Composition comprising ceramide for skin and hair care of companion animals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising a ceramide mixture as an active ingredient for improving the skin and hair condition of companion animals. The composition comprising a ceramide mixture according to one aspect exhibits a skin and hair condition improving effect specific to epidermal cells of the companion dogs due to the synergistic effect resulting from the inclusion of ceramide EOP and ceramide NS at an appropriate weight ratio.

Description

A composition for pet coat care containing ceramide

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for improving the condition of a pet's coat, comprising a ceramide mixture as an active ingredient.

[0002] Unlike humans, the skin of pets such as dogs and cats has a very thin layer, resulting in a weak skin barrier. Because they are sensitive to various stimuli, they are vulnerable to infection and inflammation. If a pet's skin barrier is damaged, symptoms such as itching, oozing, redness, cracking, scaling, and inflammation may occur. In the case of pets that cannot tolerate itching well, the symptoms may worsen as they continue to lick or scratch the affected area.

[0003] Due to the habits and skin characteristics of pets, cosmetics intended for humans are not suitable for use to improve or prevent skin conditions in pets. Therefore, there is a need to develop skin products specifically designed for pets that take into account their skin characteristics to prevent and improve skin diseases such as inflammation and atopic dermatitis, and to strengthen the skin barrier to maintain a healthy skin condition. However, the ceramide ingredients currently applied to the pet product market are those primarily used in cosmetics for humans, and the ceramide composition in pet skin differs from that of humans.

[0004] Against this backdrop, the inventors aimed to develop a composition for the care of the coat of pets, based on the observation that the fundamental cause of such skin diseases in pets lies in the weakening of the skin barrier, and that the core of the skin barrier is ceramide, which constitutes the majority of the intercellular lipids within the stratum corneum. A composition of the present invention comprising a ceramide mixture according to one aspect is characterized by exhibiting an effect of improving the coat condition specifically in canine epidermal cells through a synergistic effect resulting from the inclusion of ceramide EOP and ceramide NS in an appropriate weight ratio.

[0005] One aspect provides a cosmetic composition for improving the condition of a pet's coat, comprising a ceramide mixture as an active ingredient.

[0006] Another aspect provides the use of ceramide mixtures for improving the condition of pet coats.

[0007] Another aspect provides a method for improving the coat condition of a pet, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a ceramide mixture to an individual.

[0008] One aspect provides a cosmetic composition for improving the condition of a pet's coat, comprising a ceramide mixture as an active ingredient.

[0009] In this specification, the term "ceramide" refers to one of the components present in the outermost stratum corneum of the skin, which plays a key role in maintaining the structure of the stratum corneum and acting as a skin barrier, such as preventing the penetration of external harmful substances into the skin and inhibiting moisture loss.

[0010] The above ceramide may mean any one or more selected from ceramide EOP, ceramide NS, ceramide NP, ceramide AS, ceramide EOS, ceramide NDS, and combinations thereof. Specifically, according to one aspect, the ceramide or ceramide mixture may be composed of ceramide EOP and ceramide NS.

[0011] In the above ceramide mixture, the mixing weight ratio of ceramide NS and ceramide EOP may be 1:10 to 10:1, for example 1:5 to 5:1, 1:4 to 4:1, 1:2 to 5:1, 1:2 to 4:1, 1:1.5 to 4:1, 1:1.5 to 5:1, 1:1 to 4:1, 1:1 to 5:1, 3:1 to 5:1, 3.5:1 to 4.5:1, or 4:1. If the ratio falls outside the above range, there may be a problem in that the effect of improving the coat condition of the composition is reduced.

[0012] The above-mentioned improvement of coat condition refers to any action that improves or alleviates the condition of a pet's skin and hair. The above-mentioned improvement of coat condition may include improving skin inflammation, moisturizing the skin, strengthening the skin barrier, improving atopic dermatitis, alleviating itching, improving skin exfoliation, soothing the skin, improving skin tone, improving skin color, improving hair color, improving hair texture, wound healing, improving skin damage, etc. Specifically, the above-mentioned improvement of coat condition may include improving skin inflammation, moisturizing the skin, strengthening the skin barrier, improving atopic dermatitis, improving skin exfoliation, or improving hair texture.

