Activating agent and skin condition improving agent

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a novel activator and skin condition improving agent. The present invention solves the above problem by providing an anionic biosurfactant-containing activator and an anionic biosurfactant-containing activator and a skin condition improving agent.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an activating agent containing an anionic biosurfactant and a skin condition improving agent containing an anionic biosurfactant. Furthermore, it relates to cosmetics or quasi-drugs using the activating agent. [Background technology]

[0002] Human skin is subjected to many irritations, including ultraviolet rays, air pollution, and makeup. To combat these irritations, topical skin preparations, which are cosmetics and quasi-drugs, generally contain active ingredients, such as moisturizing ingredients, emollient ingredients, astringent ingredients, keratin-softening ingredients, whitening ingredients, anti-inflammatory ingredients, UV-protective ingredients, antioxidant ingredients, cell-activating ingredients, and blood-circulation-promoting ingredients, depending on their specific purpose, to achieve effects such as moisturizing, preventing rough skin, preventing blemishes and freckles, tightening the skin, reducing inflammation, promoting blood circulation, and preventing age-related skin deterioration.

[0003] As an example of cosmetics and quasi-drugs containing such physiologically active ingredients, Patent Document 1 describes a topical skin composition containing monk fruit extract and sophorolipid that has fibroblast-activating and collagen-synthesizing effects, as well as skin-improving and UV-protective effects.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes that mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) suppresses the formation of skin melanin cells, improves the overall skin tone, makes the skin clearer, and provides a whitening effect that improves and brightens the skin's dark complexion.

[0005] On the other hand, compositions containing anionic surfactants have been used as cleansing agents that have cleansing power while also having a good feel on the skin. For example, Patent Document 3 describes a skin cleansing agent composition containing an anionic surfactant such as acyl isethionic acid and its salts, alkyl sulfates or polyoxyethylene alkyl sulfates, 2-ethylhexylglyceryl ether, and a specific amount of water, which has excellent foaming power and cleansing power when diluted, removes many dead skin cells, leaves the skin smooth after washing, and allows makeup applied to the skin after washing to adhere well. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-106733 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. "JP 2019-526602" [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-124214 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In the circumstances described above, the present embodiment aims to provide a novel activating agent and a skin condition improving agent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present inventors, after conducting various studies to achieve the above objectives, discovered that anionic biosurfactants possess good activating ability and are useful as cell activators, thus completing the present invention. Furthermore, as stated in Patent Document 1, surfactants in detergents are external stressors, and many conventional anionic surfactants, such as those described in Patent Document 3, are compounds that are irritating to the skin. However, the present inventors discovered that the above-mentioned anionic biosurfactant has low skin irritancy, good foam retention, and can be suitably used in products applied to human skin, such as cosmetics and quasi-drugs. Moreover, they discovered that the anionic biosurfactant can be suitably used as various skin condition improving agents. That is, one aspect of the present invention relates to an activating agent containing an anionic biosurfactant, a skin condition improving agent containing an anionic biosurfactant, and cosmetics and quasi-drugs containing the activating agent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, novel activating agents and skin condition improving agents can be provided. For example, an activating agent that is useful as a cell activator, has low skin irritation, and also has good foam retention, various skin condition improving agents, and cosmetics and quasi-drugs containing the activating agent can be provided. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [1. Activating agent] An activator according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by containing an anionic biosurfactant.

[0011] In this specification, "activation" refers to the maintenance or enhancement of cellular function or activity. "Activating agent" refers to a substance that has activating properties and, as a result, can suppress the decline of cellular function or activity. Therefore, "activating agent" is synonymous with "cell activator."

[0012] In this specification, "anionic biosurfactant" refers to a biosurfactant that exhibits anionic properties. In this specification, "anionic" refers to a property in which a hydrophilic group ionizes in water and becomes negatively charged. For a compound to be anionic, it must have an acidic functional group such as a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, or a sulfate ester group. Therefore, an anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention can be said to be a biosurfactant having an acidic functional group. Furthermore, in this specification, "biosurfactant" is a general term for substances (compounds) that have surfactant and / or emulsifying properties and are produced (biosynthesized) by living organisms (e.g., microorganisms).

[0013] The anionic biosurfactant contained in the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is anionic and has surfactant and / or emulsifying properties produced by living organisms, but examples include biosurfactants having a glycolipid structure, biosurfactants having an amino acid structure, biosurfactants having an organic acid structure, and biosurfactants having a polymer structure. The activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain only one of the above-mentioned anionic biosurfactants, or it may contain two or more.

[0014] Examples of biosurfactants having a glycolipid structure that may be included in the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention include succinoyl trehalose lipids (hereinafter sometimes referred to as STLs) and sophorolipids.

[0015] As the anionic biosurfactant contained in the activator according to an embodiment of the present invention, from the viewpoints of foaming persistence and low skin irritation, it is preferably a biosurfactant produced by microorganisms, more preferably a biosurfactant having a glycolipid structure, and even more preferably succinoyl trehalose lipid. In other words, the activator according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably contains an anionic biosurfactant containing a biosurfactant produced by microorganisms, more preferably contains an anionic biosurfactant containing a biosurfactant having a glycolipid structure, and even more preferably contains an anionic biosurfactant containing succinoyl trehalose lipid.

[0016] As the succinoyl trehalose lipid that the activator according to an embodiment of the present invention may contain, Rhodococcus erythropolis SD-74 strain can be obtained by aerobic culture in a medium containing a carbon source such as fatty acid or vegetable oil, or Rhodococcus sp. TB-42 strain can be obtained by aerobic culture in a medium containing a carbon source such as unsaturated hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon. Incidentally, Rhodococcus erythropolis SD-74 strain has been deposited with the Patent Microorganisms Depositary, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (address: Room 122, 2-5-8 Kazusa Kamashima, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, postal code 292-081), under the accession number: NITE BP-03788 (date of deposit: December 1, 2022).

[0017] The succinoyl trehalose lipid obtained by culturing microorganisms in a medium containing a carbon source is a glycolipid in which the sugar moiety is trehalose, and 1 to 2 moles of succinic acid and fatty acid are ester-bonded per mole of trehalose. The fatty acid moiety of this glycolipid is derived from the carbon source that is the culture substrate, and different fatty acids can be bonded by changing the composition of the carbon source.

[0018] As the succinoyl trehalose lipid that the activating agent according to an embodiment of the present invention may contain, for example, a compound having the structure of the following general formula 1 may be used.

[0019]

Chemical formula

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aliphatic hydrocarbon groups that are the substituents R1 and R2 in the general formula 1 may each independently be linear or branched, and from the viewpoint of the assimilability of the raw material carbon source, it is preferably linear.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aliphatic hydrocarbon groups that are the substituents R1 and R2 in the general formula 1 may each independently be an alkyl group having 5 or more and 30 or less carbon atoms. As the alkyl group, 8 or more carbon atoms are preferable, 10 or more carbon atoms are more preferable, and 12 or more carbon atoms are even more preferable. Also, 25 or less carbon atoms are preferable, 22 or less carbon atoms are more preferable, and 20 or less carbon atoms are even more preferable.

[0022] The succinoyl trehalose lipid having the structure of the general formula 1 can be obtained, for example, by aerobically culturing Rhodococcus erythropolis SD-74 strain in a medium containing a carbon source such as fatty acids or vegetable oils and fats, or by aerobically culturing Rhodococcus sp. TB-42 strain in a medium containing a carbon source such as unsaturated hydrocarbons or halogenated hydrocarbons.

[0023] When producing succinoyl trehalose lipids by culturing microorganisms in a culture medium containing a carbon source containing alkylene oxide, the resulting succinoyl trehalose lipids may contain structural units derived from alkylene oxide adducts in substituents R1 and / or R2. In the succinoyl trehalose lipid according to one embodiment of the present invention, from the viewpoint of maintaining the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance of the overall molecular structure, it is preferable that the content of structural units derived from alkylene oxide adducts is low. Specifically, the content of structural units derived from alkylene oxide adducts in substituents R1 and R2 in the general formula 1 is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or less, and may even be 0 parts by mass.

[0024] The content of the anionic biosurfactant in 100 parts by mass of the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is preferably 95 parts by mass or more, more preferably 98 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 99 parts by mass or more, and may be 100 parts by mass, from the viewpoint of maintaining high purity and exhibiting stable performance (e.g., activating effect).

[0025] The activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized not only by its activating effect, but also by its low skin irritation and good foam retention. The skin irritation and foam retention of the activating agent can be measured and evaluated by the method described in the examples.

[0026] The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the activator according to one embodiment of the present invention is 1000 × 10¹⁶, from the viewpoint of its surfactant activity when used as a cleaning agent. -6 It is preferable that it be M or less, 500 × 10 -6 It is more preferable that it be M or less, 200 × 10 -6 It is even more preferable that the concentration is M or less. The critical micelle concentration of the activator can be measured by the method described in the examples.

[0027] The activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably has a 50% cell proliferation inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 100 ppm or more, and more preferably 300 ppm or more. A higher IC50 of the activating agent indicates lower cytotoxicity. The IC50 of the activating agent can be measured by the method described in the examples.

[0028] Furthermore, the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain a solvent in addition to the anionic biosurfactant. In other words, the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in the form of a solution in which the anionic biosurfactant is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent that the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve the anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention, and examples include water, 1,3-butylene glycol, ethanol, acetone, methanol, etc. Among these, water or 1,3-butylene glycol is preferred from the viewpoint of use as a cosmetic raw material.

