Personal Care Compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to an anti-aging composition, which is achieved by a topical composition containing a specific amino acid and a specific dicarboxylic acid or ester that synergistically enhances the gene expression of collagen 1, an indicator of anti-aging efficacy in the skin.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an anti-aging composition obtained by combining specific amino acids with specific dicarboxylic acids or their esters, which provide anti-aging benefits when applied topically. [Background technology]

[0002] Many people desire youthful, elastic-looking skin with even color distribution and smooth texture. However, human skin is prone to deterioration due to, for example, dermatological conditions, exposure to environmental changes (wind, air conditioning, sun exposure, pollution, blue light, etc.), or normal aging over time (chronoaging). Over time, individuals develop facial fine lines, wrinkles, yellowing or sallowness, sagging, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other general signs of aging. People are finding solutions to these problems through better nutrition, balanced exercise, and a generally healthy lifestyle. While such activities are considered healthy and are believed to slow the aging process, including making skin appear more youthful, people also want to use cosmetics to at least temporarily conceal visible signs of aging, particularly on the skin. As a result, there has been a significant increase in demand for anti-aging cosmetics that address these visible signs.

[0003] Cosmetic compositions featuring retinoic acid precursors, such as retinol, have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Retinol, also known as vitamin A, and many of its ester derivatives and retinoid compounds, such as retinyl propionate, can be effective when applied topically to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth skin, and improve uneven skin tone, among other benefits. Despite the benefits of retinoids, the inclusion of retinoic acid precursors in cosmetic compositions often poses stability challenges. Therefore, there is a need in the art for new combinations of actives that provide comparable or even better anti-aging benefits. It is particularly preferred that such actives have a well-known and proven history of safe use on the skin. While exploring the development of such technology, the present inventors discovered a combination of a highly specific amino acid, namely, arginine, and a specific dicarboxylic acid (i.e., a C7-C9 dicarboxylic acid) or its ester, which acts synergistically to enhance collagen levels, an indicator of anti-aging benefits.

[0004] For example, Hungarian Patent Application No. 20040001422 discloses that arginine, when used alone or in combination with certain other herbal ingredients in creams or ointments, has a specific anti-wrinkle effect. The dicarboxylic acids or their esters claimed in the compositions of the present invention appear to be unknown for this effect. Therefore, it was surprising for the inventors to find that the combination of these two classes of compounds synergistically increased collagen 1 gene expression, an indicator of anti-aging effects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Hungarian Patent Application No. 20040001422 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a topical composition that provides synergistic anti-aging benefits to the skin.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to achieve this effect through the use of commonly used skin-friendly compounds such as amino acids and dicarboxylic acids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a personal care composition comprising: (i) arginine, (ii) a C7-C9 dicarboxylic acid or an ester thereof, (iii) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle; Including, The weight ratio of arginine to the dicarboxylic acid or its ester is in the range of 50:1 to 1:1, The composition does not contain arginine and dimethyl pimelate in a weight ratio of 1:1. It relates to personal care compositions.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of providing anti-aging benefits to skin comprising applying the composition of the first aspect to the desired skin surface. 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 may be utilized in any other aspect of the present invention. The term "comprising" is intended to mean "including," but does not necessarily mean "consisting of" or "composed of." In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It should be noted that the examples set forth in the following description are intended to clarify the invention but are not intended to limit the invention to those examples themselves. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, percentages are weight / weight percentages. Except in the examples and comparative examples, or where otherwise expressly stated, all numbers in the specification and claims expressing amounts of materials or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials, and / or uses should be understood to be modified by the term "about." Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" should be understood to include both x and y. When multiple preferred ranges for a particular feature are listed in the format "x to y," it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

[0011] The compositions of the present invention are intended for personal care or cosmetic applications and may also be referred to as personal care compositions or cosmetic compositions. As used herein, "personal care compositions" is intended to include compositions for topical application, i.e., application to the external surface of human skin. Such compositions may be classified as leave-on or rinse-off and include any product applied to the human body to improve appearance, cleansing, deodorization, or general aesthetics. The compositions are preferably leave-on. The compositions of the present invention may be in the form of a liquid, lotion, cream, foam, stick, serum, essence, or gel. Preferred compositions include leave-on gels, lotions, serums, or creams, preferably in the form of serums or creams.

