Aqueous gel composition

Abstract

To provide an aqueous gel composition that is excellent in the storage stability of carotenoids regardless of the amount of air in contact. 【Solution means】An aqueous gel composition containing tranexamic acid, a carotenoid, a sulfite antioxidant, at least one phenolic antioxidant selected from the group consisting of a hindered phenol antioxidant and a polyphenol antioxidant, a compound represented by formula (1), and water [In formula (1), R 1 :R 11 -(O-R 12 )x- group represented by, R 11 : hydrocarbon group, R 12 : alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, x: integer of 1 to 500, R 2 : hydrocarbon group, R 3 : alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n: integer of 1 to 500, m: integer of 1 or more]. JPEG2026113164000010.jpg24158

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aqueous gel-like composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Carotenoids are known to have beneficial effects on the skin, such as anti-aging, prevention and improvement of blemishes, and their addition to various compositions such as cosmetics and food products is being considered and implemented.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an aqueous gel composition comprising a compound represented by general formula (1) (a specific gelling agent), a carotenoid, a sulfite-based antioxidant, a phenol-based antioxidant, and water, wherein the content of the compound represented by general formula (1) is 1% to 3% by mass relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. Patent Document 2 describes a composition containing the following components (A) to (C): (A) carotenoid, (B) nicotinamide, and (C) tranexamic acid. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-165863 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-161119 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Carotenoids are structurally unstable and decompose due to heat, light, and air oxidation, making it difficult to stably include them in compositions. As a method for suppressing the air oxidation of carotenoids, for example, a method of suppressing oxidation by a packaging container is common. However, suppressing oxidation by a packaging container requires selection of a material with high gas barrier properties, gas replacement inside the container, etc., which affects the restrictions on the materials constituting the packaging container and the manufacturing cost. Further, even when measures against decomposition of carotenoids are taken by a packaging container, after the packaging container is opened, air is supplied from the outside into the container, so the amount of air coming into contact with the composition containing carotenoids increases, and decomposition of carotenoids due to air oxidation progresses.

[0006] Therefore, the problem to be solved by one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an aqueous gel-like composition having excellent storage stability of carotenoids regardless of the amount of air coming into contact.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0008] <1> Tranexamic acid, a carotenoid, a sulfite antioxidant, at least one phenolic antioxidant selected from the group consisting of a hindered phenol antioxidant and a polyphenol antioxidant, a compound represented by formula (1), water, and an aqueous gel-like composition.

[0009]

Chemical formula

[0010] In formula (1), R is, independently of each other, a group represented by R 11 -(O-R 12 )x-. R 11 is, independently of each other, a hydrocarbon group, and R 12 is, independently of each other, an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. x is an integer of 1 to 500. R2 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a urethane bond. R 3 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and when there are a plurality of R 3 the plurality of R 3 may be the same or different. n is an integer from 1 to 500, and m is an integer of 1 or more.

[0011] <2> The aqueous gel composition according to <1>, wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin and lycopene. <3> The aqueous gel composition according to <1> or <2>, wherein the sulfite antioxidant is at least one selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal salt of sulfurous acid and an alkali metal salt of pyrosulfurous acid. <4> The aqueous gel composition according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the content of the sulfite antioxidant is 0.05% by mass to 0.1% by mass based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. <5> The aqueous gel composition according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the hindered phenol antioxidant contains dibutylhydroxytoluene. <6> The aqueous gel composition according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the polyphenol antioxidant contains glucosylrutin. <7> The aqueous gel composition according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the phenolic antioxidant contains both a hindered phenol antioxidant and a polyphenol antioxidant, the hindered phenol antioxidant is dibutylhydroxytoluene, and the polyphenol antioxidant is glucosylrutin. <8> When the molar amount of tranexamic acid is A, the molar amount of the sulfite antioxidant is C, and the molar amount of the phenolic antioxidant is D, the aqueous gel composition according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein A / (C + D) is 5 to 41. <9> The aqueous gel composition according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the content of tranexamic acid is 1% by mass to 5% by mass based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. <10> It is a cosmetic product. <1> ~ <9> An aqueous gel-like composition as described in any one of the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aqueous gel-like composition is provided that exhibits excellent storage stability of carotenoids regardless of the amount of air in contact with it. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure will be described below with reference to an example of an embodiment. However, the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure is not limited in any way to the following embodiment, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the purpose of this disclosure.

[0014] In this disclosure, a numerical range indicated using "~" means a range that includes the numbers before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In this disclosure, in numerical ranges described in stages, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples.

[0015] In this disclosure, the amount of each component in the aqueous gel composition means the total amount of multiple substances present in the aqueous gel composition if multiple substances corresponding to each component are present in the aqueous gel composition, unless otherwise specified. In this disclosure, a combination of two or more preferred embodiments is a more preferred embodiment.

[0016] In this disclosure, the term "aqueous phase" is used in contrast to the term "oil phase." The aqueous phase consists of water and water-soluble components. Here, "water-soluble" means that the solubility in water at 25°C is 1% by mass or more, and "water-soluble component" means a component whose solubility in water at 25°C is 1% by mass or more, i.e., 10 g / L or more.

[0017] In this disclosure, an aqueous gel composition is defined as a composition that contains water, in which the total content of water and water-soluble liquid components is 80% by mass or more of the total amount of the composition, and in which the content of components having a solubility of less than 1% by mass in water at 25°C is less than 5% by mass of the total amount of the composition. Here, "water-soluble liquid component" refers to a liquid component whose solubility in water at 25°C is 1% by mass or more.

[0018] In this disclosure, an aqueous gel-like composition is described as "gel-like" if 100g of the composition to be measured is sealed in a glass container measuring 47mm in diameter and 90mm in height, stored at 25°C for 24 hours, and then measured using a hardness tester to show a hardness of 1g to 1000g.

[0019] In this disclosure, the term "process" includes not only independent processes but also processes that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, as long as their intended purpose is achieved.

[0020] In this disclosure, the amount of air in contact with the aqueous gel composition can be determined by the amount of air present in the container filled with the aqueous gel composition. In this disclosure, "high amount of air in the container" means a state in which the volume ratio Z of the volume of air Y to the amount (capacity) of the aqueous gel composition in the container (i.e., Z(%) = Y / X × 100) is defined as the air content, and the air content is 30% or more.

