Cosmetic composition comprising methionine

Abstract

A cosmetic composition is disclosed comprising i) at least one of methionine and its derivatives selected from methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, and S-adenosylmethioninamine; and ii) at least one of additional compounds selected from ornithine, agmatine, and their derivatives; wherein the weight ratio of the amount of said methionine and its derivatives to the amount of said additional compound is from 1:30 to 16:1.

Description

[0001] P0000866 CPL

[0002] 1

[0003] COSMETIC COMPOSITION

[0004] Field of the Invention

[0005] 5 This invention relates to cosmetic compositions, particularly cosmetic care compositions which can promote the biosynthesis of spermidine when applied on a topical surface of a human or animal body (e.g. hair, skin and scalp), thereby providing multiple benefits. More particularly the invention relates to cosmetic compositions that comprise methionine and / or its derivatives and an additional compound.

[0006] Background of the Invention

[0007] Spermidine is well-known for serving crucial roles in cell survival and mediators of key cell functions, such as proliferation, migration and differentiation, and reported possesses beneficial

[0008] 15 impacts on hair, skin and scalp health.

[0009] Loss of hair (hair fall) is a major concern for adults around the world. Thus, there has been intensive scientific investigation into the causes of hair fall over many years. The hair follicle is a regenerating biological system whose primary function is to produce a hair fibre. Since the hair

[0010] 20 follicle is a highly proliferative mini-organ, polyamines (including spermidine) are considered important for normal hair growth. It has been found that the spermidine can promote hair shaft elongation and prolonged hair growth (anagen). In addition, it is known that spermidine activates autophagy, a process that removes damaged cells and proteins, to reduce scalp ageing and promote scalp health and hair health. It is also reported that spermidine can

[0011] 25 accelerate skin wound healing, recovery of barrier function, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and exert anti-ageing benefit. It is believed that any compound which can assist the production of spermidine when applied on a topical surface of a human or animal body (e.g. hair and skin including scalp) can deliver the benefits such as promoting hair growth, promoting skin and scalp health, and delivering skin anti-ageing benefit.

[0012] There is a continuing need for cosmetically acceptable treatments which are capable of promoting biosynthesis of spermidine. The present inventors have now found unexpectedly that the combination of methionine and / ornits derivative and an additional compound in certain ratio can promoting biosynthesis of spermidine when applied on a topical surface of a human or

[0013] 35 animal body (e.g. hair and skin including scalp) including hair, skin and scalp, thereby delivering P0000866 CPL

[0014] 2 the benefits such as promoting hair growth, promoting skin and scalp health, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and skin anti-ageing benefit. of the Invention

[0015] 5

[0016] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition comprising: i) at least one of methionine and its derivatives selected from methionine, S- adenosylmethionine, and S-adenosylmethioninamine; and ii) at least one of additional compounds selected from ornithine, agmatine, and their derivatives; wherein the weight ratio of the amount of said methionine and its derivatives to the amount of said additional compound is from 1 :30 to 16:1.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides use of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect for promoting spermidine biosynthesis.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides use of a cosmetic composition of the first

[0019] 15 aspect for promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing hair loss.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides use of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect for promoting spermidine biosynthesis, thereby delivering multiple benefits including promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing hair loss, promoting skin and scalp health, promoting anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and promoting skin anti-ageing.

[0021] 20 In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing hair loss comprising a step of applying a safe and effective amount of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect.

[0022] All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent upon considering the detailed description and examples which follow.

[0023] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024] Cosmetic

[0025] By ‘a cosmetic composition’ as used herein, is meant to include a composition for topical

[0026] 30 application to skin, hair and / or scalp of mammals, especially human beings. Such a P0000866 CPL

[0027] 3 composition is generally applied on to the desired topical surface of the body for a period of time from a few seconds to up to 24 hours. When the period of time of application is low say of the order of a few seconds to a few minutes after which the composition is rinsed off with water or wiped away, such a composition is known as a cleansing composition or a wash-off

[0028] 5 composition. On the other hand, When the composition is applied for longer period of time say from several minutes to up to 24 hours and washed off usually during the process of normal personal cleaning, such a composition is known as a leave-on composition. The composition as per the present invention includes any product applied to a human body for also improving appearance, cleansing, odor control or general aesthetics.

[0029] Hair Care

[0030] “Hair care composition”, as used herein, is meant to include a composition for topical application to hair and / or scalp of mammals, especially humans. Such a composition may be generally classified as leave-on or rinse off, and includes any product applied to a human body

[0031] 15 for also improving appearance, cleansing, odor control or general aesthetics. The composition of the present invention can be in the form of a liquid, lotion, cream, foam, scrub, gel, or bar. Non-limiting examples of such compositions include leave-on hair lotions, creams, and rinse-off shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, or toilet bar.

[0032] 20 Skin Cosmetic

[0033] "Skin cosmetic composition" refers to any product applied to a human body for improving appearance, sun protection, reducing wrinkled appearance or other signs of photoaging, odor control, skin lightening, even skin tone, or general aesthetics. The composition of the invention which is suitable to provide benefit to skin can be an

[0034] 25 emulsion or a composition that is free of water and emulsifier. Non-limiting examples of topical cosmetic skin compositions include skin lotions, creams, facial masks, gels, sticks, antiperspirants, deodorants, lipsticks, foundations, mascara, liquid or gel body washes, soap bars, oral care products, sunless tanners and sunscreen lotions.

[0035] Miscellaneous

[0036] Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”.

[0037] 35 All amounts are by weight of the final hair care composition, unless otherwise specified. P0000866 CPL

[0038] 4

[0039] It should be noted that in specifying any ranges of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

[0040] For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not

[0041] 5 necessarily “consisting of’ or “composed of”. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

[0042] The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

[0043] Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a composition of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a method of the invention) mutatis mutandis.

[0044] 15

[0045] Methionine and its derivatives

[0046] The composition of the present invention comprises at least one of methionine and its derivatives. Methionine is an essential amino acid. It can be D-, or L-, or DL-type, preferably it is L-methionine. It is preferred that its derivative is S-adenosylmethionine or S-

[0047] 20 adenosylmethioninamine. Here, S-adenosylmethionine can be S-adenosyl-L-methionine, s- adenosyl-d-methionine or S-Adenosyl-DL-methionine.The composition of the present invention comprises at least one of methionine, S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylmethioninamine, more preferably comprising methionine.

[0048] Amount of the methionine and its derivatives in the composition of the invention would depend on the type of the cosmetic composition. It is preferred that the composition comprises from 0.01 to 10% of methionine and its derivatives, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, more preferably from 0.05 to 2.5%, more preferably from 0.05 to 1% by weight of the composition.

