GB2577609A - Carnitine or its salts as a substance for reducing the secretion of sweat - Google Patents

Abstract

A sweat-inhibiting composition is disclosed for the topical treatment of the skin, comprising carnitine or its salts in an aqueous or hydroalcoholic carrier, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from 2.5 to less than 7. Also disclosed is the use of carnitine or its salts as an antiperspirant substance in a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin.

Description

CARNITINE OR ITS SALTS AS A SUBSTANCE FOR REDUCING THE SECRETION

OF SWEAT

TECHNICAL FIELD

100011 The present invention relates to a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin, comprising carnitine or its salts in an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of carnitine or its salts as an antiperspirant substance in a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin.

BACKGROUND

100021 Body odour primarily arises from the bacterial decomposition of individual components of sweat on the skin. Deodorants for the body can be broadly categorized into substances which absorb unpleasant-smelling substances which are already present (activated charcoal, zinc ricinoleate, cyclodextrins, ion exchangers) or camouflage (fragrances, perfumes), and substances which inhibit the decomposition of sweat and the occurrence of the unpleasant-smelling substances, or at least slow it down (bacteriostatic substances, prebiotic components as well as enzyme inhibitors). Depending on the selected mechanism by means of which the body odour is to be prevented, odour absorbers, fragrances, deodorizing ion exchangers, bacteriostatic agents, prebiotic components, enzyme inhibitors and other active substances may be used as a cosmetically deodorizing substance. The substances must be contained in the compositions, and it must be ensured that the compositions can easily be provided in the desired form of administration and that the compositions do not bring about an unpleasant feel on the skin.

100031 Underarm wetness is caused by eccrine, aqueous sweat and frequently results in unwanted damp patches on clothing.

[00041 The cosmetic antiperspirants of the prior art used for sweat inhibition contain aluminium and/or zirconium compounds as the sweat-inhibiting substances. These sweat-inhibiting compounds on the one hand inhibit the secretion of sweat from the body by temporarily narrowing and/or blocking the secretory ducts of the sweat glands, so that the quantity of sweat can be reduced by approximately 20 to 60 percent. On the other hand, because of their antimicrobial action, they exhibit an additional deodorizing effect. However, the aluminium and/or zirconium compounds used for sweat inhibition can lead to unpleasant skin reactions in some users. And some consumers view aluminium compounds in particular in a poor light. Furthermore, the use of the sweat-inhibiting compounds mentioned above may lead to the formation of marks on clothing caused by the products used.

(0005] There is therefore a need to employ other sweat-inhibiting cosmetic substances instead of the aluminium and/or zirconium compounds which are usually employed, or al least to significantly reduce the quantities of these compounds employed. The sweat-inhibiting substances should have a good sweat-inhibiting action, have good skin compatibility as well as be easy to formulate. Furthermore, these sweat-inhibiting substances should not have a negative effect upon the stability on storage of the cosmetic agents used for sweat inhibition.

BRIEF SUMMARY

100061 In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an antiperspirant composition for the topical treatment of the skin, comprising carnitine or its salts in an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support, wherein the sweat inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 2.5 to less than about 7.

W0071 Preferably, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains carnitine and/or its salts in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, preferably from about I to about 15% by weight, more preferably from about 5 to about 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, and/or preferably the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 3.2 to less than about 6, preferably of from about 3.5 to about 5.8, more preferably of from about 4.0 to about 5.5.

100081 The sweat-inhibiting composition may be essentially free from aluminium containing salts, or may comprise a sweat-inhibiting substance which is preferably an inorganic or organic salt of aluminium, of zirconium, of zinc or a mixture thereof The aluminium or zinc salt may be selected from an aluminium hydrochloride, preferably activated aluminium hydrochloride, aluminium sesquihydrochloride, aluminium chlorohydrexpropylene glycol (PG), aluminium chlorohydrex polyethylene glycol (PEG), aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PG, aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PEG, aluminium PG dichiorohydrex, aluminium PEG dichlorohydrex or aluminium hydroxide; or selected from an aluminium zirconium hydrochloride, preferably aluminium zirconium trihydrochioride, aluminium zirconium tetrahydrochloride, aluminium zirconium pentahydrochloride or aluminium zirconium octahydrochloride; or selected from an al umi ni urn-zi rconi um -hydrochl ori de-giycine-complex, preferably aluminium zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex giycine, aluminium zirconium pentachiorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium octachlorohydrex glycine, or is selected from potassium aluminiumsulphate (ICAI(SO4)2 -12 H20, alum), sodium aluminium chlorohydroxyacetate, aluminium hydrobromide, aluminium chloride, aluminium sulphate, zinc chloride, zinc sulphocarbolate, zinc sulphate or zirconium hydrochloride. The sweat-inhibiting substance may be present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of more than 0 to about 15% by weight, preferably from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

100091 The sweat-inhibiting composition may contain an emulsifier which is preferably an oil-in-water (0/W) emulsifier with an 1-1LB value of from about 7 to about 20, wherein more preferably, the 0/W emulsifier is a non-ionic 0/W emulsifier, and/or wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an emulsifier which is preferably a water-in-oil (W/0) emulsifier with an HLB value of from about 2 to about 7. Preferably, the 0/W emulsifier is present in a quantity of from about 0.05 to about 25% by weight, more preferably of ftom about 02 to about 10% by weight, yet more preferably of from about 0.8 to about 6% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition. The sweat-inhibiting composition may contain a W/0 emulsifier in a quantity of from about 0.01 to about 15% by weight, preferably of from about 0.1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably of from about 0.5 to about 2% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, wherein particularly preferably, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an 0/W emulsifier and a W/0 emulsifier, wherein preferably, the quantity of 0/W emulsifier is larger than the quantity of W/0 emulsifier.

[00101 The sweat-inhibiting composition may contain a cosmetic oil in a quantity of from about 1 to about 15% by weight, preferably from about 2 to about 10% by weight, more preferably from about 3 to about 5% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

1001 -1.1 The sweat-inhibiting composition may contain a stabilizer.

100121 The aqueous or hydroalcoholic support may be water or a water/alcohol mixture, wherein the alcohol is preferably selected from a linear or branched C2 to Co alcohol, more preferably from ethanol, propane', isopropanol, 1,3-propanediol, or dipropylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, in particular 1,2-propanediol. Preferably, the water or the water/alcohol mixture is present in a quantity of from about 60% by weight to about 99% by weight, more preferably of from about 80% by weight to about 96% by weight, most preferably of from about 85% by weight to about 92% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of carnitine or its salts as an antiperspirant substance in a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin. The sweat-inhibiting composition is preferably a composition described supra.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the subject matter as described herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0015] The objective of the present invention is to provide sweat-inhibiting substances, the use of which overcomes or at least alleviates the disadvantages of the prior art and wherein they can be used with good skin compatibility, and at the same time reliably reduce underarm wetness.

