Topical compositions

Abstract

To provide an external composition capable of enhancing a skin barrier function.SOLUTION: An external composition contains higher fatty acid, a higher fatty acid salt, and higher alcohol.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a topical composition. [Background technology]

[0002] The epidermis, a tissue only 20 μm thick, functions as a barrier to protect the body from external stimuli such as ultraviolet rays and allergens. When this barrier function of the epidermis is disrupted, these external stimuli penetrate the skin, causing symptoms such as rough skin, blemishes, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and sagging skin, as well as unpleasant symptoms such as itching and inflammation caused by the penetration of allergens. This leads to a vicious cycle in which the skin's function deteriorates and the barrier function deteriorates further.

[0003] By enhancing this barrier function, it is possible to prevent a decline in skin function and improve unpleasant symptoms such as itching and inflammation. To address these problems, skin barrier function enhancers using specific plant extracts have been proposed, but they have the problem of being allergens themselves, and are not yet sufficiently effective. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-23167 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-292432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a composition for external use that has the effect of enhancing the skin barrier function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to achieve the above-mentioned object, and have unexpectedly discovered that saponified products, which have traditionally been used as soap, have the effect of enhancing the skin's barrier function. They have also discovered that by using a higher alcohol in combination with this saponified product, the skin barrier function-enhancing effect of the saponified product is further enhanced, and a composition having an even more excellent skin barrier function-enhancing effect can be obtained.

[0007] The present invention was completed based on these findings and includes the following embodiments.

[0008] (I) External composition (I-1) A topical composition containing a higher fatty acid, a higher fatty acid salt, and a higher alcohol. (I-2) The composition for external use according to (I-1), having a higher fatty acid content of 5 to 25% by weight, a higher fatty acid salt content of 2 to 10% by weight, and a higher alcohol content of 0.5 to 8% by weight. (I-3) A composition for external use according to (I-1) or (I-2), wherein the higher fatty acid and the higher fatty acid of the higher fatty acid salt are the same or different and are saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having 14 to 18 carbon atoms. (I-4) The composition for external use according to any one of (I-1) to (I-3), wherein the higher alcohol is a saturated or unsaturated monohydric alcohol having 14 to 18 carbon atoms. (I-5) A composition for external use according to any one of (I-1) to (I-4), having a saponification rate of 20 to 40%, preferably about 30%. (I-6) A composition for external use according to any one of (I-1) to (I-5), further comprising a liquid saturated glycol. (I-7) The composition for external use according to (I-6), wherein the content of the liquid saturated glycol is 0.5 to 60% by weight. (I-8) A topical composition according to either (I-6) or (I-7), wherein the liquid saturated glycol is at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol. (I-9) A composition for external use according to any one of (I-1) to (I-8), which is an O / W emulsion composition. (I-10) A composition for external use according to any one of (I-1) to (I-9), which is a cosmetic.

[0009] (II) Method for producing topical composition (II-1) A method for producing a topical composition according to any one of (I-1) to (I-10), comprising a step of using at least a higher fatty acid, an alkali, and a higher alcohol as raw materials and mixing them. (II-2) The production method according to (II-1), wherein the blending amount of the higher fatty acid is 8 to 30% by weight, the blending amount of the alkali is 0.2 to 5% by weight, and the content of the higher alcohol is 0.5 to 8% by weight. (II-3) A production method according to (II-1) or (II-2), wherein the amount of alkali blended is 4 to 8 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the higher fatty acid blended. (II-4) The production method according to any one of (II-1) to (II-3), wherein the higher fatty acid and the higher fatty acid of the higher fatty acid salt are the same or different and are saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having 14 to 18 carbon atoms. (II-5) The production method according to any one of (II-1) to (II-4), wherein the higher alcohol is a saturated or unsaturated monohydric alcohol having 14 to 18 carbon atoms. (II-6) A production method according to any one of (II-1) to (II-5), which is a method for producing a composition for external use with a saponification rate of 20 to 40%, preferably about 30%. (II-7) A production method according to any one of (II-1) to (II-6), further comprising the step of blending a liquid saturated glycol. (II-8) The production method according to (II-7), wherein the amount of the liquid saturated glycol blended is 0.5 to 60% by weight. (II-9) The production method according to either (II-7) or (II-8), wherein the liquid saturated glycol is at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol. (II-10) A production method according to any one of (II-1) to (II-9), in which the composition for external use is an O / W emulsion composition and the method comprises an emulsification step.

