Usage method for topical agent composition and topical agent composition

Abstract

Provided are a usage method for a topical agent composition and a topical agent composition that make it possible for an oil-soluble component of the topical agent composition to achieve effective penetration. According to the present invention, a usage method for a topical agent composition involves applying a topical agent composition that includes water and solubilized micelles that encapsulate an oil-soluble component in a surfactant to a body surface, applying energy to the body surface to which the topical agent composition has been applied from above the topical agent composition using a beauty apparatus, and allowing the solubilized micelles to penetrate in from the body surface.

Description

Method of using topical composition and topical composition

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of using an external preparation composition and the external preparation composition.

[0002] In recent years, external preparation compositions such as beauty serums are often used in combination with beauty devices such as facial massagers.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a skin treatment device including an electric circuit that generates a specific output waveform to the skin via electrodes. Such a skin treatment device can effectively enhance the penetration effect of active ingredients into the user's skin.

[0004] International Publication No. 2023 / 095688

[0005] However, in the case of topical compositions used in combination with beauty devices, methods for effectively penetrating oil-soluble components in the topical compositions have not yet been fully explored.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for using an external preparation composition and an external preparation composition that can effectively penetrate oil-soluble components in the external preparation composition.

[0007] The present disclosure includes the following aspects: [1] A method of using an external preparation composition (excluding medical procedures), comprising applying to a body surface an external preparation composition containing water and solubilized micelles formed by a surfactant encapsulating an oil-soluble component, and applying energy to the applied body surface from above the external preparation composition using a cosmetic device, thereby penetrating the solubilized micelles from the body surface to the interior (see, e.g., "a method of using an external preparation composition"). [2] An external preparation composition, comprising water and solubilized micelles formed by a surfactant encapsulating an oil-soluble component, used in combination with a cosmetic device.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for using an external preparation composition and an external preparation composition that allow oil-soluble components in the external preparation composition to penetrate effectively.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of solubilized micelles. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating, as an example, a mechanism by which an external preparation composition containing solubilized micelles is applied to skin and energy is applied using a skin beauty device to cause the solubilized micelles to penetrate from the surface of the skin to its interior. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating, as an example, a mechanism by which an external preparation composition containing negatively charged solubilized micelles is applied to skin and energy is applied using a skin beauty device to cause the negatively charged solubilized micelles to penetrate from the surface of the skin to its interior. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating, as an example, a mechanism by which an external preparation composition containing solubilized micelles to which water-soluble components are attached is applied to skin and energy is applied using a skin beauty device to cause the solubilized micelles to penetrate from the surface of the skin to its interior. Fig. 5 is a graph comparing the change in the improvement rate of stratum corneum moisture content between Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described herein, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Each aspect disclosed in this specification can be combined with any other feature disclosed in this specification. In this disclosure, a combination of preferred aspects is a more preferred aspect. Furthermore, when multiple upper and lower limit values ​​are described for a specific parameter, any of these upper and lower limit values ​​can be combined to form a suitable numerical range. Furthermore, the lower and / or upper limit values ​​of a numerical range described in this disclosure are numerical values ​​within that numerical range and may be replaced with numerical values ​​shown in the examples. The expression "X to Y" indicating a numerical range means "X or more and Y or less." If a specific description described for one embodiment also applies to other embodiments, that description may be omitted in other embodiments.

[0011] [Method of Using the Topical Preparation Composition] The method of using the topical preparation composition disclosed herein (excluding medical procedures) involves applying the topical preparation composition, which contains water and solubilized micelles formed by surfactants encapsulating oil-soluble components, to a body surface, and then using a beauty device to apply energy from above the topical preparation composition to the body surface to which the topical preparation composition has been applied, thereby allowing the solubilized micelles to penetrate from the body surface into the interior.

[0012] It is believed that the method of using the topical composition of the present disclosure, which has the above-mentioned configuration, allows the oil-soluble components in the topical composition to penetrate effectively.

[0013] The reason why the method of using the topical composition of the present disclosure exhibits the above-mentioned effects is not clear, but one possible reason is as follows.

[0014] In general, oil-soluble and water-soluble components contained in topical preparation compositions are not sufficiently absorbed even when applied directly to the body surface. Specifically, for example, (1) the surface of the skin has a stratum corneum, which has a high defensive function, making it difficult for useful components to penetrate into the stratum corneum; and (2) hair has a cuticle, making it difficult for the above components to penetrate into the hair even if it is damaged. It is generally known that oil-soluble components penetrate relatively easily from the body surface to its interior, compared with water-soluble components. However, in the case of oil-in-water topical preparation compositions, it is difficult to uniformly disperse the oil-soluble components in the topical preparation composition in the first place. Furthermore, when the topical preparation composition is applied to the body surface, the oil-soluble components remain on the body surface, preventing them from sufficiently penetrating from the body surface to its interior.

[0015] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that by encapsulating oil-soluble components with a surfactant in an aqueous solution to form solubilized micelles, the oil-soluble components in an external preparation composition can be uniformly dispersed in fine particles (e.g., an average particle size of about 10 nm to 200 nm). They have also found that by applying such an external preparation composition to a body surface and applying energy to the applied body surface from above the external preparation composition using a cosmetic device (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "using a cosmetic device in combination"), the oil-soluble components can be effectively penetrated from the body surface into the interior thereof.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a solubilized micelle 10. Here, an oil-soluble component 4 is encapsulated by a surfactant 2 to form a solubilized micelle 10. It has been found that by using such an external preparation composition in combination with a cosmetic device M, the oil-soluble component 4 effectively penetrates from the body surface S to its interior. Although the detailed mechanism is not entirely clear, the present inventors speculate as follows.

[0017] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism for applying a topical preparation composition containing solubilized micelles 10 to skin and then applying energy using a skin cosmetic device M to cause the solubilized micelles 10 to penetrate from the surface S of the skin into the interior thereof. The following description will be made with reference to FIG. 2. First, in STEP 1, the topical preparation composition is applied to the skin, causing the solubilized micelles 10 to be present on the skin surface S. Next, in STEP 2, a skin cosmetic device M, such as a facial massager, is placed over the applied topical preparation composition on the skin, and the energy E output from the cosmetic device M widens the gaps in the stratum corneum and increases the fluidity of the lipid bilayer, known as the "brick and mortar structure" of the stratum corneum L, thereby allowing the solubilized micelles 10, which have been controlled to an appropriate size, to penetrate from the gaps in the stratum corneum into the interior of the skin. Furthermore, in STEP 3, the oil-soluble component 4 that has penetrated into the skin as solubilized micelles 10 is thought to penetrate into the mortar structure in the stratum corneum L and contribute to the reconstruction (reinforcement) of the lipid bilayer. As a result, the barrier function of the stratum corneum L is enhanced, and absorbed moisture and the like are trapped, improving the skin's moisture retention. Furthermore, when the oil-soluble component 4 is a component with specific useful properties (e.g., cosmetic components such as humectants, whitening agents, and anti-wrinkle agents, or medical components such as analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-cancer agents, antibacterial agents, and antiviral agents), the penetration and absorption of the oil-soluble component 4 into the skin is thought to more effectively exert these useful properties.

[0018] In this specification, the following terms are defined as follows: "Solubilized micelles" refer to micelles (particulate complexes) in which a surfactant encapsulates an oil-soluble component, and refer to micelles so small that they are indistinguishable from the external preparation composition with the naked eye (see Figure 1). Because water and oil typically have different refractive indices, relatively large micelles allow the water-oil interface to be discerned with the naked eye, and the aqueous solution appears cloudy and emulsion-like. However, in the case of very small micelles, the water-oil interface cannot be discerned with the naked eye, and a solution consisting of solubilized micelles and water appears transparent or translucent. In other words, in this specification, "solubilized" refers to a state in which micelles appear dissolved in water, which is the solvent for the external preparation composition. Note that the external preparation composition may appear colored due to components other than solubilized micelles, and therefore the external preparation composition itself is not necessarily transparent or translucent. "External preparation" refers to a product applied to the body surface (externally). Examples include serums, creams, emulsions, gels, lotions, and sheet masks impregnated with these. Topical preparations may be pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, etc., and their intended use is not limited. "Body surface" refers to the surface of an animal's body (preferably the human body). Specific examples include animal skin (including nails), mucous membranes, and hair. The topical preparation composition of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for skin or hair, and more suitable for skin. "From the body surface to its interior" refers to the region extending from the surface of the body to its interior. For example, if the body surface is skin, it refers to the region from the surface of the epidermis to the vicinity of the subcutaneous tissue. If the body surface is mucous membranes, it refers to the region from the surface of the mucous membrane to the vicinity of the muscle layer. If the body surface is hair, it refers to the region from the surface of the cuticle to its interior. An "oil-soluble component" refers to a component that is compatible with oil and is a hydrophobic substance. A "water-soluble component" refers to a component that is compatible with water and is a hydrophilic substance. Although neither of these is limited to cosmetic ingredients, it is preferable that they are cosmetic ingredients that are useful for the skin or hair.

