Cosmetic composition

Abstract

To provide compositions such as a cosmetic composition.SOLUTION: A composition contains two or more ceramides NH having different length of acyl chains.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions such as cosmetic compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] Ceramides are compounds having a structure in which a sphingoid base and a fatty acid are covalently bonded via an amide bond. That is, ceramides contain a sphingoid base moiety (i.e., an alkyl chain) and a fatty acid moiety (i.e., an acyl chain), which are covalently bonded to each other via an amide bond. Various groups of ceramides are known depending on the types of sphingoid base and fatty acid (Non-Patent Document 1). Some ceramides are used as ingredients in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc.

[0003] Ceramide NH is a ceramide of 6-hydroxysphingosine (hereinafter also referred to as "6HS"). That is, ceramide NH is a ceramide in which the sphingoid base moiety is 6HS. That is, ceramide NH contains a 6HS moiety (i.e., alkyl chain) and a fatty acid moiety (i.e., acyl chain), which are covalently bonded to each other via an amide bond. Ceramide NH with various acyl chain lengths, such as C18, is known (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] However, a mixture of two or more ceramide NH groups with different acyl chain lengths is unknown. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Masukawa Y. et al., J Lipid Res. 2008 Jul;49(7):1466-76. Characterization of overall ceramide species in human stratum corneum. [Non-patent document 2] Vielhaber G. et al., J Invest Dermatol. 2001 Nov;117(5):1126-36. Localization of ceramide and glucosylceramide in human epidermis by immunogold electron microscopy. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a composition such as a cosmetic composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of extensive research to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that the combined use of two or more types of ceramide NH having different acyl chain lengths improves the properties of a composition containing these ceramide NH, and have thus completed the present invention.

[0008] That is, the present invention can be exemplified as follows. [1] A composition comprising the following component (X): (X) Two or more types of ceramide NH having different acyl chain lengths. [2] The composition, wherein the acyl chain length is a combination of two or more lengths selected from C14, C16, C18, and C22. [3] The composition is a cosmetic composition or a pharmaceutical composition. [4] The composition further contains a cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient. [5] The composition, wherein the cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient is selected from the group consisting of binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, surfactants, pH adjusters, vitamins, minerals, fragrances, pigments, preservatives, terpenoids, lipids, fatty acids, alcohol, water, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizers, anti-aging agents, anti-cellulite agents, skin whitening agents, skin tanning agents, UV filters, and combinations thereof. [6] The composition, wherein at least a terpenoid, a lipid, a fatty acid, or a combination thereof is selected. [7] The composition, wherein the terpenoid is selected from the group consisting of cholesterol, cholesterol sulfate, squalene, pristane, and combinations thereof. [8] The composition, wherein the lipid is selected from the group consisting of triolein, phosphatidylethanolamine, and combinations thereof. [9] The composition, wherein the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and combinations thereof.

[10] The composition, wherein the amount of each of the two or more types of ceramide NH in the component (X) is 0.01 to 99.99% by weight relative to the total amount of the component (X).

[11] The composition, wherein the two or more types of ceramide NH each comprise a ceramide NH having a C18:1 alkyl chain and an acyl chain of the above length.

[12] The composition, wherein the two or more types of ceramide NH each comprise a ceramide NH having a C18:1 alkyl chain and a saturated acyl chain of the above length.

[13] The composition, wherein the C18:1 alkyl chain has hydroxyl groups at the C1, C3, and C6 positions, and no additional hydroxyl groups outside of the C1, C3, and C6 positions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a composition such as a cosmetic composition can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] A graph showing the change in melting point due to the combined use of ceramide NH with different acyl chain lengths. The numbers indicate the melting point difference Δ [°C]. C14, C16, C18, and C22 indicate the acyl chain lengths of the ceramide NH. [Figure 2] Graph showing the change in the number of Maltese cross images when ceramide NH with different acyl chain lengths is used in combination. The numbers indicate the number of Maltese cross images. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the overall evaluation of the melting point measurement results and the Maltese cross image observation results, where the numerical values indicate the overall evaluation score. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the change in the recovery effect on skin condition due to the combined use of ceramide NH with different acyl chain lengths. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0012] The composition of the present invention contains two or more ceramide NHs with different acyl chain lengths. These ceramide NHs are collectively referred to as "active ingredients."

[0013] The composition of the present invention may be, for example, a cosmetic composition or a pharmaceutical composition. The composition of the present invention may particularly be a cosmetic composition. A cosmetic composition refers to a composition used for cosmetic purposes and may be synonymous with cosmetics. A pharmaceutical composition refers to a composition used for pharmaceutical purposes and may be synonymous with pharmaceuticals. Unless otherwise specified, both "cosmetic composition" and "pharmaceutical composition" may include quasi-drugs such as medicated cosmetics.

[0014] The composition of the present invention can be used, for example, by applying it to an organism. "Applying the composition of the present invention to an organism" may mean contacting the composition of the present invention with a desired site on the organism so as to achieve the desired effect. Specifically, the composition of the present invention can be applied to an organism in the manner described in the method of the present invention, which will be described later. The target and site of application of the composition of the present invention can be appropriately selected depending on various conditions, such as the intended use of the composition of the present invention. Examples of organisms (i.e., targets of application of the composition of the present invention) include mammals. Examples of mammals include primates such as humans, monkeys, and chimpanzees, rodents such as mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs, and various other mammals such as rabbits, horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and cats. Mammals in particular include humans. Examples of sites to which the composition of the present invention can be applied include the body surface of an organism. Examples of body surfaces include skin and body hair. Examples of body surfaces in particular include skin. The skin may be skin from any site. Examples of skin include the skin of the face, head, and body. Examples of the body include the hands, arms, feet, legs, shoulders, chest, waist, buttocks, back, and any other site. The body hair may be hair from any part of the body. An example of body hair is hair.

[0015] The organism may be a healthy individual or an unhealthy individual. The organism may be, for example, an individual exhibiting a deterioration in the condition of a body surface, such as skin or hair, or may not be an individual exhibiting symptoms associated with a deterioration in the condition of a body surface, such as skin or hair, or may not be an individual exhibiting symptoms associated with a deterioration in the condition of a body surface, such as skin or hair.

[0016] The application site of the composition of the present invention may be a healthy site or an unhealthy site. The application site of the composition of the present invention may be, for example, a site on the body surface such as skin or hair where a deterioration in condition is observed, or may not be such a site. Specifically, the application site of the composition of the present invention may be, for example, a site on the body surface such as skin or hair where symptoms related to a deterioration in condition are present, or may not be such a site.