[0016] The objective at the basis of the invention is achieved by means of a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin, comprising carnitine or its salts in an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 2.5 to less than about 7.

[0017] Carnitine: Cfril H3C, N,C00 HCi Is a chemical compound which is produced in life forms from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Carnitine can react with acids, with the formation of mixed salts (hydrochloride, hydrogen sulphate, tartrate, lactate, citrate etc).

100181 Surprisingly, it has been found that, in aqueous solution in an acidic pH range, carnitine exhibits a sweat-reducing action. In particular, carnitine in the form of its hydrochloride has proved to be particularly advantageous. When the aqueous solution is adjusted to an acidic pH with hydrochloric acid, the sweat-inhibiting composition is particularly effective, In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 3.2 to less than about 6, preferably of from about 3.5 to about 5.8, more preferably of from about 4.0 to about 5.5.

[0019] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains carnitine and/or its salts in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 1 to about 15% by weight, more preferably from about 5 to about 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition. Carnitine has been shown to be particularly advantageous in this range.

[0020] In summary, sweat-inhibiting compositions in accordance with the invention are preferred which contain camitine and/or its salts in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 1 to about 15% by weight, more preferably from about 5 to about 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, and/or are characterized in that the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 3.2 to less than about 6, preferably of from about 3.5 to about 5.8 more preferably of from about 4.0 to about 5.5.

100211 The formulation "carnitine and/or its salts in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight" means that the compositions in accordance with the invention may contain: - camitine alone in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, or - camitine salt(s) alone in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30°4 by weight, or - both carnitine and also carnitine salts in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight.

[00221 In salts with heavy anions, the quantity of active carnitine or the compounds formed in the presence of acids is reduced compared with the pure compound, whence, in order to adjust the pH of the agent in accordance with the invention, the use of acids with low-weight anions has been shown to be particularly advantageous. Hydrochloric acid has been shown to be particularly effective; it results in the formation of carnitine hydrochloride.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the chloride ions may he replaced or supplemented by at least one further anion. Inorganic anions, for example sulphate ions and/or phosphate ions, or organic anions may be used as the further anions. Examples of the organic anions may be phosphonate, citrate, lactate, tartrate and/or malate. Preferred sweat-inhibiting cosmetic agents in accordance with the invention are thus characterized in that they contain at least one further anion, preferably an organic anion, which more preferably is selected from the group consisting of citrate, lactate, tartrate and malate and/or other anions of organic acids.

[00241 The use of carnitine and/or its salts means that a sweat-inhibiting composition tray be provided in which aluminium and/or zirconium compounds can be dispensed with, or in which the content of the aluminium and/or zirconium compounds can be reduced. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sweat-inhibiting composition is essentially free from compounds containing aluminium and/or zirconium.

[0025] Because carnitine and/or its salts is supposed to reduce the formation of sweat, but not to completely prevent it, the build-up of underarm odour is inhibited and is not prevented in its entirety. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sweat-inhibiting composition comprises a sweat-inhibiting substance, which is preferably an inorganic or organic salt of aluminium, of zirconium, of zinc or a mixture thereof, wherein the quantity of sweat-inhibiting substance is reduced compared with conventional commercially available products.

[0026] Preferred sweat-inhibiting compositions of this embodiment are characterized in that the sweat-inhibiting composition comprises a sweat-inhibiting substance, which is preferably an inorganic or organic salt of aluminium, of zirconium, of zinc or a mixture thereof.

[00271 In a preferred embodiment, the sweat-inhibiting substance is selected from an aluminium hydrochloride, more preferably the sweat-inhibiting substance comprises activated aluminium hydrochloride, aluminium sesquihydrochloride, aluminium chlorohydrex propylene glycol (PG), aluminium chlorohydrex polyethylene glycol (PEG), aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PG, aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PEG, aluminium PG dichlorohydrex, aluminium PEG dichlorohydrex or aluminium hydroxide; or selected from an aluminium zirconium hydrochloride, preferably aluminium zirconium trihydrochloride, aluminium zirconium tetrahydrochloride, aluminium zirconium pentahydrochloride or aluminium zirconium octahydrochloride; or selected from an aluminium zirconium hydrochloride glycine complex, preferably aluminium zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium pentachlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium octachlorohydrex glycine, or is selected from potassium aluminium sulphate (KA1(SO4)2 -12 H20, alum), sodium aluminium chlorohydroxyacetate, aluminium hydrobromide, aluminium chloride, aluminium sulphate, zinc chloride, zinc sulphocarbolate, zinc sulphate or zirconium hydrochloride, wherein the sweat-inhibiting substance is present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of more than 0 to about 15% by weight, preferably from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0028] In summary, preferred sweat-inhibiting compositions in accordance with the invention are those in which the sweat-inhibiting substance is selected from an aluminium hydrochloride, preferably activated aluminium hydrochloride, aluminium sesquihydrochloride, aluminium chlorohydrexpropylene glycol (PG), aluminium chlorohydrex polyethylene glycol (PEG), aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PG, aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PEG, aluminium PG dichlorohydrex, aluminium PEG dichlorohydrex or aluminium hydroxide; or selected from an aluminium zirconium hydrochloride, preferably aluminium zirconium trihydrochloride, aluminium zirconium tetrahydrochloride, aluminium zirconium pentahydrochloride or aluminium zirconium octahydrochloride; or selected from an aluminium zirconium hydrochloride glycine complex, preferably aluminium zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium pentachlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium octachlorohydrex glycine, or is selected from potassium aluminiumsulphate (KA1(SO4)2 -12 H2O, alum), sodium aluminium chlorohydroxyacetate, aluminium hydrobromide, aluminium chloride, aluminium sulphate, zinc chloride, zinc sulphocarbolate, zinc sulphate or zirconium hydrochloride, and/or in which the sweat-inhibiting substance is present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of more than 0 to about 15% by weight, preferably from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0029] The preferred aluminium and/or zirconium-containing substances employed may be activated, in which their molecular weight is modified. Thus, as regards the sweat-reducing properties, they can be made more effective compared with non-activated substances. Particularly preferred antiperspirant substances in accordance with the invention are therefore selected from what are known as "activated" aluminium salts, which are also descried a.s antiperspirant substances "with enhanced activity". Substances of this type are known in the prior art and are also commercially available. As a rule, activated aluminium salts are produced by heat treatment of a relatively dilute solution of the salt (for example approximately 10% by weight of salt) in order to broaden their HPLC peak 4-to-peak 3 area ratio. The activated salt may then be dried to form a powder, in particular by spray drying. In addition to spray drying, roller drying is also suitable, for example.