[0013] The coat of the above-mentioned pet may refer to the skin of the nose, skin of the paw pads, skin of the groin, hairy skin, fur, paw pad fur, whiskers, eyebrows, etc.

[0014] The aforementioned skin barrier strengthening may refer to all actions that enhance the function of the skin barrier, such as preventing the penetration of external harmful substances into the skin located in the outermost stratum corneum, inhibiting moisture loss from the skin, and increasing the synthesis of ceramides.

[0015] The above skin inflammation may be one or more selected from the group consisting of atopic dermatitis, pruritus, eczema, xerotic eczenia, psoriasis, erythema, urticaria, drug rash, acne, and skin inflammation caused by bacteria or viruses, and specifically may mean atopic dermatitis.

[0016] The above bacteria may be one or more selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus sp., Malassezia sp., Prevotell sp., Veillonell sp., Neisseria sp., and Haemophilus sp., and specifically may mean Streptococcus pseudintermedius.

[0017] The above composition may be characterized by reducing the expression of one or more selected from the group consisting of CCL22, CCL17, and IL22.

[0018] In one embodiment, when a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS was treated, it was confirmed that the expression of inflammatory factors CCL17, CCL22, and IL22, which are increased by causative agents of atopic dermatitis in a dog skin model, was significantly reduced, indicating that it has an excellent effect on improving skin inflammation or atopic dermatitis.

[0019] The above composition may be characterized by having ceramide synthesis-promoting activity.

[0020] In one embodiment, when a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS was treated, the expression levels of LOR, CER, CERS3, and CERS4 in a dog skin model were significantly increased, confirming a synergistic effect for promoting ceramide synthesis. Additionally, the expression levels of SPTLC2, KDSR, DEGS1, and SPT were excellent, confirming a correlation with the De novo ceramide synthesis pathway, thus confirming a ceramide synthesis-promoting effect. Furthermore, the expression levels of ASAH1, SGPP1, SGPP2, SPHK1, and SPHK2 were excellent, confirming a correlation with the Salvage ceramide synthesis pathway. Thus, it can be seen that there is an excellent effect on skin moisturization, skin barrier strengthening, or improvement of skin inflammation.

[0021] The above composition may be characterized by increasing the expression of AQP3, KRT10, DSG4, LOR, CER, CERS3, or CERS4.

[0022] In one embodiment, when a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS was treated, it was confirmed that the expression of AQP3, KRT10, DSG4, LOR, CER, CERS3, and CERS4 in a dog skin model was significantly increased, indicating that it has an excellent effect on skin moisturization or skin barrier strengthening.

[0023] The above-mentioned pet is not specifically limited but may be, for example, a dog or a cat, and more specifically, the above-mentioned pet may mean a dog (companion dog).

[0024] The term "improvement" may refer to any action that alleviates or reduces the condition of a pet's skin or hair.

[0025] In this specification, the term "included as an active ingredient" means that the ceramide or ceramide mixture is included to an extent that the purpose and effect mentioned in this specification can be achieved, and this may include formulation in various forms by adding various components as auxiliary ingredients for the delivery and stabilization of the composition containing the ceramide or ceramide mixture.

[0026] The above composition may be for pet skin care, pet hair care, or pet coat care. The term "coat" may include both the pet's skin (leather) and hair (fur). Pet skin, hair, or coat care may include all of the following: improvement of the condition of the pet's skin, hair, or coat; improvement of the health of the skin, hair, or coat; improvement of the appearance of the skin, hair, or coat; or prevention, improvement, or treatment of skin inflammation.

[0027] The above cosmetic composition may additionally include ingredients commonly used in cosmetic compositions, functional additives, etc., in addition to the active ingredients disclosed in this specification, and may include, for example, conventional auxiliary agents such as purified water, antioxidants, stabilizers, solubilizers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, preservatives, vitamins, pigments, fragrances, etc., and a carrier.

