Aqueous gel composition

Abstract

To provide an aqueous gel composition that has high carotenoid storage stability regardless of air volume in a container, and also has an excellent feeling of lasting moisture retention.SOLUTION: An aqueous gel composition has a compound represented by general formula (1), carotenoid, a sulfite-based antioxidant, a phenolic antioxidant, and water, the content of the compound represented by general formula (1) being 1 mass%-3 mass% relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition [in the general formula (1), R1: a group represented by R11-(O-R12) x-, R11: a hydrocarbon group, R12: a C2-4 alkylene group, x: an integer of 1-500, R2: a hydrocarbon group, R3: a C2-4 alkylene group, n: an integer of 1-500, m: is an integer of 1 or greater].SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aqueous gel compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] In the fields of cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, etc., gelling agents are widely used to impart viscosity or elasticity to products. By incorporating a gelling agent, a composition exhibiting a unique property called a "gel" is obtained. One type of gelling agent known is a compound that exhibits gelling ability through the association of a portion of its molecule (specifically, its hydrophobic portion).

[0003] Examples of compositions containing a compound that exhibits gelling ability through partial molecular association as a gelling agent are shown below. Patent Document 1 describes an external skin preparation that contains a compound represented by general formula (1) as a gelling agent, at least one compound selected from magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and a carotenoid, and that has a viscosity of 1 Pa·s or more when measured using a Brookfield viscometer under the measurement conditions of 25°C, 12 rpm, and 30 s.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an aqueous gel cosmetic that contains astaxanthin, trimethylglycine, and a compound represented by general formula (1) as a gelling agent, each in a specific content relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel cosmetic, and in which the total content of an element selected from Na and K relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel cosmetic is 0.05 mass% or more. Patent Document 3 also describes a gel-like aqueous composition containing a compound represented by general formula (1) as a gelling agent.

[0005] Patent Document 4 describes an oil-in-water emulsion composition containing (A) a hydrophobically modified polyether urethane as a gelling agent, (B) a water-soluble polymer, (C) one or more selected from acyl glutamic acid, diacyl glutamic acid lysine, and alkali metal salts thereof, (D) an oil, and (E) water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-069310 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-175871 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-100308 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-010070 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is known that aqueous gel compositions with excellent long-lasting moisturizing properties can be obtained by blending the gelling agents described in the above Patent Documents 1 to 4. In recent years, aqueous gel compositions with excellent long-lasting moisturizing properties and a strong anti-aging effect have been studied, in particular, by combining these aqueous gel compositions with carotenoids that have a high ability to eliminate singlet oxygen, which causes wrinkles and the like. In the aqueous gel compositions containing a gelling agent and a carotenoid described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, an antioxidant is usually blended to inhibit the decomposition of the carotenoid, but even when an antioxidant is included, the carotenoid may still decompose. Specifically, for example, when the aqueous gel composition is stored in a state where there is a large amount of air in the container (specifically, when a small amount of the aqueous gel composition is filled into a container such as an aluminum pouch together with air, or when a small amount of the aqueous gel composition remains in the storage container), the carotenoid may decompose.

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved by one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an aqueous gel composition that has high storage stability of carotenoids regardless of the amount of air in the container and has excellent sustained moisturizing properties. In the present disclosure, "the amount of air in the container is large" refers to a state in which the air content is 30% or more, where Z is the volume ratio of the volume of air Y to the amount (volume) of aqueous gel composition filled in the container X (i.e., Z (%) = Y / X × 100). [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Specific means for solving the above problems include the following embodiments. [1] A composition comprising a compound represented by the following general formula (1), a carotenoid, a sulfite-based antioxidant, a phenol-based antioxidant, and water, An aqueous gel composition, wherein the content of the compound represented by general formula (1) is 1% by mass to 3% by mass relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0010] [ka]

[0011] In general formula (1), R 1 are each independently R 11 -(OR 12 )x- is a group represented by R 11 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group; R 12 each independently represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and x is an integer of 1 to 500. R 2 R each independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a urethane bond. 3 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and R 3 If there are multiple R 3 may be the same or different, n is an integer of 1 to 500, and m is an integer of 1 or more.

[0012] [2] The aqueous gel composition according to [1], wherein the total content of the sulfite antioxidant and the phenolic antioxidant is 0.05 mass% or more based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. [3] The aqueous gel composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the ratio of the phenolic antioxidant to the sulfite antioxidant is 0.1 to 20 by mass. [4] The aqueous gel composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the sulfite antioxidant is an alkali metal salt of pyrosulfite. [5] The aqueous gel composition according to [4], wherein the alkali metal salt of pyrosulfite is sodium pyrosulfite. [6] The aqueous gel composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the phenolic antioxidant comprises dibutylhydroxytoluene. [7] The aqueous gel composition according to [6], wherein the phenolic antioxidant further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ferulic acid and glucosylrutin. [8] The aqueous gel composition according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin and lycopene. [9] The aqueous gel composition according to any one of [1] to [8], which is a cosmetic. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aqueous gel composition is provided which has high storage stability of carotenoids regardless of the amount of air in the container and has excellent sustained moisturizing properties. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An example of an embodiment of an aqueous gel composition according to the present invention will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment and can be practiced with appropriate modifications within the scope of the object of the present disclosure.

[0015] In the present disclosure, a numerical range indicated using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In the present disclosure, in the numerical ranges described in stages, the upper or lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in the numerical ranges described in the present disclosure, the upper or lower limit value of the numerical range may be replaced with the value shown in the examples. In the present disclosure, the amount of each component in the aqueous gel composition means the total amount of the multiple substances present in the aqueous gel composition, unless otherwise specified, when multiple substances corresponding to each component are present in the aqueous gel composition. In the present disclosure, a combination of two or more preferred embodiments is a more preferred embodiment.

[0016] In the present disclosure, the term "aqueous phase" used when obtaining an emulsion, emulsion composition, dispersion, or dispersion composition is used in contrast to the term "oil phase." The aqueous phase is composed of water and a water-soluble component. Here, "water-soluble" means that the solubility in water at 25°C is 1% by mass or more, and "water-soluble component" means a component that has a solubility in water at 25°C of 1% by mass or more, i.e., 10 g / L or more. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, "oily" means that the solubility in water at 25°C is less than 1% by mass, and "oily component" means a component that has a solubility in water at 25°C of less than 1% by mass and is generally used as an oily component in, for example, the fields of cosmetics and quasi-drugs.

[0017] In the present disclosure, the term "aqueous" in the context of an aqueous gel composition refers to a composition that contains water, and in which the total content of water and optionally contained water-soluble liquid components is 50% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the composition, and the content of oily liquid components is less than 5% by mass relative to the total amount of the composition. Here, "water-soluble liquid component" refers to a component whose solubility in water at 25°C is 1% by mass or more and which is liquid at 25°C. Furthermore, "oily liquid component" refers to a component whose solubility in water at 25°C is less than 1% by mass and which is liquid at 25°C. "Liquid at 25°C" means that the melting point or softening point of the component is below 25°C. In the present disclosure, the term "gel-like" in the context of an aqueous gel composition refers to a state in which 100 g of the object to be measured is placed in a glass container 47 mm in diameter x 90 mm in height, sealed, and stored at 25°C for 24 hours, and then the hardness measured using a hardness tester is 1 g to 1000 g.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the term "process" refers not only to an independent process, but also to a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved.