[0049] 30 Additional compound

[0050] The composition of the present invention comprises at least one of additional compounds selected from ornithine, agmatine, and their derivatives. Preferably it is ornithine and its derivatives, more preferably ornithine. The additional compound may be D-, L-, or DL-type, preferably it is L-type. P0000866 CPL

[0051] 5

[0052] Herein “derivatives” may include the salt, acylated form, amide form, ester from of the compound above, and it may also include the peptide comprising the compound above.

[0053] The salt form may include inorganic acid salt, organic acid salt, and metal salt. The inorganic

[0054] 5 salt is preferably monohydrochloride salt, dihydrochloride salt, sulfate salt, phosphate salt, nitrate salt. The derivative is preferably a monohydrochloride salt, more preferably selected from ornithine monohydrochloride, agmatine monohydrochloride,. It is furthermore preferred that the derivative is ornithine monohydrochloride.

[0055] The organic salt may include acetate, citrate, and salt of C10-C18 fatty acid, for example, ornithine acetate, ornithine oleate, etc.

[0056] Acylated form of the compounds may include, acetyl ornithine, acetyl agmatine.

[0057] 15 Amide form of the compounds may include ornithine amide, .

[0058] Ester form of the compounds may include methyl ester which can be ornithine methyl ester, and ethyl ester which may be ornithine ethyl ester.

[0059] 20 The derivative can also be peptides which comprises the compound selected from ornithine, agmatine, preferably comprises ornithine. The peptides may include but not limited to dipeptide, tripeptide or oligopeptide.

[0060] Thus, it is preferred that the derivative of ornithine is selected from ornithine monohydrochloride, dihydrochloride, ornithine sulfate, ornithine phosphate , ornithine nitrate, ornithine acetate, ornithine oleate, acetyl ornithine, ornithine methyl ester, ornithine ethyl ester, peptide comprising ornithine, and mixture thereof, more preferably is selected from ornithine monohydrochloride, dihydrochloride, ornithine sulfate, ornithine phosphate , ornithine nitrate, ornithine acetate, ornithine oleate, acetyl ornithine, ornithine methyl ester, ornithine ethyl ester,

[0061] 30 and mixture thereof, more preferably selected from ornithine monohydrochloride, dihydrochloride, ornithine sulfate, ornithine phosphate , ornithine nitrate and mixture thereof, furthermore preferably is selected from ornithine monohydrochloride, dihydrochloride and mixture thereof, most preferably is ornithine monohydrochloride. P0000866 CPL

[0062] 6

[0063] It is preferred that the derivative of agmatine monohydrochloride, acetyl agmatine, peptide comprising agmatine, and mixture thereof, more preferably it is selected from agmatine monohydrochloride, acetyl agmatine, and mixture thereof.

[0064] 5 Thus, the additional compound is preferably selected from ornithine, ornithine monohydrochloride, dihydrochloride, ornithine sulfate, ornithine phosphate , ornithine nitrate, ornithine acetate, ornithine oleate, acetyl ornithine, ornithine methyl ester, ornithine ethyl ester, peptide comprising ornithine, agmatine, agmatine monohydrochloride, acetyl agmatine, peptide comprising agmatine, and mixture thereof.

[0065] It is preferred that the additional compound is selected from ornithine, ornithine monohydrochloride, dihydrochloride, ornithine sulfate, ornithine phosphate , ornithine nitrate, ornithine acetate, ornithine oleate, acetyl ornithine, ornithine methyl ester, ornithine ethyl ester, peptide comprising ornithine, agmatine, and mixture thereof, preferably selected from ornithine,

[0066] 15 ornithine monohydrochloride, dihydrochloride, ornithine sulfate, ornithine phosphate , ornithine nitrate, ornithine acetate, ornithine oleate, acetyl ornithine, ornithine methyl ester, ornithine ethyl ester and mixture thereof.

[0067] It is preferred that the additional compound is selected from ornithine, ornithine

[0068] 20 monohydrochloride and mixture thereof, more preferably it is selected from L-ornithine, L- ornithine monohydrochloride, and mixture thereof. Preferably it is L-ornithine. Alternatively, it is preferred to be L-ornithine monohydrochloride.

[0069] It is preferred that the composition comprises methionine, ornithine and / or ornithine

[0070] 25 monohydrochloride. It is preferred that the weight ratio of the amount of methionine to the amount of the ornithine and / or ornithine monohydrochloride is from 1 :30 to 16:1 , preferably from 1 :30 to 15:1 , preferably from 1 :20 to 10:1 , more preferably from 1 :10 to 5:1 , even more preferably from 1 :8 to 2: 1 , further more preferably from 1 :8 to 1 :3.

[0071] It is preferred that the composition comprises from 0.01 to 10% of such additional compound, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, more preferably 0.05 to 2.5% by weight of the composition.

[0072] In the composition in accordance with the invention, the weight ratio of the amount of methionine and its derivatives to the amount of the additional compound above is from 1 :30 to

[0073] 35 16:1 , preferably from 1 :30 to 10:1 , preferably from 1 :30 to 5:1 , preferably from 1 :30 to 2:1 , P0000866 CPL

[0074] 7 preferably from 1 :30 to 1 :1, preferably from 1:30 to 1 :2, more preferably from 1:30 to 1:3, even more preferably from 1:20 to 1:3, furthermore preferably from 1 :10 to 1 :3.

[0075] It is preferred that the weight ratio of the amount of methionine and its derivatives to the amount

[0076] 5 of the additional compound above is from 1:20 to 16:1 , preferably from 1 :15 to 15:1, more preferably from, 1 :10 to 10:1, more preferably from 1:10 to 1:5, even more preferably from 1 :5 to 5:1, further more preferably from 1 :3 to 3:1.

[0077] When the additional compound is ornithine, its derivative or mixture thereof, it is preferred that the weight ratio of the amount of methionine and its derivatives to the amount of the additional compound above is from 1:30 to 15:1, preferably from 1 :20 to 10:1, more preferably from 1:10 to 5:1, even more preferably from 1:8 to 2:1, further more preferably from 1 :8 to 1:3.

[0078] When the additional compound is agmatine, its derivative, and mixture thereof, it is preferred

[0079] 15 that the weight ratio of the amount of methionine and its derivatives to the amount of the additional compound above is from 1:30 to 15:1, preferably from 1 :15 to 15:1, more preferably from 1 :10 to 10:1, furthermore preferably from 1 :5 to 5:1.