[0019] <Topical Preparation Composition> The topical preparation composition used in the method of using the topical preparation composition disclosed herein contains water and solubilized micelles formed by a surfactant encapsulating an oil-soluble component. In such a topical preparation composition, the surfactant encapsulates the oil-soluble component to form solubilized micelles, thereby controlling the oil-soluble component to a fine particle size (e.g., an average particle size of approximately 10 nm to 200 nm), thereby enabling the oil-soluble component to be uniformly dispersed in the topical preparation composition. Furthermore, by applying such a topical preparation composition to a body surface and applying energy from above the applied topical preparation composition using a beauty device, the oil-soluble component can be effectively penetrated from the body surface into the interior of the body.

[0020] The components of the topical preparation composition are described in detail below. (Water) Water serves as a solvent in the topical preparation composition. Water also provides moisture by penetrating from the surface of the body to the interior.

[0021] The content of water in the topical composition may be adjusted appropriately in relation to the other components, for example, as the remainder, and is, for example, 36% by mass or more and 96% by mass or less, preferably 60% by mass or more and 92% by mass or less.

[0022] (Solubilized Micelles) Solubilized micelles 10 are particulate complexes in which a surfactant 2 encapsulates an oil-soluble component 4 (see FIG. 1 ). The formation of solubilized micelles in the topical composition allows the oil-soluble component to be uniformly dispersed in the aqueous solution. Furthermore, it is believed that by applying such a topical composition to the body surface and then using energy output from a beauty device, the solubilized micelles can penetrate from the body surface into the interior through gaps in the body surface (for example, gaps in the keratin of the skin or gaps in the hair cuticle). This is believed to allow the oil-soluble component to effectively penetrate from the body surface into the interior.

[0023] The average particle size of the solubilizing micelles is, for example, about 10 to 200 nm, preferably 10 to 100 nm. If it is within this range, the penetration effect when applied to the body surface is enhanced.

[0024] [Surfactant] The surfactant is a component that encapsulates an oil-soluble component to form a solubilized micelle. The surfactant is not particularly limited as long as it can encapsulate an oil-soluble component and form a solubilized micelle, and a wide variety of surfactants known as topical agents for skin, hair, etc. can be used. Specifically, the surfactant may be any of ionic surfactants such as anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants, or a combination of these. Furthermore, the surfactant preferably contains an ionic surfactant, and may further contain a nonionic surfactant.

[0025] The content of the surfactant in the topical preparation composition may be sufficient to form solubilized micelles, and may be, for example, 15% by mass or less, 0.0001% by mass to 15% by mass, preferably 0.01% by mass to 15% by mass, and more preferably 0.1% by mass to 10% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition. When the surfactant is an ionic surfactant, the content of the ionic surfactant in the topical preparation composition may be, for example, 0.01% by mass to 10% by mass, preferably 0.05% by mass to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.1% by mass to 5% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition. In this case, the content of the nonionic surfactant in the topical preparation composition may be, for example, 0% by mass to 15% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition.

[0026] Examples of anionic surfactants include dioleth-8-phosphate, dilauroyl glutamic acid lysine salt, stearoyl methyl taurine salt, acyl amino acid salts including acyl glutamic acid, cetyl phosphate and its salts, etc. When the anionic surfactant is a salt, specific examples thereof include potassium salt, sodium salt, magnesium salt, arginine salt, lysine salt, and histidine salt.

[0027] Examples of cationic surfactants include fatty acid amidopropyldimethylamine, fatty acid dimethylaminopropylamide and its salts, single-chain or double-chain quaternary ammonium salts, benzalkonium chloride, and cocoyl arginine ethyl ester PCA salt.

[0028] Examples of nonionic surfactants include POE (40) hydrogenated castor oil, POE (60) hydrogenated castor oil, PCA isostearate PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, and fatty acid polyglyceryl.

[0029] Among these, the surfactant is preferably at least an ionic surfactant, and in this case, the solubilized micelles formed are positively or negatively charged depending on the ionicity of the surfactant. In other words, the solubilized micelles are preferably positively or negatively charged. Positively or negatively charged solubilized micelles are more likely to penetrate from the surface of the body to its interior than uncharged solubilized micelles. The reason for this effect is unclear, but the inventors speculate as follows.

[0030] It has been known for some time that the body surface is positively or negatively charged, and therefore, by making the solubilizing micelles themselves positively or negatively charged, it is thought that an interaction occurs between the body surface and the solubilizing micelles, which facilitates their penetration from the body surface into the interior.

[0031] Furthermore, when used in conjunction with a beauty device that emits energy with the same charge as the charge on the solubilized micelles, electrostatic repulsion is thought to make it easier for the solubilized micelles to penetrate from the surface of the body to its interior.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism for applying a topical composition containing negatively charged solubilized micelles 10′ to skin, and then applying negative electrical energy E′ using a skin cosmetic device M to cause the negatively charged solubilized micelles 10′ to penetrate into the skin from the surface S. The following description will be made with reference to FIG. 3. First, in Step 1, the topical composition is applied to the skin, causing the negatively charged solubilized micelles 10′ to be present on the skin surface S. Next, in Step 2, a skin cosmetic device M, such as a facial massager, is placed over the skin to which the topical composition has been applied. The negative electrical energy E′ emitted from the cosmetic device M generates electrostatic repulsion between the negatively charged solubilized micelles 10′ and the solubilized micelles 10′, which have been controlled to an appropriate size, forcibly penetrating into the skin through gaps in the stratum corneum. Furthermore, in STEP 3, the oil-soluble component 4 that has penetrated into the skin as solubilized micelles 10' is thought to penetrate into the mortar structure in the stratum corneum L and contribute to the reconstruction (reinforcement) of the lipid bilayer. As a result, the barrier function of the stratum corneum L is enhanced, and absorbed moisture and the like are trapped, improving the moisturizing effect. Note that, if the oil-soluble component 4 is a component with specific useful properties, it is thought that these useful properties will be more effectively exerted by the oil-soluble component penetrating into the skin and being absorbed.

[0033] This method of pushing charged ingredients using electrostatic repulsion (charge repulsion) has been known for some time, such as electrorepulsion. However, in the past, the ingredients to be pushed were not applied in the form of solubilized micelles, so a significant penetration effect was only achieved with high-voltage beauty devices such as those used in medical institutions, and a sufficient penetration effect was not achieved with low-voltage beauty devices for home use. However, according to the method of using the topical composition of the present disclosure, the ingredients are applied to the body surface in the form of fine solubilized micelles, so it is believed that the penetration effect of the ingredients to be pushed can be enhanced even when using low-voltage beauty devices for home use.

[0034] Furthermore, normally, when the component to be pushed in is non-polar, electrostatic repulsion cannot be utilized. Therefore, when the oil-soluble component is non-polar, even if the component is applied to the body surface in its original form, the above-mentioned method cannot be utilized, and the oil-soluble component cannot be effectively penetrated from the body surface to the interior. However, according to the method of using the external preparation composition of the present disclosure, by selecting an ionic surfactant as the surfactant for encapsulating the oil-soluble component, it is possible to impart a positive or negative charge in the form of solubilized micelles regardless of the polarity of the oil-soluble component, and therefore the above-mentioned electrostatic repulsion can also be utilized, and the oil-soluble component can be more effectively penetrated from the body surface to the interior.

