Use of fatty acids for microbiome benefits and compositions comprising fatty acids

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of specific sets of fatty acids and compositions comprising them for delivering microbiome benefits to the skin. This benefit ensures that the skin is protected from undesired bacteria. The present invention provides benefits by selective fatty acids, i.e. Fatty acids having C18 carbon atoms or more, preferably C20 carbon atoms or more, which act as prebiotics for skin symbiotic bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis. The efficacy may be improved by combining fatty acids with polyols such as glycerol and / or by combining fatty acid esters such as glyceryl monostearate. It has also been found that the combined synergistic interaction of certain unsaturated fatty acids provides this benefit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of a specific group of fatty acids for delivering microbiome benefits to the skin and compositions containing them. The benefits ensure protection of the skin from unwanted bacteria. The present invention provides the benefits by selective fatty acids that act as prebiotics for skin commensal bacteria such as S. epidermidis and S. Hominis. Background Art

[0002] The skin in mammals is considered to be one of the largest organs in the body, especially the organ with the largest surface area. The skin forms the first line of defense against microorganisms, which can invade the body through air, water, food or materials in contact with the body. When the body is infected on the skin or systemically, the traditional approach to this hygiene problem is to treat the skin / body with antimicrobial active substances that reduce or kill the germs. Recent studies have shown that many bacteria that are permanently present on the skin (called skin commensal bacteria) do not actually cause infection, but rather, they are beneficial bacteria that protect the skin from diseases caused by pathogens. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the protection, some of which are popular: physically occupying space on the skin to prevent colonization by pathogens; producing metabolites that metabolize harmful, potentially pathogenic organisms; generating metabolites that strengthen innate defense mechanisms to prevent infection by harmful pathogens; and providing other benefits, such as maintaining skin pH, barrier function, etc. Therefore, there is a trend away from treating the skin with broad-spectrum antimicrobial active substances to kill all microorganisms present on the skin (or any other part of the body) as a means of treating infection. Instead, the method is more inclined to target or selectively inhibit / kill the desired microorganisms to exclude skin commensal organisms. This ensures that the skin microbiome is maintained in a healthy balance for long-term hygiene and wellness.

[0003] The present inventors seek to solve the problem of selectively killing non-symbiotic bacteria (such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) on the skin by using prebiotics or selective fermentation inducers (SFIs) to promote the number and function of skin symbiotic bacteria. During the research process, they found that it is possible to maintain or further grow a population of skin symbiotic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis, on the skin by using selected fatty acids, i.e., selecting fatty acids of C18 or higher, preferably C20 or higher, to exclude fatty acids of lower molecular weight. When combined with C16 or higher fatty acids, the effect can be further enhanced by using agents such as glycerol and / or glyceryl monostearate. For the knowledge of the present inventors of this selection compound, the combination of compounds or personal care compositions containing them is not known to be used to deliver this benefit.

[0004] WO20216757 (Universiteit Gent) discloses acids that control the microbiome by inhibiting the growth of specific malodor producing bacteria and / or promoting the growth of bacteria known to be beneficial for malodor. It does not specifically disclose whether the fatty acid is a saturated or unsaturated C18+ fatty acid, preferably a C20+ fatty acid, to exclude that lower molecular weight fatty acids are particularly good for delivering this benefit.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide the use of a compound or a composition comprising the compound for promoting the balance of the microbiome of the skin. Summary of the invention

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to the use of C18-C24 fatty acids, preferably C20-C24 fatty acids, for providing microbiome benefits to the skin.

[0007] A preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a personal care composition comprising (i) C18-C24 fatty acids, preferably C20-C24 fatty acids, and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier; for providing microbiome benefits to the skin.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

[0009] (i) 0.2 to 10 wt. % C20 to C24 fatty acids; and

[0010] (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier;

[0011] Wherein the composition comprises less than 1 wt%, preferably less than 0.1 wt% C10 to C18 fatty acids. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] By reading the following detailed description and the appended claims, these and other aspects, features and advantages will become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art. To avoid confusion, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be used for any other aspect of the present invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "comprising", but not necessarily "consisting of" or "consisting of". In other words, the steps or options listed do not need to be exhaustive. Note that the examples given in the following description are intended to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to those examples themselves. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are weight / weight percentages. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise clearly indicated, all numbers indicating the amount of material or reaction conditions, the physical properties of the material and / or the use in this specification and claims should be understood to be modified by the word "about". The numerical range expressed in the format "from x to y" should be understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y" for a particular feature, it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints are also expected.

