Hair and scalp cosmetic composition with seborrheic scalp-improving effect

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair effective in improving seborrheic scalp, and more specifically, to a cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair that includes a mixed extract of rooibos, white tea tree, and camellia leaves to regulate sebum secretion of the scalp and improve scalp health, thereby alleviating problems caused by seborrheic scalp.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair effective in improving seborrheic scalp, and more specifically, to a cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair that includes a mixed extract of rooibos, white tea tree, and camellia leaves to regulate sebum secretion of the scalp and improve scalp health, thereby alleviating problems caused by seborrheic scalp. Background Technology

[0002] Interest in scalp health is rising due to changes in modern lifestyles and increased stress. In particular, seborrheic scalp issues are known to be one of the most common scalp conditions affecting many people. Seborrheic scalp refers to a condition where excessive sebum secretion leads to an oily scalp or dandruff, causing discomfort such as itching in severe cases. Beyond being a personal cosmetic issue, the importance of seborrheic scalp is being highlighted in terms of hygiene and scalp care; as severe cases can lead to a deterioration of the scalp condition, consistent management is required.

[0003] The causes of seborrheic scalp include excessive activation of the sebaceous glands, hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, stress, and irregular dietary habits; an imbalance in the microbial community inhabiting the scalp is also identified as a major factor. Due to these complex causes, seborrheic scalp is difficult to improve with simple cleansing alone, requiring more fundamental management methods.

[0004] Existing scalp care products have primarily focused on enhancing cleansing power and scalp cleanliness by including synthetic surfactants or specific chemical ingredients; however, these products pose problems, such as potential side effects like scalp irritation, damage to the scalp barrier, and allergic reactions with long-term use. Consequently, scalp care products utilizing naturally derived ingredients are gaining popularity, and there is a demand for products that are safe for the human body and gentle on the scalp.

[0005] Among naturally derived ingredients, rooibos is a plant native to South Africa that contains a large amount of polyphenols with powerful antioxidant properties, making it known for its scalp irritation relief and anti-inflammatory effects. White tea tree is famous for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for balancing the microbial community on the scalp, while camellia leaves are also reported to be beneficial for scalp protection due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects.

[0006] In particular, technology that ferments natural plant extracts to increase the bioavailability of active ingredients and enhance physiological activity has recently been attracting attention. The fermentation process breaks down high-molecular compounds of plant components into low-molecular compounds to increase scalp penetration, and simultaneously, new physiologically active substances can be generated by fermentation strains, thereby enhancing the efficacy of cosmetic compositions. In particular, fermentation strains of the genus Lactobacillus (spp.) are being considered for application in various cosmetic materials due to their high safety, beneficial effects on the scalp, and high industrial accessibility.

[0007] Accordingly, a composition comprising a mixed extract obtained by fermenting a mixture of rooibos, white tea tree, and camellia leaves using a Lactobacillus fermentation strain can be presented as an alternative to overcome the limitations of existing scalp care products. This composition has the potential to regulate excessive sebum secretion of the scalp, improve scalp imbalance, alleviate scalp discomfort, and enhance overall scalp condition.

[0008] However, there is still a lack of cases where a mixed extract obtained by mixing and fermenting rooibos, white tea tree, and camellia leaves in specific proportions has been applied to cosmetic compositions for scalp improvement, and in particular, there are almost no reports of specific technical approaches regarding the combination and application methods of Lactobacillus fermentation strains used in fermentation. Prior art literature

[0009] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2703440 (Registered Sep 2, 2024) "Hair shampoo composition for improving hair or scalp health" The problem to be solved

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a cosmetic composition for scalp and hair for improving seborrheic scalp, which can effectively alleviate oiliness, dandruff, and discomfort caused by excessive sebum secretion of the scalp, improve scalp condition, minimize irritation to the scalp based on naturally derived plant ingredients, and exhibit safe and mild action even with long-term use. means of solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a cosmetic composition for scalp and hair for improving seborrheic scalp, characterized by comprising a mixed extract obtained by extracting a mixture of rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves, and having an effect of improving seborrheic scalp.