[0080] This invention found that the combination of methionine (and also its derivatives) and the

[0081] 20 additional compound in specific ratio could better promote the biosynthesis of spermidine. It was found that the microbiome that harbour genes or enzymes which are related with the biosynthesis of spermidine, such as spermidine synthase, S- adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, ornithine decarboxylase, agmatinase, agmatine deiminase, N-carbamoylputrescine amidase, arginase, arginine dihydrolase, arginine decarboxylase, ornithine--oxo-acid transaminase, pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase, proline dehydrogenase, glutamate 5-kinase, glutamate- 5-semialdehyde dehydrogenase, glutaminase, glutamin-(asparagin-)ase, glutamate synthase (NADH), glutamate synthase (NADPH) large chain, was able to utilize the above mentioned combinations to produce spermidine when applied on a topical surface of a human or animal body (e.g. hair and skin including scalp).

[0082] 30 Such microbiome can be Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus murinus, Burkholderia sp., Malassezia globosa. P0000866 CPL

[0083] 8

[0084] Cosmetic composition

[0085] The composition of the invention preferably comprises a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The cosmetically acceptable carrier is such that the composition can be prepared, e.g., as a shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash or face wash product, cream, lotion, gel, powder,

[0086] 5 ointment, deodorant, hand sanitiser or a soap bar and the rest of the ingredients would vary accordingly. It is preferred that the cosmetically acceptable carrier comprises water.

[0087] The hair care composition may additionally comprise a scalp health agent. This group of materials is varied and provides a wide range of benefits including moisturization, barrier improvement, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant, anti-itch, sensates, and anti-dandruff, etc.

[0088] The anti-dandruff agents can be selected from pyridinethione salts, zinc pyrithione, copper pyrithione, coal tar, sulfur, charcoal, zinc carbonate, hydroxy pyridines such as piroctone

[0089] 15 olamine, azoles such as ketoconazole or climbazole, selenium sulfide, hinokitiol, salicylic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0090] The anti-microbial active can be selected from a group consisting of zinc pyrithione, copper pyrithione, sulfur, zinc carbonate, selenium sulfide, hinokitiol, sodium propionate, hydroxamic

[0091] 20 acid such as caprylhydroxamic acid and benzohydroxamic acid, triclosan, whitfield's ointment, castellani's paint, aluminium chloride, gentian violet, hydroxyl pyridine and wherein the hydroxyl pyridine may be piroctone olamine, ciclopirox olamine, rilopirox, MEA- Hydroxyoctyloxypyridinone, strobilurins such as azoxystrobin and metal chelators such as 1 ,10- phenanthroline, potassium permanganate, sodium thiosulfate, propylene glycol, oil of bitter

[0092] 25 orange, urea preparations, griseofulvin, 8-hydroxyquinoline ciloquinol, thiobendazole, thiocarbamates, haloprogin, polyenes, hydroxypyridone, morpholine, benzylamine, allylamines (such as terbinafine), tea tree oil, clove leaf oil, coriander, palmarosa, berberine, thyme red, cinnamon oil, rosemary oil, cinnamic aldehyde, citronellic acid, ichthyol pale, Sensiva SC-50, Elestab HP-100, azelaic acid, lyticase, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), isothiazalinones such as octyl isothiazalinone, azoles such as ketoconazole or climbazole, benzimidazole, benzothiazole, bifonazole, butaconazole nitrate, clotrimazole, croconazole, eberconazole, econazole, elubiol, fenticonazole, fluconazole, flutimazole, isoconazole, lanoconazole, metronidazole, miconazole, neticonazole, omoconazole, oxiconazole nitrate, sertaconazole, sulconazole nitrate, tioconazole, thiazole, triazoles such as terconazole and itraconazole and

[0093] 35 mixtures thereof. P0000866 CPL

[0094] 9

[0095] Other scalp health agents may include but are not limited to: niacinamide, glycerin, alanine, glycine, vitamin E and F, caffeine, panthenol, glycols, glycolic acid, PCA, PEGs, erythritol, lactates, hyaluronates, allantoin and other ureas, betaines, sorbitol, xylitols, menthol, menthyl lactate, iso cyclomone, benzyl alcohol, natural extracts / oils including peppermint, spearmint,

[0096] 5 argan, jojoba and aloe.

[0097] It is preferred that the composition is a rinse-off or leave-on product, more preferably a hair care composition. Preferably the composition is a leave-on composition. Alternatively, the composition is preferably a rinse-off composition.

[0098] When the composition is a rinse-off composition, it is preferred that the composition comprises a cleansing surfactant. The composition of this invention preferably comprises a cleansing surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant.

[0099] 15 Non-limiting examples of suitable anionic surfactants are alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkaryl sulphonates, alkanoyl isethionates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, alkyl ether sulphosuccinates, N-alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof, especially their sodium, magnesium, ammonium and mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts. The alkyl and acyl groups generally contain from 8 to 18,

[0100] 20 preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulphates, alkyl ether sulphosuccinates, alkyl ether phosphates and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof may contain from 1 to 20 ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule. Typical anionic surfactants for use in compositions of the invention include, but not limited to, sodium oleyl succinate, ammonium lauryl sulphosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium lauryl ether

[0101] 25 sulphate, sodium lauryl ether sulphosuccinate, ammonium lauryl sulphate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulphonate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauryl isethionate, lauryl ether carboxylic acid, sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate or mixtures thereof.

[0102] Preferred anionic surfactants are the alkyl sulphates and alkyl ether sulphates. Preferred alkyl sulphates are C8-18 alky sulphates, more preferably 012-18 alkyl sulphates, preferably in the form of a salt with a solubilising cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium. Examples are sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). It is particularly preferred that the anionic surfactant is alkyl ether sulphate. Preferred alkyl ether

[0103] 35 sulphates are those having the formula: RO(CH2CH2O)nSO-,3M; wherein R is an alkyl or P0000866 CPL

[0104] 10 alkenyl having from 8 to 18 (preferably 12 to 18) carbon atoms; n is a number having an average value of greater than at least 0.5, preferably between 1 and 3, more preferably between 1 and 2; and M is a solubilising cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium. An example is sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES). Preferred alkyl

[0105] 5 ether sulphate is sodium lauryl ether sulphate having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 3, preferably from 1 to 3, more preferably from 1 to 2.

[0106] It is preferred that the anionic surfactant is an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate a degree of ethoxylation of less than 3, preferably an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate a degree of ethoxylation of less than 2, more preferably sodium laureth sulphate (1EO).