[0014] As used herein, "skin" is intended to include skin on any part of the body (e.g., face, neck, chest, back, arms, underarms, hands, legs, buttocks, and scalp). Protecting the skin of infants is particularly useful. Infants are children less than five years old, preferably less than three years old, and more preferably less than one year old. Such use against pathogens is preferably non-therapeutic, for example delivered by a cosmetic or personal care composition. In addition, the compositions of the present invention and the methods of the present invention are also preferably used for non-therapeutic uses.

[0015] Any preferences described below in relation to one aspect of the invention (eg the composition or use according to the invention) also preferably apply to any other aspect of the invention.

[0016] The present invention relates to the use of C18-C24 fatty acids, preferably C20-C24 fatty acids, for providing microbial benefits to the skin. Through this benefit, the skin can be protected from non-symbiotic bacteria by nourishing skin commensal bacteria. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the active substance in a personal care composition for microbial benefits, the care composition is preferably a skin care composition, which also contains a cosmetically acceptable carrier. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of skin care compositions as symbiotic bacterial nourishing agents. Alternatively, the present invention also relates to the use of active substances and personal care compositions as prebiotics for symbiotic bacteria. The selected fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated. Suitable saturated fatty acids can be C18:0 (stearic acid), C20:0 (arachidic acid) or C24:0 (lignoceric acid). Examples of unsaturated fatty acids can be C18:1 (oleic acid), C18:2 (linoleic acid) or C18:3 (linolenic acid). It is particularly preferred that the benefits of the present invention can be obtained by a fatty acid mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Therefore, a preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid for microbiome benefit.

[0017] The microbiome benefits according to the present invention are achieved by enhancing the growth of skin commensal bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis.

[0018] Therefore, another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a personal care composition for providing a microbiome benefit to the skin, the composition comprising (i) C18-C24 fatty acids, preferably C20-C24 fatty acids, and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier. This is also achieved by enhancing the growth of skin commensal bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis. The composition according to the present invention preferably comprises 0.2-10% by weight of C18-C24 fatty acids. A particularly preferred aspect relates to the use of a composition comprising 0.2 to 10% by weight of C20 to C24 fatty acids. A preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a composition for microbiome benefits, the composition comprising less than 1% by weight of C10 to C16 fatty acids, preferably less than 0.1% by weight of C10 to C16 fatty acids. An even more preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a composition for microbiome benefits, the composition comprising less than 1% by weight of C10 to C18 fatty acids, preferably less than 0.1% by weight of C10 to C18 fatty acids. Yet another preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a personal care composition for providing microbiome benefits to the skin, the composition comprising (i) a C18-C24 fatty acid comprising a mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid, and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier;.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

[0020] (i) 0.2% to 10% by weight of C20 to C24 fatty acids; and

[0021] (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier;

[0022] The composition comprises less than 1 wt%, preferably less than 0.1 wt%, of C10 to C18 fatty acids.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

[0024] (i) 0.2% to 10% by weight of C16 to C24 fatty acids;

[0025] (ii) polyols; and

[0026] (iii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier;

[0027] Wherein the composition comprises less than 1 wt%, preferably less than 0.1 wt% of C10 to C14 fatty acids.

[0028] According to this aspect of the invention, the C16-C24 fatty acid may preferably comprise a mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid.

[0029] According to any aspect of the present invention involving a mixture of oleic and linoleic acids, the benefits can be obtained by using a combination of oils rich in these fatty acid esters. When used, a certain percentage, say about 10%, of the oil mixture is hydrolyzed to produce the desired unsaturated fatty acids to deliver the benefits of the present invention. Suitable oils to be mixed are those rich in oleic and linoleic acids, preferably olive oil and sunflower oil.