[0012] In addition, the above mixed extract is characterized by being prepared by mixing rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves in amounts of 0.01 to 99.98 weight% each, fermenting the mixture with a Lactobacillus fermentation strain, and then extracting.

[0013] In addition, the above-mentioned Lactobacillus fermentation strain is characterized by being one or more selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus reuteri.

[0014] In addition, the above mixed extract is characterized by being extracted with one or more extraction solvents selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, propanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerin, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, and hexanediol.

[0015] In addition, the cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair of the present invention is characterized by being formulated into any one of the formulations selected from the group of hair products consisting of shampoo, rinse, hair conditioner, hair treatment, hair pack, hair tonic, hair essence, hair grooming aid, pomade, hair spray, mousse, wax, gel, hair cream, hair lotion, hair oil, permanent wave, hair straightener, and hair fiber. Effects of the invention

[0016] The cosmetic composition for scalp and hair for improving seborrheic scalp according to the present invention comprises a mixed extract of rooibos, white tea tree, and camellia leaves, which can effectively alleviate scalp oil and dead skin cells and contribute to improving scalp condition. In particular, the bioavailability of active ingredients is enhanced through a fermentation process, allowing it to act gently on the scalp and providing minimal burden even with long-term use. Furthermore, it can be formulated into various hair product forms, expanding user convenience and choice, and can help maintain a healthier and cleaner scalp environment through continuous use. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0017] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for preparing a cosmetic composition of the present invention. Figure 2 is a graph showing the experimental results of the sebum reduction rate. Figure 3 is a graph showing the experimental results of the increase in moisture index. Figure 4 is a graph showing the experimental results of the reduction in oil content index. Figure 5 is a graph showing the experimental results of the exfoliation improvement rate. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0018] The following detailed descriptions relating to the present invention refer to the accompanying drawings, which are embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced and are illustrated as examples of such embodiments. These embodiments are described in detail to sufficiently enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention are different but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention in relation to one embodiment. Furthermore, it should be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each described embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0019] Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims, including all equivalents to those claimed therein, provided they are properly described. Similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions across various aspects.

[0020] The terms used in this invention have been selected based on currently widely used general terms, taking into account their functions within the invention; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the invention.

[0021] In the present invention, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0023] Hereinafter, a cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair having an effect of improving seborrheic scalp according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0025] The cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair having an effect of improving seborrheic scalp according to the present invention is characterized by having an effect of improving seborrheic scalp by including a mixed extract obtained by extracting a mixture of rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves.

[0026] Here, rooibos refers to the mature whole plant of *Aspalathus Linearis*, which is rich in flavonoid antioxidants such as aspalathin and nothofagin. These components exhibit antioxidant activity, which helps alleviate oxidative stress on the scalp and contributes to maintaining a healthy scalp environment; by doing so, they can soothe skin irritation and help regulate the balance of sebum and keratin on the scalp.

[0027] White tea tree leaves, the leaf portion of the White Tea Tree (Kunzea Ericoides), contain terpene compounds such as methyleugenol and α-pinene, which provide antibacterial and cleansing effects. Additionally, they contribute to maintaining the microbial balance on the scalp surface, alleviating discomfort caused by excessive oil secretion, and providing a refreshing sensation to the scalp. In other words, the unique hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties of white tea tree help maintain a clean state while minimizing irritation to the scalp.

[0028] Camellia leaves, the leaf portion of the Camellia japonica, contain saponins and gallic acid along with flavonoid components such as catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and kaempferol. These components of camellia leaves exhibit excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, contributing to protecting the scalp from external stimuli and strengthening the scalp's moisture barrier. In particular, catechin and EGCG alleviate oxidative stress on the scalp by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while saponins help maintain a clean and healthy scalp through cleansing and moisturizing actions.

