AU2021104650A4 - Compositions and methods of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Compositions, a kit and methods of improving skin barrier function and moisturisation are provided. In one form, the kit includes a cleansing composition for cleaning a skin site, a hydrating composition for hydration of the skin site following application of the cleansing composition and a stabilising composition for restoring skin oils following application of the cleansing and hydrating compositions.

Description

COMPOSITONS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to topical compositions and methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The acid mantle is a fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of the human skin acting as barrier to bacteria, viruses and other potential contaminants that might otherwise penetrate the skin. Sebum secreted by the sebaceous gland mixes with sweat to form the acid mantle.

[0003] The rise in skin hygiene has led to a decline in skin health with many soaps and cleansers damaging the skin and causing contact dermatitis, inflammatory acne, eczema, rosacea and concomitant changes in flora.

[0004] Specifically, the use of soaps and cleansers have been shown to alter the pH of the skin from slightly acidic to alkalinic and to strip the skin of beneficial bacterial and natural oils resulting in tightness, itchiness, dryness and barrier damage.

[0005] Research has shown that removing the natural oils and overly drying the skin can have the opposite effect and instead prime the oil glands into overdrive to produce more oils in an attempt to restore the acid mantle. This, in turn, can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for alternative skincare treatments that do not strip the skin of its natural oils.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide compositions and methods of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleansing composition for use or when used for cleaning skin, said composition including: at least one carrier oil having a high content of linoleic acid; and at least one essential oil including kunzea essential oil.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrating composition for use or when used for skin hydration, said composition including: at least one thickening agent; and at least one humectant agent.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stabilising composition for use or when used for re-introducing oils to a skin site, said composition including: at least one carrier oil having a high content of linoleic acid; and at least one essential oil comprising at least an anti-microbial agent.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for use or when used for treating skin in need of improving skin barrier function and moisturisation, said kit including: a cleansing composition in accordance with the first aspect for cleaning a skin site; a hydrating composition in accordance with the second aspect for hydration of the skin site following application of the cleansing composition; and a stabilising composition in accordance with the third aspect for re-introducing oils following application of said cleansing composition and said hydrating composition.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for use or when used for treating a skin disease, disorder or condition, said kit including: a cleansing composition in accordance with the first aspect for cleaning a skin site; a hydrating composition in accordance with the second aspect for hydration of the skin site following application of the cleansing composition; and a stabilising composition in accordance with the third aspect for re-introducing oils following application of said cleansing composition and said hydrating composition.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for use or when used for treating signs of skin aging, disorder or condition, said kit including: a cleansing composition in accordance with the first aspect for cleaning a skin site; a hydrating composition in accordance with the second aspect for hydration of the skin site following application of the cleansing composition; and a stabilising composition in accordance with the third aspect for re-introducing oils following application of said cleansing composition and said hydrating composition.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating skin in need of improving skin barrier function and moisturisation, said method including: cleaning a skin site by topically applying a cleansing composition formulated to at least remove excess sebum from the skin site; hydrating the skin site by topically applying a hydrating composition including at least one thickening agent and at least one humectant; and stabilising the skin site by topically applying a stabilising composition formulated to re introduce oils following application of the cleansing and hydrating compositions.

[0015] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating a skin disease, disorder or condition including: cleaning a skin site with a cleansing composition formulated to at least remove excess sebum from the skin site; hydrating the skin site with a hydrating composition including at least one thickening agent and at least one humectant; and stabilising the skin site with a stabilising composition formulated to restore skin oils following application of the cleansing and hydrating compositions.

[0016] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating signs of skin aging including: cleaning a skin site with a cleansing composition formulated to at least remove excess sebum from the skin site; hydrating the skin site with a hydrating composition including at least one thickening agent and at least one humectant; and stabilising the skin site with a stabilising composition formulated to restore skin oils following application of the cleansing and hydrating compositions.

[0017] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any mixture with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0018] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention is at least partly predicated on the identification that oily skin, like with overly dry skin, can be indicative of dehydrated skin. This is based on the realisation that dehydrated skin, as a skin condition, lacks water content, but may still produce oil, or in some cases over-produce oil, to compensate for the lack of moisture in the skin.

[0020] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise'include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Also, all publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. Unless otherwise indicated, percentages used to express amounts of ingredients are percentage by weight (i.e., % (W/W). Similarly, weight ratios used to express relative proportions of ingredients are also determined using percentage by weight (i.e., weight ratios are calculated by dividing the percentage by weight of one ingredient by another). Unless stated otherwise, all ranges are inclusive of the endpoints, e.g., "from 4 to 9" includes the endpoints 4 to 9.

[0022] As used herein, "topically applying" means directly laying on or spreading on outer skin, the scalp, or hair, e.g., by use of the hands or an applicator such as a wipe, roller or spray.

