Cosmetic composition

Abstract

Disclosed is a cosmetic composition comprising substituted resorcinol complexed with substituted cyclodextrin and taurate-based polymeric thickener.

Description

[0001] COSMETIC COMPOSITION

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising substituted resorcinol complexed with substituted cyclodextrin. It was surprisingly found that the discoloration problem of the substituted resorcinol in the complex was significantly reduced by including taurate-based polymeric thickener into the composition.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Substituted resorcinol has cosmetic skin and hair benefits. Certain substituted resorcinol, particularly 4-hexyl resorcinol, are useful in cosmetic compositions for skin brightening benefits.

[0006] However, when substituted resorcinol are incorporated into cosmetic compositions, the color of the composition tends to change due to many factors. Discoloration is of concern because consumers are sensitive to changes in color appearance of cosmetic compositions that they use, especially in cases where people may believe that color change cues degradation of chemical activeness. The discoloration of substituted resorcinol, particularly the 4-substituted substituted resorcinol useful in skin brightening compositions, is especially distasteful to consumers seeking skin brightening benefits. Many attempts have been made to minimize these drawbacks, but so far with minimal success.

[0007] The present inventors have identified that cyclodextrin compound is capable of forming hostguest complexes with substituted resorcinol and therefore has potential to reduce the discoloration. However, the present inventor has found that even such way is not ideal solutions to the issue of discoloration in certain cosmetic compositions. Therefore, there is a need to further develop way that will prevent the esthetically displeasing discoloration of substituted resorcinol in cosmetic compositions. It was surprisingly found that the color stability of the compositions containing substituted resorcinol complexed with substituted cyclodextrin was significantly improved by including taurate-based polymeric thickener into the composition.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition comprising substituted resorcinol complexed with substituted cyclodextrin, and taurate-based polymer. In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for providing skin brightening to skin of an individual comprising the step of topically applying the composition of the present invention to at least a portion of the skin.

[0010] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to use of the composition of the present invention for skin brightening.

[0011] All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent upon considering the detailed description and examples which follow.

[0012] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0013] Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”.

[0014] All amounts are by weight of the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0015] It should be noted that in specifying any range of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

[0016] For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of’ or “composed of’. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

[0017] The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

[0018] Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a composition of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a method of the invention) mutatis mutandis.

[0019] Substituted resorcinol as used herein refers to that at least one hydrogen on the ring structure and / or on a hydroxy group of the resorcinol was substituted, preferably by alkyl group, phenyl containing group and / or thiazolyl containing group. Preferably, the substituted resorcinol is 4-substituted resorcinol and more preferably the substituted resorcinol is 4-alkyl resorcinol, even more preferably the substituted resorcinol is 4-Ci to C12 alkyl resorcinol and still even more preferably the substituted resorcinol is 4-Ci to Cs alkyl resorcinol.

[0020] The substituted resorcinol useful for the present invention preferably has the following formula (I): wherein each R1 and R2, independently, represents a hydrogen atom, C1-C18 alkyl group, R3 represents an alkyl group or phenyl alkyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, both R1 and R2represent hydrogen and R3represents an alkyl group or phenyl alkyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms. More preferably, both R1 and R2represent hydrogen, and R3represents an alkyl group or phenyl alkyl group having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms. More preferably, both R1 and R2 represent hydrogen, and R3represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 18, preferably from 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Even more preferably, both R1 and R2 represent hydrogen and R3is an ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl or octyl group and preferably R3is an ethyl, a butyl or a hexyl group.