[0010] (III) Beauty method (III-1) A cosmetic method comprising the step of applying the topical composition according to any one of (I-1) to (I-10) above to the skin of a subject. (III-2) The cosmetic method according to (III-1), wherein the cosmetic method is a method for improving skin symptoms caused by a decrease in skin barrier function. (III-3) The cosmetic method according to (III-1) or (III-2), which is a cosmetic method for improving skin symptoms caused by a decrease in skin barrier function, selected from the group consisting of rough skin, spots, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and sagging skin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the topical composition of the present invention, by applying it to skin with a weakened skin barrier function, the function can be improved. As a result, water evaporation from the skin can be suppressed, the skin's moisture retention can be increased, and symptoms such as rough skin can be improved. In addition, the skin barrier function of the present invention can be improved. The function-enhancing effect of this product makes it possible to suppress the penetration of external stimuli such as allergens and ultraviolet rays, thereby suppressing and improving wrinkles (fine and large), loss of firmness, and sagging skin, and also reducing unpleasant symptoms such as itching and inflammation caused by allergens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (I) External composition The topical composition of the present invention is characterized by containing a higher fatty acid, a higher fatty acid salt, and a higher alcohol.

[0013] (A) Higher fatty acids In the present invention, the higher fatty acid is preferably, but not limited to, a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 14 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of such fatty acids include myristic acid (14:0), pentadecylic acid (15:0), palmitic acid (16:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1), margaric acid (17:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1), vaccenic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2), linolenic acid (18:3), and eleostearic acid (18:3). The numbers in parentheses following the above chemical names indicate the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid and the number of double bonds, respectively. From the perspective of enhancing skin barrier function and providing a pleasant feel during use, saturated fatty acids having 16 to 18 carbon atoms are more preferred, with palmitic acid, stearic acid, and margaric acid being particularly preferred.

[0014] The content of these higher fatty acids in the topical composition of the present invention is not limited, but is usually about 5 to 25% by weight, preferably 7 to 20% by weight, and more preferably 7 to 11% by weight.

[0015] (B) Higher fatty acid salt As will be described later, higher fatty acid salts are produced in the manufacturing process by reacting alkali with higher fatty acids used as raw materials, but they are not limited to this and may be added separately, and their origin is not particularly limited.

[0016] Although not limited, the higher fatty acid constituting the higher fatty acid salt is preferably a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 14 to 18 carbon atoms. Similar to the above-mentioned higher fatty acids, such fatty acids include myristic acid (14:0), pentadecylic acid (15:0), palmitic acid (16:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1), margaric acid (17:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1), vaccenic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2), linolenic acid (18:3), and eleostearic acid (18:3). From the viewpoints of enhancing skin barrier function and providing a pleasant feel when used, saturated fatty acids having 16 to 18 carbon atoms are more preferred, with palmitic acid, stearic acid, and margaric acid being particularly preferred.

[0017] Examples of higher fatty acid salts include alkali metal salts (sodium fatty acid, potassium fatty acid, etc.), alkaline earth metal salts (for example, magnesium fatty acid, calcium fatty acid, barium fatty acid, etc.) and ammonia salts (ammonium fatty acid) of the above higher fatty acids, as well as reaction products of the above higher fatty acids with organic amines such as amines, hydroxylamines, imines, guanidines, amine oxides, alkanolamines, alkoxylated amines, alkylamines (diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, aminobutanol, aminoethylpropanediol, aminomethylpropanol, aminomethylpropanediol, isopropylamine, methylethanolamine, diisopropylamine, dipropylenetriamine, glucamine, N-methylglucamine, morpholine, tromethamine), cocamines, soyamines, oleamines, stearamines and quaterniums. Preferably, it is an alkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt of a fatty acid, more preferably a fatty acid sodium salt or fatty acid potassium salt, which is an alkali metal salt of a fatty acid.