[0028] The above cosmetic composition is not specifically limited to a particular formulation, and the formulation can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The above cosmetic composition may have, for example, a solubilized formulation, an emulsified formulation, or a dispersed formulation. The above cosmetic composition may have, for example, a cosmetic formulation of a lotion, cream, essence, cleansing foam, cleansing water, pack, ampoule, body lotion, body oil, body gel, shampoo, rinse, or hair conditioner.

[0029] Another aspect provides the use of ceramide mixtures for improving the condition of pet coats.

[0030] Another aspect provides a method for improving the coat condition of a pet, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a ceramide mixture to an individual.

[0031] In the above aspects, any terms or elements mentioned that are identical to those already mentioned are as stated above.

[0032] In the above aspects, "effective amount" refers to the content of a composition in which the active ingredient in the mixture is contained in an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutic, corrective, or preventive effect to an individual to whom the mixture is to be administered. The effective amount may include the meaning of a "preventive effective amount," a "corrective effective amount," or a "therapeutic effective amount."

[0033] In the above aspects, "individual" may mean any individual requiring improvement of coat condition. The individual may include or exclude humans, and may include mammals, and the mammals may include, for example, humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, monkeys, chimpanzees, etc. The individual may include companion animals, and the companion animals may include, for example, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.

[0034] In the above aspects, "administration" means administering an effective amount of the mixture directly to an individual to form it within the individual's body. The administration may be oral or parenteral, and may include transdermal administration, subcutaneous administration, or application to the skin. Suitable dosages of the mixture or composition may be prescribed differently depending on factors such as the method of formulation, mode of administration, age, body weight, sex, pathological condition, food, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, and response sensitivity.

[0035] A composition comprising a ceramide mixture according to one aspect is characterized by exhibiting a significantly superior effect in improving the coat condition specifically for dog epidermal cells due to a synergistic effect resulting from including ceramide EOP and ceramide NS in an appropriate weight ratio.

[0036] Figure 1 shows the results of confirming the anti-inflammatory and atopic effects (CCL17 mRNA expression levels) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0037] Figure 2 shows the results of confirming the anti-inflammatory and atopic effects (CCL22 mRNA expression levels) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0038] Figure 3 shows the results of confirming the effects of inflammation and atopy alleviation (IL22 mRNA expression levels) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the results of confirming the skin moisturizing effect (AQP3 mRNA expression level) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the results of confirming the skin barrier strengthening effect (KRT10 mRNA expression level) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0041] Figure 6 shows the results of confirming the skin barrier strengthening effect (DSG4 mRNA expression level) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0042] Figure 7 shows the results of confirming the ceramide synthesis enhancement effect (CERS3 mRNA expression level) following mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0043] Figure 8 shows the results of confirming the ceramide synthesis enhancement effect (CERS4 mRNA expression level) following mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0044] Figure 9 shows the results of confirming the effect of enhancing salvage pathway ceramide synthesis (ASAH1, SGPP1, SGPP2, SPHK1, SPHK2 mRNA expression levels) following mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0045] Figure 10 shows the results of confirming the effect of enhancing De novo pathway ceramide synthesis (SPTLC2, KDSR, DEGS1 mRNA expression levels) following mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in dog epidermal cells.

[0046] Figure 11 shows the results of confirming the skin barrier strengthening effect (LOR expression) and ceramide synthesis enhancement effect (CERS3, CER expression) following mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in 3D artificial skin made from dog epidermal cells.

[0047] Figure 12 shows the results of confirming the cuticle damage alleviation effect, keratin enhancement effect (KRT31 expression), and lipid enhancement effect following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS on the back hair of a dog.

[0048] Figure 13 shows the quantified intensity of the keratin and lipid fluorescence staining in Figure 12.

[0049] Figure 14 shows the results of confirming the skin barrier recovery rate in the groin of a dog following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS.

[0050] Figure 15 shows the results of confirming the rate of change in moisture content in the inguinal region of a dog following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS.

[0051] Figure 16 shows the results of confirming the atopic index (CADESI) according to the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in the inguinal region of dogs with atopic lesions.