[0021] <Aqueous gel composition> The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure is an aqueous gel composition containing tranexamic acid (also referred to as component A), a carotenoid (also referred to as component B), a sulfite-based antioxidant (also referred to as component C), at least one phenolic antioxidant selected from the group consisting of hindered phenol-based antioxidants and polyphenol-based antioxidants (also referred to as component D), a compound represented by formula (1) (also referred to as component E), and water.

[0022] In the following, the "compound represented by formula (1)" will also be referred to as the "specific compound" as appropriate. "At least one phenolic antioxidant selected from the group consisting of hindered phenolic antioxidants and polyphenolic antioxidants" is also referred to as a "specific antioxidant."

[0023] The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure exhibits excellent storage stability of carotenoids regardless of the amount of air in contact with it. Although the reason for this is not clear, it is presumed that the inclusion of tranexamic acid, carotenoids, a specific amount of sulfite-based antioxidant, a specific antioxidant, and a specific compound significantly improves the ability of the sulfite-based antioxidant to scavenge oxygen (specifically dissolved oxygen) from the air, and thus suppresses the decomposition of carotenoids to a higher level than conventional methods, even when a large amount of air is in contact with the aqueous gel composition.

[0024] On the other hand, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not focus on the fact that they contain tranexamic acid, carotenoids, a predetermined amount of sulfite-based antioxidant, a specific antioxidant, and a specific compound, from the viewpoint of the storage stability of carotenoids. The aqueous gel composition described in Patent Document 1 is an aqueous gel composition that has high storage stability of carotenoids regardless of the amount of air in the container and excellent sustained moisturizing effect, but further improvement in the storage stability of carotenoids is desired. The composition described in Patent Document 2 suppresses the acceleration of carotenoid discoloration that occurs when nicotinamide is added to a carotenoid-containing composition, but does not suppress the decomposition of carotenoids caused by contact with air.

[0025] Furthermore, the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure also exhibits excellent ability to suppress changes in hardness over time.

[0026] The aqueous gel-like composition of this disclosure has advantages such as increased freedom in selecting containers for containing the aqueous gel-like composition and increased freedom in filling methods for containers, because the decomposition of carotenoids by oxygen in the air (specifically dissolved oxygen) is suppressed.

[0027] Hereinafter, each component of the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0028] <Component A: Tranexamic acid> The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains tranexamic acid. Tranexamic acid is a compound known as the chemical name: trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid. Tranexamic acid can be used in the preparation of the aqueous gel composition in the form of tranexamic acid or a tranexamic acid salt. Examples of the tranexamic acid salt include metal salts such as magnesium salt, calcium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, etc., and inorganic salts such as phosphate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate, etc.

[0029] Tranexamic acid is a compound that can exhibit a whitening effect (i.e., an effect of suppressing the production of melanin and preventing freckles, chloasma, etc.) and an anti-inflammatory effect. The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may have effects such as whitening and anti-inflammation in addition to the storage stability of carotenoids by containing tranexamic acid.

[0030] Either synthetic products or commercially available products can be used as tranexamic acid. Examples of commercially available products of tranexamic acid include, for example, Japanese Pharmacopoeia Tranexamic Acid (manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and Tranexamic Acid (manufactured by Nippon Seika Co., Ltd.).

[0031] From the perspective of the storage stability of carotenoids, the content of tranexamic acid in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass to 5% by mass, and still more preferably 1.8% by mass to 2.2% by mass based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0032] <Component B: Carotenoid> The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains carotenoids. Carotenoids are yellow to red terpenoid pigments, including those derived from plants, algae, and bacteria. Carotenoids are not limited to those of natural origin; any carotenoid obtained by conventional methods is acceptable. For example, many of the carotenes discussed later are also produced by synthesis, and most commercially available β-carotenes are produced by synthesis.

[0033] Examples of carotenoids include carotenes, which are hydrocarbons, and alcohol derivatives of carotenes (e.g., xanthophylls). Examples of carotenoids include actinioerythrol, astaxanthin, bixin, canthaxanthin, capsanthin, capsorbin, β-8'-apo-carotenal (apocarotenal), β-12'-apo-carotenal, α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, violeritrin, zeaxanthin, and esters of these that contain hydroxyl or carboxyl. A mixture of α-carotene and β-carotene is sometimes commonly referred to as "carotene."

[0034] In this disclosure, the carotenoid is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin and lycopene. Astaxanthin and lycopene are known as colorants that exhibit a color ranging from yellow to red, and have singlet oxygen scavenging effects (i.e., antioxidant effects), anti-inflammatory effects, anti-aging effects on the skin, and whitening effects. The carotenoid is more preferably astaxanthin, which has anti-inflammatory effects and can be used as a colorant that exhibits a red color. In this disclosure, astaxanthin includes astaxanthin and its derivatives (e.g., astaxanthin esters). Unless otherwise specified, in this disclosure, astaxanthin and its derivatives are collectively referred to as "astaxanthin."

[0035] [Astaxanthin] Astaxanthin can be derived from natural sources such as plants, algae, crustaceans, and bacteria, or it can be synthesized astaxanthin obtained by conventional methods. Astaxanthin can be extracted from natural or cultured products such as the red yeast Phaffia, the green alga Haematococcus, marine bacteria, and krill. From the viewpoint of quality and productivity, astaxanthin derived from an extract of Haematococcus algae (hereinafter referred to as "Haematococcus algae extract") or an extract of krill (hereinafter referred to as "krill extract") is preferred, and astaxanthin derived from krill extract is particularly preferred. Astaxanthin derived from krill extract (so-called krill-derived astaxanthin) can be used not only in cosmetics but also in quasi-drugs, for example.

[0036] Commercially available astaxanthin can be used. Examples of commercially available Haematococcus algae extracts include FUJIFILM Astaxanthin SS, FUJIFILM Astaxanthin S, FUJIFILM Astaxanthin 10OS, FUJIFILM Astaxanthin 5OS, FUJIFILM Astaxanthin 10O, and FUJIFILM Astaxanthin 5O from Fujifilm Corporation, as well as Astareal® Oil 50F and Astareal® Oil 5F from Fuji Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., and BioAstin® SCE7 from Toyo Enzyme Chemical Co., Ltd. Examples of commercially available krill extracts include Astax-ST (product name) from Marine Daioh Co., Ltd.

[0037] [Lycopene] Lycopene has the chemical formula C 40 H 56 It is a carotenoid represented by , belonging to the carotenes, and is a red pigment that shows an absorption maximum at 474 nm (acetone).

[0038] Lycopene also has isomers due to cis- and trans-conjugated double bonds in the center of the molecule, such as all-trans-, 9-cis, and 13-cis isomers. The lycopene in this disclosure may be any of these.