[0030] The inclusion of a polyol enhances the microbiome benefits by interacting synergistically with the selective fatty acids. The polyol may be selected from one or more of glycerol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, pentanediol, hexylene glycol, and sorbitol. The most preferred polyol for inclusion in the composition of the present invention is glycerol. The composition of the present invention may additionally include a fatty acid ester, preferably glyceryl monostearate.

[0031] It should be understood that the benefits disclosed and claimed by the selective fatty acid in the present invention can also be achieved by the composition comprising the combination of the selective fatty acid (excluding other fatty acids) and the acceptable carrier of cosmetics. On the contrary, the benefits disclosed and claimed in the composition and method of the present invention should be understood to be due to the inclusion of the selective fatty acid. This composition can be in the form of a disposable composition. Alternatively and also preferably, it can be delivered by the form of washing off (wash-off), for delivering selective protection benefits to mammals, especially local areas of the mankind such as skin and / or hair. This composition includes any product applied to the human body, for also improving outward appearance, cleaning or overall aesthetics. The composition of the present invention can be delivered together with a locally acceptable carrier.

[0032] Fatty acids according to the present invention and compositions comprising them are preferably prebiotics for skin commensal bacteria. Skin commensal bacteria are preferably Staphylococcus epidermidis. According to the present invention, the skin is protected from the influence of non-symbiotic bacteria, which can be Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Propionibacterium acnes or a mixture thereof. Consumers usually find that such non-symbiotic bacteria are unwanted or undesirable because they may provide some negative attributes, such as producing itching, discomfort or malodor. In some cases, they may even be harmful or pathogenic in extreme cases. Therefore, non-symbiotic bacteria are preferably unwanted bacteria, undesirable bacteria, harmful bacteria and / or pathogenic bacteria or bacteria with a combination of these attributes.

[0033] Composition of the present invention is preferably a rinse-off composition, and this is achieved by including 0.25-80% by weight of a surfactant. Typically, the surfactant can be selected from the surfactant described in a known textbook, such as "Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1, Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2, Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958, and / or the current version of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents" published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company, or "Tenside-Taschenbuch", H. Stackhe, 2nd edition, Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981. Any type of surfactant can be used, i.e. anionic, cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants, but preferred surfactants are anionic, amphoteric or nonionic types, most preferably anionic and amphoteric types.

[0034] The pH of the rinse-off composition according to the invention is in the range of 5-11, preferably in the range of 5.5-10.

[0035] The surfactant may be soap. Soap is a suitable surfactant for personal washing applications of the compositions of the present invention. The soap is preferably a C8-C24 soap, more preferably a C10-C20 soap, and most preferably a C12-C16 soap. The soap may or may not have one or more carbon-carbon double or triple bonds. The cation of the soap may be an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or ammonium. Preferably, the cation of the soap is selected from sodium, potassium, or ammonium. More preferably, the cation of the soap is sodium or potassium.

[0036] Soap can be obtained by saponifying fats and / or fatty acids. The fats or oils commonly used for soap making can be tallow, tallow stearines, palm oil, palm stearin, soybean oil, fish oil, castor oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, babassu oil, palm kernel oil, etc. In the above method, the fatty acid is derived from an oil / fats selected from coconut, rice bran, peanut, tallow, palm, palm kernel, cottonseed, soybean, castor, etc.

[0037] A typical fatty acid blend consists of 5-30% coconut fatty acids and 70-95% hardened rice bran oil fatty acids. Fatty acids derived from other suitable oils / fats such as groundnut, soybean, tallow, palm, palm kernel, etc. may also be used in other desired proportions. The most preferred soap is lauric acid soap. When present in the solid form of the present invention, the soap is present in an amount of 30-90%, preferably 50-85%, more preferably 55-75% by weight of the composition. When present in liquid form, the soap is present in an amount of 0.5-20%, preferably 1-10% by weight of the composition.

