January's Skin Care Patent Picks

By: Bud Brewster, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: January 6, 2009

page 3 of 4

7,422,735
BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Use of crosslinked cationic polymers in skin cosmetic and dermatological preparations
The invention relates to the use of at least one copolymer obtained by a method specified in the patent as an additive for skin cosmetic and dermatological preparations. The method calls for free-radically initiated copolymerization of a monomer mixture (MM) comprising 1–99.99% by weight of at least one monomer (M1) chosen from N-vinylimidazoles and diallylamines optionally in partially or completely quaternized form, and 0.01–10% by weight of at least one monomer (ML) that acts as cross-linker and has at least two ethylenically unsaturated, nonconjugated double bonds. Optionally, MM may also include the following: 0–98.99% by weight of at least one neutral or basic water-soluble monomer (M2) that is different from M1; 0–50% by weight of at least one unsaturated acid or unsaturated anhydride (M3); 0–50% by weight of at least one free-radically copolymerizable monomer (M4) that is different from M1, M2 or M3. Subsequent partial or complete quaternization or protonation of the polymer is required in the case where the M1 is unquaternized or only partially quaternized. 

7,419,970
L’Oréal
Cosmetic compositions comprising N-acylamino amides
The invention concerns novel compounds of the N-acylamino-amide family, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions contain them, and their use for treating body or face skin aging, whether chronobiologic or light-induced. In particular, these compounds are used to treat skin aging caused by decrease of skin elasticity and/or by collagen degradation in the structure of tissues. 

7,419,958
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Inc.
Method of attenuating reactions to skin irritants
The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting CD1d activation by administering a composition containing a moiety that blocks CD1d activation. CD1d is a member of the CD1 (cluster of differentiation 1) family of glycoproteins expressed on the surface of various human antigen-presenting cells. Compositions of the invention are useful for the attenuation of CD1d-restricted immune responses, including treatment of skin disorders due to hyperactive immune responses (e.g., contact hypersensitivity), for systemic administration to attenuate ongoing immune responses, and to provide hypoallergenic cosmetic products including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and skin care compositions. Preferably, these compositions are in a form intended for topical administration. 

7,419,688
Engelhard Lyon
Use of plant extracts for tinting the skin as a function of its phototype
Disclosed is a method for tinting, for coloring skin, or for increasing the tanned appearance of skin comprising the use of an extract of a plant from the family of Compositae or Asteraceae, preferably an extract of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). Also disclosed is a method of screening a plant for the manufacture of a cosmetic composition for coloring, particularly for tinting, at least one part of skin.

7,452,878
Galderma Research & Development
Biaromatic compounds which activate PPAR.gamma. type receptors and cosmetic/pharmaceutical compositions comprised thereof
Novel biaromatic compounds having the structural formula given in the patent are formulated into cosmetic compositions or pharmaceutical compositions suited for administration in human or veterinary medicine (in dermatology, and also in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases and/or diseases associated with lipid metabolism).