[0039] Lycopene is found in natural products such as tomatoes, persimmons, watermelons, and pink grapefruits, and can be isolated or extracted from these natural products. Lycopene isolates or extracts are commercially available in four forms: oil, emulsified liquid, paste, and powder. As for lycopene, in addition to lycopene derived from natural sources, synthetic lycopene obtained according to conventional methods can also be used.

[0040] One preferred form of lycopene is tomato-derived lycopene. As an example of lycopene derived from tomatoes, a lipid-soluble extract obtained from tomato pulp is used. Lycopene contained in a lipid-soluble extract obtained from tomato pulp is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of stability, quality, and productivity. Here, "lipid-soluble extract extracted from tomato pulp" refers to an extract obtained using an oily solvent from a pulp-like solid obtained by centrifuging the pulp obtained by crushing tomatoes. As a fat-soluble extract extracted from tomato pulp, commercially available tomato extracts containing lycopene, such as lycopene-containing oil or paste, can be used. Examples of commercially available tomato extracts include Lyc-O-Mato® 15% and Lyc-O-Mato® 6% from Sunbright Co., Ltd., and Lycopene 18 from Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[0041] The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may contain carotenoids as a carotenoid-containing oil or carotenoid-containing paste.

[0042] The aqueous gel-like composition of this disclosure may contain only one type of carotenoid, or it may contain two or more types of carotenoids.

[0043] The content of carotenoids in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may be appropriately determined according to the type of carotenoids, the singlet oxygen scavenging ability, the hue of the aqueous gel composition, and the like. The content of carotenoids is preferably, for example, 0.00001% by mass to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.00005% by mass to 0.5% by mass, and still more preferably 0.0001% by mass to 0.1% by mass based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0044] The form of inclusion of carotenoids in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited. However, for example, from the viewpoints of being able to formulate carotenoids at a high concentration, being able to stably contain carotenoids in the aqueous gel composition, and being able to easily obtain the transparency of the aqueous gel composition, carotenoids are preferably contained in emulsion particles dispersed in the aqueous phase. In particular, from the viewpoint of ease of production and the like, the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure preferably contains carotenoids in the form of an emulsion composition in which an oil component containing carotenoids is dispersed in the aqueous phase, that is, a carotenoid-containing emulsion composition. For details of components and the like contained in the carotenoid-containing emulsion composition, reference can be made to paragraphs

[0037] to

[0061] of JP-A-2017-088604. Further, for details of the method for preparing the carotenoid-containing emulsion composition, reference can be made to paragraphs

[0089] to

[0093] of JP-A-2017-088604. Specific examples of the method for preparing the carotenoid-containing emulsion composition are as shown in the examples described later.

[0045] <Component C: Sulfite-based antioxidant> The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a sulfite-based antioxidant. In the present disclosure, the "sulfite-based antioxidant" is a general term for sulfites and pyrosulfites as antioxidants. The sulfite-based antioxidant contributes to the removal of dissolved oxygen in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure.

[0046] The sulfite-based antioxidant is not particularly limited, and examples include sulfites and pyrosulfites that are used as antioxidants in the fields of cosmetics and quasi-drugs.

[0047] The sulfite-based antioxidant is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of inorganic salts of sulfurous acid and inorganic salts of pyrosulfurous acid. Among them, from the viewpoint of the ability to remove dissolved oxygen, an alkali metal salt of pyrosulfurous acid is preferable as the sulfite-based antioxidant. Here, examples of the alkali metal forming the salt include sodium, potassium, and the like.

[0048] The sulfite-based antioxidant is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite (cosmetic ingredient display name: sulfurous acid Na), potassium sulfite (cosmetic ingredient display name: sulfurous acid K), sodium pyrosulfite (cosmetic ingredient display name: pyrosulfurous acid Na), and potassium pyrosulfite (cosmetic ingredient display name: pyrosulfurous acid K). From the viewpoint of the ability to remove dissolved oxygen, the sulfite-based antioxidant is preferably at least one selected from sodium sulfite and sodium pyrosulfite, and more preferably sodium pyrosulfite.

[0049] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain only one kind of sulfite-based antioxidant or may contain two or more kinds.

[0050] From the viewpoint of the storage stability of carotenoids, the content of the sulfite-based antioxidant in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably 0.0125% by mass or more based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. From the viewpoint of achieving both the stability of carotenoids and the hardness quietness, the content of the sulfite-based antioxidant is more preferably 0.025% to 0.2% by mass, and still more preferably 0.05% to 0.1% by mass, based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0051] <Component D: Specific Antioxidant> The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure contains at least one phenolic antioxidant (specific antioxidant) selected from the group consisting of hindered phenolic antioxidants and polyphenolic antioxidants. When used in combination with tranexamic acid and sulfite-based antioxidants, specific antioxidants contribute to a significant improvement in the storage stability of carotenoids.

[0052] Hindered phenol antioxidants refer to antioxidants comprising compounds having a hindered phenol skeleton in their molecule. In this disclosure, the hindered phenol skeleton is used as a general term for molecular skeletons having bulky substituents near the hydroxyl group of phenol. A polyphenol-based antioxidant refers to an antioxidant consisting of a compound having a polyphenol skeleton in its molecule. In this disclosure, the term "polyphenol skeleton" is used as a general term for a molecular skeleton in which two or more hydrogen atoms of a single aromatic hydrocarbon ring are substituted with phenolic hydroxyl groups.

[0053] The compound contained in the aqueous gel composition as a specific antioxidant may be a compound that belongs to either a hindered phenol antioxidant or a polyphenol antioxidant, or it may be a compound that belongs to both a hindered phenol antioxidant and a polyphenol antioxidant. In this disclosure, the specified antioxidant does not include ferulic acid.

[0054] As a specific antioxidant, it is sufficient to select an antioxidant that falls under at least one of the following categories from phenolic antioxidants used in the fields of cosmetics and quasi-drugs: hindered phenolic antioxidants and polyphenolic antioxidants.

[0055] Examples of antioxidants included in specific antioxidants include, for example, Dibutylhydroxytoluene (cosmetic ingredient name: BHT), butylhydroxyanisole (cosmetic ingredient name: BHA), tetrakis-[methylene-3-(3'-,5'-di-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]methane; 2,2'-Methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-Methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-Butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); Compounds containing phenolic hydroxyl groups found in flavonoids (e.g., catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, rutin, anthocyanins, luteolin, etc.), flavonoid derivatives (e.g., glucosylrutin), and extracts (e.g., tea extract, grape seed extract, rosemary extract, etc.) (e.g., tannins, carnosol, rosmanol, epirosmanol, etc.); Examples include gallic acid (3,4,5-hydroxybenzoic acid), derivatives of gallic acid (e.g., gallic acid esters such as propyl gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate, and gallic acid glycosides such as gallotannin).

