MXPA02007045A - Skin care compositions. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a topical, liquid, cosmetic composition for effecting immediate improvements in the appearance and feel of skin, in particular for providing a more even skin tone. The composition comprises: a) from 0.3% to 1.5% of an optically neutral phyllosilicate; and b) a green pigment in an amount effective to give the composition a Dgr;a colour shift value of from 1 to 5 and a Dgr;b colour shift value of from 2 to 5, when applied to the skin or a skin substitute at a coverage of 2.4 mg cm 2; wherein the total level of inorganic particles in the composition is less than 5%. In a second aspect of the invention, the composition comprises: a) from 0.3% to 1.5% of an optically neutral phyllosilicate; and b) a green platelet type interference pigment, having a TiO2 layer thickness of from 120 nm to 160 nm or a whole number multiple thereof, in an amount of from 0.1% to 0.5% by weight of the composition; wherein the total level of inorganic particles in the composition is less than 5%. The compositions are preferably oil in water emulsions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of topical compositions for improving the appearance and feel of human skin. More particularly, the invention relates to topical compositions that provide good coverage of skin imperfections, for example pores and uneven skin tone, while retaining a natural appearance of the skin. The compositions of the invention are especially useful for the cosmetic treatment of non-facial parts of the body, especially the hands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Topical cosmetic compositions such as skin creams and lotions and the like can be designed to provide a variety of benefits after application to the skin, such as wetting, skin protection and improvement of skin feel and appearance. Said benefits can be completely cosmetic or can be provided by the use of active ingredients that act permanently and that are capable of regulating the condition of the skin, including the regulation of fine striae, wrinkles and other Uneven or rough surface texture forms associated with aging or skin damaged by light. Ideally, skin products will not only provide benefits on a longer time scale, but they will also make an immediately noticeable improvement such as Increased skin smoothness. To be commercially successful, it is also desirable that the products have excellent aesthetics in use, that is, they can be easily rubbed without producing a greasy or sticky feeling. It is known to use green pigments to highlight the redness of the skin. For example, for that purpose, WO 96/03962 describes makeup compositions comprising mica interference pigments coated with Ti02; and US 5,690,916 disclose methods for making indiscernible hyperchromic portions of the skin (spots, freckles and the like) using similar materials. Although the compositions and disclosures of the prior art provide useful advances in the technique of cosmetic treatment of the skin, there remains a need for improved compositions that provide immediate improvement of skin feel and appearance, particularly for non-facial parts of the skin, especially for areas of the body subjected to environmental stress, such as hands. It is also required that the compositions are not greasy and are easy to apply. In particular, it has now been found that improved skin feel and appearance can be obtained for a wide variety of colors of the skin, using controlled amounts of platelet-like particles both optically neutral and colored, in topical liquid compositions, which are preferably oil-in-water emulsions. It has been found that compositions of the prior art which comprise larger amounts of interference pigments, or lack optically neutral platelet particles, do not give the same degree of color control. The effects of skin smoothness and aesthetics in use of the compositions of the invention are particularly increased when the compositions comprise an oil phase having a degree of lubricity and lubricity suitable for the platelet particle system. The present invention also relates to cosmetic methods for improving the sensation and appearance of the skin, in particular to provide a more uniform skin tone, by means of the topical application of the present compositions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a topical liquid cosmetic composition, preferably in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, comprising: (a) from about 0.3% to about 1.5% of an optically neutral phyllosilicate; and (b) a green pigment in an amount effective to give the composition a color change value? of -1 to -5, and a color change value? b of -2 to -5, when applied to the skin or a skin substitute, to a coverage of 2, 4 mg cm 2, wherein the total level of inorganic particles in the composition is less than 5% In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a topical liquid cosmetic composition, preferably in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion , which comprises: (a) from about 0.3% to about 1.5% of an optically neutral phyllosilicate, and (b) a green platelet-type interference pigment having a TiO2 layer thickness of 120 nm to 160 nm, or a multiple whole number thereof, in an amount of 0.1% to 0.5% by weight of the composition, wherein the total level of inorganic particles in the composition is less than 5% .The compositions are useful for imparting visual improvement essentially immediate in the appearance and feel of the skin, keeping the a natural appearance of the skin. The invention further relates to cosmetic methods for improving the appearance and feel of the skin by topical application of the present compositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition and all measurements are made at 25 ° C, unless otherwise specified. The cited contact angles are forward contact angles on a hydrated collagen sheet. All publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. By "topical liquid cosmetic composition" is meant a wet or oily composition intended to be rubbed into the skin. Preferred compositions are in the form of a lotion, a cream or a gel. As used herein, the term "dermatologically acceptable" means that the compositions or components thereof so described are suitable for use in contact with human skin without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic response or the like. As used herein, the term "effective and safe amount" means an amount of a compound, component or composition, sufficient to induce significantly a positive benefit, preferably a positive benefit of appearance or sensation of the skin, including independently the benefits described herein. , but low enough to avoid serious side effects, that is, to provide a reasonable ratio of benefit to risk, within the scope of sound medical judgment.