[0029] The mixture of the present invention contributes to the improvement of seborrheic scalp through the characteristics of each of these components, and in the present invention, mutually complementary physiological activities can be induced by mixing, fermenting, and then extracting these three components.

[0031] More specifically, the mixed extract of the present invention can be prepared by mixing rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves in amounts of 0.01 to 99.98 weight% each, fermenting the mixture with a Lactobacillus fermentation strain, and then extracting.

[0032] At this time, it is critically preferable that the mixture be mixed in a weight ratio of 2:1:1, that is, 50% by weight of rooibos, 25% by weight of white tea tree leaves, and 25% by weight of camellia leaves.

[0033] Here, critically desirable means that mixing rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves in a weight ratio of 2:1:1 can maximize the effect of improving seborrheic scalp by optimizing the bioactive properties of each component, and by setting the content of rooibos relatively high, the effect of reducing oxidative stress on the scalp and improving basic scalp condition through aspalatin and nothophagin can be enhanced, and by maintaining the appropriate content of white tea tree leaves and camellia leaves, it can be adjusted to achieve an optimal balance of bioactivity while preventing scalp irritation or excessive moisturization while providing sufficient antibacterial and moisturizing functions.

[0034] The above-mentioned Lactobacillus fermentation strain may be one or more selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus reuteri.

[0035] In this case, the above-mentioned fermentation strains are microorganisms for which standard strains corresponding to their respective scientific names have been deposited and registered in accredited domestic and international microbial resource banks, and whose culture characteristics and genetic information are publicly disclosed; they correspond to biological resources that are commercially available for purchase in the market or can be easily secured and cultured by a person skilled in the art according to ordinary technical standards.

[0036] These Lactobacillus fermentation strains are generally known to be highly safe and capable of producing various physiologically active substances, and in particular, they can contribute to increasing the physiological activity of plant extracts through fermentation characteristics such as the demolition of polyphenols, production of organic acids, and enhancement of antioxidant activity.

[0037] Specifically, Lactobacillus plantarum increases the bioavailability of polyphenols and flavonoid compounds during the fermentation process, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus helveticus produce organic acids to contribute to maintaining scalp pH balance, and Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus reuteri can primarily provide effects that enhance anti-inflammatory and soothing action.

[0038] The Lactobacillus genus fermentation strain of the present invention is 10 6 ~ 10 8 It can be inoculated at an initial cell concentration of CFU / mL, and appropriately 10 7 Inoculating with CFU / mL is advantageous for ensuring fermentation efficiency and quality.

[0039] Meanwhile, it is desirable to select and inoculate only one species from the groups listed above as a fermentation strain of the Lactobacillus genus. This is to prevent competitive reactions between strains and maintain consistent quality. As a single strain, Lactobacillus helveticus is suitable for providing excellent pH control ability.

[0040] Lactobacillus helveticus has the characteristic of regulating pH to converge to a slightly acidic environment (pH 4.5 ~ 5.5) effective in alleviating seborrheic scalp, which is advantageous for its own survival, by producing organic acids such as lactic acid and pyruvic acid during the fermentation process; through this, it can contribute to creating a slightly acidic environment for the scalp and hair. In addition, Lactobacillus helveticus may provide the effect of improving the absorption efficiency of active ingredients by promoting the breakdown of polyphenol components into low molecular weights during the fermentation process.

[0042] The above mixed extract may be extracted with one or more extraction solvents selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, propanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerin, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, and hexanediol, and known extraction methods such as hot water extraction and ultrasonic extraction using the extraction solvent may be applied, and a preferred example will be explained through the manufacturing method described below.

[0043] Mixture preparation step (S10) : Rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves are mixed in an amount of 10.0 to 80.0 weight% each. Preferably, the mixture may be composed of 50 weight% rooibos, 25 weight% white tea tree leaves, and 25 weight% camellia leaves.