[0019] <Aqueous gel composition> The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure comprises a compound (A) represented by general formula (1), a carotenoid (B), a sulfite-based antioxidant (C), a phenol-based antioxidant (D), and water (E), and the content of the compound represented by general formula (1) is 1% by mass to 3% by mass relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. The compound represented by general formula (1) will be referred to as a "specific gelling agent" hereinafter as appropriate.

[0020] Although an aqueous gel composition containing a specific gelling agent (A) and a carotenoid provides a long-lasting moisturizing effect, the carotenoid may decompose if the aqueous gel composition is stored in a container with a large amount of air. This is presumably due to the following reasons. As described below, the specific gelling agent (A) has a hydrophobic portion that associates with a hydrophilic portion with a high degree of freedom within its molecule. Therefore, compared to the case where other gelling agents (e.g., xanthan gum, carbomer, etc.) are used, the mobility of the molecules is high relative to the hardness (or viscosity) of the aqueous gel composition. Therefore, the speed at which air (more specifically, oxygen in the air) dissolves in the aqueous gel composition containing the specific gelling agent (A) is also extremely fast. Furthermore, when an aqueous gel composition containing the specific gelling agent (A) and a carotenoid (B) is stored in a container with a large amount of air, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the aqueous gel composition increases over time, which is thought to accelerate the decomposition of the carotenoid (B). The present inventors have investigated the above-mentioned problems and found that by preparing an aqueous gel composition comprising specific amounts of a specific gelling agent (A) and a carotenoid (B), as well as a sulfite-based antioxidant (C) and a phenol-based antioxidant (D), which have different antioxidant mechanisms, the storage stability of the carotenoid can be maintained not only under conditions where the amount of air in the container is large, but also under conditions where the amount of air in the container is small, thereby achieving the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure.

[0021] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure inhibits decomposition of carotenoids due to oxygen in the air (specifically, dissolved oxygen), and therefore has advantages such as increased freedom in selecting a container for storing the aqueous gel composition and increased freedom in filling the container.

[0022] Although Patent Documents 1 to 4 describe compositions using a compound represented by general formula (1) (i.e., a specific gelling agent) as a gelling agent, they do not describe the combined use of a sulfite antioxidant and a phenolic antioxidant in addition to the specific gelling agent and a carotenoid. Therefore, it is presumed that the compositions described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 do not provide storage stability for the carotenoid when the container contains a large amount of air.

[0023] Each component of the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0024] [Compound (A) represented by general formula (1)] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a compound (A) (i.e., specific gelling agent (A)) represented by the following general formula (1). In the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure, the specific gelling agent contributes to the formation of a gel.

[0025] [ka]

[0026] In general formula (1), R 1 are each independently R 11 -(OR12 )x- is a group represented by R 11 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group; R 12 each independently represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and x is an integer of 1 to 500. R 2 R each independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a urethane bond. 3 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and R 3 If there are multiple R 3 may be the same or different, n is an integer of 1 to 500, and m is an integer of 1 or more.

[0027] As is clear from general formula (1), the specific gelling agent is a hydrophobically modified urethane copolymer having a urethane bond and a hydrophilic alkyleneoxy group (i.e., a hydrophilic portion) in the main chain and a hydrophobic hydrocarbon group (i.e., a hydrophobic portion) at the end. The specific gelling agent exhibits gelling ability and forms a gel when the hydrophobic moieties formed by the hydrocarbon groups associate in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure.

[0028] In general formula (1), R 1 is R 11 -(OR 12 )x- is a group represented by two R 1 may be the same or different. R 11 represents a hydrocarbon group. R 11 Examples of the hydrocarbon group represented by the formula (I) include an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group, and a group formed by combining these groups. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group. R 11 The hydrocarbon group represented by the formula (I) is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon group such as an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, or a cycloalkenyl group.

[0029] Examples of the alkyl group include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tertiary butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tertiary pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, isotridecyl, myristyl, palmityl, stearyl, isostearyl, icosyl, docosyl, tetracosyl, triacontyl, 2-octyldodecyl, 2-dodecylhexadecyl, 2-tetradecyloctadecyl, monomethyl-branched isostearyl, and decyltetradeceth.

[0030] Alkenyl groups include vinyl, allyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, isopentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl, tetradecenyl, oleyl, and the like groups.

[0031] Cycloalkyl groups include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and like groups. Cycloalkenyl groups include cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, and like groups.

[0032] R 11 The hydrocarbon group represented by the formula (I) preferably has 8 to 36 carbon atoms, and more preferably 12 to 30 carbon atoms. R 12 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and is preferably an alkylene group having 2 carbon atoms (that is, an ethylene group). x is an integer of 1 to 500, preferably an integer of 1 to 300, more preferably an integer of 1 to 100, still more preferably an integer of 5 to 50, and particularly preferably an integer of 10 to 40.

[0033] In general formula (1), R 2 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a urethane bond. R 2Examples of the hydrocarbon group represented by the formula (I) include an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group, and a group formed by combining these groups. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group. R 2 Examples of the hydrocarbon group represented by the formula include the aforementioned R 11 Examples of the hydrocarbon group include divalent groups obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from an aliphatic hydrocarbon group such as an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, or a cycloalkenyl group, which are described as the hydrocarbon group represented by the following formula:

[0034] R 2 The hydrocarbon group represented by the formula (I) preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms, further preferably 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 6 carbon atoms.

[0035] In general formula (1), R 3 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and is preferably an alkylene group having 2 carbon atoms (that is, an ethylene group). In general formula (1), R 3 If there are multiple R 3 may be the same or different.

[0036] In the general formula (1), n ​​is an integer of 1 to 500, preferably an integer of 1 to 400, more preferably an integer of 10 to 400, and even more preferably an integer of 100 to 300. In general formula (1), m is an integer of 1 or more, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 10, and even more preferably 1 to 5.

[0037] The specific gelling agent can be obtained, for example, by heating and reacting a compound represented by the following general formula (2), a compound represented by the following general formula (3), and a compound represented by the following general formula (4) at 80°C to 90°C for 1 to 3 hours. In the above reaction, the raw materials, that is, the compound represented by general formula (2), the compound represented by general formula (3), and the compound represented by general formula (4), may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0038] [ka]

[0039] [ka]

[0040] [ka]

[0041] R in general formula (2) 1 is R in general formula (1) 1 Corresponds to. R in general formula (3) 2 is R in general formula (1) 2 Corresponds to. R in general formula (4) 3 and n is R in general formula (1). 3 and corresponds to n.

