New use of psicose

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of psicose to inhibit discoloration of vitamin B12 in an aqueous composition. Further, the present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising psicose, vitamin B12, and optionally one or more preservatives selected from phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin, and / or 1,2-alkanediol.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of psicose to inhibit discoloration of vitamin B12 in an aqueous composition. Further, the present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising psicose, vitamin B12, and one or more preservatives selected from phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin, and / or 1,2-alkanediol.

[0002] Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is a common cosmetic ingredient used to soothe sensitive and stressed skin and treat itchy, rough, inflamed, red and cracked skin. Vitamin B12 has been reported to help prevent photodamaged skin and protect the skin barrier damage caused by, for example, inflammation. In addition, vitamin B12 plays an important role in promoting cell recovery and regeneration, thereby making skin look more vibrant. In addition, vitamin B12 imparts a beautiful and pleasant pink color to cosmetics.

[0003] However, vitamin B12 has a tendency to discolor during storage in aqueous compositions, which gives the respective product an unpleasant (often brownish) appearance, which is highly undesirable.

[0004] According to the present invention, it has now surprisingly been found that the addition of psicose can effectively reduce discoloration of an aqueous composition containing vitamin B12. The effect is particularly notable in an aqueous composition further comprising phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin, and / or 1,2-alkanediol.

[0005] Thus, in a first embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of psicose to inhibit discoloration in an aqueous composition containing vitamin B 12. Preferably, the aqueous composition further comprises one or more preservatives selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin and 1,2-alkanediols.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for reducing discoloration of vitamin B12 in an aqueous composition, the method comprising mixing vitamin B12, psicose and water to prepare an aqueous composition to obtain a composition having a reduced tendency of discoloration caused by vitamin B12 compared to a composition not containing psicose. The method preferably comprises storing each composition for at least 1 week, more preferably at least 2 weeks, most preferably at least 4 weeks, such as 6 weeks or 3 months, preferably at room temperature (i.e., about 22° C.) or 50° C. Even more preferably, the aqueous composition further comprises one or more preservatives selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin and 1,2-alkanediols, which preservatives are also mixed into the aqueous composition.

[0007] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a combination of vitamin B12 and psicose, preferably in combination with one or more preservatives selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin and 1,2-alkanediols, for the preparation of a storage-stable (i.e. color-stable) composition. This composition exhibits excellent storage stability in terms of preventing / inhibiting discoloration caused by vitamin B12. The composition may be prepared by mixing vitamin B12, psicose and water, preferably in combination with one or more preservatives selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin and 1,2-alkanediols.

[0008] As used herein, the term "aqueous composition" refers to a composition that includes water.

[0009] In all embodiments of the present invention, the aqueous composition preferably does not contain rutin.

[0010] As used herein, the term "inhibits discoloration / inhibits discoloration" means that discoloration of the composition according to the invention is reduced compared to a control that does not contain the mixture according to the invention. The inhibition of discoloration according to the invention can be assessed visually and / or by measuring the b value (according to the CIELAB color space), where the b value decreases upon storage, e.g., upon storage for at least 2 weeks, compared to the respective control that does not contain the sugar blend as outlined in the examples.

[0011] As used herein, the term "vitamin B12" refers to cyanocobalamin (CAS No. 68-19-9), which is available, for example, as Quali®-B or Vitamin B12 Cryst Food Grade from DSM Nutritional Products AG, 4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.

[0012] Psicose is commercially available, for example as D-psicose (CAS 551-68-8) from Sigma Aldrich, which is particularly preferred in all embodiments herein.

[0013] Alternatively, psicose may be used in the form of a sugar blend obtainable by isomerization of glucose. Said isomerization is well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the isomerization process comprises (a) dissolving glucose in water, followed by (b) isomerization of glucose in the presence of a base, preferably in the presence of sodium hydroxide, more preferably at a temperature selected in the range of 25-100°C, and (c) purifying the resulting reaction mixture by chromatography and optionally filtration. Said sugar blend typically comprises 1-5% by weight, preferably 2-3% by weight, of psicose. The total amount of sugar blend incorporated in the aqueous composition according to the present invention can be easily adjusted by those skilled in the art based on the psicose content. The use of said sugar blend further improves storage stability.