[0035] The charge of the solubilized micelles can be selected depending on the type of surfactant. For example, when the surfactant is an anionic surfactant, negatively charged solubilized micelles are obtained. Furthermore, when the surfactant is a cationic surfactant, positively charged solubilized micelles are obtained. Because electrorepulsion is a method of pushing charged ingredients using electrostatic repulsion, the energy emitted from the cosmetic device must be the same as the charge of the solubilized micelles. While FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which a topical preparation composition containing negatively charged solubilized micelles is used, for example, when a topical preparation composition containing positively charged solubilized micelles is used, it is possible to use positive electrical energy to generate electrostatic repulsion between the solubilized micelles and the positively charged solubilized micelles, thereby forcing the solubilized micelles, controlled to an appropriate size, into the skin through gaps in the stratum corneum.

[0036] [Oil-soluble component (oil-soluble component A)] The oil-soluble component is a component that is encapsulated by a surfactant and forms solubilized micelles together with the surfactant (hereinafter, this component may be referred to as "oil-soluble component A"). In the topical preparation composition, this oil-soluble component A is mainly encapsulated in the surfactant and exists as solubilized micelles, but a portion of it may be present alone or together with an oil-soluble component other than oil-soluble component A (hereinafter, this component may be referred to as "oil-soluble component B") without being encapsulated in the surfactant, as long as the effects of the present disclosure are not impaired. The oil-soluble component A is not particularly limited as long as it can be encapsulated in a surfactant, and a wide variety of components known as topical agents for skin, hair, etc. can be used.

[0037] The content of oil-soluble component A in the topical preparation composition may be at a level that allows the formation of solubilized micelles, and is, for example, 11% by mass or less, 0.0001% by mass to 11% by mass, preferably 0.0001% by mass to 2.7% by mass, more preferably 0.0001% by mass to 1.5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.0001% by mass to 0.9% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition.

[0038] Specific examples of the oil-soluble component A include oil-soluble components (A1) such as vegetable oils, animal oils, and mineral oils, regardless of their origin. These can also be used in combination. Examples of vegetable oils include vegetable squalane, olive oil, palm oil, safflower oil, and sesame oil. Examples of animal oils include animal squalane, whale oil, mink oil, lanolin and its derivatives, and sterols and their derivatives. Examples of mineral oils include hydrogenated polyisobutene, liquid paraffin (mineral oil), silicone oils and their derivatives, and ester oils derived from fatty acids such as cetyl ethylhexanoate (CEH), tri(capric acid / caproic acid)glyceryl, isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate. Among these, low-viscosity branched fatty acid liquid oils such as cetyl ethylhexanoate (CEH), capric / caproic triglyceride, isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate, as well as liquid ester oils of straight-chain or branched fatty acids, are preferred. Oil-soluble component A preferably contains oil-soluble component (A1), which penetrates from the surface of the body to its interior, thereby improving moisturizing. Among these, oil-soluble component A preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of cetyl ethylhexanoate (CEH), capric / caproic triglyceride, squalane, isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate, and more preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of cetyl ethylhexanoate (CEH), capric / caproic triglyceride, and squalane.

[0039] The oil-soluble component A may also be an oil-soluble component (A2) known to have the following usefulness. Examples of the oil-soluble component (A2) include vitamin E and its derivatives, vitamin A and its derivatives, oil-soluble vitamin C derivatives, vitamin P, other oil-soluble vitamins, quinones such as bakuchiol, ubiquinone, and hydroquinone, ceramides and their derivatives including ceramide analogs such as di(phytosteryl / octyldodecyl) lauroyl glutamate, and phospholipids. Examples of usefulness as cosmetic ingredients include ceramides for moisturizing and improving skin texture (skin conditioning), retinol and bakuchiol for improving skin firmness, oil-soluble vitamin C derivatives (such as VCIP) and hydroquinone for preventing blemishes and collagen production, vitamin E (tocopherol) and ubiquinone for antioxidant properties, and vitamin P (glycosyl hesperidin) for preventing dullness. The oil-soluble component A preferably contains an oil-soluble component (A2), and the oil-soluble component (A2) penetrates from the surface of the body into the interior thereof, thereby exerting the usefulness corresponding to the component.

[0040] When the oil-soluble component A contains an oil-soluble component (A2), the content of the oil-soluble component (A2) in the topical preparation composition is, based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition, from 0.0001% by mass to 4% by mass, preferably from 0.0001% by mass to 3% by mass, and more preferably from 0.0001% by mass to 1.2% by mass. If necessary, the topical preparation composition may further contain the oil-soluble component (A1) as a solvent for dispersing the oil-soluble component (A2). In this case, the content of the oil-soluble component (A1) in the topical preparation composition may be, for example, from more than 0% by mass to 7% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition.

[0041] (Water-soluble component) The topical preparation composition further contains a water-soluble component, and the water-soluble component is preferably attached to the solubilized micelles via a surfactant. Here, the attachment may be physical, chemical, electrostatic, or the like, and the type of bond is not particularly limited. Specific examples include ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions, van der Waals forces, and the like. Among these, an association state in which molecules or ions are bound by a relatively weak force such as electrostatic interactions is preferred.

[0042] Typically, water-soluble ingredients are less likely to penetrate from the surface of the body into its interior than oil-soluble ingredients. Therefore, various penetration methods have been investigated. However, methods using cosmetic devices require high voltages and specialized equipment, and simple methods that can be used at home have not yet achieved enhanced penetration effects. In contrast, according to the method of using the topical preparation composition disclosed herein, the water-soluble ingredient contained in the aqueous phase is believed to adhere to micronized solubilized micelles and penetrate from the surface of the body into its interior, integrated with the solubilized micelles ( FIG. 4 ). Note that FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating, as an example, the mechanism by which a topical preparation composition containing solubilized micelles 10 with a water-soluble ingredient 6 attached thereto is applied to the skin, and energy E is applied using a skin cosmetic device M, causing the solubilized micelles 10 with the water-soluble ingredient 6 attached thereto to penetrate from the surface S of the skin into its interior.

[0043] Solubilized micelles are a type of colloidal particle, and the attachment of electrolytes to positively or negatively charged colloidal particles is known as an electric double layer. The surface of charged colloidal particles is not only surrounded by counterions, but also by ionic water-soluble components, forming a cloud of electrolyte ions known as a diffuse electric double layer (Source: Fundamentals of Modern Interfacial Colloid Chemistry - Lectures and Measurement Manual, edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen Co., Ltd.). It is also believed that non-ionic water-soluble components are given an electrical polarity when electrical energy is applied from beauty devices, allowing them to attach to charged colloidal particles as the diffuse electric double layer described above.

[0044] The water-soluble component is not particularly limited and may be a low-molecular-weight component, a high-molecular-weight component, or an extract whose usefulness has been recognized but whose components are not specified. These may also be used in combination. Examples of low-molecular-weight components include vitamin C, its salts and derivatives, panthenol, niacinamide, B vitamins, adenosine triphosphate, peptides such as Syn-Ace and Syntac, amino acids such as glycine betaine, pyrrolidone carboxylate, hydroxyproline, alanine, lysine, and proline, and their derivatives, dipeptides, tripeptides, oligopeptides, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, and low-molecular-weight sugars including disaccharides such as trehalose.

[0045] Water-soluble polymers have long been known to adhere to colloid particles as protective colloids (Source: Fundamentals of Modern Interfacial Colloid Chemistry - Lectures and Measurement Manual, edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen Co., Ltd.). As mentioned above, solubilized micelles are a type of colloidal particle, and thus water-soluble polymers function as protective colloids. Examples of such polymer components include hyaluronic acid and its salts, such as sodium hyaluronate, collagen and its hydrolysates, hydrolyzed silk peptides, acrylic acid-based polymers and their derivatives, cellulose-based water-soluble polymers and their derivatives, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum and cationized xanthan gum, tamarind gum, pectin, locust bean gum, carrageenan, alginic acid and its salts, such as sodium alginate, mannans, guar gum and cationized guar gum, gellan gum, and polysaccharide polymers and their derivatives, such as Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides. Such polymer components are also suitable for imparting an appropriate viscosity to topical preparation compositions. In particular, when the topical composition is directly applied to the body surface, adjusting the viscosity to an appropriate level (e.g., 50 mPa s or more) can prevent the topical composition from dripping from the application surface and maintain good slipperiness of the cosmetic device on the body surface. From the viewpoint of enhancing the water retention of the topical composition, the polymer component is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hyaluronate, pectin, carrageenan, and xanthan gum, which have high water retention properties.