[0056] As a hindered phenol-based antioxidant, which is one embodiment of a specific antioxidant, it is preferable that it contains dibutylhydroxytoluene. As a polyphenol-based antioxidant, which is one embodiment of a specific antioxidant, it is preferable that it contains glucosylrutin. The specific antioxidant includes both a hindered phenol antioxidant and a polyphenol antioxidant, and it is more preferable that the hindered phenol antioxidant is dibutylhydroxytoluene and the polyphenol antioxidant is glucosylrutin, from the viewpoint of suppressing the oxidative degradation of carotenoids and improving the storage stability of carotenoids.

[0057] The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may contain only one specific antioxidant or may contain two or more specific antioxidants.

[0058] The content of the specific antioxidant in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably, for example, 0.1% by mass to 0.55% by mass, more preferably 0.1% by mass to 0.5% by mass, still more preferably 0.1% by mass to 0.4% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1% by mass to 0.35% by mass, based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0059] <Component E: Specific Compound> The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a compound (specific compound) represented by the following formula (1). In the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure, the specific compound contributes to the formation of the gel.

[0060] [Chemical formula]

[0061] In formula (1), R 1 are each independently a group represented by R 11 -(O-R 12 )x-. R 11 are each independently a hydrocarbon group, R 12 are each independently an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. x is an integer from 1 to 500. R 2 are each independently a hydrocarbon group which may have a urethane bond. R 3 is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and when there are a plurality of R 3 , the plurality of R 3 may be the same or different. n is an integer from 1 to 500, and m is an integer of 1 or more.

[0062] As is apparent from formula (1), the specific compound is a urethane-based copolymer modified with hydrophobicity, having a urethane bond and a hydrophilic alkyleneoxy group (i.e., hydrophilic part) in the main chain and a hydrophobic hydrocarbon group (i.e., hydrophobic part) at the terminal. In the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic part due to the hydrocarbon group associates to exhibit the gelation ability and form a gel.

[0063] In equation (1), R 1 R 11 -(OR 12 It is a group represented by )x-. There are two R 1 They may be the same or different. R 11 This represents a hydrocarbon group. R 11 Examples of hydrocarbon groups represented by this symbol include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, aromatic hydrocarbon groups, and groups consisting of combinations thereof. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group. R 11 The hydrocarbon group represented is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon group such as an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, or a cycloalkenyl group.

[0064] Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tertiary butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tertiary pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, isotridecyl, myristyl, palmityl, stearyl, isostearyl, icosyl, docosyl, tetracosyl, triacontyl, 2-octyldodecyl, 2-dodecylhexadecyl, 2-tetradecyloctadecyl, monomethyl branched-isostearyl, and decyltetradeceth.

[0065] Examples of alkenyl groups include vinyl, allyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, isopentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl, tetradecenyl, and oleyl.

[0066] Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl groups. Examples of cycloalkenyl groups include cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, and cycloheptenyl.

[0067] R 11 The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group represented is preferably 8 to 36, and more preferably 12 to 30. R 12 This represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, with a 2-carbon alkylene group (i.e., an ethylene group) being preferred. x is an integer between 1 and 500, preferably between 1 and 300, more preferably between 1 and 100, even more preferably between 5 and 50, and particularly preferably between 10 and 40.

[0068] In equation (1), R 2 Each of these independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a urethane bond. R 2 Examples of hydrocarbon groups represented by this symbol include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, aromatic hydrocarbon groups, and groups consisting of combinations thereof. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group. R 2 Examples of hydrocarbon groups represented by include the previously mentioned R 11 Examples of hydrocarbon groups represented by the symbol include divalent groups obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from aliphatic hydrocarbon groups such as alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, cycloalkyl groups, and cycloalkenyl groups.

[0069] R 2 The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group represented is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 2 to 8, even more preferably 4 to 8, and particularly preferably 6.

[0070] In equation (1), R 3 This represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, with a 2-carbon alkylene group (i.e., an ethylene group) being preferred. In equation (1), R 3If there are multiple R 3 They may be the same or different.

[0071] In equation (1), n ​​is an integer between 1 and 500, preferably between 1 and 400, more preferably between 10 and 400, and even more preferably between 100 and 300. In formula (1), m is an integer of 1 or more, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 10, and even more preferably 1 to 5.

[0072] A specific compound can be obtained, for example, by heating a compound represented by formula (2) below, a compound represented by formula (3) below, and a compound represented by formula (4) below at 80°C to 90°C for 1 to 3 hours and allowing them to react. In the above reaction, one compound represented by formula (2), one compound represented by formula (3), and one compound represented by formula (4) may be used as raw materials, or two or more compounds may be used for each compound.

[0073] [ka]

[0074] [ka]

[0075] [ka]

[0076] R in equation (2) 1 R in equation (1) 1 It corresponds to. R in equation (3) 2 R in equation (1) 2 It corresponds to. R in equation (4) 3 And n are R in equation (1). 3And corresponds to n.

[0077] The charging ratios of the compound represented by (2), the compound represented by formula (3), and the compound represented by formula (4) are not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the specific compound to be brewed.

[0078] (The compound represented by formula (1-1)) The compound represented by formula (1) is preferably the compound represented by formula (1-1) below (hereinafter referred to as "specific compound (1-1)" as appropriate).

[0079] [ka]

[0080] In equation (1-1), n1 is an integer between 1 and 500, m1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and x1 is an integer between 1 and 500.

[0081] In equation (1-1), n1 is an integer between 1 and 500, preferably between 1 and 400, more preferably between 10 and 400, even more preferably between 100 and 300, and particularly preferably 240. In formula (1-1), m1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, preferably an integer between 1 and 20, more preferably an integer between 1 and 10, even more preferably an integer between 1 and 5, and particularly preferably an integer between 1 and 3. In equation (1-1), x1 is an integer between 1 and 500, preferably between 1 and 300, more preferably between 1 and 100, even more preferably between 5 and 50, particularly preferably between 10 and 40, and most preferably 20.