[0030] However, the use of antiperspirant salts may also be dispensed with entirely.

Corresponding sweat-inhibiting compositions which are essentially free from salts which contain aluminium are preferred in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] "Essentially free" as used herein means free from intentionally added aluminium salts, preferably an aluminium salt content of < 0.1% by weight, with respect to the sweat-inhibiting composition, particularly preferably an aluminium salt content of < 0.01% by weight, more preferably an aluminium salt content of < 0.001% by weight and in particular an aluminium salt content of < 0.0001% by weight.

[0032] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an emulsifier which is preferably an oil-in-water (0/W) emulsifier with an I-ILB value of from about 7 to about 20, wherein more preferably, the 0/W emulsifier is a non-ionic 0/W emulsifier. Alternatively, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an emulsifier which is preferably a water-in-oil (W/0) emulsifier with an HLB value of from about 2 to about 7. In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an 0/W emulsifier in a quantity of from about 0.05 to about 25% by weight, more preferably of from about 0.2 to about 10% by weight, yet more preferably of from about 0.8 to about 6% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition. Alternatively, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains a W/0 emulsifier in a quantity of from about 0.01 to about 15% by weight, preferably of from about 0.1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably of from about 0.5 to about 2% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, wherein particularly preferably, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an 0/W emulsifier and a W/0 emulsifier, wherein most particularly preferably, the quantity of 0/W emulsifier is greater than the quantity of W/0 emulsifier.

[0033] Preferred emulsifiers that are used are alkoxylated fatty acid alcohols, particularly preferably C14 to C18 alcohols containing two to about 22 ethoxy groups, in particular steareth-2 or steareth-21, or also PPG-15 stearylether.

[0034] In summary, preferred sweat-inhibiting compositions in accordance with the invention are those in which the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an emulsifier which is preferably an oil-in-water (0/W) emulsifier with an HLB value of from about 7 to about 20, wherein more preferably, the 0/W emulsifier is a non-ionic 0/W emulsifier, and/or wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an emulsifier which is preferably a water-in-oil (W/0) emulsifier with an HLB value of from about 2 to about 7, and/or in which the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an 0/W emulsifier in a quantity of from about 0.05 to about 25% by weight, more preferably of from about 0.2 to about 10% by weight, yet more preferably of from about 0.8 to about 6% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, and/or wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains a W/0 emulsifier in a quantity of from about 0.01 to about 15% by weight, preferably of from about 0.1 to about 8% by weight, more preferably of from about 0.5 to about 2% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, wherein particularly preferably, the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an 0/W emulsifier and a W/0 emulsifier, wherein preferably, the quantity of 0/W emulsifier is greater than the quantity of W/0 emulsifier.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the sweat-inhibiting composition may contain a cosmetic oil in a quantity of from about 1 to about 15% by weight, preferably from about 2 to about 10% by weight, more preferably from about 3 to about 5% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition. The oil forms the oily phase. In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment, the oil is selected from the group consisting of linear silicone oils, cyclic silicone oils, in particular cycl opentasilox an e, paraffins, isoparaffins, polypropylene glycolether, polyethylene glycolether, organic esters in particular esters of glycerine, ethers and ether carbonates.

[0036] In the embodiments which comprise an oily phase, particulate substances may preferably be present. Pyrogenic silicon dioxide or phyllosilicates, more preferably hydrophobically modified, are particularly suitable. The particulate substances act as thickening agents and stabilizers. Hyd rophcki cal y modified bentoni tes and/or hydrophobically modified hectorites are particularly preferred in this embodiment of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0037] In summary, preferred sweat-inhibiting compositions in accordance with the invention are those in which the sweat-inhibiting composition is a cosmetic oil in a quantity of from about 1 to about 15% by weight, preferably from about 2 to about 10% by weight, more preferably from about 3 to about 5% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, and/or in which the sweat-inhibiting composition contains a stabilizer.

[0038] However, embodiments which are based on supports which comprise water or a water/alcohol mixture are preferred. Preferably, the aqueous or hydroalcoholic support is water or a water/alcohol mixture, wherein the alcohol is preferably selected from a linear or branched C2 to CO alcohol, more preferably from ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, 1,3-propanediol, di propyl en e glycol, 1,2-propanediol, in particular 1,2-propanediol. Preferably, the water or the water/alcohol mixture is present in a quantity of from about 60% by weight to about 99% by weight, more preferably of from about 80% by weight to about 96% by weight, most preferably of from about 85% by weight to about 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0039] In summary, preferred sweat-inhibiting compositions in accordance with the invention are those in which the aqueous or hydroalcoholic support is water or a water/alcohol mixture, wherein the alcohol is preferably selected from a linear or branched C2 to C6 alcohol, more preferably from ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, 1,3-propanediol, or dipropylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, in particular 1,2-propanediol, and/or wherein preferably, the water or the water/alcohol mixture is present in a quantity of from about 60% by weight to about 99% by weight, more preferably of from about 80% by weight to about 96% by weight, most preferably of from about 85% by weight to about 92% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0040] Preferably, the sweat-inhibiting composition comprises one or more fragrances or aromatic substances. The definition of an aromatic substance in the context of the present invention corresponds to the definition that is familiar to the person skilled in the art, as can be found in the ROMPP Chemie Lexikon ("Rompp Lexikon Chemie", J. Falbe, NI. Regitz (Editors), 10th edition, Thieme-Verlag). Fragrance or aromatic substances in the context of the present invention may only be considered as such when they -with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition -are present in a quantity of about 10% by weight and below in the sweat-inhibiting composition. Examples of fragrances and aromatic substance compounds of the ester type are benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert.-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate (DMBCA), phenylethyl acetate, benzyl acetate, ethylmethylphenyl glycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate, benzyl salicylate, cyclohexylsalicylate, floramate, melusat and j asmacyclene.