The term "optically neutral" means that when a material is applied to the skin by itself it does not make another net change of color than a possible lightening or darkening of the tone. For an optically neutral material, preferably, the color change values? A and b that are defined herein in the section entitled "Green pigments" will have a magnitude of not more than one unit, preferably not greater than one half of a unit . These materials will normally be of a general appearance Colorless, white or whitish. The active ingredients and other ingredients useful in the present faith can be divided into categories or described here for their cosmetic and / or therapeutic benefit or their postulated mode of action. However, it is understood that the active ingredients and other ingredients useful herein may in some cases provide more than one cosmetic and / or therapeutic benefit, or operate by more than one mode of action. Therefore, the classifications herein are made for convenience purposes and are not intended to limit an ingredient to the application or particularly Indicated applications. Topical compositions useful in the present invention can be made in a variety of product forms as are known in the art. Preferred compositions have a thickness or yield strength sufficient to resist sedimentation of the particles. Preferred compositions contain a dermatologically acceptable hydrophilic diluent. Suitable hydrophilic diluents include water, organic hydrophilic diluents such as C1-C4 monohydric alcohols and low molecular weight polyols and glycols, including propylene glycol, polyphenylene (eg, 200-600 molecular weight), polypropylene glycol (eg, molecular weight 425-2025), glycerol , butylene glycol, 1,4-butanetriol, sorbitol esters, 1, 2,6-hexanetriol, ethanol, iso-propanol, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated ethers, propoxylated ethers and combinations thereof. The diluent is preferably liquid. Water is an especially preferred diluent. The composition preferably comprises at least about 60% hydrophilic diluent. Most preferred carriers comprise an emulsion comprising a hydrophilic phase, especially an aqueous phase, and a hydrophobic phase, for example a lipid, oil or oily material. As is well known to the person skilled in the art, the hydrophilic phase will be dispersed in the hydrophobic phase or vice versa, to form dispersed and continuous hydrophilic or hydrophobic phases, respectively, depending on the ingredients of the composition. In emulsion technology, the term "dispersed phase" is a well-known term which means that the phase exists as small particles or droplets that are suspended in a continuous phase and surrounded by it. The dispersed phase is also known as the internal or discontinuous phase. The emulsion may be or comprise (for example in a triple phase or other multiple phase emulsion) an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion such as a water-in-silicone emulsion. Oil-in-water emulsions typically comprise of about 1% to about 50% (preferably about 1% to about 30%) of the hydrophobic dispersed phase, and from about 1% to about 99% (preferably about 40% to about 90%) of the hydrophilic continuous phase; Water-in-oil emulsions typically comprise from about 1% to about 98% (preferably from about 40% to about 90%) of the dispersed hydrophilic phase, and from about 1% to about 50% (preferably about 1%) to about 30%) of the continuous hydrophobic phase. The emulsion may also comprise a gel network as described in G.M. Eccleston, "Application of Emulsion Stability Theories to Mobile and Semisolid or W Emulsions, Cosmetics &Toiletries", Vol. 101, November 1996, p. 73-92, incorporated herein by reference. The most preferred compositions herein are oil-in-water emulsions. Preferred compositions have an apparent viscosity of about 5,000 to about 200,000 mPa.s (centipoise). For example, preferred lotions have an apparent viscosity of about 10,000 to about 40,000 mPa.s; Preferred creams have an apparent viscosity of about 30,000 to about 160,000 mPa.s. The apparent viscosity can be determined using a Brookfield DVII RV viscometer, TD needle, at 5 rpm, or the equivalent thereof. The viscosity is determined in the composition after letting it stabilize, generally at least 24 hours after of its preparation, under conditions of 25 ° C +/- 1 ° C and environmental pressure. The apparent viscosity is measured with the composition at a temperature of 25 ° C +/- 1 ° C, after 30 seconds of needle rotation. The compositions of the present invention are usually formulated to have a pH of 8.5 or less, and in general have a pH in the range of about 4.5 to about 7.5, preferably from about 5 to about 6.5 Some compositions, particularly those comprising a Additional active ingredient such as salicylic acid, require a lower pH so that the additional active ingredient is completely effective. These compositions are usually formulated to have a pH of from about 2.5 to about 5, preferably from about 2.7 to about 4.

Optically neutral phyllosilicates An essential component of the compositions of the present invention is an optically neutral phyllosilicate, which increases the sensation in the skin and contributes to the net change of color effected by the compositions. Phyllosilicates are a subclass of silicates in which the atoms are arranged in weakly bound sheets, in such a way that they create laminar particles by grinding. Philosilicates as a class incorporate many subclasses that are described for example on the Internet at http://mineraI.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/phyllosi.htm. Also, many individual classes are described in the "Kirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology ", 4th edition Preferred subclasses include kaolinite, montmorillonite, talc and mica, talc and mica, especially mica, are highly preferred.The layer structure of the phyllosilicates gives a feeling of softness after application to the skin. The most preferred materials from the viewpoint of appearance and feel in the skin are optically neutral titanium-coated micas.These optically neutral titanium-coated micas are commercially available and suitable materials include Microna Matte White, available from Roña, a subsidiary of The optically neutral phyllosilicate is generally present at a level of from about 0.3% to about 1.5%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.3%, preferably from about 0.6% to about 1.0%. to the skin the benefits of sensation or color adjustment of the present invention, while levels of s high may give a feeling or plump. General particle sizes for optically neutral phyllosilicates are preferably within the range of about 0.1 to about 100 μm, preferably from about 0.5 to about 20 μm, in their largest dimension, and preferably from about 100 to about 1500 nm of thickness.

Green pigments An additional essential component of the compositions of the first aspect of the present invention is a green pigment in an amount effective to give the composition a color change value α from -1 to -5, preferably -2 -4, and a color change value? b from -2 to -5, preferably from -2 to -A, preferably from -2 to -3, when applied to the skin or a skin substitute. at a coverage of 2.4 mg cm "2. The test methodology for measuring the values of color change is described in detail below.It has been found that the color changes within the mentioned scales are effective to reduce the redness of the color. skin without creating an unnatural greenness or darker skin tones, this way, the green pigment helps to provide a uniform overall tone of the skin.Color changes to similar without a change of color? acceptable on normally pale skin as in Caucasian skin tones, but it has been found that they create an excessive perception of greenery over darker skin tones. The use of an optically neutral phyllosilicate as described herein, together with the green pigment, allows the desired color changes that are acceptable for a wide range of skin types. Although the desired color changes are of course for human skin, it has been found that it is possible to closely approximate them by means of an in vitro test. Accordingly, the aforementioned color changes refer to those that are measured in the following in vitro test.

A flat piece of translucent absorbent surgical glove (most external absorbent surface) is spread over a standard red tile, and the color of the whole system is measured using a suitable reflectance spectrophotometer (eg Minolta CM-512M3), illuminating with D65 light at an angle of 25 ° to normal, and measuring at an angle of 10 ° to normal. It has been found that the glove system on tile imitates the behavior and color of the human skin sufficiently well for the purposes of the test. The tile used must be the "Red" strip of a standard color chart (Macbeth Color Checker) provided by Macbeth Munsell Color, New York, E.U.A. The type of glove is not especially critical. However, the type used by the present applicants is a Biogel surgical glove provided by Regent Hospital Products, Broxbourne, United Kingdom. The measured color of the glove spread over the tile is used to generate a series of reference values L, a, b. The composition whose color change is to be measured is applied to the glove at a coverage of 2.4 mg cm 2 using a presaturated fingernail and rubbed for 30 seconds, then the product is left to dry for 10 minutes and the color is re-measured in the same way as before to generate a series of after-treatment values L, a, b.The reference values L, a, b are subtracted from the after-treatment values L, a, b to generate values? L,? a, and? b for composition.These values are used to fully characterize the color change.The test numbers must be averaged over ten different repeats.The appropriate green pigments can include pigments from interference and reflectance pigments. Suitable reflectance pigments include chromium hydroxide, such as the materials available under the trademarks Chroma Lite Aqua 4508 from ISP Van Dyck and H Chrome Green 105 from Presperse, and chromium oxide such as Chroma Lite Grren from ISP Van Dyck and Gemtone Emerald of Mearl. Preferably, the green pigment is a platelet-type interference pigment material having a Ti02 layer thickness of about 120 nm to about 160 nm, or a multiple whole number thereof. Preferably, the interference pigment material comprises platelet-type mica that is coated with Ti02. The color of the reflected light varies depending on the thickness of the layer. The interference pigment material used in the present invention comprises at least a proportion of pigment material having a Ti02 layer thickness of about 120 nm to about 160 nm, or a multiple whole number thereof, such that the The pigment itself has a general green appearance when applied to the skin as a result of the light reflection of the pigment platelets. Preferred interference pigment materials for use in the compositions of the invention have a Ti02 layer thickness of about 150 nm to about 250 nm, preferably about 150 nm. Suitable examples are those provided by Merck under the Timiron® brand, especially Timiron® Silk Green, or those provided by Mearl under the Flamenco® brand, especially Flamenco® Satin Green. The precise levels of the pigment required to give the change 4 The desired color depends to some degree on the particular type of pigment used. The green pigment is generally present in the compositions of the present invention at a level of from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.15% to about 0.4%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.3%. In the second aspect of the present invention, the compositions comprise a green platelet-type interference pigment having a layer thickness of T.O2 of 120 nm to 160 nm or a whole number thereof, in an amount of 0.1. % to 0.5% by weight of the composition. The general particle sizes of the green pigments are preferably in the range from about 0.1 to about 100 μm, preferably from about 5 to about 50 μm, in their largest dimension, and preferably from about 100 to about 1500 nm in thickness . Other pigments that include pigments of different colors can also be used in the present compositions, provided that the general changes of color are within the mentioned areas.