[0018] The content of these higher fatty acid salts in the topical composition of the present invention is not limited, but is usually about 2 to 10% by weight, preferably 2 to 9% by weight, and more preferably 3 to 9% by weight.

[0019] (C) Higher alcohol In the present invention, the higher alcohol is preferably, but not limited to, a saturated or unsaturated monohydric alcohol having 14 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of such higher alcohols include fatty alcohols or synthetic alcohols such as myristyl alcohol, pentadecyl alcohol, cetanol, cetoallyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, 1-heptadecanol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, and ricinoleyl alcohol. From the viewpoints of enhancing the skin barrier function and providing a pleasant feel when used, saturated monohydric alcohols having 16 to 18 carbon atoms are preferred, and cetanol, cetoallyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, 1-heptadecanol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, and oleyl alcohol are particularly preferred.

[0020] The content of these higher alcohols in the topical composition of the present invention is not limited, but is usually about 0.5 to 8% by weight, preferably 1 to 8% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 3% by weight.

[0021] (D) Liquid saturated glycol The topical composition of the present invention may contain a liquid saturated glycol. The liquid saturated glycol acts as a moisturizer or softener for the skin. Examples of such liquid saturated glycols include, but are not limited to, at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol. Propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol are preferred, and propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol are more preferred. The content of the liquid saturated glycol in the topical composition of the present invention is, but is not limited to, in the range of 0.5 to 60% by weight. Preferably, it is 1 to 60% by weight, and more preferably, it is 5 to 60% by weight.

[0022] (E) Other ingredients The topical composition of the present invention may contain other ingredients in addition to the above components (A) to (C) or (A) to (D), as long as the ingredients do not interfere with the effect of the present invention of enhancing the skin barrier function. Examples of such ingredients include moisturizers, thickeners, surfactants, oily ingredients, antioxidants, preservatives / bactericides, powder ingredients, fragrances, pigments, water, etc.

[0023] Examples of moisturizing agents include, but are not limited to, glycerin; sugars such as sorbitol, xylitol, and trehalose; sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate, lactic acid bacteria fermented rice, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives (e.g., hyaluronic acid or its salts having a molecular weight of several thousand to several million, acetylated hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol hyaluronate, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, etc.), mucopolysaccharides (e.g., chondroitin and its derivatives, heparin and its derivatives, etc.), elastin and its derivatives, collagen and its derivatives, hydrolyzed silk protein, lactic acid, urea, higher fatty acid octyldodecyl, phytosterol, soybean phospholipid, cholesteryl isostearate, seaweed extract, seafood-derived collagen and its derivatives, various amino acids and their derivatives (e.g., trimethylglycine, etc.), and loofah. extract, byakkyu extract, soy milk fermented liquid, natto extract, rice-derived extract and its fermented products.

[0024] Examples of thickeners include, but are not limited to, ingredients derived from brown algae, green algae, or red algae such as alginic acid, agar, carrageenan, and fucoidan; polysaccharides such as byakku extract, pectin, locust bean gum, and aloe polysaccharide; gums such as xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, and guar gum; cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose; synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymer, and acrylic acid / methacrylic acid copolymer; polyglutamic acid and its derivatives; and sugar compounds mainly consisting of glucosyltrehalose and hydrolyzed hydrogenated starch.

[0025] Examples of surfactants include, but are not limited to, nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters; fatty acid salts, alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene fatty amine sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, α-sulfonated fatty acid alkyl ester salt ... Examples of suitable surfactants include anionic surfactants such as oxyethylene alkylphenyl ether phosphates; cationic surfactants such as quaternary ammonium salts, primary to tertiary aliphatic amine salts, trialkylbenzylammonium salts, alkylpyridinium salts, 2-alkyl-1-alkyl-1-hydroxyethylimidazolinium salts, N,N-dialkylmorpholinium salts, and polyethylenepolyamine fatty acid amide salts; and amphoteric surfactants such as N,N-dimethyl-N-alkyl-N-carboxymethylammoniobetaine, N,N,N-trialkyl-N-alkyleneammoniocarboxybetaine, and N-acylamidopropyl-N',N'-dimethyl-N'-β-hydroxypropylammoniosulfobetaine. Furthermore, emulsifiers or emulsifying aids may also be used, such as enzyme-treated stevia derivatives, lecithin and its derivatives, lactic acid bacteria-fermented rice, lactic acid bacteria-fermented germinated rice, lactic acid bacteria-fermented grains (wheat, beans, millet, etc.), and byakku extract.

