MXPA99004174A - Skin lightening compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a skin lightening cosmetic composition comprising;a) a safe and effective amount of at least one water-soluble reducing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, sodium hydrogen sulfite, potassium hydrogen sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, ammonium sulfite, ammonium hydrogen sulfite, formic acid, oxalic acid and mixtures thereof and, b) cosmetically acceptable carrier for the water-soluble reducing agent wherein the composition is substantially free of hydroquinone or its derivatives. Also disclosed is a method for skin lightening in mammals comprising topically applying to the skin said skin lightening cosmetic composition.

Description

LEATHER HAIR RENDER COMPOSITIONS FIELD OF __A IHVEMCIÓH The present invention relates to the field of skin lightening. Specifically, the present invention relates to novel compositions comprising a specific reducing agent for skin lightening. _ Í0 MJ ECEDEH IS OF U, -MVEMCIÓH The formation of melanin depends on the availability of three substances: (1) an appropriate substrate such as tyrosine and dopa. (2) molecular oxygen and (3) tyrosinase enzyme (a copper protein complex). If any of these substances is not present or is reduced, the formation of melanin is altered. The reducing agent retards the formation of melanin by means of the following three mechanisms: (1) It sequesters some of the copper-from the system .20 enzymes and the enzymatic formation of melanin is reduced by sequestering copper since the tyrosinase coenzyme is a copper protein complex. (2) The substrates necessary for the formation of melanin - (tyrosine and dopa) are formed by both bacteriological decomposition, and enzymatic protein. a decrease in activity Bacteriological will depress the proteolytic destruction and by means of this "it will cooperate in a diminishing melanogenesis since the reducing agent such as sodium sulfite is a bactericide. (3) The resistant reducing agent such as sodium sulphite by itself is oxidized preferably in melanin substrates Romanian patent application No. 100161 assigned to the Institute of Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research, (Institute of Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research), Bucharest, 10 discloses that a reducing agent such as sodium metabisulfite is used to eliminate unpleasant odor. USP4136166 assigned to Helena Rubinstein, USP4792443, assigned to Warner-Lambert, USP5514437 assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-263624 assigned to Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., state that sulphite salts, sulfite acid salts and metabisulfite salts are used as stabilizers or as antioxidants. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-20 129134 assigned to Shiseido discloses that a combination of (i) sulfite or acid sulfite and organic solvent (ii) ferrous salts and (iii) hydrogen peroxide show a clearing effect of the melanin of the hair. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-25 101609 assigned to Sansyo Pharmaceutical, No. 3-279313 assigned Shiseido, No. 4-352708 assigned to toKose, No. 63-174910 assigned to Shiseido and No. 7-25742 assigned to Kao, state that sulphites, acid sulfites and pyrosulfites have the effect of preventing the product from offering color. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. __-139928 assigned to Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., teaches that sodium acid sulfite and sodium metabisulfite are used as an antioxidant. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-10179300 assigned to Kitano Kagaku states that sodium acid sulfite is used to whiten the skin of animals. The Japanese Patents Open to the Public Nos. 7-215888, 8-12548, 8-12549, 8-12550, 8-1255.2, 8-12554, 8-12556, 8-12557, 8-12558 and 8-12565 ceded to Shiseido and the Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 59-157009 assigned to Yakurigaku Cyuo kenkyusho, discloses that a very low level of sodium acid sulfite or sodium eulphite is included in a skin rinse or in a melanin-controlling composition comprising a specific lightener. of the skin or a melanin controller active ingredient. It has been described that the water-soluble reducing agent selected from the group consisting of: sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, ammonium sulfite, sodium acid sulfite, potassium acid sulfite, ammonium acid sulfite, ! 25 sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, formic acid and oxalic acid and mixtures thereof lightens the skin of mammals. 8-MABIO 5 The present invention relates to skin-lightening cosmetic compositions comprising: a) an amount. effective and safe of at least one water-soluble reducing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, sulfite ammonium, sodium acid sulfite, potassium acid sulfite, ammonium acid sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, formic acid, oxalic acid and mixtures thereof. b) a cosmetically acceptable carrier for a water soluble reducing agent; 1 wherein the compositions are essentially free of hydroquinone or its derivatives. Preferably, the rinse-off compositions of the skin of the present invention consist of an agent water soluble reducer and lecithin. More preferably, the compositions ! skin rinsers of the present invention comprise of: (a) a water-soluble reducing agent, (b) a cosmetically acceptable oil: liquid, (c) a polyhydric alcohol, (d) a solid fatty alcohol, (e) surfactant, (f) water and (g) lecithin, wherein at least one of the above components (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) form a crystal liquid. Such compositions satisfy the need for the skin lightening effect of mammals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION As used herein, "topical application" means to apply directly or to spread on the outer skin. As used herein, "skin lightener" means to decrease melanin in the skin, including one or more final clarifications of the total base tone of the skin, clearance of hyperpigmented lesions including age spots, melanomas, Chloasma, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or pigmented spots induced by the sun. As used herein, "solid" means solid form at the temperature of 25 ° C, and "liquid" means liquid form at the temperature of 25 ° C. As used herein, all percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.

A. Reducing agent - water soluble The composition of the present invention consists of a water soluble reducing agent. The reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, ammonium sulfite, sodium acid sulfite, potassium acid sulfite, ammonium acid sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, formic acid, oxalic acid and mixtures thereof. same. ~ If the composition consists of more than about 5% by weight of the composition of the reducing agent, it will provide safety, and if it consists of less than 0.1% by weight of the composition, of the reducing agent, no sufficient effect of clearance of the agent will be expected. the skin . Preferably, the skin lightening composition of the present invention comprises from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.15% to about 5% and more preferably from about 0.2% to about 5% and preferably superlatively about 0.25% to about 5% by weight of the composition, of the reducing agent. Sodium sulfite, sodium acid sulfite, sodium metabisulfite and mixtures thereof for the reducing agent are preferred. The lightening composition of the skin of the present invention is essentially free of hydroquinone or its derivatives, and preferably hydroquinone and its derivatives. derivatives are not present in the present invention, already, which is believed to alter the lightening activity of the water-soluble reducing agent. Hydroquinone derivatives include 4- [(etrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl) oxy] phenol and 4-5 [(tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-2-yl) oxy] phenol and those which are described in WO 9523780 That. Incorporates here as a reference.