[0021] Preferably, the substituted resorcinol comprises thiamidol, 2-methylresorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, 4-methyl resorcinol, 4-ethyl resorcinol, 4-propyl resorcinol, 4-butyl resorcinol, 4-pentyl resorcinol, 4-hexyl resorcinol, 4-heptyl resorcinol, 4-octyl resorcinol, 4-nonyl resorcinol, 4-decyl resorcinol, phenylethyl resorcinol 4-acetylresorcinol, or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the substituted resorcinol comprises thiamidol, 2-methylresorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, 4-methyl resorcinol, 4- ethyl resorcinol, 4-propyl resorcinol, 4-butyl resorcinol, 4-pentyl resorcinol, 4-hexyl resorcinol, 4- heptyl resorcinol, 4-octyl resorcinol, 4-nonyl resorcinol, 4-decyl resorcinol, phenylethyl resorcinol 4-acetylresorcinol, or a mixture thereof. Even more preferably, the substituted resorcinol is selected from 4-ethyl resorcinol, 4-butyl resorcinol, 4-hexyl resorcinol, phenylethyl resorcinol, or a mixture thereof. Still even more preferably, the substituted resorcinol is selected from 4-ethyl resorcinol, 4-hexyl resorcinol or combination thereof. Most preferably substituted resorcinol is 4- hexyl resorcinol.

[0022] The amount of the substituted resorcinol is preferably in the range of 0.0001 to 8%, more preferably from 0.001 to 5%, even more preferably from 0.005 to 3%, even more preferably from 0.02 to 1.8%, still even more preferably 0.05 to 1.2% most preferably from 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the total amount of the composition. Preferably the amount of the 4-alkyl resorcinol in the range of 0.0001 to 8%, more preferably from 0.001 to 5%, even more preferably from 0.005 to 3%, even more preferably from 0.02 to 1.8%, still even more preferably 0.05 to 1.2% most preferably from 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the total amount of the composition. Preferably the amount of the total 4-ethyl resorcinol and 4- hexyl resorcinol is in the range of 0.0001 to 8%, more preferably from 0.001 to 5%, even more preferably from 0.005 to 3%, even more preferably from 0.02 to 1.8%, still even more preferably 0.05 to 1.2% most preferably from 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the total amount of the composition. Preferably the amount of the 4-hexyl resorcinol is in the range of 0.0001 to 8%, more preferably from 0.001 to 5%, even more preferably from 0.005 to 3%, even more preferably from 0.02 to 1.8%, still even more preferably 0.05 to 1.2% most preferably from 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

[0023] Substituted cyclodextrin as used herein refers to that the cyclodextrin was substituted at one or more hydroxyl positions. The cyclodextrin typically comprises six to twelve glucose units. Preferably the cyclodextrin is selected from alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gammacyclodextrin and mixtures thereof and more preferably the cyclodextrin is beta-cyclodextrin. Preferably, the substituted cyclodextrin are cyclodextrins in which at least part of the hydroxyl groups has been converted into OR groups, where R generally denotes alkyl group, hydroxy or nitrogen containing functional group, preferably hydroxyalkyl, alkyl, carboxyalkyl group, or amino alkyl group. More preferably, the substituted cyclodextrin is selected from hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin, hydrocarbyl-amino cyclodextrin, carbonate substituted cyclodextrin, carboxylic acid substituted cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the substituted cyclodextrin is hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin, preferably hydroxy Ci-Ce alkyl cyclodextrin. Still even more preferably the substituted cyclodextrin is hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin.

[0024] Preferably, the substituted cyclodextrin has an average degree of molar substitution (MS) of 0.4 to 0.8, preferably 0.5 to 0.71. The degree molar substitution refers to the number of hydroxyl groups substituted per glucopyranose unit. The MS may be determined by proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

[0025] Without wishing to be bound to any theory or explanation, it is believed that the substituted resorcinol is loaded into "cavities" of the substituted cyclodextrin to form host-guest complexes. Preferably, the substituted resorcinol - substituted cyclodextrin complex comprises 60 to 99%, more preferably 80 to 97%, even more preferably 88 to 95% of substituted cyclodextrin by weight of the complex. Preferably, the substituted resorcinol - substituted cyclodextrin complex comprises 1 to 40%, more preferably 3 to 20%, even more preferably 5 to 12% of substituted resorcinol by weight of the complex. The cosmetic composition of the present invention comprises substituted resorcinol-substituted cyclodextrin complex and taurate-based polymeric thickener. For sake of clarity, the substituted resorcinol-substituted cyclodextrin complex is pre-formed.