[0023] As used herein, "cosmetic" refers to a beautifying substance or preparation which preserves, restores, bestows, simulates or enhances the appearance of bodily beauty or appears to enhance the beauty or youthfulness, specifically as it relates to the appearance of tissue or skin.

[0024] As used herein, "cosmetically acceptable" means that the ingredients the term describes are suitable for use in contact with tissues (e.g., the skin or hair) without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, irritation, allergic response or the like.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are suitable for treating signs of skin aging. As used herein, "signs of skin aging" include the presence of lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven skin and blotchiness.

[0026] As used herein, "treating signs of skin aging" refers to mitigating, reducing, preventing, improving or eliminating the presence or signs of skin aging described above.

[0027] As used herein, "wrinkle" includes fine lines, fine wrinkles, or coarse wrinkles. Examples of wrinkles include, but are not limited to, fine lines around the eyes (e.g., "crow's feet"), forehead and cheek wrinkles, frown-lines, and laugh-lines around the mouth.

[0028] As used herein, "loss of elasticity" includes loss of elasticity or structural integrity of the skin or tissue, including but not limited to sagging, lax and loose tissue. The loss of elasticity or tissue structure integrity may be a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to disease, aging, hormonal changes, mechanical trauma, environmental damage, or the result of an application of products, such as, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, to the tissue.

[0029] As used herein, "uneven skin" means a condition of the skin associated with diffuse or mottled pigmentation, which may be classified as hyperpigmentation, such as post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

[0030] As used herein, "blotchiness" means a condition of the skin associated with redness or erythema.

[0031] As used herein, "improving the firmness of skin" means the enhancing of the firmness or elasticity of the skin, preventing the loss of firmness or elasticity of skin, or preventing or treating sagging, lax and loose skin.

[0032] As used herein, "improving the texture of skin" means the smoothing of the surface of the skin to remove either bumps or crevasses on the skin surface.

[0033] As used herein, "improving the appearances of wrinkles in skin" means preventing, retarding, arresting, or reversing the process of wrinkle and fine line formation in skin.

[0034] As used herein, the term "safe and effective amount" means an amount sufficient to induce a desired effect, but low enough to avoid serious side effects. The safe and effective amount of the compound, extract, or composition will vary with, e.g., the age, health, and environmental exposure of the end user, the duration and nature of treatment, the specific extract, ingredient, or composition employed, the particular carrier utilised, and like factors.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are suitable for treating skin in need of improving skin barrier function and moisturization. As used herein, "skin in need of improving skin barrier function and moisturization" means skin that is, but not limited to, lacking in moisture, lacking in sebum, cracked, dry, itchy, scaly, xerodermic, dehydrated, lacks suppleness, lacks radiance, dull or lacks lipids.

[0036] As used herein, "acne" refers to disorders resulting from actions of hormones and other substances on the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, typically leading to clogged pores and the formation of inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions on the skin. Specifically, it relates to blemishes, lesions, pimples, pre-emergent pimples, blackhead, and/or whiteheads. As used herein, a "pre-emergent pimple" is an inflamed follicle that is not visually apparent on the surface of the skin with the naked eye (e.g., as a lesion).

[0037] As used herein, "rosacea" means skin with persistent erythema with or without papules, pustules, or nodules.

[0038] As used herein, "eczema" refers to a chronic skin disorder that involves inflammation of the epidermis and often presents as scaly and itchy rashes. As used herein, "atopic dermatitis" refers to a type of chronically relapsing, non-contagious and pruritic form of eczema.

As used herein, "psoriasis" refers to a chronic, non-infectious disease that presents as red, scaly patches or plaques of excessive inflammation or excessive skin production often present on extensor surfaces such as knees and elbows.

[0039] In one aspect, the present invention provides a cleansing composition for use or when used for cleaning skin, said composition including: at least one carrier oil having a high content of linoleic acid; and at least one essential oil including kunzea essential oil.

[0040] Suitably, the composition is a liquid composition, typically oil-based.

[0041] Suitably, the composition is formulated for topical administration.

[0042] Suitably, the composition is a cosmetic composition, typically a cosmetically acceptable composition.

[0043] As indicated, the cleaning composition includes at least one carrier oil having a high linoleic acid content. Advantageously, linoleic acid has been shown to have a number of therapeutic and/or cosmetic properties when topically applied to the skin, including anti inflammatory, acne reductive, skin-lightening and moisture retentive properties.

[0044] Generally, the high linoleic acid content may include any safe and effective amount at which the linoleic acid content in the carrier oil is able to achieve its desired therapeutic and/or cosmetic effect. The carrier oil may include at least 40%vol (or %wt.) linoleic acid. In other embodiments, the carrier oil may include from 40% to 80%vol (or %wt.) linoleic acid, especially from 50% to 75%vol (or %wt.) linoleic acid.

[0045] Any suitable carrier oil may be used.

