Composition for improving skin condition

Abstract

The present invention provides a cosmetic composition for improving skin conditions, the composition comprising bisabolol, oryzanol, Polygonum cuspidatum extract, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate. The composition for improving skin conditions according to the present invention exhibits excellent synergistic effects on skin barrier enhancement, pigmentation inhibition, wrinkle reduction, or elasticity improvement through the combination of specific components, and thus can be effectively utilized as a functional composition in cosmetics or skin topical formulations targeting skin tissues.

Description

Composition for skin improvement

[0001] This application claims priority to Republic of Korea Application No. 10-2023-0115849, filed August 31, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a composition for improving skin.

[0003] The skin serves as a barrier, protecting the body from the external environment and preventing the loss of internal moisture and beneficial substances. Furthermore, it is a vital organ responsible for various physiological functions, including temperature regulation and excretion. However, various factors can cause skin cell activity to decline and skin condition to deteriorate.

[0004] Collagen and elastin, found in the dermal layer of the skin, play a significant role in skin composition, performing functions such as maintaining skin's mechanical strength, connective tissue resistance, maintaining tissue cohesion, and supporting cell adhesion. Collagen is reduced by stress, aging, and photoaging caused by UV exposure. Furthermore, elastin is known to distort its three-dimensional structure after UV exposure due to increased activity of elastase. Consequently, the decrease in collagen or decreased activity of elastin causes skin tissue to become loose and lose elasticity.

[0005] As epidermal cellular function declines, metabolism becomes impeded, and dead skin cells fail to shed properly, leading to excessive accumulation of dead skin cells. In this state, exposure to UV rays can lead to a decline in skin elasticity, resulting in wrinkles. Alternatively, if a sebum barrier fails to form on the epidermis, moisture and sebum secretion decrease, drying out the skin and leading to the formation of wrinkles.

[0006] When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it synthesizes melanin to protect itself. This synthesized melanin is transferred to keratinocytes via melanosomes. These keratinocytes undergo a 28-day turnover cycle. Normally, the melanin produced is shed by these keratinocytes every 28 days. However, if the skin cell cycle is disrupted by factors such as stress or skin aging, keratinocytes do not shed in a timely manner, resulting in pigmentation such as freckles, age spots, and age spots.

[0007] Research has continued to identify substances that can suppress skin aging caused by the various factors mentioned above and improve factors such as strengthening the skin barrier, suppressing pigmentation, and improving wrinkles and elasticity by stimulating collagen production. However, substances that demonstrate satisfactory effects in these functions are still under development, and thus, the development of new ingredients capable of improving these factors is urgently needed.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a composition for improving skin that exhibits improved effects in factors such as strengthening the skin barrier, suppressing pigmentation, improving wrinkles, or enhancing elasticity.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the inventors of the present invention have made extensive research efforts and have discovered that a composition containing bisabolol, oryzanol, Korean knotweed extract, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate exhibits excellent skin improvement effects such as skin barrier strengthening, pigmentation inhibition, wrinkle improvement, and elasticity enhancement. In particular, they have surprisingly discovered that when these ingredients are combined, the skin barrier strengthening, pigmentation inhibition, and wrinkle improvement or elasticity enhancement effects are significantly increased compared to when these ingredients are used individually, thereby completing the present invention.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a cosmetic composition for improving skin, comprising bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate.

[0011] Bisabolol used in the present invention has the IUPAC name (2S)-6-methyl-2-[(1S)-4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]hept-5-en-2-ol [(2S)-6-methyl-2-[(1S)-4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]hept-5-en-2-ol], also referred to as α-(-)-bisabolol or levomenol, and is a natural monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol. The bisabolol used in the present invention may be purchased or synthesized. The bisabolol may be included in an amount of 0.00001 to 50 wt%, preferably 0.0001 to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0012] The oryzanol used in the present invention is also referred to as gamma oryzanol (γ-oryzanol) and is a mixture of lipids extracted from rice (Oryza sativa). γ-Oryzanol is mainly generated from the fat fraction of rice bran and rice bran oil, and is known as a mixture of ferulic acid esters of phytosterols and triterpenoids, particularly cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, and campesteryl ferrate, which are known to account for 80% of γ-oryzanol. The oryzanol used in the present invention can be obtained by extraction from rice or by commercial purchase. The oryzanol may be included in an amount of 0.00001 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.0001 to 1 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0013] The knotweed extract used in the present invention refers to a substance extracted from knotweed. Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica, synonyms Fallopia japonica and Polygonum cuspidatum) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Polygonaceae in the order Polygonum, and grows in mountains and fields throughout Korea. The stem is hollow, and reddish purple spots are scattered on the stem when young. The knotweed extract used in the present invention may be purchased or directly collected. The knotweed extract may be included in an amount of 0.00001 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.0001 to 1 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0014] The extract of Hojanggeun used in the present invention includes an extract obtained by extracting Hojanggeun, a diluted or concentrated extract, a dried product obtained by drying the extract, a conditioned or purified product of the extract, or a mixture or fraction thereof, and all other extracts in the form of extracts that can be formed using the extract. The extract of Hojanggeun used in the present invention can also be obtained by commercial purchase.

