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

Chosen biweekly for their relevance to personal care, Patent Picks are taken from publicly available sources. This edition features patents related to active ingredients for skin and hair benefits.

Active telomerase, growth factor and peptide skin care compositions
US Patent 8283314
Publication date: Oct. 9, 2012
Assignee: Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc.

Topical dermatological and cosmetic compositions and methods are provided in this patent to reduce the appearance of biological and/or environmentally-caused aging. Aspects of the present invention are compositions including: a reverse transcriptase component of telomerase; one or more growth factors; at least two acylated peptides; and optionally, at least one skin benefit agent selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, humectants and moisturizing agents. Specifically, the compositions may include an epidermal growth factor, a keratinocyte growth factor, a transforming growth factor-β1, and at least one myristoylated peptide in a cosmetically suitable vehicle.

Topical skin care formulations comprising plant extracts
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/135337
Publication date: Oct. 4, 2012
Assignee: Mary Kay Inc., T. Florence, D. Gan and M. Hines

This invention relates to topical skin compositions and corresponding methods for their use that include plant extracts. One such composition can include a TNF-α inhibitor, wherein said inhibitor is an aqueous extract from the whole plant of Polygonum multiflorum; an antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor from the whole plant of Lonicera japonica; and a dermatologically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition can include at least 50% w/w water.

Business methods, processes and systems for collection, cryogenic storage and distribution of cosmetic formulations from an obtained stem cell-based biological material
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/135237
Publication date: Oct. 4, 2012
Assignee: J.S. Arnone and E. Burt

These inventors describe business methods, processes and systems for collection, storage and distribution of a biological sample material for producing a cosmetic formulation product. Recent developments in the understanding and properties of tissues and cells allow for biological samples to be processed and cryogenically stored for later use, for a variety of therapies. This is most appreciated in the use of heterologous and autologous stem cells and related growth factors and growth medium.

Heat-extracted omentum oils for inhibiting hair loss
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/134433
Publication date: Oct. 4, 2012
Assignee: Cooperlabs Ltd.; J.A. Greene; J. Busch; G. Wrape, Jr.; and J.D. Klein

Disclosed herein are extracts of mammalian omentum, wherein the liquid portion such an oil is extracted by heating the omentum to a temperature of between 210 and 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Also disclosed are methods of making a composition including the extract. Uses include enhancing angiogenesis, improving skin quality and promoting hair growth and/or inhibiting hair loss.

Triglyceride compositions from olive oil deodorization distillate for cosmetic applications
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/131624
Publication date: Oct. 4, 2012
Assignee: Biophil Italia SpA, G. Santus, D. Santoro and A. Busetti

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

Desribed in this patent is the use of gingerone or derivatives thereof for reducing or delaying the signs of skin aging. Gingerone (INCI: Zingerone), is a phenolic compound from the vanilloid family. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), mango, cranberry or raspberry may be natural sources of gingerone; however, ginger, in particular ginger oleoresin, is the main source. This molecule is to a large extent responsible for the hot flavor of ginger and has been cited among the ingredients for topical anti-aging care for its blood circulation "accelerator" activity; as a hyperemizing agen; or as an antioxidant. Here, the inventors describe gingerone and some of its derivatives as a pro-differentiator for keratinocytes, and to treat or delay the appearance of the signs of skin aging.

Topical compositions and methods for influencing electromagnetic radiation on cutaneous extracellular matrix protein production
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/130979
Publication date: Oct. 4, 2012
Assignee: Lonza Inc., V. Gruber, V. Cataldo, R.M. Klein and Lonza Ltd.

Disclosed herein is a composition that is suitable for influencing electromagnetic radiation on cutaneous extracellular matrix protein production. The composition contains a proanthocyanin, polyphenol or proanthocyanin/polyphenol-containing plant extract absorbed or adsorbed onto an inert carrier, wherein said component is responsive to ultraviolet, infrared or visible light. In addition, the composition contains a photo-activatable amino acid or amino acids blend, and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle.

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