[0044] In the step of preparing this mixture (S10), it is possible to extract rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves in their original state or by grinding them for extraction; however, it is preferable not to dry them before extraction in terms of preserving the active ingredients and the fermentation efficiency of the subsequent fermentation step (S20).

[0045] Fermentation stage (S20) : 10 Lactobacillus fermentation strains added to the above mixture 6 ~ 10 8 Inoculate with an initial cell concentration of CFU / mL and ferment at 37℃ for 1 to 3 days.

[0046] Suitablely, 10 Lactobacillus helveticus in the mixture 7 It may be a step of inoculating with an initial cell concentration of CFU / mL and then fermenting at 37℃ for 3 days.

[0047] In this fermentation step (S20), purified water may be added as a buffer solution to maintain the activity of the fermentation strain and to accept the generated organic acid.

[0048] In addition, after the fermentation step (S20), a killing step (S21) may be included in which the fermented mixture is heated at 80 to 90°C for 10 to 30 minutes to kill the fermentation strains.

[0049] Extraction step (S30) : The above mixed extract may be extracted with one or more extraction solvents selected from the group consisting of water, alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, propanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerin, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, and hexanediol at 50 to 60°C for 12 to 24 hours, and it is preferable to extract at 60°C for 18 hours.

[0050] At this time, it is preferable to use one or more solvents among propanediol, butylene glycol, and glycerin, either alone or in combination. This is because these extraction solvents are low-irritation solvents and moisturizers widely used in the extraction of natural products, and are effective in increasing the stability of active ingredients and extraction efficiency.

[0051] Specifically, propanediol has low skin irritation and excellent skin affinity, while butylene glycol provides high solubility and moisturizing function, which can improve the stability of the extracted active ingredients and the feel on the skin. Glycerin has high moisture retention capacity and antioxidant properties, contributing to improving the quality and storage stability of the extract.

[0052] After this extraction step (S30), a filtration step (S31) to remove solids may be performed, and subsequently, depending on what formulation the cosmetic composition is to be formulated into in the formulation step (S40), a reduced-pressure concentration step (S32) may be included to adjust the concentration and viscosity.

[0053] Formulation step (S40)The cosmetic composition of the present invention may be formulated into any one of the formulations selected from the group of products for the scalp and hair, consisting of shampoo, rinse, hair conditioner, hair treatment, hair pack, hair tonic, hair essence, hair grooming aid, pomade, hair spray, mousse, wax, gel, hair cream, hair lotion, hair oil, permanent wave, hair straightener, and hair fiber, and provided to users to ensure industrial utility value, and the formulation may be carried out according to known methods.

[0055] Hereinafter, through examples, comparative examples, and experimental examples, the effects of the cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair having an effect of improving seborrheic scalp according to the present invention will be examined in detail.

[0057] Example 1. A composition extracted by mixing rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves and fermenting with Lactobacillus helveticus.

[0058] The experimental composition of Example 1 was prepared according to the following manufacturing process.

[0059] Mixture preparation step (S10): A mixture was prepared by mixing 50% by weight of raw rooibos, 25% by weight of white tea tree leaves, and 25% by weight of camellia leaves.

[0060] Fermentation step (S20): 20 volume% of purified water is added to the above mixture, and then 10 Lactobacillus helveticus is added. 7 Inoculated with an initial cell concentration of CFU / mL and fermented at 37℃ for 3 days.

[0061] Killing step (S21): Afterwards, the fermentation strain was killed by heating at 80°C for 20 minutes.

[0062] Extraction step (S30): An extraction solvent mixed in equal amounts of propanediol, butylene glycol, and glycerin was added to the fermented mixture at 150 volume% relative to the fermented mixture, and then extracted at 60°C for 18 hours to prepare a mixed extract.

[0063] Filtration step (S31): The mixed extract was filtered with a 200 mesh filter to remove solids.