[0026] Preferably the amount of the substituted cyclodextrin is in the range of 0.001 to 25%, more preferably from 0.01 to 18%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 12%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 10%, still even more preferably 2 to 6% by weight of the total amount of the composition. Preferably the amount of the hydroxyalkyl substituted cyclodextrin is in the range of 0.001 to 25%, more preferably from 0.01 to 18%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 12%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 10%, still even more preferably 2 to 6% by weight of the total amount of the composition. Preferably the amount of the hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin is in the range of 0.001 to 25%, more preferably from 0.01 to 18%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 12%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 10%, still even more preferably 2 to 6% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

[0027] Preferably, the weight ratio between the substituted resorcinol to the substituted cyclodextrin is in the range of 1 :100 to 1 :1 , more preferably 1 :50 to 1 :2, still even more preferably 1 :20 to 1 :5. Preferably, the weight ratio between the 4-alkyl resorcinol to the hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin is in the range of 1 :100 to 1 :1 , more preferably 1 :50 to 1 :2, still even more preferably 1 :20 to 1 :5. Preferably, the weight ratio between the 4-hexyl resorcinol to the hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin is in the range of 1 :100 to 1 :1 , more preferably 1 :50 to 1 :2, still even more preferably 1 :20 to 1 :5.

[0028] Preferably, the taurate-based polymeric thickener is polymers and / or copolymers (including crosslinked polymers) comprising 2-acrylamido-2-propane sulfonic acid (acryloyldimethyl taurine) or a salt thereof as a constitutional unit. More preferably, the taurate-based polymeric thickener is copolymers comprising 2-acrylamido-2-propane sulfonic acid (acryloyldimethyl taurine) or a salt thereof as a constitutional unit. Preferably, the taurate-based polymeric thickener is selected from ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / carboxyethyl acrylate crosspolymer, polyacrylate crosspolymer-11 , dimethylacrylamide / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate crosspolymer, hydroxyethyl acrylate / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, sodium acrylate / acryloyldimethyl taurine / dimethylacrylamide crosspolymer, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate / methacrylamidolauric acid copolymer, acrylamide / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate / acrylic acid copolymer, ammonium acryloyldi methyltaurate / VP copolymer and sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate. More preferably, the taurate-based polymeric thickener is selected from ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer and ammonium acryloyldi methyltaurate / VP copolymer. Most preferably, the taurate-based polymeric thickener is selected from ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer.

[0029] Preferably the amount of the taurate-based polymeric thickener is in the range of 0.01 to 8%, more preferably from 0.05 to 4%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 2%, and still even more preferably 0.2 to 0.6% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

[0030] Preferably, the weight ratio between the taurate-based polymeric thickener to the substituted cyclodextrin is in the range of 1 :100 to 1 :1 , more preferably 1 :50 to 1 :2, still even more preferably 1 :20 to 1 :5. Preferably, the weight ratio between the taurate-based polymeric thickener to the hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin is in the range of 1 :100 to 1 :1 , more preferably 1 :50 to 1 :2, still even more preferably 1 :20 to 1 :5. Preferably, the weight ratio between the taurate-based polymeric thickener to the hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin is in the range of 1 :100 to 1 :1 , more preferably 1 :50 to 1 :2, still even more preferably 1 :20 to 1 :5.

[0031] Preferably, the weight ratio between the taurate-based polymeric thickener to the substituted resorcinol is in the range of 1 :50 to 50:1 , more preferably 1 :20 to 1 :20, even more preferably 1 :8 to 8:1 and still even more preferably 3:1 to 1 :3. Preferably, the weight ratio between the taurate- based polymeric thickener to the 4-alkyl resorcinol is in the range of 1 :50 to 50:1 , more preferably 1 :20 to 1 :20, even more preferably 1 :8 to 8:1 and still even more preferably 3:1 to 1 :3.

