Skin care compositions comprising vaccinium macrocarpon extract

Abstract

Skin care compositions and, e.g., skin care compositions adapted to improve the appearance and / or health of skin are disclosed herein. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, provided is a skin care composition including Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and threonine, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or a combination thereof.

Description

SKIN CARE COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING VACCINIUM MACROCARPON EXTRACTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 665,689, filed June 28, 2024, titled SKIN CARE COMPOSITIONS, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Skin is the body's first line of defense against infections and environmental stressors. It acts as a major physical and immunological protective barrier, but also plays a critical role in temperature regulation, water holding, vitamin D production, and sensing. Its outermost surface consists of a lipid- and protein-laden cornified layer dotted with hair follicles and eccrine glands that secrete lipids, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), enzymes, salts, etc. It harbors microbial communities living in a range of physiologically and anatomically distinct niches. Overall, this constitutes a highly heterogeneous and complex system.

[0003] Skin exfoliates dead skin cells naturally every day, however as a result of the aging process, sun damage or exposure to environmental pollutants, the natural peeling process slows and may stop altogether. Our skin becomes dull, dry, flaky and wrinkled. By gently exfoliating the buildup of dead cells, the firmness, beauty and even-tone of skin are restored.

[0004] Many personal care products currently available to consumers are directed primarily to improving the appearance of skin. As a result, the sale of personal care products has become a booming business in youth-conscious societies.

[0005] There is a growing need for skin care compositions with anti-ageing effects, which bring out a healthy -looking radiance.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is intended merely to introduce a simplified summary of some aspects of one or more implementations of the present disclosure. Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. This summary is not an extensive overview, nor is it intended to identify key or critical elements of the presentteachings, nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. Rather, its purpose is merely to present one or more concepts in simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description below.

[0007] Aspects of the invention relate to skin care compositions and, e.g., skin care composition providing anti-ageing effects, improved skin health, and / or improved skin appearance. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, provided is a skin care composition including Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and threonine, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or a combination thereof. The skin care composition may be specifically adapted to have a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 of about 7:1 to about 1:7. In certain embodiments, the skin care composition has a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the threonine of about 7:1 to about 1:7.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is a skin care composition including an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and an amino acid component comprising threonine.

[0009] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, provided is a skin care composition including an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and a peptide component comprising palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for the upregulation of loricrin expression, the method comprising: applying to skin a skin composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and threonine. In at least one embodiment, the method for the upregulation of loricrin expression includes applying to skin a skin composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, threonine, and histidine.

[0011] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, a method is provided for the upregulation of involucrin expression, the method comprising: applying to skin a skin composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

[0012] A list of non-limiting embodiments in accordance with aspects of the invention is provided below:

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment 1, provided is a skin care composition comprising: Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and threonine, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or a combination thereof.

[0014] In accordance with embodiment 2, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract is present in an amount from about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0015] In accordance with embodiment 3, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 2, wherein the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract is present in an amount from about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0016] In accordance with embodiment 4, provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the skin care composition comprises threonine in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.8 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0017] In accordance with embodiment 5, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 4, wherein the threonine is present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.3 wt.%, preferably from about 0.025 to about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0018] In accordance with embodiment 6, provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the skin care composition comprises palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in an amount from about 0.001 to about 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0019] In accordance with embodiment 7, provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the skin care composition comprises palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0020] In accordance with embodiment 8, provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment further comprising histidine.

[0021] In accordance with embodiment 9, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 8, wherein the histidine is present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.8 wt.%, preferably from about 0.025 to about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0022] In accordance with embodiment 10, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 8 or embodiment 9, wherein the histidine is present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0023] In accordance with embodiment 11 , provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the skin care composition has a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 of about 7:1 to about 1:7.

[0024] In accordance with embodiment 12, provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the skin care composition has a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the threonine of about 7:1 to about 1:7.

[0025] In accordance with an embodiment 13, provided is a skin care composition comprising: an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and an amino acid component comprising threonine.

[0026] In accordance with an embodiment 14, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 13, wherein the amino acid further comprises histidine.

[0027] In accordance with an embodiment 15, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 14, wherein the total amount of amino acid present in the skin care composition is about 0.01 to about 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0028] In accordance with an embodiment 16, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 14 or embodiment 15, wherein the amino acid component has a weight ratio of the threonine to the histidine of about 6:1 to about 1:6.

[0029] In accordance with an embodiment 17, provided is the skin care composition according to any one of embodiments 13 to 16 further comprising: a peptide component comprising palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

[0030] In accordance with an embodiment 18, provided is a skin care composition comprising: an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and a peptide component comprising palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

[0031] In accordance with an embodiment 19, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 18, wherein the total amount of peptide present in the skin care composition is about 0.01 to about 3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0032] In accordance with an embodiment 20, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 18 or embodiment 19 further comprising: an amino acid component comprising threonine.

[0033] In accordance with an embodiment 21, provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment further comprising: one or more fatty compound.

[0034] In accordance with an embodiment 22, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 21, wherein the fatty compound is selected from fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty ethers, hydrocarbon based oils, silicone oils, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0035] In accordance with an embodiment 23, provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment further comprising: one or more polyol.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment 24, provided is the skin care composition according to any foregoing embodiment further comprising: one or more surfactant.

[0037] In accordance with an embodiment 25, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 24, wherein the one or more surfactant is selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0038] In accordance with an embodiment 26, provided is a method for the upregulation of loricrin expression, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and threonine.

[0039] In accordance with an embodiment 27, provided is the skin care composition according to embodiment 26, wherein the skin care composition further comprises histidine.

[0040] In accordance with an embodiment 28, provided is a method for the upregulation of involucrin expression, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and palmitoyl pentapep tide-4.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 is a bar graph of the change in loricrin gene expression after incubation with certain compositions prepared in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a bar graph of the change in involucrin gene expression after incubation with certain compositions prepared in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a bar graph of the change in involucrin gene expression after incubation with certain compositions prepared in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a bar graph of the change in loricrin gene expression after incubation with certain compositions prepared in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; and

[0046] FIG. 5 is a bar graph of the change in HB-EGF gene expression after incubation with certain compositions prepared in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0047] It should be understood that the various aspects are not limited to the compositions, arrangements, and instrumentality shown in the figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] For illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by referencing various exemplary embodiments thereof. Although certain embodiments of the invention are specifically described herein, one of ordinary skill in the ail will readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to, and can be employed in other apparatuses and methods. Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of any particular embodiment shown. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0049] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise. The singular form of any class of the ingredients refers not only to one chemical species within that class, but also to a mixture of those chemical species. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” may be used interchangeably. The term “include” should be interpreted as “include, but are not limited to”. The term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but are not limited to”.

[0050] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as subranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

[0051] The term “about” when referring to a number means any number within a range of 10% of the number. For example, the phrase “about 2 wt.%” refers to a number between and including 1.8 wt.% and 2.2 wt.%.