[0052] Figure 17 shows the results of confirming the pruritus index (PVAS) according to the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in the groin of atopic lesions.

[0053] Figure 18 shows the results of confirming the improvement of skin condition and hyperkeratosis following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in the groin and soles of the feet of dogs with skin lesions.

[0054] Figure 19 shows the results of confirming the anti-inflammatory effect (CCL17 mRNA expression level) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in human epidermal cells.

[0055] Figure 20 shows the results of confirming the anti-inflammatory effect (CCL22 mRNA expression level) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in human epidermal cells.

[0056] Figure 21 shows the results of confirming the anti-inflammatory effect (IL22 mRNA expression level) following the mixed treatment of ceramide EOP and NS in human epidermal cells.

[0057] The present invention will be described in more detail below through the attached drawings and embodiments. However, these drawings and embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0058] Example 1: Confirmation of inflammation and atopic alleviation effects (CCL22, CCL17, IL22) following mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in canine epidermal cells

[0059] An atopic dog skin model was prepared by co-culturing canine epidermal keratinocytes (CPEK) with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the causative agent of canine atopy. The prepared atopic dog skin model was treated with a mixture of ceramides EOP and NS at the mixing ratios and concentrations specified in Table 1 below (for 4 hours), and the levels of inflammation, atopy alleviation, and skin soothing effects were confirmed by measuring the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors (CCL17, CCL22, IL22) increased by the causative agent of atopy using qRT-PCR. Dexamethasone (DEX) was used as a positive control (###p<0.001,##p<0.01,#p<0.05 vs. None,***p<0.001,**p<0.01,*p<0.05 vs. Veh.). The sequences of the primers used in the experiments of the present invention are shown in Table 2 below.

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061]

[0062] [Table 2]

[0063]

[0064] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the expression of inflammatory factors (CCL17, CCL22, IL22) was significantly reduced in Experimental Examples 3 to 7, which were treated with a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS, compared to Experimental Example 1 or Experimental Example 2, which were treated with ceramide NS or EOP, respectively. From this, it was confirmed that there is a synergistic effect on the alleviation of inflammation and atopy due to the combined treatment of ceramide EOP and NS.

[0065] Example 2: Confirmation of skin moisturizing (AQP3) and skin barrier strengthening (KRT10, DSG4) effects in canine epidermal cells following mixed treatment with ceramides EOP and NS

[0066] Canine epidermal cells (CPEK) were treated with a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS at the mixing ratios and concentrations specified in Table 1 above (for 24 hours), and the levels of moisturization and skin barrier improvement effects in dogs were confirmed by measuring the mRNA expression levels of skin moisture factor (AQP3) and skin barrier factor (KRT10, DSG4) via qRT-PCR, as in Example 1. Retinoic acid and calcium ions were used as positive controls (***p<0.001,**p<0.01,*p<0.05 vs. None).

[0067] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, compared to Experimental Example 1 or Experimental Example 2 treated with ceramide NS or EOP respectively, the expression of skin moisture factor (AQP3) and skin barrier factor (KRT10) was found to be increased in Experimental Examples 3, 5, and 7 treated with a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS, and in particular, Experimental Example 7 was found to significantly increase the expression of DSG4.

[0068] Example 3: Confirmation of the ceramide synthesis-enhancing effect (CERS3, CERS4) by mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in canine epidermal cells

[0069] Canine epidermal cells (CPEK) were treated with a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS at the mixing ratios and concentrations specified in Table 1 above (for 24 hours), and the level of ceramide synthesis-enhancing effect was confirmed by measuring the mRNA expression levels of ceramide synthesis factors (CERS3, CERS4). Calcium ions were used as a positive control (***p<0.001,**p<0.01,*p<0.05 vs. None).

