Use of fatty acids for microbiome effects and compositions thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of specific fatty acids and compositions containing them to provide a microbiome effect on the skin, ensuring that the skin is protected from unwanted bacteria. The present invention provides this effect through specific fatty acids, i.e., fatty acids with C18 or more carbon atoms, preferably C20 or more carbon atoms, that act as prebiotics for resident skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. hominis. The efficacy is enhanced by combining the fatty acids with polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol and / or fatty acid esters such as glycerol monostearate. Combinations of certain unsaturated fatty acids have also been shown to interact synergistically to provide this effect.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of specific fatty acids and compositions containing them to provide a microbiome effect on the skin, ensuring that the skin is protected from unwanted bacteria. The present invention provides this effect by using specific fatty acids that act as prebiotics for resident skin bacteria, such as S. epidermidis and S. hominis. [Background technology]

[0002] Mammalian skin is considered one of the largest organs in the body, particularly one with the largest surface area. Skin forms the first line of defense against microorganisms that may enter the body through air, water, food, or materials that come into contact with the body. When the body becomes infected, either cutaneously or systemically, the traditional approach to such hygiene problems has been to treat the skin / body with antimicrobial actives that reduce or kill the pathogenic microorganisms. Recent studies have shown that many bacteria that permanently reside on the surface of the skin (called cutaneous commensals) do not actually cause infection; rather, they are beneficial bacteria that protect the skin from disease-causing pathogens. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain such protection, and some of the more well-known mechanisms include: physically occupying space on the skin to prevent pathogen colonization; producing metabolites that repel potentially harmful pathogenic organisms; producing metabolites that strengthen innate defense mechanisms to prevent infection by harmful pathogens; and providing other effects (e.g., maintaining skin pH, barrier function, etc.). Therefore, there has been a recent trend away from treating the skin with broad-spectrum antimicrobial actives to kill all microorganisms present on the skin (or any other part of the body) as a means of treating infections. Rather, the approach is directed towards targeted or selective inhibition / death of desired microorganisms to eliminate skin commensals. This ensures that the skin microflora is maintained in a healthy, balanced state for long-term hygiene and health.

[0003] Aiming to solve the problem of selectively killing non-commensal bacteria on the skin, such as E. coli and S. aureus, the inventors have directed their research towards enhancing the number and function of skin commensal bacteria using prebiotics or Selective Fermentation Inducers (SFIs). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] During the course of their research, the inventors discovered that populations of normal skin bacteria, such as S. epidermidis and S. hominis, can be better maintained or even proliferated on the skin by using specific fatty acids of C18 or higher, preferably C20 or higher, excluding low molecular weight fatty acids. This effect can be further enhanced by the use of agents such as glycerol and / or glycerol monostearate when combined with fatty acids of C16 or higher. To the inventors' knowledge, no such specific compounds, combinations of compounds, or personal care compositions containing them are known to produce this effect.

[0005] WO20216757 (UniversiteitGent) discloses acids that induce the microbiome by inhibiting the growth of certain malodor-producing bacteria and / or promoting the growth of bacteria known to be beneficial with respect to malodor. It does not specifically disclose that fatty acids, whether saturated or unsaturated, C18+ fatty acids, preferably C20+ fatty acids, excluding low molecular weight fatty acids, are particularly good at producing this effect.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a compound or a composition comprising said compound for use in enhancing microbiome balance on the skin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to the use of C18-C24 fatty acids, preferably C20-C24 fatty acids, for a microbiome effect on the skin.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of a personal care composition comprising (i) a C18 to C24 fatty acid, preferably a C20 to C24 fatty acid, and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier, for a microbiome benefit on the skin.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: (i) 0.2% to 10% by weight of a C20 to C24 fatty acid, and (ii) Cosmetically acceptable carriers A composition comprising: The composition comprises less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, of C10-C18 fatty acids. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] These and other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention can be utilized in any other aspect of the present invention. The term "comprising" is intended to mean "including," but not necessarily "consisting of" or "consisting of." In other words, the steps or options described need not be all-inclusive. It should be noted that the examples described below are intended to clarify the invention but are not intended to limit the invention to the examples themselves. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are weight / weight percent. Except in the examples and comparative examples, or unless explicitly stated, all numbers in this "Detailed Description" and "Claims" describing quantities of materials or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials, and / or uses should be understood to be modified by the word "about." Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include both x and y. When multiple preferred ranges for a particular feature are stated in the format "from x to y," it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