[0046] Examples of suitable carrier oils include but are not limited to grape seed oil, Salicornia oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, melon seed oil, poppyseed oil, sunflower oil, prickly pear seed oil, barbary fig seed oil, hemp oil, corn oil, wheat germ oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, walnut oil, and sesame oil, or any mixture or blend thereof.

[0047] In some embodiments, the composition may include any one of the above mentioned carrier oils or any mixture or blend thereof, preferably grape seed oil, safflower oil or sunflower oil, more preferably grape seed oil or sunflower oil.

[0048] The composition may include any suitable amount of grape seed oil or sunflower oil. For example, the composition may include between about 75 wt% to about 99 wt%, between about 80 wt% to about 99 wt%, between about 85% wt% to about 99 wt%, between about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% or between about 95 wt% to about 99 wt%. Typically, the composition may include between about 96 wt% to about 98 wt% of grape seed oil or sunflower oil.

[0049] In some embodiments, the composition may include more than one oil or carrier oil. For example, the composition may include at least two, at least three, at least four or at least five oils. In such embodiments, the composition may include a first carrier oil being grape seed oil and at least one further carrier oil or oil. The further carrier oil or oil may be any suitable oil, preferably at least capable of functioning as a carrier oil and/or providing a desirable property. Further, the further carrier oil or oil may additionally function as any one of a diluent, an excipient or base, a buffer, an emollient agent, a humectant agent, a dispersing agent, a skin conditioning agent, a skin protectant, a skin penetration enhancer, a fragrance, a preservative, a textual modifier and/or as a waterproofing agent.

[0050] The further carrier oil or oil may include one or more natural or synthetic oils, for example. The further carrier oil or oil may include vegetable oils, nut oils and/or seed oils by way of example and without limitation. As used herein, the term "carrier oil", "oil" or "further carrier oil" does not include essential oils. In some embodiments, the further carrier oil or oil may not have been subjected to a hydrogenation process, and as such, the further carrier oil or oil is not hydrogenated (including partially hydrogenated).

[0051] Examples of the further carrier oil or oil include but are not limited to apricot oil, avocado oil, almond oil, babassu kernel oil, carrot seed oil, cashew oil, castor oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, hazelnut oil, linseed oil, macadamia oil, mongongo nut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, pumpkin seed oil, rapeseed oil, Salicornia oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, emu oil, blackcurrant seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, and walnut oil or any mixture or blend thereof.

[0052] In some embodiments, the further carrier oil may include avocado oil, sunflower oil, apricot oil, and peach oil or any mixture or blend thereof, preferably avocado oil.

[0053] Advantageously, avocado oil may additionally function as a skin penetration enhancer and/or as an emollient agent.

[0054] Generally, the composition may include less than about 5 wt% of the further carrier oil. For example, in some embodiments, the composition may include about 1 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 3 wt%, or about 4 wt% of avocado oil, typically between about 1 wt% and about 2 wt% avocado oil.

[0055] As indicated, the composition preferably further includes at least one essential oil including kunzea essential oil. The at least one essential oil, including kunzea essential oil, may have one or more desirable cosmetic properties. For the example, the essential oil may have at least antiseptic, analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory properties, fragrant properties and/or emollient properties.

[0056] As used herein, an "essential oil" is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants and does not include an oil, a carrier oil or a further carrier oil as earlier described. Essential oils are derived from various sections or parts of plants. An essential oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence of the plant. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils or aetherolea, or simply as "oil of"the plant from which they are extracted.

[0057] Examples of essential oils include but are not limited to agar oil, ajwain oil, allspice, almond, angelica oil, anise oil, sasfoetida, balsam oil, basil, bay leaf, bayberry, bergamot oil, black pepper, buchu oil, birch, camphor, caraway, cardamom, carrot seed, cassia, cedarwood, celery, chamomile, calamus root, cinnamon, cistus, citronella oil, clary sage, clove, coffee, coriander, costmary oil, costus root, cranberry, cubeb, cumin, cypress, cypriol, curry leaf, davana oil, dill, elecampane, elemi, eucalyptus, eugenol, fennel, fenugreek, fir, frankincense, galangal, galbanum, geranium, ginger, goldenrod, grapefruit, henna, helichrysum, hops, horseradish, hyssop, Idaho tansy, jasmine, juniper, juniper berry, Kunzea essential oil, laurel, lavender, ledum oil, lemon oil, lemongrass, lime, Litsea cubea oil, mandarin, manuka, marjoram, melaleuca, melissa oil, mint, mountain savory, mugwort oil, mustard oil, myrrh, myrtle, neem tree oil, neroli, niaouli, nutmeg, onion, orange, oregano, orris oil, palo santo, palma rosa, parsley, parsley seed, patchouli, perilla, penny-royal, peppermint, petitgrain oil, pine, ravensara, red cedar, roman chamomile, rosa damascene flower oil, rose, rose geranium oil, rosehip, rosemary, rosewood, rue, sage, sandalwood, sassafras, savour, schisandra, sea buckthorn, spearmint, spikenard, spruce, St. John's wort, star anise, styrax, tagetes, tangerine, tarragon, tea tree, thyme, tolu balsam, tsuga, turmeric, valerian, vanilla, vetiver oil, western red cedar, wintergreen, witch hazel, wormwood, yarrow, ylang-ylang, and zedoary or any mixture or blend thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, the composition may include kunzea essential oil and any one of the above-mentioned essential oils or a mixture or blend thereof. For example, the composition may typically include more than essential oil. The composition may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or at least 10 essential oils, for example.