Optional components The topical compositions of the present invention may comprise a wide variety of optional components, provided that said optional components are physically and chemically compatible with the essential components described herein, and do not unduly impair the stability, efficacy or other benefits of use associated with the compositions of the present invention. The optional components may be dispersed, dissolved, etc., in the vehicle of the present compositions. Optional components include emollients, fat absorbents, antimicrobial agents, binders, buffers, denaturants, cosmetic astringents, external analgesics, film formers, humectants, opacifying agents, perfumes, pigments, skin soothing and healing agents, preservatives, propellants , penetration enhancers of the skin, solvents, suspending agents, emulsifiers, cleaning agents, thickening agents, solubilizing agents, waxes, sunscreens, sunless tanning agents, antioxidants and / or radical scavengers, chelating agents, anti-aging agents. acne, anti-inflammatory agents, desquamation / exfoliating agents, organic hydroxy acids, vitamins and natural extracts. Non-exclusive examples of such materials are described in "Harry's Cosmetology", 7a. edition, Harry &; Wilkinson (Hill Publishers, London, 1982); in "Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms- Disperse Systems" Lieberman, Rieger & Banker, vols. 1 (1988) and 2 (1989), Marcel Decker Inc .; in "The Chemistry and Manufacture of Cosmetics" 2a. edition, deNavarre (Van Nostrand 1962-1966); and in "The Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology", 1a. edition, Knowlton & Pearce (Elsevier 1993), and may also be used in the present invention. 1. - Organic particulate material The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise a particulate organic material having a refractive index of about 1.3 to about 1.7, the particulate material being dispersed in the composition and having an average volume particle size in the composition. the scale from about 5 to about 30 μm, preferably from about 8 to about 25 μm. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the organic particulate material, being of at least equal diameter to that of the layer of fat in the skin created by the compositions of the present invention, acts as a non-greasy lubricant which improves the sensation general of the skin The volume average particle size is measured when the particulate material is in pure form, ie, in the form of essentially pure powder, prior to its combination with the vehicle of the invention. However, particular methods of measuring particle size require that the particulate material be dispersed in an inert carrier such as a pure oil, to measure the particle size distribution. The particle size can be determined by any suitable method known in the art, for example using Coulter Counter counter equipment or the ASTM Designation E20-85"Standard Practice for Particle Size Analysis of Particulate Substances In the Range of 0.2 to 75 Micrometers by Opctical Mroscopy, "ASTM Volume 14.02, 1993. In refractive index can be determined by conventional methods, for example, JA Dean, editor, describes a method to determine the refractive index, applicable to the present invention, in "Lange's Handbook of Chemistry", 14th edition, McGraw Hill, New York, 1992, Section 9, "Refractometry." Preferably, the refractive index is on the scale of about 1.35 to about 1.6; scale closely matches the refractive index of the skin The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.3% to about 5%, especially from about 0.5% to about 2%. % of the organic material in particles The preferred particles are free-flowing, porous materials, especially those that have spherical particles. particles which are suitable include those made of polymethylsiloquois, referred to above, polyamide, polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and poly (vinylidene chloride). Copolymers derived from monomers of the aforementioned materials can also be used. Polyamides, especially nylon, are preferred. Porous nylon particles which have an average volume on the scale from about 5 to about 25 μm. Suitable nylon particles are commercially available from Elf Atochem SA, Paris, France, under the Orgasol® brand. The compositions may contain other inorganic or organic particulate materials. However, it is preferred that the organic particles in the compositions of the invention are essentially the particulate material described in this section, entitled "Organic particulate material". 2. - Inorganic Matting Agent Another optional component of the compositions of the present invention is an inorganic matting agent such as titanium or zinc oxides. However, when the matting agent is present it is used at a level of less than 3% to avoid undesirable whitening of the skin or any unnatural "opaque" appearance. It is preferred to use here the titanium dioxide and especially the titanium dioxide anatase. The anatase titanium oxide has a density of approximately 3.90 g / cm3 and a cubic tetragonal closed packed structure. The refractive index of anatase titanium oxide is 2.55. Titanium dioxide anatase is available from Kobo Products Inc. under the brand Kobo BTD 11S2 from Whittaker, Clark, Daniels, South Plainfield, New Jersey, USA, under the brand TiO2 9729, and from Cardre Inc., South Plainfield, New Jersey , USA, under the brand Carde 70429.