[0012] As used herein, "skin" is intended to include the skin of the face and body (eg, neck, chest, back, arms, hands, and legs), particularly those exposed areas thereof.

[0013] The present invention relates to a personal care composition comprising (i) arginine and (ii) a C7-C9 dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof, and (iii) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.

[0014] Arginine is an amino acid having the following chemical structure:

[0015] [ka] The above molecule features a guanidino group attached to a standard amino acid backbone. Arginine (Arg) residues are common building blocks of proteins. Like all amino acids, arginine is a white, water-soluble solid. The inventors have attempted to use other amino acids, particularly lysine, which is in the same class as arginine. They have found that none of the other amino acids (including lysine) act in the same manner as arginine in providing synergistic anti-aging benefits in combination with the dicarboxylic acids or esters claimed in the present invention. Arginine may be present in an amount of 0.1-5% by weight, preferably 0.5-2.5% by weight, of the present composition.

[0016] The composition of the present invention comprises a C7 to C9 dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof. Preferred dicarboxylic acids or esters thereof are selected from one or more of pimelic acid, dimethyl pimelate, suberic acid and azelaic acid.

[0017] The chemical structure of the above compound is as follows:

[0018] [ka] Pimelic acid, C7H 12 O4

[0019] [ka] Dimethyl pimelate, C9H 16 O4

[0020] [ka]

[0021] [ka] The most preferred dicarboxylic acid is pimelic acid. The dicarboxylic acid or its ester is preferably contained in the present composition in an amount of 0.05% to 1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 1.0% by weight.

[0022] The weight ratio of arginine to dicarboxylic acid or its ester is in the range of 50:1 to 1:1. Examples of such weight ratios include 50:1, 45:1, 40:1, 35:1, 30:1, 25:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, and 1:1. Therefore, the weight ratio of arginine to dicarboxylic acid or its ester is preferably in the range of 45:1 to 1:1, preferably 40:1 to 1:1, preferably 35:1 to 1:1, preferably 30:1 to 1:1, preferably 25:1 to 1:1, preferably 5:1 to 1:1, preferably 4:1 to 1:1, preferably 3:1 to 1:1, and preferably 2:1 to 1:1.

[0023] For example, if the weight ratio of arginine to dicarboxylic acid or its ester is 5:1, the arginine is present in an amount 5 times greater than the amount of dicarboxylic acid or its ester. For example, if the arginine is 0.005% by weight, the amount of pimelic acid is 0.001% by weight.

[0024] The composition does not contain arginine and dimethyl pimelate in a 1:1 weight ratio.

[0025] Preferably, the composition does not contain arginine and a C7-C9 dicarboxylic acid or an ester thereof in a weight ratio of 20: 1 or 10: 1. Preferably, the composition does not contain arginine and a C7-C9 dicarboxylic acid or an ester thereof in a weight ratio in the range of 20: 1 to 10: 1.

[0026] Preferably, the composition comprises arginine and a C7-C9 dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof in a weight ratio that provides synergistic anti-aging efficacy, preferably measured based on collagen 1 gene expression, which is an indicator of anti-aging effect.

[0027] The composition of the present invention may additionally contain a known anti-aging agent, i.e., a retinoid. Typically, the retinoid is selected from retinyl esters, retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the retinoid comprises retinol, retinyl esters, or a mixture thereof. Particularly preferred retinoids are selected from all-trans-retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate, or a mixture thereof. Most preferably, the retinoid is selected from retinyl palmitate, retinyl propionate, or a mixture thereof.

[0028] Preferably, the retinoid is used in the composition in an amount of 0.001 to 0.5% by weight of the composition, more preferably 0.01 to 0.2% by weight.

[0029] The compositions of the present invention preferably contain a suitable fatty alcohol. Fatty alcohols for use in the present invention include fatty alcohol compounds having 10 to 20 carbon atoms in the fatty chain. It is particularly preferred that the fatty alcohol is one of cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, or stearyl alcohol. The most preferred fatty alcohol for use in the present invention is cetyl alcohol. The fatty alcohol is preferably present in an amount of 0.1 to 2% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.4 to 1.0% by weight.

[0030] The compositions of the present invention preferably include a humectant. Humectants are compounds that help prevent moisture loss from the composition. The humectant is preferably selected from one or more of glycerol, sorbitol, sugar isomers, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-butanediol, panthenol, pentylene glycol, propanediol, polyglyceryl laurate, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), lactic acid, sodium lactate, potassium lactate, acetamide monoethanolamine (MEA), hydroxyethyl urea, sodium hyaluronate, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.