[0041] Examples of fragrance and aromatic substance compounds of the ether type are benzylethylether and ambroxan, examples of fragrance and aromatic substance compounds of the aldehyde type are linear alkanals containing from about 8 -18 C atoms, citral, citron ell al, ci tron el 1 yl oxy acetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, 1 i I i al and bourgeonal, examples of fragrance and aromatic substance compounds of the ketone type are ionone, alphaisomethyl ionone and methylcedryl ketone, examples of fragrance and aromatic substance compounds of the alcohol type are anethole, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol, examples of fragrance and aromatic substance compounds of the terpene type are limonene and pines. Examples of fragrance and aromatic substance compounds are pine, citrus, jasmine, patchouli, rose, ylang-ylang oil, clary sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil, labdanum oil, orange blossom oil, neroli oil, orange peel oil and sandalwood oil, and furthermore, essential oils such as angelica root oil, aniseed oil, arnica flower oil, basil oil, bay oil, bergamot oil, champaca flower oil, silver fir oil, silver fir cone oil, elemi oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, pine needle oil, geranium oil, gingergrass oil, guaiac wood oil, gurjun balm oil, helichrysum oil, ho wood oil, ginger oil, iris oil, cajeput oil, calamus oil, chamomile oil, camphor oil, kanaga oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, pine needle oil, copaiba balsam oil, coriander oil, spearmint oil, caraway oil, cumin oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, melissa oil, musk oil, myrrh oil, clove oil, niaouli oil, orange oil, origanum oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, Peru balsam oil, petitgrain oil, pepper oil, peppermint oil, pimento oil, pine oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, celery oil, spike oil, stemanis oil, turpentine oil, thuj a oil, thyme oil, verbena oil, juniper berry oil, wormwood oil, wintergreen oil, hyssop oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, lemon oil and cypress oil. Further fragrance and aromatic substance substances are ambrettolide, alpha-amyl cinnamaldehyde, anethole, anisaldehyde, anisalcohol, ani sole, anthranilic acid methylester, acetophenone, benzyl acetone, benzaldehyde, ethylester, benzophenone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl formate, benzyl valerianate, borneol, bornyl acetate, alpha-bromostyrol, n-decylaldehyde, ndodecylaldehyde, eugenol, eugenol methylether, eucalyptol, farnesol, fenchone, fenchyl acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, heliotropin, heptin carboxylic acid methylester, heptal dehyde, hydroqui none dim ethyl ether, hydroxycinnam al dehyde, hydroxyci nnamyl alcohol, indole, iron, isoeugenol, isoeugenol methylether, isosafrole, jasmone, camphor, carvacrol, carvone, p-cresol methylether, coumarin, p-methoxyacetophenone, methyl-namylketone, methylanthranilic acid methylester, p-methylacetophenone, methylchavicol, p- m ethyl quinoline, methyl -E-naphthylk eton e, methyl -n-nonyl acetal deh yde, methyl -n-nonylketone, muskone, E-naphtholethylether, E-naphtholmethylether, nerol, nitrobenzene, nnonyl aldehyde, nonyl alcohol, n-octyl aldehyde, p-oxyacetophenone, pentadecanolide, Ephenylethyl alcohol, phenylacetaldehyde dimethyacetal, phenylacetic acid, pulegone, safrole, salicylic acid isoamylester, salicylic acid methyl ester, salicylic acid hexylester, salicylic acid cyclohexylester, santalol, skatole, terpineol, thyme, thymol, y-undecalactone, vanilla, veratrumaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, cinnamic acid ethylester and cinnamic acid benzyl ester. Further (more volatile) aromatic substances are alkyl isothiocyanates (alkyl mustard seed oils), butanedione, limonene, linalool, linayl acetate and propionate, menthol, menthone, methyl-n-heptenone, phellandrene, phenyl acetaldehyde, terpinyl acetate, citral and citronellal. Perfumes or perfume oils are particularly preferably present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of from about 0.05 to about 10% by weight, more preferably of from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight, most preferably from about 0.5 to about 4% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0042] Furthermore, the compositions in accordance with the invention may contain additional deodorant substances. Antimicrobial, antibacterial or bacteriostatic substances, antioxidants, odour adsorbers or enzyme inhibitors may be used as the deodorant substances. Suitable antimicrobial, antibacterial or bacteriostatic substances in particular are organohalogen compounds as well as halides, quaternary ammonium compounds and a series of plant extracts. Halogenated phenol derivatives which are preferred are those such as, for example, hexachlorophene or Irgasan DP 300 (triclosan, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenylether), 3,4,4'-tri chlorocarbanilide, chlorhexidine (1,1'-hexamethylene-bis[5-(4-chlorophenyl)]-biguanide), chlorhexidine gluconate, benzalkonium halides and cetylpyridinium chloride. Furthermore, sodium carbonate and sodium phenolsulphonate as well as, for example, the components of lime blossom oil may be used In addition, weaker antimicrobial substances which, however, have a specific action against gram-positive pathogens which are responsible for sweat decomposition may be used as deodorant substances. In addition, benzyl alcohol may be used as a deodorant substance. Further antibacterial deodorants are lantibiotics, glyco-glycerolipids, sphingolipids (ceramides), sterols and other substances which inhibit bacterial adhesion to the skin, for example glycosidases, lipases, proteases, carbohydrates, di-and oligosaccharide fatty acid esters as well as alkylated mono-and oligosaccharides. Preferred deodorant substances are long-chain diols, for example 1,2-alkane-(C5-C18) diols, glycerine mono(C8-C18) fatty acid esters or, particularly preferably, glycerine mono-(C6-C16) alkylethers, in particular 2-ethylhexyl glycerol ether, which are very kind to skin and mucosae and are effective against corynebacteri a, as well as phenoxyethanol, phenoxyisopropanol (3-phenoxy-propan-2-ol), anisalcohol, 2-methyl-5-phenyl-pentan-l-ol, 1,1-dimethy1-3-phenyl-propan-l-ol, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenyl ethan-1-ol, 3-phenyl propan-l-ol, 4-phenylbutan-1-ol, 5-phenylpentan-1- ol, 2-benzylheptan-l-ol, 2,2-di m ethy1-3 -ph enyl propan-l-ol, 2,2-dim ethy1-3 -(3 ' - methylpheny1)-propan-l-ol, 2-ethyl-3-phenyl propan-l-ol, 2-ethy1-3 -(3 ' -methylpheny1)-propan-l-ol, 3-(3'-chloropheny1)-2-ethylpropan-l-ol, 3-(2'-chloropheny1)-2-ethylpropan-1-ol, 3-(4'-chlorophenyl)-2-ethylpropan-1-ol, 3-(3',4'-dichloropheny1)-2-ethylpropan-l-ol, 2-ethy1-3 -(2' -methyl pheny1)-propan -1 -ol, 2 -ethyl -3 -(4 ' -methylpheny1)-propan-l -01, 3-(3' ,4' -dim ethy 1pheny1)-2-ethyl propan -1 -o I, 2-ethyl-3-(4' -meth oxypheny1)-propan -1 -o I, 3 -(3 ' ,4 ' -dimethoxypheny1)-2-ethylpropan-l-ol, 2-ally1-3-phenyl propan-l-ol and 2-n-penty1-3-phenyl propan-l-ol.