[0046] When the topical preparation composition further contains a water-soluble component, the content of the water-soluble component in the topical preparation composition is, for example, 40% by mass or less, 0.0001% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, preferably 0.0005% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition.

[0047] (Other Components) The topical preparation composition may further contain, as necessary, components other than those described above, such as a water-compatible solvent, an oil-soluble component other than the oil-soluble component A (oil-soluble component B), thickeners, preservatives and preservative aids, antioxidants, chelating agents, pH adjusters, etc. as components that enhance the stability of the topical preparation composition, and colorants, fragrances, texture improvers, film-forming agents, powders, fragrances (including essential oils and flower water, etc.) as components that enhance the usefulness and usability, such as the feel, of the topical preparation composition, and other components that are widely used as topical preparations for skin, hair, etc.

[0048] (Method for Producing Topical Composition) The topical composition may be produced by any method that can form solubilized micelles, and can be produced by known methods.

[0049] For example, a suitable example of a method for producing a topical composition is shown below. (1) A surfactant and an oil-soluble component are mixed and dissolved. At this time, heating may be performed if necessary, and mixing is preferably performed under conditions of 50°C or higher and 100°C or lower. (2) Water is added little by little to the mixture obtained in (1) above, and the mixture is stirred until uniform, thereby obtaining a topical composition containing water and solubilized micelles in which the surfactant encapsulates the oil-soluble component. If the mixture in (1) above is heated, the water to be added is preferably heated in advance to a similar temperature, and after the addition of water, the mixture is preferably gradually cooled to room temperature (20°C ± 5°C, the same applies hereinafter) while stirring.

[0050] (3) When the topical preparation composition further contains a water-soluble component, the water-soluble component may be further added to the topical preparation composition (2) above. In this case, it is preferable that the water-soluble component is dissolved in water in advance, and the aqueous solution is added to the topical preparation composition (2) above, followed by thorough stirring. In addition, when the topical preparation composition (2) above has been heated, the water-soluble component may also be heated to the same temperature and added as necessary.

[0051] (4) When obtaining an external preparation composition further containing other components, the other components may be added to the external preparation composition obtained in (2) or (3) above. In this case, if the other components are water-soluble, they are preferably dissolved in water in advance and added in the form of an aqueous solution to the external preparation composition of (2) or (3) above, followed by thorough stirring. Furthermore, if the other components are oil-soluble, they may be mixed with the oil-soluble components in advance prior to step (1), or may be added directly to the external preparation composition of (2) or (3). Furthermore, if the external preparation composition of (2) above has been heated, the other components may also be heated to a similar temperature and added, if necessary.

[0052] The above is a preferred example, and the method for producing the topical composition is not limited to the above procedure, and the steps (1) to (4) above may be interchanged as necessary.

[0053] <Cosmetic Device> The cosmetic device serves to generate energy to cause the solubilized micelles in the topical composition to penetrate from the body surface to the interior thereof. The cosmetic device is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of applying energy to the body surface to which the topical composition has been applied, and a wide variety of known cosmetic devices can be used. The purpose of using the cosmetic device is to generate energy to cause the solubilized micelles in the topical composition to penetrate from the body surface to the interior thereof, and the beneficial effects of the topical composition are not limited to cosmetic effects. The beneficial effects of the method of using the topical composition of the present disclosure are primarily effects derived from the oil-soluble components (and also effects derived from water-soluble components, if included as needed). However, if the cosmetic device is capable of exerting a unique cosmetic effect in addition to the aforementioned role of emitting the specified energy, it goes without saying that these effects are included in addition to the effects derived from the oil-soluble components.

[0054] Examples of beauty devices include facial massagers, steamers, epilators, hair dryers, hair irons, and electrical devices primarily intended for health promotion through weight loss and muscle training. Even if a device is classified as a medical device, it is included in the beauty device of the present disclosure if its intended use is primarily for beauty purposes. However, regardless of the type of beauty device used, the method of use of the topical composition of the present disclosure does not include medical procedures.

[0055] Examples of energy emitted by beauty devices include light energy, electrical energy, and thermal energy. These can be used in combination as needed. Light energy includes all wavelengths from ultraviolet light to visible light and far infrared light. Specific examples include light emitted from LEDs.

[0056] Examples of electrical energy include those generated from DC or AC power sources, and those containing plasma. Examples of electrical energy generated from AC power sources include high-frequency RF (radio frequency) and low-frequency EMS (electro-mechanical shock wave). RF, also known as radio waves, has a thermal effect, and its electrode shape may be either monopolar or bipolar. Low-frequency EMS primarily functions to move muscles. Examples of electrical waveforms include sine waves, square waves, and a combination of these called MSMP (multi-spike moist pulse waves, referred to as "electroosmotic waves" in this disclosure), as well as a high-voltage permeation waveform called electroporation, which creates temporary micro-perforations in the stratum corneum. Other examples include electropermeation techniques such as electrorepulsion, which uses positive or negative charges to push positively or negatively charged components into the stratum corneum through electrostatic repulsion, osmosis, and mesoporation, which combines electroporation and electrorepulsion. Examples of electrical energy containing plasma generated by beauty devices include electrical energy containing weak plasma such as Nanoe (registered trademark) and Plasmacluster (registered trademark). Such electrical energy may be direct current or alternating current, and may consist of positive or negative voltage.

[0057] In conventional topical compositions, oil-soluble ingredients are often not uniformly dispersed, or even if they are uniformly dispersed, they are often emulsions with large oil droplets, resulting in residual oil-soluble ingredients when applied to the body surface. Furthermore, because oil-soluble ingredients generally have low electrical conductivity, even when conventional topical compositions are used in conjunction with a cosmetic device that emits electrical energy, electrical conductivity to the body surface is reduced, resulting in insufficient efficacy of the cosmetic device. In contrast, in the topical composition of the present invention, the oil-soluble ingredients are in the form of micelles small enough to be solubilized, which facilitates penetration from the body surface into the interior, and the presence of solubilized micelles on the body surface does not impair the electrical conductivity of the cosmetic device. Therefore, electrical stimulation of the body surface by the cosmetic device is not hindered, maximizing the efficacy of the cosmetic device and further facilitating penetration of the solubilized micelles from the body surface into the interior. In other words, the topical composition of the present invention is more effective when used in conjunction with a cosmetic device that emits electrical energy.

[0058] Examples of thermal energy include heating using various heat media such as heated air, steam, and metal plates, as well as heating using electromagnetic waves, ultrasound, and infrared rays. Specific examples include heat from steam emitted from a thermal steamer. The energy emitted by the cosmetic device preferably includes thermal energy, which can further widen the gaps in, for example, the keratin of the skin or the cuticle of the hair.

[0059] The method for penetrating solubilized micelles from the surface of the body to its interior using a cosmetic device can be selected based on the energy emitted by the cosmetic device. For example, when using electrorepulsion (a method of pushing by electrostatic repulsion), it is preferable to select positive or negative electrical energy, and when using electroporation (electroporation), it is preferable to select low-voltage or high-voltage electrical energy. Osmosis is also effective. While electroporation may be performed alone, it is more effective when combined with electrorepulsion, RF, or EMS. Other methods include RF, EMS, and ultrasound, which are used to widen gaps in, for example, the stratum corneum of the skin or the cuticle of the hair by vibration, and far-infrared rays or heat from a thermal steamer, which are used to widen these gaps by heating. It is preferable to use two or more of these methods in combination, provided that the respective effects are not impaired. In particular, it is more preferable to combine these methods with a method that exerts a thermal effect by heating, in order to further improve the permeability of solubilized micelles without impairing the other effects. Furthermore, when using a cosmetic device that utilizes electrorepulsion, it is preferable to use it in combination with an external preparation composition that contains positively or negatively charged solubilized micelles.

[0060] [External Application Composition] The external application composition of the present disclosure contains water and solubilized micelles in which a surfactant encapsulates an oil-soluble component, and is used in combination with a cosmetic device.

[0061] The topical composition of the present disclosure has the above-described configuration, thereby enabling oil-soluble components in the topical composition to penetrate effectively.

[0062] The reason why the method of using the topical composition of the present disclosure exhibits the above-mentioned effects is not clear, but one possible reason is as follows.