[0031] Preferably, the composition further comprises one or more skin brightening agents, such as niacinamide, picolinamide, isonicotinamide, resorcinol, phenylethylresorcinol, 4-alkylresorcinol, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin A, glutathione precursors, galardin, adapalene, ammonium lactate, arbutin, butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene, citric acid esters, deoxyarbutin, 1,3-diphenylpropane derivatives, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and its derivatives, 2-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-1,3-dithiane, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-dithiane, ellagic acid, glucopyranosyl-1-ascorbic acid, and the like. The skin brightening agent may be selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, gluconic acid, glycolic acid, 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3[2H]-furanone, 4-hydroxyanisole and its derivatives, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, hydroxycaprylic acid, inositol ascorbate, lactic acid, linoleic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, 5-octanoylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzyl derivatives, acetylglucosamine, symwhite, calcium pantothenate (Melanoblock), seppiwhite, 12-hydroxystearic acid, and mixtures thereof. More preferred skin brightening agents for use in the present compositions include niacinamide, picolinamide, isonicotinamide, 12-hydroxystearic acid, resorcinol, phenylethylresorcinol, 4-alkylresorcinols, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), or galardin. More preferred skin brightening agents are selected from niacinamide, CLA, and 4-alkylresorcinols, and mixtures thereof. Examples of 4-alkyl-substituted resorcinols include 4-methylresorcinol, 4-ethylresorcinol (ER), 4-propylresorcinol (IPR), 4-butylresorcinol (BR), 4-pentylresorcinol (HR), 4-heptylresorcinol, 4-octylresorcinol, and mixtures thereof.Preferred 4-alkyl-substituted resorcinols are ER, BR, HR, and mixtures thereof. More preferred 4-alkyl-substituted resorcinols are ER, HR, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl group in the 4-alkyl-substituted resorcinol can be a straight-chain alkyl or a branched-chain alkyl. For example, the alkyl group can be a straight-chain alkyl, as in 4-propyl resorcinol, or a branched-chain alkyl, as in 4-isopropyl resorcinol (IPR). Preferably, the composition contains 0.1 to 5 wt %, more preferably 0.1 to 3 wt %, and even more preferably 0.1 to 1 wt % of the skin brightening agent.

[0032] The present composition may additionally contain sunscreen agents such as inorganic sunscreens, for example, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and silicas such as fumed silica. The amount of such sunscreen agents is preferably incorporated in an amount of 0.1 to 5% by total weight of the sunscreen composition.

[0033] The compositions of the present invention may comprise an organic UV-A sunscreen selected from the group consisting of dibenzoylmethane derivatives, triazine derivatives, benzophenone derivatives, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the UV-A sunscreen comprises or is a dibenzoylmethane derivative, such as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (sold under the trade name Parsol 1789).

[0034] Typically, the compositions of the present invention may comprise from 0.1 to 15 wt. %, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt. %, and most preferably from 1 to 5 wt. % of UV-A sunscreen, based on the total weight of the composition, and these ranges include all ranges subsumed therein.

[0035] The composition of the present invention may also contain an organic UV-B sunscreen. Suitable UV-B sunscreens may be selected from the group consisting of benzophenones, anthranilates, salicylates, cinnamates, camphor, benzylidene malonates, triazones, and derivatives thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the organic UV-B sunscreen comprises or is a cinnamate derivative, such as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (sold under the trade name Parsol MCX).

[0036] Typically, the composition comprises from 0.1 to 20 wt. %, more preferably from 0.5 to 18 wt. %, and most preferably from 1 to 15 wt. % of a UV-B sunscreen, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0037] The composition of the present invention comprises a cosmetically acceptable vehicle. The cosmetically acceptable vehicle is preferably in the form of an oil, liquid, stick, cream, lotion, spray, or gel. The cosmetically acceptable vehicle preferably comprises ingredients such as surfactants, e.g., nonionic surfactants, fatty acids, soap, water, polymers, emollients, solvents, powders, preservatives, or optional ingredients. Details regarding various possible ingredients for inclusion in the cosmetically acceptable vehicle are provided below.

[0038] Preferably, the composition contains a nonionic surfactant, more preferably selected from those having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value in the range of 9 to 20, preferably 10 to 19, more preferably 12 to 18, even more preferably 13 to 17, and even more preferably 15 to 17.