[0043] In order to further improve the sweat-inhibiting and odour-reducing action of the compositions in accordance with the invention, in a preferred embodiment, they contain at least one deodorant substance in a total quantity of from about 0.001 to about 15% by weight with respect to the total weight of the cosmetic agent. If ethanol is used in the agents in accordance with the invention, in the context of the present invention, then this is not considered to be a deodorant substance, but a component of the support. Preferred deodorant substances in accordance with the invention are odour absorbers, deodorizing ion exchangers, bacteriostatic agents, prebiotic components as well as enzyme inhibitors or, particularly preferably, combinations of said substances_ Silicates acts as odour absorbers which also advantageously support the theological properties of the composition in accordance with the invention. In particular, phyllosilicates are considered to be particularly preferred silicates in the context of the invention, and of these, montmorillonite, kaolinite, illite, beidellite, nontronite, saponite, hectorite, bentonite, smectite, calcium silicate and talcum are particularly preferred.

[0044] Examples of further preferred odour absorbers are zeolites, zinc ricinoleate, cyclodextrins, specific metal oxides, such as aluminium oxide, for example, as well as chlorophyll. Further preferred odour absorbers in accordance with the invention are selected from perlites. The term "bacteriostatic" or "antimicrobial" substances as used in accordance with the invention should be understood to mean those substances which reduce the number of skin pathogens participating in the buildup of odour or which inhibit their growth. These pathogens include, inter alia, various different species from the group formed by staphylococci, the corynebacteti a group, anaerococci and micrococci.

[0045] In particular, organohalogen compounds such as halides, quaternary ammonium compounds, a series of plant extracts and zinc compounds are preferred in accordance with the invention as bacteriostatic or antimicrobial substances. This includes, inter alia, tri closan, chlorhexidine and chlorhexidine gluconate, 3,4,4'-tri chlorocarbanili de, bromochlorophene, dichlorophene, chlorothymol, chloroxylenol, hexachlorophene, dichlorom-xylenol, dequalinium chloride, domiphen bromide, ammonium phenolsulphonate, benzalkonium halides, benzalkonium cetylphosphate, benzalkonium saccharinate, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, laurylpyridinium chloride, laurylisoquinolinium bromide, methylbenzethonium chloride. Furthermore, phenol, phenoxyethanol, d sodium d hydroxyethyl sulphosuccinyl undecylenate, sodium bicarbonate, zinc lactate, sodium phenol sulphonate and zinc phenol sulphonate, ketoglutaric acid, terpene alcohols such as, for example, famesol, chlorophyll-copper complexes, 1-monoalkyl glycerol ether containing a branched or linear, saturated or unsaturated, optionally hydroxyl ated C6-C22 alkyl residue, particularly preferably 1-(2-ethylhexyl)glycerol ether, commercially available as Sensiva® SC 50 (from Schulke & Mayr), carboxylic acid esters of mono-, di-and triglycerine (for example glycerol monolaurate, diglycerol monocaprinate), lantibiotics as well as plant extracts (for example green tea and components of lime blossom oils) may also be used.

[0046] Further preferred deodorant substances are selected from what are known as prebiotic components, which in accordance with the invention should be understood to mean those components which only inhibit or at least substantially inhibit the odour-forming pathogens of the skin microflora, but not the desired ones, meaning the non-odour forming pathogens which belong to a healthy skin microflora. Specific mention in this regard may be made of coniferous extracts, in particular from the Pinaceae family, and plant extracts from the Sapindaceae, Araliaceae, Lamiaceae and Saxifragaceae families, in particular extracts from Picea spp., Paullinia sp., Panax sp. Lamium album or Ribes nigrum as well as mixtures of these substances.

[0047] Further preferred deodorant substances are selected from bacteriostatic perfume oils and Deosafe® perfume oils, which are available from Symrise, previously Haarmann and Reimer.

[0048] Further preferred deodorant substances are selected from silver salts, in particular silver citrate, dihydrogen silver citrate, silver lactate and silver sulphate, soluble complex salts of silver, colloidal silver and silver zeolites.

[0049] The enzyme hibitors include substances which inhibit the enzymes responsible for sweat decomposition, in particular arylsulphatase, (3-glucuronidase, aminoacyl ase, cystathionine 13-lyase, esterases, lipases and/or lipoxigenase, for example trialkyl citric acid esters, in particular tri ethyl citrate, or zinc gl yci nate.

[0050] Preferred antiperspirant compositions in accordance with the invention are characterized in that the at least one deodorant substance is selected from arylsulphatase inhibitors, beta-glucuronidase inhibitors, aminoacylase inhibitors, cystathionine 13-lyase inhibitors, esterase inhibitors, lipase inhibitors and lipoxigenase inhibitors, monoalkyl glycerine ethers with a branched or linear, saturated or unsaturated, optionally hydroxylated C6-C22 alkyl residue, in particular (2-ethylhexyl)glycerol ether, phenoxyethanol, benzyl heptanol, cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate and butyloctanoic acid, polyglycerin-3-caprylate, bacteriostatic perfume oils, Deosafe®-perfume oils (Deosafe® is a registered trade mark of Symrise, previously Haarmann & Reimer), prebiotic components, trialkyl citric acid esters, in particular triethylcitrate, substances which reduce the number of skin pathogens involved in odour formation or inhibit their growth, selected from the group formed by staphylococci, corynebacteria, anaerococci and micrococci, zinc compounds, in particular zinc phenolsulphonate and zinc ricinoleate, organohalogen compounds, in particular triclosan, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine gluconate and benzalkonium halides, quaternary ammonium compounds, in particular cetylpyridinium chloride, odour absorbers, in particular silicates and zeolites, sodium bicarbonate, lantibiotics, as well as mixtures of the aforementioned substances.

[0051] Further preferred antiperspirant compositions in accordance with the invention are characterized in that the at least one deodorant substance is present in a total quantity of from about 0.0001 -15% by weight, preferably from about 0.2-7% by weight, particularly preferably from about 0.3-5% by weight and exceptionally preferably from about 0.4-1.0% by weight, respectively with respect to the total weight of the active substance of the deodorant substance or of the deodorant substances in the total composition.

[0052] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the compositions in accordance with the invention contain both at least one deodorant as well as at least one antiperspirant substance, [0053] Particularly preferably, triethylcitrate is contained in the sweat-inhibiting composition. More particularly preferably, the quantity of triethylcitrate is in the range of from about 0.0001 to about 12% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0054] Complex-forming substances may also support the deodorizing action, in that they complex the oxidatively catalytic heavy metal ions (for example iron or copper) in a stable manner. Examples of suitable complex-forming agents are the salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid or nitrilotriacetic acid as well as the salts of 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid.