[0015] The type of extraction solvent used to extract the above-mentioned Hojanggeun is not particularly limited, and any solvent known in the art can be used. Non-limiting examples of the extraction solvent include water; lower alcohols having C1 to C4 such as methanol, ethanol, propyl alcohol, or butyl alcohol; polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, butylene glycol, or propylene glycol; and hydrocarbon solvents such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, benzene, hexane, diethyl ether, or dichloromethane; or mixtures thereof. Preferably, water, lower alcohols, 1,3-butylene glycol, and ethyl acetate can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the extract of the root of the plant can be used as is after filtering to remove floating solid particles, for example, filtering the particles using nylon or the like, or filtering using a cryofiltration method, or the like, or after drying using freeze-drying, hot air drying, spray drying, or the like.

[0017] The chrysin used in the present invention is also referred to as 5,7-dihydroxyflavone and is a flavone extracted from plants. The chrysin used in the present invention may be purchased or synthesized. The chrysin may be included in an amount of 0.00001 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.0001 to 1 wt%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0018] Quercetin used in the present invention is also referred to as 3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone and is a plant flavonol belonging to the flavonoid group of polyphenols. Quercetin used in the present invention may be purchased or synthesized. The quercetin may be included in an amount of 0.00001 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.0001 to 1 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0019] Sodium mannose phosphate used in the present invention has the chemical formula C6H 12 It is O9PNa and may be purchased or synthesized. The sodium mannose phosphate may be included in an amount of 0.00001 to 1 wt%, preferably 0.0001 to 0.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0020] Kaempferol used in the present invention is also referred to as 3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone and is a type of natural flavonoid. The kaempferol used in the present invention may be purchased or synthesized. The kaempferol may be included in an amount of 0.00001 to 1 wt%, preferably 0.0001 to 0.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0021] The pyruvate used in the present invention is a form of pyruvic acid (C3H4O3) that has a negative charge (C3H3O3 - ) means. The cation that forms a salt with the negatively charged pyruvate may be one cation selected from the group consisting of sodium ion, potassium ion, calcium ion, magnesium ion, barium ion, aluminum ion and mixtures thereof, but is not limited thereto. The pyruvate used in the present invention may be purchased or synthesized. The pyruvate may be included in an amount of 0.00001 to 1 wt%, preferably 0.0001 to 0.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0022] In one embodiment, the mixture of the above active ingredients may be included in an amount of 0.0001 to 50 wt%, preferably 0.001 to 10 wt%, relative to the total weight of the composition. The effect may be better when the content of the mixture of the above active ingredients is used within the above range.

[0023] In one embodiment, when mixing the above effective ingredients, the weight ratio of bisabolol: oryzanol: Korean knotweed extract: chrysin: quercetin: sodium mannose phosphate: kaempferol: pyruvate may be 1: 0.05 to 0.5: 0.01 to 0.1: 0.005 to 0.05: 0.005 to 0.05: 0.001 to 0.01: 0.0005 to 0.005: 0.00005 to 0.0005, and preferably 1: 0.05 to 0.3: 0.04 to 0.08: 0.01 to 0.04: 0.01 to 0.04: 0.004 to 0.008: 0.0005 to 0.003: 0.0001 to It could be 0.0004.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cosmetic composition may include, as a solvent, one selected from the group consisting of water, lower alcohols having C1 to C4, polyhydric alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

[0025] In one embodiment, the skin improvement may be one selected from the group consisting of skin barrier strengthening, pigmentation suppression, wrinkle improvement, or elasticity enhancement, and combinations thereof.