[0026] Examples of oily components include, but are not limited to, hydrocarbons such as liquid paraffin, petrolatum, paraffin wax, and squalane;

[0027] Antioxidants include, but are not limited to, butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene, propyl gallate, vitamin E and its derivatives, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and the like. vinic acid) and its derivatives, ubidecaquinone (ubiquinone), rutin, rutin glucoside, Examples of such extracts include white mustard extract, rice extract, bark extract, white birch extract, witch hazel extract, oolong tea extract, hydrolyzed black bean extract, peony extract, white ginger extract, and silverwort extract.

[0028] Examples of antiseptics and disinfectants include, but are not limited to, urea, parahydroxybenzoic acid esters such as methyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, and butyl parahydroxybenzoate, phenoxyethanol, dichlorophene, hexachlorophene, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, benzalkonium chloride, salicylic acid, ethanol, undecylenic acid, phenols, jamal (imidazoline urea), bark distillate, propolis extract, and methylisothiazolinone.

[0029] The powder component is not limited, but examples thereof include sericite, titanium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, and the like. Examples include olin, bentonite, zinc oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium sulfate, anhydrous silica, mica, 6- or 12-nylon powder, polyethylene powder, silk powder, cellulose-based powder, grain powder (rice, wheat, corn, millet, etc.), and bean powder (soybean, adzuki bean, etc.).

[0030] Furthermore, if necessary, other physiologically active ingredients (fibroblast activators, whitening agents, skin anti-aging agents, skin roughness improving agents, etc.) may be added within the range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0031] Examples of fibroblast activators include, but are not limited to, bilberry leaf extract, polyamine, aloe extract, pueraria root extract, chlorella extract, placenta extract, sugar maple sap, royal jelly, yeast extract, mucopolysaccharide fluid, Belamcanda chinensis extract, soybean extract, and whey.

[0032] Examples of whitening agents include, but are not limited to, t-cycloamino acid derivatives, kojic acid and its derivatives, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its derivatives, hydroquinone or its derivatives, ellagic acid and its derivatives, nicotinic acid and its derivatives, resorcinol derivatives, tranexamic acid and its derivatives, 4-methoxysalicylic acid potassium salt, magnolignan (5, 5'-Dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2'-diol), 4-HPB (Rhododenol, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-butanol), hydroxybenzoic acid and its derivatives , vitamin E and its derivatives, alpha-hydroxy acids, AMP (adenosine monophosphate, adenosine monophosphate), placenta extract, mulberry bark extract, saxifrage extract, rice bran extract or its hydrolysate, white mustard extract or its hydrolysate, fermented white mustard, peony extract or its hydrolysate, lactic acid bacteria fermented rice, lactic acid bacteria fermented germinated rice, lactic acid bacteria fermented grains (wheat, beans, miscellaneous grains), bark extract, lotus seed extract or its hydrolysate, fermented lotus seed product, Codonopsis extract, Job's tears hydrolysate, Job's tears seed fermented product, royal jelly fermented product, fermented sake lees product, Pandanus amaryllifolius (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) extract substances, Arcangelicia flava Merrilli extract, chamomile extract Examples include exhibits.