[0059] In some embodiments, the composition may include kunzea essential oil and mandarin oil.

[0060] In other embodiments, the composition may include kunzea essential oil and orange oil.

[0061] In yet other embodiments, the composition may include kunzea essential oil and petitgrain oil.

[0062] In yet further embodiments, the composition may include kunzea essential oil and rose geranium oil.

[0063] Generally, the composition may include less than about 4 wt% of the essential oil. For example, in some embodiments, the composition may include about 1 wt%, about 2 wt% or about 3 wt% of any one of Kunzea essential oil, Rose geranium oil, Mandarin oil and orange oil, typically between about 0.1 wt% and about 2 wt% of each essential oil.

[0064] The composition of this aspect may include one or more additional agents, inclusive of stabilisers, emulsifiers, and surfactants, although without limitation thereto.

[0065] As used herein, the term "stabiliser" refers to an agent that assists with maintaining physical properties, particularly structure, of a composition.

[0066] As used herein, the term "emulsifier" refers to a particular type of stabiliser that assists with maintaining emulsion properties. The emulsifiers may include both oil phase emulsifiers and aqueous phase emulsifiers, by which is meant emulsifiers that are processed or formulated into the oil phase or aqueous phase, respectively.

[0067] As used herein, the term "surfactant" refers to an agent that lowers surface tension or the like between agents, typically liquids, with different physical properties. It will be appreciated that surfactants may be stabilisers and/or emulsifiers. It will be further appreciated that surfactants include anionic surfactants, containing negatively charged ions in solution; non-ionic surfactants, showing substantially no ionisation in solution; cationic surfactants containing positively charged ions in solution; and amphoteric surfactants containing both negatively and positively charged ions in solution.

[0068] The pH of the composition is preferably adjusted to be slightly acidic, typically to a value less than pH 7.0, more preferably less than pH 6.0. The pH of the composition preferably lies in the range of 5.0 to 6.0.

[0069] The pH of the composition may be adjusted by the incorporation into the composition of one or more suitable pH-adjusting agents. Examples of pH-adjusting agents are inorganic salts such as sodium hydroxide and organic bases such as triethanolamine.

[0070] In some embodiments, the composition may be formulated for cleaning different skin types. For example, in some embodiments, the composition may be formulated for cleaning oily skin. In other embodiments, the composition may be formulated for dry skin.

[0071] In preferred embodiments, the cleansing composition for oily skin may include grape seed oil, kunzea essential oil, mandarin oil, orange oil and petitgrain oil. In such embodiments, the grape seed oil may function as a carrier oil and cleanser, the mandarin oil and orange oil may function as astringents, the petitgrain oil may function as an anti-inflammatory and anti microbial agent and the kunzea essential oil may function as a soothing agent.

[0072] In other preferred embodiments, the cleansing composition for dry skin may include grape seed oil, avocado oil, rose geranium oil and kunzea essential oil. In such embodiments, the grape seed oil may function as a carrier oil and cleanser, the avocado oil may function as a skin penetration agent, the rose geranium oil may function as an antioxidant and anti-microbial agent and the kunzea essential oil may function as a soothing agent.

[0073] The composition of this aspect may include one or more additional agents, inclusive of stabilisers, emulsifiers, and surfactants, although without limitation thereto.

[0074] In another aspect, the present invention provides a hydrating composition for use or when used for skin hydration, said composition including: at least one thickening agent; and at least one humectant agent.

[0075] Suitably, the composition is a liquid composition, typically an aqueous composition. In some embodiments, the composition may be an emulsion.

[0076] Suitably, the composition is formulated for topical administration.

[0077] Suitably, the composition is a cosmetic composition, typically a cosmetically acceptable composition.

[0078] As indicated, the composition further includes at least one humectant agent for increasing and maintaining moisture in the skin when topically administered.

[0079] Any suitable humectant agent may be used that is able increase water content of the top layers of skin (e.g., hygroscopic compounds), when topically administered.

[0080] Examples of suitable humectant agents include but are not limited to triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerin, glycerol, sorbitol, hexylene and butylene glycol, urea, collagen, trehalose (e.g., a,a-trehalose, pp-trehalose, a,p-trehalose) or a salt or ester thereof.