[0014] Preferably, the use level of Vitamin B12 in all embodiments of the present invention is selected in the range of 0.0001% to 1% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.0001% to 0.5% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.001% to 0.25% by weight, most preferably in the range of 0.001% to 0.1% by weight. Further suitable ranges include 0.0025% to 0.1% by weight, 0.005% to 0.075% by weight, 0.005% to 0.05% by weight, 0.0075% to 0.1% by weight, 0.0075% to 0.075% by weight, and 0.0075% to 0.05% by weight based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

[0015] Preferably, the use level of psicose in all embodiments of the present invention is selected in the range of 0.005-0.5 wt% based on the total weight of the composition, more preferably in the range of 0.005-0.25 wt%, most preferably in the range of 0.01-0.5 wt%, for example in the range of 0.1-0.5 wt%. Further suitable ranges include 0.05-1 wt%, 0.05-0.5 wt%, 0.05-0.35 wt%, 0.075-0.5 wt%, 0.1-0.5 wt%, 0.1-0.5 wt%, and 0.15-0.35 wt% based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

[0016] Advantageously, in all embodiments of the present invention, the weight ratio (w / w) of psicose to vitamin B12 is selected in the range of 100:1 to 1:100, preferably in the range of 50:1 to 1:50, more preferably in the range of 25:1 to 1:25, most preferably in the range of 25:1 to 1:1, for example in the range of 25:1 to 5:1.

[0017] In all embodiments of the invention, the total amount of water in the aqueous composition according to the invention is advantageously at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, most preferably at least 45% by weight, such as in particular in the range of 50 to 99% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

[0018] More advantageously, in all embodiments of the present invention, the water content in the aqueous composition according to the invention is selected in the range of 30-99 wt.-%, 40-99 wt.-%, 45-99 wt.-% or 50-99 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition. Further suitable ranges are 30-75 wt.-%, 30-70 wt.-%, 30-60 wt.-% and 40-60 wt.-%.

[0019] In all embodiments according to the present invention, including all compositions, methods and uses disclosed herein, the aqueous composition is preferably a topical composition, i.e. a composition intended to be applied to the skin and / or scalp.

[0020] More preferably, the composition is a topical cosmetic (non-therapeutic) composition intended to beautify the skin or scalp, i.e. used to treat, care for or improve the appearance of the skin and / or scalp.

[0021] In all embodiments of the invention, the composition further comprises one or more preservatives, preferably selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin and 1,2-alkanediols, preferably phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and / or 1,2-hexanediol. The composition remains novel.

[0022] Therefore, in a further embodiment, the present invention also relates to a storage-stable aqueous composition comprising water, vitamin B12, and one or more preservatives selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin and 1,2-hexanediol, preferably phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and / or 1,2-hexanediol, and optionally further comprising psicose in the form of sugar. It is fully understood that all preferences and definitions described herein also apply. These compositions show a particular storage stability and overall storage stability in terms of preventing / reducing discoloration.

[0023] The total amount of preservatives selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, (ethyl)hexylglycerin and 1,2-alkanediol, preferably phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and / or 1,2-hexanediol, in the aqueous composition according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt. %, more preferably 0.25 to 3 wt. %, most preferably 0.5 to 3 wt. %, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

[0024] Topical cosmetic compositions according to the present invention may be leave-on or rinse-off compositions and may include any product that is applied to the human body primarily to improve appearance, for cleansing, deodorant or overall beauty. Preferably, the cosmetic compositions of the present invention are leave-on compositions.

[0025] It will be appreciated that topical cosmetic compositions according to the present invention may contain, next to water, further ingredients as cosmetically acceptable carriers.

[0026] The term "cosmetically acceptable carrier" (also referred to herein as carrier) refers to all vehicles / carriers conventionally used in cosmetic compositions, i.e., suitable for topical application to keratinous tissue, having good aesthetic properties, compatible with the active ingredients present in the composition, and not raising any unreasonable safety or toxicity concerns. Such carriers are well known to those skilled in the art and may include one or more compatible liquid or solid filler diluents, excipients, additives or vehicles suitable for application to the skin.

[0027] The exact amount of carrier will depend on the actual level of the active ingredient and other optional ingredients that one of ordinary skill in the art would classify as distinct from a carrier (eg, other active ingredients).

[0028] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises from about 50% by weight to about 99.999% by weight, more preferably from about 60% by weight to about 99.99% by weight, even more preferably from about 75% by weight to about 99% by weight, and most preferably from about 80% by weight to about 98% by weight, for example from about 90% by weight to about 98% by weight, of the carrier based on the total weight of the composition.