[0107] Alternatively, it is preferred that the surfactant is sulfate-free.

[0108] The composition may comprise an alpha olefin sulfonate anionic surfactant of general formula

[0109] 15 (I):

[0110] RI-CH=CH-CH2-SO3-M+(I) in which Ri is selected from linear or branched alkyl groups having from 11 to 13 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof; and M is a solubilizing cation;

[0111] 20

[0112] Preferably Ri in general formula (I) is a C14 or C16 linear alkyl group.

[0113] Preferably M in general formula (I) is selected from alkali metal cations (such as sodium or potassium), ammonium cations and substituted ammonium cations (such as alkylammonium, alkanolammonium or glucammonium).

[0114] Commercially produced alpha olefin sulfonate anionic surfactants of general formula (I) may be made by sulfating C14-16 olefins derived from natural gas. The process can also yield mixtures of homologues and low levels of unreacted olefins.

[0115] 30

[0116] Particularly preferred is alpha olefin sulfonate with an average of 14-16 carbons. A suitable example of such a material is Bioterge AS40 (ex Stepan). P0000866 CPL

[0117] 11

[0118] The amount of alpha olefin sulfonate anionic surfactant, at 100 % activity, of general formula (I) ranges from 3 to 13 %, preferably from 3.5 to 12%, more preferably from 3 to 10%, (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

[0119] 5 The composition may comprise an amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant, selected from an alkyl betaine of general formula (II)

[0120] R2-N+(CH3)2-CH2-COO- M+(II) wherein R2= C12 (Lauryl) or Coco derived; an alkyl hydroxy sultaine of general formula (III),

[0121] R3-N+(CH3)2-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-SO3- M+(III)

[0122] 15 wherein R3= C12 (Lauryl) or Coco derived; an alkyl aminopropyl hydroxy sultaine of general formula (IV),

[0123] R4-CO-NH-(CH2)3-N+(CH3)2-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-SO3- M+(IV)

[0124] 20 wherein R4= C12 (Lauryl) or Coco derived; an alkyl amphoacetate of general formula (V),

[0125] R5-CO-NH-(CH2)2-N(CH2-CH2-OH)(CH2-COO- M+) (V) wherein R5= C12 (Lauryl) or Coco derived; and mixtures thereof.

[0126] 30 The preferred surfactant (ii) is selected from coco betaine, lauryl hydroxy sultaine, coco aminopropyl hydroxy sultaine, lauryl amphoacetate and mixtures thereof, most preferably selected from coco betaine, lauryl hydroxy sultaine and mixtures thereof. Alkyl hydroxy sultaines are preferred, particularly lauryl hydroxy sultaine. P0000866 CPL

[0127] 12

[0128] The amount of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants of general formula (II), (III), (IV) or (V) or mixtures thereof, preferably ranges from 1 to 6%, more preferably from 1.5 to 5%, most preferably from 2 to 3.5 % (based on the total weight of the composition and 100 % activity).

[0129] 5 The amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant is preferably selected from a betaine amphoteric surfactant of general formula (II), which is coco betaine, an amphoteric surfactant of general formula (III), which is lauryl hydroxy sultaine, and mixtures thereof, in an amount of from 1 to 4 % (by weight based on the total weight of the composition and 100 % activity).

[0130] The combined amount of (i) and (ii) ranges from 4 to 20 wt %, preferably from 5 to 17 wt %, most preferably from 8 to 15 wt % (based on the total weight of the composition and 100 % activity).

[0131] The composition may comprise alpha olefin sulfonate in an amount ranging from 3.25 to 8% (by

[0132] 15 weight based on the total weight of the composition and 100 % active material); and an amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant selected from coco betaine, lauryl hydroxy sultaine, coco aminopropyl hydroxy sultaine, lauryl amphoacetate or mixtures thereof, in an amount ranging from 1 to 4 % by weight of the composition.

[0133] 20 The weight ratio of the alpha olefin sulfonate anionic surfactant to the amphoteric surfactant may range from 1 :1 to 6:1 , preferably from 1.5:1 to 5.

[0134] The anionic surfactants are typically present in the composition of the present invention at a level of from 0.5 to 20%, more preferably from 2 to 16% and most preferably from 3 to 16%, by

[0135] 25 weight of the composition.

[0136] Suitable amphoteric surfactant examples include alkyl amine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulphobetaines (sultaines), alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, wherein the alkyl group has from 8 to 19 carbon atoms.

[0137] Preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is a betaine surfactant. It is preferred that the betaine surfactant is one of alkyl amidopropyl betaines. Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is particularly preferred.

[0138] 35 P0000866 CPL

[0139] 13

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, preferably from 0.5 to 8 wt.%, more preferably from 1 to 5 wt.% of an amphoteric surfactant by weight of the composition.

[0141] 5 The ratio of ethoxylated anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant in which the ratio of anionic surfactant to amphoteric surfactant is less than 10:1, preferably from 2:1 to 10:1, more preferably from 3:1 to 9:1.

[0142] The total amount of cleansing surfactant in the composition for use in the invention is generally from 3 to 35 wt%, preferably from 5 to 25 wt%, most preferably from 7 to 16 wt% of the total composition.

[0143] When the composition is a leave-on composition, the composition may comprise a non-ionic surfactant, in an amount from 0.1 to 20% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.4 to

[0144] 15 15%, more preferably from 0.5 to 10% by weight of the composition. The non-ionic surfactant can be one fatty alcohol ethoxylate or polyethoxylated monoester. The fatty alcohol ethoxylate can be one of C12-C18 fatty alcohol ethoxylates. The polyethoxylated monoester can be selected from a group consisting of polysorbate 21, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 20.

[0145] 20

[0146] Typically leave-on compositions are substantially free from cleansing surfactants. Thus it is preferred that the composition comprises less than 1 wt% cleansing surfactant, more preferably less than 0.5 wt%, more preferably still less than 0.1% and most preferably from 0 to 0.01 wt%. Cleansing surfactants are typically anionic surfactants such as, for example, alkyl sulfates and / or alkyl ether sulfates.

[0147] The leave-on composition may comprise a moisturizing agent. Preferably the moisturizing agent is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-glycols, selected from caprylyl glycol, pentylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol and C15-18 glycol.

[0148] 30

[0149] The leave-on composition may also comprise a thickening agent. The thickening agent may be a polymer, a cellulose, a xanthan gum, or a gelatin. P0000866 CPL

[0150] 14

[0151] Hair care composition

[0152] Preferably the composition is a shampoo, hair conditioner, hair cream, hair gel, hair serum, mousse or hair oil.