[0070] As a result, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, compared to Experimental Example 1 or Experimental Example 2, which were treated with ceramide NS or EOP respectively, the expression of ceramide synthase (CERS3) increased in Experimental Examples 3, 4, and 7, which were treated with a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS, and the expression of ceramide synthase (CERS4) increased in Experimental Examples 3, 4, 5, and 7. In particular, in Experimental Example 7, in which ceramide NS and EOP were mixed in a 4:1 ratio, the expression levels of CERS3 and CERS4 increased significantly, confirming that there is a synergistic effect on the enhancement of ceramide synthesis.

[0071] Example 4: Confirmation of the effect of mixed treatment with ceramides EOP and NS on enhancing salvage pathway ceramide synthesis (ASAH1, SGPP1, SGPP2, SPHK1, SPHK2) in canine epidermal cells

[0072] Canine epidermal cells (CPEK) were treated with Experimental Example 7, which contained a mixture of ceramide NS and EOP in a 4:1 ratio (for 24 hours), and the association with the salvage ceramide synthesis pathway was confirmed by measuring the mRNA expression levels of factors related to the salvage ceramide synthesis pathway (ASAH1, SGPP1, SGPP2, SPHK1, SPHK2). Sphingosine was used as a positive control (***p<0.001,**p<0.01,*p<0.05 vs. None).

[0073] As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the effect of increasing the expression levels of ASAH1, SGPP1, SGPP2, SPHK1, and SPHK2 in Experimental Example 7 was excellent, confirming that there is an association with the Salvage ceramide synthesis pathway.

[0074] Example 5: Confirmation of the effect of mixed treatment with ceramides EOP and NS on enhancing de novo ceramide synthesis in canine epidermal cells (SPTLC2, KDSR, DEGS1, SPT)

[0075] Canine epidermal cells (CPEK) were treated with Experimental Example 7, which contained a mixture of ceramide NS and EOP in a 4:1 ratio (for 24 hours), and the association with the de novo ceramide synthesis pathway was confirmed by measuring the mRNA expression levels of factors related to the de novo ceramide synthesis pathway (SPTLC2, KDSR, DEGS1). Calcium ions were used as a positive control (***p<0.001,**p<0.01,*p<0.05 vs. None).

[0076] As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the effect of increasing the expression levels of SPTLC2, KDSR, and DEGS1 in Experimental Example 7 was excellent, confirming that there is an association with the De novo ceramide synthesis pathway.

[0077] Example 6: Confirmation of skin barrier strengthening effect (LOR) and ceramide synthesis enhancement effect (CERS3, CER) following mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in 3D artificial skin fabricated from canine epidermal cells

[0078] Canine epidermal cells (CPEK) were treated with Experimental Example 7, in which ceramide NS and EOP were mixed in a 4:1 ratio (72 hours), and it was confirmed that the expression of skin barrier factor (LOR) and ceramide synthesis factor (CERS3, CER) increased.

[0079] As a result, as shown in Figure 11, the effect of increasing the expression levels of LOR, CERS3, and CER in Experimental Example 7 was excellent, confirming the effect of strengthening the skin barrier and increasing ceramide synthesis.

[0080] Example 7: Confirmation of hair texture improvement effect on the back hair of a pet dog following mixed treatment with Ceramide EOP and NS

[0081] Experimental Example 7, in which ceramide NS and EOP were mixed in a 4:1 ratio, was applied to the back hair of a dog for 4 days, and the hair cross-section was stained with KRT31 and Nile red to observe changes in keratin and lipids. In addition, the hair surface was photographed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm the degree of cuticle damage alleviation.

[0082] The left side of Fig. 12 shows the degree of cuticle damage, keratin changes, and lipid changes before treatment, and the right side shows the changes on the 4th day after treatment.

[0083] As a result, as shown in Figure 12, it was confirmed that the internal keratin and lipids of the hair in Experimental Example 7 were significantly increased and the surface cuticle damage was alleviated, thus confirming the excellent hair texture improvement effect of Experimental Example 7.

[0084] Example 8: Confirmation of skin barrier restoration and moisturizing effects following mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in the groin of a dog

[0085] After degrading the barrier function of the dog's groin by 20 tape strippings, Experimental Example 7, in which ceramide NS and EOP were mixed in a 4:1 ratio, was applied for 1 to 4 days, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and moisture content were measured to calculate the skin barrier function recovery rate and the rate of change in skin moisture content (***p<0.001,**p<0.01,*p<0.05 vs. None).