[0081] In some embodiments, the composition may include any one of the above mentioned humectant agents or a mixture thereof. For example, the composition may include more than one humectant agent. The composition may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or at least 10 humectant agents, for example.

[0082] In some embodiments, the at least one humectant agent may include glycerin.

[0083] The composition may include between about 0.5 wt.% to about 40 wt.% glycerin, especially between about 0.5 wt.% to about 25 wt.% glycerin.

[0084] As indicated, the composition includes at least one thickening agent for increasing a viscosity of the composition to a desired consistency. For example, by including one or more thickening agents, the composition may be of a consistency to adhere to skin and allow the at least one humectant agent to increase and/or maintain moisture in the skin when topically applied.

[0085] Any suitable thickening agent may be used.

[0086] In some embodiments, the thickening agent may include a gelling agent for forming a gel composition.

[0087] Examples of suitable thickening agents include but are not limited to acacia Senegal gum, acrylamides copolymer, agar, agarose, alginic acid, sodium alginate, potassium alginate, ammonium alginate, amylopectin, calcium alginate, carrageenan, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, carbomer, carboxymethyl chitin, castor oil derivatives, cellulose gum, cellulosic preparation, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, dextrin, gelatin, glyceryl caprylate, hydrolysed rhizobian gum, hydroxy cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl starch, inert sugar, locust bean gum, magnesium alginate, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, PEG's, polyacrylic acid, poly methacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, quaternium ammonium compound of bentonite or zinc stearate, sorbitol, PPG's, sodium acrylates copolymer, sodium carrageenan, xanthan gum, and yeast beta-glucan, or any mixture thereof.

[0088] In some embodiments, the composition may include any one of the above mentioned thickening agents or a mixture thereof. For example, the composition may include more than one thickening agent. The composition may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or at least 10 thickening agents, for example.

[0089] In some embodiments, the at least one thickening agent may include any one or more of acacia Senegal gum hydrolysed rhizobian gum, xanthan gum, glyceryl caprylate or any mixture thereof.

[0090] Generally, the composition may include less than about 5 wt% of the at least one thickening agent, typically less than about 3 wt%. For example, in some embodiments, the composition may include about 1 wt% acacia Senegal gum and/or about 1 wt% xanthan gum.

[0091] In some embodiments, one or more of the thickening agents in the composition may additionally function as other active agents. For example, acacia Senegal gum may additionally function as a skin soothing agent. Likewise, hydrolysed rhizobian gum may additionally function as a smoothing agent and in film formation. Further, glyceryl caprylate may additionally function as an emollient agent, an anti-microbial against both bacteria and yeast and as a preservative. Yet further, xanthan gum may additionally function as an emulsifier and a skin conditioning agent.

[0092] The composition may preferably include a cosmetically effective amount of one or more other active agents. Examples of other active agents may include anti-acne agents, anti aging agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-microbial agents such as anti-yeast agents, anti fungal agents, and anti-bacterial agents, antioxidants, anti-parasite agents, astringents, bleaching agent, chelating agents, detergents/surfactants, fragrances, firming agents, hydration boosters, moisturising agents, nutrients, preservatives, photoprotectors, skin darkening agents, skin lightening agents, soothing agents, stabilizers, and vitamins.

[0093] Examples of various suitable other active agents include but are not limited to Rosmarinus officinalis extract, Olea europaea leaf extract, Rosa damascena flower oil, Davidsonia jerseyana fruit extract, Althaea officinalis extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid ("EDTA") Syzygium smithii extract, Rosa canina (Rosehip), Camel/ia sinensis extract, tetrasodium EDTA, and Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract.

[0094] In some embodiments, the composition may include any one of the above mentioned other active agents or a mixture thereof.

[0095] The composition of this aspect may include one or more additional agents, inclusive of stabilisers, emulsifiers, and surfactants, although without limitation thereto.

[0096] The pH of the composition is preferably adjusted to be slightly acidic, typically to a value less than pH 7.0, more preferably less than pH 6.0. The pH of the composition preferably lies in the range of 5.0 to 6.0.

[0097] The pH of the composition may be adjusted by the incorporation into the composition of one or more suitable pH-adjusting agents. Examples of pH-adjusting agents are inorganic salts such as sodium hydroxide and organic bases such as triethanolamine.

[0098] In some embodiments, the composition may be formulated for hydrating different skin types. For example, in some embodiments, the composition may be formulated for hydrating oily skin. In other embodiments, the composition may be formulated for hydrating dry skin.

[0099] In preferred embodiments, the hydrating composition for oily skin may include glycerin, acacia Senegal gum, hydrolysed rhizobian gum, xanthan gum, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, Olea europaea leaf extract, glyceryl caprylate, Rosa damascena flower oil, Davidsonia jerseyana fruit extract, Althaea officinalis extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Syzygium smithii extract.