[0052] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0053] The abbreviations and symbols as used herein, unless indicated otherwise, take their ordinary meaning. The abbreviation “wt.%” means percent by weight with respect to the skin care composition. The symbol “°” refers to a degree, such as a temperature degree or a degree of an angle. The symbols “h”, “min”, “mL”, “nm”, and “pm” refer to hour, minute, milliliter, nanometer, and micrometer, respectively. The abbreviation “UV-VIS” as referring to a spectrometer or spectroscopy, means Ultraviolet-Visible. The abbreviation “rpm” means revolutions per minute.

[0054] When referring to chemical structures, and names, the symbols “C”, “H”, and “O” mean carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, respectively. The symbols “=” and “=” mean single bond, double bond, and triple bond, respectively.

[0055] “Volatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of less than about 100° C. “Nonvolatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of greater than about 100° C.

[0056] “Cosmetically acceptable” means that the item in question is compatible with a keratinous substrate, such as skin. For example, a “cosmetically acceptable carrier” means a carrier that is compatible with a keratinous substrate, such as skin.

[0057] Any member in a list of species that are used to exemplify or define a genus, may be mutually different from, or overlapping with, or a subset of, or equivalent to, or nearly the same as, or identical to, any other member of the list of species. Further, unless explicitly stated, such as when reciting a Markush group, the list of species that define or exemplify the genus is open, and it is given that other species may exist that define or exemplify the genus just as well as, or better than, any other species listed.

[0058] The phrases, “a mixture thereof,” “a combination thereof,” or a combination of two or more thereof’ do not require that the mixture include all of A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B,C, D, E, and F may be included). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C,D, E, and F can be included. In other words, it is equivalent to the phrase “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F.” Likewise, the term “a salt thereof’ also relates to “salts thereof.” Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof,” it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may beincluded, one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included, or a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included.

[0059] All components and elements positively set forth in this disclosure can be negatively excluded from the claims. In other words, the skin care compositions of the instant disclosure can be free or essentially free of all components and elements positively recited throughout the instant disclosure. In some instances, the skin care compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of non-incidental amounts of the ingredient(s) or compound(s) described herein. A non-incidental amount of an ingredient or compound is the amount of that ingredient or compound that is added into the skin care composition by itself. For example, a skin care composition may be substantially free of a non-incidental amount of an ingredient or compound, although such ingredient(s) or compound(s) may be present as part of a raw material that is included as a blend of two or more compounds.

[0060] Some of the various categories of components identified may overlap. In such cases where overlap may exist and the skin care composition includes both components (or the composition includes more than two components that overlap), an overlapping compound does not represent more than one component. For example, certain compounds may be characterized as both an emulsifier and a surfactant. If a particular skin care composition includes both an emulsifier and a surfactant, a compound that may be characterized as both an emulsifier and a surfactant will serve only as either an emulsifier or a surfactant — not both.

[0061] For readability purposes, the chemical functional groups are in their adjective form; for each of the adjectives, the word “group” is assumed. For example, the adjective “alkyl” without a noun thereafter, should be read as “an alkyl group”.

[0062] Aspects of the invention relate to skin care compositions and methods of use thereof. Without being limited to any particular theory, the inventors discovered that skin care compositions having certain combinations of amino acids and peptides, in particular amounts and ratios, achieve unexpected improvements in the gene expressions associated with anti-aging and / or wounding healing.

[0063] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, provided is a skin care composition including Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and threonine, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or a combination thereof. The skin care composition may be specifically adapted to have a weight ratioof the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 of about 7:1 to about 1 :7. In certain embodiments, the skin care composition has a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the threonine of about 7:1 to about 1:7.

[0064] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is a skin care composition including an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and an amino acid component comprising threonine.

[0065] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, provided is a skin care composition including an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and a peptide component comprising palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

[0066] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for the upregulation of loricrin expression, the method comprising: applying to skin a skin composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and threonine. In at least one embodiment, the method for the upregulation of loricrin expression includes applying to skin a skin composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, threonine, and histidine.

[0067] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, a method is provided for the upregulation of involucrin expression, the method comprising: applying to skin (e.g., human skin) a skin composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

[0068] Suitable components, such as those listed below, may be included or excluded from the formulations for the skin care compositions depending on the specific combination of other components, the form of the skin care compositions (e.g., a serum, lotion, cream, gel, etc.), and / or the use of the formulation. The skin care composition may comprise a single phase with all the ingredients and components contained therein. In other embodiments, the skin care composition may include two or more phases, such as a hydrophilic phase and a hydrophobic phase. For example, the skin care composition may include two or more phases and be in the form of an oil- in-water emulsion, a water-in-oil emulsion, or a two-phase composition having a first phase, a second, phase, and a single interphase therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the skin care composition is in the form of a serum. In other embodiments, the skin care composition is in the form of a lotion or a cream.

[0069] The skin care composition typically comprises Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, e.g., in an amount that may be from about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the amount of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract in the skin carecomposition may be from about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 2.5 wt.%, about0.001 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.8 wt.%, about0.001 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.2 wt.%, about0.001 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.05 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.01 wt.%; from about 0.005 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 1.9 wt.% about 0.005 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.6 wt.% about 0.005 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.1 wt.% about 0.005 to about 0.05 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.01 wt.%; from about 0.01 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.05 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2.2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about1 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.2 wt.%; from about 0.2 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 2.2 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 1.6 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.4 wt.%; from about 0.4 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 2.2 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 1.6 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 0.6 wt.%; from about 0.8 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 2.2 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 1.6 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 1 wt.%; from about 1.2 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 2.2 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 1.6 wt.%; from about 1.6 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 2.2 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 1.9 wt.%; from about 2 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%, about2 to about 2.5 wt.%; from about 2.5 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 2.5 to about 3 wt.%, or any range orsubrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract is present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract is present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 2.2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract is present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract is present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.9 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract is present in an amount from about 0.3 to about 1.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0070] The skin care composition may comprise an extract component that comprises Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and an additional extract or consists of solely Vaccinium macrocarpon extract. Additional extracts that may be included or excluded from the skin care composition include Silybum Marianum extract; yeast extract; and natural oil extracts, such as pomegranate oil, fennel oil, citrus oil, rosemary oil, chamomile oil, jojoba oil and / or rosehip oil.

[0071] The additional extracts may individually be present in the skin care composition in an amount from about from about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the additional extract(s) may individually be present in the skin care composition in an amount about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.5 wt.% about 0.001 to about 0.1 wt.%; about 0.01 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.% about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%; about 0.1 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.% about 0.1 to about 0.1 wt.%; about 0.5 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt.%; about 0.5 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0072] The total amount of extract(s) present in the skin care composition may be from about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the total amount of extract(s) in the skin care composition may be from about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.5 wt.% about 0.001 to about 0.1 wt.%; about 0.01 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.01to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.% about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%; about 0.1 to about3.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.% about 0.1 to about 0.1 wt.%; about 0.5 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt.%; about 0.5 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about1.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0073] In addition to the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, the skin care compositions typically comprise an amino acid component comprising threonine and / or a peptide component comprising palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. For instance, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, provided is a skin care composition comprising an amino acid component comprising threonine in addition to an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract.