[0029] When the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a solvent, the solvent content (concentration) is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be 0.1 to 50% by weight of 100% by mass of the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The activator according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain other additives in addition to the anionic biosurfactant and solvent.

[0031] Other additives that may be included in the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention include, for example, oils and fats, waxes, mineral oils, fatty acids, alcohols, esters, metal soaps, gums and water-soluble polymer compounds, vitamins, amino acids, whitening agents, moisturizers, hair growth agents, α-hydroxy acids, inorganic pigments, ultraviolet absorbers, astringents, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, disinfectants, fragrances, pigments and colorants, hormones, metal ion sequestering agents, pH adjusters, chelating agents, preservatives and antibacterial agents, cooling agents, stabilizers, animal and plant proteins and their degradation products, animal and plant polysaccharides and their degradation products, animal and plant glycoproteins and their degradation products, blood flow promoters, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents, cell activators, keratolytic agents, wound healing agents, foaming agents, thickeners, oral preparations, deodorizers, and more.

[0032] <Method for manufacturing the activator> A method for producing an activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a culture step of culturing microorganisms in a culture medium containing a carbon source; a precipitation step of precipitating the product obtained in the culture step; an extraction step of extracting an extract containing an anionic biosurfactant (e.g., an STL composition) from the precipitate obtained in the precipitation step; and a lipid-soluble substance removal step of removing lipid-soluble substances from the extract obtained in the extraction step. The above production method will be described in detail below.

[0033] (Culture process) In the culture process, the step of culturing microorganisms in a culture medium containing a carbon source is carried out according to conventional methods. To the culture medium containing the carbon source, nutrients such as nitrogen sources and inorganic salts may be added as needed.

[0034] The "microorganisms" used in the culture process are not particularly limited as long as they can produce anionic biosurfactants, but are preferably microorganisms belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, and are more preferably Rhodococcus erythropolis strain SD-74, Rhodococcus sp. strain TB-42, or Rhodococcus baikonulensis strain NBRC 100611, as they can produce succinoyl trehalose lipids.

[0035] The "carbon source" in the culture process is preferably a carbon compound that the microorganisms utilize during culture, and is particularly preferably a natural oil, hydrocarbon, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, or higher alcohol. Here, the carbon compound is intended to be a compound of carbon with hydrogen and nitrogen, etc. The carbon source used in the culture process may be, for example, a natural oil, and may be either an animal oil or a vegetable oil, but is preferably a vegetable oil because it is more readily available. The vegetable oil used in the culture process is preferably, but not limited to, palm oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, olive oil, safflower oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, tall oil, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, hydrocarbons can be used as a carbon source in the cultivation process. Suitable hydrocarbons to be used as a carbon source include normal alkanes such as n-decane, n-undecane, n-tridecane, n-tetradecane, n-pentadecane, n-hexadecane, n-heptadecane, n-octadecane, and n-nonadecane; and normal alkenes such as 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tridecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-pentadecane, 1-hexadecane, 1-heptadecane, and 1-octadecene.

[0037] As hydrocarbons used as carbon sources, n-tridecane, n-tetradecane, n-pentadecane, n-hexadecane, or n-heptadecane are preferred from the viewpoint of improving the growth rate of the above-mentioned microorganisms and the productivity of the anionic biosurfactant, with n-tetradecane, n-pentadecane, or n-hexadecane being more preferred, and n-tetradecane being particularly preferred because it can improve various physiological functions of the resulting anionic biosurfactant (e.g., skin barrier properties, moisturizing properties, improvement of skin elasticity, inhibition of melanin production, etc.).

[0038] Fatty acids can also be used as a carbon source in the cultivation process. Suitable fatty acids to use as a carbon source include decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), and oleic acid. In addition, higher alcohols such as fatty acid esters, undecyl alcohol, and dodecyl alcohol (lauryl alcohol) may also be used as a carbon source.

[0039] As fatty acids used as carbon sources, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), and heptadecanoic acid are preferred from the viewpoint of improving the growth rate of the above-mentioned microorganisms and the productivity of anionic biosurfactants. Tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid) is particularly preferred over tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), pentadecanoic acid, and hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), as it can improve various physiological functions of the resulting anionic biosurfactants (e.g., skin barrier properties, moisturizing properties, improvement of skin elasticity, inhibition of melanin production, etc.).

[0040] The carbon sources described above are preferably used as carbon sources added to the culture medium. The concentration of the carbon source added to the culture medium is preferably 5 to 20% by mass, and more preferably 10% by mass. In addition to the carbon source, it is preferable to add a nitrogen source to the culture medium used in the cultivation process. As nitrogen sources added to the culture medium, nitrogen-containing organic or inorganic substances that are normally used in the cultivation of microorganisms can be used, such as sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc. In addition to the above, nutrients such as yeast extract and peptone may be added to the culture medium if necessary for the growth of microorganisms.

[0041] In the culture process, it is preferable to culture the microorganisms under aerobic conditions by shaking and stirring. The culture temperature is preferably 20 to 35°C, and more preferably 30°C. The culture pH is preferably 5.5 to 9.5. Furthermore, the culture period is preferably until a mixture containing an anionic biosurfactant (e.g., succinoyl trehalose lipid) at a concentration of 15 to 150 g / L is produced. In the examples described later, the succinoyl trehalose lipid concentration reached 25 g / L after 332 hours of culture, so it is preferable to culture for 199 to 664 hours.

[0042] In the culture process, the above microorganisms may be seed-cultured before the main culture. By seed-cultured microorganisms, it is possible to adjust the microorganisms to optimal conditions, and as a result, succinoyl trehalose lipids can be produced efficiently.

[0043] (Precipitation process) The precipitation step is a step of precipitating the product containing anionic biosurfactants (for example, products containing STLs) produced by microorganisms in the culture step described above. In other words, precipitation is performed on a culture medium or culture solution containing anionic biosurfactants produced by microorganisms in the culture medium. At this time, the culture medium or culture solution to be precipitated may be obtained by centrifuging the culture solution in which microorganisms were cultured to remove the microbial cells and residual substrate from the culture solution. Here, "precipitate" means to extract the substance dissolved in the culture medium as a solid. That is, in the precipitation step according to one embodiment of the present invention, anionic biosurfactants such as glycolipids produced by microorganisms in the culture medium during the culture step can be extracted from the culture medium as a solid.

[0044] In the precipitation step, the method for precipitating the product containing the anionic biosurfactant is not particularly limited as long as it can separate the product containing the anionic biosurfactant as a solid from the culture medium, and conventional methods can be used. For example, in the culture step described above, the culture medium in which the microorganisms were cultured can be made acidic, and the acidic substances in the medium can be precipitated to precipitate the product containing the acidic anionic biosurfactant (acid precipitation). Specifically, by lowering the pH of the culture medium (the target substance), the product containing the anionic biosurfactant can be precipitated. To lower the pH of the culture medium, an acidic substance, such as HCl, can be added. After that, the precipitated product can be removed by, for example, centrifugation. Hereinafter, the product obtained through the precipitation step will be referred to as the "precipitated product".

[0045] (extraction process) The extraction process involves extracting the STL composition from the precipitated product. In the extraction process, a solvent that is immiscible with water and in which anionic biosurfactants, particularly glycolipids, are soluble is added to the precipitated product, thereby dissolving the anionic biosurfactants contained in the precipitated product into the solvent layer. Then, by separating the solvent layer in which the anionic biosurfactants have been dissolved, an anionic biosurfactant composition can be obtained from which water-soluble substances have been removed. Note that "water-soluble substances" are substances that are soluble in water, and can be said to be water-soluble impurities such as salts that are contained together with water in the solid precipitated product from the culture medium. Here, "salt" is a compound in which the hydrogen atoms of an acid are replaced with a metal or other metallic group.

[0046] The precipitated product obtained from the culture medium in which microorganisms were cultured contains water and many water-soluble impurities. Such precipitated products also contain lipid-soluble impurities and, being solid, it was difficult to sufficiently remove the water-soluble substances contained within the precipitate by washing it with water. However, by performing an extraction process using a solvent that is immiscible with water and in which the anionic biosurfactant is soluble, an anionic biosurfactant composition from which water-soluble substances have been sufficiently removed can be obtained.

[0047] In the extraction process, it is not necessary to completely remove water-soluble substances from the precipitate product, which is the target of extraction, by adding a solvent. It is sufficient that the amount of water-soluble substances in the precipitate product decreases before and after the extraction process. This makes it possible to obtain an anionic biosurfactant composition with reduced impurity content.

[0048] In the extraction process, the solvent added to the precipitated product can be a solvent that is immiscible with other solvents capable of dissolving water-soluble substances (e.g., water) and in which the anionic biosurfactant is soluble. Examples of such solvents include ester-based solvents, alcohol-based solvents, or hydrocarbon-based solvents, specifically ethyl acetate, 1-butanol, and xylene. The amount of solvent added to the precipitated product is preferably 0.1 to 10 times the mass of the precipitated product, and more preferably equal to the mass of the precipitated product.

[0049] The extraction process will be explained using ethyl acetate as the solvent as an example. First, the culture product is precipitated from the culture medium. Ethyl acetate, the solvent, is added to the precipitated product, and the solution containing the precipitated product is thoroughly stirred to separate it into two layers: an ethyl acetate layer and an aqueous layer. Next, the ethyl acetate layer formed on top is separated using a separatory funnel or the like. Since the ethyl acetate layer does not contain water-soluble substances but contains dissolved anionic biosurfactant, it is possible to remove water-soluble substances from the precipitated product by separating the ethyl acetate layer. Then, by removing ethyl acetate from the ethyl acetate layer, for example using an evaporator, a solid anionic biosurfactant composition from which water-soluble substances have been removed can be obtained.