[0011] 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). It is particularly useful for protecting the skin of infants. Infants refer to children under the age of 5, preferably under the age of 3, and more preferably under the age of 1. Such use against pathogens is preferably non-therapeutic, and is delivered, for example, via a cosmetic or personal care composition. Furthermore, the compositions and methods of the present invention are also preferably for non-therapeutic use.

[0012] Any preference described below with respect to one aspect of the invention (eg, a composition or use according to the invention) is also preferred for use in any other aspect of the invention.

[0013] The present invention relates to the use of C18-C24 fatty acids, preferably C20-C24 fatty acids, for a microbiome effect on the skin. This effect protects the skin from non-resident bacteria by feeding the skin's resident bacteria. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this active substance in a personal care composition, preferably a skin care composition also comprising a cosmetically acceptable carrier, for a microbiome effect. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the skin care composition as a resident bacterial nutrition agent. Alternatively, the present invention relates to the use of the active substance and the personal care composition as a prebiotic for resident bacteria. It is believed that the selected fatty acid can be saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably saturated. It is believed that suitable saturated fatty acids can be C18:0 (stearic acid), C20:0 (arachidic acid), or C24:0 (lignoceric acid). Examples of unsaturated fatty acids include C18:1 (oleic acid), C18:2 (linoleic acid), or C18:3 (linolenic acid). It is particularly preferred that the effects of the present invention can be obtained with a fatty acid mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Thus, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of a mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid for the microbiome effect.

[0014] The microbiome effect of the present invention is achieved by promoting the growth of normal skin bacteria such as S. epidermidis and S. hominis.

[0015] Thus, another 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 a microbiome effect on the skin. This is also achieved by promoting the growth of normal skin bacteria, such as S. epidermidis and S. hominis. The composition according to the present invention preferably comprises 0.2% to 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-C24 fatty acids. A preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising less than 1% by weight of C10-C16 fatty acids, preferably less than 0.1% by weight of C10-C16 fatty acids, for a microbiome effect. An even more preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising less than 1% by weight of C10-C18 fatty acids, preferably less than 0.1% by weight of C10-C18 fatty acids, for a microbiome effect. Yet another preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a personal care composition comprising (i) C18 to C24 fatty acids, including a mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid, and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier, for a microbiome benefit on the skin.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: (i) 0.2% to 10% by weight of a C20 to C24 fatty acid, and (ii) Cosmetically acceptable carriers A composition comprising: The composition comprises less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, of C10-C18 fatty acids.

[0017] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: (i) 0.2%~10% by weight C16~C24 fatty acids; (ii) polyhydric alcohols and (iii) Cosmetically acceptable carriers A composition comprising: The composition comprises less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, of C10-C14 fatty acids.

[0018] According to this aspect of the invention, the C16 to C24 fatty acids may preferably comprise a mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid.

[0019] In all aspects of the present invention involving a mixture of oleic acid and linoleic acid, the effects can be achieved by using a combination of oils rich in these fatty acid esters. During use, a certain percentage of the oil mixture, for example, about 10%, is hydrolyzed to produce the desired unsaturated fatty acids that provide the effects of the present invention. Suitable oils for mixing are oils rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, preferably olive oil and sunflower oil.

[0020] The inclusion of a polyhydric alcohol synergistically interacts with certain fatty acids to enhance the microbiome effect. The polyhydric alcohol can be selected from one or more of glycerol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and sorbitol. The most preferred polyhydric alcohol for inclusion in the composition of the present invention is glycerol. The composition of the present invention may further include a fatty acid ester, preferably glycerol monostearate.