[0082] As specific compounds (1-1), compounds described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-71766, International Publication No. 2014 / 084174, etc., are preferred examples. As the specific compound (1-1), polyethylene glycol (PEG)-240 / decyltetradeceth-20 / hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) copolymer (cosmetic ingredient name: (PEG-240 / decyltetradeceth-20 / HDI) copolymer) is particularly preferred. Such copolymers are commercially available from ADEKA Corporation under product names such as "Adekanol GT-700," "Adekanol GT-730," and "Adekanol GT-930."

[0083] The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may contain only one specific compound or may contain two or more specific compounds.

[0084] The content of the specific compound in the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure is preferably 1% to 3% by mass relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. When the content of a specific compound is 1% to 3% by mass relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel-like composition, an appropriate hardness can be achieved for the aqueous gel-like composition. The content of the specific compound in the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure is more preferably 1% to 2.5% by mass, and even more preferably 1% to 2% by mass, based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0085] <Molecular ratio of tranexamic acid, sulfite-based antioxidants, and phenol-based antioxidants: A / (C+D)> In the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure, from the viewpoint of achieving both storage stability and hardness stability of carotenoids, it is preferable that A / (C+D) is 5 to 41, where A is the molar amount of tranexamic acid, C is the molar amount of sulfite-based antioxidant, and D is the molar amount of specific antioxidant.

[0086] The molar amounts (amount of substance) of components A, C, and D in an aqueous gel composition shall be calculated by the following method. In detail, the calculation shall be performed according to the following procedure. For calculating the amount of substance, use the atomic weights listed in the Atomic Weight Table of the Chemical Society of Japan (2024) (https: / / www.chemistry.or.jp / know / atom_2024.pdf). The molar mass (g / mol) of a compound is calculated by rounding the fifth digit from the top of the atomic weight listed in the atomic weight table to four significant figures, and then calculating the sum of the atomic weights of the constituent atoms based on the molecular formula of each compound. For example, the molar mass (g / mol) of (Component A): tranexamic acid, (Component C): sodium pyrosulfite, (Component C): sodium sulfite, (Component D): glucosylrutin, and (Component D): dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT) is calculated as follows. Tranexamic acid 157.2 g / mol Sodium pyrosulfite 190.1 g / mol Sodium sulfite 126.0 g / mol Glucosylrutin 772.6 g / mol BHT 220.3 g / mol Next, the content (by mass) of components A, C, and D in the aqueous gel composition is converted to the amount of substance (mol) using the molar mass calculated above, and the molar amounts of components A, C, and D (A, C, and D) are calculated. Using the calculated molar amounts of A, C, and D, A / (C+D) is calculated.

[0087] A / (C+D) is preferably 5 to 41, more preferably 7 to 26, even more preferably 10 to 26, and most preferably 13 to 26.

[0088] <Water> The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure contains water. There are no particular restrictions on the type of water used; natural water, purified water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, and ultrapure water (such as Milli-Q water) can be used. Milli-Q water is ultrapure water obtained using the Milli-Q water production system of Merck Millipore, a company of Merck KGaA. From the viewpoint of having fewer impurities, purified water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, or ultrapure water is preferred as the water contained in the aqueous gel-like composition.

[0089] The water content in the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure is preferably 50% to 98% by mass, more preferably 60% to 98% by mass, and even more preferably 70% to 98% by mass, based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0090] [Other ingredients] The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may optionally contain, to the extent that it does not impair the effect, the aforementioned tranexamic acid, carotenoids, sulfite-based antioxidants, specific antioxidants, specific compounds, and other components other than water. Other ingredients include, for example, humectants and water-soluble organic solvents. The other components listed below may be those in which one component performs two or more functions.

[0091] (Moisturizer) The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may contain a humectant. There are no particular restrictions on the type of moisturizer, but examples include moisturizers used in cosmetics and quasi-drugs. Examples of moisturizers include ceramides and polyhydric alcohols.

[0092] If the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure contains a humectant, it may contain only one humectant or two or more humectants.

[0093] -Ceramide- The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may contain ceramide. The ceramide is preferably a natural type of ceramide. In this disclosure, "natural-type ceramide" means ceramide that has the same structure as ceramide present in the stratum corneum of human skin (so-called human-type ceramide).

[0094] Ceramides with a common structure, referred to as "natural type," may be natural products (extracts), ceramides obtained by microbial fermentation, ceramides derived from animals, or synthetic products. The ceramide may be a naturally occurring (D(-)) optically active form, a non-natural (L(+)) optically active form, or a mixture of a naturally occurring optically active form and a non-natural optically active form. The relative stereoconfiguration of ceramide may be that of the natural type, the unnatural type, or a mixture of the natural and unnatural types.

[0095] Specific examples of naturally occurring ceramides include ceramide 1, ceramide 2, ceramide 3, ceramide 4, ceramide 5, ceramide 6, ceramide 7, ceramide 8, and ceramide 9.

[0096] Natural ceramides are also available as commercially produced products. Examples of commercially available natural ceramides include Ceramide I, Ceramide EOP27, Ceramide EOS27, Ceramide III, Ceramide IIIA, Ceramide IIIB, Ceramide IIIC, Ceramide VI (all brand names, Evonik), Ceramide TIC-001 (brand name, Takasago International Corporation), CERAMIDE II (brand name, Quest International), DS-Ceramide VI, DS-CLA-Phytoceramide, C6-Phytoceramide, DS-ceramide Y3S (all brand names, Doosan), and CERAMIDE 2 (brand name, Sederma).

[0097] If the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure contains ceramide, it may contain only one type of ceramide or two or more types.

[0098] The ceramide content in the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure is preferably 0.0001% to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.0001% to 0.1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.0001% to 0.01% by mass, based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition, from the viewpoint of exhibiting a moisturizing effect and the transparency of the aqueous gel composition.

[0099] -Polyhydric alcohols- The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may contain a polyhydric alcohol. Examples of polyhydric alcohols used as humectants include glycerin, ethylhexylglycerin, ethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol (cosmetic ingredient name: BG), 1,2-butanediol, pentylene glycol, dipropylene glycol; and polysaccharides such as reduced starch syrup, sucrose, erythritol, xylitol, glucose, galactose, sorbitol, maltotriose, and trehalose.

[0100] If the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure contains a polyhydric alcohol, it may contain only one polyhydric alcohol or two or more polyhydric alcohols.