B. Lecithin 10 Preferably, the skin lightening composition of the present invention consists of a water-soluble reducing agent and lecithin. Lecithin is a natural product derived from soy or egg yolk, used to improve the lightening effect of the agent's skin reducer. If the composition comprises more than 10% by weight of the composition, of lecithin, it will cause a problem , of stickiness and if it consists of less than 0.01% by weight of the composition, of lecithin, one should not expect a sufficiently lightening effect of the skin lightening effect. of the reducing agent. Preferably, the level of lecithin in the skin lightening composition of the present invention 1 is from about 0.01% to about 10%, with more preference of about 0.5% to about 3% in weight of the composition.

C. Cosmetically Acceptable Carrier As used herein, the term "cosmetically acceptable carrier" refers to one or more other fillers, diluents, extenders or their like liquids or solids. compatible, which are cosmetically acceptable as defined herein. The term "compatible", as used herein, refers to the compounds of the composition and this invention which are capable of being mixed with the primary actives of the present invention, and , in a way that there is no interaction, which would reduce in essence the effectiveness of the composition under the (normal conditions of use.) The type of carrier used , in the present invention depends on the type of product 1 desired The topical compositions useful for the present invention can be made in a wide variety of product types and products. These include, but are not limited to: lotions, creams, gels, aerosol bars, ointments, < pastes, mousses and cosmetics (that is, solids, I semisolids, liquid makeup, including bases). This class of products may consist of various types of carriers including, but not limited to, solutions, aerosols, emulsions (including oil in ; water and water in oil), gels, solids and liposomes. i The solutions according to .pon present The invention typically includes water and organic solvents I Cosmetically acceptable. Water is a preferred solvent. Examples of suitable organic solvents include: propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (e.g. 1 Molecular Weight 200-600 g / mol), polypropylene glycol (that is to say, Molecular Weight 425-2025 g / mol), glycerol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1, 2, 6-hexanotriol, ethanol, isopropanol, esters of sorbitol, butanediol and mixtures thereof. The solutions useful in the present invention preferably contain from about 50% to approximately 99.9% water or both water as an acceptable organic solvent and the water soluble reducing agent in 1 the quantities mentioned above. 1 The aerosols according to the present invention can be formed by adding a propellant to the solution described above. Exemplary propellants include low molecular weight hydrocarbons, I chlorofluorinated. Additional propellants that are useful for the present are described in Sagarin, Cosmetic Science 1 and Technoloav, second edition, Vol. 2, pp. 443-465 (1972), incorporated here as a reference. Typically, aerosols are applied to the skin as a spray product. The emulsions according to the present invention generally contain a solution as described above and a lipid or oil. Lipids and '25 oils can be derived from animals, plants or oil and They can be natural or synthetic (that is, made by man). Preferred emulsions also contain a humectant such as glycerin. The emulsions should also contain from about 1% to about 10%, of. preferably from about 2% to about 5% of an emulsifier, based on the weight of the carrier. The emulsifiers can be nonionic, anionic or cationic. Suitable emulsifiers are described in, for example, U.S. Patent 3,755,560, issued August 28, 1973, Dickert et al .; U.S. Patent 4,421,769 issued on December 20, 1983, Dixen et al .; and MeCuteheon 's Deterqents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition, pages 317-324, (1986), each incorporated herein by reference. The emulsion may also contain an anti-foaming agent to minimize the foam at the time of application on the skin. Anti-foaming agents include high molecular weight eylicon and other materials well known in the art for this use. Preferably, the emulsions consist of a silicone to impart a preferred skin feel. Generally, these. Silicones have a low molecular weight. Suitable silicones include cyclomethicones, di eticones and mixtures with cyclomethicones, dimethicones and / or dimethiconol, such as the Dow Corning 200 fluid (especially 10 cs) and Dow Corning Q2-1401. These silicones are available for sale from Dow Corning Corp. of Midland, MI. The topical compositions of the present invention may comprise a cosmetically acceptable topical emollient. Preferably, these compositions contain from about 2% to about 50% of the emollient. As used herein, "emollient" refers to a material used for the prevention or relief of dryness, as well as for the protection of the skin. A wide variety of suitable emollients are known, which can be used with the present. _ Sagarin, Cosmetic Science and Technology, second edition, Vol. 1, pp. 32-43 (1972), incorporated herein by reference, contains many examples of suitable materials as emollients. The lotions and creams according to the present invention generally comprise a solution carrier system and one or more emollients. Typically, the lotions comprise from about 0.01% - to about 50%, preferably from about 0-1% to about 20% of emollient; and from about 30% to about 99%, preferably from about 50% to about 90% water, and the primary assets in the amounts described above. A cream typically comprises from about 5% to about 50%, preferably from about 10% to about 30% of emollient; from about 45% to about 90%, preferably from about 50% to about 85% water, and the primary assets in the aforementioned amounts.

D. Formation of a liquid crystal The lightening composition of the skin of the present invention, more preferably consists of (a) a water-soluble reducing agent, (b) a cosmetically acceptable liquid oil, (c) a polyhydric alcohol, ( d) a solid fatty alcohol, (e) surfactant, (f) water and (g) lecithin, wherein at least a portion of the above components (a), (b), (c), (d), ( e), (f) and (g) form a liquid crystal. The liquid crystal can be detected by observing the silhouette of the liquid crystal with a polarization microscope. The level of the cosmetically acceptable liquid oil in the skin lightening composition of the present invention consisting of the liquid crystal is preferably from about 1% to about 50%, more preferably about 3% a about 25% by weight of the composition. The level of the polyhydric alcohol in the skin lightening composition of the present invention consisting of a liquid crystal is preferably from about 0.1% to about 20%, more preferably from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the composition. The level of the solid fatty alcohol in the lightening composition of the skin of the present invention 110 which consists of a liquid crystal is preferably from about 0.1% to about. 20%, with a greater preference of approximately _ 1.0. to about 5% by weight of the composition. The level of the surfactant in the lightening composition of the skin of the present invention consisting of a liquid crystal is preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of . the | composition. The level of water in the lightening composition of the skin of the present invention consisting of a liquid crystal should preferably be from about 40% to about 90%, more preferably from about 60% to about 90% by weight. weight of the composition.