[0042] The charging ratio of the compound represented by general formula (2), the compound represented by general formula (3), and the compound represented by general formula (4) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set depending on, for example, the specific gelling agent of interest.

[0043] <Compound represented by general formula (1-1)> The compound represented by general formula (1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (1-1) (hereinafter referred to as "specific gelling agent (1-1)" as appropriate).

[0044] [ka]

[0045] In the general formula (1-1), n1 is an integer of 1 to 500, m1 is an integer of 1 or more, and x1 is an integer of 1 to 500.

[0046] In the general formula (1-1), n1 is an integer of 1 to 500, preferably an integer of 1 to 400, more preferably an integer of 10 to 400, still more preferably an integer of 100 to 300, and particularly preferably 240. In general formula (1-1), m1 is an integer of 1 or more, preferably an integer of 1 to 20, more preferably an integer of 1 to 10, even more preferably an integer of 1 to 5, and particularly preferably an integer of 1 to 3. In general formula (1-1), x1 is an integer of 1 to 500, preferably an integer of 1 to 300, more preferably an integer of 1 to 100, even more preferably an integer of 5 to 50, particularly preferably an integer of 10 to 40, and most preferably 20.

[0047] Preferred examples of the specific gelling agent (1-1) include compounds described in JP-A-9-71766, WO 2014 / 084174, and the like. As the specific gelling agent (1-1), polyethylene glycol (PEG)-240 / decyltetradeceth-20 / hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) copolymer (cosmetic ingredient name: (PEG-240 / decyltetradeceth-20 / HDI) copolymer) is particularly suitable. Such copolymers are commercially available from ADEKA Corporation under the trade names "ADEKA NOL GT-700," "ADEKA NOL GT-730," "ADEKA NOL GT-930," and the like.

[0048] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain only one type of specific gelling agent, or may contain two or more types of specific gelling agents.

[0049] The content of the specific gelling agent in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is 1% by mass to 3% by mass relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. When the content of the specific gelling agent is 1% by mass to 3% by mass relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition, an appropriate hardness can be achieved as an aqueous gel composition. The content of the specific gelling agent in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably 1 to 2.5% by mass or less, and more preferably 1 to 2% by mass, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0050] [Carotenoid (B)] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a carotenoid (B). Carotenoids are yellow to red terpenoid pigments and include pigments derived from plants, algae, and bacteria. The carotenoid is not limited to natural origin, and may be any carotenoid obtained by a conventional method. For example, many of the carotenes of the carotenoids described below are also produced synthetically, and most commercially available β-carotene is produced synthetically.

[0051] Carotenoids include carotene, which is a hydrocarbon, and oxidized alcohol derivatives of carotene (for example, xanthophylls). Carotenoids include actinioerythrol, astaxanthin, bixin, canthaxanthin, capsanthin, capsorubin, β-8'-apo-carotenal (apocarotenal), β-12'-apo-carotenal, α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, violeritrin, zeaxanthin, and hydroxyl- or carboxyl-containing esters of these compounds. A mixture of α-carotene and β-carotene is sometimes commonly referred to as "carotene."

[0052] In the present disclosure, the carotenoid is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin and lycopene, which are known as colorants that exhibit colors ranging from yellow to red and have singlet oxygen quenching effects (i.e., antioxidant effects), anti-inflammatory effects, skin anti-aging effects, and whitening effects. In the present disclosure, astaxanthin includes astaxanthin and its derivatives (for example, astaxanthin esters). In the present disclosure, astaxanthin and its derivatives are collectively referred to as "astaxanthin" unless otherwise specified.

[0053] [Astaxanthin] As astaxanthin, astaxanthin derived from natural products such as plants, algae, crustaceans, and bacteria, as well as synthetic astaxanthin obtained by conventional methods can also be used. Astaxanthin can be extracted from natural sources or cultures, for example, the red yeast Phaffia, the green algae Haematococcus, marine bacteria, krill, and the like. From the viewpoints of quality and productivity, astaxanthin derived from an extract from Haematococcus algae (hereinafter referred to as "Haematococcus algae extract") or an extract from krill (hereinafter referred to as "krill extract") is preferred, with astaxanthin derived from krill extract being particularly preferred. Astaxanthin derived from krill extract (so-called krill-derived astaxanthin) can be used, for example, not only in cosmetics but also in quasi-drugs.

[0054] Commercially available astaxanthin can be used. Examples of commercially available Haematococcus algae extracts include FUJIFILM Astaxanthin SS, FUJIFILM Astaxanthin S, FUJIFILM Astaxanthin 10OS, FUJIFILM Astaxanthin 5OS, FUJIFILM Astaxanthin 10O, and FUJIFILM Astaxanthin 5O, all from Fujifilm Corporation; as well as AstaReal (registered trademark) Oil 50F and AstaReal (registered trademark) Oil 5F, all from Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; and BioAstin (registered trademark) SCE7, all from Toyo Enzyme Chemical Co., Ltd. An example of a commercially available krill extract is Astax-ST (trade name) from Marine Daioh Co., Ltd.

[0055] [Lycopene] Lycopene has the chemical formula C 40 H 56 It is a carotenoid represented by the formula: and belongs to the carotenes. It is a red pigment that has an absorption maximum at 474 nm (acetone).

[0056] Lycopene also exists as isomers depending on whether the conjugated double bond at the center of the molecule is cis- or trans-, such as all-trans-, 9-cis, 13-cis, etc. The lycopene in the present disclosure may be any of these isomers.

[0057] Lycopene is found in natural products such as tomatoes, persimmons, watermelons, and pink grapefruit, and can be isolated or extracted from these natural products. Lycopene-containing isolates and extracts are commercially available in four forms: oil, emulsion, paste, and powder. As the lycopene, in addition to lycopene derived from natural products, synthetic lycopene obtained by a conventional method can also be used.

[0058] One preferred form of lycopene is that derived from tomatoes. Examples of tomato-derived lycopene include fat-soluble extracts extracted from tomato pulp. Lycopene contained in fat-soluble extracts extracted from tomato pulp is particularly preferred from the viewpoints of stability, quality, and productivity. Here, "fat-soluble extract extracted from tomato pulp" means an extract extracted using an oily solvent from a pulp-like solid obtained by centrifuging the pulverized product obtained by crushing tomatoes. The fat-soluble extract extracted from tomato pulp can be a tomato extract widely available commercially as a lycopene-containing oil or paste, such as Lyc-O-Mato (registered trademark) 15% and Lyc-O-Mato (registered trademark) 6% from Sunbright Co., Ltd., and Lycopene 18 from Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[0059] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain the carotenoid as a carotenoid-containing oil or a carotenoid-containing paste.

[0060] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain only one type of carotenoid, or may contain two or more types of carotenoid.