[0101] If the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure contains a polyhydric alcohol, the polyhydric alcohol content in the aqueous gel composition is preferably 1% to 10% by mass, more preferably 2% to 8% by mass, and even more preferably 4% to 8% by mass, based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0102] (Water-soluble organic solvent) The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may contain a water-soluble organic solvent as a water-soluble liquid component. As a water-soluble organic solvent, an alcohol-based solvent (specifically, a monohydric alcohol such as ethanol) can be used.

[0103] If the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure contains a water-soluble organic solvent, the content of the water-soluble organic solvent in the aqueous gel composition may be determined appropriately within a range that does not impair the effects of the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure.

[0104] (Other additives) The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure may appropriately contain additives commonly used in cosmetics, quasi-drugs, etc. Examples of additives include functional ingredients that exhibit useful cosmetic effects (such as skin conditioning effects) when used in cosmetics. Other additives include, for example, solubilizers such as polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene decyltetradecyl ether (cosmetic ingredient name: PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-20), stabilizers such as isostearic acid, surfactants such as sodium stearoyl glutamate (cosmetic ingredient name: stearoyl glutamate Na), preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin, colorants, thickeners, pH adjusters such as sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, buffers, fragrances, antibacterial agents, UV absorbers, free radical scavengers, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and minerals. Furthermore, other additives may include antioxidants other than sulfite-based antioxidants and specific antioxidants (for example, ascorbic acids), to the extent that they do not impair the effects of the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure.

[0105] [Uses of aqueous gel compositions] Examples of applications for the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure include cosmetics (e.g., skincare cosmetics such as lotions and serums) and quasi-drugs. However, the applications of the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure are not limited to these. The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure is particularly preferably for cosmetic use. The aqueous gel composition of this disclosure is preferably a cosmetic, and more preferably a skincare cosmetic.

[0106] [Method for producing aqueous gel-like composition] The method for producing the aqueous gel-like composition of this disclosure is not particularly limited. The method for producing the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure can be obtained according to known methods for producing aqueous gel compositions. One preferred method for producing the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure includes a method comprising mixing tranexamic acid, carotenoids, a specific amount of a sulfite-based antioxidant, a specific antioxidant, a specific compound, and water (hereinafter referred to as the "mixing step" as appropriate). The following describes an example of a preferred method for producing the aqueous gel composition of this disclosure. However, matters common to the aqueous gel composition described above, such as the components of the aqueous gel composition and their amounts, will not be explained.

[0107] [Mixing process] In the mixing process, tranexamic acid, carotenoids, a specific amount of sulfite-based antioxidant, a specific antioxidant, a specific compound, and water are mixed together. The order in which these components are mixed is not particularly limited. For example, tranexamic acid, carotenoids, a specific amount of sulfite-based antioxidant, a specific antioxidant, a specific compound, and water may be mixed together at once, or tranexamic acid, carotenoids, a specific amount of sulfite-based antioxidant, a specific antioxidant, and a specific compound may be added to the water while stirring and then mixed. Alternatively, carotenoids may be added to a mixture obtained by mixing tranexamic acid, a specific amount of sulfite-based antioxidant, a specific antioxidant, a specific compound, and water, and then mixed.

[0108] The mixing method is not particularly limited, and any commercially available mixing method may be used. Mixing means include stirrers, paddle mixers, impeller mixers, homomixers, disperser mixers, ultramixers, high-pressure homogenizers, ultrasonic homogenizers, and the like. Among these, at least one selected from the group consisting of homomixers and disperser mixers is preferred as the mixing means.

[0109] The temperature at which each component is mixed is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. It is generally preferable to set it to 4°C to 85°C, and more preferably to 60°C to 85°C. The stirring conditions when mixing each component are not particularly limited as long as the components are thoroughly mixed, and can be set appropriately depending on the mixing method. For example, when using a homomixer as the mixing method, the components can usually be stirred at 500 rpm (revolutions per minute; the same applies hereafter) to 8000 rpm for 5 to 60 minutes.

[0110] The method for producing the aqueous gel-like composition of this disclosure may include steps other than the mixing step (so-called other steps) as necessary. Other processes include, for example, defoaming, heat sterilization, cooling, and removal. Methods known in the industry may be used for the defoaming, heat sterilization, cooling, and removal processes. [Examples]

[0111] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples unless it exceeds the spirit of the invention.

[0112] [Example 1] 0.20 parts by mass of ethylhexylglycerin (product name: Adekanol GE-RF, ADEKA Corporation), 0.24 parts by mass of sodium hydroxide, 0.25 parts by mass of isostearic acid (product name: Isostearic Acid EX, Higher Alcohol Industry Co., Ltd.), 0.125 parts by mass of sodium stearoyl glutamate (product name: Amisoft HS-11P, Ajinomoto Healthy Supply Co., Ltd.), 20 parts by mass of glycerin (product name: Concentrated Glycerin for Cosmetics, Kao Corporation), and an appropriate amount of pure water were mixed while heating to 80°C. While stirring, 1.2 parts by mass of (PEG-240 / decyltetradeceth-20 / HDI) copolymer (product name: Adekanol GT-700, ADEKA Corporation) was added as a specific compound, and the mixture was stirred at 4000 rpm for 12 minutes using a homogenizer (model name: Homomixer MARK II 2.5, Primix Corporation), and then cooled to 40°C.

[0113] Next, to the cooled mixture, 2 parts by mass of tranexamic acid (product name: Japanese Pharmacopoeia Tranexamic Acid, Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), 0.1 parts by mass of glucosylrutin (product name: αG-rutin PS-C, Toyo Sugar Refining Co., Ltd., polyphenol antioxidant) as a specific antioxidant, 0.05 parts by mass of sodium pyrosulfite (product name: Sodium Pyrosulfite "For Manufacturing Only", Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) as a sulfite antioxidant (C), 0.5 parts by mass of phenoxyethanol, and an appropriate amount of pure water were added, and the mixture was stirred at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes using a homogenizer (model name: Homomixer MARK II 2.5, Primix Co., Ltd.). Next, 0.3696 parts by mass of an emulsified composition containing astaxanthin as a carotenoid, prepared in advance by the method described below, 6.1 parts by mass of a ceramide-containing dispersion composition, prepared in advance by the method described below, and an appropriate amount of pure water were added and the mixture was stirred at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes using a homogenizer (model name: Homomixer MARKII 2.5, Primix Co., Ltd.). After adjusting the pH to 8 with sodium hydroxide, pure water was further added until the total volume was 100 parts by mass, and then the mixture was stirred at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes using a homogenizer (model name: Homomixer MARKII 2.5, Primix Co., Ltd.). Next, the stirred mixture was subjected to vacuum degassing to obtain the aqueous gel composition of Example 1.

