Blackhead remover

Abstract

To provide a novel keratin plug removing agent enabling mitigation of load on the skin.SOLUTION: A keratin plug removing agent according to the present invention comprises arginine and Sasa veitchii extract, the agent having a pH of 9 or more. The keratin plug removing agent is preferably used so as to contain arginine at a concentration of 0.3 to 30 mass%. The keratin plug removing agent is preferably used so as to contain the Sasa veitchii extract at a concentration of 0.001 to 30 mass%.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a keratin plug remover using arginine and Kumazasa extract. [Background technology]

[0002] Keratin plugs are solidified pores formed when waste products such as sebum and keratin mix together, and are found in large numbers in pores in areas where sebum is secreted in large amounts, such as the tip of the nose and the nostrils. Keratin plugs are thought to cause blackheads, acne, and other skin problems, so removing them is important not only for cosmetic reasons but also for maintaining healthy skin.

[0003] However, because keratin plugs contain a lot of proteins derived from keratin and hair follicles in addition to the lipid sebum, they are difficult to remove with water, facial cleansers, or cleansing agents. For this reason, many technologies have been developed to remove keratin plugs.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet-type cosmetic product that effectively cleanses pores by attaching a fiber sheet impregnated with a sebum-soluble cleanser to the nose and then peeling it off. However, because the physical removal method also removes substances other than keratin plugs, there is a possibility that it may damage the skin.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a skin cleanser composition containing an organic acid such as lactic acid and an anionic surfactant and having a pH of 3 to 5, which can exert a keratin plug removal effect, but the cleansing power of the anionic surfactant only removes liquid sebum, desquamation, and some protruding keratin plugs present on the skin.

[0006] Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose a method for removing keratin plugs containing arginine, 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, and a surfactant, which are used as pH adjusters. However, if the amount of arginine and 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol is large, it is thought that the burden on the skin is large. In addition, if the amount of arginine is large, the odor becomes strong, which may cause discomfort during use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-12127 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-113307 [Patent Document 3] Re-tabled publication No. 2018 / 190302 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-89857 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Nobutomo Ikarashi et al., “Wound-Healing and Skin-Moisturizing Effects of Sasa veitchii Extract”, Healthcare 2021, 9, 761-773 [Non-patent document 2] Yoshimi Ichimaru et al., “Sasa veitchii extract induces anticancer effects via inhibition of cyclin D1 expression in MCF-7 cells”, Nagoya J. Med. Sci. 82. 509-518, 2020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel keratin plug remover that puts little strain on the skin, has little odor, and does not cause discomfort during use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The keratin plug remover of the present invention is characterized by containing arginine and Kumazasa extract and having a pH of 9 or higher.

[0011] The keratin plug remover of the present invention is preferably used so as to contain arginine at a concentration of 0.3 to 30% by mass.

[0012] The keratin plug remover of the present invention is preferably one intended for use so as to contain the Kumazasa extract at a concentration of 0.001 to 30% by mass.

[0013] It is preferable that the keratin plug remover of the present invention is used so as to contain arginine at a concentration of 0.5 to 6% by mass and Kumazasa extract at a concentration of 0.05 to 10% by mass, and that the ratio of arginine to Kumazasa extract is 0.01 to 120.

[0014] The keratin plug remover of the present invention may further contain a surfactant. The keratin plug remover of the present invention is preferably used as a cosmetic that dissolves and removes keratin plugs, and more preferably used as a facial cleanser. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, a novel keratin plug remover can be provided which is gentle on the skin, has a low odor, and does not cause discomfort during use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention provides a novel blackhead remover that contains arginine and bracken extract and has a pH of 9 or higher, which is gentle on the skin, has a low odor, and does not cause discomfort when used.

[0017] As used herein, the term "keratinous plug" refers to a substance that physiologically forms in the pores of human skin and blocks the pores in a plug-like manner. The main components of such keratinous plugs are proteins derived from the stratum corneum and hair follicles, and keratinous plugs are formed from a mixture of these main components with proteins including proteins derived from Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus, proteins derived from intracellular organelles such as lysosomes, and lipids including triglycerides, free fatty acids, and lipid peroxides.