[0153] 5 In a preferred embodiment, the hair care composition is leave-on composition, preferably hair serum.

[0154] Hair leave-on composition for use in this invention are generally aqueous. It may include monohydric and polyhydric alcohols and derivatives thereof such as C2-C6 alkanols (such as ethanol and isopropanol); C2-C10 glycols and polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, dipropylene glycol, and diethylene glycol); C3-C16 glycol ethers (such as mono-, di-, or tripropylene glycol (C1-C4) alkyl ethers and mono-, di-, or triethylene glycol (C1-C4) alkyl ethers) and polyethylene glycol having 2 to 12 oxyethylene units. It may comprise an emulsifier include sorbitan oleate, sorbitan

[0155] 15 sesquioleate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan trioleate, PEG-20 sorbitan isostearate, polyglyceryl- 3-diisostearate, polyglycerol esters of oleic / isostearic acid, polyglyceryl-6 hexaricinolate, polyglyceryl-4-oleate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate / PEG-8 propylene glycol cocoate, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, oleamide DEA, TEA myristate, TEA stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium stearate, potassium laurate, potassium ricinoleate,

[0156] 20 sodium cocoate, sodium tallowate, potassium castorate, sodium oleate, cetyl phosphate, diethanolamine cetyl phosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate, sodium glyceryl oleate phosphate, dimethicone copolyol, cetyl dimethicone copolyol, octyldimethicone ethoxyglucoside copolyol, dimethicone copolyol crosspolymer and laurylmethicone copolyol.

[0157] 25 In an alternative preferred embodiment, the hair care composition is rinse-off composition, particularly a shampoo. Shampoo compositions for use in the invention are generally aqueous, i.e. they have water or an aqueous solution or a lyotropic liquid crystalline phase as their major component. Suitably, the shampoo composition will comprise from 50 to 98%, preferably from 60 to 92% water by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Such compositions are referred to as having an aqueous base.

[0158] The hair care composition may additionally comprise a conditioning agent to provide conditioning benefit. Preferably, the hair care composition comprises discrete dispersed droplets of a water-insoluble conditioning agent, which has a mean droplet diameter (D3,2) of

[0159] 35 less than 15 microns, preferably less than 10 microns, more preferably less than 5 microns, P0000866 CPL

[0160] 15 most preferably less than 3 microns. The mean droplet diameter (D3,2) of a water-insoluble conditioning agent may be measured by means of a laser light scattering technique, for example using a 2600D Particle Sizer from Malvern Instruments.

[0161] 5 The water-insoluble conditioning agent may include non-silicone conditioning agent comprising non-silicone oily or fatty materials such as hydrocarbon oils, fatty esters and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the water-insoluble conditioning agent is emulsified silicone oil.

[0162] Suitable silicones include polydiorganosiloxanes, in particular polydimethylsiloxanes which have the CTFA designation dimethicone. Also suitable for use in compositions of this invention (particularly shampoos and conditioners) are polydimethyl siloxanes having hydroxyl end groups, which have the CTFA designation dimethiconol. Also suitable for use in compositions of this invention are silicone gums having a slight degree of cross-linking, as are described for example in WO 96 / 31188. Preferably, the silicone oil comprises dimethicone, dimethiconol or a

[0163] 15 mixture thereof.

[0164] Suitable emulsified silicones for use in the hair care compositions of this invention are available as pre-formed silicone emulsions from suppliers of silicones such as Dow Corning and GE silicones. The use of such pre-formed silicone emulsion is preferred for ease of processing and

[0165] 20 control of silicone particle size. Such pre-formed silicone emulsions will typically additionally comprise a suitable emulsifier, and may be prepared by a chemical emulsification process such as emulsion polymerisation, or by mechanical emulsification using a high shear mixer.

[0166] Examples of suitable pre-formed silicone emulsions include DC1785, DC1788, DC7128, all available from Dow Corning. These are emulsions of dimethiconol / dimethicone.

[0167] Another class of silicones which may be used are functionalized silicones such as amino functional silicones, meaning a silicone containing at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group, or a quaternary ammonium group. Examples of suitable amino functional silicones include polysiloxanes having the CTFA designation “amodimethicone.”

[0168] 30

[0169] The water-insoluble conditioning agent is generally present in hair care composition of this invention in an amount from 0.05 to 15%, preferably from 0.1 to 10%, more preferably from 0.5 to 8%, most preferably from 1 to 5%, based on total weight of the hair care composition. P0000866 CPL

[0170] 16

[0171] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises a cationic polymer.

[0172] It is preferred that the cationic polymer has a molecular weight of from 50,000 to 5,000,000

[0173] 5 g / mol and a charge density of from 0.25 to 7meg / g. It is preferred that the cationic polymer has a molecular weight of from 100,000 to 4,500,000 g / mol, more preferably from 1 ,200,000 to 4,500,000 g / mol, furthermore preferably from 1 ,500,000 to 2,500,000. It is preferred that the cationic polymer has a charge density of from 0.8 to 3meq / g, more preferably from 1.5 to 2.2 meq / g.

[0174] It is preferred that the cationic polymer has a molecular weight of 100,000 to 4,500,000 g / mol and a charge density of from 0.5 to 7meq / g, preferably cationic polymer has a molecular weight from 1 ,200,000 to 4,500,000 g / mol and a charge density of from 0.8 to 3meq / g, preferably cationic polymer has a molecular weight of from 1,200,000 to 4,500,000 g / mol and a charge

[0175] 15 density of from 1.5 to 2.2meq / g, more preferably cationic polymer has a molecular weight of from 1 ,500,000 to 2,200,000 g / mol and a charge density of from 1.5 to 2.2meq / g.

[0176] It is preferred that the cationic polymer is selected from a group consisting of cationic galactomannans, cationic cellulose, dialkyldiallylammonium halide homopolymers and

[0177] 20 copolymers, (meth)acrylamidopropyl trialkylammonium halide homopolymers and copolymers, trialkylammonioethyl (meth)acrylate homopolymers and copolymers, preferably selected from a group consisting of cationic galactomannans, and (meth)acrylamidopropyl trialkylammonium halide homopolymers and copolymers, more preferably is (meth)acrylamidopropyl trialkylammonium halide homopolymers and copolymers.

[0178] 25

[0179] When the cationic polymer is a cationic galactomannan, it can be selected from the group consisting of cationic guar, tara, cassia, locust bean and fenugreek gums, preferably cationic galactomannan gum is fenugreek gums, more preferably is cationic guar. And the cationic guar is preferably guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.