The preferred matting agents to be used herein from the standpoint of skin feel, skin appearance and emulsion compatibility are coated pigments. The pigments can be treated with compounds such as amino acids such as lysine, silicones, lauroyl, collagen, polyethylene, lecithin and ester oils. The most preferred matting agents are the pigments treated with organosilicon (polysiloxane), for example titanium dioxide treated with polysiloxane. The most preferred is anatase titanium dioxide treated with polysiloxane. A highly preferred matting agent is one that has been coated with an organosilicon component selected from a polytributosiloxane or a silane, wherein the coated pigment has a hydrogen potential of less than about 2.0, preferably less than about 1.0, preferably less than about 0.5 ml, and especially less than about 0.1 ml H2 / g of coated pigment. The pigment is incorporated in the oil phase in the compositions herein. The coatings used can be linked to the surface of the pigment by covalent bonds, physical adsorption or adhesion, preferably by means of covalent bonds with the surface of the pigment. Here, the function of the coatings is to hydrophobically modify the pigments so that they are "wettable" in an oil phase in oil-in-water emulsions. The total concentration of inorganic matting agent may be from about 0% to about 3% and, if used, from preferably from about 0.1% to about 2.5%, and preferably from about 0.25% to about 2%. 3. - Active ingredient for permanently regulating skin condition In highly preferred embodiments, the compositions of the invention comprise a safe and effective amount of an active ingredient to permanently regulate the condition of the skin, selected from vitamin B3 compounds, retinoids and combinations thereof. The aforementioned compounds, when used alone, can produce a sticky feeling, especially when used at high levels. However, it has been found that this sticky feel can be compensated by using the organic particulate materials of the present invention. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.3% to about 10%, and preferably from about 1 to about 5% of the active ingredient. Specific examples of these active ingredients include the following.

A. Vitamin Compounds Ba As used herein, "vitamin B3 compound" means a compound having the formula: wherein R is -CONH2 (ie, niacinamide), -COOH (ie, nicotinic acid) or -CH2OH (ie, nicotinic alcohol); derivatives thereof; and salts of any of the above. Exemplary derivatives of the above vitamin B3 compounds include nicotinic acid esters, including non-vasodilating esters of nicotinic acid, nicotinyl amino acids, nicotinyl alcohol esters of carboxylic acids, N-oxide of nicotinic acid and N-oxide of niacinamide. As used herein, "non-vasodilators" means that the ester does not commonly produce a visible reddening response after its application to the skin in the present compositions (most of the general population would not experience a visible reddening response, although such compounds they can cause vasodilation not visible to the naked eye, that is, the ester is not rubefacient). Non-vasodilating esters of nicotinic acid include tocopherol nicotinate and inositol hexanicotinate; the tocopherol nicotinate is preferred. Other derivatives of vitamin B3 compounds are the niacinamide derivatives that result from the substitution of one or more of the hydrogens of the amide group. Examples of niacinamide derivatives useful herein include nicotinyl amino acids, derived for example from the reaction of an activated nicotinic acid compound (for example nicotinic acid azide or sodium chloride). nicoti with an amino acid, and nicotinic alcohol esters of organic carboxylic acids (for example C1-C18). Specific examples of said derivatives include nicotinuric acid (C8H8N2O3) and nicotiydroxamic acid (C6H6N202). Exemplary nicotialcohol esters include nicotialcohol esters of the carboxylic acids salicylic acid, glycolic acid and palmitic acid, etc. Other examples of vitamin B3 compounds useful herein are 2-chloronicotinamide, 6-methylnicotinamide, N-methylnicotinamide and niaprazine. Examples of the above vitamin B3 compounds are well known in the art and are commercially available from several sources, for example, Sigma Chemical Company (St. Louis, Missouri); ICN Biomedicals, Inc. (Irvin, California) and Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). One or more vitamin B3 compounds may be useful herein. Preferred vitamin B3 compounds are niacinamide and tocopherol nicotinate. Niacinamide is more preferred. The salts of the vitamin B3 compound are also useful herein. Useful examples include organic or inorganic salts, such as inorganic salts with anionic inorganic species (for example chloride) and salts of organic carboxylic acids. These and other salts of the vitamin B3 compound can be easily prepared by the skilled artisan, for example, as described by W. Wenner in "The Reaction of L-Ascorbic and D-Isoascorbic Acid with Nicotinic Acid and Its Amide", J. Organic Chemistry, Vol. 14, 22-26 (1949). Wenner describes the synthesis of the ascorbic acid salt of niaeinamide. In preferred embodiments, the ring nitrogen of the vitamin B3 compound is not complexed, or after being administered to the skin it is separated from any complex. Most preferably, the vitamin B3 compound essentially does not form complex. Therefore, if the composition contains the vitamin B3 compound in a salt or other complex form, it is preferred that said complex be substantially reversible after administering the composition to the skin. Said complex should be substantially reversible at a pH of about 5.0 to about 6.0. Such reversibility can easily be determined by a person with average knowledge in the field. In a preferred embodiment, the vitamin B3 compound usually contains less than about 50% of the compound in salt form. The vitamin B3 compound can be included as the substantially pure material, or as an extract obtained by suitable physical or chemical isolation from natural sources (eg, from plants). Preferably, the vitamin B3 compound is substantially pure, ie, substantially free of impurities that come from the original source. Substantially pure compounds can be provided in solution, optionally with an antioxidant or other stabilizer.

B ReAinoids As used herein, "retinoid" includes all natural and / or synthetic analogs of vitamin A or retinol-like compounds that possess the biological activity of vitamin A in the skin, as well as the geometric isomers and stereoisomers of these compounds. The retinoid is preferably retinol, retinol esters (eg, C2-C22 alkyl esters of retinol, including retipalmitate, retiacetate and retipropionate), retinal and / or retinoic acid (including all-trans retinoic acid). and / or 13-cis-retinoic acid), or their esters such as tocopheryl retinoate. Preferably retinoids other than retinoic acid are used. These compounds are well known in the art and are commercially available from numerous sources, for example, from Sigma Chemical Company (St. Louis, Missouri) and Boehringer Mannheim (Indianapolis, Indiana). Other retinoids that are useful herein are described in the U.S. Patents. Nos. 4,677,120, issued on June 30, 1987 to Parish and others; 4,885,311, issued December 5, 1989 to Parish et al .; 5,049,584, issued September 17, 1991 to Purcell et al .; 5,124,356, issued June 23, 1992 to Purcell et al. And reissued as 34,075, issued September 22, 1992 to Purcell et al. Other preferred retinoids are the retinol esters such as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl propionate. Retinyl propionate and retinyl palmitate are most preferred.