[0033] Examples of ingredients that prevent skin aging and improve rough skin include, but are not limited to, coral grass extract, rice leaf extract or hydrolysate thereof, eggplant (water eggplant, long eggplant, Kamo eggplant, rice eggplant, etc.) extract or hydrolysate thereof, extract of seaweed such as Katamenkirinsai, extract of marine flowering plants such as Zostera marina, jellyfish water, rice extract or hydrolysate thereof, fermented rice extract, germinated rice extract or hydrolysate thereof, fermented germinated rice, black soybean extract or hydrolysate thereof, collagen and derivatives thereof derived from animals or fish, elastin and derivatives thereof, intercellular lipids such as ceramide, glycyrrhizic acid and derivatives thereof (dipotassium salt, etc.), t-cycloamino Acid derivatives, vitamin A and its derivatives, t-cycloamino acid derivatives, vitamin A and its derivatives, vitamin E and its derivatives (such as sodium d,l-α-tocopheryl phosphate), allantoin, α-hydroxy acids, diisopropylamine dichloroacetate, γ-amino-β-hydroxybutyric acid, coenzyme Q-10, α-lipoic acid, ergothioneine, allantoin, diisopropylamine dichloroacetate, γ-amino-β-hydroxybutyric acid, gentian extract, licorice extract, carrot extract, aloe extract, kelp extract, Ulva pertusa extract, Zizyphus joazeiro) extract, beech extract, aloe vera extract, rosemary extract, ginkgo extract, horsetail extract, safflower extract, ginseng extract, elderberry extract, silverleaf extract, astragalus extract, mango extract, cherimoya extract, mangosteen extract, Tabebuia impetiginosa extract, yeast extract, eggshell membrane extract protein, deoxyribonucleic acid potassium salt, lotus seed fermentation liquid, pollen extract, etc.

[0034] The topical composition of the present invention is prepared using higher fatty acids and alkali as raw materials, as described below. As a result, the higher fatty acids are partially saponified. The saponification rate of the topical composition of the present invention is not limited, but may be in the range of 20 to 40%, preferably 20 to 35%, more preferably 25 to 35%, and particularly preferably about 30%.

[0035] The topical composition of the present invention can be prepared in a desired form (solid, semi-solid [gel, cream, ointment, etc.], or liquid [milk, lotion, etc.]) by blending and mixing the above-mentioned components (A) to (C), and optionally component (D) and / or component (E). It is preferably prepared as an emulsion, particularly an O / W emulsion, and more preferably as a cream-like topical composition. The topical composition may fall into any of the categories of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics. It is preferably a topical quasi-drug or cosmetic, and more preferably a cosmetic.

[0036] Examples of the form of a topical pharmaceutical or quasi-drug include, but are not limited to, creams, ointments, plasters, poultices, lotions, emulsions, liquids, and aerosols. Creams and emulsions are preferred. Examples of the form of a cosmetic include, but are not limited to, skin care cosmetics such as lotions, serums, packs, massage creams, emulsions, moisture creams, vanishing creams, cleansing creams, and lip creams. Massage creams, emulsions, moisture creams, vanishing creams, and cleansing creams are preferred.

[0037] (II) Method for producing topical composition The topical composition of the present invention containing at least the aforementioned components (A) to (C) can be prepared by using at least a higher fatty acid, an alkali, and a higher alcohol as raw materials and mixing them.

[0038] The types of higher fatty acids and higher alcohols used here are as described in (I) above, and the above descriptions can be used.

[0039] The amount of higher fatty acid used in the preparation is not particularly limited, as long as the proportion of higher fatty acid contained in the topical composition after preparation is, as described above, typically about 5 to 25% by weight, preferably 7 to 20% by weight, and more preferably 7 to 11% by weight, and the saponification rate is 20 to 40%, preferably 20 to 35%, and more preferably 25 to 35%. When the total amount of raw materials for preparation is taken as 100% by weight, the proportion of higher fatty acid used is typically 8 to 30% by weight, preferably 10 to 30% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 15% by weight.

[0040] The amount of higher alcohol used in the production is not limited, but when the total amount of the production raw materials is taken as 100% by weight, as described in (I), it is usually about 0.5 to 8% by weight, preferably 1 to 8% by weight, more preferably 1 to 3% by weight.

[0041] The alkali used in the production is a substance that has a pH of 7 or higher when made into an aqueous solution, and is a substance that reacts with the above-mentioned higher fatty acid to produce the above-mentioned higher fatty acid salt as a saponified product.