[0026] The term "skin barrier" as used herein refers to a physical, chemical, or physiological barrier formed by the skin to prevent the intrusion of external substances such as pathogens and the outflow of substances to the outside, while simultaneously preventing chemical or physical damage and damage to moisture or minerals. In addition, the term "strengthening / improving the skin barrier" may refer to chemically or biologically restoring a damaged skin barrier, thereby improving the skin's function as a barrier so that the skin can effectively prevent the intrusion of external substances or the outflow of substances to the outside. This is distinct from skin moisturizing, which simply directly replenishes moisture in the skin or physically prevents moisture loss.

[0027] In relation to strengthening the skin barrier, tight junction protein ZO-1, also known as Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), is a 220-kD peripheral membrane protein encoded by the human TJP1 gene and belongs to the tight junction-related protein family of zonula occludens proteins (ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3). ZO-1 is a junction that strengthens the bond between epidermal cells. In skin with a weakened skin barrier, such as atopy or psoriasis, a phenomenon in which ZO-1 expression is reduced is found.

[0028] Regarding pigmentation, the regulation of skin pigmentation is driven by a complex melanogenic paracrine network between mesenchymal and epithelial cells, which regulates melanocyte survival, proliferation, and melanin production. Among melanogenic growth factors, KITLG and its receptor c-Kit play a crucial role in regulating physiological and pathological skin pigmentation by triggering the Ras / MAPK signaling pathway. Specifically, KITLG, a factor secreted from keratinocytes, acts as a c-Kit ligand that activates c-Kit, a melanin synthesis pathway. Therefore, inhibitors of KITLG have anti-pigmentation effects.

[0029] The term "enhancing skin elasticity" as used herein refers to increasing skin elasticity, inhibiting collagen-degrading enzymes and promoting collagen production to suppress or inhibit loss of skin elasticity, or alleviating already reduced elasticity. The "enhancing skin elasticity" can be achieved by strengthening the skeleton of skin cells through increased production of fibronectin and collagen. In addition, since MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) is an ECM (extracellular matrix)-degrading enzyme secreted by the epidermis and has the effect of degrading collagen in the dermis, collagen production can be promoted by inhibiting MMP9.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic composition may include an auxiliary agent commonly used in the cosmetic-related technical field, such as a fatty substance, an organic solvent, a solubilizer, a thickener, a gelling agent, a softening agent, an antioxidant, a suspending agent, a stabilizer, a foaming agent, a fragrance, a surfactant, water, an ionic or nonionic emulsifier, a filler, a metal ion sequestering agent, a chelating agent, a preservative, a vitamin, a blocking agent, a humectant, an essential oil, a dye, a pigment, a hydrophilic or lipophilic active agent, or a lipid vesicle, and may also include any other ingredients commonly used in cosmetics.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the formulation of the cosmetic composition may be prepared as, for example, a solution, emulsion, suspension, paste, cream, lotion, gel, powder, spray, surfactant-containing cleansing, oil, soap, liquid detergent, bath agent, foundation, makeup base, essence, toner, foam, pack, softener, sunscreen cream or sun oil, etc. Preferably, the formulation of the cosmetic composition may be prepared as, for example, a skin ointment, softener toner, nourishing toner, nourishing cream, massage cream, essence, pack, emulsion or oil gel.

[0032] The present invention also provides a composition for external application to the skin comprising bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate.

[0033] In one embodiment, the external skin composition may refer to a solid, semi-solid, or liquid external preparation that can be easily applied to the skin by mixing an active ingredient with various bases such as oil, petrolatum, lanolin, or glycerol. The external formulation is not particularly limited, but may be in the form of a powder, gel, ointment, cream, liquid, or aerosol.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the external skin composition may be applied to the face or other body parts through a transdermal administration method such as direct application to the skin or spraying. The terms "administration" or "application" refer to introducing the composition of the present disclosure into the skin by any suitable method. The composition may be administered through any common route as long as it can reach the target tissue, and may be administered transdermally, preferably topically. The number of times the composition is administered or applied may be appropriately determined according to the user's needs. The amount of the composition may be appropriately adjusted depending on individual differences such as age or skin condition, or on the formulation. Typically, an appropriate amount is applied to the skin once or several times a day for one week to several months.

[0035] The present invention also provides a composition comprising bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol and pyruvate for use in improving skin.