[0065] Comparative Example 1. Example excluding rooibos from the mixture

[0066] The experimental composition of Comparative Example 1 was prepared by changing the mixture preparation step (S10) of Example 1 above to a step of preparing a mixture by mixing 50% by weight of white tea tree leaves and 50% by weight of camellia leaves in their raw state.

[0068] Comparative Example 2. Example excluding white tea tree leaves from the mixture

[0069] The experimental composition of Comparative Example 2 was prepared by changing the mixture preparation step (S10) of Example 1 above to a step of preparing a mixture by mixing 66.7% by weight of raw rooibos and 33.3% by weight of camellia leaves.

[0071] Comparative Example 3. Example excluding camellia leaves from the mixture

[0072] The experimental composition of Comparative Example 3 was prepared by changing the mixture preparation step (S10) of Example 1 above to a step of preparing a mixture by mixing 66.7% by weight of raw rooibos and 33.3% by weight of white tea tree leaves.

[0074] Comparative Example 4. Example excluding the fermentation process

[0075] The experimental composition of Comparative Example 4 was prepared by extracting the mixture excluding the fermentation step (S20) and the death step (S21) from the manufacturing method of Example 1 above.

[0077] Example 2. Example of using Lactobacillus plantarum as a fermentation strain

[0078] The experimental composition of Example 2 was prepared by replacing the fermentation strain in the fermentation step (S20) of Example 1 with Lactobacillus plantarum.

[0080] Example 3. Example of using Lactobacillus gasseri as the fermentation strain

[0081] The experimental composition of Example 3 was prepared by replacing the fermentation strain in the fermentation step (S20) of Example 1 with Lactobacillus gasseri.

[0083] Example 4. Example of using Lactobacillus salivarius as the fermentation strain

[0084] The experimental composition of Example 4 was prepared by replacing the fermentation strain in the fermentation step (S20) of Example 1 with Lactobacillus salivarius.

[0086] Example 5. Example of using Lactobacillus reuteri as the fermentation strain

[0087] The experimental composition of Example 5 was prepared by replacing the fermentation strain in the fermentation step (S20) of Example 1 with Lactobacillus reuteri.

[0089] Comparative Example 5. Example of applying Bacillus subtilis as the fermentation strain

[0090] The experimental composition of Comparative Example 5 was prepared by replacing the fermentation strain with Bacillus subtilis in the fermentation step (S20) of Example 1 above.

[0092] The experimental compositions of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 prepared as described above were stabilized at 25°C for 5 hours, and then used as experimental samples without a separate formulation process to confirm the exact effect.

[0094] Subject selection

[0095] In the experimental examples described below, the experiment was conducted on 30 adult men and women aged 20 to 45 who were diagnosed with seborrheic scalp; to minimize differences between groups, the subjects were selected from volunteers diagnosed with seborrheic scalp whose sebum content before application was 150 to 180 μg / cm³ 2 Only cases falling within the range were selected.

[0096] The subjects were instructed not to use any external products on their scalp for 12 hours prior to the experiment, and a 3×3 cm area was placed on the scalp between the crown and the forehead to proceed with Experimental Examples 1 to 3 described below. 2 Three sections were marked, and after the measurement before the experiment, 2 mL of the experimental composition was uniformly applied to each section, then air-dried for 30 minutes, and the experiment was conducted.

[0097] At this time, three subjects were assigned to each experimental composition.

[0099] Experimental Example 1. Evaluation of Sebum Secretion Inhibition

[0100] 1) Experimental Method

[0101] Sebum amount (µg / cm²) on the same area was measured using a Sebumeter® (Courage+Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Germany) before application of the experimental composition and 4 hours after drying. 2 ) was measured. The sebum reduction rate was calculated by subtracting the amount of sebum 4 hours after application from the amount of sebum before application, dividing the result by the amount of sebum before application, and then multiplying by 100.