[0018] In addition, in this specification, "keratin plug removal" refers to the effect of removing keratin plugs in pores by dissolving them. The effect of keratin plug removal (dissolution) can be confirmed schematically using conventionally known artificial keratin plugs and pore models, as in the experimental examples described below. Any commercially available artificial keratin plug can be used without particular limitations. A specific example is the artificial keratin plug used in the experimental examples described below, which is a mixture of keratin (50 wt%), tri(caprylic acid / capric acid / myristic acid / stearic acid)glyceryl (15 wt%), myristic acid (7.5 wt%), oleic acid (5 wt%), squalene (7.5 wt%), and microcrystalline wax (15.0 wt%), heated and then cooled. The pore model can also be any conventionally known pore-like model, such as a hemispherical resin model.

[0019] The keratin plug remover of the present invention comprises arginine as one of its active ingredients.Arginine can be used as commercially available L-arginine (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), L-arginine (manufactured by Nippon Rikagaku Co., Ltd.), L-arginine C grade (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Ltd.), L-arginine (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Ltd.), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0020] The keratin plug remover of the present invention contains Kumazasa extract as one of its active ingredients. Kumazasa (Sasa veitchii (Rehd.)) is a plant of the grass family, and its leaves have been used as a panacea since ancient times in Japan. Kumazasa is used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and infectious diseases, as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent, to purify the blood, eliminate bad breath and body odor, and for its anti-allergic properties (see Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). Kumazasa can be any commercially available product, such as Kumazasa Extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), Kumazasa Extract (Koei Kogyo Co., Ltd.), or Falcorex Kumazasa E (Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd.), but is of course not limited to these.

[0021] The Kumazasa extract can be obtained by a general extraction method, for example, by immersing or heating under reflux with an extraction solvent, followed by filtration and concentration.

[0022] Any solvent commonly used for extraction can be used as the extraction solvent for Kumazasa extract, including both polar and nonpolar solvents. Examples include water, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol, polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol and butylene glycol, ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, esters such as methyl acetate and ethyl acetate, linear and cyclic ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether, polyethers such as polyethylene glycol, hydrocarbons such as squalane, hexane, cyclohexane, and petroleum ether, and organic solvents such as supercritical carbon dioxide, pyridines, fats and oils, waxes, and other oils, as well as mixtures thereof. Preferred examples include water, alcohols, mixtures of alcohol and water, and hydrocarbons, with mixtures of alcohol and water and hydrocarbons being more preferred. Ethanol is preferred as the alcohol. Mixtures of these solvents may also be used. A 7:3 mixture of water and ethanol is particularly preferred.

[0023] The keratin plug remover of the present invention has a pH of 9 or more, preferably 9.5 or more. If the pH is less than 9, there is a risk that the keratin plug removal effect will not be sufficiently exhibited. There is no particular limitation on the upper limit of the pH of the keratin plug remover of the present invention, but from the viewpoint of safety to the skin and eyes, a pH of 12 or less is preferred. The composition used in the present invention may also contain a pH adjuster such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, or hydrochloric acid, as appropriate.

[0024] In the keratin plug remover of the present invention, the concentration of arginine is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the arginine is used so that it is contained in a concentration (solid content concentration) of 0.3-30 mass%, and more preferably it is used so that it is contained in a concentration (solid content concentration) of 0.5-6 mass%.If the arginine concentration in the keratin plug remover of the present invention is less than 0.3 mass%, it may not be able to fully remove keratin plugs.If the arginine concentration in the keratin plug remover of the present invention is more than 30 mass%, it may be too heavy on the skin and have a strong odor, which may cause discomfort when used.

[0025] In the keratin plug remover of the present invention, the concentration of the Kumazasa extract is not particularly limited, but when extracted using a 7:3 mixture of water and ethanol, it is preferable that the Kumazasa extract be used at a concentration (solid content concentration) of 0.001 to 30% by mass, and more preferably at a concentration (solid content concentration) of 0.05 to 10% by mass. If the Kumazasa extract concentration in the keratin plug remover of the present invention is less than 0.001% by mass, there is a risk that a sufficient keratin plug removal effect will not be achieved even when combined with arginine at a concentration that is neither too harsh on the skin nor has a strong odor.

[0026] The keratin plug remover of the present invention is preferably used so that it contains arginine at a concentration of 0.5 to 6% by mass and Kumazasa extract at a concentration of 0.05 to 10% by mass, with the ratio of arginine to Kumazasa extract being 0.01 to 120. Even more preferably, it is used so that it contains arginine at a concentration of 1 to 3% by mass and Kumazasa extract at a concentration of 0.5 to 5% by mass, with the ratio of arginine to Kumazasa extract being 0.1 to 9.