[0032] Preferably, the composition may additionally comprise skin care actives which may be used to obtain a skin care benefit (e.g., for improving the physical and / or aesthetic characteristics of the skin). Examples of additional skin care actives which are suitable for use in the invention include vitamins, minerals and / or antioxidants, emollients, humectants, skin lightening agents, sunscreens, anti-irritants, exfoliating agents and / or any combinations or mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the cosmetic composition substantially free of sulfates, preferably having less than 5%, or less than 3%, or less than 1 %, or less than 0.5%, or less than 0.1 % of sulfates, by weight of the composition.

[0033] In addition, the composition may include additional functional ingredients selected from dyes, preservatives, pH adjusters and fragrances. In one aspect, the composition is substantially free of parabens, having less than 5%, or less than 3%, or less than 1%, or less than 0.5%, or less than 0.1%, or 0% of parabens.

[0034] Preferably, the composition comprises Vitamin B3 compounds (including derivatives of vitamin B3). The vitamin B3 compounds comprises niacin, nicotinic acid, niacinamide or a mixture thereof The most preferred vitamin B3 compound is niacinamide. Amount of Vitamin B3 compounds may be 0.1 to 10%, preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0035] The composition preferably additionally comprises one or more organic sunscreens. A wide variety of organic sunscreen is suitable for use in combination with the essential ingredients of this invention. Suitable IIV-A I IIV-B sunscreen include, 2- hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, octyldimethyl p-aminobenzoic acid, digalloyltrioleate, 2,2-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, ethyl-4-(bis(hydroxypropyl)) aminobenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, 2- ethylhexylsalicylate, glyceryl p-aminobenzoate, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexylsalicylate, methylanthranilate, p-dimethyl- aminobenzoic acid or aminobenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl-p-dimethyl- amino-benzoate, 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid, 2-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-5- sulfonicbenzoxazoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, 2- hydroxy-4- methoxybenzophenone, octyldimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid and mixtures thereof. The most suitable organic sunscreens are 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane or a mixture thereof. A safe and effective amount of organic sunscreen may be used in the compositions useful in the subject invention. The composition preferably comprises from 0.1 % to 10%, more preferably from 0.1% to 5%, of organic sunscreen by weight of the composition.

[0036] Preferably, the composition comprises polyhydric alcohol. Polyhydric alcohols may be selected from group of glycerin, propylyene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, hexylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, isoprene glycol, ethoxylated glycerol, propoxylated glycerol or a mixture thereof. Most preferred polyhydric alcohol is glycerol known also as glycerin. The amount of polyhydric alcohol may range anywhere from 0.1 to 20%, preferably 0.5 to 15% and more preferably 2 and 10% by weight of the composition.

[0037] Water-insoluble skin benefit agents may also be formulated into the compositions as conditioners and moisturizers. Examples include silicone oils; and vegetable triglycerides such as sunflower seed and cottonseed oils. Preservatives can desirably be incorporated into the compositions of this invention to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Suitable traditional preservatives for compositions of this invention are alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. Other preservatives which have more recently come into use include hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred preservatives are phenoxyethanol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate and benzyl alcohol. The preservatives should be selected having regard for the use of the composition and possible incompatibilities between the preservatives and other ingredients. Preservatives are preferably employed in amounts ranging from 0.01 % to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0038] A variety of other optional materials may be formulated into the compositions. These may include: antimicrobials such as 2-hydroxy-4,2’,4’-trichlorodiphenylether (triclosan), 2,6-dimethyl-4- hydroxychlorobenzene, and 3,4,4’-trichlorocarbanilide; scrub and exfoliating particles such as polyethylene and silica or alumina; cooling agents such as menthol; skin calming agents such as aloe vera; and colorants.

[0039] In addition, the compositions of the invention may further include 0.5 to 10% by weight of sequestering agents, such as tetra sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), EHDP or mixtures; opacifiers and pearlizers such as ethylene glycol distearate, titanium dioxide or Lytron 621 (Styrene / Acrylate copolymer); all of which are useful in enhancing the appearance or properties of the product.