[0050] The above explanation describes the case where the precipitation and extraction steps are performed sequentially, but this is not necessarily the only option. For example, it is also possible to obtain an anionic biosurfactant composition from which water-soluble substances have been removed by adding a solvent to the culture medium or culture medium in which the product has dissolved, and separating the solvent layer, without precipitating the culture product from the culture medium or culture solution. In this case, the substance from which water-soluble substances are removed using a solvent may be obtained by removing the bacterial cells and residual substrate from the culture medium in which microorganisms have been cultured by centrifugation or the like. In other words, the substance from which water-soluble substances are removed using a solvent in the extraction step may be a culture medium or culture solution containing anionic biosurfactant produced in the culture medium by microorganisms during cultivation, or a mixture containing solid anionic biosurfactant separated from the reaction system.

[0051] The product containing anionic biosurfactants obtained through this extraction process is called the "extraction product."

[0052] (Fat-soluble substance removal process) The lipid-soluble substance removal process is a process of removing lipid-soluble substances from the above-mentioned extraction product. Here, "lipid-soluble substance" is intended to mean a substance that is soluble in oils and fats.

[0053] The method for removing lipid-soluble substances from a solid extract product from which water-soluble substances have been removed is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of separating the anionic biosurfactant from the lipid-soluble substances, and conventional methods can be used. For example, first, the solvent can be removed from the extract product by distillation, then a solvent capable of separating the anionic biosurfactant from the lipid-soluble substances can be added to the solid obtained by distillation, and the solvent layer can be removed to obtain an anionic biosurfactant from which the lipid-soluble substances have been removed. This allows for the efficient removal of lipid-soluble impurities from the extract product.

[0054] In the lipid-soluble substance removal process, a solvent capable of separating anionic biosurfactants from lipid-soluble substances is one in which anionic biosurfactants are sparingly soluble or insoluble, while lipid-soluble substances are soluble. For example, when hexane is used as such a solvent, water-soluble substances are removed from the precipitate product precipitated from the culture medium using the solvent, and then the solvent is removed by distillation to obtain a solid (extraction product). The resulting solid is suspended in hexane and the hexane is removed by filtration or centrifugation. This allows for efficient removal of lipid-soluble impurities from the extraction product containing anionic biosurfactants.

[0055] <How to use> The activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used as an activating agent for various cells, but it is preferable to use it as an activating agent for skin cells. Examples of skin cells to which the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied include epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, but it is preferable to use it for epidermal keratinocytes. In other words, the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be an epidermal keratinocyte activating agent used for epidermal keratinocytes.

[0056] <Application> The activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized not only by having an activating effect, but also by having low skin irritation and good foam retention, and can be suitably used in cosmetics or quasi-drugs. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic or quasi-drug containing the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0057] Examples of cosmetics relating to one embodiment of the present invention include, but are not limited to, skin cosmetics (lotions, serums, emulsions, creams, etc.), lipsticks, sunscreens, and makeup cosmetics. However, it is preferable to use it in aqueous cosmetics such as lotions, serums, emulsions, cream packs / masks, packs, shampoos, fragrance cosmetics, liquid body washes, UV care cosmetics, deodorant cosmetics, oral care cosmetics, etc. (in the case of cosmetics).

[0058] In this specification, "quasi-drug" refers to a quasi-drug as defined in the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, and designated by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare as stipulated in Article 2, Paragraph 2 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Specifically, it refers to articles used for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, improving, alleviating, managing, or preventing diseases in humans and animals, which have a milder effect than pharmaceuticals. For example, according to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, quasi-drugs are articles excluding those used for pharmaceutical purposes, and include products used for the treatment or prevention of diseases in humans and animals, products with a mild effect on the human body, or products that do not have a direct effect. The components that make up quasi-drugs are listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, the Japanese Compendium of Food Additives, the Japanese Industrial Standards, and the Standards for Raw Materials of Quasi-drugs. Specifically, it refers to products used for the purpose of preventing nausea, other discomfort, bad breath or body odor; preventing heat rash, sores, etc.; or preventing hair loss, promoting hair growth, or removing hair, and is intended to have a mild effect on the human body. Examples of quasi-drugs include medicated cosmetics, bath additives, antiperspirants, hair dyes, hair growth products, medicated soaps, and permanent wave products.

[0059] The content of the activating agent according to one embodiment of the present invention in 100% by mass of a cosmetic or quasi-drug according to one embodiment of the present invention is preferably 0.00001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.00005% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.00001% by mass or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the activating agent content is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less.

[0060] A cosmetic or quasi-drug according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain a solvent such as water and / or other additives in addition to the activator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Other additives that a cosmetic or quasi-drug according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain include, for example, oils and fats, waxes, mineral oils, fatty acids, alcohols, esters, metal soaps, gums and water-soluble polymer compounds, vitamins, amino acids, whitening agents, moisturizers, hair growth agents, α-hydroxy acids, inorganic pigments, UV absorbers, astringents, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, disinfectants, fragrances, pigments and colorants, hormones, metal ion sequestering agents, pH adjusters, chelating agents, preservatives and antibacterial agents, cooling agents, stabilizers, animal and plant proteins and their degradation products, animal and plant polysaccharides and their degradation products, animal and plant glycoproteins and their degradation products, blood flow promoters, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents, cell activators, keratolytic agents, wound healing agents, foaming agents, thickeners, oral preparations, deodorizers, and more.

[0062] [2. Skin condition improving agent] An anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention may enhance genes involved in skin barrier function (e.g., CLDN1 gene, CLDN7 gene, DSC1 gene, etc.), genes that are collagen-degrading enzymes (e.g., MMP1 gene), genes that are moisturizing and differentiation markers for epidermal keratinocytes (e.g., LOR gene, TGM1 gene, CSTA gene, KRT1 gene, KRT4 gene, FLG gene, FLG2 gene, CASP14 gene, etc.), genes involved in hyaluronic acid production (e.g., HAS1 gene, etc.), genes involved in elastin fiber formation, which is an extracellular matrix component of the dermis (e.g., EMILIN1 gene, LOXL1 gene, etc.), genes involved in antioxidant capacity (e.g., GCLC gene, etc.), genes involved in anti-stress (e.g., HSPB1 gene, etc.), and / or genes involved in improving the skin microbiota (e.g., DEFB1 gene). It may also have an inhibitory effect on genes involved in the proliferation of epidermal pigment cells (e.g., CXCL1 gene, etc.). Therefore, the anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention may have various effects that improve skin conditions, such as improving skin barrier function, improving moisturizing properties, promoting antioxidant capacity, improving anti-stress capacity, whitening effect, wrinkle improvement effect, and wrinkle formation inhibition effect. For this reason, the anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention can also be suitably used as a skin condition improving agent. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, a skin condition improving agent containing the anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0063] In this specification, "skin condition improving agent" refers to a substance (composition) that improves the barrier or moisturizing properties of the skin (epidermis), suppresses changes in skin condition in response to external stimuli such as oxidative stress, suppresses wrinkle formation by promoting the breakdown of collagen fibers, the formation of elastin fibers, or the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin (dermis), improves existing wrinkles, or has a whitening effect or suppresses the formation of blemishes by suppressing melanin production.

[0064] More specifically, "skin condition improving agents" include skin barrier improvement agents, skin moisturizing agents, skin wrinkle formation inhibitors, skin wrinkle improving agents, whitening promoters, oxidative stress inhibitors, stress inhibitors, and skin microbiome improving agents. In other words, the skin condition improving agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is preferably a skin barrier improvement agent, a skin moisturizing agent, a skin wrinkle formation inhibitor, a skin wrinkle improving agent, a whitening promoter, an (skin) oxidative stress inhibitor, an (skin) stress inhibitor, or a skin microbiome improving agent.

[0065] Regarding specific embodiments of the anionic biosurfactant that may be included in the skin condition improving agent according to one embodiment of the present invention, the description in the above section [1. Activating Agent] can be appropriately referenced. In particular, from the viewpoint of the inhibitory effect on collagen-degrading enzyme genes (such as the MMP1 gene), it is preferable that the anionic biosurfactant included in the skin condition improving agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is an anionic biosurfactant obtained using a carbon source having 14 carbon atoms, or an anionic biosurfactant obtained using a carbon source having 16 carbon atoms.

[0066] [3. α-gel-containing composition] One embodiment of the present invention provides an α-gel-containing composition comprising an anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention and a higher alcohol.

[0067] The α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention contains an anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention as a substance having surfactant and / or emulsifying ability, thereby exhibiting excellent stability and superior usability when used in cosmetics or quasi-drugs.

[0068] For specific embodiments of the anionic biosurfactant contained in the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, refer to the description in section [1. Activator] above as appropriate.

[0069] In this specification, "α-gel" refers to a gel containing α-type hydrated crystals in which amphiphilic substances having hydrophilic and lipophilic groups, such as surfactants, form an aggregate of two lamellar-like stacked films, with water retained between the hydrophilic groups. α-gels also include gels in which water is retained between the hydrophilic groups of the two films, as well as in which a large amount of water is retained in the hydrophilic portion of the aggregate. The amphiphilic substances are arranged in a hexagonal pattern within the two films, and high viscosity, water retention, and barrier effects are expected.