[0103] 2) Experimental Results

[0104] The experimental results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0105] Sample Sebum reduction rate (%) Example 1 45.8 Comparative Example 1 30.2 Comparative Example 2 35.0 Comparative Example 3 34.5 Comparative Example 4 28.8 Example 2 43.2 Example 3 42.8 Example 4 41.5 Example 5 42.0 Comparative Example 5 33.5

[0106] As shown in Table 1, Example 1 showed the highest sebum reduction rate of 45.8%. This is attributed to the fact that rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves were all mixed and fermented with Lactobacillus helveticus to maximize the bioavailability of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active ingredients.

[0107] Comparative Example 1 is a composition mixed only with white tea tree leaves and camellia leaves without rooibos, showing a sebum reduction rate of 30.2%, and it is determined that the absence of antioxidant substances such as aspalatin and nothofagin contained in rooibos influenced the reduction in effectiveness. Comparative Example 2 is a composition excluding white tea tree leaves, showing a reduction rate of 35.0%, which is analyzed to be due to a decrease in antibacterial and cleanliness maintenance effects. Comparative Example 3 is a composition excluding camellia leaves, showing a reduction rate of 34.5%, which is considered to be because the oil-water balance of the scalp was not properly regulated due to a lack of moisturizing and anti-inflammatory action.

[0108] Comparative Example 4 is a composition that omitted the fermentation step and showed the lowest sebum reduction rate of 28.8%. This is analyzed to be due to the absence of the effect of reducing the molecular weight of the active ingredient and enhancing physiological activity through fermentation.

[0109] Example 2 showed a reduction rate of 43.2% with a composition in which the fermentation strain was replaced with Lactobacillus plantarum, and Example 3 showed a reduction rate of 42.8% with a composition in which the strain was replaced with Lactobacillus gasseri. This is attributed to the fact that while both strains contributed to the reduction of polyphenol molecules and the enhancement of antioxidant activity, their ability to produce organic acids was somewhat lower compared to Helveticus.

[0110] Example 4 (Lactobacillus salivarius) and Example 5 (Lactobacillus reuteri) also showed sebum reduction rates of 41.5% and 42.0%, respectively, and although they had anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, they showed slightly lower results than Lactobacillus helveticus in terms of basic sebum suppression ability.

[0111] Comparative Example 5 is a case where Bacillus subtilis, not of the genus Lactobacillus, was used as the fermentation strain, showing a sebum reduction rate of 33.5%. It is interpreted that the scalp improvement effect was low because Bacillus subtilis has limited ability to break down polyphenols into smaller molecules and produce organic acids.

[0112] From the above results, it was confirmed that the composition of the present invention is most effective for improving seborrheic scalp by mixing rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves in a specific weight ratio and using Lactobacillus helveticus as a fermentation strain.

[0114] Experimental Example 2. Evaluation of Scalp Oil-Moisture Balance

[0115] 1) Experimental Method

[0116] The scalp moisture index and oil index were measured using Corneometer® CM825 and Sebumeter® SM815 (Courage+Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Germany), respectively, before application of the experimental composition and 4 hours after drying.

[0117] A higher moisture index indicates a higher moisture content of the scalp, while a lower oil index indicates that excessive sebum secretion is suppressed. The oil-moisture balance was evaluated by considering both the increase in the moisture index and the decrease in the oil index compared to before application.

[0119] 2) Experimental Results

[0120] The experimental results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0121] Sample Increase in moisture index (%) Decrease in oil content (%) Example 1 28.7 45.3 Comparative Example 1 25.8 30.7 Comparative Example 2 27.3 34.7 Comparative Example 3 18.2 34.2 Comparative Example 4 16.9 28.6 Example 2 25.1 43.6 Example 3 26.7 42.1 Example 4 30.2 40.6 Example 5 31.1 39.8 Comparative Example 5 20.3 32.7

[0122] As shown in Table 2, Example 1 showed the highest reduction rate of 45.3% in the oil index reduction, while the other experimental groups showed a general tendency for the reduction rate to decrease, which was an experimental result very similar to the sebum suppression effect observed in Experimental Example 1.