[0180] The cationic polymer can be a cationic cellulose. Cationic cellulose is available, for example, from the Dow Chemical Company in their LICARE JR (trademark) and LR (trademark) series of polymers, as salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with trimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide, referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 10. Another type of cationic

[0181] 35 cellulose includes the polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted P0000866 CPL

[0182] 17 with lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide, referred to in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 24. These materials are available from the Dow Chemical Company under the tradename Polymer LM-200. Most preferred is Polyquaternium 10, especially Polyquaternium 10 with a molecular weight (weight average by GPC) in the range 0.5 to 3 million Daltons and

[0183] 5 charge density in the range 0.5 to 3 meq / g. The preferred Polyquaternium 10 is available, for example, as LICARE™ JR30M from Dow Chemical.

[0184] The cationic polymer can be one of dialkyldiallylammonium halide homopolymers. It can be one of (meth)acrylamidopropyl trialkylammonium halide homopolymers and copolymers. Preferably, it can be one of polyacrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride, acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride / acrylamide copolymer, polyquaternium-28, polyquaternium-43, polyquaternium-47, polyquaternium-53, polyquaternium-55, polyquaternium-69, polyquaternium-74, polyquaternium-113. More preferably, it is acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride / acrylamide copolymer. An example of a suitable copolymer is commercially available from Ashland under

[0185] 15 the trade name N-Hance SP-100®. N-Hance SP-100® has a charge density of from 1.8 to 2.2 meq / g and a molecular weight of from 1 ,800,000 to 2,200,000 g / mol.

[0186] The cationic polymer can be one of trialkylammonioethyl (meth)acrylate homopolymers and copolymers Preferably, it can be one of Polyquaternium-5, Polyquaternium-11 , Polyquaternium-

[0187] 20 37.

[0188] The cationic polymer is preferably present in an amount of from 0.01 to 5%, more preferably from 0.05 to 3%, furthermore preferably 0.1 to 2%, most preferably from 0.2 to 1% by weight of the composition.

[0189] 25

[0190] Preferably the composition of the invention further comprises a suspending agent. Suitable suspending agents are selected from polyacrylic acids, cross-linked polymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid with a hydrophobic monomer, copolymers of carboxylic acidcontaining monomers and acrylic esters, cross-linked copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylate esters, heteropolysaccharide gums and crystalline long chain acyl derivatives. The long chain acyl derivative is desirably selected from ethylene glycol stearate, alkanolamides of fatty acids having from 16 to 22 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. Ethylene glycol distearate and polyethylene glycol 3 distearate are preferred long chain acyl derivatives, since these impart pearlescence to the composition. Polyacrylic acid is available commercially as Carbopol 420,

[0191] 35 Carbopol 488 or Carbopol 493. Polymers of acrylic acid cross-linked with a polyfunctional P0000866 CPL

[0192] 18 agent may also be used; they are available commercially as Carbopol 910, Carbopol 934, Carbopol 941 and Carbopol 980. An example of a suitable copolymer of a carboxylic acid containing monomer and acrylic acid esters is Carbopol 1342. All Carbopol (trademark) materials are available from Goodrich.

[0193] 5

[0194] Suitable cross-linked polymers of acrylic acid and acrylate esters are Pemulen TR1 or Pemulen TR2. A suitable heteropolysaccharide gum is xanthan gum, for example that available as Kelzan mu.

[0195] 10 Mixtures of any of the above suspending agents may be used. Preferred is a mixture of crosslinked polymer of acrylic acid and crystalline long chain acyl derivative.

[0196] The suspending agent is generally present in hair care composition of this invention in an amount of from 0.1 to 10%, more preferably from 0.2 to 6%, and most preferably from 0.3 to

[0197] 15 4%, based on total weight of the hair care composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0198] Preservatives may also be incorporated into the hair care composition of this invention to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Suitable traditional

[0199] 20 preservatives include alkyl esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds. Illustrative yet non-limiting examples of the types of preservatives that may be used in this invention include, for examples, phenoxyethanol, sodium salicylate, methyl paraben, butyl paraben, propyl paraben, diazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate,

[0200] 25 caprylyl glycol, disodium EDTA or mixtures thereof. In an especially preferred embodiment, the preservative is sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, sodium salicylate or a mixture thereof. Preservatives are preferably employed in amounts ranging from 0.01 to 2% by weight of the hair care composition.

[0201] 30 It is further preferred that the hair care composition of the invention comprises a cosmetic ingredient. Preferably the cosmetic ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a silicone, an antibacterial agent other than antidandruff agents, a foam booster, a perfume, encapsulates (for example encapsulated fragrance) a dye, a colouring agent, a pigment, a preservative, a thickener, a protein, a phosphate ester, a buffering agent, a pH adjusting agent, a pearlescer

[0202] 35 (for example; mica, titanium dioxide, titanium dioxide coated mica, ethylene glycol distearate P0000866 CPL

[0203] 19

[0204] (INCI glycol distearate)) and / or opacifier, a viscosity modifier, an emollient, a sunscreen, an emulsifier, a sensate active (for example menthol and menthol derivatives), vitamins, mineral oils, essential oils, lipids, natural actives, glycerin, natural hair nutrients such as botanical extracts, fruit extracts, sugar derivatives and amino acids, microcrystalline cellulose and

[0205] 5 mixtures thereof.

[0206] Preferably, the composition of the present invention includes from 0.01 to 20 wt% of the at least one cosmetic ingredient, more preferably from 0.05 to 10 wt%, still more preferably from 0.075 to 7.5 wt% and most preferably, from 0.1 to 5 wt% of the at least one cosmetic ingredient, by weight of the total composition.

[0207] As an alternative, the cosmetic composition of the invention is a hair conditioner. When conditioning benefits are to be delivered through the composition of the invention the composition is called a hair conditioner. Typically, the most popular conditioning agents used in

[0208] 15 hair care compositions are water-insoluble oily materials such as mineral oils, naturally occurring oils such as triglycerides and silicone polymers. Conditioning benefit is achieved by the oily material being deposited onto the hair resulting in the formation of a film, which makes the hair easier to comb when wet and more manageable when dry. An especially useful conditioning agent is a silicone, preferably a non-volatile silicone. Advantageously

[0209] 20 compositions herein may include one or more silicones. The silicones are conditioning agents found in dispersed or suspended particulate form. They are intended to deposit onto hair remaining behind after rinsing of the hair with water. Suitable silicone oils may include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyaryl siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers and mixtures thereof. Amino silicones are often formulated with shampoo compositions. Amino

[0210] 25 silicones are silicones containing at least one primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium group. High molecular weight silicone gums can also be utilized. Another useful type are the crosslinked silicone elastomers such as Dimethicone / Vinyl / Dimethicone Crosspolymers (e.g. Dow Corning 9040 and 9041).