[0070] The α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably contains 0.001% by mass or more of the anionic biosurfactant relative to the total mass of the α-gel-containing composition. This makes it possible to obtain an α-gel-containing composition that is excellent in stability and has excellent usability when used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals (quasi-drugs). The content of the anionic biosurfactant relative to the total mass of the α-gel-containing composition is more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.010% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.020% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 0.050% by mass or more. Furthermore, there is no particular upper limit to the content of the anionic biosurfactant relative to the total mass of the α-gel-containing composition, but it is preferably 10.000% by mass or less, more preferably 5.000% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3.000% by mass or less.

[0071] Furthermore, in the α-gel containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the content of the anionic biosurfactant to the content of the higher alcohol is preferably greater than 0 and 0.500 or less by mass, more preferably greater than 0 and 0.400 or less, even more preferably greater than 0.001 and 0.300 or less, and particularly preferably between 0.002 and 0.200. If the ratio of the content of the anionic biosurfactant to the content of the higher alcohol is within the above range, an α-gel containing composition with excellent stability and excellent feel when used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals (quasi-drugs) can be obtained.

[0072] An α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an anionic biosurfactant and a higher alcohol. In this specification, a higher alcohol refers to a monovalent saturated alcohol having 6 or more carbon atoms. The higher alcohol may be a linear monovalent saturated alcohol or a branched monovalent saturated alcohol. Furthermore, the higher alcohol may be a primary alcohol, a secondary alcohol, or a tertiary alcohol. Examples of the aforementioned higher alcohols include n-hexyl alcohol, n-heptyl alcohol, n-octyl alcohol, n-nonyl alcohol, n-decyl alcohol, n-undecyl alcohol, n-heptyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, n-tridecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, n-pentadecyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol (cetanol), margaryl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, n-nonadecyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, ceryl alcohol, mericyl alcohol, palmitrail alcohol, oleyl alcohol, eicosenyl alcohol, 2-methylpentyl alcohol, 2-ethylbutyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, methylamyl alcohol, caprylic alcohol, diisobutylcarbinol, isostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, and mixtures of two or more of these.

[0073] In particular, from the viewpoint of α-gel formation, the higher alcohol has more than 10 carbon atoms, even more preferably 12 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 14 carbon atoms, and most preferably 16 carbon atoms. The upper limit of the carbon atom is not particularly limited, but for example it is 24 or less, more preferably 22 or less, and even more preferably 20 or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of α-gel formation, the higher alcohol is more preferably a linear monovalent saturated alcohol, and from the viewpoint of α-gel formation, it is more preferably a primary alcohol.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, more preferred examples of the higher alcohol include myristyl alcohol, cetanol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and mixtures of two or more of these. These are more preferred from the viewpoint of α-gel formation.

[0075] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is particularly preferable that the higher alcohol contains at least one of a higher alcohol having 16 carbon atoms and a higher alcohol having 18 carbon atoms. This is preferable because it provides a better feel when used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals (quasi-drugs). Examples of such higher alcohols include cetanol or a mixture of cetanol and other higher alcohols, stearyl alcohol or a mixture of stearyl alcohol and other higher alcohols, a mixture of cetanol and stearyl alcohol, or a mixture of the above and other higher alcohols. When the higher alcohol contains a higher alcohol having 16 carbon atoms and a higher alcohol having 18 carbon atoms, the ratio of the higher alcohol having 16 carbon atoms to the higher alcohol having 18 carbon atoms is preferably 90:10 to 10:90, more preferably 80:20 to 20:80, even more preferably 70:30 to 20:80, even more preferably 60:40 to 20:80, and particularly preferably 55:45 to 20:80. More specific examples of such higher alcohols include the combined use of cetanol and stearyl alcohol in the aforementioned proportions, or cetearyl alcohol, which is a mixture of cetanol and stearyl alcohol.

[0076] (Oil-based) The α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may further contain an oil in addition to an anionic biosurfactant and a higher alcohol. By including an oil in the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, the oil can be emulsified in the gel composed of α-type hydrated crystals and an aqueous phase, resulting in a homogeneous gel consisting of three phases: α-type hydrated crystals, an aqueous phase, and an oil phase. Furthermore, forming a homogeneous gel consisting of three phases: α-type hydrated crystals, an aqueous phase, and an oil phase is preferable because it can further improve the stability of the composition.

[0077] The oil agent is preferably a liquid or paste-like oil agent at 1 atmosphere and 25°C, and a liquid oil agent is particularly preferred.

[0078] Examples of the liquid oils include waxes, hydrocarbons, higher alcohol esters, higher fatty acid esters, triglycerides, silicone oils, higher fatty acids, animal and vegetable oils, cholesterol fatty acid esters, sterols, sterol esters, polyphenols, etc. More preferred specific examples include waxes such as kaunauba wax, candelilla wax, jojoba oil, beeswax, and lanolin; hydrocarbons such as mineral oil, isododecane, squalane, petrolatum, ceresin, and microcrystalline wax; and esters such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, isooctyl myristate, isotridecyl myristate, octadecyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, cholesteryl isostearate, triethylhexanoin, cetyl ethylhexanoate, and tri(caprylic / capric acid) glyceryl. Examples include: methyl silicone oils such as octamethyltrisiloxane and dimethicone; cyclic silicone oils such as cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, cyclomethicone, and methylpolycyclosiloxane; methylphenyl silicone oils such as polyether-modified silicone oil and methylphenylpolysiloxane; mineral oils; vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, camellia oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, almond oil, rice germ oil, clove oil, orange oil, and spruce oil; triglycerides; and so on. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0079] In an α-gel containing an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and an oil, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the oil content to the higher alcohol content is preferably greater than 0 and 800 or less by mass, more preferably greater than 0 and 150 or less, even more preferably greater than 0 and 100 or less, particularly preferably between 0.05 and 80.0, and may be between 0.1 and 80.0, or between 0.5 and 80.0. It is preferable that the ratio of the oil content to the higher alcohol content is within the above range, as this can further improve the stability of the α-gel containing composition.

[0080] From the viewpoint of providing a superior feel when used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals (quasi-drugs), the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention more preferably contains, in addition to an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and an oil, a polyhydric alcohol and / or a thickening agent as described later.

[0081] (Polyhydric alcohol) The α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may further contain a polyhydric alcohol in addition to an anionic biosurfactant and a higher alcohol. The inclusion of a polyhydric alcohol is preferable because it provides an even better feel when used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals (quasi-drugs). Furthermore, it has been found that the inclusion of a polyhydric alcohol tends to result in finer particle size of the α-gel-containing composition. This finer particle size of the α-gel-containing composition has the advantages of stabilizing the emulsion particles and improving skin compatibility.

[0082] The aforementioned polyhydric alcohols are not particularly limited, but examples include propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, glycerin, polypropylene glycol, diglycerin, polyglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, sorbitol, and the like. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0083] In an α-gel containing an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and a polyhydric alcohol according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the polyhydric alcohol content to the higher alcohol content is preferably 0.1 or more by mass, more preferably 1.0 or more, even more preferably 3.0 or more, and particularly preferably 5.0 or more. The upper limit of the mass ratio is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 100.0. It is preferable that the ratio of the polyhydric alcohol content to the higher alcohol content is within the above range because it can further improve the stability of the α-gel containing composition.

[0084] From the viewpoint of providing a superior feel when used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals (quasi-drugs), the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention more preferably contains, in addition to an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and a polyhydric alcohol, the aforementioned oil and / or a thickening agent described later.

[0085] (Thickening agent) The α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may further contain a thickening agent in addition to an anionic biosurfactant and a higher alcohol. The inclusion of a thickening agent is preferable because it further suppresses the separation of the aqueous phase and improves the stability of the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] The aforementioned thickening agents are not particularly limited, but examples include xanthan gum, carbomer, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, gum arabic, gellan gum, sclerotium gum, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0087] In an α-gel containing an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and a thickening agent according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the content of the thickening agent to the content of the higher alcohol is preferably 0.01 or more by mass, more preferably 0.03 or more, even more preferably 0.05 or more, and particularly preferably 0.10 or more. The upper limit of the mass ratio is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 10.00. It is preferable that the ratio of the content of the thickening agent to the content of the higher alcohol is within the above range because it can further improve the stability of the α-gel containing composition.

[0088] From the viewpoint of providing a superior feel when used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals (quasi-drugs), the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention more preferably contains, in addition to an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and a thickener, the aforementioned oil and / or the aforementioned polyhydric alcohol.

[0089] (Other ingredients) An α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and, if necessary, at least one selected from the group consisting of oils, polyhydric alcohols, and thickeners, in addition to other components to the extent that they do not undesirably affect the effects of the present invention. Examples of such other components, but not limited to, include ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, emollients, emulsifiers, solubilizers, anti-inflammatory agents, humectants, preservatives, pH adjusters, dyes, fragrances, powders, etc. As the emulsifier, any emulsifier other than the anionic biosurfactant can be used, for example, various anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants.

[0090] The content of the other components is not particularly limited as long as it does not have an undesirable effect on the effects of the present invention, but for example, it is 0 to 99% by mass of the total mass of the α-gel-containing composition.

[0091] (water) An α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and optionally at least one selected from the group consisting of oils, polyhydric alcohols, and thickeners, and optionally the other components, with the remainder being water.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of water contained in the α-gel-containing composition is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1% to 99% by mass, more preferably 5% to 95% by mass, and even more preferably 10% to 90% by mass, relative to the total mass of the α-gel-containing composition.

[0093] From the viewpoint of α-gel formation, it is preferable if the water content relative to the total mass of the α-gel-containing composition is 1% by mass or more. Furthermore, it is preferable if the water content is 99% by mass or less.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, distilled water, deionized water, tap water, etc., can be suitably used as the water to be used.