[0063] As described above, the topical preparation composition of the present disclosure encapsulates oil-soluble components in an aqueous solution with a surfactant to form solubilized micelles, thereby enabling the oil-soluble components in the topical preparation composition to be uniformly dispersed in fine particles (e.g., an average particle size of about 10 nm to 200 nm). Because such solubilized micelles are fine, they are likely to penetrate easily from the surface of the body into its interior, and penetration is thought to be even easier, particularly when energy is applied using a cosmetic device.

[0064] In addition, the solubilized micelles are preferably positively or negatively charged. It has been known that the body surface is positively or negatively charged. Therefore, by positively or negatively charging the solubilized micelles themselves, an interaction occurs between the body surface and the solubilized micelles, which is thought to facilitate penetration from the body surface into the interior. Furthermore, when the solubilized micelles are used in combination with a beauty device that emits energy of the same charge as the charge on the solubilized micelles, electrostatic repulsion is thought to further facilitate penetration of the solubilized micelles from the body surface into the interior.

[0065] The zeta potential of an external preparation composition containing charged solubilized micelles can be measured using a zeta potential measuring device (e.g., Anton Paar, product names LITESIZER 500 or SurPASS 3) to confirm whether an electric double layer is formed at the solubilized micelle interface by counterions to the surface charge, resulting in a potential difference (ion concentration gradient). In this case, the zeta potential is ±100 mV to ±5 mV, preferably ±60 mV to ±8 mV, and more preferably ±50 mV to ±10 mV.

[0066] The components and production method of the topical composition are as described above.

[0067] A non-limiting list of exemplary embodiments and combinations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is disclosed below. [1] A method for using an external preparation composition, comprising applying to a body surface an external preparation composition containing water and solubilized micelles formed by a surfactant encapsulating an oil-soluble component, and applying energy to the applied body surface from above the external preparation composition using a cosmetic device, thereby penetrating the solubilized micelles from the body surface to the interior. [2] A method for using the external preparation composition described in [1] above, wherein the solubilized micelles are positively or negatively charged. [3] A method for using the external preparation composition described in [1] or [2] above, wherein the external preparation composition further comprises a water-soluble component, and the water-soluble component is attached to the solubilized micelles via the surfactant. [4] An external preparation composition comprising water and solubilized micelles formed by a surfactant encapsulating an oil-soluble component, used in combination with a cosmetic device. [5] The topical preparation composition according to [4] above, wherein the solubilized micelles are positively or negatively charged. [6] The topical preparation composition according to [4] or [5] above, wherein the topical preparation composition further comprises a water-soluble component, and the water-soluble component is attached to the solubilized micelles via the surfactant. [7] The topical preparation composition according to [4] or [5] above, wherein the content of the surfactant is 15% by mass or less based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition. [8] The topical preparation composition according to [4] or [5] above, wherein the content of the oil-soluble component is 11% by mass or less based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition. [9] The topical preparation composition according to [6] above, wherein the content of the water-soluble component is 40% by mass or less based on 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition.

[0068] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in each embodiment are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. Each aspect disclosed in this specification can be combined with any other feature disclosed in this specification.

[0069] The present disclosure will be explained in more detail below by showing examples, but interpretation of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0070] [1-1] Preparation of Topical Preparation Compositions (Preparation Examples 1 and 2, and Comparative Preparation Example 1) In Preparation Examples 1 and 2, and Comparative Preparation Example 1, topical preparation compositions were prepared by blending the components according to the formulations shown in Table 1. Specifically, the compositions were prepared according to the following procedure. <Preparation Method> (1) The surfactant and the oil-soluble component were mixed and heated to 80°C to dissolve them. (2) Water heated to 80°C was added little by little to the mixture obtained in (1) above, and the mixture was stirred until homogenous. (3) Next, a previously prepared aqueous solution in which a low-molecular-weight component was mixed and dissolved in water was heated to 80°C, and added little by little to the mixture obtained in (2) above, and the mixture was stirred thoroughly. (4) Next, a previously prepared aqueous solution in which a high-molecular-weight component was mixed and dissolved in water, and a preservative aid was added to this, was heated to 80°C, and the resulting solution was added little by little to the mixture obtained in (3) above, and the mixture was stirred. (5) The mixture obtained in (4) above was cooled to room temperature while stirring to obtain an external preparation composition.

[0071]

[0072] In Table 1, the following materials were used for each component.・Ionic surfactant 1: DOP-8 (manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd., dioleth-8 sodium phosphate) ・Nonionic surfactant 1: NIKKOL HCO-40 (manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd., POE (40) hydrogenated castor oil) ・Oil-soluble component 1: ELDEW (registered trademark) PS-203 (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc., di(phytosteryl / octyldodecyl) lauroyl glutamate) ・Water-soluble component (low molecular weight component 1): humectant (composition: mixture of proline, trehalose, and glycerin, blending ratio 1:1:4 by mass in the order listed on the left) ・Water-soluble component (high molecular weight component 1): Lapol Gum (registered trademark) CX (manufactured by MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd., cationized xanthan gum (xanthan hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride)) ・Preservative aid: pentylene glycol (manufactured by Kokyu Alcohol Kogyo Co., Ltd.) ・Water (purified water)

[0073] [1-2] Use of topical preparation compositions (Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1) In Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1, the topical preparation compositions prepared in [1-1] above were used and evaluated by the following methods. The topical preparation compositions used and the results are shown in Figure 5.

[0074] <1> Improvement rate of stratum corneum moisture content without using a cosmetic device (R1) (1) The inner side of the panelist's forearm was washed with a detergent, rinsed with water so that no detergent remained, and wiped off excess moisture with a tissue. (2) After 10 minutes from the above (1), the moisture content of the stratum corneum of the skin before applying the topical composition was measured in a measurement area (approximately 5 cm square) on the inner side of the panelist's forearm using a stratum corneum moisture meter (Courage+Khazaka, Corneometer). (3) Next, 0.18 ml of the topical composition of Preparation Example 1 was dropped onto the measurement area on the inner side of the panelist's forearm, and the cosmetic device, with its power turned off (no output), was placed on the topical composition and moved at a speed of 1 cm per second, spreading the composition over the entire measurement area while massaging for 90 seconds. The remaining topical composition on the skin was then wiped off with a tissue, and immediately thereafter, the moisture content of the stratum corneum (W1) of the skin after application of the topical composition was measured using the same method as in (2) above. Here, an RF facial beauty device (equivalent to Photoplus Shiny M18YL, manufactured by Ya-man Corporation) was used as the beauty device. However, in this test, the device was simply placed on the skin with the power turned off, so no energy was applied to the skin, and this does not constitute the actual use of a beauty device. (4) The improvement rate of stratum corneum moisture content (R1) was calculated using the following formula (I) from the moisture content of the stratum corneum (W0) of the skin before application of the topical composition and the moisture content of the stratum corneum (W1) of the skin after application of the topical composition. R1 (%) = [(W1 - W0) / W0] × 100 (I)

[0075] The above (1) to (4) were carried out on one panelist. The stratum corneum moisture content was measured at 10 arbitrary points within the measurement range. The upper and lower limits of the measurement value were discarded, and the average value was calculated from the remaining 8 measurement points (N=8), and this was used as the stratum corneum moisture content for that measurement.

[0076] In the above (2) and (3), the stratum corneum moisture content was measured under the following conditions: The measurement area on the inside of the panelist's forearm was set to avoid the areas near the wrist and elbow joint, because the measurement values ​​are likely to be unstable near the wrist and elbow joint.

[0077] <2> Improvement Rate of Stratum Corneum Moisture Content (R2) When Used in Conjunction with a Cosmetic Device In (3) of <1> above, the cosmetic device was simply applied to the skin onto which the topical composition had been applied with its power turned off (no output) (the cosmetic device was not used). In this measurement, however, the same cosmetic device was turned on and the cosmetic device was applied to the skin onto which the topical composition had been applied for 90 seconds while applying RF (high frequency, 1 MHz radio wave) energy (essentially using the cosmetic device). The moisture content of the stratum corneum of the skin before application of the topical composition (W0') and after application of the topical composition and use of the cosmetic device (W2) were measured in the same manner as in <1> above, and the improvement rate of stratum corneum moisture content (R2) was calculated using the following formula (II): R2 (%) = [(W2 - W0') / W0'] × 100 (II). Here, the output mode of the cosmetic device was set to 3 (3 out of 1 to 3 levels).