[0211] It is preferred that hair conditioner composition of the invention comprises 0.1 to 10 wt%, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 8 wt% silicone. Alternatively, the hair conditioner is silicone-free, containing not more than 1 wt% silicone. It is preferred that pH of the composition is more than 4.0, more preferably 5.0 to 7.0.

[0212] 35 Hair conditioner composition of the invention preferably may also comprise 0.5 to P0000866 CPL

[0213] 20

[0214] 10 wt% fatty alcohol. The combined use of fatty alcohols and cationic surfactants in conditioning compositions is believed to be especially advantageous, because this leads to the formation of a lamellar phase, in which the cationic surfactant is dispersed.

[0215] 5 Representative fatty alcohols comprise from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 16 to 22. Fatty alcohols are typically compounds containing straight chain alkyl groups. Examples of suitable fatty alcohols include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. The use of these materials is also advantageous in that they contribute to the overall conditioning properties of compositions of the invention.

[0216] Skin cosmetic composition

[0217] The composition of the invention may be skin cosmetic composition including skin care or skin cleansing product e.g. body or face wash.

[0218] 15 When the composition is a skin care product, the composition can have as cosmetically acceptable carriers non-polar liquids like oils. Alternatively, such non-polar liquids can be used as the oil phase when the composition is an emulsion. When the compositions of the present invention are emulsions, they will typically include cosmetically acceptable carrier components in addition to non-polar liquid. Water is the most preferred additional carrier. Amounts of water

[0219] 20 may range from 1 to 99%, and preferably, from 5 to 90%, and most preferably, from 35 to 80%, and optimally, from 40 to 75% by weight, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein. Ordinarily the compositions of this invention will be water and oil emulsions, most preferably, of the oil-in-water variety. Water-in-oil emulsions, and especially, those generally classified as water-in-oil and high internal phase emulsions are, however, an

[0220] 25 option. Illustrative examples of the high internal phase emulsions suitable to as carrier for this invention are described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No.

[0221] 2008 / 0311058 and U.S. Patent No. 8,425,882, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Emulsifiers may be present in the compositions of the present invention. Total concentration of the emulsifier may range from about 0.1 to 40%, and preferably, from 1 to 20%, and most preferably, from 1 to 5% by weight of the composition, including all ranges subsumed therein. The emulsifier may be selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric actives. Particularly preferred nonionic actives are those with a C10-C20 fatty alcohol or acid hydrophobe condensed with from about 2 to about 100 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per mole of hydrophobe; C2-C10 alkyl phenols condensed

[0222] 35 with from 2 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide; mono- and di-fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol, fatty P0000866 CPL

[0223] 21 acid monoglyceride; sorbitan, mono- and di-C8-C20 fatty acids; and polyoxyethylene sorbitan as well as combinations thereof. Alkyl polyglycosides and saccharide fatty amides (e.g. methyl gluconamides) are also suitable nonionic emulsifiers. Other cosmetically acceptable carriers suitable for use (with or without water) in this invention may include mineral oils, silicone oils,

[0224] 5 esters, and alcohols. Amounts of these materials may collectively range from 0.1 to 99%, and preferably, from 0.1 to 45%, and most preferably, from 1 to 20% by weight of the composition of this invention, including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0225] When the composition is a skin cleansing product, the surfactants may be present, the topical composition preferably comprises 1 to 90% surfactant by weight of the composition. When surfactant is used, a particularly preferred surfactant is soap. Soap is a suitable surfactant for personal washing applications of the topical composition of the invention. When present, the soap, of the present is preferably present in an amount of 1 to 90%, preferably from 10 to 85%, more preferably 25 to 75% by weight of the composition. Water is a preferred carrier. When

[0226] 15 water is present, it is preferably present in at least 1%, more preferably at least 2%, furthermore preferably at least 5% by weight of the composition. When water is the carrier, a preferred liquid composition comprises 10 to 99.8% by weight water. The liquid topical composition is useful as a skin antiseptic liquid, for skin cleansing, in particular for hand wash or a face wash. When water is the carrier, a preferred solid composition comprises 5 to 30% by weight water. The

[0227] 20 solid cosmetic composition is preferably in form of a shaped solid, more preferably a bar. The solid topical composition is particularly useful for skin cleansing in particular for hand wash or a face wash. According to another aspect, inorganic particulate material is also a suitable carrier. When inorganic particulate material is the carrier, the topical composition is in a solid form. Preferably the inorganic particulate material is talc. When the inorganic particulate material is

[0228] 25 talc, the solid antimicrobial composition is particularly useful as a talcum powder for application on face or body.

[0229] Preferred compositions may include other known ingredients such as perfumes, pigments, preservatives, emollients, sunscreens, emulsifiers, gelling agents, thickening agents and skin benefit agents. Choice of these ingredients will largely depend on the format of the composition.

[0230] Method and Use

[0231] The present invention provides for use of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect for promoting biosynthesis of spermidine. Preferably it is non-therapeutic, specifically for cosmetic

[0232] 35 purpose. P0000866 CPL

[0233] 22

[0234] The present invention provides for use of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect for promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing hair loss. Preferably it is non-therapeutic, specifically for cosmetic purpose.

[0235] The present invention provides for use of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect for

[0236] 5 promoting skin and scalp health. Preferably it is non-therapeutic, specifically for cosmetic purpose.

[0237] The present invention provides for use of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect for promoting skin anti-ageing. Preferably it is non-therapeutic, specifically for cosmetic purpose.

[0238] The present invention provides for use of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect for promoting biosynthesis of spermidine, thereby delivering multiple benefits including promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing hair loss, promoting skin and scalp health, promoting antioxidation, anti-inflammation and promoting skin anti-ageing. Preferably it is non-therapeutic, specifically for cosmetic purpose.

[0239] The present invention provides for a method of promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing

[0240] 15 hair loss on a topical surface of a human or animal body comprising a step of applying a safe and effective amount of a cosmetic composition of the first aspect. Preferably the topical surface is scalp or hair. Preferably it is non-therapeutic, specifically for cosmetic purpose. The term safe an effective amount is well known to persons skilled in the art and such amounts may vary depending on the product format, for example, the said amount in the case of a leave on composition could be 1 to 3 ml for each application, while the same amount could be 5 to 10 ml for each application in the case of shampoos.