[0027] The keratin plug remover of the present invention can be a composition containing arginine and Kumazasa extract as is, or may further contain a surfactant. In Experimental Example 3 described below, it was experimentally confirmed that the keratin plug removal effect of the present invention is not impaired even when a surfactant is further contained. Furthermore, the composition used in the present invention can be used without any particular restrictions as cosmetics, quasi-drugs, pharmaceuticals, etc. In particular, from the viewpoint of fully enjoying the excellent keratin plug removal effect, it can be used as a keratin plug removal composition or keratin plug remover, and is particularly suitable for use as a keratin plug removal skin cosmetic for removing keratin plugs. The application site of the composition of the present invention is preferably the skin of the body, more preferably the skin of the face, neck, limbs, or trunk, etc., excluding the scalp, even more preferably the pore areas on these skin, and even more preferably the pore areas on the skin from the forehead to the tip of the nose. The composition can be applied to these desired sites, and after a certain period of time, the composition remaining on the application site can be washed off with water or wiped off with a wipe such as tissue, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric, preferably by rinsing off with water.

[0028] The formulation of the keratin plug remover of the present invention is not particularly limited, and is preferably in the form of foam, liquid, paste, cream, etc., with foam and liquid being more preferred from the viewpoint of improving penetration into keratin plugs. The composition used in the present invention can be suitably used as hair cosmetics such as shampoo, rinse, and conditioner, as well as skin cosmetics such as facial cleansers, cleansing cosmetics, body washes, scalp cleansers, lotions, emulsions, creams, serums, sunscreen cosmetics, packs, and massage cosmetics. Among these, it is preferred to use it as a skin cleanser such as a facial cleanser, cleansing cosmetics, body washes, and scalp cleansers. The formulation of the keratin plug remover of the present invention is more preferably one used as a facial cleanser, and its use as a facial cleanser has the effect of dissolving and removing keratin plugs from the skin. The keratin plug remover of the present invention may also be used in combination with suitable conventionally known moisturizers, preservatives, thickeners, etc., within a range that does not inhibit the effects of the present invention. The use form of the composition used in the present invention can be appropriately selected depending on the application site, etc. For example, when the composition of the present invention is in the form of a liquid, paste, cream, or the like, the composition may be directly applied to the application site. 2 , more preferably 0.1 to 1 mL / cm 2 After applying the composition to the application site in an amount of 100 mg / mL, the application site is massaged for typically 10 seconds to 10 minutes, preferably 15 seconds to 5 minutes, more preferably 30 seconds to 4 minutes, and even more preferably 1 to 3 minutes. The composition remaining on the application site is then rinsed off with water or wiped off with a wiper such as tissue, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric, preferably rinsed off with water. Furthermore, for example, when the composition used in the present invention is in liquid form, it can also be impregnated into a sheet such as a nonwoven fabric or woven fabric and used as a sheet-type cleanser. Specifically, the sheet-type cleanser impregnated with the composition is left on the application site for typically 1 minute to 30 minutes, preferably 5 minutes to 20 minutes, and even more preferably 10 minutes to 15 minutes, after which the sheet-type cleanser is peeled off. The composition remaining on the application site is then rinsed off with water or wiped off with a wiper such as tissue, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric, preferably rinsed off with water.

[0029] Furthermore, when the composition used in the present invention is formulated as a foam, for example, the liquid composition can be filled into a foam-dispensing container and dispensed from the container onto the application site at the time of use, in the same manner as when the composition is applied after dispensing. Such a foam formulation is suitable for massaging the application site. The composition used in the present invention may also be filled into a spray container or a high-pressure washer and sprayed from the nozzle at the time of use. In this case, the application site is sprayed and washed for typically 10 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably 15 seconds to 3 minutes, and more preferably 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Next, any composition remaining on the application site is washed off with water or wiped off with a wiper such as tissue, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric, preferably with water.

[0030] The present invention will be explained in more detail below by way of experimental examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0031] <Experimental Example 1: Evaluation of keratin plug removal (dissolution) ability> The samples shown in Table 1 were prepared (each value is in parts by mass, the remainder was adjusted with water). L-arginine (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as arginine. Kumazasa extract was extracted from Kumazasa using a 7:3 mixture of water and ethanol.