[0029] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the carrier further comprises at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, most preferably at least 45% by weight of water, such as especially 50-90% by weight of water.

[0030] The cosmetic composition according to the invention may be in the form of a solution, a lotion, a thickened lotion, a gel, a cream, an emulsion, an ointment, a paste, a powder, a make-up or a solid tube stick, and may optionally be packaged as an aerosol and may be provided in the form of a mousse, a spray, a stick, such as an aerosol mousse, a foam or a spray foam.

[0031] Preferably, vitamin B12 and psicose are formulated into lotions, creams, gels and tonics.These product forms can be used for many applications, including but not limited to hand and body lotions, facial moisturizers, anti-aging preparations, makeup products including foundations, etc. Any additional components required to formulate such products vary with the type of product and can be routinely selected by those skilled in the art.

[0032] When the cosmetic composition of the present invention is formulated as an aerosol and applied to the skin as a spray-on product, a propellant is added to the composition.

[0033] The cosmetic composition according to the present invention can be prepared by conventional methods in the art, such as, for example, by mixing vitamin B12 and psicose, all as set forth herein with respect to definitions and preferences, with a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

[0034] The cosmetic composition may contain further ingredients that may form part of the carrier. Such ingredients are in particular surfactants, emulsifiers, thickeners and oils. Such suitable surfactants, emulsifiers, thickeners and oils are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] The cosmetic composition of the present invention (including the carrier) may contain further conventional (cosmetic) adjuvants and additives such as preservatives / antioxidants, fatty substances / oils, water, organic solvents, silicones, thickeners, emollients, emulsifiers, antifoaming agents, aesthetic ingredients such as fragrances, surfactants, fillers, anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphoteric polymers or mixtures thereof, propellants, acidifying or basifying agents, dyes, colorants / colorants, abrasives, absorbents, chelating and / or sequestrants, essential oils, skin feel agents, astringents, pigments or any other ingredients normally incorporated in such compositions.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, the excipients, additives, diluents, etc. described below are suitable for the compositions according to the present invention. The required amounts of cosmetic and dermatological auxiliaries and additives can be easily determined by those skilled in the art based on the desired product.

[0037] Additional ingredients may be added either to the oil phase, the aqueous phase or separately as deemed appropriate. The mode of addition may be readily adapted by one skilled in the art.

[0038] Examples of cosmetic excipients, diluents, adjuvants, additives and active ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry that are suitable for use in the cosmetic compositions of the present invention are described, for example and without limitation, in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary & Handbook by the Personal Care Product Council (http: / / www.personalcarecouncil.org / ), accessible via the online INFO BASE (http: / / online.personalcarecouncil.org / jsp / Home.jsp).

[0039] The cosmetically active ingredients useful herein can in some cases provide more than one benefit or function by more than one mechanism of action.

[0040] Of course, the skilled artisan will carefully select the above-mentioned optional additional components, adjuvants, diluents and additives and / or their amounts such that the advantageous properties inherently associated with the combination according to the present invention are not adversely affected or are not substantially affected by the envisaged addition of one or more.

[0041] The cosmetic composition according to the invention may in particular be a skin care formulation, a functional formulation and / or a hair care formulation, more particularly a skin care or hair care formulation.

[0042] Examples of skin care preparations are in particular photoprotection preparations (sun care preparations), anti-ageing preparations, preparations for treating photoageing, moisturizing preparations such as body oils, body lotions, body gels, treatment creams, skin protective ointments, moisturizing gels or moisturizing sprays, face and / or body moisturizers and skin whitening preparations.

[0043] Examples of functional formulations are cosmetic compositions containing active ingredients such as, but not limited to, hormone formulations, vitamin formulations, vegetable extract formulations, anti-aging formulations and / or antimicrobial (anti-bacterial or anti-fungal) formulations.

[0044] Examples of suitable hair care formulations according to the invention include shampoos, hair conditioners (also called hair rinses), hair finishing compositions, hair tonics, hair regeneration compositions, hair lotions, water wave lotions, hair sprays, hair creams, hair gels, hair oils, hair pomades or hair brilliantines. These are therefore always formulations that are applied to the hair and scalp for a shorter or longer time depending on the actual purpose for which they are used.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the cosmetic composition according to the invention is an emulsion and / or a gel. Even more preferably, the cosmetic composition is an emulsion containing an oily phase and an aqueous phase, such as a multiple emulsion, in particular O / W, W / O, Si / W, W / Si, O / W / O, W / O / W, or a Pickering emulsion.