[0241] Mode of Use

[0242] The compositions of the invention are primarily intended for topical application to scalp or least

[0243] 25 a portion of the hair an individual, either in rinse-off or leave-on compositions.

[0244] When the composition is a shampoo, it is topically applied to the hair and then massaged into the hair and scalp. Then it is rinsed with water prior to drying the hair. P0000866 CPL

[0245] 23

[0246] The invention will be further illustrated by the following, non-limiting Examples, in which all percentages quoted are by weight based on total weight unless otherwise stated.

[0247] The examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the invention

[0248] 5 to those examples perse.

[0249] Combination of methionine and ornithine for biosynthesis of spermidine

[0250] Modified Dixon agar medium (mDixon, showed below) was inoculated with Malassezia globosa culture at a concentration of OD eoonm = 0.1. L-methionine (0-1.0%) and L-ornithine monohydrochloride (0-1.5%) were added for spermidine biosynthesis. The culture was

[0251] 15 incubated at 32°C at 200 rpm / minutes. After four days, the fermentation supernatant was obtained by centrifuging at 6500 rpm for three minutes with an additional filtration step with 0.22 pm filter.

[0252] Modified Dixon agar medium

[0253] 20 36g Malt Extract

[0254] 6g Mycological Peptone

[0255] 10g Ox bile

[0256] 2ml Oleic acid

[0257] 2ml Glycerol

[0258] 25 Deionized Water to 1000ml

[0259] (Ensure stirring thoroughly including after autoclaving)

[0260] T est of

[0261] The amount of spermidine produced was tested by Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry / Mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) analysis. 100pL of filtered supernatant was added with 300 pL methanol and was shaken at 720 rpm for 10 minutes. Next, the sample was centrifuging at 14000 rpm for 10 minutes at 4°C. 1 pL of supernatant was applied to LC-MS / MS analysis.

[0262] A Shimadzu LC 30 system (Shimadzu Corporation; Jap.), which was equipped with degasser,

[0263] 35 binary pump, thermostated autosampler and column compartment, was used. The separation P0000866 CPL

[0264] 24 was carried out using an analytical column Waters ACQUITY LIHPLC BEHC18 with column sizes of 100 mm x 2.1 mm and particle size of 1.7 pm (Waters Corporation; Milford, MA, USA).

[0265] The mobile phase for the chromatographic separation was a mixture of A (0.1% formic acid

[0266] 5 aqueous solution) and B (0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile). Separation was performed in the following gradient conditions: 0.01 min, 0%B; 1 min, 10%B; 4 min, 40%B; held for 1min, 5.01 min, switched back 0%B, and re-equilibrated for 2 min. The flow rate of the mobile phase was fixed at 0.45 mL / min. The injection volume was 1 pL. The column temperature was controlled at 40°C.

[0267] Mass spectrometry was carried out by using a QTRAP Mass Spectrometry (AB SCI EX 6500, AB SCI EX Corporation, USA) with ESI source in positive modes. Nitrogen was used as the desolvation gas and the collision gas. The data were acquired in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, and the retention time associated with each MRM transition was automatically set

[0268] 15 by Analysis®1.6.3 software. The obtained data were subsequently processed using MultiQuant 3.0 (AB SCI EX Corporation).

[0269] Spermidine (Sample) means the spermidine produced in samples with L-methionine and L- ornithine.

[0270] 20

[0271] Spermidine (Control) means the spermidine produced in control without L-methionine and L- ornithine.

[0272] The percentage of increment of spermidine produced is defined as follows: , . ,rSpermidine(Sample)-Spermidine(Control) . , .

[0273] Percentage of increment of spermidine = - - - - - X 100%

[0274] Spermidine(Control)

[0275] Results:

[0276] The improvement of spermidine biosynthesis demonstrated by percentage of increment of spermidine is summarized in TABLE 1.

[0277] 30 P0000866 CPL

[0278] 25

[0279] TABLE 1

[0280] The observations tabulated in Tables 1 clearly indicate that the compositions (Samples 1-9) comprising combination of methionine and ornithine with weight ratio within the scope according 5 to the present invention can largely promote the biosynthesis of spermidine, thereby delivering multiple benefits, much better than the compositions (Samples A to C) outside of the scope of the present invention.

[0281] It also implies that is possible to formulate highly efficacious compositions comprising the two 10 active ingredients within the weight ratio range after giving due consideration to the fact that the experiments were conducted under test conditions and the amount of the ingredients may not match or reflect the practical amounts under in-use conditions, i.e. , compositions like hair serum, or a shampoo.

[0282] 15 As far as the experiments were concerned, the concentrations of the ingredients were chosen to fall within the allowable limits permitted by the concerned tests and in which it was possible to record the technical effects. Therefore, the concentrations at which the tests were conducted might not appear to fall within the range in which such ingredients are generally used in cosmetic compositions (usually in wt%).

Claims

P0000866 CPL26CLAIMS1. A cosmetic composition comprising i) at least one of methionine and its derivatives selected from methionine, S- adenosylmethionine, and S-adenosylmethioninamine; and ii) at least one of additional compounds selected from ornithine, agmatine, and their derivatives; wherein the weight ratio of the amount of said methionine and its derivatives to the amount of said additional compound is from 1 :30 to 16:1.

2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said additional compound is ornithine, ornithine monohydrochloride, or mixture thereof.

3. A composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the weight ratio of the amount of said methionine and its derivatives to the amount of said additional compound is from 1 :30 to 2:1 , preferably from 1 :30 to 1 :3.

4. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the composition comprises from 0.01 to 10% of methionine and its derivatives by weight of the composition.

5. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the composition comprises from 0.01 to 10% of said additional compound by weight of the composition.

6. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the composition comprises a cosmetically acceptable carrier comprising water.

7. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein composition comprising methionine, ornithine and / or ornithine monohydrochloride.

8. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the composition is a leave-on or rinse-off composition, preferably a leave-on composition.

9. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the composition is a hair composition.P0000866 CPL2710. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the composition additionally comprises a scalp health agent.

11. A composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the composition comprises a surfactant.

12. Use of a composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 for promoting biosynthesis of spermidine.

13. Use of a composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 for promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing hair loss.

14. Use of a composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 for promoting biosynthesis of spermidine, thereby delivering multiple benefits including promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing hair loss, promoting skin and scalp health, promoting antioxidation, anti-inflammation and promoting skin anti-ageing.

15. A method of promoting hair growth, preventing or reducing hair loss comprising a step of applying a safe and effective amount of a cosmetic composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11.

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