[0038] Alternatively, the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, such as a C8-C22, preferably a C8-C16 fatty alcohol ethoxylate containing 1-8 ethylene oxides, and the surfactant is preferably selected from primary alkyl sulfates, secondary alkyl sulfonates, alkyl benzenesulfonates or ethoxylated alkyl sulfates. The composition may further comprise anionic surfactants, such as alkyl ether sulfates, preferably those with 1 to 3 ethylene oxide groups, from natural or synthetic sources and / or sulfonic acids. Sodium lauryl ether sulfate is particularly preferred. Alkyl polyglucosides may also be present in the composition, preferably those with carbon chain lengths between C6 and C16. Suitable surfactant concentrations in liquid cleaning applications are generally greater than 0.5% by weight of the composition but less than 10% by weight, preferably 1% to 5% by weight. In solid compositions, the surfactant is preferably present in 5-40% by weight of the composition, preferably 10-30% by weight.

[0039] The cleansing compositions of the present invention may also be delivered via moisturizing bars or moisturizing liquid compositions. Moisturizing bar compositions comprising fatty acyl isethionate (eg, cocoyl isethionate) are particularly preferred.

[0040] Fatty acyl isethionate (e.g., cocoyl isethionate) surfactant "products" are defined as mixtures of anionic acyl isethionate surfactants and fatty acids / fatty acid soaps. They are highly desirable in personal skin care or hair cleansing products, particularly in personal care products, because they lather well, are mild to the skin, and have good emollient properties. Typically, fatty acid isethionate surfactant products are produced by esterification of fatty acids or by reaction of fatty acid chlorides having carbon chain lengths of C8 to C20 with isethionates. Typical fatty acyl isethionate-containing surfactant products contain about 40-95% by weight of acid isethionate, and 5-50% by weight, typically 10-40% by weight of free fatty acids, as well as isethionate, typically less than 5%, and trace amounts (less than 2% by weight) of other additives. Fatty acid soaps may be included in the range of 5 to 15% by weight. Other surfactants such as betaines may be included in the range of 1-5% by weight. Water is typically included in the composition at 2-8% by weight.

[0041] It is desirable to formulate compositions with relatively mild surfactants. One combination of surfactants that is particularly desirable is a combination of an alkyl isethionate (e.g., a fatty acid ester of isethionate, such as sodium lauroyl isethionate or sodium cocoyl isethionate) and an alkyl taurate (e.g., an alkyl tauramide, such as N-methyl taurate). Alternatively, compositions may be formulated with taurates alone in the absence of isethionates. Surfactant mixtures have the advantage of being sulfate-free. In addition, they provide the ability to formulate isotropic systems at neutral and slightly acidic pH. Thus, they allow the use of more skin-friendly preservative systems. It is also desirable to provide compositions with high levels of glycerol (e.g., 20% or more, preferably 25%-60%, preferably 30-55%, based on weight), because glycerol provides excellent sensory sensations (e.g., moisturizing sensations).

[0042] Depending on the form of the composition, water may preferably be present at 10-90% by weight of the composition. In solid compositions, water may be present at 10-30%, while in liquid or semi-solid compositions, water may be present at 40 to 90%.

[0043] When the composition according to the present invention is a leave-on composition, it preferably comprises one or more of a surfactant, an emollient, a humectant, a pigment and a preservative. They are most preferably produced for use in the form of a cream, an emulsion or a gel.

[0044] The pH of the leave-on composition according to the invention is in the range of 5-9, preferably in the range of 5.5-8.

[0045] The carrier acts as a diluent or dispersant for the composition ingredients. The carrier may be water-based, anhydrous or an emulsion, whereby water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions are generally preferred. If water is used, it generally constitutes the balance of the composition, most preferably 40-80% by weight of the composition.

[0046] In addition to water, organic solvents may optionally be included as carriers to aid any other carriers in the compositions of the present invention. Examples include alkanols such as ethanol and isopropanol.