[0046] In particular, the amount of oil phase (i.e. the phase containing all fats and oils including polar oils) present in such emulsions, such as O / W, W / O, Si / W, W / Si, O / W / O, W / O / W multiple or Pickering emulsions, is preferably at least 10% by weight, for example in the range of 10 to 60% by weight, preferably in the range of 15 to 50% by weight, most preferably in the range of 15 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0047] The oil phase according to the invention preferably comprises an oil selected from butylene glycol dicaprylate / -dicaprate, propylene glycol dicaprylate / -dicaprate, dicaprylyl ether, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, C18-38 fatty acid triglycerides, dibutyl adipate, cyclomethicone, dimethicone, 2-phenylethyl benzoate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosine, caprylic / capric triglyceride and mixtures thereof.

[0048] The amount of aqueous phase present in such emulsions is preferably at least 20% by weight, for example in the range 20 to 90% by weight, preferably in the range 30 to 80% by weight, most preferably in the range 30 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0049] Advantageously, in all emulsions according to the invention, the ratio of oily phase:aqueous phase is chosen in the range from 40:60 to 30:70.

[0050] In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the cosmetic composition according to the invention is in the form of an oil-in-water (O / W) emulsion comprising an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase in the presence of an O / W emulsifier. The preparation of such O / W emulsions is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0051] When the composition according to the invention is an O / W emulsion, it advantageously contains at least one O / W or Si / W emulsifier selected from the list: glyceryl stearate citrate, glyceryl stearate SE (self-emulsifying), stearic acid, salts of stearic acid, polyglyceryl-3-methylglycose distearate. Further suitable emulsifiers are phosphoric acid esters and their salts, such as cetyl phosphate (for example as Amphisol® A from DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.), diethanolamine cetyl phosphate (for example as Amphisol® DEA from DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.), potassium cetyl phosphate (for example as Amphisol® K from DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.), sodium cetearyl sulfate, sodium glyceryl oleate phosphate, hydrogenated vegetable glyceride phosphoric acid and mixtures thereof. Further suitable emulsifiers are sorbitan oleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan trioleate, cetearyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, sodium stearoyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and polyisobutene hydrate. Furthermore, one or more synthetic polymers may be used as emulsifiers, such as PVP eicosene copolymer, acrylates / C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer and mixtures thereof.

[0052] The at least one O / W emulsifier or Si / W emulsifier, respectively, is preferably used in an amount of 0.5 to 10 wt. %, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 6 wt. %, for example more specifically in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt. %, for example most specifically in the range of 1 to 4 wt. %, based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition.

[0053] Particular suitable O / W emulsifiers for use in the compositions according to the invention include phosphate ester emulsifiers, such as advantageously 8-10 alkyl ethyl phosphate, C9-15 alkyl phosphate, ceteareth-2 phosphate, ceteareth-5 phosphate, ceteth-8 phosphate, ceteth-10 phosphate, cetyl phosphate, C6-10 pareth-4 phosphate, C12-15 pareth-2 phosphate, C12-15 pareth-3 phosphate, ceteareth-2 phosphate DEA, cetyl phosphate DEA oleth-3 phosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate, deceth-4 phosphate, deceth-6 phosphate and trilaureth-4 phosphate.

[0054] A particularly suitable O / W emulsifier for use in the compositions according to the invention is, for example, potassium cetyl phosphate, commercially available as Amphisol® K from DSM Nutritional Products Ltd Kaiseraugst.

[0055] Another particularly suitable class of O / W emulsifiers are the non-ionic self-emulsifying systems derived from olive oil, known for example as (INCI name) cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate (chemical composition: sorbitan and cetearyl esters of olive oil fatty acids) and sold under the trade name OLIVEM 1000.

[0056] In one particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a cosmetic composition with all the definitions and preferences described herein, in the form of an O / W emulsion comprising an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase in the presence of an O / W emulsifier, the O / W emulsifier being potassium cetyl phosphate. The amount of oily phase in such an O / W emulsion is preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10-60% by weight, most preferably in the range of 15-50% by weight, for example in the range of 15-40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0057] Preferably, the cosmetic composition according to the invention further comprises at least one fatty alcohol (co-emulsifier), such as in particular cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol and / or behenyl alcohol. The total amount of the one or several fatty alcohols for the topical composition according to the invention is preferably chosen in the range of about 0.1 to 10.0% by weight, in particular in the range of about 0.5 to 6.0% by weight, relative to the total weight of the topical composition.