[0114] <Preparation of ceramide-containing dispersion composition> The following components were stirred at room temperature for 1 hour to obtain oil phase composition A. -Composition of oil phase composition A- Ceramide 3: 4.8g Ceramide 6: 5.9g • Oleic acid: 1.1g Ethanol: 412.0g

[0115] The following components were stirred at room temperature for 1 hour to obtain aqueous phase composition A. -Composition of aqueous phase composition A- • Polyglyceryl-10 myristate: 10.7g Glycerin: 53.4g • 1,3-Butylene glycol: 53.4g • 4% by mass sodium hydroxide solution: 3.2 g ·Pure water: 865.3g

[0116] The obtained oil phase composition A (oil phase) and aqueous phase composition A (aqueous phase) were micromixed in a ratio of 1:7 (mass ratio) using a KM-type 100 / 100 impact-type micromixer to obtain a dispersion. The operating conditions of the micromixer are as follows.

[0117] Micromixer Usage Conditions -Microchannel- • Oil phase microchannel Cross-sectional shape / width / depth / length = rectangle / 70μm / 100μm / 10mm • Water phase microchannel Cross-sectional shape / width / depth / length = rectangle / 490μm / 100μm / 10mm -Flow rate- The aqueous phase is introduced into the outer ring at a flow rate of 21.0 ml / min, and the oil phase is introduced into the inner ring at a flow rate of 3.0 ml / min, and then micro-mixed.

[0118] The obtained dispersion was desolvated using a centrifugal thin-film vacuum evaporator (model name: Evapol CEP-lab, Okawara Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) until the ethanol concentration was 0.1% by mass or less, and then concentrated and adjusted to a total ceramide concentration of 1.0% by mass to obtain a ceramide-containing dispersion composition.

[0119] <Preparation of an astaxanthin-containing emulsified composition> Aqueous phase composition B was obtained by heating the following components at 70°C for 1 hour to dissolve them. -Composition of aqueous composition B- Sucrose stearate (HLB=16): 3.1g Decaglyceryl monooleate (HLB=12): 6.4g Glycerin: 42.0g ·Pure water: 27.9g

[0120] Oil phase composition B was obtained by heating the following components at 70°C for 1 hour to dissolve them. -Composition of oil phase composition B- • Krill extract: 14.3g (Product name: Astax-ST, contains 5% by mass of astaxanthin, Marine Daioh Co., Ltd.) Mixed tocopherols: 4.4g (Product name: Riken E-Oil 800, Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.) • Lecithin: 1.9g (Product name: SLP Paste, Tsuji Oil Co., Ltd.)

[0121] The obtained aqueous phase composition B was kept at 70°C and stirred at 10,000 rpm using an ultrasonic homogenizer (model: HP93, SMT Corporation). Oil phase composition 2 was then added to the stirred aqueous phase composition B to obtain a crude emulsion. Next, the obtained crude emulsion was cooled to approximately 40°C, and high-pressure emulsification was performed at a pressure of 200 MPa using an ultra-high-pressure emulsifier (model name: Starburst, Sugino Machine Co., Ltd.). After that, the mixture was filtered using a microfilter with an average pore size of 1 μm to obtain an astaxanthin-containing emulsion composition (astaxanthin content: 0.715% by mass).

[0122] The obtained astaxanthin-containing emulsified composition was diluted with Milli-Q water to a concentration of 1% by mass, and the particle size of the dispersed particles was measured using a particle size analyzer (model: FPAR-1000, Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.), which was found to be 58 nm (median diameter (d50)).

[0123] [Examples 2 to 12] The aqueous gel compositions of Examples 2 to 12 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the components and their amounts were appropriately changed in the aqueous composition of Example 1 so that the composition shown in Table 1 below was obtained. Furthermore, when using BHT as a specific antioxidant (hindered phenol antioxidant), a mixture of PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-20 and BHT in the amounts listed in Table 1 was used beforehand.

[0124] [Comparative Examples 1 to 6] Aqueous gel compositions of Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the components and their amounts were appropriately changed in the aqueous composition of Example 1 to achieve the composition shown in Table 2 below. When using BHT as a specific antioxidant (hindered phenol antioxidant), a mixture of PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-20 and BHT in the amounts listed in Table 2 was used beforehand.

[0125] [evaluation] The storage stability of carotenoids was evaluated using the aqueous gel compositions of Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6. The properties of each aqueous gel composition from Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were confirmed after storage. For each aqueous gel-like composition in Examples 1 to 12, the hardness stability was further evaluated. Hardness stability was comprehensively evaluated for each aqueous gel-like composition based on the change in hardness and the properties of the composition after storage. For each of the aqueous gel compositions in Comparative Examples 1 to 6, the storage stability of the carotenoids was outside the acceptable range, so hardness stability was not evaluated.

[0126] For each aqueous gel composition in Examples 1 to 12, the molar ratio expressed as A / (C+D) was calculated using the method described later. Since each of the aqueous gel compositions in Comparative Examples 1 to 6 does not contain tranexamic acid, specific antioxidants, and / or sulfite-based antioxidants, A / (C+D) cannot be calculated.

[0127] The results obtained are shown in Tables 1 and 2, along with the compositions of each aqueous gel composition from Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

[0128] The amounts of each component listed in Tables 1 and 2 are in "parts by mass," and the total volume of each aqueous gel composition is adjusted to 100 parts by mass using water. Furthermore, blank spaces in the composition column in Tables 1 and 2 indicate that the corresponding component is not included. In Tables 1 and 2, (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) correspond to components A, B, C, D, and E, respectively.

[0129] 1. Storage stability of carotenoids 1.7 g of the aqueous gel composition immediately after preparation was weighed, placed in a 5 ml glass bottle, and sealed to create a storage sample with a large amount of air in the container (i.e., air filling). The air content of the storage sample was 75%. This sample was stored at 4°C and 50°C for 11 months. The carotenoid content after 1 month was quantified by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The carotenoid retention rate (%) was calculated using the following formula. Carotenoid retention rate (%) = (Quantitative value of carotenoids after 1 month at 50°C / Quantitative value of carotenoids after 1 month at 4°C) × 100 A higher carotenoid retention rate was evaluated as indicating superior storage stability of carotenoids. Specifically, the following criteria were used, and an evaluation result of "A" to "C" indicated that the storage stability of the carotenoids was within an acceptable rank. "A" is the most preferable. ~Standards~ A: 85% or more B: 80% or more but less than 85% C: 75% to less than 80% D: 70% to less than 75% E: 65% or more but less than 70% F: 60% to less than 65% G: Less than 60%

[0130] 2. Confirmation of the properties of the aqueous gel composition after storage. 55 g each of the aqueous gel compositions from Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6, immediately after preparation, were placed in polypropylene (PP) containers measuring 38 mm in diameter and 76 mm in height, capped, and stored at 50°C for one month. The properties of the aqueous gel-like compositions after storage were confirmed. The properties were confirmed by hardness measurement as described in "3. Hardness Stability" below, and a measured value (unit: g) of 1 g or more was defined as "gel-like". All aqueous gel-like compositions remained gel-like after storage.