[0095] (pH of α-gel-containing composition) The α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably has a pH of 5.0 or higher. A pH of 5 or higher is preferable because it provides excellent stability to the α-gel-containing composition. The α-gel-containing composition is more preferably 6.0 or higher. Furthermore, the pH of the α-gel-containing composition is preferably 12.0 or lower, more preferably 11.5 or lower, and even more preferably 11.0 or lower.

[0096] The pH of an α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention can be adjusted by adding a pH adjusting agent during the preparation of the α-gel-containing composition. Examples of pH adjusting agents that adjust the α-gel-containing composition to the alkaline side include sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, triethanolamine, arginine, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, and disodium succinate. Examples of pH adjusting agents that adjust the α-gel-containing composition to the acidic side include citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and salts thereof.

[0097] (Average particle size of α-gel-containing composition) The average particle size of the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention is preferably 200.0 μm or less, more preferably 100.0 μm or less, and even more preferably 50.0 μm or less.

[0098] In this context, the average particle size of the α-gel-containing composition refers to the average particle size of oil particles encased in a lamellar multilayer film aggregate, and includes the dimensions of the multilayer film itself.

[0099] From the viewpoint of emulsification stability, it is preferable if the average particle size of the α-gel-containing composition is 200.0 μm or less.

[0100] Here, the average particle size of the α-gel-containing composition refers to the median diameter (volume basis), and is the value measured by the method described in the examples below.

[0101] [4. Method for producing α-gel-containing composition] The method for producing the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a method that can produce the desired α-gel-containing composition, and various methods can be employed.

[0102] The following describes a method for producing an α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, using an α-gel-containing composition comprising an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and an oil as an example. The method for producing such an α-gel-containing composition may include an oil phase preparation step of preparing an oil phase comprising an anionic biosurfactant, a higher alcohol, and an oil; an aqueous phase preparation step of preparing an aqueous phase separately comprising water; and an emulsification step of mixing the aqueous phase and the oil phase to emulsify them.

[0103] In the oil phase preparation step, the method for preparing the oil phase containing the anionic biosurfactant, the higher alcohol, and the oil agent is not particularly limited as long as it allows these components to be mixed. For example, a suitable method can be employed in which the anionic biosurfactant and the higher alcohol are mixed and dissolved together, and then the oil agent is added to this mixture. However, the order in which the components are mixed is not limited, and any order is acceptable. Furthermore, the temperature at which the components are mixed in the oil phase preparation step is not particularly limited, and any temperature at which the components dissolve together is acceptable.

[0104] The aqueous phase preparation step is not particularly limited as long as it involves mixing water with, if necessary, water-soluble components such as polyhydric alcohols and pH adjusters. The order in which the components are mixed is not particularly limited and can be any order. Furthermore, the temperature at which the components are mixed in the aqueous phase preparation step is not particularly limited and can be any temperature at which the components dissolve in each other. The pH of the aqueous phase obtained in the aqueous phase preparation step is preferably 5.0 or higher, and more preferably 6.0 or higher.

[0105] The emulsification step is not particularly limited as long as it is a step that can emulsify the aqueous phase obtained in the aqueous phase preparation step and the oil phase obtained in the oil phase preparation step. Preferably, the aqueous phase and the oil phase are mixed and stirred at 40°C to 90°C, more preferably at 60°C to 90°C. The method of mixing the aqueous phase and the oil phase is not particularly limited; the oil phase may be added to the aqueous phase, or the aqueous phase may be added to the oil phase. The method of addition is also not particularly limited; it may be added gradually or all at once. It is more preferable that the aqueous phase and the oil phase are heated to 40°C to 90°C, more preferably at 60°C to 90°C, when mixed. The method of mixing and stirring the aqueous phase and the oil phase is not particularly limited, and stirring may be done using a homomixer, homodisperser, three-in-one motor, etc. Among these, a homomixer is more preferably used. The stirring speed for mixing and stirring the aqueous phase and the oil phase is also not particularly limited, but for example, it is 1000 rpm or more, more preferably 2000 rpm or more. Furthermore, while the stirring time is not particularly limited, it is, for example, 10 seconds or more, and more preferably 1 minute or more.

[0106] After emulsifying the aqueous phase and the oil phase in the emulsification step, it is preferable to cool the obtained α-gel-containing composition by air cooling or using a cooling device while stirring.

[0107] [5. Use of α-gel-containing compositions] The α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention has excellent stability and a superior feel when used in cosmetics or quasi-drugs, and is therefore suitable for use in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals (quasi-drugs). That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic or quasi-drug containing the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0108] Cosmetics or quasi-drugs containing the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention include, but are not limited to, skin cosmetics (lotions, serums, emulsions, creams, etc.), lipsticks, sunscreens, and makeup cosmetics. The α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention is preferably used in aqueous cosmetics such as lotions, serums, emulsions, cream packs / masks, packs, shampoos, fragrance cosmetics, liquid body washes, UV care cosmetics, deodorant cosmetics, oral care cosmetics, etc. (in the case of cosmetics).

[0109] A cosmetic or quasi-drug containing an α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may also contain a solvent such as water and / or other additives in addition to the α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Other additives that may be included in cosmetics or quasi-drugs containing an α-gel-containing composition according to one embodiment of the present invention include, for example, oils and fats, waxes, mineral oils, fatty acids, alcohols, esters, metal soaps, gums and water-soluble polymer compounds, vitamins, amino acids, whitening agents, moisturizers, hair growth agents, α-hydroxy acids, inorganic pigments, ultraviolet absorbers, astringents, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, disinfectants, fragrances, pigments and colorants, hormones, metal ion sequestering agents, pH adjusters, chelating agents, preservatives and antibacterial agents, cooling agents, stabilizers, animal and plant proteins and their degradation products, animal and plant polysaccharides and their degradation products, animal and plant glycoproteins and their degradation products, blood flow promoters, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents, cell activators, keratolytic agents, wound healing agents, foaming agents, thickeners, oral preparations, deodorizers, and more.

[0111] One embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration:

[0112] [1] An activator containing an anionic biosurfactant.

[0113] [2] The activator according to [1], wherein the anionic biosurfactant comprises a biosurfactant having a glycolipid structure.

[0114] [3] The activator according to [1] or [2], wherein the anionic biosurfactant comprises succinoyl trehalose lipid.

[0115] [4] The activator according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the content of an anionic biosurfactant in 100 parts by mass of the activator is 95 parts by mass or more.

[0116] [5] An activating agent described in any one of [1] to [4], which is an epidermal keratinocyte activating agent.

[0117] A cosmetic or quasi-drug containing an activating agent as described in any one of the following: [6] [1] to [5].

[0118] [7] A skin condition improving agent containing an anionic biosurfactant.

[0119] [8] A skin barrier improvement agent, as described in [7].

[0120] [9] A skin condition improving agent as described in [7], which is a skin moisturizing agent.

[0121]

[10] A skin condition improving agent as described in [7], which is a wrinkle formation inhibitor.

[0122]

[11] A wrinkle-improving agent, as described in [7], a skin condition improving agent.

[0123]

[12] A skin condition improving agent described in [7], which is an oxidative stress inhibitor.

[0124]

[13] A stress-suppressing agent, as described in [7], which is a skin condition improving agent.

[0125]

[14] A skin condition improving agent described in [7], which is a skin microbiome improving agent.

[0126]

[15] An α-gel-containing composition comprising an anionic biosurfactant and a higher alcohol.

[0127]

[16] The α-gel-containing composition according to

[15] , wherein the anionic biosurfactant comprises a biosurfactant having a glycolipid structure.

[0128]

[17] The α-gel-containing composition according to

[15] , wherein the anionic biosurfactant having the glycolipid structure is succinoyl trehalose lipid.

[0129]

[18] The α-gel-containing composition according to

[15] , wherein the anionic biosurfactant is contained in an amount of 0.001% by mass or more relative to the total mass of the α-gel-containing composition.

[0130]

[19] The α-gel-containing composition according to

[15] , wherein the higher alcohol comprises at least one of a higher alcohol having 16 carbon atoms and a higher alcohol having 18 carbon atoms.

[0131]

[20] The α-gel-containing composition according to

[15] , wherein the ratio of the content of the anionic biosurfactant to the content of the higher alcohol is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.500 by mass.

[0132]

[21] The α-gel-containing composition described in

[15] , wherein the pH is 5.0 or higher.

[0133]

[22] The α-gel-containing composition according to

[15] , further comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of oils, polyhydric alcohols, and thickeners.

[0134]

[23] The α-gel-containing composition according to

[22] , comprising an oil, wherein the ratio of the oil content to the content of the higher alcohol is greater than 0 and 35.0 or less by mass.

[0135] Cosmetics and quasi-drugs containing the α-gel-containing composition described in any one of

[24] ,

[15] , to

[23] . [Examples]

[0136] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise specified, "parts" means "parts by mass" and "%" means "percent mass".

[0137] [Example 1] Acquisition of STL C14 Rhodococcus erythropolis strain SD-74 was seed cultured under the following conditions according to the method described by Y. Uchida et al. in Agric. Biol. Chem., 53(3):765-769 (1989). The Rhodococcus erythropolis strain SD-74 used in this example was isolated as a plant oil-assimilating bacterium and deposited with the Patent Microorganism Depository Center of the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) under accession number: NITE AP-03788.