[0032] [Table 1]

[0033] (Test to confirm effectiveness in removing (dissolving) blackheads) Keratin (50 wt%), tri(caprylic / capric / myristic / stearic)glyceryl (15 wt%), myristic acid (7.5 wt%), oleic acid (5 wt%), squalene (7.5 wt%), and microcrystalline wax (15.0 wt%) were heated and mixed, then cooled and used as artificial keratin plugs.

[0034] The artificial keratin plug was placed on a glass plate (1.5 x 1.5 cm 2 ) at 20-25mg / cm 2After application, 130 to 150 μL of each sample was dropped and left to stand for 2 minutes. After that, the keratin plugs were washed with running water at 40°C for 10 seconds and the state of the keratin plugs was observed. The area of ​​the model keratin plugs before and after washing and the area of ​​the model keratin plugs remaining after washing were calculated using the following formula: Blackhead removal rate (%) = (1 - (area of ​​model blackheads after washing (mm 2 ) / Area of ​​model keratin plug before washing (mm 2 )))×100 The keratin plug removal rate was calculated based on the following evaluation criteria: 0: Less than 10% of blackheads removed 1: Blackhead removal rate: 10% or more, less than 25% 2: Blackhead removal rate: 25% or more, less than 45% 3: Blackhead removal rate: 45% or more, less than 65% 4: Blackhead removal rate: 65% or more, less than 85% 5: Corner plug removal rate of 85% or more A score of 3 or higher was evaluated as having a keratinocyte dissolving effect.

[0035] The results are shown in Table 2.

[0036] [Table 2]

[0037] Sample A1 demonstrated a keratin plug removal effect, while samples A2, A3, A4, and A5 did not. Samples A6 and A7, which used Kumazasa extract alone, also did not dissolve keratin plugs. Samples A8, A9, A10, A11, and A12, which contained Kumazasa extract in a 6% arginine aqueous solution, were confirmed to be effective in removing keratin plugs, with the ratio of arginine to Kumazasa extract ranging from 0.6 to 120. Sample A13 was not effective in removing keratin plugs. Samples A14, A15, and A16, which contained Kumazasa extract in a 3% arginine solution, were confirmed to be effective in removing keratin plugs, with the ratio of arginine to Kumazasa extract ranging from 0.3 to 6. Sample A17 was not effective in removing keratin plugs. Samples A18, A19, A20, and A21, which contained Kumazasa extract in a 1% arginine solution, were confirmed to be effective in removing keratin plugs, with the ratio of arginine to Kumazasa extract being 0.1 to 2. Samples A22 and A23 were not effective in removing keratin plugs. Furthermore, samples A24, A25, A26, and A27, which contained Kumazasa extract in a 0.5% arginine solution, were confirmed to be effective in removing keratin plugs, with the ratio of arginine to Kumazasa extract being 0.05 to 1. Sample A28 was not effective in removing keratin plugs.

[0038] <Experimental Example 2: Effect of pH on keratin plug removal (dissolution) ability> To evaluate the effect of pH change on the keratin plug removal effect, samples adjusted to each pH shown in Table 3 were prepared (each value is in parts by mass, the remainder was adjusted with water). As in Experimental Example 1, L-arginine (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as arginine, and Kumazasa extract extracted from Kumazasa using a 7:3 mixture of water and ethanol was used. In addition, triethanolamine (manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich Japan LLC) was used as the 20% triethanolamine solution, and citric acid (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as the 20% citric acid solution.

[0039] [Table 3]

[0040] The results of a test to confirm the effectiveness of removing keratotic plugs, as in Experimental Example 1, are shown in Table 4.

[0041] [Table 4]

[0042] Samples B1, B2, and B3, whose pH was adjusted to 9 to 11, showed the same effect of removing keratin plugs as sample A20 in Table 2, but samples B4 and B5, whose pH was adjusted to 7.0 or 8.5, did not show any effect of removing keratin plugs.