[0017] The "desired effect" in the use of the composition of the present invention includes an effect obtained by using the active ingredient (e.g., applying it to an organism). That is, the use of the composition of the present invention (e.g., applying it to an organism) may result in an effect obtained by using the active ingredient (e.g., applying it to an organism). In other words, the composition of the present invention may have the function of achieving an effect obtained by using the active ingredient (e.g., applying it to an organism). With regard to the use of the active ingredient (e.g., applying it to an organism), the above-mentioned description of the use of the composition of the present invention (e.g., applying it to an organism) can be applied mutatis mutandis.

[0018] By using the active ingredient, specifically by applying the active ingredient to an organism, the condition of the site where the active ingredient is applied in the organism may be improved, that is, the effect of improving the condition of the site where the active ingredient is applied in the organism may be obtained. Thus, by using the composition of the present invention, specifically by applying the composition of the present invention to an organism, the condition of the site where the active ingredient is applied in the organism (specifically, the site where the composition of the present invention is applied) may be improved, that is, the effect of improving the condition of the site where the active ingredient is applied in the organism (specifically, the site where the composition of the present invention is applied) may be obtained. The effect of improving the condition of the application site (the application site) may be obtained. In other words, the composition of the present invention may have the function of improving the condition of the application site (specifically, the application site of the composition of the present invention). Therefore, the composition of the present invention may be a composition for improving the condition of the application site, for example, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for improving the condition of the application site.

[0019] The improvement of the condition includes improvement of the condition of the body surface such as skin and body hair. The improvement of the condition particularly includes improvement of the skin condition. Therefore, the composition of the present invention may be a composition for improving the condition of the body surface such as skin and body hair, for example, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for improving the condition of the body surface such as skin and body hair. The composition of the present invention may be a composition for improving the condition of the skin, for example, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for improving the condition of the skin.

[0020] Improvements in skin condition include improvements in the lamellar structure of the skin (e.g., increased orderliness of the lamellar structure), improvements in (e.g., increased) skin barrier function, and improvements in (e.g., increased) skin moisturization. Thus, the composition of the present invention may be a composition for improving the lamellar structure of the skin, improving the skin barrier function, or improving skin moisturization, such as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for improving the lamellar structure of the skin, improving the skin barrier function, or improving skin moisturization. Only one of these indicators may be improved, or two or more may be improved. Furthermore, improvement of one indicator may result in improvement of other indicators. For example, improvement of the lamellar structure may improve skin function, such as skin barrier function or skin moisturization. In other words, a composition for improving the skin barrier function or skin moisturization may be one embodiment of a composition for improving the lamellar structure of the skin. Furthermore, for example, improvement of the skin barrier function may improve skin moisturization. In other words, a composition for improving skin moisturization may be one embodiment of a composition for improving the skin barrier function. Specifically, the skin condition may be the condition of the stratum corneum of the skin. Specifically, the improvement of the lamellar structure of the skin may be the improvement of the lamellar structure of the stratum corneum of the skin. Furthermore, the improvement of the barrier function of the skin may be the improvement of the barrier function of the stratum corneum of the skin. Furthermore, the improvement of the moisture retention of the skin may be the improvement of the moisture retention of the stratum corneum of the skin.

[0021] The method for measuring improvement in the condition of the body surface, such as skin or hair, is not particularly limited. The improvement in the condition of the body surface can be measured using a parameter reflecting the condition of the body surface as an index. For example, parameters reflecting the skin condition include transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and order parameter S. That is, the improvement in the skin condition can be measured, for example, as a decrease in TEWL. TEWL can be measured by a conventional method. Specifically, a decrease in TEWL may mean, for example, an improvement in the barrier function of the skin. Furthermore, a decrease in TEWL may mean, for example, an improvement in the moisture retention of the skin. Furthermore, the improvement in the skin condition can be measured, for example, as an increase in the order parameter S. The order parameter S can be measured by a conventional method. For example, the order parameter S can be measured by electron spin resonance (ESR) method. Specifically, the order parameter S can be measured, for example, as described in the Examples. The order parameter S indicates the orderliness of the lipid chain arrangement (e.g., the orderliness of the lamellar structure), and the higher the order parameter S, the more orderly the lipid chains are arranged. Specifically, an increase in the order parameter S may indicate, for example, an improvement in the lamellar structure of the skin.

[0022] It is sufficient that the above-exemplified indexes are all improved when the active ingredient is used (specifically, when the composition of the present invention is used) compared to when the active ingredient is not used (specifically, when the composition of the present invention is not used). Note that "improvement" of the above-exemplified indexes means that, in the case where the index deteriorates when the active ingredient is not used (specifically, when the composition of the present invention is not used), the deterioration is alleviated when the active ingredient is used (specifically, when the composition of the present invention is used). The above also includes the following:

[0023] By using an active ingredient, specifically by applying the active ingredient to an organism, an effect based on improvement of the condition of the site where the active ingredient is applied may be obtained in the organism. It is expected that improvement of the condition of the site where the active ingredient is applied can, for example, prevent and / or treat symptoms associated with worsening of the condition at that site. That is, effects based on improvement of the condition at the site where the active ingredient is applied include the effect of preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with worsening of the condition at that site. Symptoms associated with worsening of the condition at the site where the active ingredient is applied may or may not be disease. Symptoms associated with worsening of the condition at the site where the active ingredient is applied include symptoms caused by or accompanying worsening of the condition at that site. Thus, the composition of the present invention may be a composition for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with worsening of the condition at the site where the active ingredient is applied, for example, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with worsening of the condition at the site where the active ingredient is applied.

[0024] Examples of the deterioration of the condition include a deterioration of the condition of the body surface, such as the skin or body hair. Examples of the deterioration of the condition particularly include a deterioration of the skin condition. Therefore, the composition of the present invention may be a composition for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with a deterioration of the condition of the body surface, such as the skin or body hair, for example, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with a deterioration of the condition of the body surface, such as the skin or body hair. The composition of the present invention may be a composition for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with a deterioration of the skin condition particularly, for example, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with a deterioration of the skin condition.