[0039] HLB is calculated using the Griffin method as follows: HLB = 20 × Mh / M (where Mh is the molecular mass of the hydrophilic portion of the molecule, and M is the molecular mass of the entire molecule), and is an arbitrary standard value between 0 and 20.

[0040] Preferably, the nonionic surfactant, having an HLB value in the range of 9 to 20, is selected from fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the nonionic surfactant has at least 9 alkylene oxide groups, preferably at least 9 ethylene oxide groups.

[0041] Examples of fatty alcohol ethoxylates that may be used as nonionic surfactants in the present compositions include polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (HLB=16.9, commercially available as Brij® 35), polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether (HLB=16, commercially available as Brij® 58), polyethylene glycol octadecyl ether (HLB=18.8, commercially available as Brij® 700), and laureth-9 (C12EO9, HLB=14.3, commercially available as Brij® L9).

[0042] Examples of alkylphenol ethoxylates that may be used as nonionic surfactants in the present compositions include octylphenol ethoxylate (HLB=15.5, commercially available as Triton® X165), octylphenol ethoxylate (HLB=17.6, commercially available as Triton® X405), and octylphenol ethoxylate (HLB=18.4, commercially available as Triton® X705).

[0043] Examples of polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters that may be used as nonionic surfactants in the present compositions include polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (HLB=13.3, commercially available as Tween® 21), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (HLB=16.7, commercially available as Tween® 20), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (HLB=15.6, commercially available as Tween® 40), and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (HLB=14.9, commercially available as Tween® 60).

[0044] More preferably, the nonionic surfactants with an HLB value in the range of 9 to 20 that may be present in the composition are fatty alcohol ethoxylates with saturated carbon chains and an HLB value higher than 15.5.

[0045] Preferably, the composition contains 0.5 to 5% by weight, more preferably 1 to 4% by weight, and even more preferably 2 to 3% by weight of a nonionic surfactant having an HLB in the range of 9 to 20.

[0046] Preferably, the composition of the present invention is provided in the form of a vanishing cream. A vanishing cream is a cream that, when applied to and rubbed into human skin, disappears on the skin without leaving any noticeable streak of the composition. When a fatty acid is present in the composition together with soap, so-called vanishing cream efficacy is provided. Preferably, the leave-on composition contains a fatty acid having 10 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 25, even more preferably 14 to 20, and even more preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of fatty acids that may be used in the composition include pelargonic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fatty acid that may be used is stearic acid, palmitic acid, or a mixture thereof. The fatty acid in the present invention is preferably substantially (generally about 90 to 95%) hystric acid, which is a mixture of stearic acid and palmitic acid in a ratio of between 55:45 and 45:55.

[0047] Preferably, the composition contains 2 to 25% by weight, more preferably 6 to 20% by weight, and even more preferably 10 to 18% by weight of fatty acids.

[0048] Preferably, the composition includes a soap. When present in the composition in combination with a fatty acid, the soap provides the above-mentioned vanishing efficacy. Preferably, the soap in the composition is generally prepared by in situ neutralization of fatty acids that may be present in the composition. Therefore, the soap preferably has a carbon chain length corresponding to the chain length of the fatty acid in the composition. The soap is formed from the fatty acid by the use of an alkali metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Of the two, potassium hydroxide is more preferred. Therefore, the soap is preferably a potassium soap (potassium salt of a fatty acid).

[0049] Preferably, the composition comprises 0.1 to 10%, more preferably 0.5 to 7%, even more preferably 0.5 to 3% of soap by weight of the composition.

[0050] Preferably, the composition comprises water in an amount of 5 to 99.9% by weight, more preferably 10 to 95% by weight, even more preferably 15 to 90% by weight, even more preferably 20 to 80% by weight, even more preferably 25 to 75% by weight, and even more preferably 30 to 70% by weight.

[0051] Preferably, the composition comprises a polymer, which acts as a thickener in the composition and enhances the sensory properties of the composition.