[0074] The amino acid component typically comprises threonine in an amount, e.g., from about from about 0.005 to about 0.8 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some instances, the amount of threonine present in the skin care is from about 0.005 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.025 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.08 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.15 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.15 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.2 wt.%; from about 0.2 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.3 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 0.8 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0075] In some preferred embodiments, the skin care composition has a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the threonine of about 7:1 to about 1:7. For instance, the skincare composition may advantageously have a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the threonine of about 5:1 to about 1:7, about 3:1 to about 1:7, about 2:1 to about 1:7, about 1:1 to about 1:7, about 1:3 to about 1:7; from about 7:1 to about 1:5, about 5:1 to about 1:5, about 3:1 to about 1:5, about 2:1 to about 1:5, about 1:1 to about 1:5, about 1:2 to about 1:5; from about 7:1 to about 1:3, about 5:1 to about 1:3, about 3:1 to about 1:3, about 2:1 to about 1:3, about 1:1 to about 1:3; from about 7:1 to about 1:1, about 5:1 to about 1:1, about 3:1 to about 1:1, about 2:1 to about 1:1, about 7:1 to about 3:1, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0076] The skin care composition may include one or more amino acid in addition to threonine. For example, the one or more amino acid(s) may comprise threonine and at least one additional amino acid. Examples of additional amino acids other than threonine, which may be incorporated into or excluded from the skin care composition, include tyrosine, phenylalanine, cystine, cysteine, tryptophan, sarcosine, lysine, hydroxyproline, methionine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, asparagine, glutamine, glucosamine, sodium chondroitin sulfate, pyridoxine, biotin, taurine, retinol, folic acid, riboflavin, nicotinamide, and cyanocobalamin. In at least one embodiment, the skin care composition is substantially free or free of one or more of tyrosine, phenylalanine, cystine, cysteine, tryptophan, sarcosine, lysine, hydroxyproline, methionine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, asparagine, glutamine, glucosamine, sodium chondroitin sulfate, pyridoxine, biotin, taurine, retinol, folic acid, riboflavin, nicotinamide, and / or cyanocobalamin.

[0077] In some preferred embodiment, the skin care composition has an amino acid component that comprises histidine. Without being limited to any particular theory, the inventors discovered that certain embodiments that comprise histidine in addition to the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and at least one of an amino acid component comprising threonine or a peptide component comprising palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, with such components / ingredients present in certain amounts and / or ratios provide an enhanced and synergistic improvement in involucrin expression.

[0078] The skin care composition may, in certain preferred embodiments, have a weight ratio of the amount of threonine to the amount of histidine of about 6:1 to about 1:6. For example, the skin care composition may have a weight ratio of the amount of threonine to the amount of histidine of about 4: 1 to about 1 :6, about 3: 1 to about 1:6, about 2: 1 to about 1:6, about 1 : 1 to about 1:6, about 1:3 to about 1:6; from about 6:1 to about 1:4, about 4:1 to about 1:4, about 3:1 to about 1:4, about2: 1 to about 1 :4, about 1 : 1 to about 1 :4; from about 6: 1 to about 1 :3, about 4: 1 to about 1 :3, about 3:1 to about 1:3, about 2:1 to about 1:3, about 1:1 to about 1:3; from about 6:1 to about 1:2, about 4:1 to about 1:2, about 3:1 to about 1:2, about 2:1 to about 1:2, about 1:1 to about 1:2; from about 6:1 to about 1:1, about 4:1 to about 1:1, about 3:1 to about 1:1, about 2:1 to about 1:1, about 6:1 to about 3: 1, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0079] The one or more amino acids other than threonine (e.g., histidine) may be present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.005 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.025 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.08 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.15 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.15 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.2 wt.%; from about 0.2 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.3 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 0.8 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0080] The threonine may be the majority of the amino acids present in the skin care composition and the amino acid component. For example, threonine may be about 50 wt.% or more, about 60 wt.% or more, about 70 wt.% or more, about 80 wt.% or more, about 90 wt.% or more, or about 95 wt.% or more of the total amount of amino acids present in the skin care composition and the amino acid component.

[0081] The total amount of amino acids present in the skin care composition may be about 0.01 to about 0.8 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some instances, the total amount of amino acids present in the skin care is from about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.01 to about0.1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.025 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.025 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.15 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 0.08 wt.%; from about 0.08 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.08 to about 0.15 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.15 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.15 to about 0.2 wt.%; from about 0.2 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.3 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 0.8 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0082] The skin care composition in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure may comprise a peptide component comprising a pentapeptide (e.g., palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) in addition to the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract. In at least one embodiment, the skin care composition includes a peptide component comprising a pentapeptide (e.g., palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) in addition to Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and the amino acid component disclosed herein.

[0083] The amount of pentapeptide (e.g., palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) present in the skin care composition may be from about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the amount of pentapeptide (e.g., palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) in the skin care composition may be from about 0.001 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.05 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.01 wt.%; from about 0.01 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.05 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.2 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1.6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%; from about 0.7 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.7 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.7 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.7 to about 1.6 wt.%, about 0.7 to about 1.3 wt.%; from about 1.2 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 2 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 1.7 wt.%; from about 1.7 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 1.7 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.7 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 1.7 to about 2.2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%, about 2 to about 2.5 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. Examples of pentapeptides include palmitoyl pentapeptide, pentapeptide- 1 , pentapeptide-3, and pentapeptide-4. Without being limited to any particular theory, the inventors discovered that certain embodiments of skin care compositions comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and certain pentapeptide, such as pentapeptide-4, in certain amounts and / or ratios thereof provide an enhanced and synergistic improvement in Loricrin expression.

[0084] In some preferred embodiments, the skin care composition has a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 of about 7:1 to about 1:7. For instance, the skin care composition may advantageously have a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 of about 5:1 to about 1:7, about 3:1 to about 1:7, about 2:1 to about 1:7, about 1:1 to about 1:7, about 1:3 to about 1:7; from about 7:1 to about 1:5, about 5:1 to about 1:5, about 3:1 to about 1:5, about 2:1 to about 1:5, about 1:1 to about 1:5, about 1:2 to about 1:5; from about 7:1 to about 1:3, about 5:1 to about 1:3, about 3:1 to about 1:3, about 2:1 to about 1:3, about 1:1 to about 1:3; from about 7:1 to about 1:1, about 5:1 to about 1:1, about 3:1 to about 1:1, about 2:1 to about 1:1, about 7:1 to about 3:1, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0085] The skin care composition may include peptides other than pentapeptides. For instance, the skin care composition may comprise a plurality of peptides. The plurality of peptides may comprise two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, or seven or more peptides. In some cases, the plurality of peptides comprises 2 to 6, 2 to 5, 2 to 4, 3 to 6, 3 to 5, or 4 to 6 peptides. Examples of peptides other than pentapeptides include polypeptides, such as oligopeptide- 1, oligopeptide-2, oligopeptide-3, oligopeptide-4, oligopeptide- 5, oligopeptide- 6, carnosine, adenosine, tripeptide- 1 copper, tripeptide- 3, hexapeptide- 1, hexapeptide- 3, hexapeptide-5, hexapeptide- 9, hexapeptide- 11 , nonapeptide- 1 , palmitoyl tripeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide-8, glutathione, arginine / lysine polypeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl tetrapeptide-2, and yeast polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the skin care composition may befree of one or more of oligopeptide- 1 , oligopeptide-2, oligopeptide-3, oligopeptide-4, oligopcptidc-5, oligopeptide- 6, carnosine, adenosine, tripcptidc-1 copper, tripcptidc-3, hexapeptide- 1, hexapeptide-3, hexapeptide-5, hexapeptide-9, hexapeptide- 11, nonapeptide- 1, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide- 8, glutathione, arginine / lysine polypeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl tetrapeptide-2, and yeast polypeptide. In at least one embodiment, the skin care composition is substantially free of or free of peptides other than pentapeptides.