[00100] In such embodiments, the glycerin and Davidsoniajerseyana fruit extract may function as humectant agents and the acacia Senegal gum and Xanthan gum may function as thickening agent, preferably gelling agents. The Rosmarinus officinalis extract may function as an anti microbial agent. The Althaea officinalis extract and the Cucumis sativus fruit extract may function as soothing and anti-inflammatory agents.

[00101] In other preferred embodiments, the hydrating composition for dry skin may include glycerin, acacia Senegal gum, hydrolysed rhizobian gum, xanthan gum, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, Olea europaea leaf extract, glyceryl caprylate, Rosa damascena flower oil, Camel/ia sinensis extract, Terminalia ferdinandiana extract, Rosa canina extract, and Syzygium smithii extract.

[00102] In such embodiments, the glycerin and Rosa canina extract may function as humectant agents and the acacia Senegal gum and Xanthan gum may function as thickening agent, preferably gelling agents. The Rosmarinus officinalis extract may function as an anti microbial agent.

[00103] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a stabilising composition for use or when used for re-introducing oils to a skin site, said composition including: at least one carrier oil having a high content of linoleic acid; and at least one essential oil comprising at least an anti-microbial agent.

[00104] Suitably, the composition is a liquid composition, preferably oil-based.

[00105] Suitably, the composition is formulated for topical administration for re-introducing oils to the skin after topical application of the cleansing and hydrating compositions.

[00106] Suitably, the composition is a cosmetic composition, typically a cosmetically acceptable composition.

[00107] As indicated, the stabilising composition includes at least one carrier oil having a high linoleic acid content.

[00108] Generally, the high linoleic acid content may include any cosmetically effective amount at which the linoleic acid content in the carrier oil is able to achieve its desired therapeutic and/or cosmetic effect. The carrier oil may include at least 40%vol (or %wt.) linoleic acid. In other embodiments, the carrier oil may include from 40% to 80%vol (or %wt.) linoleic acid; especially from 50% to 75%vol (or %wt.) linoleic acid.

[00109] Any suitable carrier oil maybe used.

[00110] Examples of suitable carrier oils include but are not limited to grape seed oil, Salicornia oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, melon seed oil, poppyseed oil, sunflower oil, prickly pear seed oil, barbary fig seed oil, hemp oil, corn oil, wheat germ oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, walnut oil, and sesame oil, or any mixture or blend thereof.

[00111] The composition may include any suitable amount of the carrier oil. Forexample,the composition may include between about 75 wt% to about 99 wt%, between about 80 wt% to about 99 wt%, between about 85% wt% to about 99 wt%, between about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% or between about 95 wt% to about 99 wt%. Typically, the composition may include between about 96 wt% to about 98 wt% of the carrier oil.

[00112] In some embodiments, the composition may include more than one oil or carrier oil as previously described. The further carrier oil or further oil may additionally function as any one of a diluent, an excipient or base, a buffer, an emollient agent, a humectant agent, a dispersing agent, a skin conditioning agent, a skin protectant, a skin penetration enhancer, a fragrance, a preservative, a textual modifier and/or as a waterproofing agent.

[00113] The further carrier oil or further oil may include one or more natural or synthetic oils, for example. The further carrier oil or further oil may include vegetable oils, nut oils and/or seed oils by way of example and without limitation.

[00114] Examples of the further carrier oil or further oil include but are not limited to apricot oil, avocado oil, almond oil, babassu kernel oil, camellia seed oil, carrot seed oil, cashew oil, castor oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, hazelnut oil, linseed oil, macadamia oil, mongongo nut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, pumpkin seed oil, rapeseed oil, Salicornia oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, emu oil, blackcurrant seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, and walnut oil or any mixture or blend thereof.

[00115] In some embodiments, the at least one carrier oil may include avocado oil, sunflower oil, apricot oil, and peach oil or any mixture or blend thereof, preferably sunflower oil.

[00116] Advantageously, the sun flower oil may additionally function as an emollient agent for assisting in maintaining a soft, smooth and pliable appearance of the skin (e.g., by remaining on the skin surface or in the stratum corneum to act as a lubricant).

[00117] Examples of other carrier oils or oils that may additionally function as emollient agent include but are not limited to plant, nut and vegetable oils such as camellia seed oil, macadamia oil, rice bran oil, grape seed oil, palm oil, prim rose oil, hydrogenates peanut oil and avocado oil.

[00118] In some embodiments, the further carrier oil may include any one of the above mentioned carrier oils or any mixture or blend thereof.

[00119] In some embodiments, the carrier oil may include sunflower oil and the further carrier oil or oil may include camellia seed oil. Advantageously, camellia seed oil may additionally function as a moisturising agent, an emollient, an anti-inflammatory agent, and as an antioxidant.

[00120] As indicated, the composition preferably further includes at least one essential oil. The at least one essential oil may have one or more desirable properties. For the example, the essential oil may have at least anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory properties, fragrant properties and/or emollient properties.

[00121] In some embodiments, the at least one essential oil may include any one of the essential oils previously described or any mixture or blend thereof.