[0042] The alkali includes both inorganic alkali and organic alkali. Examples of inorganic alkali include hydroxide salts of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, etc.), carbonates or bicarbonates of alkali metals (e.g., sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate), phosphates of alkali metals (e.g., sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate), inorganic salts of ammonia (e.g., ammonium hydroxide, ammonium phosphate, carbonate or Examples of organic alkalis include amines, hydroxylamines, imines, guanidines, amine oxides, alkanolamines, alkoxylated amines, and alkylamines (diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, aminobutanol, aminoethylpropanediol, aminomethylpropanol, aminomethylpropanediol, isopropylamine, methylethanolamine, diisopropylamine, dipropylenetriamine, glucamine, N-methylglucamine, morpholine, and tromethamine), cocamines, soyamines, oleamines, stearamines, and quaterniums. Inorganic alkalis are preferred. More preferred are hydroxides of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, carbonates, bicarbonates, or phosphates of alkali metals, with hydroxides of alkali metals being particularly preferred.

[0043] The amount of alkali used in the production is not limited, but is usually about 0.5 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 2% by weight, and more preferably 0.6 to 2% by weight, when the total amount of the production raw materials is taken as 100% by weight.

[0044] Furthermore, the ratio of the alkali to 100 parts by weight of the higher fatty acid used as a raw material for production is not limited, but can be such that the saponification rate is 20 to 40%, preferably 20 to 35%, and more preferably 25 to 35%. Although not limited within this range, specific examples include 0.5 to 5 parts by weight, preferably 0.5 to 2 parts by weight, and more preferably 0.6 to 2 parts by weight.

[0045] Furthermore, when the topical composition of the present invention contains a liquid saturated glycol and / or other optional ingredients as other components, the topical composition of the present invention is produced by blending the liquid saturated glycol and / or other optional ingredients in addition to the above-mentioned ingredients. The type of liquid saturated glycol is as described above, and the amount thereof is typically about 0.5 to 60% by weight, based on 100% by weight of the total amount of the production raw materials. The amount is preferably 1 to 60% by weight, and more preferably 5 to 60% by weight.

[0046] The production method of the present invention basically comprises the step of blending and mixing the above-mentioned ingredients as raw materials, as described above, but more specifically, the method can be carried out according to standard methods depending on the form of the topical composition to be produced (solid, liquid, semi-solid), the formulation form (cream, ointment, plaster, cataplasm, lotion, emulsion, liquid, aerosol), and its intended use (drug, quasi-drug, or cosmetic). A preferred embodiment of the topical composition of the present invention is an emulsion, more preferably a cream, and particularly an O / W cream topical composition. Therefore, the topical composition can be preferably prepared via an emulsification step according to the method for producing an emulsion, more preferably a cream, and particularly an O / W cream.

[0047] The emulsification step can be carried out according to a conventional method, such as by heating the raw materials to a predetermined temperature and then emulsifying them under predetermined conditions using a mixer such as a homogenizer, homomixer, or stirrer.

[0048] (III) Beauty method The present invention relates to a cosmetic method for enhancing and improving the skin barrier function of a subject having a reduced skin barrier function by applying the above-described topical composition of the present invention to the subject. Note that the method targeted by the present invention is a cosmetic method, not a therapeutic method for humans.

[0049] The cause of the decline in the skin barrier function is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include aging and ultraviolet radiation. The decline in the skin barrier function due to aging or ultraviolet radiation leads to the loss of skin moisture. This increases the total energy loss (TEWL), leading to skin deterioration symptoms such as dry skin, wrinkles (dry wrinkles, dermal wrinkles), sagging skin, and loss of firmness.

[0050] The subject to be treated may be any person who has or is suspected to have a reduced skin barrier function, and is not particularly limited, but is preferably a person with skin deterioration symptoms due to aging or ultraviolet radiation, and more preferably a person with skin deterioration symptoms (skin aging symptoms) due to aging. Generally, both men and women over the age of 30 may become such subjects. Preferably, the subject is 40 years of age or older, more preferably 45 years of age or older, and even more preferably 50 years of age or older.

[0051] The topical compositions of the present invention vary depending on their form. When they are in the form of ointments, ointments, creams, liniments, lotions, emulsions, liquids, aerosols, or the like, they can be used by applying or spraying the topical medicines, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics to the desired area of ​​the subject's skin. When the topical medicines, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics are in the form of poultices, they can be used by applying them to the desired area of ​​the subject's skin. The topical compositions may be applied to the skin once or multiple times a day, for example, in the morning and evening (before going to bed). This makes it possible to suppress (prevent) and improve the occurrence of skin deterioration symptoms (particularly skin aging symptoms) associated with a decrease in the skin's barrier function due to aging or UV exposure. [Example]

[0052] The present invention will be described below based on experimental examples and examples. However, these experimental examples and examples are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these experimental examples and examples.