[0086] The total amount of peptides in the skin care composition may be from about 0.001 to about3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the total amount of peptides in the skin care composition may be from about 0.001 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.05 wt.%, about 0.001 to about 0.01 wt.%; from about 0.01 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.05 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about3.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.2 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about2.5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1.9 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1.6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1.3 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt.%; from about 0.7 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 0.7 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 0.7 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.7 to about 1.6 wt.%, about 0.7 to about 1.3 wt.%; from about 1.2 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 2 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 1.7 wt.%; from about 1.7 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 1.7 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.7 to about 2.5 wt.%, about 1.7 to about 2.2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 3.5 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%, about 2 to about 2.5 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0087] The skin care composition may comprise a hydrophobic component, a hydrophilic component, or a combination thereof. The hydrophobic compound may comprise one or more fatty compound(s), such as those selected from fatty acids and / or derivatives thereof, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty ethers, waxes, and / or oils (e.g., silicone and hydrocarbon based oils). In some embodiments, the fatty compound(s) of the skin care composition consist of those selected from fatty acids and / or derivatives thereof, fatty alcohols, waxes, oils, and a combination of two or morethereof. The fatty compound(s) of the skin care composition may consist of those selected from fatty alcohols, waxes, oils, and a combination of two or more thereof. In at least one embodiment, the fatty compound(s) of the skin care composition consists of fatty alcohols, waxes, and a combination of two or more thereof. In at least one embodiment, the hydrophobic component consists of one or more fatty compounds selected from fatty alcohols, fatty esters, waxes, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0088] The fatty compound(s) may include one or more fatty alcohol. The total amount of fatty alcohols(s) in the skin care composition may be from about 1 to about 9 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some instances, the skin care composition has fatty alcohol(s) in an amount of about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 9 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 4 to about 9 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 6 to about 9 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight skin care composition.

[0089] The fatty alcohol(s) may be selected from decyl alcohol, undecyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol (cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol), isostearyl alcohol, isocetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, linalool, oleyl alcohol, cis- 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, isotridecyl alcohol, myricyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0090] Examples of additional fatty alcohols that are worth noting include certain saturated or an unsaturated fatty alcohols. The saturated liquid fatty alcohols may be branched and optionally contain in their structure at least one aromatic or non-aromatic ring. In some instances, however, the fatty alcohols are acyclic. Non-limiting examples of liquid saturated fatty alcohols include octyldodecanol, isostearyl alcohol, and 2-hexyldecanol.

[0091] Exemplary unsaturated liquid fatty alcohols generally include in their structure at least one double or triple bond. For example, the unsaturated fatty alcohol(s) may include several double bonds (such as 2 or 3 double bonds), which may be conjugated or non-conjugated. The unsaturated fatty alcohols can be linear or branched and may be acyclic or include in their structure at least one aromatic or non-aromatic ring. Liquid unsaturated fatty alcohols may include or be chosenfrom oleyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, linolenyl alcohol, undecylenyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0092] The fatty alcohols may be alkoxylated fatty alcohols, e.g., having about 1 to about 100 moles of an alkylene oxide per mole of alkoxylated fatty alcohol. As examples of alkoxylated fatty alcohols, steareth (for example, steareth-2, steareth-20, and steareth-21), laureth (for example, laureth-4, and laureth- 12), ceteth (for example, ceteth-10 and ceteth-20) and ceteareth (for example, ceteareth-2, ceteareth- 10, and ceteareth-20) are worth mentioning. In at least one instance, the one or more alkoxylated fatty alcohols include steareth-20.

[0093] The fatty compound(s) may include one or more fatty acid(s) and / or derivative thereof, e.g., in an amount from about 1 to about 9 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some instances, the hydrophobic component has fatty acid(s) and / or derivative thereof in an amount of about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 9 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 4 to about 9 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 6 to about 9 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight skin care composition.

[0094] The fatty acids may be straight or branched chain acids and / or may be saturated or unsaturated. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids include diacids, triacids, and other multiple acids as well as salts of these fatty acids. For example, the fatty acid may optionally include or be chosen from lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, arichidonic acid, oleic acid, isostearic acid, sebacic acid, and a mixture thereof. In some cases, the fatty acids are selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and a mixture thereof.

[0095] Non-limiting examples of fatty acid derivatives include ricinoleic acid, glycerol monostearate, 12-hydroxy stearic acid, ethyl stearate, cetyl stearate, cetyl palmitate, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether stearate, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether stearate, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether stearate, ethyleneglycol monostearate, polyoxyethylene monostearate, polyoxyethylene distearate, propyleneglycol monostearate, propyleneglycol distearate, trimethylolpropane distearate, sorbitan stearate, polyglyceryl stearate, dimethyl sebacate, PEG- 15 cocoate, PPG- 15 stearate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate, glyceryl tristearate, PEG-8 laurate, PPG-2 isostearate, PPG-9 laurate, and a mixture thereof.

[0096] The one or more fatty compound(s) may be selected from fatty esters. The total amount of fatty cstcr(s) present in the skin care composition may be from about 1 to about 9 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the skin care composition may include a total amount of fatty esters of about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 9 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 4 to about 9 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 6 to about9 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight skin care composition.

[0097] The fatty ester(s) may be chosen from oleates, laurates, palmitates, myristates, behenates, cocoates, stearates, linoleates, linolenates, caprates, arachidonates or mixtures thereof, for instance especially the mixed oleopalmitate, oleostearate, palmitostearate, and a combination of two or more thereof. Non-limiting examples of fatty esters include triglycerides, dihydroabietyl behenate, octyldodecyl behenate, isocetyl behenate, isostearyl lactate, lauryl lactate, linoleyl lactate, oleyl lactate, isostearyl octanoate, isocetyl octanoate, octyl octanoate, decyl oleate, isocetyl isostearate, isocetyl laurate, isocetyl stearate, isodecyl octanoate, isodecyl oleate, isononyl isononanoate, isostearyl palmitate, methyl acetyl ricinoleate, octyl isononanoate, 2-ethylhexyl isononanoate, octyldodecyl erucate, oleyl erucate, ethyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, such as 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-octyldecyl palmitate, alkyl myristates, and combinations thereof. The fatty esters may be selected from fatty sugar esters and fatty diesters of Ce to C30 and / or C12 to C22 fatty esters.

[0098] A wax may be included in the skin care composition, e.g., in an amount from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the amount of wax in the skin care composition may be from about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; about 2 to about10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; about 6 to about 10 wt.%, about6 to about 8 wt.%, about 8 to about 10 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0099] Non-limiting examples of waxes in this category include for example, synthetic wax, ceresin, paraffin, ozokerite, polyethylene waxes, illipe butter, beeswax, carnauba, microcrystalline, lanolin, lanolin derivatives, candelilla, cocoa butter, shellac wax, spermaceti, bran wax, capok wax, sugar cane wax, montan wax, whale wax, bayberry wax, acacia decurrents flower wax, vegetable waxes (such as sunflower seed (helianthus annuus), carnauba, candelilla, ouricury or japan wax or cork fibre or sugar cane waxes), or a mixture thereof.