[0025] Deterioration of skin conditions includes deterioration of the lamellar structure of the skin (e.g., decreased lamellar structure order), deterioration (e.g., decreased) of the skin barrier function, and deterioration (e.g., decreased) of the skin's moisture retention. Symptoms associated with deterioration of skin conditions include rough skin, dry skin, scaling, desquamation, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

[0026] The active ingredient (specifically, the composition of the present invention) may be used for therapeutic purposes or for non-therapeutic purposes. That is, unless otherwise specified, all of the effects exemplified above may be obtained for therapeutic purposes or for non-therapeutic purposes. In the case of non-therapeutic purposes, "treatment of symptoms" may be interpreted as "amelioration of symptoms." "Therapeutic purposes" may mean, for example, including treatment of the human body for therapeutic purposes, and may particularly mean that the treatment is carried out as a medical procedure. "Non-therapeutic purposes" may mean, for example, not including treatment of the human body for therapeutic purposes, and may particularly mean that the treatment is carried out as a non-medical procedure. Non-therapeutic purposes include health promotion, beauty, etc.

[0027] The combined use of active ingredients can improve the properties of the composition compared to the use of either active ingredient alone, i.e., an effect of improving the properties of the composition is achieved. This effect is also referred to as the "combined effect of active ingredients." That is, for example, the combined effect of active ingredients can be achieved in the composition of the present invention. The properties include physical, chemical, and physiological properties. Specific examples of improved properties include a lower melting point of the composition and an increased ability of the composition to form a lamellar structure. Specific examples of improved properties also include an increased ability to achieve the effects achieved by the use of the active ingredients. Such functions include improving the condition of the application site of the active ingredients (specifically, the application site of the composition of the present invention) and preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with a worsening condition of the application site of the active ingredients (specifically, the application site of the composition of the present invention). An increased ability of the composition to form a lamellar structure can be measured, for example, as an increased appearance of Maltese cross marks. These parameters can be measured by conventional methods. The melting point can be measured, for example, as described in the Examples. The Maltese cross marks can be observed, for example, as described in the Examples. The combined use of active ingredients may achieve only one of these effects, or two or more of them. Furthermore, one of the effects may result in the other effect. For example, an increase in the ability to form a lamellar structure may enhance the ability to achieve the effects achieved by using the active ingredients.

[0028] Ceramide NH is a ceramide of 6-hydroxysphingosine (6HS). Ceramide NH is also called "ceramide 8." Each variation of ceramide NH is also called a "ceramide NH species." Each variation of 6HS is also called a "6HS species."

[0029] "6HS" refers to a long-chain amino alcohol known as a sphingoid base, having the following structure: 6HS includes an alkyl chain having an amino group at the C2 position. That is, the carbon at one end of the alkyl chain, which is bonded to the aminated carbon (C2 position), is considered to be the C1 position of the alkyl chain. The alkyl chain has a hydroxyl group at the C6 position and one or more additional hydroxyl groups. The alkyl chain may have hydroxyl groups at, for example, the C1, C3, and C6 positions. The alkyl chain may or may not have additional hydroxyl groups other than the C1, C3, and C6 positions. Typically, the alkyl chain does not have additional hydroxyl groups other than the C1, C3, and C6 positions. The length and degree of unsaturation of the alkyl chain may vary. The length of the alkyl chain (alkyl chain length) may be, for example, C14 to C26 (C14, C16, C18, C20, C22, C24, C26, etc.). The alkyl chain length may be, for example, particularly C16, C18, or C20. The alkyl chain length may be, for example, more particularly C18. Unless otherwise specified, the alkyl chain length can be interpreted as the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The alkyl chain has an unsaturated double bond at the C4 position (i.e., between C4 and C5). The unsaturated double bond at the C4 position may be, for example, a trans double bond. The alkyl chain may or may not have an additional unsaturated double bond other than at the C4 position. Typically, the alkyl chain does not have an additional unsaturated double bond other than at the C4 position. That is, unless otherwise specified, the "alkyl chain" in reference to 6HS and ceramide NH refers to one having at least one unsaturated double bond, such as an alkenyl chain or an alkedienyl chain. The configuration of the chiral center may or may not be the same as that of the 6HS site of natural ceramide NH. The C2 position may be, for example, 2S. The C3 position may be, for example, 3R. The C4 position may be, for example, 4E (i.e., a trans double bond). The C6 position may be, for example, 6R or 6S. The C6 position may be, for example, particularly, 6R. The configuration of the chiral center may be, for example, 2S,3R,4E,6R or 2S,3R,4E,6S.The chiral center may have a configuration of, for example, 2S, 3R, 4E, 6R. A 6HS having an alkyl chain with "n" carbon atoms is also referred to as "Cn 6HS" or "Cn-alkyl 6HS." For example, "C18 6HS" collectively refers to a 6HS having an alkyl chain with a length of C18. A 6HS having an alkyl chain with "n" carbon atoms and "m" unsaturated double bonds is also referred to as "Cn:m 6HS" or "Cn:m-alkyl 6HS." Examples of 6HS include variants of 6HS with different lengths and / or degrees of unsaturation. Specific examples of 6HS include C18:1 6HS having a C18 alkyl chain with one unsaturated double bond. More specifically, 6HS includes C18:1 6HS, which has hydroxyl groups at positions C1, C3, and C6, but does not have additional hydroxyl groups at positions other than C1, C3, and C6. Thus, "6HS" may collectively refer to various variants of 6HS, such as the 6HS species exemplified above.