[0052] The polymer is preferably selected from the following classes:

[0053] acrylate / R-methacrylate copolymers, such as acrylate / steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer (commercially available as Aculyn® 22) and acrylate / beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer (commercially available as Aculyn® 28), acrylate / R-methacrylate crosspolymers, such as acrylate / steareth-20 methacrylate crosspolymer (commercially available as Aculyn™ 88); acrylate copolymer (commercially available as Aculyn™ 33), - acrylate / R-alkyl acrylate crosspolymers, such as acrylate / C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer (commercially available as Pemulen® TR-2); copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone (commercially available as Aristoflex® AVC); - copolymer of sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone (commercially available as Aristoflex® AVS), and Crosspolymers of acryloyldimethyltaurate with R-alkyl acrylates and methyl acrylate, such as ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer (commercially available as Aristoflex® HMB and Aristoflex® BLV).

[0054] Preferably, the composition contains 0.1 to 5 wt. %, more preferably 0.5 to 4 wt. %, and even more preferably 0.75 to 2.75 wt. % of the polymer.

[0055] Preferably, the composition comprises an emollient. Examples of emollients that may be used in the leave-on composition include stearyl alcohol, glyceryl monoricinoleate, mink oil, isopropyl isostearate, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, oleyl alcohol, isopropyl laurate, hexyl laurate, decyl oleate, 10ummarized-2-ol, isocetyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate, silicone oils such as dimethylpolysiloxane, di-n-butyl sebacate, and isopropyl myristate. , isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, lanolin, cocoa butter, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, safflower seed oil, evening primrose oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, sesame seed oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, castor oil, acetylated lanolin alcohol, petrolatum, mineral oil, butyl myristate, isopropyl linoleate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate, myristyl myristate, and mixtures thereof.

[0056] Preferably, the composition includes a solvent. Examples of solvents that may be used in the composition include ethyl alcohol, isopropanol, acetone, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

[0057] Preferably, the composition comprises a powder. Examples of powders that may be used in the composition include chalk, talc, fuller's earth, kaolin, starch, gum, colloidal silica sodium polyacrylate, tetraalkyl and / or trialkylarylammonium smectite, chemically modified magnesium aluminum silicate, organically modified montmorillonite clay, hydrated aluminum silicate, fumed silica, carboxyvinyl polymer, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, ethylene glycol monostearate, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] Preferably, the composition includes a preservative to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Examples of ingredients that may be used as preservatives in the composition include alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and various quaternary ammonium compounds. More preferably, ingredients that may be used as preservatives in the composition include sodium benzoate, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, methylisothiazolinone, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, propylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, ethylhexylglycerin, benzyl alcohol, alkanediols, and mixtures thereof. Alkanediols suitable for use as preservatives include C6-C alkanediols substituted with adjacent hydroxy groups. 12 Illustrative examples include 1,2-octanediol (caprylyl glycol), 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 3,4-octanediol, mixtures thereof, and the like, with caprylyl glycol usually being the most preferred.

[0059] When present in the composition, preservatives are preferably added in an amount of 0.001 to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 3% by weight, most preferably 0.02 to 2% by weight, and even more preferably 0.25 to 1.5%.

[0060] Preferably, the composition includes a range of other optional ingredients such as antioxidants, binders, buffers, colorants, astringents, fragrances, opacifiers, conditioners, exfoliants, pH adjusters, skin feel agents, skin soothing agents, and skin healing agents.

[0061] The present invention also relates to a method of providing anti-aging benefits to the skin, which method is preferably non-therapeutic / cosmetic, comprising the step of applying the composition of the present invention to the desired skin surface.

[0062] The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

[0063] [Example] Combination of dicarboxylic acids or esters with arginine shows synergistic enhancement in collagen I gene expression Experiments were conducted to study gene expression of collagen 1 using the active agents shown in Table 1, individually and in combination. The data are summarized in Table 1. The methods used to measure gene expression are described below.

[0064] WS1 cells (human dermal fibroblasts) were grown and maintained in high-glucose Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) (HIMEDIA, catalog number AL219A) supplemented with 0.03 mM calcium chloride, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37°C and 5% CO2. Eighty percent confluent cells were trypsinized and seeded at a density of 50,000 cells / well in 24-well plates. The cells were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C and 5% CO2. After incubation, the cells were treated with arginine (0.005%) and various concentrations of pimelic acid, dimethyl pimelate, and suberic acid. Azelaic acid (0.0001%, 0.001%, and 0.005%) was added. Treatments were performed using the individual components and their combinations listed in Table 1. Twenty-four hours after treatment, cells were harvested for RNA extraction.