[0100] The one or more fatty compounds of the hydrophobic component may be selected from fatty esters. Non-limiting examples of fatty esters include glycerol fatty esters, sorbitan fatty esters, ethoxylated fatty esters, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0101] The oil may be a linear or branched hydrocarbon, optionally of mineral or synthetic origin. The linear or branched hydrocarbon may be selected from volatile or non-volatile liquid paraffins and derivatives thereof, petroleum jelly, polydecenes, isohexadecane, isododecane, hydrogenated polyisobutene, a mixture of n-undecane (Cn) and of n-tridecane (Cn), and a combination of two or more thereof. Examples of the hydrocarbon-based oil include saturated hydrocarbon oils, an unsaturated hydrocarbon, lipids, triglycerides, a natural oil, and / or a synthetic oil. In some embodiments, the skin care compositions include a synthetic oil selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated polyisobutene and hydrogenated polydecene.

[0102] In some cases, the oil is a plant-based oil. For example, the oil may be a plant-based oil selected from sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, marrow oil, grapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, hazelnut oil, apricot oil, macadamia oil, araba oil, coriander oil, castor oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, shea butter oil, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0103] The hydrophobic component may include one or more volatile or non-volatile silicones. For instance, a volatile silicone oil may be included in the skin care composition, optionally selected from cyclopolydimethylsiloxanes (cyclomethicones), such as cyclohexadimethylsiloxane and cyclopentadimethylsiloxane.

[0104] The oil may be selected from silicone oils having from 2 to 24 carbon atoms. For example, the silicone oil may be a polydimethylsiloxane, optionally having from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. In some instances, the silicone oil comprises a phenyl silicone, optionally selected from phenyl trimethicones, phenyldimethicones, phenyltrimethylsiloxydiphenylsiloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones, diphcnylmcthyldiphcnyltrisiloxancs, 2-phcnylcthyl trimcthylsiloxy silicates, polymethylphenylsiloxanes, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0105] One or more emollient may be included in the skin care composition. Examples of emollients that may be included in the skin care composition include tridodecanoyl glycerol, squalane, cetearyl alcohol, dicetyl phosphate, ceteth-10 phosphate, ocytldodecanol, sunflower seed oil, a triglycieride (e.g., caprylic / capric triglyceride), or combinations thereof. For example, the skin care composition may include one or more emollient selected from tridodecanoyl glycerol, squalane, cetearyl alcohol, dicetyl phosphate, ceteth-10 phosphate, ocytldodecanol, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0106] The amount of emollient present in the skin care composition may be from about 0.1 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.4 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.8 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1.4 to about 7 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 6 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 3 wt.%; from about 2 to about 7 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 3 to about 7 wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%; from about 4 to about 7 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%, about 5 to about 7 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0107] The skin care composition may include one or more thickening agents. The total amount of thickening agents in the skin care composition may be from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 16 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 12 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%; from about 1 to about 20 wt.%, about 1 to about 16 wt.%, about 1 to about 12 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%; from about 2 to about 20 wt.%, about 2 to about 16 wt.%, about 2 to about 12 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; about 3 to about 20 wt.%, about 3 to about 16 wt.%, about 3 to about 12 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%; from about 4 to about 20 wt.%, about 4 to about 16 wt.%, about 4 to about 12 wt.%, about 4 toabout 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 5 to about 20 wt.%, about 5 to about 16 wt.%, about 5 to about 12 wt.%, about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5 to about 8 wt.%; from about 7 to about 20 wt.%, about 7 to about 16 wt.%, about 7 to about 12 wt.%, about 7 to about 10 wt.%, including all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition.

[0108] Many thickening agents are water-soluble and increase the viscosity of water or form an aqueous gel when the cosmetic composition of the invention is dispersed / dissolved in water. The aqueous solution may be heated and cooled, or neutralized, for forming the gel, if necessary. The thickening agent other than sodium poly acrylate may be dispersed / dissolved in an aqueous solvent that is soluble in water, e.g., ethyl alcohol when it is dispersed / dissolved in water.

[0109] Thickening agents may be referred to as “thickeners” or “viscosity modifying agents.” Thickening agents are typically included to increase the viscosity of the compositions. Nonlimiting examples of thickening agents include polyacrylate crosspolymers (other than sodium polyacrylate) or crosslinked polyacrylate polymers (other than crosslinked sodium poly acrylate), cationic acrylate copolymers, anionic acrylic or carboxylic acid polymers, polyacrylamide polymers, polysaccharides such as cellulose derivatives, gums, polyquatemiums, vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers / copolymers, Cs-24 hydroxyl substituted aliphatic acid, Cs-24 conjugated aliphatic acid, sugar fatty esters, polyglyceryl esters, and a mixture thereof. Suitable thickeners other than sodium polyacry late may be found in US Patent Application no. 16 / 731,654, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety for all purposes.

[0110] The thickening agents other than sodium polyacrylate may be chosen from xanthan gum, guar gum, biosaccharide gum, cellulose, acacia seneca gum, sclerotium gum, agarose, pectin, gellan gum, hyaluronic acid, and a combination thereof. Additionally, the thickening agents other than sodium polyacrylate may include polymeric thickeners selected from the group consisting of ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate NP copolymer, acrylates copolymers, polyacrylamide, carbomer, and acrylates / C 10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylates / beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, and a mixture thereof. Particular types of thickening agents that may be mentioned include the following: carboxylic acid or carboxylate based homopolymer or co-polymer; celluloses; polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and copolymers; sucrose esters; polyglyceryl esters; and gums.

[0111] Non-limiting examples of gums include gum arabic, tragacanth gum, karaya gum, guar gum, gcllan gum, tara gum, locust bean gum, tamarind gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, scncca gum, sclerotium gum, etc. Examples of polyacrylates, which may be included or exclude from the skin care composition, include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate as well as C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer.

[0112] Non-limiting examples of celluloses include cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionate carboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulose sulfate, and mixtures thereof. In some instances, thecellulose is selected from water-soluble cellulose derivatives (for example, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose sulfate sodium salt). Furthermore, in some instances, the cellulose is preferably hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC). In some instances, the cosmetic compositions include one or more cellulose thickeners (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose) .