[0030] "Ceramide NH" refers to a compound having a structure in which 6HS and a fatty acid are covalently bonded to each other via an amide bond. That is, ceramide NH contains a 6HS moiety (a moiety corresponding to 6HS) and a fatty acid moiety (a moiety corresponding to a fatty acid), and these moieties are covalently bonded to each other via an amide bond. The 6HS moiety is also referred to as an "alkyl chain." The fatty acid moiety is also referred to as an "acyl chain." The amide bond may be formed between the amino group at C2 of 6HS and the carboxyl group of the fatty acid. The above explanation regarding 6HS can be applied mutatis mutandis to the 6HS moiety. That is, for example, the length and degree of unsaturation of the alkyl chain (i.e., the 6HS moiety) may be variable, as in the case of 6HS. That is, ceramide NH includes the 6HS species ceramides exemplified above. Specific examples of ceramide NH include C18 6HS ceramides. More specific examples of ceramide NH include C18:1 6HS ceramides. More specifically, the ceramide NH includes a C18:1 6HS ceramide, in which the C18:1 6HS has hydroxyl groups at the C1, C3, and C6 positions, but has no additional hydroxyl groups at positions other than the C1, C3, and C6 positions. The length and degree of unsaturation of the acyl chain (i.e., fatty acid moiety) may vary. The acyl chain length may be, for example, C14 to C26 (C14, C16, C18, C20, C22, C24, C26, etc.). The acyl chain length may be, for example, C14, C16, C18, or C22. Unless otherwise specified, the acyl chain length can be interpreted as the number of carbon atoms in the acyl chain. The acyl chain may be saturated or unsaturated. The acyl chain may have one or more unsaturated double bonds. The acyl chain may or may not have a functional group (i.e., a substituent). The acyl chain may have one or more functional groups (substituents). Examples of functional groups (substituents) include a hydroxyl group. However, the acyl chain does not have a hydroxyl group at the C2 position. The carbon that forms the amide bond (the carbon of the original carboxyl group) is considered to be at the C1 position of the acyl chain. Typically, the acyl chain does not need to have a functional group (substituent).Ceramide NH with an alkyl chain of carbon number "n" (i.e., ceramide NH with a Cn 6HS moiety) is also referred to as "Cn alkyl ceramide NH." Ceramide NH with an acyl chain of carbon number "x" (i.e., ceramide NH with a Cx acyl moiety) is also referred to as "Cx-acyl ceramide NH." Ceramide NH with an alkyl chain of carbon number "n" and an acyl chain of carbon number "x" (i.e., ceramide NH with a Cn 6HS moiety and a Cx acyl moiety) is also referred to as "Cn alkyl / Cx-acyl ceramide NH." For example, "C18 alkyl ceramide NH" collectively refers to ceramide NH with an alkyl chain of length C18 and any acyl chain. For example, "C14 acylceramide NH" collectively refers to ceramide NH having an acyl chain of C14 length and any alkyl chain. For example, "C18 alkyl / C14 acylceramide NH" collectively refers to ceramide NH having an alkyl chain of C18 length and an acyl chain of C14 length. In the case of a ceramide NH having an alkyl chain with "n" carbon atoms and "m" unsaturated double bonds (i.e., a ceramide NH having a Cn:m 6HS moiety), "Cn" in the above name can be written as "Cn:m." The same applies to the acyl chain and "Cx." For example, "C18:1 alkyl / C14:0 acylceramide NH" collectively refers to ceramide NH having an alkyl chain of C18 length with one unsaturated double bond and a saturated acyl chain of C14 length. Unless otherwise specified, the ceramide NH specified by the above name may consist of one type of ceramide NH species or a combination of two or more types of ceramide NH species. For example, a Cx acylceramide NH may consist of one type of Cx acylceramide NH species or a combination of two or more types of Cx acylceramide NH species. Such a combination may consist of two or more types of Cx acylceramide NH species having different alkyl chains and / or different acyl chains (e.g., alkyl chains of different lengths and / or degrees of unsaturation and / or acyl chains of different degrees of unsaturation).Thus, "ceramide NH" may collectively refer to various variant species of ceramide NH, such as the ceramide NH species exemplified above.

[0031] As an example of ceramide NH, a typical structure of C18:1 alkylceramide NH is shown in the following structural formula (I). "n" in the formula corresponds to "x-2" in the above description of ceramide NH. That is, for example, when "n" in the formula is 12, 14, 16, or 20, the formula shows a typical structure of C18:1 alkylceramide NH with an acyl chain length of C14, C16, C18, or C22.

[0032] [ka]

[0033] The combination of active ingredients and the content ratio of the active ingredients are not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained.

[0034] The combination of acyl chain lengths of the ceramide NH constituting the active ingredient (hereinafter also referred to simply as "acyl chain length combination") is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained. The combination of acyl chain lengths includes a combination of two or more lengths selected from the acyl chain lengths exemplified above. Specific examples of the combination of acyl chain lengths include a combination of two, three, or four lengths selected from C14, C16, C18, and C22. That is, specific examples of the active ingredient include a combination of two, three, or four ceramide NH selected from C14 acylceramide NH, C16 acylceramide NH, C18 acylceramide NH, and C22 acylceramide NH. More specific examples of combinations of acyl chain lengths include combinations of C14 and C16, combinations of C14 and C18, combinations of C14 and C22, combinations of C16 and C18, combinations of C16 and C22, combinations of C18 and C22, combinations of C14, C16 and C18, combinations of C14, C16 and C22, combinations of C14, C18 and C22, combinations of C16, C18 and C22, and combinations of C14, C16, C18 and C22. That is, more specifically, as active ingredients, a combination of C14 acylceramide NH and C16 acylceramide NH, a combination of C14 acylceramide NH and C18 acylceramide NH, a combination of C14 acylceramide NH and C22 acylceramide NH, a combination of C16 acylceramide NH and C18 acylceramide NH, a combination of C16 acylceramide NH and C22 acylceramide NH, a combination of C18 acylceramide NH and C22 acylceramide NH, a combination of C14 acylceramide NH and C1 Examples of such ceramides include a combination of 6 acylceramide NH and C18 acylceramide NH, a combination of C14 acylceramide NH, C16 acylceramide NH and C22 acylceramide NH, a combination of C14 acylceramide NH, C18 acylceramide NH and C22 acylceramide NH, a combination of C16 acylceramide NH, C18 acylceramide NH and C22 acylceramide NH, and a combination of C14 acylceramide NH, C16 acylceramide NH, C18 acylceramide NH and C22 acylceramide NH.Examples of combinations of acyl chain lengths include, in particular, a combination of C14 and C18, and a combination of three or four lengths selected from C14, C16, C18, and C22. That is, examples of active ingredients include, in particular, a combination of ceramide NHs having acyl chain lengths of C14 and C18, and a combination of ceramide NHs having acyl chain lengths of three or four lengths selected from C14, C16, C18, and C22.