[0040] The composition may comprise water in amount of 10 to 96% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 25 to 92%, even more preferably from 42 to 88%, most preferably from 55 to 82% by weight of the composition.

[0041] The viscosity of the composition is preferably from 1 to 500 Pa s, more preferably from 5 to 150 Pa s, even more preferably from 10 to 60 Pa s, and most preferably from 20 to 40 Pa s. Viscosities as used herein were measured by a rheometer (Anton Paar Rheometer MCR501 , Austria) system with sandblasted parallel plate (PP50), with a plate-plate gap of 0.5 mm, at a shear rate of 10 s_1and at 25 °C.

[0042] Preferably, the composition is an emulsion, more preferably an oil-in-water emulsion. Preferably, the cosmetic composition is a skin care composition. Skin care composition refers to a composition suitable for topical application to human skin, including leave-on and wash-off products but preferably leave-on compositions. The term “leave-on” as used with reference to compositions herein means a composition that is applied to or rubbed on the skin, and left thereon. The term “wash-off” as used with reference to compositions herein means a skin cleanser that is applied to or rubbed on the skin and rinsed off substantially immediately subsequent to application. The term "skin" as used herein includes the skin on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, back, arms, under arms, hands, and legs. Preferably “skin” means includes the skin on the face and under arms, more preferably skin means skin on the face other than lips and eyelids. The composition is particularly preferably a moisturizer rather than a make-up product.

[0043] Preferably, the composition is a topical composition. Preferably, the composition may be in the form of cream, lotion, ointment, solution, suspension, emulsion, paste, gel, powder, powder foundation, emulsion foundation, wax foundation, or spray. More preferably, the composition may be formulated in the form of cream, lotion, ointment, emulsion, gel, or a spray.

[0044] Preferably the use is non-therapeutic. Preferably the method is non-therapeutic. The term non- therapeutic typically means for cosmetic purposes and not curative or therapeutic purposes.

[0045] The following examples are provided to facilitate an understanding of the invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0046] Examples

[0047] Example 1

[0048] This example demonstrates the effects of combining taurate-based polymeric thickener with substituted resorcinol-substituted cyclodextrin complex.

[0049] (a) Preparation of substituted resorcinol-substituted cyclodextrin complex

[0050] 0.4 g of 4-hexyl resorcinol, 4 g of hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin (Roquette® CD 110, ex Roquette), were mixed and then the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature.

[0051] (b) Preparation of skin care compositions.

[0052] Table 1 a: Aristoflex® AVC, procured from Clariant Ltd. b: Aristoflex® HMB, procured from Clariant Ltd. c: Aristoflex® Silk Polymer, procured from Clariant Ltd. d: Pemulen™ EZ-4U polymer, procured from the Lubrizol Corporation. e: Natrosol™ 250HHR, procured from Ashland. f: Keltrol® CG-T, procured from CP Kelco. g: Structure XL, procured from Nouryon. h: Prepared according to (a) of this example. A series of skin care compositions were formulated according to Table 1 by following standard procedures.

[0053] (c) Color stability test.

[0054] The performances of the samples were evaluated by the procedure as follows: all samples were put into same transparent bottles with identical amount. These transparent bottles with samples inside were placed into oven at 55°C for two weeks. Then, these transparent bottle with samples inside were taken out, observed, and recorded in Table 2.

[0055] Table 2 discoloration; 4: Obvious discoloration; 5: Serious discoloration.

[0056] It was surprisingly found that only when combining taurate-based polymeric thickener with substituted resorcinol-substituted cyclodextrin complex (Samples 1 , 2, and 3), the discoloration problem of the composition was considerably reduced. In contrast, other types of thickener are not capable of reducing the discoloration issue.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] This example demonstrates the effects of composition containing substituted resorcinolsubstituted cyclodextrin complex, over composition containing separate substituted resorcinol and substituted cyclodextrin.