[0113] The skin care composition may include one or more polyol(s) in an amount that may vary depending on the form of the skin care composition and / or other components therein. The amount of polyols in the skin care composition may be from about 1 to about 20%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the amount of polyol present in the skin care compositions may be from about 1 to about 20 wt.%, about 1 to about 15 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%; from about 2 to about 20 wt.%, about 2 to about 15 wt.%, about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 20 wt.%, about 4 to about 15 wt.%, about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%; from about 6 to about 20 wt.%, about 6 to about 15 wt.%, about 6 to about 10 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%; from about 9 to about 20 wt.%, about 9 to about 15 wt.%, about 9 to about 12 wt.%, from about 12 to about 20 wt.%, about 18 to about 15 wt.%, about 12 to about 15 wt.%, including ranges and subranges thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0114] The polyol(s) may be chosen from glycols or compounds with numerous hydroxyl groups. The term “polyol” should be understood as meaning, within the meaning of the present disclosure,an organic molecule comprising at least two free hydroxyl groups. The polyols of the skin care composition may be glycols or compounds with numerous hydroxyl groups. In some cases, the one or more polyol(s) is selected from the group consisting of C2-C32 polyols. The one or more polyols may have from 2 to 32 carbon atoms, from 3 to 16 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 12 carbon atoms. Polyols that may be included in the skin care composition, in certain instances, include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, caprylyl glycol hexylene glycol, glycerin, diglycerin, diethylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0115] Non-limiting examples of polyols that may, optionally, be included in the skin care composition include and / or may be chosen from alkanediols such as glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, trimethylolpropane, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-butene- 1 ,4-diol, 2-ethyl- 1 ,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, caprylyl glycol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, and 4-methyl-l,2-pentanediol; glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, 1 -methyl- 1 -methoxybutanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol mono-t- butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, sorbitol, sorbitan, triacetin, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0116] The one or more polyols may, optionally, be glycols or glycol ethers such as, e.g., monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or ethers thereof such as, e.g., monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, e.g., monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol. In some cases, the one or more polyols may include or are chosen from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, pentylene glycol, 1,3- propanediol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, hexane- 1,6- diol, glycerin, diglycerin, caprylyl glycol, and a mixture thereof. Non-limiting examples of polyolsthat may be included in the skin care composition, in certain instances, include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diglyccrin, dicthylcnc glycol, and dipropylcnc glycol, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0117] The skin care composition may include one or more polyol(s) that are humectants. Examples of humectants that may be incorporated in certain embodiments include triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, propylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, glycerin, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, 1,2 hexanediol, saccharide isomerate and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0118] The skin care compositions may comprise one or more surfactants. The one or more surfactants may be chosen from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and / or mixtures thereof. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include, without limitation, derivatives of C8-C20 aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines having an anionic group, such as carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate or phosphonate. A suitable example is cocoamidopropyl betaine.

[0119] Examples of anionic surfactants worth mentioning include those chosen from alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylamido ether sulfates, alkylaryl polyether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates, alkylsulfonates, alkylamidesulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates, a-olefinsulfonates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfoacetates, acyl sarcosinates, acyl glutamates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, acyl isethionates and N — (Cl-C4)alkyl N-acyltaurates, salts of alkyl monoesters of polyglycoside-polycarboxylic acids, acyl lactylates, salts of D-galactoside uronic acids, salts of alkyl ether carboxylic acids, salts of alkylaryl ether carboxylic acids, salts of alkylamido ether carboxylic acids; and the corresponding non-salified forms of all these compounds; the alkyl and acyl groups of all these compounds (unless specified otherwise) generally comprising from 6 to 24 carbon atoms and the aryl group generally denoting a phenyl group. For example, the one or more surfactants may comprise or consist of an anionic surfactant selected from sulfated surfactants, such as alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether sulfates, and acyl glutamates. In some embodiments, the skin care composition may desirably be substantially free of or free of one or more of the above anionic surfactants.

[0120] The nonionic surfactant(s) may be chosen from ethoxylated C8-C24 fatty alcohols comprising from 1 to 200 ethylene oxide groups, ethoxylated C8-C30 fatty acid esters of sorbitan having from 1 to 30 ethylene oxide units, (C6-C24 alkyl)polyglycosides, and mixtures thereof,better still from (C6-C24alkyl)polyglycosides, even better still from (C6-C24 alkyl)polyglycosides such as: coco glucoside, caprylyl / capryl glucoside, lauryl glucoside and decyl glucoside. Further examples of nonionic surfactants include poloxamers, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, such as TWEEN™ 80, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary amine oxides, tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkyl sulfoxides, and the like.

[0121] The one or more surfactant(s) may be present in an amount from about 1 to about 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the one or more surfactant(s) may be present in an amount from about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%; from about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%; from about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5 to about 8 wt.%, about 5 to about 7 wt.%; from about 7 to about 10 wt.%, about 7 to about 9 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0122] The skin care composition may comprise water in an amount from about 50 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the skin care composition has about 50 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 60 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 70 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 75 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 80 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 82 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 84 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; from about 50 wt.% to about 86 wt.%, about 60 wt.% to about 86 wt.%, about 70 wt.% to about 86 wt.%, about 75 wt.% to about 86 wt.%, about 80 wt.% to about 86 wt.%, about 82 wt.% to about 86 wt.%; from about 50 wt.% to about 83 wt.%, about 60 wt.% to about 83 wt.%, about 70 wt.% to about 83 wt.%, about 75 wt.% to about 83 wt.%, about 80 wt.% to about 83 wt.%; from about 50 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, about 60 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, about 70 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, about 75 wt.% to about 80 wt.%; from about 50 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, about 60 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, about 70 wt.% to about 75 wt.%; from about 50 wt.% to about 65 wt.%, about 60 wt.% to about 65 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0123] In other embodiments, however, the skin care composition has water in an amount up to about 35 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. For example, the skin care composition may include water in a total amount up to about 25 wt.%, up to about 15 wt.%, up to about 10 wt.%, up to about 5 wt.%, up to about 2 wt.%, up to about 1 wt.%; from about 1 to about 35 wt.%, about 1 to about 25 wt.%, about 1 to about 15 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%; fromabout 5 to about 35 wt.%, about 5 to about 25 wt.%, about 5 to about 15 wt.%, about 5 to about 10 wt.%; from about 10 to about 35 wt.%, about 10 to about 25 wt.%, about 10 to about 15 wt.%; from about 20 to about 35 wt.%, about 20 to about 25 wt.%, from about 25 to about 35 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the skin care composition has water in an amount of less than about 5 wt.%, less than about 3 wt.%, less than about 2 wt.%, less than about 1 wt.%, less than about 0.5 wt.%, or less than about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In at least one embodiment, the skin care composition is substantially free or free of water.

[0124] The skin care composition may include one or more pH adjusters to increase or decrease the overall pH of the skin care composition. For example, one or more acids may be included to decrease the pH of the skin care composition. Examples of suitable acids for decreasing the pH of the skin care composition include, but are not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, and the like. The skin care composition may include one or more bases, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like, to increase the pH of the skin care composition. Additional or alternative acids and bases that are suitable for adjusting the pH of the skin care composition are readily known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0125] The skin care composition may have a pH of about 3 to about 8. For example, in some embodiments, the skin care composition has a pH of about 3.5 to about 8, about 4 to about 8, about4.5 to about 8, about 5 to about 8; from about 3 to about 7, about 3.5 to about 7, about 4 to about 7, about 4.5 to about 7, about 5 to about 7; from about 3 to about 6.5, about 3.5 to about 6.5, about 4 to about 6.5, about 4.5 to about 6.5, about 5 to about 6.5; from about 3 to about 6, about 3.5 to about 6, about 4 to about 6, about 4.5 to about 6, about 5 to about 6; from about 3 to about 5.5, about 3.5 to about 5.5, about 4 to about 5.5, about 4.5 to about 5.5; from about 3 to about 5, about3.5 to about 5, about 4 to about 5, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0126] The amount of the pH adjuster in the skin care composition may be based on the desired pH of the final skin care composition and / or product. For example, the total amount of the pH adjuster may range from about 0.05 to about 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some instances, the total amount of pH adjuster is from about 0.05 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, or about 0.12 to about 5 wt.%, including ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0127] Additional ingredients may be present in the skin care composition. These include ingredients to thicken, preserve, emulsify, add fragrance, adjust the pH, and color. The skin care compositions may include any of the following additional ingredients in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 5 wt.%. In some instances, the amount of additional ingredients present in the skin care composition is from about 0.01 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%; about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.1 wt.%; about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; about 0.75 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1 wt.%; about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%, including any range or subrange therebetween, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0128] The skin care composition can comprise additional ingredients, such as vitamins (e.g., panthenol, biotin, vitamin E acetate, vitamin A and D palmitate), amino acid-based surfactants, emollients (e.g., esters, isopropyl myristate, decyl oleate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate), as well as preservatives, dyes, pH adjusters, fragrances, colorants, pearlizing agents, and chelating agents.