[0065] RNA was extracted using a Qiagen RNA extraction kit (catalog number: 74004) according to the kit's instructions. After RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis was performed using the iscript complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis kit (Biorad catalog number: 1708890). 1 g of RNA was used for cDNA synthesis. The synthesized cDNA template was used for gene expression studies.

[0066] Collagen gene expression was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 2.5 ml of cDNA was used to prepare the reaction. The PCR reaction mixture contained 1 ml each of forward and reverse primers and 5 ml of PCR master mix (Sigma catalog number: KCQS00). Amplification was performed at 95°C for 30 seconds as an initial step, followed by 40 cycles of quantitative reverse transcription (qRT) PCR at 95°C for 5 seconds and 60°C for 20 seconds. mRNA expression was measured in triplicate and normalized to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) expression levels. Relative quantification was performed using the delta-delta Ct method. The primers used in this study were COL1A1 forward primer 5'-GATTCCCTGGACCTAAAGGTGC-3', COL1A1 reverse primer 5'-AGCCTCTCCATCTTTGCCAGCA-3', GAPDH forward primer 5'-TGACTTCAACAGCGACACCCA-3', and reverse primer 5'-CACCCTGTTGCTGTAGCCAAA-3'. Relative quantification of gene expression was performed after normalization using the housekeeping gene (GAPDH) and comparison with untreated controls.

[0067] The fold change in gene expression obtained from cells treated with the test active agents in combination was compared to the gene expression obtained from cells treated with the individual components.

[0068] Collagen gene expression values ​​obtained after treatment with individual test actives and combinations of test actives are listed in Table 1.

[0069] [Table 1]

[0070] The data in Table 1 above demonstrate that the combination of arginine with selected dicarboxylic acids or esters synergistically enhances collagen 1 gene expression, which is known to be an indicator of anti-aging effects on the skin.

[0071] Combinations of lysine with dicarboxylic acids or esters show no significant improvement in collagen 1 gene expression Experiments were conducted to study gene expression of collagen 1 using the amino acid lysine and dicarboxylic acids or esters individually and in combination, as shown in Table 2. The data are summarized in Table 2. The methods used to measure gene expression were the same as those used previously.

[0072] [Table 2]

[0073] The data in Table 2 above show that the combination of lysine and a dicarboxylic acid or ester does not provide any significant anti-aging benefit compared to the combination containing arginine.

[0074] Additional experiments were performed as shown in Table 3 below, in which gene expression of collagen 1 was assessed as previously described.

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] It should be understood that the above experiments were performed in an in vitro assay to evaluate gene expression behavior. The concentrations actually used to prepare a composition for topical use are expected to vary significantly. The concentrations can be several orders of magnitude higher due to the following reasons that affect the difference in bulk concentration compared to cellular concentration: The composition may be formulated as an emulsion or gel using a large number of additional ingredients. The concentrations of the desired active substance in the oil phase and the aqueous phase are expected to vary significantly. The active substances may also have very different physical and hydrodynamic properties, such as partition coefficients, diffusion rates, convective transport rates, rheological properties, etc. Therefore, the concentrations used when formulating the composition are expected to be very different, often several orders of magnitude higher, than the concentrations at the cellular level at which the experiments were performed.

Claims

1. 1. A personal care composition comprising: (i) arginine, and (ii) C ７ ~C ９ a dicarboxylic acid or an ester thereof; (iii) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle; and Including, the weight ratio of arginine to the dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof is in the range of 50:1 to 1:1; The composition does not contain arginine and dimethyl pimelate in a 1:1 weight ratio. Personal care compositions.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof is selected from one or more of pimelic acid, dimethyl pimelate, suberic acid, and azelaic acid.

3. The composition of claim 2 wherein the dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof is pimelic acid.

4. 4. The composition of claim 1, comprising 0.1% to 5.0% by weight of arginine.

5. 4. The composition according to claim 1, comprising from 0.05% to 1.5% by weight of said dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof.

6. 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of arginine to the dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof is in the range of 25:1 to 1:

1.

7. 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of arginine to the dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof is in the range of 5:1 to 1:

1.

8. 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of arginine to the dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof is in the range of 4:1 to 1:

1.

9. 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of arginine to the dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof is in the range of 2:1 to 1:

1.

10. 4. A method of providing anti-aging benefits to skin comprising applying the composition of any one of claims 1 to 3 to the desired skin surface.

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