[0047] Other suitable organic solvents include ester oils such as isopropyl myristate, cetyl myristate, 2-octyldodecyl myristate, avocado oil, almond oil, olive oil, and neopentyl glycol dicaprate. Typically, such ester oils help emulsify the composition and are generally used in an effective amount to produce a stable and most preferably water-in-oil emulsion.

[0048] If necessary, emollients can also be used as carriers. Preferred alcohols are 1-hexadecanol (i.e. cetyl alcohol). Other emollients include silicone oils and synthetic esters. Suitable silicone oils include cyclic or linear polydimethylsiloxanes containing 3 to 9, preferably 4 to 5 silicon atoms. Non-volatile silicone oils that can be used as emollients include polyalkylsiloxanes, polyalkylarylsiloxanes and polyethersiloxane copolymers. Non-volatile polyalkylsiloxanes can be used polydimethylsiloxanes. Silicone elastomers can also be used. The ester emollients that can be used optionally are:

[0049] (i) Alkenyl or alkyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include isoeicosyl neopentanoate, isononyl isononanoate, oleyl myristate, oleyl stearate, and oleyl oleate;

[0050] (ii) ether esters, for example fatty acid esters of ethoxylated fatty alcohols;

[0051] (iii) Polyol esters. Ethylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, diethylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol (200-6000) mono- and di-fatty acid esters, propylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polypropylene glycol 2000 monooleate, polypropylene glycol 2000 monostearate, ethoxylated propylene glycol monostearate, glycerol mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyglycerol poly-fatty acid esters, ethoxylated monostearate glyceryl,

[0052] 1,3-Butanediol monostearate, 1,3-butanediol distearate, polyoxyethylene polyol fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters are satisfactory polyol esters;

[0053] (iv) wax esters, such as beeswax, spermaceti, stearyl stearate and eicosyl behenate;

[0054] and

[0055] (iv) Sterol esters, of which cholesterol fatty acid esters are examples.

[0056] When present, emollients generally comprise from 0.1 to 50% by weight of the composition, including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0057] Moisture can be improved by using petrolatum or paraffin. Thickeners can also be used as part of the carrier in the composition. Typical thickeners include cross-linked acrylates (e.g., 982), hydrophobically modified acrylates (e.g., 1382), cellulose derivatives and natural gums. Among the useful cellulose derivatives are sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and hydroxymethyl cellulose. Natural gums suitable for the present invention include guar gum, xanthan gum, sclerotium, carrageenan, pectin and combinations of these gums. The amount of thickener can be 0.001 to 5% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.01 to 0.5% by weight.

[0058] Surfactants may also be present. When present, the total amount of surfactant is 2-40% by weight of the composition, preferably 4-20% by weight, most preferably 5-12% by weight. The surfactant is selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants. A particularly preferred nonionic surfactant is C 10-20 Those of fatty alcohols or acid hydrophobes condensed with 2 to 100 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per mole of hydrophobe; mono- and di-fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol; fatty acid monoglycerides; sorbitan, mono- and di-C8-C20 fatty acids; block copolymers (ethylene oxide / propylene oxide); and polyoxyethylene sorbitan and combinations thereof. Alkyl polyglycosides and sugar fatty acid amides (e.g., methyl glucamide) are also suitable nonionic surfactants.

[0059] Preferred anionic surfactants include soaps, alkyl ether sulfates and sulfonates, alkyl sulfates and sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, C 8-20 Acyl isethionate, acyl glutamate, C 8-20 Alkyl ether phosphates and combinations thereof.

[0060] Various other ingredients may also be used in the composition. Actives are defined as skin benefit agents other than emollients, rather than ingredients that merely improve the physical properties of the composition. Although not limited to this category, general examples include extender pigments, such as talc and silica, as well as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and zinc salts.

[0061] Beta-hydroxy acids include salicylic acid. Zinc oxide and zinc pyrithione are examples of useful zinc salts.

[0062] Suitable preservatives include alkyl esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionates and various quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred preservatives are methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol. The preservatives comprise 0.1% to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0063] The packaging may be a patch, bottle, tube, roller ball applicator, propellant driven aerosol device, squeeze container or lidded can.