[0055] It may be advantageous to add to the preparations in accordance with the invention at least one chelating agent in a total quantity of from about 0.01 to about 3.0% by weight, preferably of from about 0.02 to about 1.0% by weight, in particular of from about 0.05 to about 0.1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting agent in accordance with the invention. In the context of the present invention, preferred chelating agents are selected from the group formed by 13-alanine diacetic acid, cyclodextrin, diethylenetriamine pentamethylene phosphonic acid, sodium, potassium, calciumdisodium, ammonium and triethanolamine salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), etridonic acid, hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (HEDTA) and their sodium salts.

[0056] In order to thicken the antiperspirant cosmetic agent, substances are preferably used which are selected from cellulose ethers, xanthan gum, sclerotium gum, succinoglucans, polygalactomannans, pectins, agar, carragheen (carrageenan), gum tragacanth, gum arabicum, karaya gum, tara gum, gellan, gelatine, propylene glycol alginate, alginic acids and their salts, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylamides, physically (for example by pregelatinization) and/or chemically modified starches, acrylic acid-acrylate copolymers, acrylic acid-acrylamide copolymers, acrylic acid-vinylpyrrolidone copolymers, acrylic acid-vinylformamide copolymers and polyacrylates. Particularly preferred thickening agents are furthermore selected from carhomers. Carbomers are thickening crosslinked polymers formed from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid as well as their salts. Crosslinking may be carried out using polyfunctional compounds such as polyalkylene ethers of polysaccharides or polyalcohols, for example sucrose allylether, pentaerythritol allylether, propylene allylether. In the context of the present invention, homopolymers of acrylic acid or its salts which are crosslinked with a pentaerythritol allylether, a sucrose allylether or a propylene allylether are preferred. A thickening agent which may be used in the context of the present invention is a copolymer formed from C10-30-alkylacrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid as well as their esters, which are crosslinked with a sucrose allylether or a pentaerythritol allylether. Carbomer-based thickening agents are the products available under the trade names Carbopol® (BF Goodrich, Ohio, USA) such as, for example, Carbopol 934, Carbopol 940, Carbopol 941, Carbopol 971, Carbopol 974, Carbopol EZ2, Carbopol ETD 2001, Carbopol ETD 2020, Carbopol ETD 2050, Carbopol ultrez 10, Carbopol ultrez 20, or Carbopol ultrez 21.

[0057] Furthermore, preferred compositions in accordance with the invention contain at least one water-soluble multivalent C2-C9-alkanol containing 2-6 hydroxyl groups and/or at least one water-soluble polyethylene glycol containing 3-50, preferably 3-20 ethylene oxide units as well as mixtures thereof; in order to further improve the stability of the compositions. Preferably, these components are selected from 1,2-propylene glycol, 2-methy1-1,3-propanediol, glycerine, 1,2-butylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, pentylene glycols such as 1,2-pentanediol and 1,5-pentanediol, hexanediols such as 1,6-hexanediol, hexanetriols such as 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,8-octanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, diglycerine, triglycerine, erythritol, sorbitol as well as mixtures of said substances. Suitable water-soluble polyethylene glycols are selected from PEG-3, PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7, PEG-8, PEG-9, PEG-10, PEG-12, PEG-14, PEG-16, PEG-18 and PEG-20 as well as mixtures thereof, wherein PEG-3 to PEG-8 are preferred. Preferably, it contains propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol or a mixture thereof, more preferably propylene glycol. Preferably, these are present in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 10 or from about 1 to about 5% by weight.

100581 In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the sweat-inhibiting cosmetic agents furthermore contain at least one skin cooling substance. Examples of suitable skin cooling substances in accordance with the invention are menthol, isopulegol as well as menthol derivatives, for example menthyl lactate, menthyl glycolate, menthyl ethyl oxamate, menthylpyrrolidone carboxylic acid, menthylmethylether, menthoxypropanediol, menthone glycerine acetal ( 9-methy1-6-( 1 -methyl ethyl)-1,4-dioxaspiro (4,5)decan-2-methanol), m on om enthyl succi nate, 2-hydroxymethyl -3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexanol and 5-methyl -2-(1 -methyl ethyl)cycl ohexyl-N-ethyl oxamate Preferred skin cooling substances are menthol, isopulegol, menthyl lactate, menthoxypropanediol, menthylpyrrolidone carboxylic acid and 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexyl-N-ethyloxamate, as well as mixtures of these substances, in particular mixtures of menthol and menthyl lactate, menthol, mentholglycolate and menthyl lactate, menthol and menthoxypropanediol or menthol and isopulegol. In accordance with the invention, the sweat-inhibiting cosmetic agent may preferably further contain at least one antioxidant, preferably in a total quantity of from about 0.01 to about 5.0% by weight with respect to the total weight of the cosmetic agent. The antioxidant may be selected from ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, BHT, substituted hydroxyhydrocinnamic acid esters, substituted benzotriazoles, dialkylthiodialkanoates, tocopherol and its esters (for example acetate), hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, paradol as well as their mixtures, in particular substituted hydroxyhydrocinnamic acid esters and mixtures thereof [0059] Preferred propellants (propellant gases) are propane, propene, n-butane, iso- butane, iso-butene, n-pentane, pentene, iso-pentane, iso-pentene, methane, ethane, dimethylether, nitrogen, air, oxygen, nitrous oxide, 1,1,1,3-tetrafluorethane, heptafluoro-n-propane, peffluorethane, monochlorodifluoromethane, 1, I -difluoroethane, tetrafluoropropene, and in fact both individually as well as mixtures thereof Even hydrophilic propellant gases such as carbon dioxide, for example, may advantageously be used in the context of the present invention if the fraction of hydrophilic gases is selected so as to be low and lipophilic propellant gas (for example propane/butane) is present in excess. Propane, n-butane, iso-butane as well as mixtures of these propellant gases are particularly preferred. It has been shown that the use of n-butane as the single propellant gas may be particularly preferred in accordance with the invention.

[0060] In a further aspect, the objective of the invention is to provide a substance which has a sweat-inhibiting action and can be used in a sweat-inhibiting composition.

[0061] A second aspect of the invention concerns the use of carnitine or its salts as an antiperspirant substance in a sweat-inhibiting composition for topical treatment of the skin.