The level of lecithin in the lightening composition of the skin of the present invention consisting of a liquid crystal is preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the composition. The lightening composition of the skin of the The present invention consisting of liquid crystal can be made in an emulsion type product. The product type IT emulsion includes, but is not limited to: milky lotions and creams. Examples of a cosmetically acceptable liquid oil, a polyhydric alcohol, a solid fatty alcohol , and a surfactant that can be used to form a crystal liquid are as follows: (1) Cosmetically acceptable liquid oil Cosmetically acceptable liquid oil is included in the cosmetically acceptable carrier. The oil, cosmetically acceptable liquid is in liquid form at room temperature. The cosmetically acceptable liquid oil may be a hydrocarbon oil, natural liquid oil, liquid fatty alcohol, fatty acid and liquid, fatty acid ester-liquid, liquid silicone oil and paste wax and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of liquid hydrocarbons are squalane, liquid mineral oil and polybutane , liquid. Non-limiting examples of natural oil Liquid derived from plants useful for the present invention include almond oil, olive oil, sesame oil, saffron flower oil, avocado oil, cottonseed oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, soybean oil , seed oil palm, coconut oil and hydrogenated vegetable oil. The non-limiting examples of natural oil. liquid derived from animal sources useful in the present invention include mink oil and yolk oil. , egg . The non-limiting examples of liquid fatty alcohol used for the present invention are isoeetearyl alcohol, lanolin alcohol, oleyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol. octyldodecanolic alcohol, linolelic alcohol, linolenyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol and alcohol arachidyl. The fatty acid can be natural or synthetic, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched. The examples 1 non-limiting fatty acid-useful for the present invention are caprolic, isostearyl, linoleic, ; 25 ricinoleic and oleic.

Non-limiting examples of liquid fatty acid ester useful for the present invention are cetyl octanoate, glyceryl trioctanoate, isopropyl linoleate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl oleate, ethyl laurate, ethyl 5-linoleate, octyldodecyl myristate, octyl palmitate, octyl isopelargonate, octyl dodecyl lactate , isotridecyl isononanoate, oleic oleate, isostearyl myristate, neopentyl glycol dioctanoate and di (caprylic / capric acid) propylene glycol and mixtures of these same. Other suitable esters include triglycerides such as caprylic triglyceride, capric triglyceride, isostearic triglyceride and adipic triglyceride. Branched, straight, non-volatile silicone oil such as dimethicone and phenyldimethicone are also useful. Other cosmetically acceptable liquid oils include methoxyoctyl cinnamate, cinoxate and 2-ethylphenyl p-; dimethiaminobenzoate. In the present invention, one, two or more types of cosmetically acceptable liquid oils. The cosmetically acceptable liquid oil can also act as an emollient and can provide the cosmetic with adhesion and durability properties. (2) Polyhydric alcohol Polyhydric alcohol includes glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, polyglycerin, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoalkyl ether , monoalkyl diethylene glycol ether, glucose, maltose, sucrose, lactose, xylitol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, malbit, panthenol, pentaerythritol and hyaluronic acid and their salts. Glycerin is preferred among the polyhydric alcohols. In the present invention one, two or more kinds of polyhydric alcohol can be used. (3) Solid fatty alcohol Loe solid fatty alcohols include uidyl ara alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, batyl alcohol, cholesterol - and phytosterol. Among the solid fatty alcohols, cetyl alcohol is preferred. In the present invention one, two or more types of solid fatty alcohols can be used. (4) Surfactant Surfactants include nonionic surfactants and anionic efactants. 5 The non-ionic surfactants include alkanolamides such as coconut diethanolamide, and lauramide DEA, block polymers such as a block copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, ethoxy fatty acids such as propylene glycol mono-stearate, ethoxylated alcohols such as stearyl ether polyoxyethylene (20), aliphatic-ethoxylated as polyoxyethylene I nonylphenyl ether (10), fatty acids , ethoxylates such as polyethylene glycol monostearate (10 ethylene oxides), ethoxylated fatty esters such as polyoxyethylene glycerol monoetherate (5), esters and ethoxylated fatty oils such as hydrogenated polyoxyethylene castor oil (10) and polyoxyethylene sorbitol (6) beeswax, glycerol esters such as ; glyceryl monostearate and diglyceryl monostearate, I derivatives with lanolin base as lanolin polyoxyethylene, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acids, alcohols or alkylphenols such as polyoxypropylene cetyl ether (4) -polyoxyethylene (10), protein-based surfactants such as monopioglutamic monoisostearate ! of polyoxyethylene glycerin (25), sorbitan derivatives such as sorbitan monostearate, monostearate polyoxyethylene sorbitan_ (20) and polyoxyethylene sorbitol tetra-stearate (60) and sucrose and glucose esters and their derivatives such as sucrose and stearate distearate. of sucrose. Anionic surfactants include phosphate ester such as sodium polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether phosphate and cetyl phosphate DEA, organic phosphorous derivatives, phosphated oleyl ether (10 ethylene oxide) and soaps such as sodium stearate and potassium cocoate. One, doe or more kinds of surfactants may be used within the present invention.

E. Combination of Assets (1) Solar filters and blo < Sunscreens The regulation of skin darkening resulting from exposure to ultraviolet light can be achieved by using the combination of active skin brightening agents together with sunscreens or sunblocks. Useful sun blockers include, for example, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. - Ultraviolet light is a predominant cause of skin darkening. In this way, for the purpose of lightening the skin, it is convenient to combine a water-soluble reducing agent with a UVA and / or UVB sunscreen.