[0058] Preferably, the topical composition according to the invention comprises a thickener to help achieve the appropriate consistency of the product, especially when the topical composition is in the form of an emulsion. Preferred thickeners are aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyacrylates such as carbopole® (e.g. Carbopole 980, 981, 1382, 2984, 5984) or mixtures thereof. Further preferred thickeners include acrylic acid / C10-30 alkyl acrylate copolymers (e.g. Pemulen TR 1, Pemulen TR 2, Carbopol 1328, etc. by NOVEON) and Aristoflex AVC (INCI: Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP copolymer).

[0059] The cosmetic composition according to the invention advantageously comprises one or more preservatives, if present, preferably used in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 2% by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0060] Cosmetic compositions according to the present invention generally have a pH in the range of 3 to 10, preferably a pH in the range of 4 to 8, most preferably a pH in the range of 4 to 7.5, for example a pH in the range of 5 to 6.5. The pH can be readily adjusted as required according to standard methods in the art, for example with a suitable acid such as citric acid or a base such as sodium hydroxide (for example as an aqueous solution), triethanolamine (TEA Care), tromethamine (Trizma Base) and aminomethylpropanol (AMP-Ultra PC2000).

[0061] The amount of the cosmetic composition applied to the skin is not critical and can be easily adjusted by a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the amount is selected in the range of 0.1-3 mg / cm2 of skin, for example, preferably in the range of 0.1-2 mg / cm2 of skin, most preferably in the range of 0.5-2 mg / cm2 of skin.

[0062] The following examples are provided to further illustrate the compositions and effects of the present invention. These examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0063] [Example] The formulations shown in Tables 1 and 2 were prepared and stored in clear glass vials at 50°C (accelerated stability test conditions) for 2 weeks or 3 months. The color stability of vitamin B12 was evaluated by measuring the a-value (L*a*b*value / CIELAB system) after the times shown in the tables (the lower the a-value, the greater the discoloration, i.e., fading of the red-pinkish color of vitamin B12). In addition, ΔE vs. t0 was calculated for the series shown in Table 2 (again, higher values ​​indicate more discoloration).

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] [Table 2]

Claims

1. A use of psicose to inhibit discoloration in an aqueous composition comprising vitamin B12 and a preservative selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol and (ethyl)hexylglycerin, wherein the amount of psicose is selected in the range of 0.005 to 0.5% by weight, and the amount of water is at least 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the amount of psicose in the aqueous composition is selected in the range of 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

3. 3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of vitamin B12 in the aqueous composition is selected in the range of 0.0001% to 0.1% by weight, preferably 0.001% to 0.05% by weight, most preferably 0.001 to 0.025% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

4. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the psicose is D-psicose.

5. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aqueous composition further comprises phenoxyethanol and (ethyl)hexylglycerin, preferably both phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin.

6. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the total amount of said preservatives in said aqueous composition is selected in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.25 to 3 wt.-%, most preferably 0.5 to 3 wt.-%, based on the total weight of said aqueous composition.

7. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the amount of water in the aqueous composition is at least 40% by weight, preferably at least 45% by weight, for example in particular in the range of 50 to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

8. A method for reducing discoloration of an aqueous composition containing vitamin B12 and a preservative selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol and (ethyl)hexylglycerin, the method comprising: preparing an aqueous composition by mixing vitamin B12, phenoxyethanol and / or (ethyl)hexylglycerin, psicose, and water, wherein the amount of psicose is selected in the range of 0.005 to 0.5% by weight, and the amount of water is at least 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition; and storing the aqueous composition for at least 1 week, preferably at least 2 weeks, for example, most preferably at least 3 months.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the psicose is D-psicose.

10. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the aqueous composition further comprises phenoxyethanol and (ethyl)hexylglycerin, preferably both phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin.

11. An aqueous composition comprising water, vitamin B12, a preservative selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol and (ethyl)hexylglycerin, and psicose, wherein the amount of psicose is selected in the range of 0.005 to 0.5% by weight, and the amount of water is at least 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition.

12. The aqueous composition according to claim 11, wherein the psicose is D-psicose.

13. 13. An aqueous composition according to claim 11 or 12, comprising phenoxyethanol and (ethyl)hexylglycerin, preferably both phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin.

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