[0061] The content of carotenoid in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may be determined appropriately depending on the type of carotenoid, the ability to quench singlet oxygen, the hue of the aqueous gel composition, and the like. The content of the carotenoid is, for example, preferably 0.00001 to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.00005 to 0.5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.0001 to 0.1% by mass, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0062] The form in which the carotenoid is contained in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited; however, from the viewpoints of, for example, being able to incorporate the carotenoid at a high concentration, being able to stably contain the carotenoid in the aqueous gel composition, and being able to easily obtain transparency in the aqueous gel composition, it is preferable that the carotenoid be contained in emulsified particles that are dispersed in the aqueous phase. In particular, from the viewpoint of ease of production, etc., the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure preferably contains the carotenoid in the form of an emulsion composition in which an oily component containing the carotenoid is dispersed in an aqueous phase, i.e., a carotenoid-containing emulsion composition. For details of the components contained in the carotenoid-containing emulsion composition, reference can be made to paragraphs

[0037] to

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

[0089] to

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

[0063] [Sulfite-based antioxidant (C)] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a sulfite-based antioxidant (C). In the present disclosure, the term "sulfite antioxidant" is a general term for sulfites and pyrosulfites as antioxidants. The sulfite antioxidant contributes to removing dissolved oxygen in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure.

[0064] The sulfite-based antioxidant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include sulfites and pyrosulfites, which are used as antioxidants in the fields of cosmetics and quasi-drugs.

[0065] The sulfite-based antioxidant is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of inorganic salts of sulfurous acid and inorganic salts of pyrosulfite. Specific examples of inorganic salts of sulfurous acid and inorganic salts of pyrosulfite include alkali metal salts of sulfurous acid and alkali metal salts of pyrosulfite, and among these, alkali metal salts of pyrosulfite are preferred from the viewpoint of the ability to remove dissolved oxygen. Here, alkali metals that form salts include sodium, potassium, etc.

[0066] The sulfite antioxidant is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite (cosmetic ingredient name: sodium sulfite), potassium sulfite (cosmetic ingredient name: potassium sulfite), sodium pyrosulfite (cosmetic ingredient name: sodium pyrosulfite), and potassium pyrosulfite (cosmetic ingredient name: potassium pyrosulfite). Furthermore, from the viewpoint of dissolved oxygen removal ability and usage track record, the sulfite-based antioxidant is more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium pyrosulfite and potassium pyrosulfite, and particularly preferably sodium pyrosulfite.

[0067] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain only one type of sulfite-based antioxidant, or may contain two or more types.

[0068] The content of the sulfite antioxidant in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may be determined appropriately depending on the amount of dissolved oxygen in the aqueous gel composition, the type and amount of carotenoid, odor suppression, etc. The content of the sulfite antioxidant is, for example, preferably 0.005% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.01% by mass to 0.3% by mass, even more preferably 0.02% by mass to 0.2% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.03% by mass to 0.1% by mass, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0069] [Phenol-based antioxidant (D)] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a phenolic antioxidant (D). The phenolic antioxidant contributes to the storage stability of carotenoids when used in combination with a sulfite antioxidant.

[0070] The phenolic antioxidant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include phenolic antioxidants used in the fields of cosmetics and quasi-drugs.

[0071] Phenolic antioxidants include hindered phenolic antioxidants such as dibutylhydroxytoluene (cosmetic ingredient name: BHT), butylhydroxyanisole (cosmetic ingredient name: BHA), and tetrakis-[methylene-3-(3'-,5'-di-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]methane, and monophenolic compounds such as α-tocopherol; bisphenol compounds such as 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-tert-butylphenol), and 4,4'-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); Polyphenol compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, rutin, anthocyanin, luteolin, etc.), flavonoid derivatives (e.g., glucosylrutin), and compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group contained in extracts (e.g., tea extract, grape seed extract, rosemary extract, etc.) (e.g., tannin, carnosol, rosmanol, epirosmanol, etc.); aromatic carboxylic acids such as gallic acid (3,4,5-hydroxybenzoic acid), gallic acid derivatives (e.g., gallic acid esters such as propyl gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate, and gallic acid glycosides such as gallotannin); Examples include cinnamic acid derivatives such as ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid (caffeic acid or 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid), and derivatives thereof (for example, γ-oryzanol, ferulic acid esters such as glyceryl ferulate, dihydroferulic acid, etc.).

[0072] As the phenolic antioxidant, it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT), butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), glucosylrutin, and ferulic acid, from the viewpoint of coloring the aqueous gel composition and enhancing the stabilization of carotenoids (i.e., high antioxidant ability).

[0073] Phenolic antioxidants suppress the oxidative degradation of carotenoids by scavenging radicals. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the stabilization of carotenoids, it is preferable to use two or more phenolic antioxidants in combination. A preferred combination when used in combination is, for example, a combination of an oil-based phenolic antioxidant and a water-soluble phenolic antioxidant. By combining an oily phenolic antioxidant with a water-soluble phenolic antioxidant, a small amount of the phenolic antioxidant can easily exert a stabilizing effect on carotenoids, thereby suppressing the coloration of the aqueous gel composition caused by the phenolic antioxidant and the sticky feeling when the aqueous gel composition is applied to the skin.

[0074] As described above, from the viewpoint of stabilizing carotenoids, it is preferable to use two or more types of phenolic antioxidants in combination, and it is particularly preferable that one of the phenolic antioxidants contains dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT), an oily phenolic antioxidant. That is, in the present disclosure, the phenolic antioxidant preferably includes dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT). Furthermore, the phenolic antioxidant preferably contains, in addition to dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT), at least one water-soluble phenolic antioxidant selected from the group consisting of ferulic acid and glucosylrutin. As the phenolic antioxidant, it is particularly preferable to include dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT), ferulic acid, and glucosylrutin.

[0075] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain only one type of phenolic antioxidant, or may contain two or more types.

[0076] The content of the phenolic antioxidant in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may be determined appropriately depending on the type and amount of carotenoid, the type and amount of sulfite antioxidant, the coloring ability of the aqueous gel composition, and whether or not the aqueous gel composition feels sticky when applied to the skin. The content of the phenolic antioxidant is, for example, preferably 0.005% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.01% by mass to 0.5% by mass, even more preferably 0.02% by mass to 0.5% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.03% by mass to 0.4% by mass, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0077] From the viewpoint of storage stability of carotenoids, the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure preferably has a total content of the sulfite antioxidant and the phenolic antioxidant of 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 0.05% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. From the viewpoints of suppressing odor and coloration, the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure preferably has a total content of the sulfite antioxidant and the phenolic antioxidant of 2.0 mass % or less, and more preferably 1.0 mass % or less, based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0078] From the viewpoint of carotenoid stability, the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure preferably has a mass ratio of the phenolic antioxidant to the sulfite antioxidant (i.e., phenolic antioxidant content / sulfite antioxidant content) of 0.1 to 20, more preferably 0.5 to 15, even more preferably 1 to 10, and particularly preferably 2 to 10.

[0079] [Water (E)] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains water (E). The water is not particularly limited, and can be natural water, purified water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, ultrapure water (Milli-Q water, etc.), etc. Milli-Q water is ultrapure water obtained using a Milli-Q water production system manufactured by Merck Millipore, a company owned by Merck Ltd. The water contained in the aqueous gel composition is preferably purified water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, or ultrapure water, from the viewpoint of containing fewer impurities.