[0123] Meanwhile, the increase in moisture index showed distinct differences depending on the components of the experimental composition and the fermentation strains. In particular, Example 1 showed a moisture increase of 28.7%, which was found to be effective in strengthening the moisture barrier of the scalp, and was evaluated as the best in terms of the balance between the moisture index and the oil index.

[0124] Comparative Example 3, excluding camellia leaves, showed the lowest increase in moisture at 18.2%, which is interpreted as being due to the reduced ability to maintain moisture caused by the absence of saponin and gallic acid components contained in camellia leaves.

[0125] Comparative Example 4, which omitted the fermentation process, showed a very low increase in moisture of 16.9%, which is attributed to the fact that the low molecular weight of the active ingredient and increased absorption rate were not achieved through fermentation.

[0126] Example 4 (Salivarius fermentation) and Example 5 (Reuteri fermentation) showed increases in moisture of 30.2% and 31.1%, respectively, which were higher than those of Example 1, and it is interpreted that the scalp moisture retention ability was significantly improved by the anti-inflammatory and soothing active ingredients. In contrast, Example 2 (Plantarum) and Example 3 (Gasseri) showed increases in moisture of 25.1% and 26.7%, respectively, and showed a tendency for relatively low moisture retention ability due to the strain characteristics focused on enhancing antioxidant activity.

[0127] Comparative Example 5 is a composition prepared using Bacillus subtilis as a fermentation strain, which showed a moisture increase of 20.3%, and showed a relatively low moisturizing effect because the ability to break down the active ingredient into low molecular weight and produce organic acids was limited during the fermentation process.

[0128] From the above results, it was confirmed that the composition of the present invention can effectively improve the oil-moisture balance of the scalp by mixing rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves, and using Lactobacillus helveticus as a fermentation strain.

[0129] In particular, it was proven that the selection of moisturizing components of camellia leaves and fermentation strains of the genus Lactobacillus were major contributing factors in terms of improving moisture retention ability.

[0131] Experimental Example 3. Evaluation of Scalp Exfoliation Improvement Effect

[0132] 1) Experimental Method

[0133] Experimental Example 3 was conducted as a long-term evaluation over a period of 2 weeks. During this period, the subject washed their hair once a day using only 5 mL of the same non-functional hair wash product, and after drying their hair sufficiently, applied 2 mL of each experimental composition to the scalp section of Experimental Example 3.

[0134] As in Experimental Examples 1 and 2, no external products were used on the scalp for 12 hours prior to evaluation, and each experimental composition was applied and dried for 30 minutes, and the evaluation was conducted 4 hours after the drying was finished.

[0135] Baseline data was obtained by photographing the subject's scalp with a digital microscope (×200x magnification) based on the scalp after the first hair washing and drying before the start of the experiment, visually observing and blind-evaluating the condition of scalp dandruff, and scoring it on a 6-point scale from 0 points (no dandruff) to 5 points (severe dandruff) by three skin clinical experts.

[0136] Evaluation was conducted using the same method at the end of the experiment period, two weeks after baseline data was obtained. The scalp was photographed using a digital microscope, and three clinical skin experts performed a blind evaluation according to the same scale. The degree of exfoliation improvement was calculated as the exfoliation improvement rate (%) based on the decrease in evaluation scores two weeks later compared to the baseline data.

[0138] 2) Experimental Results

[0139] The experimental results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0140] Sample Exfoliation Improvement Rate (%) Example 1 78.5 Comparative Example 1 61.2 Comparative Example 2 59.8 Comparative Example 3 64.7 Comparative Example 4 56.2 Example 2 63.2 Example 3 74.3 Example 4 71.0 Example 5 72.5 Comparative Example 5 66.5

[0141] As shown in Table 3, Example 1 showed the best improvement effect with a keratinization improvement rate of 78.5%. This is attributed to the result of providing an extract with optimized antioxidant and pH regulating functions by applying Lactobacillus helveticus as a fermentation strain to a mixture of rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves.