[0021] It should be understood that the effects disclosed and claimed by the specific fatty acids of the present invention can also be achieved by the compositions and methods of the present invention that include the combination of the specific fatty acids (excluding other fatty acids) and a cosmetically acceptable carrier, as well as the sugar and glycerol combinations of the present invention. Conversely, it should be understood that the effects disclosed and claimed in the compositions and methods of the present invention are due to the inclusion of the specific fatty acids. Such compositions can be in the form of a leave-on composition. Alternatively, and equally preferably, they can be provided via a wash-off formulation to provide selective protective benefits to localized areas, such as mammalian, particularly human, skin and / or hair. Such compositions further encompass any product applied to the human body to improve appearance, cleansing, or general aesthetics. The compositions of the present invention may be delivered with a topically acceptable carrier.

[0022] The fatty acids and compositions containing them according to the present invention are preferably prebiotics for normal skin bacteria. The normal skin bacteria is preferably Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). According to the present invention, the skin is protected from non-resident bacteria, which may be Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), P. acnes (P. acnes), or a mixture thereof. Consumers often find such non-resident bacteria undesirable or objectionable because they may have certain negative properties, such as itching, discomfort, or a foul odor. In some cases, they may be harmful and, in extreme cases, pathogenic. Therefore, the non-resident bacteria are preferably undesirable, undesirable, harmful, and / or pathogenic bacteria, or bacteria with a combination of these properties.

[0023] The composition of the present invention is preferably a wash-off composition, which can be achieved by including 0.25 to 80% by weight of a surfactant. Generally, the surfactant can be selected from surfactants described in well-known textbooks such as "Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1 by Schwartz and Perry, "Interscience 1949, Vol. 2" by Schwartz, Perry, and Berch, "Interscience 1958," and / or the current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents" published by the Manufacturing Confectioners Company, or "Tenside-Taschenbuch," H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981. While any type of surfactant, i.e., anionic, cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic, or amphoteric, can be used, preferred surfactants are anionic, amphoteric, or nonionic, and most preferably anionic and amphoteric.

[0024] The pH of the wash-off composition according to the present invention is in the range of 5-11, preferably in the range of 5.5-10.

[0025] The surfactant may be a soap. Soap is a surfactant suitable for personal cleansing 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, 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.

[0026] The soap can be obtained by saponifying fats and / or fatty acids. Commonly used fats and oils in soap production are tallow, tallow stearin, 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 process, the fatty acids are derived from fats and oils selected from coconut oil, rice bran oil, peanut oil, tallow oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, castor oil, etc.

[0027] A representative fatty acid blend consisted of 5-30% coconut fatty acids and 70-95% fatty acids derived from hydrogenated rice bran oil. Fatty acids derived from other suitable fats and oils, such as peanut, soybean, tallow, coconut, and palm kernel, can also be used in other desired ratios. 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%, and more preferably 55-75% by weight of the composition. When present in the liquid form of the composition, the soap is present in an amount of 0.5-20%, preferably 1-10% by weight of the composition.

[0028] Alternatively, the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, such as a C8-C22, preferably a C8-C16 fatty alcohol ethoxylate containing 1 to 8 ethylene oxide units. The surfactant is preferably selected from primary alkyl sulfates, secondary alkyl sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, or ethoxylated alkyl sulfates. The composition can further comprise an anionic surfactant, such as an alkyl ether sulfate (preferably an alkyl ether sulfate of natural or synthetic origin having 1 to 3 ethylene oxide groups) and / or a sulfonic acid. Sodium lauryl ether sulfate is particularly preferred. An alkyl polyglucoside (preferably an alkyl polyglucoside having a carbon chain length of C6 to C16) can also be present in the composition. Suitable surfactant concentrations for liquid cleaning applications are generally greater than 0.5% but less than 10% by weight of the composition, preferably 1 to 5% by weight. In solid compositions, the surfactant is preferably present at 5 to 40% by weight of the composition, preferably 10 to 30%.