[0080] The water content in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably 50% by mass to 98% by mass, more preferably 60% by mass to 98% by mass, and even more preferably 70% by mass to 98% by mass, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0081] [Other ingredients] The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain components other than the above-described specific gelling agent (A), carotenoid (B), sulfite-based antioxidant (C), phenol-based antioxidant (D), and water (E), as needed, within the scope of not impairing the effects. Examples of other ingredients include whitening agents, moisturizing agents, and water-soluble organic solvents. The other components shown below may each have two or more functions.

[0082] (skin whitening agent) The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain a skin whitening agent. A skin whitening agent is a compound that can exert a skin whitening effect (that is, the effect of suppressing melanin production and preventing spots, freckles, etc.). The whitening agent is not particularly limited, but includes whitening agents used in the fields of cosmetics and quasi-drugs.Specific examples of whitening agents include arbutin (hydroquinone β-D-glucoside), L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, magnesium L-ascorbyl 2-phosphate, trisodium L-ascorbyl 2-phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl tetra-2-hexyldecanoate, kojic acid, ellagic acid, 4-n-butylresorcinol, 5,5'-dipropylbiphenyl-2,2'-diol, cetyl tranexamate hydrochloride, trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, nicotinamide, and potassium 4-methoxysalicylate. As the whitening agent, for example, a whitening agent that is blended in quasi-drugs (for example, medicated cosmetics) and that has been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare as an active whitening ingredient can be suitably used. Among these, arbutin, which is a non-electrolyte whitening agent, is particularly preferred as a whitening agent.

[0083] When the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a whitening agent, it may contain only one type of whitening agent, or may contain two or more types of whitening agents.

[0084] The content of the whitening agent (preferably a non-electrolyte whitening agent) in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the type of whitening agent. For example, from the viewpoint of whitening effect, the content of the whitening agent in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition. Furthermore, the content of the whitening agent in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 4% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0085] (moisturizer) The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain a humectant. The moisturizer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include moisturizers used in the fields of cosmetics and quasi-drugs, such as ceramide, trimethylglycine, and polyhydric alcohols.

[0086] When the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a humectant, it may contain only one type of humectant, or may contain two or more types of humectants.

[0087] -Ceramide- The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain a ceramide. The ceramide is preferably a natural ceramide. In the present disclosure, "natural ceramide" refers to a ceramide having the same structure as the ceramide present in the stratum corneum of human skin (so-called human ceramide).

[0088] Ceramides having a general structure called natural ceramides may be natural products (extracts), ceramides obtained by microbial fermentation, ceramides derived from animals, or synthetic products. The ceramide may be an optically active natural form (D(-) form), an optically active non-natural form (L(+) form), or a mixture of an optically active natural form and an optically active non-natural form. The relative configuration of the ceramide may be a natural configuration, a non-natural configuration, or a configuration resulting from a mixture of the natural and non-natural configurations.

[0089] Specific examples of natural ceramides include ceramide 1, ceramide 2, ceramide 3, ceramide 4, ceramide 5, ceramide 6, ceramide 7, ceramide 8, ceramide 9, and the like.

[0090] Natural ceramides are also available as commercial products. Examples of commercially available natural ceramides include Ceramide I, Ceramide EOP27, Ceramide EOS27, Ceramide III, Ceramide IIIA, Ceramide IIIB, Ceramide IIIC, Ceramide VI (all trade names, Evonik), Ceramide TIC-001 (trade name, Takasago International Corporation), CERAMIDE II (trade name, Quest International), DS-Ceramide VI, DS-CLA-Phytoceramide, C6-Phytoceramide, DS-ceramide Y3S (all trade names, DOOSAN), and CERAMIDE 2 (trade name, Sederma).

[0091] When the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a ceramide, it may contain only one type of ceramide, or may contain two or more types of ceramide.

[0092] The content of ceramide in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably 0.0001% by mass to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.0001% by mass to 0.1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.0001% by mass to 0.01% by mass, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition, from the viewpoints of exerting a moisturizing effect and transparency of the aqueous gel composition.

[0093] -Trimethylglycine- The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain trimethylglycine (cosmetic ingredient name: betaine). Trimethylglycine is a compound having the structure shown below. Trimethylglycine is sometimes called glycine betaine, betaine anhydrous, or simply betaine.

[0094] [ka]

[0095] Trimethylglycine is an organic compound present in living organisms and can be obtained, for example, by extraction and purification from sugar beet molasses.

[0096] Trimethylglycine is also available as a commercially available product, and examples thereof include Amicort (trade name) from Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation and Betafin BP (trade name) from Ebisu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

[0097] The content of trimethylglycine in the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is 1% by mass to 20% by mass, more preferably 5% by mass to 20% by mass, and even more preferably 5% by mass to 15% by mass, relative to the total amount of the aqueous transparent gel composition, from the viewpoint of exerting a moisturizing effect.

[0098] -Polyhydric alcohol- The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain a polyhydric alcohol. Examples of polyhydric alcohols that can be used as moisturizing agents include glycerin, ethylhexylglycerin, ethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol (cosmetic ingredient name: BG), 1,2-butanediol, pentylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol; and polysaccharides such as reduced starch syrup, sucrose, erythritol, xylitol, glucose, galactose, sorbitol, maltotriose, and trehalose.

[0099] When the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a polyhydric alcohol, it may contain only one type of polyhydric alcohol, or may contain two or more types of polyhydric alcohol.

[0100] When the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a polyhydric alcohol, the content of the polyhydric alcohol in the aqueous gel composition is preferably 1% by mass to 10% by mass, more preferably 2% by mass to 8% by mass, and even more preferably 4% by mass to 8% by mass, relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

[0101] (Water-soluble organic solvent) The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain a water-soluble organic solvent as a water-soluble liquid component. As the water-soluble organic solvent, an alcohol-based solvent (specifically, a monohydric alcohol such as ethanol) can be used.

[0102] When the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure contains a water-soluble organic solvent, the content of the water-soluble organic solvent in the aqueous gel composition may be determined appropriately within a range that does not impair the effects achieved by the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure.

[0103] (Other added ingredients) The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may contain, as appropriate, additive components that are commonly used in cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and the like. Examples of additive components include functional components that exhibit useful beauty effects (such as skin conditioning effects) when used in cosmetics. Other additive ingredients include, for example, solubilizers such as polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene decyl tetradecyl ether (cosmetic ingredient name: PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-20), stabilizers such as isostearic acid, surfactants such as sodium stearoyl glutamate (cosmetic ingredient name: Na stearoyl glutamate), preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin, colorants, thickeners, pH adjusters such as sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, buffers, fragrances, antibacterial agents, ultraviolet absorbers, active oxygen scavengers, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and minerals. Furthermore, as other additive components, antioxidants other than the sulfite-based antioxidant (C) and the phenol-based antioxidant (D) (e.g., ascorbic acids) may be contained within a range that does not impair the effects of the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure.