[0062] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, carnitine or its salts is used as an antiperspirant substance in a sweat-inhibiting composition in accordance with the present invention, i.e. carnitine or its salts is used in a composition in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0063] Preferred uses are therefore characterized in that the sweat-inhibiting composition is a sweat-inhibiting composition in accordance with the invention.

[0064] Features concerning preferred embodiments of the first aspect of the invention which are only described in this respect are clearly also valid for the second aspect as features of preferred embodiments, [0065] More particularly preferred cosmetic agents in accordance with the invention comprise at least one of the following embodiments A) to E): A) Antiperspirant composition for the topical treatment of the skin, comprising carnitine in an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 3 to less than about 7 and wherein the carnitine is present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 1 to about 15% by weight, more preferably from about 5 to about 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition. B)

Antiperspirant composition for the topical treatment of the skin, comprising carnitine in an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 3 to less than about 7 and wherein the carnitine is present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 1 to about 15% by weight, more preferably from about 5 to about 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, wherein the aqueous or hydroalcoholic support is water or a water/alcohol mixture, wherein the alcohol is preferably selected from a linear or branched C2 to C6 alcohol, more preferably from ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, 1,3-propanedi ol, di propyl en e glycol, 1,2-propanedi ol, in particular 1,2-propanedi ol, and/or wherein preferably, the water or the water/alcohol mixture is present in a quantity of from about 60% by weight to about 96% by weight, most preferably of from about 85% by weight to about 92% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition. C)

Use of carnitine as an antiperspirant substance in a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition comprises an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support and has a pH of from about 3 to less than about 7. D)

Use of carnitine as an antiperspirant substance in a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition comprises an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support and has a pH of from about 3 to less than about 7 and wherein the camitine is present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 1 to about 15% by weight, more preferably from about 5 to about 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition. E)

Use of carnitine as an antiperspirant substance in a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition comprises an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support and has a pH of from about 3 to less than about 7 and wherein the camitine is present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 1 to about 15% by weight, more preferably from about 5 to about 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, and the aqueous or hydroalcoholic support is water or a water/alcohol mixture, wherein the alcohol is preferably selected from a linear or branched C2 to C6 alcohol, more preferably from ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, in particular 1,2-propanediol, and/or wherein preferably, the water or the water/alcohol mixture is present in a quantity of from about 60% by weight to about 99% by weight, more preferably of from about 80% by weight to about 96% by weight, most preferably of from about 85% by weight to about 92% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.

Examples

[0066] The folio ng compositions could be produced, for example: [0067] Example 1: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a roll-on 01W emulsion Quantity, as b y weight Carnitine 8 Water, demineralized 20% hydrochloric acid ** q.s. pH 3.5 1,2-propanediol 0 PPG-15 stearvlether* 1 Steareth -2* 1 Steareth -21* 2.5 Fragrance 0.8 Phenoxyethanol 0.5 Antioxidant 0.05 * INCI name The hydrochloric acid was added in a quantity such that the pH mentioned in the table was obtained.

[0068] Example 2: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a roll-on 01W emulsion Quantity, as % '0 by weight Carnitine ater, demineralized 10 q s 20% hydrochloric acid ** .s. pH 4.5 1,2-propanediol 2 PPG-15 stearyl ether* 3 Steareth -2 3 Steareth -21* 4 ragrance 1.5 henoxyethanol 0.5 Antioxidant 0.9 * INC1 name The hydrochloric acid was added in a quantity such that the pH mentioned in the table was obtained.

100691 Example 3: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a roll-on 01W emulsion Quantity, as % by weight * INCI name The hydrochloric acid was added in a quantity such that the pH mentioned in the table was obtained.

100701 Example 4: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a spray W/O emulsion Quantity, as °0 by weight Fragrance 2.0 Antioxidant 1,2-propanediol PPG-15 stearylether* Steareth -21* Phenoxyethanol Carnitine Water, demineralized 20% hydrochloric acid ** q.s.

q.s. pH 4.5 1.0 2.0 Steareth -2* Carnitine Water, demineralized 8 q.s.

20% hydrochloric acid ** .s. 'H 3.5 1,2-propanediol 5 Cyclopentasiloxane 11.2 Isopropyl myristate Dow Corning ES-5227 DM Formulation Aid Fragrance Phenoxyethanol 1.0 Antioxidant The hydrochloric acid was added in a quantity such that the pH mentioned in the table was obtained. 0.05

[0071] Example 5: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a spray W/O emulsion Quantity, as % b weight Water, demineralized q.s.

20% hydrochloric acid ** 9.s. pH 4.9 1,2-propanediol 25 Cyclopentasiloxane 11.2 Isopropyl myristate 5 Dow Corning ES-5227 DM Formulation Aid Fragrance 4 Carnitine 0.1 Phenoxyethanol The hydrochloric acid was added in a quantity such that the pH mentioned in the table was obtained.

[0072] Example 6: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a spray The hydrochloric acid was added in a quantity such that the pH mentioned in the table was obtained.

[0073] Filling was carried out together with a propellant gas formed from propane and/or butane and/or isobutane in a filling ratio of 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of W/O-emulsion and 60.0 to 90.0% by weight of propellant gas.

W/O emulsion Quantity, as % weight Carnitine ater, demineralized 20% hydrochloric acid ** 1,2-propanediol Cyclopentasiloxane Isopropyl myri state ow Corning ES-5227 DM Formulation Aid Fragrance q.s.

s. pH 4.9 20 11.2 10 7.5 3 1.0 1.2

ID

Phenoxyethanol Antioxidant Antioxidant 0.05 [0074] The composition examples for sprays could be filled into an aluminium spray can, optionally coated with epoxy phenolic paint in a ratio by weight of propellant (butane/propane/isobutane mixture) to emulsion of 70: 30, 75: 25, 80:20 or 85:15 or 60:40 or 90:10.

[0075] Example 7: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a roll-on ** "The hydrochloric acid was added in a quantity such that the pH mentioned in the table was obtained.

[0076] Example 8: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a spray ump spray mixture Ouantity, as % Carnitine 10 ater, demineralized q.s.

20% hydrochloric acid ** .s. pH 3.5 96% ethanol (cosmetic, denatured) 40 Ceteareth-12 2 Ceteareth-30 2 Cooling Agent ragrance 0, 1.0 1 0 I. henoxyethanol 1.0 Antioxidant 0.2 ID eodorant substance 2.0 Carnitine ater, demineralized 20% hydrochloric acid ** 96% ethanol (cosmetic, denatured) Ceteareth-12 Ceteareth-30 ydroxyethylcellulose Fragrance henoxyethanol Antioxidant ci.s.

s. pH 3.5 2 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.2 Roll-on mixture Quantity, as weight by eodorant substance 2,0

ID

[0077] The product was mechanically applied to the skin with the spray as fine particles.