[0138] Rhodococcus erythropolis strain SD-74 was inoculated into 100 ml of FPY medium (fructose (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) 2%, polypeptone (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) 0.5%, yeast extract powder (Oxoid Co.) 0.5%, NaNO3 (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) 0.1%, KH2PO4 (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) 0.1%, MgSO4-7H2O (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) 0.1%) in a 500 ml Sakaguchi flask, and cultured with shaking at 30°C for 72 hours to obtain a seed culture solution.

[0139] 6300 ml of modified MedD medium (5.44 g of KH2PO4 (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries), 10.45 g of K2HPO4 (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries), 3 g of KNO3 (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries), 0.1 g of MgSO4-7H2O (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries), and 3 g of yeast extract powder (Oxoid Co., Ltd.) per 1 L, diluted to 900 ml with pure water) was sterilized at high temperature and high pressure. 700 ml of separately sterilized tetradecane (Tokyo Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.) was added, and 140 ml of the aforementioned seed culture solution was inoculated. The main culture was started under the following conditions: Culture was carried out in a 10 L jar culture tank (Able Co., Ltd.) at a culture temperature of 30°C with stirring at 300 rpm. During culture, the pH of the medium was maintained at 7.0 by adding 50% KOH (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.).

[0140] After 360 hours of incubation, 3700 ml of the culture solution was centrifuged at 6500 rpm for 60 minutes to remove bacterial cells and residual substrate. Then, 150 ml of 6N HCl (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) was added to adjust the pH of the solution to 2.98, and a white gel-like precipitate formed in the solution. This solution was centrifuged at 6500 rpm for 30 minutes to remove the liquid layer, resulting in a precipitate with a wet weight of 760 g.

[0141] 760 g of ethyl acetate (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) was added to the precipitate and thoroughly stirred. The solution, which had separated into an aqueous layer and an ethyl acetate layer, was separated using a separatory funnel, and the upper ethyl acetate layer was collected. Ethyl acetate was removed from the collected ethyl acetate solution using an evaporator. The solid obtained after removing the ethyl acetate was suspended in an equal volume of hexane (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries), and the suspension was centrifuged to remove the hexane. This process was repeated three times. The liquid obtained after removing the hexane was dried using an evaporator to obtain 100 g of white solid (STL C14).

[0142] STL C14 obtained in Example 1 is a succinoyl trehalose lipid having a carboxyl group, generated using tetradecane as a carbon source.

[0143] [Example 2] Acquisition of STL C16 100 g of white solid (STL C16) was obtained by the method described in Example 1, except that the carbon source described in Example 1 was changed to hexadecane (Tokyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.).

[0144] The STL C16 obtained in Example 2 is a succinoyl trehalose lipid having a carboxyl group, produced using hexadecane as a carbon source.

[0145] [Example 3] Acquisition of STLC18 Except for changing the carbon source described in Example 1 to octadecane (Tokyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 100 g of white solid (STL C18) was obtained by the method described in Example 1.

[0146] The STL C18 obtained in Example 3 is a succinoyl trehalose lipid having a carboxyl group, produced using octadecane as a carbon source.

[0147] —Cell activation tests of STLs (Test Examples 1-6)— Using STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 obtained by the methods described in Examples 1 to 3 as activators (i.e., using an activator containing 100 parts by mass of STL C14, STL C16, or STL C18 per 100 parts by mass of the activator), STL sample-added media were prepared so that the final concentration of the activator was as shown in Table 1, and cell activation tests were performed.

[0148] Using Humedia-KG2 medium (Kurabo Industries Ltd.), normal human epidermal keratinocytes (Kurabo Industries Ltd.) grew to 8.5 × 10⁶ 4 A cell suspension was prepared to a concentration of cells / mL, and human epidermal keratinocytes were seeded at 100 μL / well in a 96-well multi-well plate (Thermo Fisher). Technical replication for the cell culture experiment was performed using method 5. After culturing at 37°C under a 5% CO2 atmosphere for 24 hours, the medium was discarded, and 100 μL / well of the STL sample supplement medium described in Table 1 was added.

[0149] After incubation at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 48 hours, the amount of ATP in each well was measured using the CellTiter-Glo® 2.0 Cell Viability Assay kit (Promega) according to the protocol provided with the kit, and the relative value was calculated with the ATP amount of the unadded medium set to 100. In addition, the increase in cell number in each well was measured using Provi CM20 (Evident), and the relative value was calculated with the cell number of the unadded medium set to 100. For cell number measurement using Provi CM20 (Evident), a threshold of Threshold=1 and Fine Tuning=60 were used. For the STL sample-added medium, the relative value of ATP per cell was calculated using the relative value of the ATP amount compared to the unadded medium and the relative value of the cell number compared to the unadded medium at 48 hours after addition, according to the following formula.

[0150] Relative ATP amount per cell = (Relative value of each well obtained by ATP measurement relative to the untreated medium) / (Relative value of each well obtained by cell count measurement relative to the untreated medium) The results are shown in Table 1.

[0151] [Table 1] As shown in Table 1, a significant increase in ATP per cell was observed in samples treated with STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 compared to the untreated medium. This indicates that STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 have a cell-activating effect.

[0152] —Cytotoxicity testing of STLs— Cytotoxicity tests were performed according to the method described in L. Vian, J. Vinvent, J. Maurin, I. Fabre, J. Giroux, JP Cano, Toxicol in vitro, 9(2), p185-190, 1995. Using STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 obtained by the methods described in Examples 1-3, STL sample-added media were prepared so that the final STL concentrations were 1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, or 1000 ppm. Using DMEM medium (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) containing inactivated fetal bovine serum (final concentration 10%), L929 mouse fibroblasts (K.A.C., Inc.) were reduced to 2.0 × 10⁶. 5 A cell suspension was prepared to a concentration of cells / mL, and L929 mouse fibroblasts were seeded at 150 μL / well in a 96-well multi-well plate (Thermo Fisher). Technical replication for the cell culture experiment was performed using method 3. After 24 hours of incubation at 37°C under a 5% CO2 atmosphere, 150 μL / well of medium supplemented with the STL sample was added.

[0153] After culturing at 37°C and a 5% CO2 atmosphere for 24 hours, the culture medium was discarded, and 150 μL / well of DMEM medium containing Neutral Red (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) to a final concentration of 50 μg / mL was added. After culturing at 37°C and a 5% CO2 atmosphere for 3 hours, the culture medium was discarded, and the cells were washed with D-PBS(-) solution (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.). A 50% ethanol aqueous solution was prepared using ethanol (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and glacial acetic acid (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to the 50% ethanol aqueous solution to a final concentration of 1%. This 1% glacial acetic acid ethanol aqueous solution was added at 100 μL / well to fix the cells. After 5 minutes, the absorbance at 546 nm was measured using a Corona Multi-Grating Microplate Reader SH-9000Lab (Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation), and the viable cells that had taken up Neutral Red were quantified. The 50% cell proliferation inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated as an evaluation score for cytotoxicity. Furthermore, regarding STL C18, no 50% inhibition of cell proliferation was observed even at the highest STL concentration tested in this study, which was 1000 ppm.

[0154] Furthermore, the IC50 values ​​for sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium deoxycholate, and sodium caprylate were taken from L. Vian, J. Vinvent, J. Maurin, I. Fabre, J. Giroux, JP Cano, Toxicol in vitro, 9(2), p185-190, 1995.

[0155] The results are shown in Table 4.

[0156] STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 all had an IC50 of 300 ppm or higher, indicating low cytotoxicity.

[0157] -Physiological function evaluation test of STL- Using STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 obtained by the methods described in Examples 1 to 3 as activators for various physiological functions (i.e., using an activator containing 100 parts by mass of STL C14, STL C16, or STL C18 per 100 parts by mass of the activator), STL sample-added culture media were prepared so that the final concentration of the activator was 10 ppm, and physiological function evaluation tests were conducted.

[0158] Using Humedia-KG2 medium (Kurabo Industries Ltd.), normal human epidermal keratinocytes (Kurabo Industries Ltd.) were found to be 1.53 × 10⁶. 5 A cell suspension was prepared to a concentration of cells / mL, and human epidermal keratinocytes were seeded at 5 mL / well in a 4-well rectangular dish, TC Surface (Thermo Fisher). Technical replication for the cell culture experiment was performed in experiment 3. After culturing at 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere for 24 hours, the medium was discarded, and Humedia-KG2 medium (Kurabo Industries Ltd.) was added to a 4-well rectangular dish, TC Surface (Thermo Fisher) at 5 mL / well, with each of the above-mentioned activators (activators containing 100 parts by mass of STL C14, STL C16, or STL C18 per 100 parts by mass of activator) added to achieve a final concentration of 10 ppm (STL C14 added group, STL C16 added group, and STL C18 added group), or Humedia-KG2 medium (Kurabo Industries Ltd.) as the unadded group.

[0159] After culturing at 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere for 24 hours, the culture medium was discarded, and RNAprotect Cell Reagen (Qiagen) was added at 3 mL / well to collect the cells. Total RNA extraction was performed from the collected cells using the miRNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen) according to the kit's protocol. RNA purity and degradation were measured using NanoDrop One (Thermo Fisher) and TapeStation (Agilent), and it was confirmed that the 260 / 280 (an indicator of RNA purity) was 1.9 or higher, the 260 / 230 (an indicator of RNA purity) was 1.9 or higher, and the RIN value (an indicator of RNA degradation) was 8 or higher. After measuring the RNA concentration using Quant-iT® RNA Assay Kits (Thermo Fisher), the total RNA was added using ReverTra Ace qPCR RT master mix (Toyobo) to achieve a final RNA concentration of 50 ng / μL, and a reverse transcription reaction was performed to obtain cDNA.