[0129] Non-limiting examples of fragrances and perfumes include odor compounds selected from: 7-acetyl-l,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-l,l,6,7-tetramethylnaphthalene, a-ionone, -ionone, y- ionone a-isomethylionone, methylcedrylone, methyl dihydrojasmonate, methyl 1,6,10-trimethyl- 2,5,9-cyclododecatrien-l-yl ketone, 7-acetyl-l,l,3,4,4,6-hexamethyltetralin, 4-acetyl-6-tert- butyl- 1,1 -dimethylindane, hydroxyphenylbutanone, benzophenone, methyl P-naphthyl ketone, 6- acetyl- 1 , 1 ,2,3,3,5-hexamethylindane, 5-acetyl-3-isopropyl- 1 , 1 ,2,6-tetramethylindane, 1- dodecanal, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene-l-carboxaldehyde, 7 -hydroxy-3, 7- dimethyloctanal, 10-undecen-l-al, isohexenylcyclohexylcarboxaldehyde, formyltricyclodecane, condensation products of hydroxycitronellal and methyl anthranilate, condensation products of hydroxycitronellal and indole, condensation products of phenylacetaldehyde and indole, 2- methyl-3-(para-tert-butylphenyl)propionaldehyde, ethylvanillin, heliotropin, hexylcinnamaldehyde, amylcinnamaldehyde, 2-methyl-2-(isopropylphenyl)propionaldehyde,coumarin, y-decalactone, cyclopentadecanolide, 16-hydroxy-9-hexadecenoic acid lactone, l,3,4,6,7,8-hcxahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hcxamcthylcyclopcnta-Y-2-bcnzopyran, 0-naphthol methyl ether, ambroxane, dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,lb]furan, cedrol, 5-(2,2,3- trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)-3-methylpentan-2-ol, 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-l-yl)- 2-buten-l-ol, caryophyllene alcohol, tricyclodecenyl propionate, tricyclodecenyl acetate, benzyl salicylate, cedryl acetate, and tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate.

[0130] Other fragrances may include odor compounds selected from essential oils, resinoids and resins from a large number of sources, such as, for example, Peru balsam, olibanum resinoid, styrax, labdanum resin, nutmeg, cassia oil, benzoin resin, coriander, and lavandin.

[0131] Further suitable fragrances include odor compounds selected from phenylethyl alcohol, terpineol, linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, nerol, 2-(l,l-dimethylethyl)cyclo-hexanol acetate, benzyl acetate, and eugenol. The fragrances or perfumes can be used as single substances or in a mixture with one another.

[0132] The skin care composition may further comprise one or more colorants. The colorants may be a pigment, a dye, or mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of pigments include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, kaolin, mica, etc. Non-limiting examples of dyes include food dyes suitable for food, drug and cosmetic applications, and mixtures thereof. Some color agents (colorants) are known as FD&C dyes.

[0133] The colorants may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.0001 to about 0.4 wt.%, including all percentages and subranges therebetween, based on the total weight of the skin care composition. In some embodiments, the colorants may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.0001 to about 4 wt.%, including all percentages and subranges therebetween, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

[0134] In certain embodiments, in order to prevent ingredients from separating, emulsifiers may be added. In certain embodiments, additional ingredients may include conditioning agents that moisturize the skin during and after use of the skin care composition. The emulsifier may be chosen from natural emulsifiers, such as acacia, gelatin, lecithin and cholesterol; finely dispersed solids, such as colloidal clays, bentonite, veegum (magnesium aluminum silicate; and synthetic emulsifiers, such as salts of fatty acids, sulfates such as sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan tristearate, sucrose distearate, propylene glycol monostearate, glycerol monostearate, propylene glycol monolaurate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monolaurate, poly oxy ethylene-4-lauryl ether,sodium lauryl sulfate, sulfonates such as dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, glyceryl esters, polyoxyethylene glycol esters and ethers, dicthylcnc glycol monostcaratc, PEG 200 distcaratc, and sorbitan fatty acid esters, such as sorbitan monopalmitate, and their polyoxyethylene derivatives, polyoxyethylene glycol esters such as the monostearate, Polysorbate 80 (ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate) (supplied by Spectrum, etc.); and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0135] In other embodiments, the composition may include any of following materials in any desired amount to achieve a desired effect in the composition (amounts that can be used in some embodiments are provided): one or more alkaline salts, for example, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and / or their equivalents (0 to 5% by weight); sequestrants, for example, tetrasodium EDTA, and / or their equivalents (0 to 2% by weight); biocides, for example, Triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether), DMDM hydantoin, formaldehyde and / or imidazolidinyl urea, and / or their equivalents (0 to 2% by weight); organic acids, for example, citric acid and / or formic acid and / or their equivalents (0 to 2% by weight); viscosity modifiers (0 to 2% by weight); fragrances and / or perfumes (0 to 5% by weight); preservatives, for example, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde solution, parabens, pentanediol or sorbic acid (0 to 2% by weight); pearlizing agents, for example, glycol distearic esters, such as ethylene glycol distearate, but also fatty acid monoglycol esters (0 to 3% by weight); stabilizers, for example, metal salts of fatty acids, such as e.g. magnesium stearate, aluminum stearate and / or zinc stearate (0 to 2% by a weight); and dyes and pigments that are approved and suitable for cosmetic purposes.EXAMPLESExample 1

[0136] An assay was conducted using the following compositions: a cell culture media containing 0.05 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (Composition 1), a cell culture media comprising 0.025 wt.% of threonine (Composition 2), a cell culture media comprising 0.05 wt.% of threonine (Composition 3), a cell culture media comprising 0.025 wt.% of threonine and 0.05 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (Composition 4), and a cell culture media comprising 0.05 wt.% of threonine and 0.05 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (Composition 5). Specifically, Compositions 1-5 were incubated in the presence of primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) to evaluate their effect on loricrin expression. Samples of each ofCompositions 1-5 added to proliferating cells and incubated at a temperature of 37 °C in an environment containing 5 vol.% of CO2. Three samples for each of Compositions 1-5 were prepared and evaluated for this Example.

