WO2000012059A1

WO2000012059A1 - Methods of reducing the irritation associated with vitamin b3 compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2000012059A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/019206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Robert Tanner; Timothy John Fowler; Robert Bao Kim Ha
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1998-08-27
Filing date: 1999-08-24
Publication date: 2000-03-09
Also published as: AU5686799A

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of reducing the irritation associated with cosmetic and/or dermatologic compositions containing vitamin B3 compounds by simultaneously administering a pantothenic acid derivative.

Description

METHODS OF REDUCING THE IRRITATION ASSOCIATED WITH VITAMIN B3 COMPOSITIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions and methods useful in reducing the irritation associated with cosmetic and or dermatologic compositions containing vitamin B3 compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is the common name for nicotinic acid. The physiologically active form of niacin is niacinamide, also a member of the vitamin B3 family of compounds. Niacin and niacinamide (nicotinic acid amide) function in the body as components of two coenzymes: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). Until recently, these vitamin B3 compounds were used exclusively to treat niacin deficiency and pellegra.

Today, however, vitamin B3 compounds have also found use in the area of skin care actives.

British Patent 1,370,236 describes compositions for skin lightening containing 0.5% to 10% niacin. Similarly, U.S. Patent 4,096,240 discloses the use of 0.1% to 10% niacinamide for skin lightening. Vitamin B3 compounds have also been found useful in regulating the texture of human skin. See PCT application WO 97/39733, to Oblong et al.

Notwithstanding these skin care benefits, vitamin B3 compounds can be somewhat irritating in association with certain environmental factors (e.g., hot and/or humid conditions) and/or individual hypersensitivities, thereby, causing individuals to refrain from using vitamin B3 products as frequently and copiously as is necessary to obtain an optimum benefit.

Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid, a well known nutritional factor. The use of panthenol in skin care products, e.g. shampoos and skin lotions is also known. It has been reported that panthenol, for example in combination with zinc oxide, provides an acceleration of superficial wound healing (see, H. Weise et al., "Acceleration of Superficial Wound Healing by Panthenol Zinc Oxide", Cosmetics and Toiletries, vol. 103, pp. 79-84, October 1988).

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a well known anti-oxidant/radical scavenger. The use of tocopherol and tocopherol derivatives in skin care products, e.g. shampoos and skin lotions is also known. It has been reported that tocopherol-based anti-oxidant/radical scavengers such as tocopherol acetate, an ester of tocopherol, are especially useful for providing protection against UV radiation which can cause increased scaling or texture changes in the stratum corneum and against other environmental agents which can cause skin damage.

It has been found in the present invention that compositions containing vitamin B3 compounds in combination with pantothenic acid or a pantothenic acid derivatives not only retain the skin care benefits of the vitamin B3 compounds, but reduce the skin irritation and drying associated with conventional vitamin B3 products as a result of certain environmental and/or physiologic factors. It has further been found that preferred compositions containing a tocopherol-based anti-oxidant/radical scavenger (tocopherol acetate) also provide skin moisturization and further protect the skin. These compositions have improved user acceptance and, thus, promote better user compliance with concomitant overall improved skin care benefits.

It is therefore another aspect of the present invention to provide methods for treating or preventing hair and/or skin disorders.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide methods for treating or preventing hair and/or skin disorders which are gentler, and thus less irritating and drying to the skin under certain environmental and/or physiologic situations.

An even further aspect of the present invention is to provide methods for treating or preventing hair and/or skin disorders utilizing a combination of one or more vitamin B3 compounds with pantothenic acid or a pantothenic acid derivative.

An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide methods for treating or preventing hair and/or skin disorders utilizing a combination of a vitamin B3 compound with panthenol. A still further aspect of the present invention is to provide less irritating compositions for treating or preventing hair and/or skin disorders under hot and/or humid conditions.

It has also been found in the present invention that skin care actives containing from about 40% to about 90% of niacinamide in combination with from about 5% to about 30% of panthenol, and from about 5% to about 30% of tocopherol acetate are useful in skin care compositions for reducing the irritant effect associated with topical application of cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions comprising niacinamide as the vitamin B3 compound, while also providing skin benefits associated with niacinamide and providing the moisturization and skin benefits of tocopherol acetate.

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide such actives for use in treating or preventing hair and/or skin disorders. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide such actives in a topical skin care composition with a dermatologically acceptable carrier and methods of using such compositions on the skin.

These and other aspects will become readily apparent from the detailed description which follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of preventing and/or reducing the irritant effect associated with the topical application of cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions comprising a vitamin B3 compound, comprising the steps of administering to the skin a safe and effective amount of a cosmetic and/or dermatologic composition, comprising: i). a safe and effective amount of a vitamin B3 compound; ii). an effective amount of a pantothenic acid, derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof effective to reduce the skin irritation induced by the vitamin B3

compound; and iii). a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The present invention also relates to compositions useful as less-irritating skin care actives comprising a vitamin B3 compound, a pantothenic acid derivative, and a tocopherol-based anti- oxidant/free radical scavenger. The present invention further relates to topical skin care compositions comprising preferred amounts of niacinamide, panthenol, tocopherol acetate, and a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The present invention even further relates to methods of treating the skin with such less-irritating compositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compositions and methods of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of steps incorporating and/or using the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of the skin care compositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified.

The term "safe and effective amount" as used herein means an amount of a compound or composition sufficient to significantly induce a positive benefit, preferably a positive skin appearance or feel benefit, including independently the benefits disclosed herein, but low enough to avoid serious side effects, i.e., to provide a reasonable benefit to risk ratio, within the scope of sound judgment of the skilled artisan. The term "effective amount", as used herein, means an amount sufficient to provide a skin protective or therapeutic effect.