A wide variety of conventional solaree filter agents are suitable for use in combination with the skin lightening agent. Segarin, et al., In Chapter VIII, pages 189 et seq., Of Cosmetic 5 Science and Technolov, describes many appropriate agents. Appropriate, specific sunscreen agents include: p-aminobenzoic acid, its salts and derivatives (glyceryl, isobutyl and ethyl esters; p-dimethylaminobenzoic acid); anthranylates (i.e., o- 10 aminobenzoates, methyl, menthyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, linalyl, terpinyl and cyclohexenyl esters); salicylates (amyl esters, phenyl, benzyl, menthyl, glyceryl and dipropyleneglycol); cinnamic acid derivatives (menthyl and benzyl ester, pyruvate butyl cinnamoyl); dihydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (umbelliferone, methylumbelliferone, methylaceto-umberliferone); trihydroxy cinnamis acid derivatives (esculetin, methylesculetin, daphnetin and the glucosides, esculin and daphnin); ; hydrocarbons (diphenylbutadiene, stilbene); dibenzalacetone and benzalacetophenone; napholsulfonate (acids of sodium salts of 2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid and 2-naphthol-6,8-disulfonic acid); dihydroxy-naphthoic acid and its I salts; o- and p-hydroxybiphenyldisulfonatee; coumarin derivative (7-hydroxy, 7-methyl, 3-phenyl); diazoles (2-25 acetyl-3-bromoindazole, phenylbenzoxazole, naftoxazole methyl, several aryl benzothiazoles); quinine salts (bisulfate, sulfate, chloride, oleate and tannate); hydroxy- or methoxy-substituted acid benzophenones; uric or viluric acids; tannic acid and its derivatives (ie, 5-hexaethyl ether); ether (butyl carbothol) (6- propylpiperonil); benzophenones (oxybenzene, sulisobenzone, (dioxybenzone, benzoresorcinol, 2, 2 ', 4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,' -dimethoxybenzo-phenone, octabenzone, 4-10-isopropyldibenzoylmethaneOr-butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, ethacrylene and 4-iopropyl-di-benzoylmethane. Of ethers, 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, 4,4'-t-butyl methoxydibenzoyl-methane, 2-hydroxy-4- < methoxybenzophenone, octyldimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid, digaloyltrioleate, 2,2-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, ethyl 4- (bis (hydroxypropyl)) aminobenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3, 3-diphenylacrylate, 2-ethylhexylsacrylate, glyceryl-p-aminobenzoate , 3,3, 5-trimethylcyclohexylsalicylate, and methylanthranilate, p-dimethylaminobenzoic acid or aminobenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl-p-dimethyl-amino-benzoate, acid 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid, 2- (p-dimethylaminophenyl) -5-sulphonic-benzoxazoic acid and mixtures of these compounds are preferred. | The most preferred sunscreens, useful in the compositions of the present invention with 2-ethylhexyl-p- i methoxycinnamate, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, 2-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzophenone, octyldimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid and mixtures of these miemoe. Also, solar filters in particular useful in the compositions are disclosed in the Patent of the United States No. 4,937,370 granted to Sabatelli on 26 I June 199-0-and the United States Patent No. 4,999,186 granted to Sabatelli & Spirnak on March 12, 1991, both incorporated herein by reference. The agents of sunscreens exposed therein have, in a single molecule, two different chromophore portions, which exhibit a different ultraviolet radiation absorption spectrum. One of the chromophore portions is absorbed I predominantly in the UVB radiation range and the other -se absorbs significantly in the UVA radiation range.

! Preferred members of this class of sunscreen agents are the ester of 4-N, N- (2- I) ethylhexyU-methylaminobenzoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone; I N, N-di- (2-ethylhexyl) -4-aminobenzoic acid ester with 4- 20 hydroxydibenzoylmethane; 4-N, N- (2-, ethylhexylmethylaminobenzoic acid ester with 4-hydroxydibenzoylmethane; 4-N, N- (2-ethylhexyl) methylaminobenzoic acid ester of 2- hydroxy-4- (2-hydroxy-ethoxy) benzophenone 4-! N, N- (2-ethylhexyl) -methylaminobenzoic acid ester of 4- (2- (25-hydroxyethoxy) dibenzoylmethane; N, N-di- (2- ethylhexyl) -4-aminobenzoic acid of 2-hydroxy-4- (2-hydroxyethoxy) benzophenone; and N, N-di- (2-ethylhexyl) -4-amidobenzoic acid ester of 4- (2-hydroxyethoxy) dibenzoylmethane and mixtures thereof. A safe and effective amount of sunscreen can be used in the compositions useful in the present invention. The sunscreen agent must be compatible with the water soluble reducing agent. Preferably, the composition consists of about 1% to about J.0 20%, more preferably from about 2% to 10% of a sunscreen agent. The exact amounts will vary depending on the selected sunscreen and the Factor of 1 Solar protection (SPF) desired. i You can also add an agent to any of compositions useful for the present invention to improve the skin's durability of the compositions, particularly to improve their resistance to being washed with water or cleaned. A preferred agent that will provide this benefit is a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid. Compositions consisting of this copolymer are described in United States Patent 1 4,663,157, to Brock, issued May 5, 1987, which is incorporated herein by reference. [25 (2) Anti-inflammatory Agents In a preferred skin lightening composition useful for the present invention, an anti-inflammatory agent is included as an active together, with the water-soluble reducing agent. By including the anti-inflammatory agent, the benefits of the skin lightening composition are improved. The anti-inflammatory agent protects I significantly in the range of UVA radiation (although it also provides some UVB protection). Topical use of the anti-inflammatory agents reduces the darkening of the skin resulting from chronic exposure to UV radiation. (See United States Patent 1 4,847,071, by Bissett, Bush and Chatterjee, issued July 11, 1989, incorporated herein by reference.; and the US Pat. No. 4,847,069, from Bissett et al.