The retinoid can be included as the substantially pure material, or as an extract obtained by suitable physical and / or chemical isolation from natural sources (eg, from plants). The retinoid is preferably substantially pure. The compositions of this invention optionally contain a safe and effective amount of the retinoid, so that the resulting composition is safe and effective in regulating the condition of the skin, preferably to regulate the visible and / or tactile discontinuities of the skin, more preferably to regular signs of aging of the skin, most preferably to regulate visible and / or tactile discontinuities of the skin texture associated with aging of the skin. The compositions preferably contain from about 0.005% to about 2%, and preferably from about 0.01% to about 2% retinoid. Retinol is preferably used in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.15%; the retinol esters are preferably used in an amount of about 0.01% to about 2% (eg, about 1%); the retinoic acids are preferably used in an amount from about 0.01% to about 0.25%; and tocopheryl retinoate is preferably used in an amount of about 0.01% to about 2%. The compositions herein may comprise both a retinoid and a vitamin B3 compound. 4. Emollients The topical compositions of the present invention generally comprise from about 1% to about 50%, preferably from about 3% to about 15%, of a dermatologically acceptable emollient. Emollients tend to lubricate the skin, increase the smoothness and elasticity of the skin, prevent or alleviate the dryness of the skin, and / or protect the skin. Typically, the emollients are immiscible materials in water, oily or waxy. A wide variety of suitable emollients are known and can be used herein. Sagarin, "Cosmetics, Science and Technology", 2a. edition, Vol. 1, pp. 32-43 (1972) contains numerous examples of suitable materials as emollients. Illustrative examples of emollients include: (i) .- Straight and branched chain hydrocarbons having from about 7 to about 40 carbon atoms, such as dodecane, squalene, cholesterol, hydrogenated polyisobutylene, isohexadecane and the C7-C4o isoparaffins, which they are branched hydrocarbons of C7-C4o. (ii) - C1-C30 alcohol esters of carboxylic acids of C C30 and of C2-C3o dicarboxylic acids, for example isononyl isononanoate, isopropyl myristate, myristyl propionate, isopropyl stearate, behenyl behenate, dioctyl maleate, diisopropyl adipate and diisopropyl dilinoleate. (iii) .- Mono-, di- and triglycerides of carboxylic acids of C-j-Cso "and ethoxylated derivatives thereof, for example caprylic / capric triglyceride, caprylic / capric triglyceride PEG-6. (iv) .- Esters of alkylene glycol of carboxylic acids of C1-C30. for example mono- and diesters of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol mono- and diesters of C 1 -C 30 carboxylic acids, for example ethylene glycol distearate. (v) .- Mono- and C1-C30 polyesters of sugars and related materials. These esters are derived from a sugar or polyol portion and one or more carboxylic acid moieties. Depending on the acid constituent and sugar, these esters may be in liquid form or in solid form at room temperature. Examples include glucose tetraoleate, galactose tetraesters of oleic acid, sorbitol tetraoleate, sucrose tetraoleate, sucrose pentaoleate, sucrose hexaoleate, sucrose heptaoleate, sucrose octaoleate, sorbitol hexaester in which the ester portions of carboxylic acid are palmitoleate and arachididate in a 1: 2 molar ratio, and sucrose octaester, wherein the carboxylic acid esterification moieties are laurate, linoleate and behenate in a molar ratio of 1: 3: 4. Other materials include cottonseed oil or sucrose esters of fatty acid from soybean oil. Other examples of such materials are described in WO 96/16636, incorporated herein by reference. A particularly preferred material is known by the name INCI polycottonseedate of sucrose. (vi) .- Organopolfeiloxane oils. The organopolysiloxane oil can be volatile, non-volatile, or a mixture of volatile and non-volatile silicones. The term "non-volatile", as used in this context, refers to those silicones that are liquids under ambient conditions and have a temperature of flammability (under a pressure atmosphere) of more than about 100 ° C. The term "volatile" as used in this context refers to all other silicone oils. Suitable organopolysiloxanes of a wide variety of silicones can be selected to encompass a wide range of volatilities and viscosities. Non-volatile polysiloxanes are preferred. Suitable silicones are described in the U.S.A. No. 5,069,897, issued December 3, 1991. For use herein, organopolysiloxanes selected from the group consisting of polyalkylsiloxanes, alkyl substituted dimethicones, dimethiconols, polyalkylaryl siloxanes, and mixtures thereof are preferred. Polyalkylsiloxanes and cyclomethicones are very preferred for use here. Among the polyalkylsiloxanes, dimethicones are preferred. (vii) .- Vegetable oils and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Examples of vegetable oils and hydrogenated vegetable oils include safflower oil, castor oil, cottonseed oil, shad oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, oil of flaxseed, rice bran oil, pine oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, partially and OR,. A. ^ lli ^, ^ ... ^ Jl ^^ - .. ^. A ^^ i ^. ^^^^ -.? J? Á completely hydrogenated from the above sources, and mixtures thereof. (viii) - animal fats and oils, for example cod liver oil, lanolin and derivatives thereof such as acetylated lanolin and isopropyl lanolate. Lanolin is preferred. (iv) C4-C20 alkyl ethers of polypropylene glycols, C1-C20 carboxylic acid esters of polypropylene glycols, and di (C8-C3o) alkyl ethers, examples of which include PPG-14 butyl ether, are also useful. , stearyl ether of PPG-15, dioctyl ether, dodecyl octyl ether, and mixtures thereof. The highly preferred compositions of the invention comprise as emollients from about 2% to about 20%, preferably from about 3% to about 10%, preferably from about 3% to about 8%, of a high-lubricity oil having an angle of contact of less than 40 ° approximately. These high-lubricity oils are useful for distributing vitamin B3 compounds on the skin and for providing the correct balance between lubricity and unctuousness to the complete emollient system. Preferably, the relative weights of the entire emollient system are selected such that the entire oil phase has a contact angle of less than about 40 °, preferably less than about 35 °, and preferably less than about 30 °. Preferred high-greasy oils are selected from: (i) hydrocarbons ^ branched chain having a weight average molecular weight of about 100 to about 1000 and (ii) .- liquid ester emollients of formula I: O // R1- Formula I wherein R1 is selected from H or CH3; R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from straight or branched chain alkyl of C1-C20, and x is an integer from 1 to 20. Suitable examples of branched chain hydrocarbons include isododecane, isohexadecane and isoeicosane. It is preferred the isohexadecane The poly (alpha-olefin) tackifiers herein, which are described in more detail below, are also regularly branched chain hydrocarbons. When these agents are used against tackiness, then their quantity must be included in the high-oiliness levels referred to above. Suitable emollient ester materials of the formula I above include methyl isostearate, isopropyl isostearate, isostearyl neopentanoate, isononyl isononanoate, isodecyl octanoate, isodecyl isononanoate, tridecyl isononanoate, octanoate & t ~ 'n- ~ t? lP myristyl, octyl pelargonate, octyl isononanoate, myristyl myristate, myristyl neopentanoate, isostearyl neopentanoate, myristyl octanoate, myristyl propionate, isopropyl myristate and mixtures thereof. Preferred ester emollients for use herein are isononyl isononanoate, isostearyl neopentanoate, methyl isostearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl stearate, isopropyl myristate and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred high-lubricity oils for use herein are isohexadecane, isononyl isononanoate, methyl isostearate, isopropyl isostearate, or mixtures thereof. 5. Anti-tack Agents Particularly when high levels of glycerin or vitamin B3 compounds, especially niacinamide, are used in the compositions of the invention, inclusion of from about 0.3% to about 4%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 2.5, may be beneficial. %, and preferably from about 1% to about 2% of an agent against tack. Preferred tackifiers are selected from polyalphaolefins having a molecular weight of from about 260 to about 1000, and occlusive agents selected from petrolatum, cetyl ricinoleate and lanolin. Although it is not completely understood, it seems that the agents against polyalphaolefin tack and anti agents Occlusive tackiness acts through different mechanisms. However, both are effective in reducing the feeling of stickiness in the skin associated with high levels of glycerin or vitamin B3 compounds. Although mixtures of the tackifiers are not excluded, better benefits are obtained when the tackifier agent is selected from only one of these two classes. Polyalphaolefins such as those described above which are suitable can be derived from 1-alkene monomers having from about 6 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms, especially from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms. carbon. The polyalphaolefins useful herein are preferably hydrogenated polyalphaolefin oligomers. Examples of 1 -alkene monomers for use in the preparation of the polyalphaolefin oligomers herein include 1 -hexene, 1-ketene, 1-dequene, 1-dodequene, 1 -tetradekene, branched chain isomers such as 4-methyl- 1-Pentene and combinations thereof. Oligomers of 1-octene to 1-dodequene or combinations thereof are preferred. Polydexkene is preferred. Suitable poly-idekenes are commercially available from Mobil Chemical Company, P.O. Box 3140, Edison, New Jersey, 08818 E.U.A., under the Puresyn® brand and BP Amoco 200 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601-7125 under the Silkflo®364 brand. Petrolatum is very preferred as an anti-tack agent. 