[0036] The present invention also provides a method for preparing a cosmetic composition for improving skin, comprising a step of mixing bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate.

[0037] The present invention also provides a method for improving skin, comprising the step of applying to the skin a composition comprising bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for improving skin may include applying the composition to the skin so that the dosage of the active ingredient in the composition is 1 to 1000 mg / L, preferably 10 to 500 mg / L. In addition, the method may include applying the composition to the skin for more than a week, for example, for 1 day to 6 months, preferably for 1 week to 4 months, but the maximum application period is not limited. In addition, the method may include applying the composition to the skin 1 to 6 times a day, preferably 1 to 3 times, for example, for applying the composition to the skin twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.

[0039] All ingredients described in the present disclosure preferably do not exceed the maximum usage levels specified in relevant laws and regulations of Korea, China, the United States, Europe, Japan, etc. (e.g., Regulations on Cosmetic Safety Standards (Korea) or Cosmetic Safety Technical Standards (China), etc.). That is, preferably, the cosmetic or skin external preparation composition according to the present disclosure includes the ingredients according to the present disclosure within the content limits permitted by relevant laws and regulations of each country.

[0040] The skin improvement composition of the present invention exhibits excellent synergistic effects in strengthening the skin barrier, suppressing pigmentation, improving wrinkles, and enhancing elasticity through the combination of specific ingredients. Accordingly, the skin improvement composition of the present invention can be effectively utilized as a functional composition in cosmetics or topical skin preparations targeting skin tissue.

[0041] Figure 1 shows the results of measuring the ZO-1 expression level of each substance including bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate, and a mixture containing these substances.

[0042] Figure 2 shows the results showing the KITLG inhibitory effects of each of bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate, and a mixture containing these substances.

[0043] Figure 3 shows the results showing the MMP9 inhibitory effects of each of bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate, and a mixture containing these substances.

[0044] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail, using examples and the like, to aid understanding. However, the examples according to the present invention may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the following examples. The examples of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those of average skill in the art.

[0045]

[0046] Example 1. Preparation of a composition for skin improvement

[0047] A skin tonic composition was prepared by a conventional method using bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol and pyruvate according to the recipe described in Table 1 below.

[0048] Solvent: Glycerin 50.05, Solvent: Purified Water 26.96, Ingredients: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate 10, Dipropylene Glycol 10, Hydrogenated Lecithin 2, Bisabolol 0.5, Butylene Glycol 0.376, Oryzanol 0.05, Japanese Knotweed Extract 0.03, Chrysin 0.01, Quercetin 0.01, Sodium Mannose Phosphate 0.003, Mannose 0.001, Kaempferol 0.0005, Sodium Pyruvate 0.0001

[0049]

[0050] Test Example 1. Strengthening the skin barrier

[0051] Immunocytochemistry was performed to measure the expression level of ZO-1, a major protein constituting the barrier. HaCaT cells were seeded in 24-well plates and cultured at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 24 hours. The sample was dissolved in 1 mL of medium and treated with the cells, and the cells were further cultured at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 24 hours. After washing with PBS, the cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for 10 minutes at room temperature. The cells were then permeabilized with PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100 and blocked with PBS containing 5% FBS and 1% BSA. Staining was performed by attaching ZO-1 primary antibody (primary antibody, Abcam, Cambridge, UK) for 12 hours at 4°C, and then attaching secondary antibody (secondary antibody, ThermoFisher Scientific, MA, USA) for 1 hour at room temperature. EVOS TM High-resolution fluorescence images were captured using the FL Auto2 Imaging System (ThermoFisher Scientific, MA, USA), and quantitative analysis of fluorescence intensity was performed using Celleste Image Analysis Software (ThermoFisher Scientific, MA, USA).

[0052] The test substances were each treated at a concentration of 1 ㎍ / ㎖ using bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate, as well as a mixture containing these substances, as described in Table 2 below, and the measured ZO-1 expression level is shown in Figure 1.

[0053] Treatment substance concentration (ppm, ㎍ / ㎖) 1 Bisabolol 12 Oryzanol 13 Knotweed extract 14 Chrysin 15 Quercetin 16 Sodium mannose phosphate 17 Kaempferol 18 Pyruvate 19 Mixture of the above substances 1

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, each of bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Korean knotweed, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate showed an effect on ZO-1 expression of about 0.5 to about 2.5 times that of the control group, whereas when a mixture of these was treated, an increase in ZO-1 expression of about 8 times was shown, indicating an excellent synergistic effect.

