgaris.

Transmission dyes for hair and skin UV protection, anti-aging applications
U.S. Patent 8557820
Publication date: Oct. 15, 2013
Assignee: BASF SE

According to these inventors, it is known that certain photostable organic UV filters, e.g., bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid or butyl methoxy dibenzoyl methane which is photo-stabilized with octocrylene, exhibit pronounced UV filtering properties in the UVA range up to 380 nm. However, in the range from 380 nm to 420 nm, no satisfactory UV protection can be achieved. On the other hand, it is known that in the region > 380 nm, UV significantly contributes to skin aging and enhances skin cancer risk. And surprisingly, it has been found that specific UV absorbers, with absorption maxima above 380 nm, desirably show no significant color when applied to the skin.

This invention describes specific transmission dyes for protecting human hair and skin against UV radiation and skin aging, and preventing tanning. Specifically disclosed is the use of an aqueous dispersion comprising: a) a micronized sparingly soluble organic benzophenone derivative selected from the crystal modifications i) or ii), wherein the crystal modification i) is characterized by a peak in the X-ray diffraction pattern at a d-spacing of about 7.70; and wherein the crystal modification ii) is characterized by a peak in the X-ray diffraction pattern at a d-spacing of about 7.06; and b) a dispersing agent selected from anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants.

α2 Adrenoceptor agonists for inflammatory disorders
U.S. Patent 8557817
Publication date: Oct. 15, 2013
Assignee: Galderma Laboratories Inc.

The present invention is directed to compounds and methods for the treatment or prevention of inflammatory skin disorders. α2 Adrenoceptor agonists are reportedly effective for the treatment of rosacea, but also can be used to treat dermatitis, disorders of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and inflammatory reactions. The α2 adrenoceptor agonists of this invention act on the peripheral vasculature to cause vasoconstriction and thereby ameliorate the symptoms of inflammatory skin disorders. These compounds are delivered in a topical skin composition to insure efficacy in the skin without penetrating in sufficient amounts to induce serious systemic side effects.

Chamaecyparis obtusa polysaccharides for anti-aging
U.S. Patent 8557795
Publication date: Oct. 15, 2013
Assignee: Amorepacific Corp.

This patent relates to a topical composition containing a Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki cypress) polysaccharide as an active ingredient, which improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles by promoting collagen production. According to the inventors, it also shows excellent skin-whitening effect by inhibiting melanogenesis, improves skin moisturization by promoting keratinocyte differentiation, and has excellent anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration effects.

Theanine derivative for alleviating acne
U.S. Patent 8557793
Publication date: Oct. 15, 2013
Assignee: Amorepacific Corp.

According to these inventors, different bacteria form a specific colony in the skin and play the role as a primary barrier, protecting against external microorganisms entering the human body. However,  abnormal proliferation of bacteria is harmful to the skin; one such bacteria is Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). In relation, attempts have been made to find a substance that has a selective anti-bacterial effect without affecting other bacteria. Theanine, mainly found in tea, is known to have an anti-bacterial effect that is insignificant. Thus, there is a need for improving the effects of theanine for practical use. In response, disclosed in this patent is a theanine derivative, its preparation method and its application to selectively inhibit Propionibacterium acnes.

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