Chatterjee, granted on July 11, 1989, incorporated herein by reference.) A safe and effective amount of 1 an anti-inflammatory agent to the compositions useful for the present invention, preferably about 0. 1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 5% of. the 1 composition The exact amount of anti-inflammatory agent to be used in the compositions will depend on the ! 25 anti-inflammatory agent used in particular since these agents vary widely their potency. Stereoidal anti-inflammatory agents, including but not limited to corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, hydroxyltriacinolone, dexamethasone alfa- '5 methyl, dexamethasone-phosphate, beclomethasone dipropionate, clobetasol valerate, desonide, desoximetasone, deoxycorticosterone acetate, dexamethasone, dichlorisone, diacetate diflorasone, diflucortolone valerate, fluadrenolone, acetonide, fluclorolone, fludrocortieone, pivalate Flumetasone, acetonide fluosinolone, fluocinonide, fluocotin butylester, fluocortolone, fluprednidene acetate (flupredilidene), fflurandrenolone, haliconide, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocoisone butyrate, methylprednieolone, acetonide triansinolone, cortisone, shortdoxone, flucetonide, fludrocortisone, difluoroeona diacetate, fluradrenolone acetonide, medrieone, amcinafel, amcinafide, | betamethasone and the rest of its esters, chloroprednisone, 'chlorprednieone acetate, clocortelone, cleecinolone, dichlorisone, difluprednate, flucloronide, flunisolide, fluorometalone, fluperolone, fluprednisolone, hydrocortisone valerate, hydrocortisone cyclopentylpropionate, hydrocortamate, meprednisone, parametasone, prednisolone, prednisone, beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone, and mixtures thereof. use. The steroidal Preferred anti-inflammatory for use is hydrocortisone. A second class of anti-inflammatory agents that are useful in the compositions includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The variety of compounds encompassed by this group are well known to those skilled in the art. For a detailed description of the chemical structure, synthesis, side effects, etc., of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, reference can be obtained by means of the standard texts, which include Antiinflamatorv and Anti-; Rheumatic Druqs, K.D. Rainsford, Vol. I-III, CRC Press, Boca Ratón, (1985) and Anti-inflamatorv Aaents, Chemistrv and Pharmacolocrv, 1, R.A. Scherrer, et al. Academic Press,, New York (1974). 15 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents , specific useful for the composition of the invention , include, but are not limited to: i) oxicams, such as piroxicam, isoxicam, tenoxicam, sudoxicam and CP-14,304; Ii) salicylates, such as aspirin, disalcide, benorilate, trilisate, safaprin, solprine, diflunisal and fendosal; iii) acetic acid and its derivatives, such as diclofenac, fenclofenac, indomethacin, sulindac, '25 tolmetin, isoxepac, furofenac, tiopinac, zidomethacin, acetaminophen, fentiazac, zomepiract, clidanac, oxepinac and felbinac; - iv) the fenamates, such as mefenamic, meslophenic, flufenamic, niflumic and tolfenamic acids; v) propionic acid and its derivatives, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, - benoxaproffe, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen fenoprofen, fenbufen, indoprofen, pirprofen, carprofen, oxaprozin, pranoprofen, miroprofen, thioxaprofen, suprofen, alminoprofen and thiaprofenic; and vi) the pyrazoles, such as phenybutazone, oeifenbutazone, feprazone, aeapropazone and trimetazone.

Mixtures of these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents can also be employed, as well as the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters of these agents. For example, etofenamate, a flufenamic acid derivative, is particularly useful for topical application. Of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, ibuprofen, naproxen, flufenamic acid, mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, piroxicam and felbinac are preferred; and with greater preference, ibuprofen, naproxen and flufenamic acid. Another class of anti-inflammatory agents that are useful in the compositions are the anti-inflammatory agents described in U.S. Patent No. 4,708,966, Loomans et al., issued November 24, 1987. This patent discloses a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds that consist specifically of compounds substituted with phenyl, especially phenol derivatives substituted with 2,6-di-tert-butyl. For example, the compounds selected from 4- (4 '-pentin-3'-one) -2,6-di-t-butylphenol; 4- (5'-hexanoyl) -2,6-di-t-10-butylphenol 4- ((S) - (-) - 3 '-methyl-5'-hexanoyl) -2,6-di-t- butylphenol 4- ((R) - (+) - 3 '-methyl-5'-hexanoyl) -2,6-di-t-butylphenol and 4- (3' -, 3'-dimethoxypropionyl) -2,6- di-t-butylphenol are useful in the methods of the present invention; and more preferably 4- (5 '-hexinoyl) -2,6-d-β-15-butylphenol. Still another class of anti-inflammatory agents useful in the compositions is described in the United States No. 4,912,248, of -Mueller, granted on March 27, 1990. This patent describes compounds and mixtures '2-naphthalene specific diastereomers containing ester compounds, especially naproxen ester and naproxol ether compounds, with chiral doe or mae centroe. For example, the compounds selected from j (S) -naproxen- (S) -2-butylester, (S) -naproxen- (R) -2- 25 -butylester, (S) -naproxol- (R) -2-methylbutyrate , (S) -naproxol- (S) -2-methylbutyrate, diastereomeric mixtures of (S) -naproxen- (S) -2-butylester and (S) -naproxen- (R) -2-butylester and the diastereomeric mixtures of (S) -naproxol- ( R) -2- methylbutyrate and (S) -naproxol- (S) -2-methylbutyrate are useful in the present invention. Finally, so-called "natural" anti-inflammatory agents are useful in the methods of the present invention. For example, candelilla wax, bisabolol alfa, aloe vera, Manjistha (extracted) can be used of plants of the genus Rubi, particularly of Rubia Cordifolia) and Guggal (extracted from plants of the genus Commiphora, particularly of Commiphora Mukul). Another preferred composition useful for the present invention consists of a skin lightening agent, a '15 sunscreen, and. an anti-inflammatory agent together to lighten the skin in the amounts described individually for each one herein. (3) Radical antioxidants / cleaners I, 20 In a preferred skin lightening composition useful for the present invention, an antioxidant / radical cleanser is included as an active together with the skin lightening agent. By including the antioxidant / radical cleanser the benefits are increased '25 lighteners for the skin of the composition.

A safe and effective amount of antioxidant / radical cleanser may be added to the compositions useful for the present invention, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably from about 1% to about 5% of the composition. The antioxidants / radical cleansers such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and eue ealee, tocopherol (vitamin E), tocopherol sorbate, other tocopherol esters 110, hydroxybutyl benzoic acids and their salts, 6-hydroxy-2 acid can be used. , 5, 7, 8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic (commercially available under the tradename Trolox), gallic acid and its alkylsters, 1 especially propylgalate, uric acid and its saltse and alkylsters, sorbic acid and its salts, the ascorbyl esters of fatty acids, amines (ie, N, N; diethylhydroxylamine, amino guanidine), compueetoe-of sulfhydryl (i.e., glutathione) and dihydroxyfumic acid and their salts. In a preferred composition useful in the present invention, the compositions comprise one, either of two I or the three sunscreen agents, anti-inflammatory agent, and / or an antioxidant radical cleansing agent as active together with the skin lightening agent. "To the '25 include two or three agents with the clarifying agent of the skin, the lightening benefits for the skin of the composition are increased. (4) Chelants 5 In a preferred composition useful in the present invention, a chelating agent is included as an active together with the skin lightening agent. As used herein "chelating agent" means an active agent capable of removing a metal ion from a system by forming a complex , 10 so that the metal ion or "can easily participate in (chemical reactions or catalyze them.) By including a blowing agent, the lightening benefits for the skin of the composition are increased, a safe and effective amount can be added.