[0086] As a result, as shown in Figures 14 to 15, the skin barrier function recovery rate and the rate of change in skin moisture were significantly increased in Experimental Example 7 compared to the untreated group, confirming that the barrier recovery and moisturizing effects were excellent.

[0087] Example 9: Confirmation of skin condition improvement effect following mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in dogs with skin lesions

[0088] Experimental Example 7, in which ceramide NS and EOP were mixed in a 4:1 ratio, was applied to the inguinal area of ​​dogs with atopic lesions for 4 weeks, and a specialist veterinarian evaluated the atopic index (CADESI) and pruritus index (PVAS) at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. At the same time, the degree of improvement in hyperkeratosis of the inguinal area and paw pads was confirmed.

[0089] As a result, as shown in Figures 16 to 17, it was confirmed that CADESI and PVAS were evaluated as low in Experimental Example 7, and as shown in Figure 18, it was confirmed that hyperkeratosis of the groin and soles of the feet was significantly improved even visually.

[0090] Comparative Example 1: Confirmation of anti-inflammatory effects (CCL17, CCL22, IL22) following mixed treatment with ceramide EOP and NS in human epidermal cells

[0091] Inflammation was induced in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) by treating them with 10 μg / mL of Poly I:C and 10 ng / ml of IL-4. Subsequently, a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS was treated at the mixing ratios and concentrations specified in Table 1 above, and after incubation for 4 hours, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors (CCL17, CCL22, IL22) were measured to confirm the differences in the levels of inflammation, atopic alleviation, and skin soothing effects. Dexamethasone (DEX) was used as a positive control.

[0092] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, unlike the examples of dog epidermal cells in Examples 1 to 9, no synergistic effect was confirmed in reducing the expression of inflammatory factors (CCL17, CCL22, IL22) in human epidermal cells due to combined treatment with ceramide EOP and NS. In particular, regarding CCL22, the expression level of CCL22 was found to be higher in Experimental Examples 3 to 7, which were treated with a mixture of ceramide EOP and NS, compared to Experimental Examples 1 or 2, which were treated with ceramide NS or EOP respectively.

[0093] From this, it was confirmed that the synergistic effect of combined treatment with ceramide EOP and NS on inflammation and atopic dermatitis alleviation is specifically observed in canine epidermal cells (atopic dog skin model) rather than human epidermal cells.

[0094] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A cosmetic composition for improving the condition of a pet's coat, comprising a ceramide mixture as an active ingredient.

2. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the ceramide mixture comprises ceramide NS and ceramide EOP.

3. A cosmetic composition according to claim 2, wherein the mixing weight ratio of the ceramide NS and ceramide EOP is 1:1 to 5:

1.

4. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the improvement of the skin condition includes improvement of skin inflammation, skin moisturization, strengthening of the skin barrier, improvement of atopy, improvement of skin exfoliation, or improvement of hair texture.

5. A cosmetic composition according to claim 4, wherein the skin inflammation is one or more selected from the group consisting of atopic dermatitis, pruritus, eczema, xerotic eczenia, psoriasis, erythema, urticaria, drug rash, acne, and skin inflammation caused by bacteria or viruses.

6. A cosmetic composition according to claim 5, wherein the bacteria are one or more selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus, Malassezia, Prevotella, Veillonella, Neisseria, and Haemophilus.

7. A cosmetic composition according to claim 5, wherein the bacterium is Streptococcus pseudintermedius.

8. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition reduces the expression of any one or more selected from the group consisting of CCL22, CCL17, and IL22.

9. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition has ceramide synthesis-promoting activity.

10. A cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition increases the expression of AQP3, KRT10, DSG4, LOR, CER, CERS3 or CERS4.

11. Use of ceramide mixture for improving pet coat condition.

12. A method for improving the coat condition of a pet, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a ceramide mixture to an individual.

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