[0029] The cleansing compositions of the present invention may also be delivered via moisturizing bars or moisturizing liquid compositions, with moisturizing bar compositions comprising fatty acyl isethionates (e.g., cosyl isethionates) being particularly preferred.

[0030] 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 care skin or hair cleansing products, especially personal care products, due to their high lather, gentleness, and excellent emollient properties. Typically, fatty acid isethionate surfactant products are produced by esterification of fatty acids or by the reaction of fatty acid chlorides having carbon chain lengths of C8 to C20 with isethionates. A typical surfactant product containing fatty acyl isethionates contains, in addition to the isethionate salt, approximately 40-95% by weight of acid isethionate, and 5-50%, typically 10-40%, by weight of free fatty acid, typically less than 5% isethionate, and trace amounts (less than 2% by weight) of other additives. The fatty acid soap content ranges from 5-15% by weight. Other surfactants such as betaines may be present at 1 to 5% by weight. Water comprises 2 to 8% by weight of the composition.

[0031] It is desirable to formulate compositions containing relatively mild surfactants. One particularly desirable surfactant combination is an alkyl isethionate (e.g., a fatty acid ester of isethionic acid, such as sodium lauroyl or sodium cocoyl isethionate) combined with an alkyl taurate (e.g., an alkyl taurate amide, such as N-methyl taurate). Alternatively, compositions can be formulated with taurates alone, without the presence of isethionates. Surfactant mixtures have the advantage of being sulfate-free. Furthermore, they offer the ability to formulate isotropic systems at neutral and slightly acidic pH, thus allowing for the use of more gentle preservative systems. It is also desirable to provide compositions containing high levels of glycerol (e.g., 20% or more, preferably 25% to 60%, preferably 30 to 55% by weight), as glycerol provides a superior sensory feel (e.g., moisturizing sensation).

[0032] Water may be present in an amount of preferably 10-90% by weight of the composition, depending on the make-up of the composition: in solid compositions, water may be present in an amount of 10-30%, while in liquid or semi-solid compositions, water may be present in an amount of 40-90%.

[0033] When the composition according to the invention is a leave-on composition, it preferably comprises one or more surfactants, emollients, moisturizers, pigments and preservatives, and is most preferably formulated for use in the form of a cream, lotion or gel.

[0034] The pH of the leave-on composition according to the present invention is in the range of 5-9, preferably 5.5-8.

[0035] The carrier acts as a diluent or dispersant for the components of the composition. The carrier can be aqueous-based, anhydrous, or emulsion-based, with water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions generally preferred. When water is desired, it typically constitutes the balance of the composition, most preferably 40-80% by weight of the composition.

[0036] In addition to water, organic solvents can optionally be included as carriers to supplement any other carriers in the compositions of the present invention, examples of which include alkanols such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol.

[0037] 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 aid in emulsifying the composition and are often used in an effective amount to produce a stable (and most preferably) water-in-oil emulsion.

[0038] If desired, an emollient can be used as the carrier. Alcohols such as 1-hexadecanol (i.e., cetyl alcohol) are preferred. 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 useful as emollients include polyalkylsiloxanes, polyalkylarylsiloxanes, and polyethersiloxane copolymers. A useful non-volatile polyalkylsiloxane is polydimethylsiloxane. Silicone elastomers can also be used. Ester emollients that can be optionally used are as follows:

[0039] (i) Alkenyl or alkyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, examples of which include isoarachidyl neopentanoate, isononyl isonanonoate, oleyl myristate, oleyl stearate, and oleyl oleate; (ii) ether esters, for example fatty acid esters of ethoxylated fatty alcohols; (iii) Polyhydric alcohol 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, glyceryl mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyglycerol poly-fatty acid esters, ethoxylated glyceryl monostearate, 1,3-butylene glycol monostearate, 1,3-butylene glycol distearate, polyoxyethylene polyol fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters are satisfactory polyhydric alcohol esters; (iv) wax esters, such as beeswax, spermaceti, stearyl stearate, and arachidyl behenate; and (v) Sterol esters, examples of which include cholesterol fatty acid esters.