A chelating agent to the compositions useful for the present invention, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 1% to about 5% of the composition.

'Loe quelantee útilee in the compositions are described in US Patent Application Serial No. 619,805, by Bissett, Bush & Chatterjee, filed on November 27, 1990 (which is a continuation of the Patent Application of United States Patent No. 251,910, filed October 4, 1988); Patent request of the United States Serial No. 514,892, from Bush & Bissett, presented on April 26, 1990; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 657,847, to Bush, Bissett & Chatterjee, filed on February 25, 1991; all of them incorporated here as - reference. The preferred chelators useful in the compositions of the present invention are furthyloxime and the derivatives of the miema. In a preferred composition useful in the present invention, the compositions consist of one, any of the two, three or four of a - sunscreen agent, anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant / radical cleansing agent and / or chelating agent, included as active together with the skin lightening agent. By including two, three or t the four agents with the skin lightening agent ee increase the lightening benefits for the skin of the ! composition. (5) Retinoids i In a preferred composition useful in the present invention, A retinoid, preferably retinoic acid, is included as an active together with the skin lightening agent.

By including the retinoid the benefits are increased I lighteners for the skin of the composition. It can 'add a safe and effective amount of a retinoid to the compositions useful in the present invention, of preferably from about 0.001% to about 2%, with greater "" preference from about Q.01% to about 1% of the composition. As used herein, the term "retinoid" includes all synthetic and / or natural Vitamin A analogs or retinol-like compounds that possess the biological activity of Vitamin A in the skin as well as geometric and stereoisomeric isomers of these. compounds, like all trans-retinoic acid and 13-cis-retinoic acid. In a preferred composition useful in the present invention, the compositions consist of one, any of , two, three or four and / or all five.- solar filter agent, anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant / radical cleansing agent, chelating agent and / or retinoid included 0. 5 as active together with the skin lightening agent. To the 1 include two, three, four or the five agents with the agent Skin lightening will increase the lightening benefits and the composition. i [20 (6) Other optional compounds 1 Other optional compounds include thickeners such as carboxyvinyl polymer, preservatives, pigments in paste and liquids, astringents, pH regulators, perfumes, infrared filtering agents, lipids amphoteric and amorphous solids, vitamins, nutrients and agent conditioning of the skin. The useful skin conditioning agents are beta-glycyrrhetic acid and its derivatives, plant extracts, allantoin, collagen and elastin fibers extracted and treated.

F. Methods for lightening mammalian skin The present invention also relates to methods for lightening the skin of mammals that consist of a topical application of the skin lightening composition of the present invention. Xa amount of agent , active and frequency of application will vary widely depending on the color of the existing skin in the subject, the proportion of greater darkening of the skin and the level of desired clearance. A safe and effective amount of skin lightening agent is applied in the topical composition, generally from about 1 mg to about 10 mg per cm * of skin, per application, preferably from about 2 mg to about 8 _ mg / cm2 of skin, per application, more preferably about 3 • mg to about 7 mg / cm3 of skin, also preferably superlatively from about 4 mg to about 5 mg / cm of skin. Preferably, the application varies from approximately four times a day to approximately twice a week, "preferably from three times a day to approximately once a day, more preferably from approximately once a day to approximately twice a day." -Application of at least five days is required to notice the effect skin lightener in lower animals Application of at least one month is required to note the effect on humans After the clarification is achieved, the frequency and dosage can be reduced to a maintenance level, as desired The maintenance varies according to the individual, but is preferred from about 1/10 to about., More preferably from about 1/5 to about 1/3 of the original dosage and / or frequency as required. A preferred method of the present invention for lightening mammals skin involves applying the skin lightening composition of the present invention which also consists of a safe amount and effective one or more sunscreen agents, an anti-inflammatory agent, a radical antioxidant / cleansing agent, a chelating agent and / or a retinoid. The amount of sunscreen agent is preferably applied from about 0.01 mg to about 0.1 mg per cm2 of skin. Preferably, the amount of anti-inflammatory agent applied is about 0.005 mg to about 0.5 mg per cm2 of skin, more preferably from about 0.01 mg to about 0.1 mg per cm2 of skin. The amount of antioxidant agent / radical cleansing agent is preferably applied, from about 0.01 mg to about 1.0 mg, with "greater preference from about 0.05 mg to about 0.5 mg per cm of skin." The amount of chelating agent is applied, preferably from about .001 mg to about .1.0 mg, more preferably from about 0.01 mg to about 0.5 mg and even superlative preference from about 0.05 mg to about 0.1 mg per skin c.Preferably, the amount of retinoid applied is from about 0.001 mg to about 0.5 mg per-cm2 of skin, more preferably from about 0.005 mg to about 0.1 mg per cm2 of skin The amount of skin lightening agent to be applied is preferably from about 0.001 mg to about 2 mg per cm2 of skin for each application and preferably superlative of approximately 0.01 mg to approximately 1 mg per cm2 of skin, per ap lication.

G. METHOD FOR MAKING A SKIN MAKING COMPOSITION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION A skin lightening composition of the present invention invention can be done by a conventional method.

However, if the skin lightening composition of the present invention consists of a liquid crystal, the composition can be made by following the steps below: (i) mixing a cosmetically acceptable liquid oil, a fatty alcohol, a surfactant and lecithin at a temperature of 60 ° C to 100 ° C to "get the mixture 1; and (ii) mixing a water-soluble reducing agent, polyhydric alcohol and water with mixture 1, while maintaining a temperature of 45 ° C at 100 ° C. The mixture obtained by the previous steps (i) and (ii) is usually cooled to room temperature. The other components can be mixed according to the conventional manner, however, generally the oil-soluble compounds can be added in step (i) above and the water-soluble compounds can be added in the above (ii). The crystal clear can be detected by observing the shape of the liquid crystal with a polarization microscope.