[0160] Quantitative PCR experiments were performed using the QIAcuity probe PCR kit (Qiagen), QIAcuity Nanoplate 8.5k 96-well (Qiagen), QIAcuity Four digital PCR system (Qiagen), and the Tagman probe (Thermo Fisher) listed in Table 2 below, following the protocol published by Qiagen. The average relative value of each gene was calculated, with the control group (untreated) set to 1. Technical replication of the quantitative PCR experiments was performed using a 2-unit system. The results of gene expression analysis by quantitative PCR are shown in Table 3. [Table 2]

[0161] [Table 3] Quantitative PCR-based gene expression analysis revealed that in the STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 treatment groups, there was increased expression of the CLDN1, CLDN7, and DSC1 genes, which are involved in skin barrier function; increased expression of the LOR, TGM1, CSTA, KRT1, KRT4, FLG, FLG2, and CASP14 genes, which are markers for moisturizing and epidermal keratinocyte differentiation; suppression of the CXCL1 gene, which is involved in the proliferation of epidermal pigment cells; increased expression of the HAS1 gene, which is involved in hyaluronic acid production; promotion of the EMILIN1 and LOXL1 genes, which are involved in the formation of elastin fibers, which are extracellular matrix components of the dermis; increased expression of the GCLC gene, which is involved in antioxidant capacity; increased expression of the HSPB1 gene, which is involved in anti-stress; and increased expression of the DEFB1 gene, which is involved in the improvement of the skin microbiota. Furthermore, in the STL C14-added and STL C16-added groups, an inhibitory effect on the MMP1 gene, a collagen-degrading enzyme, was confirmed. From the above, it was found that STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 can be expected to have effects such as improving skin barrier function, improving moisturizing effect, promoting antioxidant capacity, improving anti-stress capacity, whitening effect, wrinkle improvement effect, and wrinkle formation inhibition effect.

[0162] —Measurement of critical micelle concentration (CMC) in STLs— Surface tension measurements were performed using a high-performance surface tension meter (DY-500, manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) with a platinum plate suspension method. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of STL C14, STL C16, STL C18, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium deoxycholate, and sodium caprylate were calculated according to conventional methods. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0163] Since the CMC values ​​for STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 were all low, it was found that STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 possess high surface activity.

[0164] —STL protein denaturation test— Using STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 prepared in Examples 1-3, 10 mL (pH 8.0) aqueous solutions were prepared so that the final concentration of STL was 0.5%. Sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries) was used to adjust the pH. 0.03 g of zein powder (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries), a corn-derived protein, was added to the STL aqueous solution. After stirring at room temperature at 1200 rpm for 2 hours, the zein powder solution was transferred to a centrifuge tube and centrifuged at 6200 rpm for 10 seconds to precipitate and remove undissolved zein powder. The protein concentration in the solution was measured using a NanoDrop ultra-trace spectrophotometer (NanoDrop Technologies). The results are shown in Table 4.

[0165] Since the protein concentrations in 0.5% aqueous solutions of STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 were low, it can be concluded that the added proteins were not denatured. This indicates that STL C14, STL C116, and STL C18 have low protein denaturing ability. Generally, the amount of denatured protein is thought to be proportional to skin irritation, suggesting that STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 have low skin irritation potential.

[0166] Protein denaturation tests were similarly performed using sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium deoxycholate, and sodium caprylate. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0167] —Evaluation of foam properties of STL— Using STL C14, STL C16, STL C18 prepared in Examples 1 to 3 and water with a hardness of 20°dH, a 10 mL (pH 8.0) aqueous solution was prepared such that the final concentration of STL was 0.5%. For pH adjustment, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation) was used. The prepared aqueous solution was stirred for 100 seconds at 25°C with a Dynamic Foam Analyzer (DFA100, manufactured by KRUSS Scientific Instruments), and images of the foam were taken 20 seconds and 600 seconds after the stirring stopped. Then, based on the images, the average foam surface area was determined, and the creaminess (foamability) of the foam was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 4. The creaminess of the foam is characterized by having a small final bubble diameter (measured as the average foam surface area). Foams generated from aqueous solutions containing STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18 were considered to be able to form creamy foams because their foam surface areas were small. <Evaluation Criteria for Creaminess of Foam> ◎ (Good): Foam surface area is 20000 μm 2 as follows. 〇 (Pass): Foam surface area is 20001 μm 2 or more and 30000 μm 2 or less. △ (Somewhat Poor): Foam surface area is 30001 μm 2 or more and 40000 μm 2 or less. × (Poor): Foam surface area is 40001 μm 2 or more.

[0168] Also, the change rate of the foam was calculated using the following formula. The smaller the change rate of the foam, the better the foam retention. In other words, it can be judged that the foam formation persistence is good. Since the change rate of the foam was small for STL C14, STL C16, and STL C18, it was considered that foams with good foam retention could be formed.

[0169] Change rate of foam = (Average foam surface area 20 seconds after stirring stopped) / (Average foam surface area 600 seconds after stirring stopped) Foam properties were similarly evaluated using sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium deoxycholate, and sodium caprylate. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0170] [Table 4] Examples 1-3 demonstrate that anionic biosurfactants are useful as cell activators. Furthermore, these anionic biosurfactants exhibit low skin irritation and good foam retention. Additionally, they are found to be useful as skin condition improvers.

[0171] [Example 4] 0.100 parts by mass of the anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1 and 3.000 parts by mass of cetearyl alcohol as a higher alcohol were mixed at 80°C to 85°C to obtain a solution in which the anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1 was dissolved in the higher alcohol. 50.000 parts by mass of squalane was added to the obtained solution as an oil agent, and the mixture was heated at 80°C to 85°C to obtain the oil phase.

[0172] Separately, 46.590 parts by mass of purified water was mixed with 0.013 parts by mass of sodium hydroxide and heated to 80°C to 85°C to obtain the aqueous phase.

[0173] Using a homomixer, the oil phase was gradually added to the aqueous phase while stirring at 3000 rpm. After the entire amount was added, the mixture was stirred at 5000 rpm for 5 minutes. Immediately after the mixture emulsified, 10,000 parts by mass of xanthan gum as a 2% aqueous solution (0.200 parts by mass as xanthan gum) was added as a thickener. The mixture with the thickener added was then cooled to 35°C by air cooling while stirring at 1000 rpm to obtain a gel-like composition. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the obtained gel-like composition was an α-gel-containing composition.

[0174] [Example 5] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that 2,000 parts by mass of cetearyl alcohol and 1,000 parts by mass of behenyl alcohol were used as the higher alcohols instead of 3,000 parts by mass of cetearyl alcohol.

[0175] [Example 6] A gel-like composition was obtained by the same procedure as in Example 4, except that 2,100 parts by mass of cetanol and 0,900 parts by mass of stearyl alcohol were used as the higher alcohols instead of 3,000 parts by mass of cetearyl alcohol. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the obtained gel-like composition was an α-gel-containing composition.

[0176] [Example 7] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that 50,000 parts by mass of cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate was used instead of 50,000 parts by mass of squalane as the oiling agent.

[0177] [Example 8] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that 50,000 parts by mass of dimethicone were used instead of 50,000 parts by mass of squalane as the oiling agent. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the obtained gel-like composition was an α-gel-containing composition.

[0178] [Example 9] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that 0.500 parts by mass of microcrystalline wax was used as an oiling agent in addition to 50,000 parts by mass of squalane, and the amount of purified water used was changed accordingly as shown in Table 5.

[0179] [Example 10] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that the amount of squalane used as an oil agent was changed from 50,000 parts by mass to 30,000 parts by mass, and the amount of purified water added was changed accordingly as shown in Table 5. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the obtained gel-like composition was an α-gel-containing composition.

[0180] [Example 11] In preparing the aqueous phase, 10,000 parts by mass of 1,3-butylene glycol (polyhydric alcohol) were added, and the amount of purified water was changed accordingly as shown in Table 5. Otherwise, the same procedure as in Example 4 was performed to obtain a gel-like composition.

[0181] Specifically, 36.590 parts by mass of purified water was mixed with 0.013 parts by mass of sodium hydroxide and 10.000 parts by mass of 1,3-butylene glycol (polyhydric alcohol), and the mixture was heated to 80°C to 85°C to obtain the aqueous phase.

[0182] X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the resulting gel-like composition was an α-gel-containing composition.

[0183] [Example 12] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 11, except that 10,000 parts by mass of 1,3-butylene glycol (polyhydric alcohol) was replaced with 10,000 parts by mass of glycerin (polyhydric alcohol).

[0184] [Example 13] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 11, except that 10,000 parts by mass of 1,3-butylene glycol (polyhydric alcohol) was replaced with 10,000 parts by mass of pentylene glycol (polyhydric alcohol).

[0185] [Example 14] In preparing the aqueous phase, 10,000 parts by mass of 1,3-butylene glycol (polyhydric alcohol) were added, and the amount of purified water was changed accordingly as shown in Table 5. Otherwise, the same procedure as in Example 8 was performed to obtain a gel-like composition.

[0186] Specifically, 36.590 parts by mass of purified water was mixed with 0.013 parts by mass of sodium hydroxide and 10.000 parts by mass of 1,3-butylene glycol (polyhydric alcohol), and the mixture was heated to 80°C to 85°C to obtain the aqueous phase.

[0187] X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the resulting gel-like composition was an α-gel-containing composition.