[0131] 3.Hardness stability 55 g of each aqueous gel composition from Examples 1 to 12, immediately after preparation, was placed in a polypropylene (PP) container measuring 38 mm in diameter and 76 mm in height, capped, and stored at 25°C for 24 hours. The hardness of each aqueous gel composition after 24 hours of storage at 25°C was measured using a rheometer (model name: FUDOH REHOMETER, Rheotec Co., Ltd.). Specifically, for each aqueous gel composition, the peak stress value measured when the tip of a 20 mm diameter adapter was inserted 20 mm with a load of 200 g at a speed of 60 mm / min under the measurement temperature of 25°C was taken as the hardness measurement value (unit: g). Details of the measurement conditions are shown below.

[0132] Measurement conditions Adapter: No. 3 (Diameter: 20mm) Load: 200g Speed: 60mm / min Measurement temperature: 25℃ Unloaded basis: 0.5% Sampling interval: 0.02 seconds X-axis table movement distance: 20mm (forced termination: 20mm)

[0133] The hardness measured under the above conditions was defined as the Fr (fresh) hardness, and after being stored at 50°C for one month, the hardness was measured again under the same conditions. The difference between the hardness and Fr hardness after storage at 50°C for one month was calculated. A small difference indicates a small change in hardness. The hardness change was specifically ranked according to the following criteria. "A" is the most desirable. ~Standards~ A: Less than ±4g B: ±4g or more and less than 8g C: ±8g or more and less than 12g D: ±12g or more and less than 16g E: ±16g or more and 24g or less

[0134] If the hardness change was within the range of rank A to E, and the composition's properties after storage at 50°C for one month were gel-like, then the hardness stability was evaluated as being within acceptable limits.

[0135] 4. Calculation of A / (C+D) The molar amounts (substances) of components A, C, and D in the aqueous gel composition were calculated using the following method. Specifically, the calculation was performed according to the following procedure. For calculating the amount of substance, the atomic weights listed in the Atomic Weight Table of the Chemical Society of Japan (2024) (https: / / www.chemistry.or.jp / know / atom_2024.pdf) were used. The atomic weights listed in the atomic weight table were rounded to four significant figures by rounding the fifth digit from the top. Based on the molecular formula of each target compound, the sum of the atomic weights of the constituent atoms was calculated to determine the molar mass (g / mol) of the target compound. The molar masses (g / mol) of (Component A): tranexamic acid, (Component C): sodium pyrosulfite, (Component C): sodium sulfite, (Component D): glucosylrutin, and (Component D): dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT) were calculated as follows. Tranexamic acid 157.2 g / mol Sodium pyrosulfite 190.1 g / mol Sodium sulfite 126.0 g / mol Glucosylrutin 772.6 g / mol BHT 220.3 g / mol Next, for the aqueous gel-like compositions of each example, the content (by mass) of components A, C, and D was converted to the amount of substance (mol) using the molar mass calculated above, and the molar amounts of components A, C, and D (A, C, and D) were calculated. Using the calculated molar amounts of A, C, and D, A / (C+D) was calculated.

[0136] [Table 1]

[0137] [Table 2]

[0138] Details of each component other than those listed above in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows: • Arbutin (Trade name: β-Arbutin N, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) • Sodium sulfite (product name: Sodium sulfite, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) • APS (Product name: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, manufactured by BASF Ltd.) • Ferulic acid (product name: Ferulic acid, manufactured by Tsukuno Rice Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) • PPG-6 Decyltetradeceth-20 (Product name: NIKKOL SG-DTD620, manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.)

[0139] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the aqueous gel compositions of Examples 1 to 12 all exhibited superior storage stability of carotenoids, even when stored in a container with a large amount of air and in frequent contact with air, compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 6. Furthermore, the aqueous gel compositions of Examples 1 to 12 also showed excellent hardness stability. On the other hand, the aqueous gel compositions of Comparative Examples 1 to 6 did not contain tranexamic acid, sulfite-based antioxidants, or specific antioxidants, and therefore exhibited poor storage stability of carotenoids.

Claims

1. Tranexamic acid and Carotenoids and, Sulfite-based antioxidants, At least one phenolic antioxidant selected from the group consisting of hindered phenolic antioxidants and polyphenolic antioxidants, The compound represented by formula (1), Water and, containing Aqueous gel-like composition. 【Chemistry 1】 In formula (1), R １ each independently represents a group represented by R １１ -(O-R １２ )x-. R １１ each independently represents a hydrocarbon group, and R １２ each independently represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. x is an integer from 1 to 500. R ２ each independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a urethane bond. R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. When there are a plurality of R ３ , the plurality of R ３ may be the same or different. n is an integer from 1 to 500, and m is an integer of 1 or more.

2. The aqueous gel-like composition according to claim 1, wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin and lycopene.

3. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sulfite-based antioxidant is at least one selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts of sulfite and alkali metal salts of pyrosulfite.

4. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the content of the sulfite-based antioxidant is 0.05% by mass to 0.1% by mass with respect to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

5. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hindered phenol antioxidant comprises dibutylhydroxytoluene.

6. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the polyphenol antioxidant comprises glucosylrutin.

7. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the phenolic antioxidant comprises both the hindered phenolic antioxidant and the polyphenolic antioxidant, the hindered phenolic antioxidant being dibutylhydroxytoluene, and the polyphenolic antioxidant being glucosylrutin.

8. The aqueous gel-like composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the molar amount of tranexamic acid is A, the molar amount of the sulfite-based antioxidant is C, and the molar amount of the phenol-based antioxidant is D, A / (C+D) is 5 to 41.

9. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the content of tranexamic acid is 1% by mass to 5% by mass based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

10. An aqueous gel composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, which is a cosmetic.

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