H. EXAMPLES The following examples further describe and demonstrate the embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as limitative of the present invention, as the variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. "* - Composition No. 1 of the present invention is shown in Table 1. Compoeicionee No. 2-5 of the present invention are shown in Tables 2-5.

Procedure for making Composition No. 1 caprylic / capric triglyceride (Migyol 812), cetyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene monostearate (40) and 115 lecithin are mixed together and heated to 70 ° C. Afterwards, the sodium sulfite, acid-sodium eulphite, deionized water and glycerin are added to the mixture with stirring and the mixture is emulsified. After this, emulsified mixture is cooled to room temperature with stirring to obtain an emulsion with a liquid crystal. The emulsion with the liquid crystal and all the above ingredients are mixed together to obtain Composition No. 1. The compuets of Composition No. 1 are shown in the Table 1. , 25 Table 1 Composition No. 1: Emulsion with liquid crystal Compound Quantity (weight%) Lecithin - 3.00 Polyoxyethylene (40) monostearate (Myrj 52) 1.00 Cetyl alcohol 1.00 Caprilic / Capric Triglyceride (Migyol 812) 15.00 Tocoferol D-delta 0.10 Glycerin 5.00 Propylparaben 0.10 Methylparaben 0.20 Deionized water 72.13 Sodium acid sulphite (manufactured by Nacalai - Tesque, INC.) 0.08 Sulfite -sodium 0.20 Sodium hydroxide 0.59 Carboxy vinyl polymer (Carbopol 980) 1.00 Benzyl Alcohol 0.60 Composition No. 1 shows a strong lightening activity of the skin.

Table 2 Composition No. 2 Lightening lotion with lecithin (Without liquid crystal) Compound Quantity f% weight) Denatured alcohol 5.00 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) 1,200 Lecithin 0.020 Deionised water 87,160 Sodium acid sulphite (manufactured by Nacalai tesque, INC.) 0.100 - Sodium sulphite 0.200 1,3-Butylene Glycol 4,000 Glycerin 2,000 EDTA-2Na 0.100 Methylparaben 0.150 Anhydrous citric acid _ 0.020 Sodium citrate _ _ _0.050 Composition No. 2 can be prepared, for example, by the following method: __ _ 1. Denatured alcohol, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and lecithin, are mixed and dissolved at room temperature (25 ° C) to obtain the mixture 1. Deionized water, sulfite, sodium acid, edetic sulfite, 1, 3-but? lenglol, Glycerin, EDTA-2Na, methylparaben, anhydrous citric acid and sodium citrate at room temperature (25 ° C) are dissolved. to obtain the mixture 2. The mixture 1 and the mixture 2 are mixed together to obtain the composition No. 2 .

Table 3 Composition No. 3 Milky lotion with lecithin (Without liquid crystal) Component Quantity i% weight) 1,200 decaglyceryl monostearate Lecithin 0.500 Cholesterol 0.050 C10-30 Cholesterol / lanosterol esters 1,000 0 Escualano 3,000 Glyceryl trioctanate 4.000 Propylparaben 0.050 Tocoferol D-delta 0.050 Deionized water 80,720 5 Sodium acid sulphite (manufactured by Nacalai tesque, INC.) "0.100 Sodium sulphite 0.300 i Polycarboxylic polymer (Carbopol 941) 0.300-5 1, 3-Butylene glycol 6,000 ~~ 0 Glycerin 2,500 Methylparaben 0.100 EDTA-2Na 0.050 E80 hydroxide Composition No. 3 can be prepared, for example, by the following method: 1. Deglyceryl monoetherate, lecithin, cholesterol, C10-30 cholesterol / lanosterol esters, squalane, glyceryl trioctanoate, propylparaben and D-delta Tocopherol are mixed and dissolve at a temperature of 80 ° C to obtain mixture 1. 2. Deionized water, eulic acid eodium, sodium sulfite, carboxyvinyl polymer (Carbopol 941), 1,3-butylene glycol, glycerin, methylparaben,? DTA-2Na and sodium hydroxide is dissolved at a temperature of 80 ° C to obtain mixture 2. 3. Mix 1 and mix 2 are mixed at a temperature of 80 ° C, then cooled to a room temperature (25 ° C) to obtain composition No. 3.

Table 4 Composition No. 4: Milky lotion with liquid crystal Compound Amount (% weight) Polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (100) - 0.500 Stearic acid 0.550 Lecithin 0.800 Cetyl Alcohol 1,300 Monohydroxy glyceryl stearate 0.750 Cetilico palmitate - 3.000 Petrolatum 2.000 Liquid paraffin 2,000 Octyldodeclic myristate 0.500 Methyl polysiloxane (350CS) ~~ - 0.300 Deionized water 84,200 Sodium acid sulphite (manufactured by Nacalai tes ue, INC.) 0.100 - Sodium sulphite 0.300 Carboxylic polymer (Carbopol 941) 0.050 Acrylates / C10-30 crosslinked polymer Alkyl-acrylate 0.075 Glycerin 3.000 Methylparaben 0.200 PropiIparaben 0.150 EDTA-4Na - 0.100 Potassium Hydroxide - 0.125 Composition No. 4 can be prepared, for example, by the following method: -, 1. Polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether, stearic acid, lecithin, cetyl alcohol, stearate > 5 glyceryl monohydroxy, cetyl palmitate, petrolatum, liquid paraffin, octyldodecyl myristate and methyl polysiloxane (350CS) are mixed and dissolved at a temperature of 80 ° C to obtain mixture 1. 2. Deionized water, sulfite, sodium acid, sulfite Sodium, carboxyvinyl polymer - (Carbopol 941), acrylates / C10-30 crosslinked alkyl acrylate polymer, glycerin, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, EDTA-4Na and potassium hydroxide , dissolve at the temperature of 80 ° C to obtain the Mixture 2. '3. Mixture 1 and Mixture 2 are mixed at a temperature of 80 ° C, then cooled to room temperature (25 ° C) to obtain composition No. 4.