[0188] [Example 15] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that 0.100 parts by mass of glyceryl stearate (a nonionic surfactant) was used as the surfactant in addition to 0.100 parts by mass of the anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1, and the amount of purified water used was changed accordingly as shown in Table 6.

[0189] Specifically, in preparing the oil phase, 0.100 parts by mass of the anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1, 0.100 parts by mass of glyceryl stearate, and 3.000 parts by mass of cetearyl alcohol were mixed to obtain a solution in which the surfactant was dissolved in a higher alcohol. To the obtained solution, 50.000 parts by mass of squalane was added as an oiling agent and the mixture was heated to 80°C to 85°C.

[0190] [Example 16] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that the amount of anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1 was changed from 0.100 parts by mass to 0.300 parts by mass, and the amounts of purified water and sodium hydroxide were changed accordingly as shown in Table 6. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the obtained gel-like composition was an α-gel-containing composition.

[0191] [Example 17] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that the amount of anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1 was changed from 0.100 parts by mass to 0.030 parts by mass, and the amounts of purified water and sodium hydroxide were changed accordingly as shown in Table 6. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the obtained gel-like composition was an α-gel-containing composition.

[0192] [Example 18] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that the amounts of the anionic biosurfactant and higher alcohol obtained in Example 1 were changed by 1.5 times, and the amounts of purified water and sodium hydroxide were changed accordingly as shown in Table 6.

[0193] Specifically, the amount of anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1 was changed from 0.100 parts by mass to 0.150 parts by mass, and the amount of cetearyl alcohol was changed from 3.000 parts by mass to 4.500 parts by mass. In addition, the amount of purified water was changed from 46.590 parts by mass to 45.030 parts by mass, and the amount of sodium hydroxide was changed from 0.013 parts by mass to 0.020 parts by mass.

[0194] [Example 19] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that a thickening agent (xanthan gum, 0.200 parts by mass) was not used, and the amount of purified water used was changed accordingly as shown in Table 6.

[0195] [Example 20] A gel-like composition was obtained by performing the same procedure as in Example 4, except that a carbomer neutralized with sodium hydroxide (prepared by adding 0.100 parts by mass of sodium hydroxide to 10,000 parts by mass of a 2% aqueous solution of carbomer (0.200 parts by mass as carbomer)) was added as a thickening agent instead of 0.200 parts by mass of xanthan gum. The total amount of sodium hydroxide used in this preparation is shown in Table 6.

[0196] [Example 21] In preparing the aqueous phase, an additional 0.029 parts by mass of citric acid was added, and the amount of purified water used was changed accordingly as shown in Table 6. Otherwise, the same procedure as in Example 4 was performed to obtain a gel-like composition.

[0197] Specifically, 46.560 parts by mass of purified water was mixed with 0.013 parts by mass of sodium hydroxide and 0.029 parts by mass of citric acid, and the mixture was heated to 80°C to 85°C to obtain the aqueous phase.

[0198] [Example 22] A gel composition was obtained by performing the same operations as in Example 21, except that the blending amount of citric acid was changed from 0.029 parts by mass to 0.016 parts by mass.

[0199] [Example 23] A gel composition was obtained by performing the same operations as in Example 21, except that the blending amount of citric acid was changed from 0.029 parts by mass to 0.009 parts by mass.

[0200] [Comparative Example 1] A gel composition was obtained by performing the same operations as in Example 4, except that 0.100 parts by mass of the anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1 was not added, and accordingly, the blending amount of purified water was changed as shown in Table 6. As a result of confirming the X-ray diffraction pattern, the obtained gel composition did not contain α-gel.

[0201] [Comparative Example 2] A gel composition was obtained by performing the same operations as in Example 4, except that 0.100 parts by mass of the anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1 was changed to 0.100 parts by mass of glyceryl stearate (nonionic surfactant).

[0202] [Evaluation of Gel Composition] The evaluation of whether the gel compositions obtained in the examples and comparative examples were α-gel-containing compositions, the measurement of the average particle diameter, the evaluation of stability and usability were carried out by the methods shown below.

[0203] (Evaluation of Whether it is an α-Gel-Containing Composition) XRD measurement was carried out under the following conditions, and the formation of α-gel was judged from the presence or absence of a sharp peak between 21° and 22° in the wide-angle region. Specifically, when a sharp peak existed between 21° and 22° in the wide-angle region, it was judged to be an α-gel-containing composition. [XRD Measurement] Apparatus: Smart Lab (manufactured by Rigaku Corporation) X-ray source: Cu K-α (1.5405 Å) Tube voltage: 45 kV Tube current: 200 mA (Average particle size) The average particle size was measured as the median diameter (volume-based) using a HORIBA LA-950V2 particle size analyzer. The measurement was performed at room temperature.

[0204] (Stability assessment (1)) The gel-like compositions obtained in the examples and comparative examples were placed in glass containers with lids, sealed, and left to stand at 25°C for 1 hour. The state of the gel-like compositions was then observed and evaluated according to the following criteria. "Glossy" refers to a state where the gel-like composition has a glossy appearance. A: No oil phase separation on the upper surface, glossy finish. B: No oil phase separation on the upper surface, matte finish. C: Slight oil phase separation on the upper surface. D: The oil phase is separated on the upper surface.

[0205] (Stability evaluation (2)) The gel-like compositions obtained in the examples and comparative examples were placed in sealed glass containers with lids and left to stand at 50°C for one week. After that, the state of the gel-like compositions was observed and evaluated according to the following criteria. A: No lower-phase separation (separation of the aqueous phase occurring in the lower part) D: Lower phase separation (separation of the aqueous phase in the lower part) is present.

[0206] (Feeling of use) Five expert panelists evaluated the user experience. Specifically, they evaluated the user experience when the gel-like compositions obtained in the examples and comparative examples were applied to the skin on the inner side of the forearm.

[0207] The evaluation was conducted according to the following criteria. "Rich texture" refers to a feeling of thickness and resistance when applied. The average of the evaluation results from the five panelists was rounded to the nearest whole number to determine the "usability" score. 5: Very rich in flavor 4: It has a rich flavor. 3: Has a slightly rich flavor. 2: It has almost no richness. 1: It lacks richness.

[0208] (Evaluation results) The evaluation results for each component are shown in Tables 5 and 6 below, along with the amounts of each component used. In the tables, the unit of the amount is parts by mass. In Table 5, if the median diameter is not listed, it means that the median diameter was not measured. In Comparative Example 1, the gel-like composition separated, so the usability was not evaluated. [Table 5]

[0209] [Table 6] [summary] Examples 4-10 confirmed that gel-like compositions containing an anionic biosurfactant and a higher alcohol formed an α-gel. Furthermore, the obtained α-gel-containing compositions exhibited superior stability and usability compared to gel-like compositions obtained under similar conditions using glyceryl stearate (a nonionic surfactant) instead of the anionic biosurfactant.

[0210] Furthermore, the α-gel-containing compositions obtained in Examples 11-14, which used polyhydric alcohols in addition to anionic biosurfactants and higher alcohols, exhibited excellent usability. Additionally, the α-gel-containing compositions obtained in Examples 11-14, which used polyhydric alcohols in addition to anionic biosurfactants and higher alcohols, showed a smaller average particle size, indicating that the particle size of the α-gel-containing compositions was refined. Moreover, a comparison of Example 19 and Example 20 showed that the α-gel-containing composition containing a thickener exhibited further suppression of aqueous phase separation and improved stability.

[0211] [Example prescription] Using the anionic biosurfactant obtained in Example 1, emulsified compositions of Formulation Examples 1 to 4, as shown in Table 7 below, were prepared.

[0212] (Adjustment method) Oil phase 1 and oil phase 2 were prepared by mixing and dissolving them in advance at 80°C to 85°C, and the two were mixed together to form the oil phase. Separately, an aqueous phase was prepared by heating and mixing at 80°C to 85°C. Sodium hydroxide was added to the aqueous phase to achieve a pH of 8.

[0213] Using a homomixer, the oil phase was gradually added to the aqueous phase while stirring at 3000 rpm. After the entire amount was added, the mixture was stirred at 5000 rpm for 5 minutes. Then, while stirring at 1000 rpm, the mixture was cooled to 55°C by air cooling. At this point, additives 1 and 2 were added, and the mixture was cooled to 35°C to obtain an emulsified composition. This emulsified composition had a rich texture when applied and offered excellent usability. [Table 7] [Industrial applicability]

[0214] The activating agent containing an anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention has excellent cell activating properties, low skin irritation, and good foam retention. Therefore, the activating agent containing anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention can be widely used not only as an activating agent but also in cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and the like. Furthermore, the anionic biosurfactant according to one embodiment of the present invention can be suitably used as various skin condition improving agents or as α-gel containing compositions.

Claims

1. An epidermal keratinocyte activator containing an anionic biosurfactant, An activator wherein the anionic biosurfactant contains succinoyl trehalose lipid.

2. The activator according to claim 1, wherein the content of an anionic biosurfactant in 100 parts by mass of the activator is 95 parts by mass or more.

3. An oxidative stress inhibitor containing an anionic biosurfactant, An oxidative stress inhibitor comprising the anionic biosurfactant containing succinoyl trehalose lipid.

4. A stress inhibitor containing an anionic biosurfactant, A stress inhibitor comprising the anionic biosurfactant containing succinoyl trehalose lipid.

5. A skin microbiome improving agent containing an anionic biosurfactant, A skin microbiome improving agent wherein the anionic biosurfactant contains succinoyl trehalose lipid.

6. An epidermal keratinocyte activator comprising an α-gel-containing composition comprising an anionic biosurfactant containing succinoyl trehalose lipid and a higher alcohol.

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