[0078] <3> Difference in the rate of improvement in stratum corneum moisture content with or without a beauty device (X) The difference (X = R2 - R1) between the rate of improvement in stratum corneum moisture content without a beauty device (R1) obtained in <1> above and the rate of improvement in stratum corneum moisture content with or without a beauty device (R2) obtained in <2> above was calculated.

[0079] In this evaluation, a higher improvement rate (%) in stratum corneum moisture content indicates a higher moisturizing effect of the topical preparation composition. The difference (X) in the improvement rate in stratum corneum moisture content between the use of a cosmetic device and the use of a cosmetic device indicates the influence of the use of a cosmetic device on the moisturizing effect of the topical preparation composition. In other words, if the difference (X) in the improvement rate in stratum corneum moisture content is positive, it means that the moisturizing effect of the topical preparation composition is further enhanced by the use of a cosmetic device in combination, and that the topical preparation composition is suitable for use with a cosmetic device.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, when used in combination with a cosmetic device, topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles (topical preparation compositions of Preparation Examples 1 and 2) were found to be able to further enhance the moisturizing effect compared to when no cosmetic device was used (Examples 1 and 2). This suggests that the oil-soluble components in the solubilized micelles effectively penetrate deep into the skin.

[0081] On the other hand, when the topical composition not containing solubilized micelles (topical composition of Comparative Preparation Example 1) was used in combination with a cosmetic device, there was not much difference compared to when the cosmetic device was not used, and it was confirmed that the moisturizing effect was slightly reduced (Comparative Example 1).

[0082] Furthermore, when an external preparation composition containing negatively charged solubilized micelles (Preparation Example 1) was used, an even better moisturizing effect was confirmed, and it is presumed that the penetration effect of oil-soluble ingredients was even greater (Example 1).

[0083] [2-1] Preparation of topical compositions (Preparation Examples 3 to 15, and Comparative Preparation Examples 2 and 3) In Preparation Examples 3 to 15, and Comparative Preparation Examples 2 and 3, topical compositions were prepared by blending the components according to the compositions shown in Tables 2 to 6, respectively.

[0084] In Table 2, the following materials were used for each component. Ionic surfactant 2: Pellicer (registered trademark) L-30 (manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation, 30% by mass aqueous solution of sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine) Nonionic surfactant 1: Same as above Nonionic surfactant 2: PYROTER CPI-40 (manufactured by Nippon Emulsion Co., Ltd., PCA isostearate PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil) Nonionic surfactant 3: A mixture of Sunsoft (registered trademark) Q-12Y-C (manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd., polyglyceryl-10 laurate) and Sunsoft (registered trademark) Q-17Y-C (manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd., polyglyceryl-10 oleate). (The blending ratio is 1:3 by mass.) Oil-soluble component 2: CEH (Cetyl ethylhexanoate, manufactured by Kokyu Alcohol Kogyo Co., Ltd.) Water-soluble component (low molecular weight component 2): AJIDEW (registered trademark) N-50 (50% by mass aqueous solution of PCA-Na, manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.) Water-soluble component (high molecular weight component 2): Natrosol (registered trademark) 250HHR PC (hydroxyethyl cellulose, manufactured by Ashland) Water-soluble component (high molecular weight component 3): Hi-Aqua (registered trademark) C (sodium hyaluronate, manufactured by JinWoo Bio) Water-soluble component (high molecular weight component 4): Kimica Algin I-3 (sodium alginate, manufactured by Kimica Co., Ltd.) Water-soluble component (high molecular weight component 5): GENU (registered trademark) pectin USP-H (pectin, manufactured by CP Kelco) Water-soluble component (high molecular weight component 6): GENUVISCO (registered trademark) Carrageenan type PJ-JPE (manufactured by CP Kelco, carrageenan) Water-soluble component (polymer component 7): UniqSens SFE system (manufactured by CP Kelco, a mixture of pectin / xanthan gum / carrageenan. The blending ratio is 6:3:1 by mass) Water-soluble component (polymer component 8): Tremoist (registered trademark) TP (manufactured by Nippon Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., tremella fuciformis polysaccharide) Preservative aid: pentylene glycol (manufactured by Kokyu Alcohol Kogyo Co., Ltd.) Water (purified water)

[0085] [2-2] Use of topical preparation compositions (Examples 3a to 15a and Comparative Examples 2a and 3a) Examples 3a to 15a and Comparative Examples 2a and 3a were evaluated in the same manner as in [2-1] above, except that the topical preparation compositions prepared in [1-2] above were used. The topical preparation compositions used and the results are shown in Table 2.

[0086]

[0087] As shown in Table 2, it was found that the topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles (topical preparation compositions of Preparation Examples 3 to 15) could further enhance the moisturizing effect when used in combination with a cosmetic device compared to when no cosmetic device was used (Examples 3a to 15a). This suggests that the oil-soluble components in the solubilized micelles effectively penetrate deep into the skin.

[0088] On the other hand, it was confirmed that the topical compositions not containing solubilizing micelles (topical compositions of Comparative Preparation Examples 2 and 3) had a slightly reduced moisturizing effect (Comparative Example 2a) or a significantly reduced moisturizing effect (Comparative Example 3a) when used in combination with a cosmetic device, compared to when no cosmetic device was used.

[0089] [2-3] Use of topical preparation compositions (Examples 3b, 4b, 6b, 7b, and 9b to 15b) Examples 3b, 4b, 6b, 7b, and 9b to 15b were evaluated in the same manner as in [2-1] above, except that the topical preparation compositions prepared in [1-2] above and the following cosmetic devices were used. The topical preparation compositions used and the results are shown in Table 3. Cosmetic device: Facial beauty device (Ya-man Co., Ltd., equivalent to Bright Lift EX HRF50) Energy emitted from the cosmetic device: 70 kHz single-wave electroosmotic wave (MSMP: multi-spike moist pulse wave) Cosmetic device output conditions: Output mode 1 (1 out of 5 levels)

[0090]

[0091] As shown in Table 3, it was found that the topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles (topical preparation compositions of Preparation Examples 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 to 15) could further enhance the moisturizing effect when used in combination with a cosmetic device compared to when no cosmetic device was used (Examples 3b, 4b, 6b, 7b, and 9b to 15b).

[0092] [2-4] Use of topical preparation compositions (Examples 3c to 5c, 8c and 14c) Examples 3c to 5c, 8c and 14c were evaluated in the same manner as in [2-1] above, except that the topical preparation compositions prepared in [1-2] above and the following cosmetic device were used. The topical preparation compositions used and the results are shown in Table 4. Cosmetic device: Facial beauty device (Ya-man Co., Ltd., equivalent to Bright Lift EX HRF50) Energy emitted from the cosmetic device: 1.5 kHz square wave electrorepulsion Cosmetic device output conditions: Output level was 1 (1 out of 5 levels)

[0093]

[0094] As shown in Table 4, when topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles (topical preparation compositions of Preparation Examples 3-5, 8c, and 14) were used in combination with a cosmetic device, they were found to further enhance moisturizing effects compared to when no cosmetic device was used (Examples 3c-5c, 8c, and 14c). In particular, when topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles formed with a surfactant containing an ionic surfactant (topical preparation compositions of Preparation Examples 3, 4, 8, and 14) were used in combination with a cosmetic device, the difference in the rate of improvement in stratum corneum moisture content was confirmed to be greater than when topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles formed with a surfactant not containing an ionic surfactant (topical preparation composition of Preparation Example 5) were used. This is thought to indicate that the energy emitted from the cosmetic device generates electrical repulsion against the ionic surfactant, thereby further penetrating the solubilized micelles into the skin through electrorepulsion. In particular, when a topical preparation composition containing a low-molecular-weight component as a water-soluble component (topical preparation composition of Preparation Example 8) was used, the difference in the rate of improvement in stratum corneum moisture content was confirmed to be particularly large. This is thought to mean that low molecular weight components as water-soluble components attach to the solubilizing micelles, and when the solubilizing micelles penetrate into the skin by electrorepulsion, the low molecular weight components also penetrate into the skin.