[00122] In other embodiments, suitable essential oils may include but not be limited to any one of grapefruit essential oil, bergamot essential oil, fragonia essential oil, lime oil, and blue cypress essential oil.

[00123] Any one of grapefruit essential oil, bergamot essential oil, fragonia essential oil and blue cypress essential oil may include at least one of anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti bacterial properties.

[00124] In some embodiments, the composition may include more than one essential oil. The composition may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or at least 10 essential oils, for example.

[00125] In some embodiments, the composition may include grapefruit essential oil and at least one of bergamot essential oil, fragonia essential oil and lime oil.

[00126] In some embodiments, the composition may include camellia seed oil and blue cypress essential oil.

[00127] The composition of this aspect may include one or more additional agents, inclusive of stabilisers, emulsifiers, and surfactants, although without limitation thereto.

[00128] The pH of the composition is preferably adjusted to be slightly acidic, typically to a value less than pH 7.0, more preferably less than pH 6.0. The pH of the composition preferably lies in the range of 5.0 to 6.0.

[00129] The pH of the composition may be adjusted by the incorporation into the composition of one or more suitable pH-adjusting agents. Examples of pH-adjusting agents are inorganic salts such as sodium hydroxide and organic bases such as triethanolamine.

[00130] In some embodiments, the composition may be formulated for stabilising different skin types. For example, in some embodiments, the composition may be formulated for stabilising oily skin. In other embodiments, the composition may be formulated for stabilising dry skin.

[00131] In preferred embodiments, the stabilising composition for oily skin may include sunflower oil, grapefruit essential oil, bergamot essential oil, fragonia essential oil and lime oil.

[00132] In such embodiments, the sunflower oil may function as a carrier oil and emollient agent, the grapefruit essential oil and lime oil may function as astringents and the bergamot and fragonia essential oils may function as anti-microbials and anti-inflammatories.

[00133] In other preferred embodiments, the stabilising composition for dry skin may include sunflower oil, camellia seed oil and blue cypress essential oil.

[00134] In such embodiments, the sunflower oil and camellia seed oil may function as emollient agents and the blue cypress essential oil may function as an anti-microbial agent.

[00135] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit including the cleansing composition, the hydrating composition and the stabilising composition as hereinbefore described.

[00136] In certain embodiments, the kit is for use or when used for treating skin in need of improving skin barrier function and moisturisation.

[00137] In other embodiments, the kit is for use or when used for treating a skin disease, disorder or condition.

[00138] In yet other embodiments, the kit is for use or when used for treating signs of skin aging.

[00139] Suitably, the kit may be provided to an administering physician, other health care professional, a patient or a caregiver.

[00140] The kit may include one or more containers for containing the compositions in a suitable topical formulation, and instructions for administering the compositions to a subject.

[00141] The kit may contain the compositions in a bulk form or may contain separate doses of the compositions for serial or sequential administration.

[00142] The kit may optionally contain one or more diagnostic tools, administration tools and/or instructions for use. For example, in some embodiments, the kit may contain one or more diagnostic tools for determining whether a subject has oily or dry skin.

[00143] The kit may contain suitable delivery devices, such as syringes, pump dispensers, single dose packets and the like, along with instructions for administering the compositions.

[00144] The kit may optionally contain instructions for storage, reconstitution (if applicable), and administration.

[00145] Generally, the skin disease, disorder or condition may include any one of atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne.

[00146] In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning a skin site by topically applying the cleansing composition formulated to at least remove excess sebum from the skin site, hydrating the skin site by topically applying the hydrating composition including at least one thickening agent and at least one humectant agent, and stabilising the skin site by topically applying the stabilising composition formulated to re-introduce oils to the skin site following application of the cleaning and hydrating compositions.

[00147] In certain embodiments, the method may be for treating skin in need of improving skin barrier function and moisturisation.

[00148] In other embodiments, the method may be for treating a skin disease, disorder or condition.

[00149] In yet other embodiments, the method may be for treating signs of skin aging.

[00150] Typically, the compositions may be topically applied to any skin in need of treatment on the body, for example, skin of the face, lips, neck, chest, back, arms, axilla, hands, feet and/or legs.

[00151] Any suitable method of applying the composition to the skin in need of treatment may be used. For example, the compositions may be applied directly from a package to the skin, by hand to the skin, or may be transferred from a substrate such as a wipe or mask, or a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions may be applied via a dropper, tube, roller, spray, or patch. The compositions may be applied in a variety of manners, including, without limitation, as a leave-on cream, mask and/or serum.

[00152] In some embodiments, the method may include an initial step of determining whether the subject has oily or dry skin. Responsive to determining the subject's skin type, the compositions may be formulated to treat the skin type.

[00153] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more mixtures.

[00154] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[00155] Throughout the specification, the aim has been to describe typical embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention.

[00156] The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the present invention.