[0035] The content of each active ingredient (ceramide NH of each acyl chain length) in the composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.01% by weight or more, 0.1% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, 2% by weight or more, 3% by weight or more, 5% by weight or more, 10% by weight or more, 15% by weight or more, 20% by weight or more, 25% by weight or more, 30% by weight or more, 35% by weight or more, 40% by weight or more, 45% by weight or more, 50% by weight or more, 55% by weight or more, 60% by weight or more, 65% by weight or more, 70% by weight or more, 75% by weight or more, 80% by weight or more, 85% by weight or more, or 90% by weight or more, based on the total amount of the active ingredients. The amount may be 100% by weight or more, or may be less than 100%, 99.99% by weight or less, 99.9% by weight or less, 99% by weight or less, 97% by weight or less, 95% by weight or less, 90% by weight or less, 85% by weight or less, 80% by weight or less, 75% by weight or less, 70% by weight or less, 65% by weight or less, 60% by weight or less, 55% by weight or less, 50% by weight or less, 45% by weight or less, 40% by weight or less, 35% by weight or less, 30% by weight or less, 25% by weight or less, 20% by weight or less, 15% by weight or less, or 10% by weight or less, or any compatible combination thereof. The content of each active ingredient in the composition of the present invention may be, specifically, for example, 0.01 to 99.99% by weight, 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, 1 to 99% by weight, 5 to 95% by weight, 10 to 90% by weight, 15 to 85% by weight, 20 to 80% by weight, 25 to 75% by weight, 1 to 90% by weight, 5 to 80% by weight, 10 to 70% by weight, 15 to 60% by weight, 20 to 50% by weight, 25 to 40% by weight, 1 to 60% by weight, 5 to 50% by weight, 10 to 40% by weight, 15 to 35% by weight, or 20 to 30% by weight, relative to the total amount of the active ingredients. The content of each active ingredient in the composition of the present invention may be, specifically, for example, 0.01 to 10% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight, 1 to 10% by weight, 10 to 20% by weight, 20 to 30% by weight, 30 to 40% by weight, 40 to 50% by weight, 50 to 60% by weight, 60 to 70% by weight, 70 to 80% by weight, 80 to 90% by weight, 90 to 99% by weight, 90 to 99.9% by weight, or 90 to 99.99% by weight, relative to the total amount of the active ingredients.

[0036] In other words, the composition of the present invention may be, for example, a composition containing the following components (A) to (D): (A) C14 acylceramide NH in an amount of a% by weight based on the total amount of components (A) to (D); (B) C16 acylceramide NH in an amount of b% by weight based on the total amount of components (A) to (D); (C) C18 acylceramide NH in an amount of c% by weight based on the total amount of components (A) to (D); (D) C22 acylceramide NH in an amount of d% by weight based on the total amount of components (A) to (D).

[0037] Here, two, three, or all four of a, b, c, and d are more than 0, and a, b, c, and d are all less than 100. In other words, one or two of a, b, c, and d may be 0. In this case, components (A) to (D) (specifically, those of components (A) to (D) whose content exceeds 0) are considered to be active ingredients.

[0038] The content of each of components (A) to (D) in the composition of the present invention may be, for example, 0% by weight or more relative to the total amount of the active ingredients, or may be within the range of the content of each active ingredient exemplified above, or may be a compatible combination thereof.

[0039] Each active ingredient (ceramide NH of each acyl chain length) may consist of one type of ceramide NH species or a combination of two or more types of ceramide NH species. The one type of ceramide NH species or the two or more types of ceramide NH species constituting each active ingredient are all ceramide NH species of each acyl chain length. The acyl chain length of each active ingredient is also referred to as the "acyl chain length corresponding to each active ingredient" or "corresponding acyl chain length." When each active ingredient consists of a combination of two or more types of ceramide NH species, the "amount of each active ingredient" refers to the total amount of the combination.

[0040] Each active ingredient (ceramide NH of each acyl chain length) may include, for example, the ceramide NH exemplified above, with each acyl chain length. Specific examples of each active ingredient may include, for example, C18 alkylceramide NH of each acyl chain length. More specific examples of each active ingredient may include, for example, C18:1 alkylceramide NH of each acyl chain length. Further specific examples of each active ingredient may include, for example, C18:1 alkylceramide NH of each acyl chain length, in which the alkyl chain has hydroxyl groups at the C1, C3, and C6 positions, and no additional hydroxyl groups other than the C1, C3, and C6 positions. Further specific examples of each active ingredient may include, for example, C18:1 alkylceramide NH of each acyl chain length, in which the acyl chain has no substituents. More specifically, each active ingredient may include, for example, a C18:1 alkylceramide NH having each acyl chain length, in which the alkyl chain has hydroxyl groups at the C1, C3, and C6 positions, has no additional hydroxyl groups other than those at the C1, C3, and C6 positions, and the acyl chain has no substituents. The phrase "each active ingredient (ceramide NH having each acyl chain length) comprises a certain ceramide NH" means that at least the certain ceramide NH is used as the active ingredient, and includes cases in which the active ingredient consists of the certain ceramide NH, and cases in which the active ingredient consists of a combination of the certain ceramide NH with one or more other ceramide NH species having the corresponding acyl chain length. For example, "component (A) (i.e., C14 acylceramide NH) comprises a C18:1 alkylceramide NH with an acyl chain length of C14 (i.e., a C18:1 alkyl / C14 acylceramide NH)" means that at least a C18:1 alkyl / C14 acylceramide NH is used as component (A), and includes cases where component (A) consists of a C18:1 alkyl / C14 acylceramide NH, and cases where component (A) consists of a combination of a C18:1 alkyl / C14 acylceramide NH and one or more other C14 acylceramide NH species.When it is said that "each active ingredient (ceramide NH of each acyl chain length) contains a certain ceramide NH," the ratio of the amount of the certain ceramide NH to the total amount of the active ingredients may be, for example, 30% by weight or more, 40% by weight or more, 50% by weight or more, 60% by weight or more, 70% by weight or more, 80% by weight or more, 90% by weight or more, 95% by weight or more, 97% by weight or more, 99% by weight or more, 99.5% by weight or more, 99.9% by weight or more, or 100% by weight.

[0041] As the active ingredient, commercially available ceramide NH may be used, or ceramide NH obtained by appropriate production may be used. The method for producing ceramide NH is not particularly limited. Ceramide NH can be produced, for example, by known methods. Ceramide NH can be produced, for example, by chemical synthesis, enzymatic methods, bioconversion methods, fermentation methods, extraction methods, or combinations thereof. Specifically, ceramide NH can be produced, for example, by conversion from 6HS. The method for producing ceramide NH can be selected independently for each active ingredient.

[0042] The method for producing 6HS is not particularly limited. 6HS can be produced, for example, by known methods. 6HS can be produced, for example, by chemical synthesis, enzymatic methods, bioconversion methods, fermentation methods, extraction methods, or a combination thereof. Specifically, 6HS can be produced, for example, by the method described in FR2843589A1.

[0043] The method for converting 6HS to ceramide NH is not particularly limited. 6HS can be converted to ceramide NH, for example, by chemical reaction with a fatty acid (US Patent 5,869,711). The chemical reaction can be carried out under typical conditions for condensing an amine with a carboxylic acid to form an amide bond. Specifically, the chemical reaction can be carried out using a condensing agent. Examples of the condensing agent include carbodiimides such as water-soluble carbodiimides (WSCs). Specific examples of WSCs include 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride. The fatty acid is not particularly limited as long as it provides an acyl chain of the ceramide NH to be produced. Specifically, examples of fatty acids include myristic acid (14:0), palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), arachidonic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), lignoceric acid (24:0), cerotic acid (26:0), myristoleic acid (14:1), palmitoleic acid (16:1), oleic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2), and linolenic acid (18:3). Examples of fatty acids include myristic acid (14:0), palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), and behenic acid (22:0). As 6HS, one type of 6HS may be used, or two or more types of 6HS may be used in combination. As fatty acids, one type of fatty acid may be used, or two or more types of fatty acids may be used in combination. The combination of two or more 6HS species and / or two or more fatty acids produces a mixture of two or more ceramide NH species.