[0095] [2-5] Use of topical preparation compositions (Examples 3d, 6d, and 14d) Examples 3d, 6d, and 14d were evaluated in the same manner as in [2-1] above, except that the topical preparation compositions prepared in [1-2] above and the following cosmetic device were used. The topical preparation compositions used and the results are shown in Table 5. Cosmetic device: Facial beauty device (Ya-man Co., Ltd., equivalent to Bright Lift EX HRF50) Energy emitted from cosmetic device: 1 kHz medium frequency EMS Cosmetic device output conditions: Output level 5 (5 on a scale of 1 to 5)

[0096] As shown in Table 5, it was found that the topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles (topical preparation compositions of Preparation Examples 3, 6, and 14) can further enhance the moisturizing effect when used in combination with a cosmetic device compared to when no cosmetic device is used (Examples 3d, 6d, and 14d).

[0097] [2-6] Use of topical preparation composition (Examples 6e and 14e) In Examples 6e and 14e, evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in [2-1] above, except that the topical preparation composition prepared in [1-2] above and the following cosmetic device were used. The topical preparation composition used and the results are shown in Table 6. Cosmetic device: Facial beauty device (Ya-man Co., Ltd., Bright Lift EX HRF50 equivalent) Energy emitted from cosmetic device: 10 Hz low-frequency EMS Output conditions of cosmetic device: Output level 3 (3 out of 1 to 5 levels)

[0098] As shown in Table 6, it was found that the topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles (topical preparation compositions of Preparation Examples 6 and 14) can further enhance the moisturizing effect when used in combination with a cosmetic device compared to when no cosmetic device is used (Examples 6e and 14e).

[0099] The zeta potential of the topical composition containing the charged solubilized micelles of the present invention was measured using a zeta potential measuring device (manufactured by Anton Paar, product names LITESIZER500, SurPASS3) to confirm whether an electric double layer was formed at the solubilized micelle interface by counter ions to the surface charge, resulting in a potential difference (ion concentration gradient).

[0100]

[0101] In Table 7, the following materials were used for each component. Ionic surfactant 2: Pellicer (registered trademark) L-30 (30% by mass aqueous solution of sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) Nonionic surfactant 2: PYROTER CPI-40 (PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil PCA isostearate, manufactured by Nippon Emulsion Co., Ltd.) Oil-soluble component 3: NIKKOL VC-IP (ascorbyl tetrahexyldecanoate, manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.) Oil-soluble component 4: natural vitamin E (tocopherol, manufactured by Tama Biochemical Co., Ltd.) Preservative aid: pentylene glycol (manufactured by Kokyu Alcohol Kogyo Co., Ltd.) Water (purified water) Comparative Example 4, which is an external preparation composition containing solubilized micelles prepared with uncharged nonionic surfactant 2, had a zeta potential (mV) close to zero (no zeta potential). On the other hand, the topical preparation compositions containing solubilized micelles prepared with charged ionic surfactant 2 (Examples 16 and 17) had zeta potentials as shown in Table 7. Furthermore, when the topical preparation composition containing charged solubilized micelles with zeta potential (Example 16) was diluted 20-fold to form a topical preparation composition (Example 17, Formulation Example 5), the ζ (zeta) potential actually became higher. As shown in Table 7, the topical preparation compositions of the present invention containing charged solubilized micelles still had zeta potential even when diluted, indicating that an electric double layer was formed by counterions to the surface charge, resulting in a potential difference.

[0102] <1> Comparison of moisturizing sensation between topical preparation compositions containing charged solubilized micelles (Example 17) and uncharged solubilized micelles (Comparative Example 5) (1) The inner forearm of each panelist was cleansed with a cleanser, rinsed with water to remove any remaining cleanser, and wiped with a tissue to remove excess moisture. (2) After 10 minutes had passed since step (1), the topical preparation composition containing charged solubilized micelles (Example 17) and the topical preparation composition containing uncharged solubilized micelles (Comparative Example 5) were applied to separate areas of a measurement area (approximately 5 cm square) on the inner forearm of each panelist. (3) Next, a beauty device was applied to each measurement area on the inner forearm of each panelist for 90 seconds. The beauty device used was an RF facial massager (equivalent to Photoplus Shiny M18YL, manufactured by Ya-man Corporation). The remaining topical composition on the skin was then wiped off with a tissue, and the moisturizing sensation on the skin was measured by sensory evaluation, with the subject choosing the sensation with the highest moisturizing sensation (A for the most moisturizing sensation, B for the least moisturizing sensation). The test was conducted by 10 subjects. As shown in Table 8, the moisturizing sensation was significantly enhanced when the positively or negatively charged solubilized micelles of the present invention were used.

[0103]

[0104] Below are shown examples of formulations, manufacturing methods, conditions of use, and results when another external preparation composition according to the present invention is used in a facial beauty device.

[0105] (Formulation Example 1: Lotion) A lotion was prepared according to the following formulation using a manufacturing method similar to that of the above example, and used for 90 seconds using a beauty device (facial beauty device, manufactured by YA-MAN Corporation, equivalent to Bright Lift EX HRF50) under the following conditions: Energy emitted from the beauty device: 1.5 kHz square wave electrorepulsion Output conditions of the beauty device: Output level 1 (1 on a scale of 1 to 5) The preparation method was similar to that of the above example. A cosmetic product with this formulation also possessed the excellent properties of the present invention.Ingredients Amount (mass%) (1) Butylene Glycol (BG) 8.0 (2) PYROTER CPI-40 2.2 (3) Trehalose 2.0 (4) Methyl Gluceth-10 2.0 (5) Niacinamide 2.0 (6) Pentylene Glycol 1.5 (7) Glycerin 1.0 (8) Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate 1.0 (9) Pellicer (registered trademark) L-30 0.9 (10) 1,2-Hexanediol 0.5 (11) Sodium Citrate 0.05 (12) Retinol Palmitate 0.1 (13) Bakuchiol 0.1 (14) Ascorbyl Tetrahexyldecanoate 0.1 (15) Tocopherol 0.1 (16) ARGIRELINE (registered trademark) YOUth peptide Oil solution MB 0.1 (17) DERMAXYL® 0.1 (18) Hydroxyacetophenone 0.3 (19) PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil 0.3 (20) Carbomer 0.2 (21) PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate 0.15 (22) Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate 0.1 (23) Citric acid 0.1 (24) Potassium hydroxide 0.1 (25) Water Rest Total 100.00.

[0106] (Formulation Example 2: Beauty Serum) A beauty serum was prepared according to the following formulation and the manufacturing method in accordance with the above example, and used for 90 seconds using a beauty device (facial beauty device, manufactured by YA-MAN Corporation, equivalent to Bright Lift EX HRF50) under the following conditions: Energy emitted from the beauty device: 1 kHz medium frequency EMS Beauty device output conditions: Output level 5 (5 on a scale of 1 to 5) A cosmetic product with this formulation also possessed the excellent properties of the present invention.Ingredients Amount (mass%) (1) Butylene Glycol 7.5 (2) Glycerin 5.0 (3) Diglycerin 2.5 (4) Pyroter CPI-40 2.2 (5) Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) 2.0 (6) Betaine 2.0 (7) Niacinamide 2.0 (8) Trehalose 2.0 (9) Pentylene Glycol 1.5 (10) Pellicer (registered trademark) L-30 0.9 (11) 1,2-Hexanediol 0.5 (12) Hydroxyacetophenone 0.3 (13) Retinol Palmitate 0.1 (14) Bakuchiol 0.1 (15) Ascorbyl Tetrahexyldecanoate 0.1 (16) Tocopherol 0.1 (17) Argireline (registered trademark) Youth Peptide oil solution MB 0.1 (18) DERMAXYL® 0.1 (19) Hydroxyacetophenone 0.3 (20) Xanthan gum 0.3 (21) PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil 0.2 (22) Glycyrrhizinate 2K 0.1 (23) Sodium citrate 0.1 (24) Citric acid 0.05 (25) Water Balance Total 100.00.