6. Moisturizers A most preferred optional component is a humectant, particularly of the polyhydric alcohol type. Typical polyhydric alcohols include polyalkylene glycols and more preferably alkylene polyols and their derivatives, including propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof, sorbitol, hydroxypropyl sorbitol, erythritol, treitol, pentaerythritol, xylitol, glucitol, mannitol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol (e.g. 1,3-butylene glycol), hexanotriol (for example 1,2,6-hexanetriol), glycerin, ethoxylated glycerin and propoxylated glycerin. Also useful in the present sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, guanidine; glycolic acid and glycolate salts (for example ammonium and quaternary alkylammonium); lactic acid and lactate salts (for example ammonium and quaternary alkylammonium); aloe vera in any of its variety of forms (for example aloe vera gel); hyaluronic acid and its derivatives (for example salt derivatives such as sodium hyaluronate); lactamide monoethanolamine; acetamide monoethanolamine; urea; panthenol; sodium pyroglutamate (NaPCA), water-soluble glyceryl poly (meth) acrylate lubricants (such as Hispagel®), and mixtures thereof. The above compounds can be incorporated individually or in combination. Preferred humectants are selected from glycerin, glyceryl polyacrylate, urea, panthenol and mixtures thereof. 7. Emulsifiers / Surfactants The compositions herein preferably contain an emulsifier and / or surfactant, generally to help disperse and suspend the discontinuous phase within the continuous phase. A surfactant may also be useful if the product will be used for skin cleansing. For convenience, hereinafter the emulsifiers will be referred to under the term "surfactants"; thus, "surfactants" will be used to refer to surface active agents used either as emulsifiers or for other surfactant purposes such as skin cleansing. Known or conventional surfactants may be used in the composition, provided that the selected agent is chemically and physically compatible with the essential components of the composition and provides the desired characteristics. Suitable surfactants include silicone materials, non-silicone materials and mixtures thereof. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from about 0.05% to about 15% of a surfactant or mixture of surfactants. The exact surfactant or agents chosen depend on the pH of the composition and the other components present. Preferred surfactants are nonionic surfactants. Among the nonionic surfactants which are useful herein are those which can be broadly defined as condensation products of long-chain alcohols, for example, alcohols of Ce¬ 3rd, with sugar or starch polymers, that is to say, giicósidos These compounds can be represented by the formula (S) n-0-R, where S is a portion of sugar such as glucose, fructose, mannose and galactose; n is an integer from about 1 to about 1000, and R is an alkyl group of Cs-3o Examples of long-chain alcohols from which the alkyl group can be derived include decyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, alcohol myristyl, oleyl alcohol and the like Preferred examples of these surfactants include those «n where S is a glucose portion, R is a C 2 -2 alkyl group and n is an integer from about 1 to about 9. Commercially available examples of these surfactants include decyl polyglucoside (available as APG 325 CS from Henkel) and lauryl polyglucoside (available as APG 600 CS and 625 CS from Henkel) Other useful nonionic surfactants they include the condensation products of alkylene oxides with fatty acids (ie, alkylene oxide esters of fatty acids). These materials have the general formula RCO (X) nOH, wherein R is an alkyl group of C 0. 30, X is -OCH2CH2- (that is, derived from ethylene glycol or ethylene oxide) or -OCH2CHCH3- (that is, derived from propylene glycol or propylene oxide), and n is an integer from about 6 to about 200. Other surfactants nonionic are the condensation products of alkylene oxides with 2 moles of fatty acids (ie, diesters of fatty acids of alkylene oxide). These materials have the general formula RCO (X) nO CR, wherein R alkyl group of C10.30, X is -OCH2CH2- (that is, derived from ethylene glycol or ethylene oxide) or -OCH2CHCH3- (that is, derived from propylene glycol or propylene oxide) , and n is an integer from about 6 to about 100. Other nonionic surfactants are the condensation products of alkylene oxides with fatty alcohols (ie, ethers of alkylene oxide fatty alcohols). These materials have the general formula R (X) nOR ', wherein R is an alkyl group of C10-30, X is -OCH CH2- (that is, derived from ethylene glycol or ethylene oxide) or -OCH2CHCH3- (this is , propylene glycol derivative or propylene oxide), and n is an integer from about 6 to about 100, and R 'is H or an alkyl group of C? o-3o- Other nonionic surfactants are the condensation products of oxides of alkylene with fatty acids and fatty alcohols [ie, wherein the polyalkylene oxide moiety is esterified at one end with a fatty acid and etherified (ie, bound by an ether linkage) at the other end with a fatty alcohol. These materials have the general formula RCO (X) nOR ', wherein R and R' are alkyl groups of C10-30, X is -OCH2CH2 (ie, derivative of ethylene glycol or ethylene oxide) or -OCH2CHCH3- (derivative of propylene glycol or propylene oxide), and n is an integer from about 6 to about 100, examples of which include ceteth-6, ceteth-10, ceteth-12, ceteareth-6, ceteareth-10, ceteareth-12, steareth-6 , steareth-10, steareth-12, stearate of PEG-6, stearate of PEG-10, stearate of PEG-12, glyceryl stearate of PEG-20, glyceryl seboate of PEG-80, glyceryl stearate of PEG-10, glyceryl cocoate ._ * ".«. of PEG-30 »glyceryl cocoate of PEG-80, glyceryl seboate of PEß-200, dilaurate of PEG-8, distearate of PEG-10, and mixtures thereof. Other useful nonionic surfactants include polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants, which are described in more detail in WO 98/04241. Preferred among the nonionic surfactants are those selected from the group consisting of steareth-2, steareth-21, ceteareth-20, ceteareth-12, sucrose cocoate, steareth-100, PEG-100 stearate, and mixtures thereof. . Other nonionic surfactants suitable for use herein include sugar esters and polyesters, alkoxylated sugar esters and polyesters, C 1 -C 30 fatty acid esters of C 1 -C 30 fatty alcohols, alkoxylated esters of fatty acid esters of C1-C30 of C 1 -C 30 fatty alcohols, alkoxylated ethers of C 1 -C 30 fatty alcohols, polyglyceryl esters of C 1 -C 30 fatty acids, esters of Cr C 30 polyols, CrC 30 polyol ethers, alkyl phosphates, polyoxyalkylene fatty ether phosphates , fatty acid amides, acyl lactylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples of these non-silicone-containing surfactants include: polysorbate 20, polyethylene glycol 5 soybean sterol, steareth-20, ceteareth-20, methylglyceryl ether distearate of PPG-2, ceteth-10, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 60, glyceryl stearate, sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene 4-sodium lauryl ether stearate, polyglyceryl 4-isostearate, hexyl laurate, methylglycate ether distearate of PPG-2, stearate of PEG-100, and mixtures thereof. Another group of emulsifiers useful herein are mixtures of fatty acid ester based on a mixture of sorbitan fatty acid ester or sorbitol and sucrose fatty acid ester, the fatty acid in each case being preferably C8-C24 , more preferably of C10-C20. The preferred fatty acid ester emulsifier is a mixture of C16-C20 fatty acid ester of sorbitan or sorbitol with C10-C16 fatty acid ester of sucrose, especially sorbitan stearate and sucrose cocoate. This is commercially available from ICI under the brand name Arlatone 2121. The hydrophilic surfactants useful herein may alternatively or additionally include any of a wide variety of cationic, anionic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants, as are known in the art. See, for example, "McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers," North American edition (1986), published by Allured Publishing Corporation; and patent of E.U.A. No. 5,011, 681 to Ciotti et al., Issued April 30, 1991. Preferred emulsions of the present invention include an emulsifier or silicone-containing surfactant. A wide variety of silicone emulsifiers are useful herein. These silicone emulsifiers are typically organically modified organopolysiloxanes, also known to those skilled in the art as silicone surfactants. Useful silicone emulsifiers include dimethicone copolyols.