[0104] [Uses of aqueous gel composition] Examples of uses of the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure include cosmetics (e.g., skin care cosmetics such as lotions and serums) and quasi-drugs, although the uses of the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is particularly preferably a cosmetic product because it provides a long-lasting moisturizing effect. That is, the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is preferably a cosmetic product, and more preferably a skin care cosmetic product.

[0105] [Method for producing aqueous gel composition] The method for producing the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited. The aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure can be obtained according to a known method for producing an aqueous gel composition using a specific gelling agent. One suitable method for producing the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure is a production method comprising mixing specific amounts of a specific gelling agent (A), a carotenoid (B), a sulfite-based antioxidant (C), a phenol-based antioxidant (D), and water (E) (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "mixing step"). An example of a suitable method for producing the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure will be described below, but explanations of matters common to the aqueous gel compositions already described, such as the components of the aqueous gel composition and their amounts, will be omitted.

[0106] [Mixing process] In the mixing step, a specific amount of a specific gelling agent (A) is mixed with a carotenoid (B), a sulfite-based antioxidant (C), a phenol-based antioxidant (D), and water (E). The order in which these components are mixed is not particularly limited. For example, specific amounts of the specific gelling agent (A), the carotenoid (B), the sulfite antioxidant (C), the phenolic antioxidant (D), and the water (E) may be mixed all at once. Alternatively, specific amounts of the specific gelling agent (A), the carotenoid (B), the sulfite antioxidant (C), and the phenolic antioxidant (D) may be added to the water (E) while stirring the water (E) and mixed. Alternatively, specific amounts of the specific gelling agent (A), the sulfite antioxidant (C), the phenolic antioxidant (D), and the water (E) may be mixed, and the carotenoid (C) may be added to the mixture obtained and mixed.

[0107] Even if air is mixed into the mixture during the mixing process, the decomposition of carotenoids due to oxygen in the air (specifically, dissolved oxygen) is suppressed in the final aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure. This reduces the need to consider air inclusion in the mixture during the mixing process.

[0108] The mixing means is not particularly limited, and any commercially available mixing means may be used. Examples of the mixing means include a stirrer, a paddle mixer, an impeller mixer, a homomixer, a disper mixer, an ultra mixer, a high-pressure homogenizer, an ultrasonic homogenizer, etc. Among these, the mixing means is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a homomixer and a disper mixer.

[0109] The temperature at which the components are mixed is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately. In general, it is preferably set at 4°C to 80°C, more preferably at 60°C to 80°C. The stirring conditions for mixing the components are not particularly limited as long as they can be sufficiently mixed, and can be set appropriately depending on the mixing means. For example, when a homomixer is used as the mixing means, the components can usually be stirred at 500 rpm (revolutions per minute; the same applies hereinafter) to 8000 rpm for 5 to 60 minutes.

[0110] The method for producing the aqueous gel composition of the present disclosure may include steps other than the mixing step (so-called other steps) as needed. Examples of other steps include a degassing step, a heat sterilization step, a cooling step, a removal step, etc. Methods known in the art may be applied to the degassing step, heat sterilization step, cooling step, removal step, etc. [Example]

[0111] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples as long as it does not depart from the gist of the invention.

[0112] [Preparation of aqueous composition] [ reference Example 1 The emulsion contained 1.70 parts by mass of a (PEG-240 / decyltetradeceth-20 / HDI) copolymer (trade name: ADEKA NOL GT-700, ADEKA Corporation) as a specific gelling agent (A), 0.05 parts by mass of sodium pyrosulfite as a sulfite-based antioxidant (C), 0.25 parts by mass of glucosyl rutin as a phenol-based antioxidant (D), 3 parts by mass of arbutin as a whitening agent, and PPG-6-decyltetradeceth-20 (trade name: NIKKOL® 0.5 parts by mass of SG-DTD620, Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.), 0.25 parts by mass of isostearic acid, 0.125 parts by mass of sodium stearoyl glutamate, 12 parts by mass of trimethylglycine (trade name: Aminocoat (registered trademark), Asahi Kasei Chemicals Finechem Co., Ltd.), 0.50 parts by mass of phenoxyethanol, 0.20 parts by mass of ethylhexylglycerin (trade name: Adekanol GE-RF, ADEKA Corporation), and an appropriate amount of pure water (E) were mixed, and an appropriate amount of 1 mol / L aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was added thereto to adjust the pH to 7.

[0113] The resulting mixture was heated to 60°C, stirred at 2000 rpm for 5 minutes using a homogenizer (model name: Homomixer HM-310, AS ONE Corporation), and then cooled to 40°C. Next, 0.264 parts by mass of an astaxanthin-containing emulsion composition as a carotenoid (B) prepared in advance by the method described below, and 6 parts by mass of a ceramide-containing dispersion composition prepared in advance by the method described below were added to the cooled mixture, and pure water (E) was further added so that the total amount became 100 parts by mass, and then the mixture was stirred at 2000 rpm for 20 minutes using a homogenizer (model name: Homomixer HM-310, AS ONE Corporation). Next, the stirred mixture was vacuum degassed, reference The aqueous composition of Example 1 was obtained.

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

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

[0116] The oil phase composition (oil phase) and the aqueous phase composition (aqueous phase) were micro-mixed in a ratio (mass ratio) of 1:7 using a collision-type KM type micromixer 100 / 100 to obtain a dispersion. The conditions for using the micromixer were as follows:

[0117] <Micro Mixer Usage Conditions> -Microchannel- Oil phase microchannel Cross-sectional shape / width / depth / length = Rectangular / 70μm / 100μm / 10mm Aqueous phase microchannel Cross-sectional shape / width / depth / length = Rectangular / 490μm / 100μm / 10mm -Flow rate- The aqueous phase is introduced into the outer ring at a flow rate of 21.0 ml / min., and the oil phase is introduced into the inner ring at a flow rate of 3.0 ml / min., and micromixed.

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

[0119] <Preparation of Astaxanthin-Containing Emulsion Composition> The following ingredients were heated at 70°C for 1 hour and dissolved to obtain aqueous phase composition 1. phase Composition of Composition 1 - Sucrose stearate (HLB=16): 3.1g Decaglyceryl monooleate (HLB=12): 6.4g Glycerin: 42.0g ·Pure water: 27.9g

[0120] The following ingredients were heated at 70°C for 1 hour and dissolved to obtain oil phase composition 1. -Composition of Oil Phase Composition 1- Krill extract: 14.3g (Product name: Astax-ST, contains 5% astaxanthin by mass, Marine Daioh Co., Ltd.) Mixed tocopherols: 4.4g (Product name: Riken E Oil 800, Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.) Lecithin: 1.9g (Product name: SLP Paste, Tsuji Oil Mills)

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

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

[0123] [ Reference Examples 2 to 3, Example 4 ~ Example 8 reference In the aqueous composition of Example 1, the components and their amounts were appropriately changed to obtain the composition shown in Table 1 below. reference As in Example 1, Reference Examples 2 to 3 and Example 4 The aqueous composition of Example 8 was obtained. When BHT was used as the phenolic antioxidant (D), a mixture of PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-20 in the amount shown in Table 1 and BHT in the amount shown in Table 1 was used. In Example 8, a lycopene-containing emulsion composition prepared in advance by the following method was used as the carotenoid (B).