[0043] <Experimental Example 3: Effect of surfactants on keratin plug removal (dissolution) ability> To evaluate the effect of various surfactants on the keratin plug removal effect, the samples shown in Table 5 below were prepared (each value is in parts by mass, the remainder was adjusted with water). As in Experimental Example 1, L-arginine (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as arginine. Kumazasa extract was extracted from Kumazasa using a 7:3 mixture of water and ethanol. Furthermore, polyglyceryl-4 lauryl ether was used as Sunether L-4 (manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.), cetrimonium chloride was used as Coatamine 60W (manufactured by Kao Corporation), coconut fatty acid arginine was used as Aminosoap AR-12 (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), and sodium cocoamphoacetate was used as Nikkol AM-101 (manufactured by Nippon Surfactant Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0044] [Table 5]

[0045] The results of a test to confirm the effectiveness of removing keratotic plugs, as in Experimental Example 1, are shown in Table 6.

[0046] [Table 6]

[0047] No keratinocyte dissolving effect was observed in Sample C1 (polyglyceryl-4 lauryl ether), Sample C2 (cetrimonium chloride), Sample C3 (coconut fatty acid arginine), or Sample C4 (sodium cocoamphoacetate). Furthermore, Samples C5, C6, C7, and C8, which combine arginine and Kumazasa extract with various surfactants, did not inhibit the keratinocyte dissolving effect and exhibited an effect similar to that of Sample A20 in Table 2.

[0048] <Experimental Example 4: Evaluation of keratin plug cleansing power using a keratin plug pore model> The samples shown in Table 7 were prepared (each value is mass %). As in Experimental Example 1, L-arginine (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as arginine. Kumazasa extract was extracted from Kumazasa using a 7:3 mixture of water and ethanol. In addition, the surfactant used was polyglyceryl-4 lauryl ether, the moisturizers were maltitol solution, concentrated glycerin, and 1,3-butylene glycol, the preservative used was phenoxyethanol, and the thickeners were hydroxyethyl cellulose and carboxyvinyl polymer.

[0049] [Table 7]

[0050] The same artificial keratin plugs as those used in Experimental Example 1 were placed in a hemispherical model (2.5 × 2.0 cm) made of urethane resin that mimicked pores. 2 ) at 10-15mg / cm 2 The composition was applied to a skin surface, which was used as a keratin plug pore model. 25 μL of each sample adjusted to each concentration was dropped onto the keratin plug pore model, and the model was washed for 30 seconds. After washing, the model was washed with running water at 40°C for 10 seconds, and the state of the keratin plug was observed. The area of ​​the remaining artificial keratin plug was calculated by image analysis, and the dissolution rate was calculated. The evaluation was performed according to the same criteria as in Experimental Example 1. In addition, the odor of the composition was evaluated by having five panelists take 3 g of the composition in the palm of their hand and evaluate whether the odor was bothersome, and based on the results, the following criteria were used: 0: I don't mind 1: There is a smell, but it is weak 2: Slightly smelly 3:Unpleasant odor in, A: 4 or more people answered "I don't mind" B: 3 people answered "I don't mind" C: 2 people answered "I don't mind" D: Less than one person answered "I don't mind" The odor was evaluated as follows. The odor rating was preferably "C or higher," more preferably "B," and even more preferably "A." The results are shown in Table 8.

[0051] [Table 8]

[0052] Sample D1, which contained 6% arginine, showed a strong cleansing effect but had a strong odor. Sample D2, which contained 3% arginine, had a weak cleansing effect on keratin plugs and also had an improved odor compared to sample D1. Sample D3, which contained 3% arginine and 1% Kumazasa extract, had a better cleansing effect on keratin plugs than sample D2 and also had an improved odor compared to sample D1. Furthermore, samples D4 and D5, which contained 1% arginine and 0.5% or 1% Kumazasa extract, had a better cleansing effect on keratin plugs than sample D2 and also had an improved odor compared to samples D1 and D3.

[0053] The results of the above experiments confirmed that the combination of arginine and Kumazasa extract dissolves and removes keratin plugs. Furthermore, the combination of arginine and Kumazasa extract dissolves keratin plugs in pores, improving their cleansing properties. Furthermore, even when arginine was added at a low concentration, its functionality was not impaired and odor was improved.

Claims

1. A keratin plug remover containing arginine and a Kumazasa extract and having a pH of 9 or higher, The keratin plug remover is used so as to contain arginine at a concentration of 1 to 3% by mass and Kumazasa extract at a concentration of 0.5 to 5% by mass, and the ratio of arginine to Kumazasa extract is 0.1 to 9.

2. The keratin plug remover according to claim 1 , further comprising a surfactant.

3. 2. The keratin plug remover according to claim 1, which is used as a cosmetic material for dissolving and removing keratin plugs.

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