[0078] Example 9: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a spray I ump spray mixture Quantity, as % by weight Carnitine 10 Water, demineralized q. s.

20% hydrochloric acid ** 1,2-propanedi ol, optional q s pH 3.5 20.0 Ceteareth-12 Ceteareth-30 2 Cooling Agent 0.1 1.0 I ragrance I' henoxyethanol 1.0 Antioxidant 0.2 Deodorant substance 2.0 [0079] The product was mechanically applied to the skin with the spray as fine particles.

[0080] Example 9: Production of an antiperspirant composition for use as a roll-on [0081] The product was mechanically applied to the skin with the spray as fine particles.

[0082] Furthermore, tests on the antiperspirant action were carried out. In order to test the effect of carnitine, the following compositions were tested: - 10% aluminium hydrochloride, aqueous solution as benchmark - 8% carnitine dissolved in water; the pH of the sample was adjusted to 3.5 using 20% I. Carnitine ater, demineralized q s s. pH 3 5 Quantity, as by weight oil-on mixture 1. U henoxyethanol Ceteareth-12 Ceteareth-30 ydroxyethylcellulose ragrance 0.5 1.0 Antioxidant eodorant substance

ID 0.2 2.0

20% hydrochloric acid ** 1,2-propanediol, optional 20.0 hydrochloric acid.

[0083] In order to determine the antiperspirant action, an antiperspirant study was carried out on the backs of 13 female volunteers. To this end, the following sweat-inhibiting agents were used: Antiperspirant agent No. Aqueous solution with 10% aluminium hydmchionde,"ACH' *, pH 4 v-I Aqueous solution, 8% carnitine E-I** adjusted to pH 3.5 with hydrochloric acid * active substance ** composition in accordance with the invention [0084] The following were applied to the backs of 13 female volunteers, each on one side close to the spine: pi_ of the sweat-inhibiting agents V-I and respectively 75 pL of the cosmetic agent E-I. The treated sites were covered with occlusive, non-adsorbing film after 5 minutes. After 2 hours, these non-adsorbing pads were removed. The compositions were applied for four successive days, each time to the backs of the female volunteers in the manner described above.

24 h after the last application of the composition, absorbent pads were applied to the backs of the female volunteers at the sites where the compositions had been applied. Furthermore, on the other side of the spine, at the same level, pads were applied which acted as a control. After the female volunteers had sweated in a sauna for approximately 15 minutes at 80°C, the quantity of the sweat absorbed by the pads was determined grayimetrically, wherein each composition was compared with the respective corresponding untreated site on the back. The reduction in sweat was determined from the gravimetric determination of the quantity of sweat.

[0085] The reduction in sweat of the respective on compared with an untreated skin site is shown in the following table: No. Reduction in sweat v-I 56 (1/4* E 11%* [0086] The use of cosmetic agents which contain carnitine, particularly as the hydrochloride, leads to a reduction in perspiration as well as to a reduced body odour when this agent is applied to the skin.

[0087] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the various embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment as contemplated herein. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (23)

1. PATENT CLAIMS1. An antiperspirant composition for the topical treatment of the skin, comprising carnitine or its salts in an aqueous or hydroalcoholic support, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 2.5 to less than about 7.
2. 2. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains carnitine and/or its salts in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition
3. 3. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition has a pH of from about 3.2 to less than about 6.
4. 4. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition is essentially free from aluminium-containing salts.
5. 5. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in any one of claims I to 3, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition comprises a sweat-inhibiting substance selected from an inorganic or organic salt of aluminium, of zirconium, of zinc or a mixture thereof
6. 6. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sweat inhibiting substance is selected from an aluminium hydrochloride, an aluminium zirconium hydrochloride, an aluminium-zirconium-hydrochloride-glycine-complex, potassium aluminiumsulphate (KA1(SO4)2 -12 ILO, alum), sodium aluminium chlorohydroxyacetate, aluminium hydrobromide, aluminium chloride, aluminium sulphate, zinc chloride, zinc sulphocarbolate, zinc sulphate or zirconium hydrochloride.
7. 7. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the aluminium hydrochloride is selected from activated aluminium hydrochloride, aluminium sesquihydrochloride, aluminium chlorohydrexpropylene glycol (PG), aluminium chlorohydrex polyethylene glycol (PEG), aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PG, aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PEG, aluminium PG dichlorohydrex, aluminium PEG dichlorohydrex or aluminium hydroxide.
8. 8. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the aluminium zirconium hydrochloride is selected from aluminium zirconium trihydrochl ori de, aluminium zirconium tetrahydrochloride, aluminium zirconium pentahydrochloride or aluminium zirconium octahydrochloride.
9. 9. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the aluminiumzirconium-hydrochloride-glycine-complex is selected from aluminium zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium pentachlorohydrex glycine, aluminium zirconium octachlorohydrex glycine.
10. 10. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the sweat-inhibiting substance is present in the sweat-inhibiting composition in a quantity of more than 0 to about 15% by weight with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.
11. 11. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an emulsifier.
12. 12. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the emulsifier is an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier with an HLB value of from about 7 to about 20, and/or wherein the emulsifier is a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier with an HLB value of from about 2 to about 7.
13. 13. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an O/W emulsifier in a quantity of from about 0.05 to about 25% by weight with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition, and/or wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains a W/O emulsifier in a quantity of from about 0.01 to about 15% by weight with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.
14. 14. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains an 0/W emulsifier and a W/O emulsifier
15. 15. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the quantity of 0/W emulsifier is larger than the quantity of W/0 emulsifier.
16. 16. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains a cosmetic oil in a quantity of from about 1 to about 15% by weight with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.
17. 17. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition contains a stabilizer.
18. 18. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aqueous or hydroalcoholic support is water or a water/alcohol mixture.
19. 19. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein the alcohol is selected from a linear or branched C2 to C6 alcohol.
20. 20. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claim 19, wherein the alcohol is selected from ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, 1,3-propanediol, or dipropylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol.
21. 21. The antiperspirant composition as claimed in claims 18 to 20, wherein the composition contains water or the water/alcohol mixture in a quantity of from about 60% by weight to about 99% by weight with respect to the total weight of the sweat-inhibiting composition.
22. 22. Use of carnitine or a salt thereof as an antiperspirant substance n a sweat-inhibiting composition for the topical treatment of the skin.
23. 23. Use as claimed in claim 22, wherein the sweat-inhibiting composition is a sweat-inhibiting composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.