[0124] <Preparation of lycopene-containing emulsion composition> The following components were heated and mixed in a thermostatic bath at 70°C while stirring to obtain aqueous phase composition 2. -Composition of aqueous phase composition 2- Decaglyceryl-10 Oleate: 8.0g (Product name: Decaglyn 1-OV, HLB=12.0, Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.) Sucrose stearate: 2.0g (Product name: Ryoto Sugar Ester S-1670, Mitsubishi Chemical Foods Corporation) Glycerin: 45.0g Pure water: up to 100g remaining

[0125] The following ingredients were mixed and heated on a hot plate at 150°C for 5 minutes with stirring to obtain oil phase composition 2. -Composition of Oil Phase Composition 2- Tomato oleoresin: 1.14g (Product name: Lyc-O-Mato (registered trademark) 15% (lycopene: 15% by mass), Sunbright Co., Ltd.) Lecithin: 1.0g (Product name: Rexion P, derived from soybeans, Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.) Medium-chain fatty acid glycerides: 12.8g (Product name: Coconard (registered trademark) MT, Kao Corporation)

[0126] The obtained aqueous phase composition 2 was added to oil phase composition 2 and mixed by stirring, and dispersed for a predetermined time using an ultrasonic homogenizer (model: US-150T, Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.) to obtain a crude emulsion. Next, the obtained crude emulsion was further subjected to high-pressure emulsification at a pressure of 200 MPa using an ultra-high-pressure emulsifier (model name: Ultimizer HJP-25005, Sugino Machine Co., Ltd.) to obtain a lycopene-containing emulsion composition (lycopene content: 0.17% by mass).

[0127] The obtained lycopene-containing emulsion composition was diluted with Milli-Q water to a concentration of 1% by mass, and the particle size of the dispersed particles was measured using a particle size analyzer (model: FPAR-1000, Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.), which was found to be 52 nm (median diameter (d50)).

[0128] [Comparative Examples 1 to 8] reference In the aqueous composition of Example 1, the components and their amounts were appropriately changed to obtain the composition shown in Table 2 below. reference In the same manner as in Example 1, aqueous compositions of Comparative Examples 1 to 8 were obtained. When BHT was used as the phenolic antioxidant (D), a mixture of PPG-6 decyltetradeceth-20 in the amount shown in Table 2 and BHT in the amount shown in Table 2 was used.

[0129] [Evaluation and Measurement] Reference Examples 1 to 3, Example 4 Using each of the aqueous compositions of Example 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8, the following evaluations and measurements were carried out. Regarding the results, Reference Examples 1 to 3, Example 4 The compositions of the aqueous compositions of Example 1 to Comparative Example 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 are shown in Tables 1 and 2. The unit of the amount of each component in Tables 1 and 2 is "% by mass," and the amount of water (E) is such that the total amount of each aqueous composition is 100% by mass. In Tables 1 and 2, "-" in the composition column indicates that the corresponding component is not blended.

[0130] 1. Hardness measurement Immediately after preparation, 100 g of each aqueous composition was placed in a glass container measuring 47 mm in diameter and 90 mm in height, capped, and stored at 25°C for 24 hours. The hardness of each aqueous composition after 24 hours of storage at 25°C was measured using a rheometer (model name: FUDOH REHOMETER, Rheotec Co., Ltd.). Specifically, for each aqueous composition, the peak stress measured when the tip of a 20 mm diameter adapter was inserted 20 mm into the container at a rate of 60 mm / min under a load of 2 kg at a measurement temperature of 25°C was taken as the measured hardness value (unit: g). Details of the measurement conditions are shown below.

[0131] <<Measurement conditions>> Adapter: No. 3 (diameter: 20 mm) Load capacity: 2kg Speed: 60mm / min Measurement temperature: 25℃ Unloaded basis: 0.1% Sampling interval: 0.02 seconds X-axis table travel distance: 20 mm (forced termination: 20 mm)

[0132] the result, Reference Examples 1 to 3, Example 4 The aqueous compositions of Example 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 all had measured hardness values ​​within the range of 10 g to 40 g, and were confirmed to be "gel-like" as defined in the present disclosure.

[0133] 2. Evaluation of moisturizing effect Each aqueous composition was evaluated for its lasting moisturizing effect. Immediately after preparation, each aqueous composition was used by five expert panelists specializing in cosmetic evaluation. Specifically, 0.1 g of each aqueous composition was spread on the inside of the forearm. Then, 12 hours after spreading, the panelists were asked to rate the presence or absence of a moist feeling remaining on the skin surface according to the following rating criteria. The scores from each expert panel were arithmetically averaged, and the resulting value was rounded to one decimal place to obtain the evaluation result of moisturizing feeling. If the evaluation result is a value of "1", it is determined that the aqueous composition has a long-lasting moisturizing effect, and if the evaluation result is a value of "2", it is determined that the aqueous composition does not have a long-lasting moisturizing effect.

[0134] ~Standards~ 1 point: A moist feeling remains on the surface of the skin 2 points: No moist feeling left on the surface of the skin

[0135] 3. Evaluation of storage stability of carotenoids The stability over time (i.e., storage stability) of the carotenoids (i.e., astaxanthin and lycopene) contained in each aqueous composition was evaluated. When the carotenoids contained in each aqueous composition decompose, the apparent color of the aqueous composition becomes lighter. Therefore, this change in apparent color was measured using the change in absorbance at a wavelength of 490 nm as an indicator to evaluate the stability of the carotenoids contained in the aqueous compositions over time. First, each aqueous composition immediately after preparation was packed into a glass base dish (AGC Technoglass Co., Ltd.), and the absorbance at 490 nm was measured. The absorbance obtained here was designated as "initial absorbance." The absorbance was measured using a Shimadzu Corporation ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (model: UV-2550) at a scan speed of medium and a slit width of 5 nm. A copper sulfate white plate was used as a reference during the measurement. The sample was placed in a reflection configuration during the measurement.

[0136] In addition, 9 ml of the aqueous composition immediately after preparation was weighed out and placed in a 10 ml glass bottle and sealed to prepare a storage sample (1) with a small amount of air in the container (i.e., air filling amount). The air content in the storage sample (1) was 11.1%. The storage sample (1) was stored in a thermostatic chamber with the temperature inside the chamber set at 40°C for one month. In addition, 5 ml of the aqueous composition immediately after preparation was weighed out and placed in a 10 ml glass bottle, which was then sealed to prepare a storage sample (2) with a large amount of air in the container (i.e., air filling amount). The air content of the storage sample (2) was 100%. The storage sample (2) was stored in a thermostatic chamber with the temperature inside the chamber set at 40°C for 8 weeks. After the storage period, the storage samples (1) and (2) were removed from the thermostatic bath, and the absorbance at 490 nm of the aqueous composition in the glass bottle was measured in the same manner as above. The absorbance obtained here is referred to as "absorbance over time."