[0053] Experimental Example 1: Evaluation of transepithelial water loss (TEWL) Compositions for external use on the skin (creams) (Examples 1 to 4, Comparative Example 1) having the compositions shown in Table 2 were applied to human skin, and the amount of transepithelial water loss was measured to evaluate the effect of enhancing the skin barrier function.

[0054] (1) Preparation of test samples (topical skin preparations) For the compositions shown in Table 2, in Examples 1 to 4, the phase A components shown in Table 1 were first taken in the proportions shown in Table 1 and heated to 80°C. Next, the phase B components were taken in the proportions shown in Table 1 and heated to 80°C. Next, the mixture of phase B components was added to the mixture of phase A components and stirred. This was then cooled to 30°C (naturally allowed to cool) and stirred to prepare an emulsion (cream-like) (test sample (composition for external use on skin)) consisting of the composition shown in Table 2.

[0055] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, a cream-like test sample (external skin composition) was prepared by adding carboxyvinyl polymer to water while stirring, further stirring, and then adding glycerin to the mixture in the proportions shown in Table 1. All preparation steps in Comparative Example 1 were carried out at room temperature.

[0056] [Table 1]

[0057] (2) Experimental method According to the following procedure, the transepithelial water loss (TEWL) of the skin test site was measured before and after application of the test samples (Examples 1 to 4, Comparative Example 1), and the skin barrier function enhancing effect of the test samples was evaluated. (i) TEWL of the inner upper arm (test site) of humans (n ​​= 17) was measured using a portable closed-chamber water heater. (ii) A nonwoven fabric (15 mm x 15 mm) was impregnated with a 4% aqueous solution of SDS, and the fabric was applied to the test site for 30 minutes. The patch is applied for 4 minutes and then removed. This process is repeated for 4 days, causing irritation to the skin at the test site. (iii) After 4 days, the TEWL of the test site is measured again. (iv) For one week, administer an appropriate amount (about 0.1 g / time) of the test sample (Examples 1 to 4, Comparative Example 1) twice a day ( Apply to the test area in the morning after waking up and in the evening after bathing. (v) One week after the start of application, the TEWL of the test site is measured again.

[0058] For comparison, the TEWL of the untreated group, in which the test site was left as it was for one week without applying the test sample after the treatment (ii) above, was also measured after the experiment (untreated group).

[0059] (3) Judgment method The TEWL values ​​of the treated group with each test sample and the untreated group after completion of the study were statistically analyzed to determine whether there was a significant difference at a significance level of 5% (Wilcoxon signed rank test (paired t-test)).

[0060] (4) Experimental results The results are also shown in Table 2.

[0061] Significant differences were marked with an ◯, and no significant differences were marked with an ×.

[0062] [Table 2]

[0063] As shown in Table 2, it was found that the external skin compositions (Examples 1 to 4) comprising the compositions of the present invention have a strong effect of improving and enhancing the barrier function of the skin.

[0064] Prescription example A topical skin composition (cream) having the composition shown in Table 4 was prepared. Specifically, the phase A components shown in Table 3 were first prepared in the proportions shown in Table 3 and heated to 80°C. Next, the phase B components were prepared in the proportions shown in Table 3 and heated to 80°C. Next, the mixture of phase B components was added to the mixture of phase A components and stirred. This was then cooled to 30°C (naturally allowed to cool) while stirring to prepare an emulsion (cream) having the composition shown in Table 4.

[0065] [Table 3]

[0066] [Table 4]

Claims

[Claim 1] An O / W emulsion composition for external use containing 7 to 20% by mass of a higher fatty acid, 3 to 9% by mass of an alkali metal salt of a higher fatty acid, 1 to 8% by mass of a higher alcohol, and 15 to 60% by mass of a liquid saturated glycol, the higher fatty acid is a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 14 to 18 carbon atoms, the higher alcohol is a saturated or unsaturated monohydric alcohol having 14 to 18 carbon atoms, The liquid saturated glycol is at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol. The oil-in-water emulsion composition for external use.

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