[0044] As the active ingredient, ceramide NH purified to a desired degree may be used, or a material containing ceramide NH may be used.

[0045] The composition of the present invention may consist of an active ingredient, or may contain ingredients other than the active ingredient. That is, the active ingredient may be used as is or in combination with other ingredients in the composition of the present invention. As ingredients other than the active ingredient, one kind of ingredient may be used, or two or more kinds of ingredients may be used in combination.

[0046] The ingredients other than the active ingredient are not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained. As ingredients other than the active ingredient, any ingredient acceptable depending on the intended use of the composition of the present invention can be used. Examples of ingredients other than the active ingredient include physiologically acceptable ingredients. Examples of physiologically acceptable ingredients include cosmetic ingredients and pharmaceutical ingredients, such as those commonly used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. "Cosmetic ingredients" refer to ingredients that can be used as cosmetic ingredients. "Pharmaceutical ingredients" refer to ingredients that can be used as pharmaceutical ingredients. Specific examples of ingredients other than the active ingredient include binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, surfactants, pH adjusters, vitamins, minerals, fragrances, pigments, preservatives, terpenoids, lipids, fatty acids, alcohol, and water. In particular, ingredients other than the active ingredient include terpenoids, lipids, and fatty acids. Terpenoids include sterols, squalene, and pristane. Sterols include cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate. Lipids include triacylglycerols and glycerophospholipids. Triacylglycerols include triolein. Glycerophospholipids include phosphatidylethanolamine. Fatty acids include lauric acid (12:0), myristic acid (14:0), palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), arachidonic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), lignoceric acid (24:0), cerotic acid (26:0), myristoleic acid (14:1), palmitoleic acid (16:1), oleic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2), and linolenic acid (18:3). Fatty acids include, in particular, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid. Fatty acids include, in particular, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid. Fatty acids, more particularly lauric acid, may also be mentioned. Specific examples of ingredients other than the active ingredient include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizers, anti-aging agents, anti-cellulite agents, skin whitening agents, skin tanning agents, and UV filters.Furthermore, examples of components other than the active ingredient include ceramides such as ceramide NH that were not selected as active ingredients. For example, at least one or more of the components exemplified above may be selected as components other than the active ingredient. In other words, the components other than the active ingredient may include, for example, one or more of the components exemplified above. "A certain component is selected as a component other than the active ingredient" or "the components other than the active ingredient include a certain component" means that at least the certain component is used as a component other than the active ingredient, and includes cases where the components other than the active ingredient consist of the certain component, or cases where the components other than the active ingredient consist of a combination of the certain component and one or more other components. Any of the components exemplified above can be used, for example, as components for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

[0047] When the component other than the active ingredient can be in the form of a salt, the component other than the active ingredient may be in the free form, a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof. For example, salts of acidic groups such as carboxyl groups (e.g., salts of fatty acids) include ammonium salts; salts with alkali metals such as sodium and potassium; salts with alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium; and salts with other metals such as aluminum and zinc.

[0048] The form of the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect can be achieved. The form of the composition of the present invention can be determined depending on various conditions, such as the type of active ingredient, the type and amount of other ingredients, the purpose of use of the composition of the present invention, and the manner of use of the composition of the present invention. The composition of the present invention may be formulated into a desired form. The composition of the present invention may be provided, for example, in the form of any cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition that can be applied to the skin. Examples of cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions (particularly cosmetic compositions) include skin care cosmetics, makeup cosmetics, point makeup cosmetics, hair care products, hair styling agents, hair dyes, bleaches, permanent agents, wave agents, body care cosmetics, and UV protection cosmetics. Examples of skin care cosmetics include cleansing cosmetics (facial cleansers, makeup removers, etc.), lotions, serums, packs, massage creams, emulsions, creams, and essences. Examples of makeup cosmetics include foundations, concealers, powders, and makeup bases. Examples of point makeup cosmetics include lipsticks, blushers, and eye makeup (eye shadows, eyeliners, mascara, eyebrow pencils, etc.). Examples of hair care products include shampoos and conditioners (also called rinses or treatments). Hair care products may be intended to achieve the effects exemplified above on the hair and / or scalp. Examples of hair styling products include hair creams, hair waxes, hair liquids, and hair sprays. Examples of hair dyes or bleaches include hair manicures and hair colors. Examples of body care cosmetics include body creams, soaps, body washes, hand soaps, and antiperspirants. Examples of UV care products include sunscreen cosmetics, suntan cosmetics, self-tanning cosmetics, and after-sun cosmetics. Examples of cosmetic compositions or pharmaceutical compositions (particularly pharmaceutical compositions) include topical preparations such as topical skin preparations. Examples of topical preparations include solid preparations (such as powders), liquid preparations (such as lotions and liniments), sprays, ointments, creams, gels, and patches (such as tapes and poultices). The composition of the present invention may be provided in a form that can be applied to the skin as is, or may be prepared into a form that can be applied to the skin before use.

[0049] The content of the ingredients (i.e., the active ingredient and optionally other ingredients) is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained. The content of the ingredients can be set depending on various conditions such as the type of active ingredient, the type of other ingredients, the form of the composition of the present invention, the purpose of use of the composition of the present invention, and the mode of use of the composition of the present invention.

[0050] The total content of the active ingredients in the composition of the present invention may be, for example, 0.01% by weight or more, 0.1% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, 5% by weight or more, 10% by weight or more, 15% by weight or more, 20% by weight or more, or 30% by weight or more, or 100% by weight or less, 99.9% by weight or less, 70% by weight or less, 50% by weight or less, 30% by weight or less, 20% by weight or less, 15% by weight or less, 10% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less, or a compatible combination thereof. Specifically, the total content of the active ingredients in the composition of the present invention may be, for example, 0.01 to 10% by weight or 0.01 to 5% by weight.