[0064] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that the selected fatty acid used in the present invention works well for microbiome benefit because it provides a delicate balance between obtaining maximum benefit as a prebiotic while ensuring that the antimicrobial efficacy is as low as possible.

[0065] Thus, the present invention aims to increase, promote, improve, maintain or sustain skin health and skin elasticity by improving barrier health or NMF. This is achieved by ensuring a healthy skin ecosystem through balanced microbiome health. By balanced microbiome health is meant that the ratio of commensal to non-commensal bacteria is maintained within the desired range for skin health to be maintained both in the short term and over an extended time frame.

[0066] The present invention is particularly useful on infant skin, where the use of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents is considered too harsh because it tends to interfere with the growth and maintenance of a healthy skin microbiome for long-term health as infants grow into adulthood. It is well known that the infant skin barrier is more fragile than adult skin. The infant skin barrier is more delicate than adult skin, and moisture is lost faster from the surface. Similarly, it can be seen that the microbiome of infant skin is different from that of adult skin. Shortly after birth, the skin and skin microbiome of infants continue to change for up to about three to five years. Together with the barrier function, the microbiome plays a key role in the natural defense of the skin. Therefore, the skin microbiome of infants and young children should be nourished to allow it to grow and mature naturally, thereby maintaining optimal skin health.

[0067] Therefore, whether it is for baby skin or other skin, the composition for the present invention is substantially free of conventional antimicrobial compounds. Substantially free means that conventional antimicrobial active substances are less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.05% by weight, further more preferably less than 0.01% by weight, and even more preferably less than 0.001% by weight by the weight of the composition. Conventional antimicrobial active substances mean antimicrobial active substances that kill or inhibit bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Propionibacterium acnes that attack the skin. Preservatives included in the composition for its microbial stability should be excluded from the definition of the above-mentioned antimicrobial active substances. The preservative is included to ensure that the composition is stable relative to the microorganisms that may grow and degrade the composition. On the other hand, antimicrobial compounds are included in the composition to hinder the growth of microorganisms present on the substrate (e.g., skin) of the composition.

[0068] Conventional antimicrobial compounds are typically those derived from biguanides, bisphenols, halogenated phenols, oligodynamic metal compounds such as silver or zinc, cationic antimicrobial compounds, or essential oil actives. Biguanides have a general base structure that can be further derived, such as chlorhexidine or polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). Biphenols include triclosan or hexachlorophene. Halogenated phenols include chloroxylenol (PCMX). Cationic compounds are another class of antimicrobial actives, such as benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.

[0069] The class of low boiling alcohols (which are fast-acting antimicrobial agents) is particularly not included in any significant amount in the compositions of the present invention. Ideally, they are not present in such compositions. Low boiling alcohols refer to monohydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0070] When the composition of the present invention is formulated for use on infant skin, it is preferably substantially free of perfume components. A perfume component refers to a molecule or group of molecules that are compounded to form a fragrance. The properties of such compounds are that they are volatile (to varying degrees) and provide a pleasant odor. In the context of fragrance or perfume components, "substantially free" means that they are present in less than 0.05% by weight, more preferably less than 0.01% by weight, further more preferably less than 0.005% by weight, even more preferably less than 0.001% by weight, based on the weight of the composition.

[0071] With the goal of developing a range of products suitable for all types of skin, and in particular nourishing baby skin, the object of the present invention was to examine various prebiotics for skin commensal bacteria and arrive at this unique combination of sugar and glycerol to obtain this prebiotic. It was surprisingly found that not only did it provide a microbiome balancing benefit, but it did provide this microbiome balancing benefit over both short and long term frames.

[0072] Thus, the present invention provides compositions for preventing the growth of non-commensal bacteria on the skin. Model non-commensal bacteria that have been tested and observed to be inhibited include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Propionibacterium acnes or mixtures thereof.