[0040] Emollients, when present, typically comprise from 0.1 to 50% by weight of the composition, including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0041] The use of petrolatum or paraffin can improve moisturization. Thickeners can also be used as part of the carrier in the composition. Representative thickeners include crosslinked acrylates (e.g., Carbopol® 982), hydrophobically modified acrylates (e.g., Carbopol® 1382), cellulose derivatives, and natural gums. Useful cellulose derivatives include sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, and hydroxymethylcellulose. Suitable natural gums for the present invention include guar, xanthan, sclerotium, carrageenan, pectin, and combinations of these gums. The amount of thickener can range from 0.001 to 5% by weight of the composition, optimally from 0.01 to 0.5%.

[0042] Surfactants may also be present. If present, the total amount of surfactants is from 2 to 40% by weight of the composition, preferably from 4 to 20% by weight, and optimally from 5 to 12% by weight. The surfactants are selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants are: acidic hydrophobes or C condensed with 2 to 100 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per mole of hydrophobe. 10-20Nonionic surfactants containing fatty alcohols; 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 saccharide fatty amides (e.g., methyl gluconamide) are also suitable nonionic surfactants.

[0043] 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 isethionates, acyl glutamates, C 8-20 alkyl ether phosphates and combinations thereof.

[0044] Various other ingredients can also be used in the composition. Actives are defined as skin benefit agents other than emollients and other than ingredients that simply improve the physical properties of the composition. Although not limited to this category, common examples include filler pigments such as talc and silica, as well as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and zinc salts.

[0045] Beta hydroxy acids include salicylic acid. Zinc oxide and zinc pyrithione are examples of useful zinc salts.

[0046] Suitable preservatives include alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and various quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred preservatives are methylparaben, propylparaben, phenoxyethanol, and benzyl alcohol. The preservative is present in an amount of 0.1 to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0047] The packaging can be a patch, a bottle, a tube, a roll-ball applicator, a propellant-driven aerosol device, a squeeze container, or a jar with a lid.

[0048] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that the particular fatty acids used in the present invention favor the microbiome effect because they provide a delicate balance between achieving maximum effectiveness as a prebiotic while having the lowest possible antimicrobial potency.

[0049] Thus, the present invention contemplates increasing, promoting, improving, maintaining, or sustaining skin health and skin elasticity by improving barrier health or NMF. This is achieved by ensuring a healthy skin ecosystem through a balanced microbiome health. A balanced microbiome health means that the ratio of commensal to non-commensal bacteria is maintained within a desirable range that maintains skin health over both short and long term periods.

[0050] The present invention is particularly useful for use on infant skin, where broad-spectrum antibacterial agents are considered too harsh because they tend to inhibit the growth and maintenance of a healthy skin microflora for the long-term health of infants as they grow. It is widely recognized that the skin barrier of infants is more fragile than that of adults. The barrier of infant skin is more delicate, and moisture loss from its surface is more rapid than that of adult skin. Similarly, the microflora of infant skin appears to differ from that of adults. Immediately after birth, infant skin and its microflora continue to change for up to approximately 3 to 5 years. The microflora, along with barrier function, plays an important role in the skin's natural defenses. Therefore, it is essential that infant skin microflora be nourished to allow its natural growth and maturation, thereby maintaining optimal skin health.

[0051] Thus, whether used on an infant's skin or another person's skin, the compositions for use in the present invention are substantially free of conventional antimicrobial compounds. By substantially free, we mean that conventional antimicrobial actives are present in amounts less than 0.1% by weight of the composition, more preferably less than 0.05%, even more preferably less than 0.01%, and even more preferably less than 0.001% by weight. By conventional antimicrobial actives, we mean antimicrobial actives that kill or inhibit skin-attacking bacteria, such as, among others, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Pseudomonas acnes. Preservatives included in the compositions for the stability of these microorganisms are excluded from the definition of antimicrobial actives set forth above. Preservatives are included to ensure the composition is stable against microorganisms that may grow and degrade the composition. On the other hand, antimicrobial compounds are included in the composition to prevent the growth of microorganisms present on the substrate (eg, skin) to which the composition is applied.