[0059] Sample 2 in Table 1 were prepared with identical procedures as described in Example 1 , i.e. prepared hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin-4-hexyl resorcinol complex and then combined the complex with other ingredients of the composition. Sample E having identical composition with Sample 2 was prepared by combining 4-hexyl resorcinol and hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin separately. Color stability test was conducted. These two samples were put into same transparent bottles with identical amount and then were placed into cabinet with identical continuous lighting by light source of 2W under ambient temperature. After two weeks, these two transparent bottles with samples inside were taken out and observed. It was surprisingly found that the discoloration problem of Sample 2 is much lighter than that of Sample E, indicating that only when including substituted resorcinol-substituted cyclodextrin complex, instead of including substituted resorcinol-substituted cyclodextrin separately, the discoloration problem of the composition was capable of being considerably reduced.

Claims

Claims1. A cosmetic composition comprising:(a) substituted resorcinol complexed with substituted cyclodextrin; and(b) taurate-based polymeric thickener.

2. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the substituted resorcinol is 4-substituted resorcinol, preferably 4-Ci to C12 alkyl resorcinol.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the substituted resorcinol comprises thiamidol, 2-methylresorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, 4-methyl resorcinol, 4-ethyl resorcinol, 4- propyl resorcinol, 4-butyl resorcinol, 4-pentyl resorcinol, 4-hexyl resorcinol, 4-heptyl resorcinol, 4-octyl resorcinol, 4-nonyl resorcinol, 4-decyl resorcinol, phenylethyl resorcinol 4- acetylresorcinol, or a mixture thereof, preferably the substituted resorcinol is selected from 4- ethyl resorcinol, 4-hexyl resorcinol or combination thereof.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of the substituted resorcinol is in the range of 0.0001 to 8%, preferably from 0.02 to 1.8% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the substituted cyclodextrin is selected from hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin, hydrocarbyl-amino cyclodextrin, carbonate substituted cyclodextrin, carboxylic acid substituted cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof, preferably, the substituted cyclodextrin is hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin, and more preferably the substituted cyclodextrin is hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin.

6. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the substituted cyclodextrin has an average degree of molar substitution of 0.4 to 0.8.

7. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of the substituted cyclodextrin is in the range of 0.001 to 25%, preferably from 0.1 to 12% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

8. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weight ratio between the substituted resorcinol to the substituted cyclodextrin is in the range of 1 :100 to 1 :1 , preferably 1 :20 to 1 :5.

9. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the taurate-based polymeric thickener is polymers and / or copolymers comprising 2-acrylamido-2-propane sulfonic acid or a salt thereof as a constitutional unit.

10. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the taurate-based polymeric thickener is selected from ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / carboxyethyl acrylate crosspolymer, polyacrylate crosspolymer- 11 , dimethylacrylamide / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate crosspolymer, hydroxyethyl acrylate / sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, sodium acrylate / acryloyldi methyl taurine / dimethylacrylamide crosspolymer, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate / methacrylamidolauric acid copolymer, acrylamide / sodium acryloyldi methyltaurate / acrylic acid copolymer, ammonium acryloyldi methyltaurate / VP copolymer and sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, preferably, the taurate-based polymeric thickener is selected from ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer and ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP copolymer.

11. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of the taurate-based polymeric thickener is in the range of 0.01 to 8%, preferably from 0.1 to 2% by weight of the total amount of the composition.

12. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weight ratio between the taurate-based polymeric thickener to the substituted cyclodextrin is in the range of 1 :100 to 1 :1 , preferably 1 :20 to 1 :5.

13. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weight ratio between the taurate-based polymeric thickener to the substituted resorcinol is in the range of 1 :50 to 50:1 , preferably 1 :8 to 8:1.

14. A method for providing skin brightening to skin of an individual comprising the step of topically applying the composition of any one of the preceding claims to at least a portion of the skin.

15. Use of taurate-based polymeric thickener the composition of any one of claims 1 to 13 for skin brightening.

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