EXAMPLES

[00157] Example 1: Dry Skin Cleansing Oil Composition

[00158] A topical cleansing oil composition according to the present invention for treating dry skin was made having the following ingredients.

Ingredient Primary Function Weight

% Grape seed oil Carrier oil and cleanser 97.4% Avocado oil Skin penetration agent 1.5% Rose geranium oil Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory/ 0.8% anti-microbial / antifungal Kunzea essential oil Soothing agent 0.3%

[00159] Example 2: Oily Skin Cleansing Oil Composition

[00160] A topical cleansing oil composition according to the present invention for treating oily skin was made having the following ingredients.

Ingredient Primary Function Weight %

Sunflower oil Carrier oil and cleanser 96% Kunzea essential oil Soothing agent 0.3% Mandarin oil Astringent 1.6% Orange oil Astringent 1.6% Petitgrain oil Anti-inflammatory / anti- 0.5% microbial / antifungal

[00161] Example 3: Dry Skin Hydration Composition

[00162] A topical hydration gel serum composition according to the present invention for treating dry skin was made having the following ingredients.

Ingredient Primary Function Weight% Glycerin Humectant agent 10% Acacia Senegal gum Thickening Agent / Soothing 1% agent Hydrolysed rhizobian gum Smoothing Agent 1% Xanthan gum Thickening Agent / Soothing 1% agent Rosmarinus officinalis extract Antioxidant / anti-microbial 1% Olea europaea leaf extract Skin conditioning agent 2% Glyceryl caprylate Stabiliser 1% Rosa damascena flower oil Soothing Agent / Antioxidant 1% Camellia sinensis extract Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory 1.5% Terminalia ferdinandiana extract Antioxidant 1.5%

Rosa canina extract Humectant Agent 1% Syzygium smithii extract Antioxidant 1% Water 77%

[00163] Example 4: Oily Skin Hydration Composition

[00164] A topical hydration gel serum composition according to the present invention for treating oily skin was made having the following ingredients.

Ingredient Primary Function Weight

% Glycerin Humectant agent 10% Acacia Senegal gum Thickening Agent / Soothing 1% agent Hydrolysed Rhizobian gum Smoothing Agent 1% Xanthan gum Thickening Agent / Soothing 1% agent Rosmarinus officinalis extract Antioxidant / anti-microbial 1% Olea europaea leaf extract Skin conditioning agent 2% Glyceryl caprylate Stabiliser 1% Rosa damascena flower oil Soothing Agent / Antioxidant 1% Davidsonia jerseyana fruit Humectant agent 1.5% extract Althaea officinalis extract Soothing Agent / anti- 1.5% inflammatory Cucumis sativus fruit extract Anti-inflammatory 1% Syzygium smithii extract Antioxidant 1% Water 75%

[00165] Example 5: Dry Skin Stabilising Composition

[00166] A topical stabilising emollient oil serum composition according to the present invention for treating dry skin was made having the following ingredients

Ingredient Primary Function Weight %

Sunflower oil Carrier oil / Emollient agent 97% Camellia seed oil Emollient agent 3% Blue cypress essential oil Anti-microbial 1%

[00167] Example 6: Oily Skin Stabilising Composition

[00168] A topical stabilising emollient oil serum composition according to the present invention for treating oily skin was made having the following ingredients

Ingredient Primary Function Weight %

Sunflower oil Carrier oil / Emollient agent 96.4% Grapefruit essential oil Astringent 1.2% Bergamot essential oil Anti-inflammatory / anti- 0.8% microbial Fragonia essential oil Anti-microbial 0.8% Lime oil Astringent 0.8%

Claims (5)

1. A cleansing composition for use or when used for cleaning skin, said composition including: at least one carrier oil having a high content of linoleic acid; and at least one essential oil including kunzea essential oil.

2. A hydrating composition for use or when used for skin hydration, said composition including: at least one thickening agent; and at least one humectant agent.

3. A stabilising composition for use or when used for re-introducing oils to a skin site, said composition including: at least one carrier oil having a high content of linoleic acid; and at least one essential oil comprising at least an anti-microbial agent.

4. A kit for use or when used for treating skin in need of improving skin barrier function and moisturisation, said kit including: a cleansing composition in accordance with claim 1 for cleaning a skin site; a hydrating composition in accordance with claim 2 for hydration of the skin site following application of the cleansing composition; and a stabilising composition in accordance with claim 3 for re-introducing oils following application of said cleansing composition and said hydrating composition.

5. A method of treating skin in need of improving skin barrier function and moisturisation, said method including: cleaning a skin site by topically applying a cleansing composition formulated to at least remove excess sebum from the skin site; hydrating the skin site by topically applying a hydrating composition including at least one thickening agent and at least one humectant; and stabilising the skin site by topically applying a stabilising composition formulated to re introduce oils following application of the cleansing and hydrating compositions.

Date: 28 July 2021