[0107] (Formulation Example 3: Beauty Serum) A beauty serum was prepared according to the following formulation and the manufacturing method in accordance with the above example, and a beauty device (facial beauty device, manufactured by YA-MAN Corporation, equivalent to Bright Lift EX HRF50) was used for 90 seconds under the following conditions: Energy emitted from the beauty device: 10 Hz low-frequency EMS Beauty device output conditions: Output level 3 (3 on a scale of 1 to 5) A cosmetic product with this formulation also possessed the excellent properties of the present invention. Ingredients Amount (mass%) (1) Curerex-Galacto 10.0 (2) KGK Fermented Collagen Water 10.0 (3) BG 7.5 (4) Glycerin 3.0 (5) Diglycerin 2.5 (6) PYROTER CPI-40 2.2 (7) DPG 2.0 (8) Betaine 2.0 (9) Niacinamide 2.0 (10) Gaturin (registered trademark) Expression AF 2.0 (11) Trehalose 2.0 (12) Pentylene glycol 1.5 (13) Pellicer (registered trademark) L-30 0.9 (14) Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate 0.5 (15) 1,2-Hexanediol 0.5 (16) Hydroxyacetophenone 0.3 (17) PRODEW® 600 0.1 (18) Retinol Palmitate 0.1 (19) NIKKOL® Tocopherol-10 0.1 (20) Ascorbyl Tetrahexyldecanoate 0.1 (21) Tocopherol 0.1(22) ARGIRELINE® YOUth peptide oil solution MB 0.1 (23) DERMAXYL® 0.1 (24) 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid 0.1 (25) Spring mint 0.05 (26) BARPULL® G 0.05 (27) HyaloBelle 0.05 (28) Hyalooligo 0.05 (29) HAbooster 0.05 (30) Hydrolyzed collagen 0.05 (31) BAOLIFT 0.05 (32) NovoRetin 0.01 (33) FILMEXCEL® 0.01 (34) Argireline® Amplified Peptide solution C 0.01 (35) NIKKOL® Retinol H1 0.01 (36) FLEXAN® 0.01 (37) Pullulan 0.01 (38) Hyaluronic acid crosspolymer Na-2 SF100 0.01 (39) MATRIXYL 3000 0.01 (40) ARGIRELINE® peptide 0.01 (41) SYN-AKE® 0.01 (42) SYN-COLL® 0.01 (43) ChroNOline 0.01 (44) IDEALIFT® MBAL 0.01 (45) PROGELINE 0.01 (46) Ceramide NP 0.01(47) Ceramide NG 0.01 (48) Ceramide AS 0.01 (49) SymWhite® 377 0.01 (50) Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.01 (51) APPRECIER® 0.01 (52) TPNa® 0.01 (53) Ascorbyl Glucoside 0.01 (54) Radical Sponge® N 0.01 (55) Moist Fullerene® N 0.01 (56) ALGAKTIV GenoFix Day 0.01 (57) ALGAKTIV RetinART 0.01 (58) Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide 0.01 (59) Caffeine 0.01 (60) Inositol 0.01 (61) Panax Ginseng Root Extract 0.01 (62) Hydroxyacetophenone 0.3 (63) Xanthan Gum 0.3 (64) PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 0.2 (65) Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate 0.1 (66) Sodium Citrate 0.1 (67) Citric Acid 0.05 (68) Disodium EDTA 0.05 (69) Ethanol 0.1 (70) Phenoxyethanol 0.3 (71) Water Balance Total 100.00

[0108] (Formulation Example 4: Beauty Gel) A beauty gel was prepared according to the following formula using a manufacturing method similar to that of the above example, and used for 90 seconds in a beauty device (a facial beauty device manufactured by Ya-man Corporation, equivalent to Photoplus Shiny M18YL). Energy emitted from the beauty device: 1 MHz radio waves (RF). Output conditions of the beauty device: output level 3 (3 out of 1 to 3 levels). A cosmetic product with this formula also possessed the excellent properties of the present invention.Ingredients Amount (mass%) (1) Butylene Glycol 7.5 (2) Glycerin 5.0 (3) Pentylene Glycol 2.5 (4) Pyroter CPI-40 2.2 (5) Diglycerin 2.0 (6) Niacinamide 2.0 (7) Pellicer (registered trademark) L-30 0.9 (8) Carbomer 0.5 (9) 1,2-Hexanediol 0.5 (10) Retinol Palmitate 0.1 (11) Bakuchiol 0.1 (12) Ascorbyl Tetrahexyldecanoate 0.1 (13) Tocopherol 0.1 (14) Argireline (registered trademark) Youth Peptide Oil Solution MB 0.1 (15) Dermaxyl (registered trademark) 0.1 (16) Hydroxyacetophenone 0.3 (17) Potassium hydroxide 0.25 (18) Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate 0.1 (19) Sodium citrate 0.05 (20) Citric acid 0.01 (21) Water Remaining Total 100.00.

[0109] Formulation Example 5: Cosmetic Serum A cosmetic serum was prepared according to the following formulation and a manufacturing method similar to that of the above example, and then used for 90 seconds in a beauty device (facial beauty device, manufactured by YA-MAN Corporation, equivalent to Photoplus Shiny M18YL). Energy emitted from the beauty device: 1 MHz radio waves (RF). Output conditions of the beauty device: output level 3 (3 out of 1 to 3 levels). A cosmetic product with this formulation also possessed the excellent properties of the present invention.Ingredients Amount (mass%) (1) Butylene Glycol 7.5 (2) Glycerin 5.0 (3) Diglycerin 2.5 (4) Pyroter CPI-40 0.0365 (5) Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) 2.0 (6) Pentylene Glycol 1.5 (7) Pellicer (registered trademark) L-30 0.0455 (8) 1,2-Hexanediol 0.5 (9) Hydroxyacetophenone 0.3 (10) Retinol Palmitate 0.0015 (11) Bakuchiol 0.0015 (12) Ascorbyl Tetrahexyldecanoate 0.0015 (13) Tocopherol 0.0015 (14) Argireline (registered trademark) Youth Peptide Oil Solution MB 0.0015 (15) DERMAXYL® 0.0015 (16) Hydroxyacetophenone 0.3 (17) Xanthan gum 0.3 (18) PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil 0.2 (19) Sodium citrate 0.1 (20) Citric acid 0.05 (21) Water Balance Total 100.00.

[0110] The method of using the topical composition of this embodiment allows the oil-soluble components in the topical composition to penetrate effectively, and has industrial applicability.

[0111] 10 Solubilized micelle (10' negatively charged solubilized micelle) 2 Surfactant 4 Oil-soluble component 6 Water-soluble component M Beauty device E Energy (E' negative electrical energy) L Stratum corneum S Body surface (skin surface)

Claims

1. A topical composition containing water and solubilized micelles in which a surfactant encapsulates an oil-soluble component is applied to the body surface. A method for using the topical preparation composition, wherein at least electrical energy is applied to the body surface to which the topical preparation composition has been applied, using a beauty device, to cause the solubilized micelles to penetrate from the body surface into the body.

2. A method of using the topical composition according to claim 1, wherein the solubilized micelles are positively or negatively charged.

3. A method of using the topical preparation composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the topical preparation composition further comprises a water-soluble component, the water-soluble component being attached to the solubilized micelle via the surfactant.

4. It contains water and solubilized micelles in which a surfactant encapsulates an oil-soluble component. A topical composition to be used in combination with a beauty device capable of adding at least electrical energy.

5. The topical composition according to claim 4, wherein the solubilized micelles are positively or negatively charged.

6. The topical preparation composition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the topical preparation composition further comprises a water-soluble component, the water-soluble component being attached to the solubilized micelles via the surfactant.

7. The topical preparation composition according to claim 4, wherein the content of the surfactant is 15% by mass or less in 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition.

8. The topical preparation composition according to claim 4, wherein the content of the oil-soluble component is 11% by mass or less in 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition.

9. The topical preparation composition according to claim 6, wherein the content of the water-soluble component is 40% by mass or less in 100% by mass of the topical preparation composition.

10. A method for using the topical composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the zeta potential measured using a zeta potential measuring device is ±100 mV to ±5 mV.

11. A method for using the topical composition according to claim 3, wherein the zeta potential measured using a zeta potential measuring device is ±100 mV to ±5 mV.

12. The topical composition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the zeta potential measured using a zeta potential measuring device is ±100 mV to ±5 mV.

13. The topical composition according to claim 6, wherein the zeta potential measured using a zeta potential measuring device is ±100 mV to ±5 mV.