[0142] Example 3 showed the second best result with a keratin improvement rate of 74.3%, which is interpreted as the composition fermented using Lactobacillus gasseri as a fermentation strain improving the scalp environment and inhibiting keratin formation through anti-inflammatory and organic acid production.

[0143] Example 5 showed an improvement rate of 72.5%, and it is analyzed that when Lactobacillus reuteri was applied, the scalp moisture barrier was strengthened and keratin was effectively relieved through soothing and moisturizing effects. Subsequently, Example 4 showed an improvement rate of 71.0%, and it is determined that a certain level of keratin improvement effect was achieved by imparting an anti-inflammatory effect through the fermentation strain of Salivarius.

[0144] Comparative Example 5 showed an improvement rate of 66.5%, which is interpreted as indicating that the Bacillus subtilis fermentation composition showed a somewhat lower effect compared to Lactobacillus strains in terms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Comparative Example 3, Example 2, Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 4 showed relatively low improvement rates of 64.7%, 63.2%, 61.5%, 59.8%, and 56.2%, respectively, which is analyzed as being due to factors such as an imbalance in the mixing ratio of rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves, the absence of specific components, or the omission of the fermentation process hindering the improvement effect.

[0145] From the above results, it was confirmed that the composition of the present invention showed the most excellent effect in improving scalp exfoliation when rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves were mixed in a certain ratio and Lactobacillus helveticus was used as the fermentation strain. In particular, unlike mechanical measurement of moisture and oil balance, visual evaluation showed that different improvement effects were observed depending on the characteristics of each fermentation strain.

[0147] The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair that exhibits an effect of improving seborrheic scalp by containing a mixed extract comprising rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves. The mixed extract provides a combination of antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing functions, thereby regulating the oil-water balance of the scalp and contributing to the inhibition of keratin formation.

[0148] The cosmetic composition of the present invention can effectively improve the symptoms of seborrheic scalp through complex biological activity and exhibits excellent effects in scalp health management as it can be applied in various formulations. Accordingly, the present invention can provide high industrial utility value as a high-functional cosmetic composition for improving seborrheic scalp.

[0150] Although the present invention has been described together with the accompanying drawings, this is merely one example among various embodiments containing the gist of the invention, and its purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to easily implement it; it is clear that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope by modification, substitution, replacement, etc., without departing from the gist of the invention shall be included within the rights of the present invention. Furthermore, it is clarified that some components in the drawings are provided in an exaggerated or reduced size compared to the actual form to more clearly explain the configuration. Explanation of the symbols

[0151] (S10): Mixture preparation step (S20): Fermentation step (S21): Death stage (S30): Extraction stage (S31): Filtration step (S32): Pressure concentration step (S40): Formulation step

Claims

Claim 1 A cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair having an effect of improving seborrheic scalp, comprising a mixed extract obtained by fermenting a mixture of rooibos, white tea tree leaves, and camellia leaves in amounts of 0.01 to 99.98 weight% each with a Lactobacillus fermentation strain and then extracting the mixture, wherein the Lactobacillus fermentation strain is one or more selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus reuteri. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair according to claim 1, wherein the mixed extract is extracted with one or more extraction solvents selected from the group consisting of water, alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, propanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerin, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, and hexanediol. Claim 5 A cosmetic composition for the scalp and hair according to claim 1, characterized by being formulated into any one formulation selected from the group of hair products consisting of shampoo, rinse, hair conditioner, hair treatment, hair pack, hair tonic, hair essence, hair grooming aid, pomade, hair spray, mousse, wax, gel, hair cream, hair lotion, hair oil, permanent wave, hair straightener, and hair fiber.

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