[0052] Conventional antimicrobial compounds generally belong to the classes of biguanides, bisphenols, halophenols, oligoactive metal compounds (e.g., silver and zinc), cationic antimicrobial compounds, or essential oil actives. Biguanides have a common basic structure that can be further derivatized (e.g., chlorhexidine or polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)). Bisphenols include triclosan or hexachlorophene. Halophenols include chloroxylenol (PCMX). Cationic compounds are another class of antimicrobial actives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide).

[0053] The class of low-boiling alcohols, which are fast-acting antimicrobial agents, are not particularly included in substantial amounts in the compositions of the present invention. Ideally, they are not present in the compositions. By low-boiling alcohols is meant monohydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0054] When the compositions of the present invention are formulated for use on an infant's skin, they are preferably substantially free of fragrance ingredients. By fragrance ingredient, we mean a molecule or group of molecules combined to form a fragrance. Such compounds are characterized by their volatility (to varying degrees) and their ability to provide a pleasant odor. In reference to fragrances or fragrance ingredients, "substantially free" means that they are present at less than 0.05% by weight of the composition, more preferably less than 0.01%, even more preferably less than 0.005%, and even more preferably less than 0.001%.

[0055] With the goal of developing a range of products suitable for all skin types, and especially for nourishing baby skin, the present inventors aimed to investigate various prebiotics for skin commensals and achieved this goal by arriving at this unique combination of sugars and glycerol, which surprisingly proved to not only provide a microbial flora-balancing benefit, but also to do so in both the short and long term.

[0056] Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions for preventing the growth of non-commensal bacteria on the surface of the skin. Exemplary non-commensal bacteria that have been tested and observed to be inhibited include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Pseudomonas acnes (P. acnes), or mixtures thereof.

[0057] The present invention can care for the skin of infants.One way that the present invention does this is by using the body's natural microflora to provide a protective barrier on the skin surface and by using prebiotics to provide nutrients to the natural microflora.In this way, the present invention develops healthy and elastic skin, improving and building a better barrier.Another advantage of the present invention is that it does not disturb the pH of the skin, which plays an important role in the health of the microflora, and replenishes the skin with essential nutrients to help the skin retain its natural moisture.

[0058] Although the uses according to the present invention are generally of a non-therapeutic nature, the compositions can also be used in therapeutic applications. Thus, the compositions are preferably used to therapeutically protect the skin from harmful bacteria by feeding commensal skin bacteria. In such cases, they are used in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and dandruff.

[0059] Thus, the present invention provides nutrients for good microorganisms, thereby maintaining a healthy microbiome. The present invention helps maintain a host microenvironment that supports the growth of appropriate microorganisms. This is done by maintaining the host's pH mantle. Alternatively, the present invention ensures that a balanced microbiome is achieved by selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms present on external surfaces, such as the skin, while supporting the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

[0060] The invention will now be demonstrated with the aid of the following non-limiting examples. [Example]

[0061] A-C and 1-3: Effect of specific saturated fatty acids on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis Experiments on the growth of S. epidermidis in the presence of various fatty acids were carried out using the following procedure.

[0062] Preparation of fatty acid stock solutions Make a 5% fatty acid stock solution in DMSO: 0.5g in 10mL DMSO.

[0063] 2.68% fatty acid (total volume 5 mL) is made by adding 2.68 mL of 5% fatty acid stock solution + 1.89 mL of DMSO + 0.45 mL of Tween 80.