U? JF? ^ Tí ** ^ *! These materials are polydimethylsiloxanes that have been modified to include polyether side chains such as polyethylene oxide chains, polypropylene oxide chains, mixtures of these chains, and polyether chains containing portions derived from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Other examples include alkyl-modified dimethicone copolyols, ie, compounds containing pendant C2-C3o side chains. Other useful dimethicone copolyols include materials having various cationic, anionic, amphoteric and zwitterionic pendant moieties. 8. Thickening agent (includes thickening agents and adhesives) The compositions of the present invention may also comprise a thickening agent, generally from about 0.1% to about 5%, and preferably from about 0.25% to about 2%. Suitable thickening agents include cellulose and its derivatives such as cellulose, carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionate carboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulose sulfate, and mixtures thereof. Other useful thickeners include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate, amylopectin, calcium alginate, carrageenan calcium, camain, Garragenina, dextrin, geatin, gelano gum, guar gum, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluronic acid, hydrated silica, hydroxypropylchitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp, locust bean gum, natto gum, alginate of potassium, potassium carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboxymethyl dextran, sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof. Also useful are the copolymers of acrylic acid / ethyl acrylate and the carboxyvinyl polymers sold by B.F. Goodrich Company under the brand of Carbopol resins. Suitable Carbopol resins are described in WO98 / 22085. Preferred compositions of the present invention include a thickening agent selected from carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof; it is preferably selected from polyacrylamide polymers, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof. Preferred polyacrylamides are pre-dispersed in a water-immiscible solvent such as mineral oil and the like, which contains a surfactant (HLB of about 7 to about 10) which helps facilitate the dispersion in water of the polyacrylamide. For use herein, the nonionic polymer having the CTFA designation of polyacrylamide and isoparaffin and laureth-7, available under the trademark Sepigel 305 from Seppic Corporation, is highly preferred. fl MÉtrfiÍ mffi? i [iÉ g '< to- ¿a * '^ ¿-, =, £ Ukáj 9. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS A safe and effective amount of an anti-inflammatory agent can be added to the compositions of the present invention, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 2% of the composition. The anti-inflammatory agent improves the benefits afforded by the present invention to the appearance of the skin, for example, said agents contribute to a more uniform and acceptable skin tone or color. The exact amount of anti-inflammatory agent that will be used in the compositions will depend on the particular anti-inflammatory agent used, since the potency of said agents varies widely. Antiinflammatory agents useful herein include steroids such as hydrocortisone; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen; panthenol and ether and ester derivatives thereof, for example panthenol ethyl ether, panthenol triacetate, pantothenic acid and salt and ester derivatives thereof, especially calcium pantothenate; aloe vera, bisabolol, allantoin and compounds of the licorice family (the genus / plant species Glycyrrhiza glabra) which include glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizic acid and derivatives thereof, for example salts such as ammonium glycyrrhizate and esters such as stearyl glycyrrheate. 10. Solar filters and solar bloomers The compositions of the present invention may contain a sueen. The right sueens can be organic or inorganic. Especially preferred organic sueens include butylrhetoxy-dibenzoylmethane, 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid and octocrylene. Inorganic sueens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The exact amounts used vary depending on the chosen sueen and the desired sun protection factor (SPF), but inorganic sueens are preferably used only at low levels as described above for matting agents. Any agent useful in the present invention can also be added to an agent for improving the substantivity in the skin of said compositions, particularly to increase their resistance to being washed off by water or removed by rubbing. A preferred agent that provides this benefit is a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid. In the patent of E.U.A. No. 4,663,157 to Brock, issued May 5, 1987, describes compositions comprising this polymer. 11. - Antioxidants / Radical scavengers The compositions of the present invention may additionally include an antioxidant / radical scavenger. The antioxidant / radical scavenger is especially useful to provide protection against UV radiation, which can cause an increase in flaking or texture changes in the stratum corneum, and against other environmental agents that can cause skin damage. Suitable amounts are from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 5% of the composition. Antioxidants / radical scavengers such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and its salts, fatty acid ascorbyl esters, ascorbic acid derivatives (eg magnesium ascorbylphosphate), β-carotene, tocopherol (vitamin E), sorbate may be used of tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, other esters of tocopherol, butylated hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts, gallic acid and its alkyl esters, especially propyl gallate, uric acid and its salts and esters of alkyl, sorbic acid and its salts, amines ( for example, N, N-diethylhydroxylamine, aminoguanidine), sulfhydryl compounds (for example glutathione), dihydroxyfenic acid and its salts, bioflavonoids, lysine, methionine, proline, superoxide dimisutase, silymarin, tea extracts, shell extracts / grape seed , melanin and rosemary extracts. Preferred antioxidants / radical scavengers are selected from tocopherol acetate, tocopherol sorbate and other tocopherol esters, most preferably tocopherol acetate. 12. Chelators The inclusion of a chelating agent or chelator is especially useful to provide protection against UV radiation that can contribute to excessive desquamation or changes in the texture of the skin, and against other environmental agents that can cause damage to the skin. A suitable amount is from about 0.01% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5% of the composition. Exemplary chelators that are useful herein are described in the US patent. No. 5,487,884. Preferred chelators are ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), furildioxime and derivatives thereof. 13. Peeling / Exfoliating Agents A safe and effective amount of a desquamation agent can be added to the compositions of the present invention, preferably at a level of from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 5%, and from about 0.5% to about 4% of the composition is very preferred. Desquamation agents improve the skin appearance benefits of the present invention. For example, desquamation agents tend to improve the texture of the skin (e.g., smoothness). A variety of desquamation agents are known in the art and these are suitable for use herein, including organic hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, 5-octanoylsalicylic acid, hydroxyoctanoic acid, hydroxycaprylic acid and lanolin fatty acids. . A suitable desquamation system for use in the present comprises sulfhydryl compounds and 4-zwitterionic surfactants, and is described in WO 96/01101. Another suitable desquamation system comprises salicylic acid and zwitterionic surfactants and is described in WO 5/13048. Salicylic acid is preferred. 14. Skin lightening agents The compositions of the present invention may also comprise a skin lightening agent. When used, the compositions preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 5%, and also preferably from about 0.5% to about 2% of a skin lightening agent. Suitable skin lightening agents include those known in the art, including kojic acid, arbutin, ascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, for example magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Additional skin clearing agents suitable for use herein also include those described in WO 95/34280 and WO 95/23780.