[0051] When the composition of the present invention contains a ceramide other than the active ingredient, the ratio of the total content of the active ingredients to the total content of ceramides in the composition of the present invention may be, for example, 30% by weight or more, 40% by weight or more, 50% by weight or more, 60% by weight or more, 70% by weight or more, 80% by weight or more, 90% by weight or more, 95% by weight or more, 97% by weight or more, 99% by weight or more, 99.5% by weight or more, or 99.9% by weight or more.

[0052] Furthermore, the total content of the active ingredients in the composition of the present invention may be, for example, an amount such that the total application amount of the active ingredients falls within a desired range when the composition of the present invention is applied to a body surface such as the skin or hair.

[0053] In addition, when a material containing an active ingredient is used, the content of the active ingredient is calculated based on the amount of the active ingredient itself in the material.

[0054] <2> Methods of the Invention The method of the present invention is a method comprising the step of applying the composition of the present invention to an organism.

[0055] According to the method of the present invention, specifically by applying the composition of the present invention to an organism, the condition of the organism at the application site of the composition of the present invention can be improved, i.e., the effect of improving the condition of the organism at the application site of the composition of the present invention can be obtained. In other words, the method of the present invention may be a method for improving the condition of the application site of the composition of the present invention.

[0056] The improvement of the condition is as described above. That is, the method of the present invention may be a method for improving the condition of a body surface such as skin or hair. The method of the present invention may particularly be a method for improving the condition of skin. The method of the present invention may be a method for improving the lamellar structure of skin, improving the skin barrier function, or improving the skin's moisture retention. The method for improving the skin's barrier function or improving the skin's moisture retention may be one embodiment of the method for improving the skin's lamellar structure. Furthermore, the method for improving the skin's moisture retention may be one embodiment of the method for improving the skin's barrier function.

[0057] According to the method of the present invention, specifically by applying the composition of the present invention to an organism, an effect based on an improvement in the condition of the site where the composition of the present invention is applied can be obtained in the organism. That is, the method of the present invention may be a method for obtaining an effect based on an improvement in the condition of the site where the composition of the present invention is applied.

[0058] The effects based on the improvement of the condition of the application site of the composition of the present invention (i.e., the application site of the active ingredient) are as described above. That is, the method of the present invention may be a method for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with the deterioration of the condition of the application site of the composition of the present invention. The method of the present invention may be a method for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with the deterioration of the condition of the body surface, such as skin or hair. The method of the present invention may particularly be a method for preventing and / or treating symptoms associated with the deterioration of the skin condition.

[0059] The application mode of the composition of the present invention (e.g., target, application site, application time, application period, number of applications, application amount, and other application conditions) is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained. The application mode of the composition of the present invention can be appropriately set depending on various conditions such as the type and content of the active ingredient, the type and content of other ingredients, the type and form (dosage form) of the composition, the type, age, and health condition of the target, and the purpose of use of the composition of the present invention.

[0060] The application target and application site of the composition of the present invention are as described above. That is, the composition of the present invention can be applied to, for example, the application target as exemplified above. Furthermore, the composition of the present invention can be applied to, for example, the application site as exemplified above. The composition of the present invention can be applied to an organism by an appropriate method such as coating, pasting, spraying, etc.

[0061] The application period of the active ingredient may be, for example, 1 hour or more, 6 hours or more, 1 day or more, 3 days or more, 1 week or more, 4 weeks or more, 2 months or more, 6 months or more, 12 months or more, 2 years or more, 5 years or more, or 10 years or more. The active ingredient may be applied, for example, daily or only for a specific period. The active ingredient may be applied, for example, continuously or intermittently. The active ingredient may be applied, for example, until a desired effect is achieved. The active ingredient may be applied, for example, once a day or in divided doses per day. Furthermore, the active ingredient may be applied, for example, every day or once every few days. The amount of the active ingredient applied at each application may or may not be constant. The amount of the active ingredient applied at one time may be, for example, 0.1 μg / cm 2 More than 0.5μg / cm 2 More than 1μg / cm 2 More than 5μg / cm 2 or more than 10 μg / cm 2 It may be 500 mg / cm or more. 2 Below 100mg / cm 2 Below, 50mg / cm 2 Below, 10mg / cm 2 Below, 5mg / cm 2 Below 1mg / cm2 Below, 0.5mg / cm 2 or less than 0.1 mg / cm 2 The amount of the active ingredient to be applied at one time may be, for example, 0.1 μg / cm or a combination thereof. 2 ~500mg / cm 2 may be. [Example]

[0062] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to non-limiting examples.

[0063] Example 1: Evaluation of melting point and lamellar structure forming ability <Sample preparation> Four types of ceramide NH (Table 1), in which n = 12, 14, 16, or 20 in the following structural formula (I) (i.e., the acyl chain length is C14, C16, C18, or C22), were purchased from Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. These ceramide NH were weighed out to the mixing ratio shown in Table 3, and then ground and mixed in a mortar to obtain a ceramide NH mixture.

[0064] [ka]

[0065] [Table 1]

[0066] <Melting point measurement> 2 mg of the ceramide NH mixture was weighed and molded into a dedicated aluminum container. The aluminum container was set in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC7000X, Hitachi High-Tech Science) and the melting point was measured using the program shown in Table 2.

[0067] [Table 2]

[0068] The melting point was determined as the intersection of the tangent to the endothermic portion obtained in temperature rise 2 and the baseline. For each ceramide NH mixture, the melting point of the mixture was subtracted from the maximum melting point of the ceramide NHs contained in the mixture (for example, the melting point of C14-CeramideNH alone in the case of a mixture containing C14-CeramideNH) to determine a value (Δ), and a score (A) was calculated. The score (A) was assigned as 1 point when the melting point difference Δ was less than 3°C, 2 points when it was 3°C to 6°C, and 3 points when it was more than 6°C. The score (A) for each single product was uniformly assigned as 1 point.

[0069] <Lamellar structure formation ability measurement> As an index of lamellar structure formation ability, Maltese cross images were observed according to the following procedure. The ceramide NH mixture, cholesterol, and lauric acid were mixed in the mixing ratio shown in Table 4 to prepare a sample. The sample was placed in a glass tube and heated in a thermo shaker (Thermo Shaker for Microwave). The sample was heated to 90°C in a crotube (TS-100, Biosan) and melted completely. The melt was placed on a glass slide and covered with a cover glass. The sample was melted again on a hot plate (C-MAGHP4, IKA Japan) at 100°C and placed under a polarizing microscope (DX51-P, Olympus). After the sample solidified, the Maltese cross images were observed. The observed images were captured with a 20x objective lens and printed on A4 paper. The number of Maltese cross images observed in a 200 μm × 200 μm area was counted visually and a score (B) was calculated. A score (B) of 1 was assigned for fewer than 60 Maltese cross images, 2 for 60 to 120, and 3 for more than 120.