[0073] The present invention is able to care for the baby's skin. One way the present invention does this is by using the body's natural microbiome to provide a protective barrier on the skin and by using prebiotics to feed the natural microbiome. In this way, the present invention develops healthy and elastic skin and improves and builds a better barrier. Another advantage of the present invention is that it does not disrupt the skin pH, which plays an important role in microbiome health, and replenishes the skin with essential nutrients to help the skin retain its natural moisture.

[0074] Although the use according to the invention is generally of a non-therapeutic nature, the composition may also be used in therapeutic applications. Thus, the composition is preferably a composition for therapeutically protecting the skin from harmful bacteria by nourishing the skin commensal bacteria. In such cases, it is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne and dandruff.

[0075] Thus, the present invention provides nourishment for good microorganisms, thereby maintaining the health of the microbiome. The present invention helps maintain the host microenvironment to help the correct microorganisms to reproduce. It does this by maintaining the pH mask of the host. Alternatively, the present invention ensures that microbiome balance is achieved by selectively reducing the number of microbial hazards that reside on external surfaces such as the skin, while helping the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

[0076] The invention will now be illustrated with the aid of the following non-limiting examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Example

[0078] AC and 1-3: Effects of inclusion of specific saturated fatty acids on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0079] The growth of S. epidermidis was experimented in the presence of various fatty acids using the following procedure.

[0080] Fatty acid raw material preparation

[0081] Prepare a 5% fatty acid stock in DMSO - 0.5 g fatty acid in 10 ml DMSO.

[0082] 2.68% fatty acid was prepared using 2.68 ml of 5% fatty acid stock + 1.89 ml of DMSO + 0.45 ml of Tween 80 (total volume 5 ml).

[0083] Test samples :

[0084] 50 μl 2.68% stock in 4.95 ml 1 / 10 diluted TSB (test sample)

[0085] Assay protocol

[0086] Day 1

[0087] The microorganisms (S. epidermidis or S. hominis as appropriate) were streaked on TSA agar plates and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours.

[0088] Day 2

[0089] Using a plate culture of the microorganism, establish a 0.3 OD620nm (corresponding to log10 8 CFU / ml).

[0090] The test samples (20 μl) were added to the 96-well plate, followed by the above set culture (20 μl).

[0091] The 96-well plate was placed in a Tecan reader and the absorbance was read at 620 nm for a period of 24-30 hours with a kinetic interval of 1 h.

[0092] The values ​​obtained were plotted as a growth curve, where the X-axis represents time in hours and the Y-axis represents absorbance read at 620 nm.

[0093] The data for the % increase compared to the control at the end of 24 to 30 hours are shown in Table 1 below.

[0094] Table 1

[0095]

[0096] The data in Table 1 above demonstrate that saturated fatty acids with a chain length of C18 and higher provided increased growth of the skin commensal bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, whereas saturated fatty acids with a chain length of C16 and lower resulted in decreased growth compared to the control.

[0097] Examples DF and 4-6: Effect of inclusion of specific saturated fatty acids on growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

[0098] Experiments similar to those in Table 1 were performed except that the microorganism used was Staphylococcus hominis. The growth data for Staphylococcus hominis relative to the control are shown in Table 2.

[0099] Table 2

[0100] Example fatty acid % increase compared to control Comparison 100.0 D 0.0134% Lauric Acid (C12:0) 63.0 E 0.001% Myristic Acid (C14:0) 52.0 F 0.0134% Palmitic acid (C16:0) 104.0 4 0.0268% Stearic acid (C18:0) 154.0 5 0.0134% Arachidic acid (C20:0) 123.0 6 0.0134% Lignoceric acid (C24:0) 153.0

[0101] The data in Table 2 above show the same trend for S. hominis as observed for S. epidermidis, i.e., fatty acids with chain lengths of C18 and above provided increased growth of skin commensal bacteria compared to the control, while fatty acids with chain lengths of C16 and below resulted in decreased growth.

[0102] Examples G, 7-8: Effect of inclusion of specific unsaturated fatty acids on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0103] Experiments similar to those in Table 1 were performed except that unsaturated fatty acids were used as shown in Table 3. Growth data for S. epidermidis relative to the control are shown in Table 3.