[0137] Following incubation, the cells were collected, RNA isolated, and the expression of actively transcribed genes was analyzed with qPCR. Results were quantified and graphed as fold expression relative to the negative control, which was set to 1. Fold expression values of greater than 1 indicate upregulation and / or stimulation of gene expression, while fold expression values of less than 1 indicate downregulation and / or inhibition of expression.

[0138] A summary of the results of the assay to evaluate loricrin gene expression after incubation with Compositions 1-5 is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, it was surprisingly discovered that there was a synergistic effect in the stimulation of loricrin expression achieved by Composition 5. Example 2

[0139] An assay was conducted using to evaluate involucrin expression using the following compositions: a cell culture media containing 0.01 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (Composition 6), a cell culture media containing 0.05 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (Composition 1); a cell culture media containing 0.05 wt.% of histidine (Composition 7); a cell culture media comprising 0.025 wt.% of threonine (Composition 2); a cell culture media comprising 0.05 wt.% of threonine (Composition 3); a cell culture media containing 0.01 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and 0.05 wt.% of histidine (Composition 8); a cell culture media containing 0.01 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and 0.025 wt.% of threonine (Composition 9); a cell culture media containing 0.01 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and 0.05 wt.% of threonine (Composition 10); a cell culture media containing 0.01 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, 0.025 wt.% of threonine, and 0.05 wt.% of histidine (Composition 11); a cell culture media containing 0.01 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, 0.05 wt.% of threonine, and 0.05 wt.% of histidine (Composition 12); a cell culture media containing 0.05 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and 0.05 wt.% of histidine (Composition 13); a cell culture media containing 0.05 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and 0.025 wt.% of threonine (Composition 4); a cell culture media containing 0.05 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and 0.05 wt.% of threonine (Composition 5); and a cell culture media containing 0.05 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, 0.025 wt.% of threonine, and 0.05 wt.% of histidine (Composition 14).

[0140] Compositions 1-14 were incubated in the presence of primary normal human epidermal kcratinocytcs (NHEK) to evaluate the effect on involucrin gene expression. In particular, three samples for each of Compositions 1-14 were prepared and evaluated. The samples of Compositions 1-14 were added to proliferating cells and incubated at a temperature of 37 °C in an environment containing 5 vol.% of CO2.

[0141] After incubation, the cells were collected, RNA isolated, and the expression of actively transcribed genes was analyzed with qPCR. Results were quantified and graphed as fold expression relative to the negative control, which was set to 1. Fold expression values of greater than 1 indicate upregulation and / or stimulation of gene expression, while fold expression values of less than 1 indicate downregulation and / or inhibition of expression.

[0142] The results of the assay to evaluate involucrin gene expression are summarized in FIG. 2. It was surprisingly discovered that Compositions 11 and 14 exhibited a synergistic effect in stimulating involucrin gene expression.Example 3

[0143] An assay was conducted to evaluate involucrin expression using: a cell culture media containing 0.1 wt.% of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Composition 15); a cell culture media containing 0.1 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (Composition 16); and a cell culture media containing 0.1 wt.% of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 and 0.1 wt.% of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (Composition 17).

[0144] Three samples for each of Compositions 15-17 were prepared for assay. The samples of Compositions 15-17 were incubated in the presence of primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) to evaluate their effect on involucrin gene expression. Specifically, the samples of Compositions 15-17 were added to proliferating cells and incubated at a temperature of 37 °C in an environment containing 5 vol.% of CO2.

[0145] The results of the assay to evaluate involucrin gene expression are summarized in FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 3, Composition 17 exhibited a significant effect on the involucrin gene expression. The significant effect on involucrin gene expression from Composition 17 was unexpected. Example 4

[0146] Assays were conducted to evaluate loricrin gene expression and HB-EGF gene expression using: a cell culture media containing 0.1 wt.% of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Composition 15); a cell culture media containing 0.2 wt.% of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Composition 18); a cellculture media comprising 0.025 wt.% of threonine (Composition 2); a cell culture media containing 0.1 wt.% of palmitoyl pcntapcptidc-4 and 0.025 wt.% of threonine (Composition 19); and a cell culture media containing 0.2 wt.% of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 and 0.025 wt.% of threonine (Composition 20).

[0147] Three samples for each of Compositions 15, 18, 2, 19, and 20 were prepared for assay. The samples of Compositions 15, 18, 2, 19, and 20 were incubated in the presence of primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) to evaluate their effect on loricrin gene expression and HB-EGF gene expression. Specifically, the samples of Compositions 15, 18, 2, 19, and 20 were diluted in the appropriate culture media and the dilutions were then added to proliferating cells and incubated at a temperature of 37 °C in an environment containing 5 vol.% of CO2.

[0148] The results of the assays to evaluate loricrin gene expression and HB-EGF gene expression for Compositions 15, 18, 2, 19, and 20 are summarized in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. Notably, Composition 19 exhibited a significant effect on HB-EGF gene expression, which was unexpected. Further, the effect on loricrin gene expression from Composition 20 was unexpected and significant.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is Claimed is:

1. A skin care composition comprising: Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and threonine, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or a combination thereof.

2. The skin care composition according to claim 1, wherein the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract is present in an amount from about 0.001 to about 3.5 wt.% or, preferably, from about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

3. The skin care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the skin care composition comprises threonine in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.8 wt.%, preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.3 wt.%, or preferably from about 0.025 to about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

4. The skin care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the skin care composition comprises palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in an amount from about 0.001 to about 2 wt.% or from about 0.005 to about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

5. The skin care composition according to any foregoing claim further comprising histidine.

6. The skin care composition according to claim 5, wherein the histidine is present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.8 wt.%, preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.3 wt.%, or preferably from about 0.025 to about 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

7. The skin care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the skin care composition has a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 of about 7:1 to about 1:7.

8. The skin care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the skin care composition has a weight ratio of the Vaccinium macrocarpon extract to the threonine of about 7:1 to about 1:7.

9. A skin care composition comprising: an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and an amino acid component comprising threonine.

10. The skin care composition according to claim 9, wherein the amino acid further comprises histidine.

11. The skin care composition according to claim 10, wherein the amino acid component has a weight ratio of the threonine to the histidine of about 6:1 to about 1:6.

12. The skin care composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11 further comprising: a peptide component comprising palmitoyl pentapep tide-4.

13. A skin care composition comprising: an extract component comprising Vaccinium macrocarpon extract; and a peptide component comprising palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, wherein the total amount of peptide present in the skin care composition is optionally about 0.01 to about 3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the skin care composition.

14. The skin care composition according to claim 13 further comprising: an amino acid component comprising threonine.

15. The skin care composition according to any foregoing claim further comprising: one or more fatty compound, wherein the fatty compound is optionally selected from fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty ethers, hydrocarbon based oils, silicone oils, and a combination of two or more thereof.

16. The skin care composition according to any foregoing claim further comprising: one or more polyol.

17. The skin care composition according to any foregoing claim further comprising: one or more surfactant, wherein the one or more surfactant is selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and a combination of two or more thereof.

18. A method for the upregulation of loricrin expression, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and threonine.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the skin care composition further comprises histidine.

20. A method for the upregulation of involucrin expression, the method comprising: applying to skin a composition comprising a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

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