[0070] <Result> The melting point measurement results are shown in Table 3 and Figure 1. The combined use of ceramides NH reduced the melting point. That is, the combined use of two or more ceramides NH with different acyl chain lengths improved the properties of the composition containing them compared to the use of one ceramide NH alone.

[0071] The results of the observation of Maltese cross images are shown in Table 4 and Figure 2. The combined use of ceramide NH increased the number of Maltese cross images (i.e., increased lamellar structure formation ability). This indicates that the combined use of two or more ceramide NHs with different acyl chain lengths improves the properties of compositions containing them compared to the use of a single ceramide NH.

[0072] Additionally, the overall evaluation was calculated by multiplying score (A) by score (B). The results are shown in Table 4 and Figure 3. In particular, when C14-CeramideNH and C18-CeramideNH were used in combination, or when three or four types of ceramide NH were used in combination, the overall evaluation tended to be higher.

[0073] [Table 3]

[0074] [Table 4]

[0075] Example 2: Evaluation of the effect of restoring skin condition <Preparation of evaluation samples> The evaluation sample was prepared by mixing 18 wt% of ceramide NH (single or mixed) (Table 5), 7 wt% of squalene, 25 wt% of triolein, 2 wt% of cholesterol sulfate, 14 wt% of cholesterol, 5 wt% of phosphatidylethanolamine, 4 wt% of pristane, and 25 wt% of a mixture of fatty acids and fatty acid salts. The mixture of fatty acids and fatty acid salts was prepared by mixing oleic acid (35 wt%), myristic acid (15 wt%), palmitic acid (36 wt%), stearic acid (10 wt%), and linolenic acid (4 wt%) and neutralizing it with sodium hydroxide to 41% ... The fatty acid composition contains 30 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight of fatty acid.

[0076] [Table 5]

[0077] <Measurement of order parameter S> The order parameter S was measured by the following procedure to evaluate the effect of restoring skin condition. The order parameter S indicates the orderliness of the lipid chain arrangement (e.g., the orderliness of the lamellar structure), and the higher the order parameter S, the more orderly the lipid chains are arranged. In other words, an increase in the order parameter S indicates an improvement in skin condition, and specifically, may indicate an improvement in the lamellar structure of the skin.

[0078] (1) Skin samples (frozen dermatomed human skin, abdominal origin; product number TRA002; BPI) were immersed in a 0.001% 5-doxyl stearic acid (5-DSA) solution at 37°C for 30 minutes to allow 5-DSA to penetrate into the lipid membrane structure. 5-DSA is a labeling agent for ESR measurements. (2) The skin samples were washed with PBS solution to remove 5-DSA attached to the outside of the skin samples. (3) After drying the skin samples at room temperature, they were immersed in a 5% SLS aqueous solution at 37°C for 1 hour to induce a rough skin condition. (4) After drying the skin samples at room temperature, ESR measurements were performed using a JES-X310 electron spin resonance spectrometer (JEOL) to calculate the order parameter S, which was used as the "pre-application data." ESR measurements were performed as previously reported (Mizushima J. et al., Int J Pharm. 2000 Mar 20;197(1-2):193-202. Effect of surfactants on human stratum corneum: electron paramagnetic resonance study.) (Measurement conditions: Power: 10 mM, Center Field: 336 mT, Sweep: 7.5 mT, Modulation width: 0.5 mT, Scan time: 2 min, Time constant: 0.3 sec; the same applies below). (5) Apply the evaluation sample to the skin sample with a spatula at 3 μg / cm 2 It was applied with. (6) The evaluation sample was wiped off the skin sample, and after drying at room temperature, the order parameter S was calculated by ESR measurement and used as the “post-application data.”

[0079] As a control, a similar experiment was carried out without applying the evaluation sample.

[0080] For each evaluation sample and control, the ratio of the post-application data to the pre-application data was calculated and used as the "recovery rate" of skin condition. The recovery rate for each evaluation sample was calculated relative to the recovery rate for the control and used as the "recovery effect" of skin condition. The experiment was performed in duplicate, and the results were obtained as an average.

[0081] <Result> The results are shown in Figure 4. The combined use of ceramide NH enhanced the skin condition recovery effect. Specifically, mix A (C14 + C16 + C22) showed a higher skin condition recovery effect than C14-Ceramide NH, C16-Ceramide NH, and C22-Ceramide NH. Mix B (C16 + C22) showed a higher skin condition recovery effect than C16-Ceramide NH and C22-Ceramide NH. Mix C (C16 + C18) showed a higher skin condition recovery effect than C16-Ceramide NH and C18-Ceramide NH. In other words, the combined use of two or more ceramides NH with different acyl chain lengths improved the properties of the composition containing them compared to the use of one ceramide NH alone.

Claims

1. A cosmetic composition or pharmaceutical composition containing the following component (X): (X) Two or more types of ceramide NH having different acyl chain lengths.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the acyl chain length is a combination of two or more lengths selected from C14, C16, C18, and C22.

3. 3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient.

4. 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient is selected from the group consisting of binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, surfactants, pH adjusters, vitamins, minerals, fragrances, pigments, preservatives, terpenoids, lipids, fatty acids, alcohols, water, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizers, anti-aging agents, anti-cellulite agents, skin lightening agents, skin tanning agents, UV filters, and combinations thereof.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein at least a terpenoid, a lipid, a fatty acid, or a combination thereof is selected.

6. 6. The composition of claim 4 or 5, wherein the terpenoid is selected from the group consisting of cholesterol, cholesterol sulfate, squalene, pristane, and combinations thereof.

7. The composition of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the lipid is selected from the group consisting of triolein, phosphatidylethanolamine, and combinations thereof.

8. 8. The composition of claim 4, wherein the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and combinations thereof.

9. The amount of each of the two or more ceramides NH in the component (X) is The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is 0.01 to 99.99% by weight relative to the total amount of component (X).

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more ceramide NHs each comprise a ceramide NH having a C18:1 alkyl chain and an acyl chain of a length selected from C14, C16, C18, and C22.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. wherein the two or more ceramide NHs each comprise a ceramide NH having a C18:1 alkyl chain and a saturated acyl chain of a length selected from C14, C16, C18, and C22. Item 11. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 10.

12. The C18:1 alkyl chain has hydroxyl groups at the C1, C3, and C6 positions, 12. The composition of claim 10 or 11, wherein the hydroxyl group is at any position other than C6 and C7.

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