[0137] From the initial absorbance and absorbance over time obtained as described above, the rate of change in absorbance (%) was calculated according to the following formula: Then, based on the calculated rate of change in absorbance (%), the stability over time (i.e., storage stability) of the carotenoid contained in the aqueous composition was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. Formula: Absorbance change rate (%) = [(initial absorbance - absorbance over time) / initial absorbance] x 100 The smaller the absorbance change rate (%), the better the storage stability of the carotenoid. It is preferable that the absorbance change rate (%) is less than 20%, that is, it is rated "A" to "D" according to the following evaluation criteria.

[0138] ~Evaluation Criteria~ A: The absorbance change rate is less than 10% B: The rate of change in absorbance is 10% or more but less than 12.5% C: The absorbance change rate is 12.5% ​​or more and less than 15% D: The rate of change in absorbance is 15% or more but less than 20% E: The absorbance change rate is 20% or more but less than 30% F: The rate of change in absorbance is 30% or more but less than 50% G: The absorbance change rate is 50% or more.

[0139] 4. Measurement of dissolved oxygen Immediately after preparation, each aqueous composition was placed in a glass container, capped, and stored at 23°C for 14 days. After storage at 23°C for 14 days, the amount of dissolved oxygen in each aqueous composition was measured using a Seven2Go® dissolved oxygen meter (Mettler-Toledo).

[0140] ~Evaluation Criteria~ A: The amount of dissolved oxygen is less than 2 ppm. B: Dissolved oxygen level is 2 ppm or more

[0141] 5. Odor Evaluation Immediately after preparation, 100 g of each aqueous composition was placed in a glass container having a diameter of 47 mm and a height of 90 mm, and stored with the cap on for 14 days at 40° C. After 14 days of storage at 40° C., the odor of each aqueous composition was rated by five expert panelists specializing in cosmetic evaluation according to the following rating criteria. The scores from each expert panel were arithmetically averaged, and the resulting value was rounded to one decimal place (i.e., the evaluation result value) to determine the odor evaluation result. If the evaluation result is a value of "1", the odor of the aqueous composition is judged as level "A", if the evaluation result is a value of "2", the odor of the aqueous composition is judged as level "B", and if the evaluation result is a value of "3", the odor of the aqueous composition is judged as level "C". Level "A" means that the odor is the least noticeable.

[0142] ~Grading criteria~ 1: No odor at all 2 points: Slight odor 3 points: Strong odor

[0143] [Table 1]

[0144] [Table 2]

[0145] Each component listed in Tables 1 and 2 will be described in detail below. Xanthan gum (product name: Nomcoat ZZ, Nisshin Oillio Co., Ltd.) Carbomer (trade name: Ultrez 30, Lubrizol Corporation) Sodium stearoyl glutamate (product name: Amisoft HS-11P, Ajinomoto Healthy Supply Co., Ltd.)

[0146] As shown in Table 1, the composition contains specific amounts of a specific gelling agent (A), a carotenoid (B), a sulfite-based antioxidant (C), a phenol-based antioxidant (D), and water (E). Reference Examples 1 to 3, Example 4 The aqueous compositions of Examples 1 to 8 were all confirmed to be "gel-like," and were therefore aqueous gel compositions. Also, Reference Examples 1 to 3, Example 4 The aqueous composition of Example 8 (i.e., aqueous gel composition) has a long-lasting moisturizing effect, and it is clear that the storage stability of the carotenoid is excellent both when stored with a large amount of air filling the container and when stored with a small amount of air filling. Furthermore, Reference Examples 1 to 3, Example 4 The aqueous composition of Example 8 (i.e., the aqueous gel composition) has a low amount of dissolved oxygen, and is therefore thought to have excellent storage stability of carotenoids even when stored in a container with a large amount of air inside.

[0147] As shown in Table 2, the aqueous composition of Comparative Example 1 does not contain an antioxidant, and therefore the storage stability of the carotenoid is low. Furthermore, as is clear from Comparative Examples 6 to 8, the aqueous compositions that do not use the specific gelling agent (A) are "gel-like," but do not provide a lasting moisturizing effect. Furthermore, in Comparative Examples 2 and 3, which used only the sulfite-based antioxidant (C) in addition to the specific gelling agent (A) and carotenoid (B), it was found that the storage stability of the carotenoid was poor when stored with a low air filling volume. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 4 and 5, which used only the phenolic antioxidant (D) in addition to the specific gelling agent (A) and carotenoid (B), it was found that the storage stability of the carotenoid was poor both when stored with a large amount of air filling the container and when stored with a small amount of air filling.

[0148] Based on the above, in addition to the specific gelling agent (A) and carotenoid (B), a sulfite-based antioxidant (C) and a phenol-based antioxidant (D) are used in combination. Reference Examples 1 to 3, Example 4 ~ Example It can be seen that when the aqueous gel composition has the constitution of 8, the storage stability of the carotenoid is high regardless of the amount of air in the container, and the moisturizing effect is excellent and lasts for a long time.

[0149] [Example 9] Cosmetics made from aqueous gel compositions having the compositions shown in Table 3 below were prepared by a conventional method (the total amount of the compositions shown in Table 3 below is 100% by mass).

[0150] [Table 3]

Claims

1. The present invention relates to an antioxidant composition comprising a compound represented by the following general formula (1), a carotenoid, a sulfite-based antioxidant, a phenol-based antioxidant, and water, the content of the compound represented by general formula (1) is 1% by mass to 3% by mass relative to the total amount of the aqueous gel composition; The phenolic antioxidant comprises (i) dibutylhydroxytoluene and (ii) at least one selected from the group consisting of glucosylrutin and ferulic acid. Aqueous gel composition. 【Chemistry 1】 In general formula (1), R １ are each independently R １１ -(O-R １２ )x- is a group represented by R １１ each independently represents a hydrocarbon group; R １２ each independently represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and x is an integer of 1 to 500. ２ R each independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a urethane bond. ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and R ３ If there are multiple R ３ may be the same or different, n is an integer from 1 to 500, and m is 1.

2. 2. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1, wherein the total content of the sulfite antioxidant and the phenolic antioxidant is 0.05% by mass or more based on the total amount of the aqueous gel composition.

3. 3. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1, wherein the content ratio of the phenolic antioxidant to the sulfite antioxidant is 0.1 to 20 by mass.

4. 4. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 1, wherein the sulfite antioxidant is an alkali metal salt of pyrosulfite.

5. 5. The aqueous gel composition according to claim 4, wherein the alkali metal salt of pyrosulfite is sodium pyrosulfite.

6. The carotenoid is at least one selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin and lycopene. The aqueous gel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is a seed.

7. The aqueous gel composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is a cosmetic.

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