[0064] Test sample: 50 μL of 2.68% stock solution in 4.95 mL of 1 / 10 diluted TSB (test sample) Assay Protocol Day 1 The microorganisms (S. epidermidis or S. hominis) were plated on TSA agar plates and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours.

[0065] Day 2 Using a plate culture of the microorganism, 0.3 OD620nm (log10) was measured in 1x PBS (pH 7.4). 8 CFU / mL) was set.

[0066] Test samples (200 μL) were added to a 96-well plate, followed by the above culture medium (20 μL).

[0067] The 96-well plate was placed in a Tecan reader and absorbance was read at 620 nm over 24-30 hours with 1 hour measurement intervals.

[0068] The values ​​obtained are plotted as a growth curve with time (in hours) on the X-axis and absorbance read at 620 nm on the Y-axis.

[0069] After 24 to 30 hours, the data on the % increase compared to the control group is shown in Table 1 below. Table-1

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] The data in Table 1 above show that saturated fatty acids with a chain length of C18 or more increase the growth of the skin-resident bacterium S. epidermidis compared to the control, whereas saturated fatty acids with a chain length of C16 or less decrease growth compared to the control.

[0072] Examples D-F and 4-6: Effect of the inclusion of specific saturated fatty acids on the growth of S. hominis A similar experiment to that shown in Table 1 was performed, except that the microorganism used was S. hominis. Data on the growth of S. hominis compared to the control are shown in Table 2. Table-2

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] The data in Table 2 above show that the same trend observed for S. epidermidis is also seen for S. hominis, i.e., fatty acids with a chain length of C18 or greater increase the growth of the skin commensal bacteria compared to the control, while fatty acids with a chain length of C16 or less decrease growth compared to the control.

[0075] Examples G, 7-8: Effect of the inclusion of specific unsaturated fatty acids on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. Epidermidis) The same experiment as in Table 1 was carried out, except that the unsaturated fatty acids shown in Table 3 were used. Data on the growth of S. epidermidis compared to the control are shown in Table 3. Table-3

[0076] [Table 3]

[0077] The data in Table 3 above show that unsaturated fatty acids behave very similarly to saturated fatty acids with respect to the growth of S. epidermidis compared to the control.

[0078] Examples H, I, 9, 10: Effect of Glycerol and Fatty Acid Combinations on the Growth of S. Epidermidis: An experiment similar to that in Table 1 was carried out, except that a combination of glycerol and saturated fatty acids was used. The data are summarized in Table 4. Table-4

[0079] [Table 4]

[0080] The data in Table 4 above demonstrate that combining glycerol with C16 and higher fatty acids significantly enhanced the growth of S. epidermidis compared to the control.

[0081] Examples 11-13: Effect of a combination of oleic acid and linoleic acid on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis The same experiment as in Table 1 was carried out, except that the unsaturated fatty acids shown in Table 3 were used. Data on the growth of S. epidermidis compared to the control are shown in Table 5. Table-5

[0082] [Table 5]

[0083] The data in Table 5 above demonstrate that the mixture of the two unsaturated fatty acids produces a synergistic effect on the growth of S. epidermidis.

Claims

1. Use of C20-C24 fatty acids for microbiome benefits on the skin.

2. 2. Use of a fatty acid according to claim 1, wherein said fatty acid can be saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated.

3. 3. The use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the microbiome effect is achieved by promoting the growth of normal skin bacteria such as S. epidermidis and S. hominis.

4. Use of 0.2 to 10% by weight of stearic acid for microbiome benefits on the skin.

5. 1. Use of a personal care composition comprising (i) 0.2 to 10% by weight of a C18 to C24 fatty acid, preferably a C20 to C24 fatty acid, and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable carrier for a microbiome benefit on the skin.

6. 6. Use of the composition according to claim 5, wherein the microbiome effect is achieved by promoting the growth of normal skin bacteria such as S. epidermidis and S. hominis.

7. Use of a composition according to claim 5 or 6, which comprises less than 1% by weight of C10-C16 fatty acids, preferably less than 0.1% by weight of C10-C16 fatty acids.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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