[0055] Test Example 2-3. Evaluation of pigmentation inhibition and collagen production promotion

[0056] To evaluate the inhibitory efficacy of KITLG on MMP9 expression, mRNA expression analysis was performed. HaCaT cells were seeded in 24-well plates and cultured for 24 hours at 37°C and 5% CO2. The test substance was dissolved in 1 mL of medium and treated to the cells, which were then cultured for another 24 hours at 37°C and 5% CO2. To extract RNA from the cultured cells, RNA prep was performed according to the manual of the AccuPrep® Universal RNA Extraction Kit (BIONEER; cat #K-3140). cDNA was produced from the extracted RNA using AccuPower® RocketScript™ Cycle RT PreMix (dT20) (BIONEER; cat #K-2202). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed with the cDNA produced in this manner. Taqman universal master mix II with UNG (ABI; cat #4440045, USA) was used, and Taqman was used as a probe. TM Probes GAPDH (reference gene), KITLG, and MMP9 were used. PCR reactions were performed according to the ABI7500 Real Time PCR system protocol, and data were obtained using ABI software (delta delta Ct method).

[0057] Delta Ct: Ct(target gene) - Ct(GAPDH)

[0058] Delta delta Ct: delta Ct (test substance treatment group) - delta Ct (control group)

[0059] The delta delta Ct value obtained with the above calculation formula can be viewed as the number of genes amplified in the sample treatment group compared to the control group. Since the gene is amplified by the power of 2, the expression amount is calculated as 2^(-delta delta Ct). If the expression amount in the sample treatment group is lower than that in the control group, it is determined that the gene has the effect of suppressing its expression.

[0060] The control group used a medium without the test substance, and the test substances were treated with each of bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Korean knotweed, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate as described in Table 2 above, and a mixture thereof to a final concentration of 1 ㎍ / ㎖, and the measured degree of KITLG expression inhibition is shown in Figure 2, and the degree of MMP9 expression inhibition is shown in Figure 3.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 2, each of bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Korean knotweed, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate showed KITLG expression values ​​of about 40% to about 80% compared to the control group or even increased KITLG expression, whereas when the mixture of these was treated, the KITLG expression value showed a low value of about 20%, indicating an excellent synergistic effect.

[0062] In addition, as shown in Fig. 3, each of bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Korean knotweed, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate showed an MMP9 expression value of about 50% to 90% of the control group or even increased MMP9 expression, whereas when a mixture of these was treated, MMP9 expression showed a low value of less than 20%, indicating an excellent synergistic effect.

Claims

1. A cosmetic composition for improving skin, comprising bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate.

2. A cosmetic composition characterized in that the weight ratio of bisabolol: oryzanol: Korean knotweed extract: chrysin: quercetin: sodium mannose phosphate: kaempferol: pyruvate in the first paragraph is 1:0.05 to 0.5:0.01 to 0.1:0.005 to 0.05:0.005 to 0.05:0.001 to 0.01:0.0005 to 0.005:0.00005 to 0.0005.

3. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the cosmetic composition comprises, as a solvent, one selected from the group consisting of water, lower alcohols of C1 to C4, polyhydric alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

4. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the skin improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of skin barrier strengthening, pigmentation suppression, wrinkle improvement, and elasticity enhancement.

5. A composition for external application for skin improvement comprising bisabolol, oryzanol, extract of Hojanggeun, chrysin, quercetin, sodium mannose phosphate, kaempferol, and pyruvate.

6. A composition for external application for skin, characterized in that the weight ratio of bisabolol: oryzanol: Korean knotweed extract: chrysin: quercetin: sodium mannose phosphate: kaempferol: pyruvate in paragraph 5 is 1:0.05 to 0.5:0.01 to 0.1:0.005 to 0.05:0.005 to 0.05:0.001 to 0.01:0.0005 to 0.005:0.00005 to 0.0005.

7. A skin external preparation composition according to claim 5, characterized in that the skin external preparation composition comprises, as a solvent, one selected from the group consisting of water, lower alcohols of C1 to C4, polyhydric alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

8. A composition for external application to the skin, characterized in that the skin improvement in paragraph 5 is at least one selected from the group consisting of skin barrier strengthening, pigmentation suppression, wrinkle improvement, and elasticity strengthening.

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