Preparation of the Compositions The compositions of the present invention are generally prepared by conventional methods such as are known in the art of preparing topical compositions. Regularly said methods include mixing the ingredients in one or more steps to forming a relatively uniform state, with or without heating, cooling, vacuum application and the like.

Method of use The compositions of the present invention are useful in providing a more uniform skin tone, especially to the hands or other non-facial parts of the body. A large scale of amounts of the compositions of the present invention can be employed to provide a benefit of appearance and / or benefit to the skin. Regularly, the amount of the present compositions that is applied is, per application, in mg composition / c 2, from about 0.1 mg / cm2 to about 10 mg / cm2. A particularly useful application amount is about 2 mg / cm2. The applications will usually be of the order of approximately once a day; however, the application frequencies may vary from approximately once a week to approximately three times a day or more. The compositions of this invention provide a visible improvement to the condition of the skin, essentially immediately upon application of the composition to the skin. Such immediate improvement includes coverage or masking of skin imperfections such as texture discontinuities (including those associated with aging). of the skin as enlarged pores), and / or provision of a more even skin tone or color. Compositions of the invention comprising an active ingredient for permanently regulating the skin also provide visible improvements in the condition of the skin after continuous topical application of the composition. "Continuous topical application" and the like includes the topical application of the composition continuously for a prolonged period during the subject's life, preferably for a period of at least one week, preferably for a period of at least about one month, preferably for at least three months, preferably for at least about six months, and preferably for at least about one year. The permanent regulation of the condition of the skin includes improvement of the condition of the skin after multiple topical applications of the composition to the skin. Typically, applications would be of the order of approximately once a day during such extended periods; however, the application frequencies may vary from about once a week to about three times a day or more.

EXAMPLES The following examples further describe and show embodiments within the scope of the present invention. They are given for purposes illustrative and are not considered limitations of the present invention. When applicable, the ingredients are given by the CTFA name. All examples are oil-in-water emulsions prepared using conventional formulation. rgasol® 2002 XD NAT COS 2 A green interference pigment, 3 A mica coated with optically neutral titanium dioxide. Anatase form coated with silicone.

By application to the hands of a subject, in a proportion of 2 mg / cm2 of skin, an essentially immediate visual improvement in the appearance of the skin is provided, for example reduced visibility of pores and a more uniform skin tone. The application continues in the same proportion, once or twice a day for a period of 3-6 months, improves the texture of the surface, including diminution of fine lines and wrinkles, in addition to the essentially immediate appearance improvements. .

Claims (1)

1. NC fjfi Afi B§ and ^ M f ^ CLAIMS 1. - A topical liquid cosmetic composition comprising (a) from 0.3% to 1.5% of an optically neutral phyllosilicate; and (b) a green pigment in an amount effective to give the composition a color change value α from -1 to -5, and a color change value β from -2 to -5, when applied to the skin or a substitute for the skin, at a coverage of 2.4 mg cm'2; wherein the total level of inorganic particles in the composition is less than 5%. 2. The composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the optically neutral phyllosilicate is a mica. 3. The composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the green pigment is a platelet-type interference pigment having a Ti02 layer thickness of 120 nm to 160 nm or a whole number thereof, in a quantity of 0. 1% to 0.5% by weight of the composition. 4. A topical liquid cosmetic composition comprising (a) from 0.3% to 1.5% of an optically neutral phyllosilicate; and (b) a green platelet-type interference pigment, having a layer thickness of Ti02 of 120 nm to 160 nm, or a whole number thereof, in an amount of 0.1% to 0.5% by weight of the composition; where the total level of Inorganic particles in the composition is less than 5%. 5. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises an oil phase having a contact angle of less than about 40 °. 6. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it is an oil-in-water emulsion. 7. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises from 0.1% to 10% of an organic particulate material having a refractive index of 1.3 to 1.7; the particulate material being dispersed in the composition and having a volume average particle size in the range of 5 to 30 μm. 8. A method for providing a more uniform skin tone, comprising topically applying the composition claimed in any of the preceding claims. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the composition is applied to the hands. , , eleven