Table 5 Composition No. 5: Cream with liquid crystal Compound Quantity (% weight) Stearic acid 0.25Q Stearate PEG 100 0.250 Lecithin 1,000 Cetyl Alcohol 1,800 Stearyl alcohol 1,200 Petrolatum 1.500 Liquid Paraffin 2.000" Isopropyl palmitate -1,000 Methyl polysiloxane (350CS) 0.500 Deionized water 80.690 Sodium acid sulphite (manufactured by Nacalai tesque, INC.) - 0.100 Sodium sulphite - 0.300 Carboxyvinyl polymer (Carbopol 934) 0.600 Glycerin 8,000: Methylparaben 0.250 Propylparaben 0.150 EDTA-2Na 0.100 Sodium hydroxide 0.310 i The Composition -No. 5 can be prepared, for example, by the following method: 1. Stearic acid, PEG 100 stearate, lecithin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, petrolatum, liquid paraffin, isopropyl palmitate and methyl polysiloxane (350CS) are mixed and dissolved at the temperature of 80 ° C to obtain the mixture 1. 2. Deionized water, sulfite, sodium acid, sodium sulfite, carboxyvinyl polymer. { Carbopol 934), -. 10 - Glycerin-, methylparaben, propylparaben, EDTA-2Na and sodium hydroxide are dissolved at the temperature "-of 80 ° C to obtain the mixture 2. 3. The mixture 1 and the mixture 2 are mixed at the temperature of 80 ° C, then cooled to room temperature (25 ° C) to obtain composition No. 5. The compositions of the present invention have a strong, skin lightening effect on mammals compared to compositions consisting of hydroquinone derivatives. EXEMPLARY METHOD This example establishes a method for lightening the skin of mammals using a composition of the present invention. 25 The composition of Example No. 1 is applied in the following form: 5mg / cm2 of skin per application, three times a day for a month. After a month, a strong skin lightening effect is noticed. Once the desired level of skin clearance is reached, the treatment is reduced to a daily application, to maintain the level of clearance. It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that a person skilled in the art can suggest various changes or modifications and should be included within the spirit and focus of this application and scope of the appended claims. -

Claims (16)

1. REGVIMDICACIOHES; A cosmetic skin lightening composition comprising: a) a safe and effective amount of at least one water-soluble reducing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, ammonium eulphite, sulfite, sodium acid, potassium sulfide, sulfite, ammonium acid, eisodic metabisulfite, potassium metabisulphite, formic acid, oxalic acid and mixtures thereof; and b) a cosmetically acceptable carrier; wherein the composition is essentially free of hydroquinone or derivative.
2. The cosmetic lightening composition of the skin according to claim 1, which comprises from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition, of the water-soluble reducing agent.
3. 3. The cosmetic lightening composition of the skin according to claim 1, further comprising 0 lecithin.
4. 4. The lightening cosmetic composition of the skin according to claim 3, which comprises from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the Composition, of the water-soluble reducing agent. __ 5
5. 5. The lightening cosmetic composition of the The skin according to claim 4, wherein the water-soluble reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite, sodium acid sulfite, sodium methylsulphite and mixtures thereof.
6. 6. The skin lightening cosmetic composition according to claim 1, comprising: a) a safe and effective amount of at least one water-soluble reducing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, sulfite 0 ammonium, sulfite, sodium acid, sulfite, potassium, Acid-ammonium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, metabisulfite and potassium, formic acid, oxalic acid and mixtures thereof; i b) a cosmetically acceptable liquid oil; 5 c) a polyhydric alcohol; d) a solid fatty alcohol; i e) a surfactant; f) water; and g) lecithin 0 wherein the composition is essentially free of hydroquinone or its derivatives, and at least a portion of the above compounds (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) ) and (g) form a liquid crystal.
7. 7. The lightening cosmetic composition of the skin according to claim 6, comprising: a) from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition, of the water-soluble reducing agent b) from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the composition, of the cosmetically acceptable, clear oil; c) from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the composition, of the polyhydric alcohol; d) from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the composition, of the solid fatty oil; e) from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the composition, of the surfactant; f) from about 40% to about 90% by weight of the composition, of water; and g) from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition, of lecithin.
8. The cosmetic lightening composition of the skin according to claim 7, wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group comprising sodium sulfite, sodium acid sulfite, sodium metabisulfite and mixtures thereof.
9. 9. The lightening cosmetic composition of the skin according to claim 7, wherein the cosmetically acceptable liquid oil is a triglyceride.
10. The composition - cosmetic lightening of the The skin according to claim 7, wherein the "cosmetically acceptable liquid oil" is a caprylic / capric triglyceride 11.
11. The lightening cosmetic composition of the skin according to claim 7, wherein the "polyhydric alcohol is glycerin.
12. The cosmetic lightening composition of the skin according to claim 7, wherein the solid fatty alcohol is cetyl alcohol.
13. 13. The cosmetic skin lightening composition according to claim 7, wherein "the composition is an emulsion."
14. 14. The method for lightening the skin of mammals that consists of a topical application to the skin of the lightening cosmetic composition of the skin. The skin of claim 2.
15. 15. The method according to claim 14, which comprises a topical application to the skin of the skin lightening cosmetic composition of claim 8.
16. 16. A process for preparing a cosmetic lightening composition of the skin. skin consisting of the steps of: (i) mixing (a) a cosmetically acceptable liquid oil - (b) a solid fatty alcohol (c) a surfactant; (d) lecithin at the temperature of 60 ° C to 100 ° C to obtain mixture 1, and (ii) mixing with mixture 1 (e) a water-soluble reducing agent (f) a polyhydric alcohol, and (g) water while maintaining the temperature at 45 ° C to 100 ° C where the composition is essentially free of hydroquinone or its derivatives, and at least a portion of the above compounds (a), (b), ( c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) form a liquid crystal. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A cosmetic lightening composition of the skin is described which comprises: a) a safe and effective amount of at least one water-soluble reducing agent , Selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, sodium acid sulfite, sulfite, potassium acid, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, ammonium sulfite, ammonium sulphite, formic acid, oxalic acid and mixtures thereof and b) a The cosmetically acceptable carrier for the water soluble reducing agent, wherein the composition is essentially free of hydroquinone and its derivatives. Also disclosed is a method for lightening the skin of mammals that consists of a topical application to the skin of the cosmetic composition. I 15 skin lightener. P804 i