[0104] Table 3

[0105] Example fatty acid % increase compared to control Comparison 100.0 G 0.001% Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) 98.4 7 0.001% Oleic acid (C18:1) 132.0 8 0.001% Linoleic acid (C18:2) 146.2

[0106] The data in Table 3 above demonstrate that unsaturated fatty acids behave very similarly to saturated fatty acids with respect to the growth of S. epidermidis compared to the control.

[0107] Examples H, I, 9-10: Effect of a combination of glycerol and fatty acids on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis:

[0108] Experiments similar to those in Table 1 were performed except that a combination of glycerol and saturated fatty acids was used. The data are summarized in Table 4.

[0109] Table 4

[0110] Example fatty acid % increase compared to control Comparison 100.0 H 0.02% Glycerol 164.0 1 0.0268% Stearic acid (C18:0) 161.0 9 0.02% glycerin + 0.0268% stearic acid 227.0 I 0.02% Glycerol 149.8 C 0.0134% Palmitic acid (C16:0) 77.4 10 0.02% glycerol + 0.0135% palmitic acid 167.1

[0111] The data in Table 4 above demonstrate that combining glycerol with C16 and higher fatty acids provided a significantly enhanced increase in the growth of S. epidermidis compared to the control.

[0112] Examples 11-13: Effect of a combination of oleic acid and linoleic acid on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0113] Experiments similar to those in Table 1 were performed except that unsaturated fatty acids were used as shown in Table 3. Table 5 shows data on growth of S. epidermidis relative to the control.

[0114] Table 5

[0115] Example fatty acid % increase compared to control Comparison 100 11 0.01% Oleic acid (C18:1) 135 12 0.01% Linoleic acid (C18:2) 132 13 0.01% Oleic acid + 0.01% Linoleic acid 212

[0116] The data in Table 5 above demonstrate that a mixture of two unsaturated fatty acids provides a synergistic benefit with respect to the growth of S. epidermidis.

Claims

1. Use of C20 to C24 fatty acids for providing microbiome benefits to the skin.

2. Use of fatty acids according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated.

3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the microbiome benefit is achieved by enhancing the growth of skin commensal bacteria such as S. epidermidis and S. Hominis.

4. Use of 0.2 to 10 wt. % stearic acid for providing microbiome benefits to the skin.

5. Use of a personal care composition for providing microbiome benefits to the skin, the composition comprising (i) 0.2 to 10 wt% of C18 to C24 fatty acids, preferably C20 to C24 fatty acids, and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

6. Use of a composition according to claim 5, wherein the microbiome benefit is achieved by enhancing the growth of skin commensal bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis.

7. Use of a composition according to claim 5 or 6, said composition comprising less than 1 wt% C10 to C16 fatty acids, preferably less than 0.1 wt% C10 to C16 fatty acids.

8. Use of a composition according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, comprising less than 1 wt% C10 to C18 fatty acids, preferably less than 0.1 wt% C10 to C18 fatty acids.

9. A composition comprising: (i) 0.2 to 10% by weight of C20 to C24 fatty acids, (ii) 0.25% to 80% by weight of a surfactant; and (iii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier; Wherein the composition comprises less than 1 wt%, preferably less than 0.1 wt% C10 to C18 fatty acids.

10. A composition comprising: (i) 0.2% to 10% by weight of C16 to C24 fatty acids, (ii) a polyol, preferably glycerol; (iii) 0.25% to 80% by weight of a surfactant; and (iv) a cosmetically acceptable carrier; Wherein the composition comprises less than 1 wt%, preferably less than 0.1 wt% of C10 to C14 fatty acids.

11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the C16 to C24 fatty acid comprises a mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid.

12. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 11 which is a leave-on product in the form of a cream, emulsion or gel.

13. A composition according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the surfactant is selected from one or more of synthetic anionic or amphoteric surfactants.

14. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14, further comprising a fatty acid ester, preferably glyceryl monostearate.

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