The terms "irritating" or "irritation," as used herein, refer to the symptoms associated with acute or chronic irritation. Examples of such symptoms include, but are not limited to, pruritus, inflammation, minor rashes, burning, stinging, redness, sensitivity, sensation of heat, flaking/scaling, and the like. Vitamin B3 Component

The compositions of the present invention comprise a safe and effective amount of a natural or synthetic vitamin B3 compound. The compositions of the present invention can comprise from above

0.1% to about 50%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 20%, even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% of the vitamin B3 compound, and most preferably from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

The less-irritating skin care actives of the present invention preferably comprise from about 40% to about 90%, preferably from about 45% to about 85%, more preferably from about 50% to about 80% by weight of the active of the vitamin B3 compound.

As used herein, "vitamin B3 compound" means a compound having the formula:

wherein R is - CONH2 (i.e., niacinamide), - COOH (i.e., nicotinic acid) or - CH2OH (i.e., nicotinyl alcohol); derivatives thereof; and salts of any of the foregoing.

Exemplary derivatives of the foregoing vitamin B3 compounds include nicotinic acid esters, including non-vasodilating esters of nicotinic acid, nicotinyl amino acids, nicotinyl alcohol esters of carboxylic acids, nicotinic acid N-oxide and niacinamide N-oxide.

Suitable esters of nicotinic acid include nicotinic acid esters of CJ-C22, preferably C_j-C_jg, more preferably C_j-Cg alcohols. The alcohols are suitably straight-chain or branched chain, cyclic or acyclic, saturated or unsaturated (including aromatic), and substituted or unsubstituted. The esters are preferably non-rubifacient. As used herein, "non-rubifacient" means that the ester does not commonly yield a visible flushing response after application to the skin in the subject compositions (the majority of the general population would not experience a visible flushing response, although such compounds may cause vasodilation not visible to the naked eye). Alternatively, a nicotinic acid material which is rubifacient at higher doses could be used at a lower dose to reduce the rubifacient effect. Non-rubifacient esters of nicotinic acid include tocopherol nicotinate and inositol hexanicotinate; tocopherol nicotinate is preferred. Other derivatives of the vitamin B3 compound are derivatives of niacinamide resulting from substitution of one or more of the amide group hydrogens. Nonlimiting examples of derivatives of niacinamide useful herein include nicotinyl amino acids, derived, for example, from the reaction of an activated nicotinic acid compound (e.g., nicotinic acid azide or nicotinyl chloride) with an amino acid, and nicotinyl alcohol esters of organic carboxylic acids (e.g., Cl - C18). Specific examples of such derivatives include nicotinuric acid and nicotinyl hydroxamic acid, which have the following chemical structures: nicotinuric acid:

nicotinyl hydroxamic acid:

Exemplary nicotinyl alcohol esters include nicotinyl alcohol esters of the carboxylic acids salicylic acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, palmitic acid and the like. Other non-limiting examples of vitamin B3 compounds useful herein are 2-chloronicotinamide, 6-aminonicotinamide, 6- methylnicotinamide, n-methyl-nicotinamide, n,n-diethylnicotinamide, n-(hydroxymethyl)-nicotinamide, quinolinic acid imide, nicotinanilide, n-benzylnicotinamide, n-ethylnicotinamide, nifenazone, nicotinaldehyde, isonicotinic acid, methyl isonicotinic acid, thionicotinamide, nialamide, l-(3- pyridylmethyl) urea, 2-mercaptonicotinic acid, nicomol, and niaprazine.

Examples of the above vitamin B3 compounds are well known in the art and are commercially available from a number of sources, e.g., the Sigma Chemical Company (St. Louis, MO); ICN Biomedicals, Inc. (Irvin, CA) and Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, WI).

One or more vitamin B3 compounds may be used herein. Preferred vitamin B3 compounds are niacinamide and tocopherol nicotinate. Niacinamide is more preferred.

When used, salts, derivatives, and salt derivatives of niacinamide are preferably those having substantially the same efficacy as niacinamide in the methods of regulating skin condition described herein.

Salts of the vitamin B3 compound are also useful herein. Nonlimiting examples of salts of the vitamin B3 compound useful herein include organic or inorganic salts, such as inorganic salts with anionic inorganic species (e.g., chloride, bromide, iodide, carbonate, preferably chloride), and organic carboxylic acid salts (including mono-, di- and tri- Cl - C18 carboxylic acid salts, e.g., acetate, salicylate, glycolate, lactate, malate, citrate, preferably monocarboxylic acid salts such as acetate). These and other salts of the vitamin B3 compound can be readily prepared by the skilled artisan, for example, as described by W.

Wenner, "The Reaction of L-Ascorbic and D-Isoascorbic Acid with Nicotinic Acid and Its Amide", J. Organic Chemistry, VOL. 14, 22-26 (1949), which is incorporated herein by reference. Wenner describes the synthesis of the ascorbic acid salt of niacinamide.

In a preferred embodiment, the ring nitrogen of the vitamin B3 compound is substantially chemically free (e.g., unbound and/or unhindered), or after delivery to the skin becomes substantially chemically free ("chemically free" is hereinafter alternatively referred to as "uncomplexed"). More preferably, the vitamin B3 compound is essentially uncomplexed. Therefore, if the composition contains the vitamin B3 compound in a salt or otherwise complexed form, such complex is preferably substantially reversible, more preferably essentially reversible, upon delivery of the composition to the skin. For example, such complex should be substantially reversible at a pH of from about 5.0 to about 6.0. Such reversibility can be readily determined by one having ordinary skill in the art.

More preferably the vitamin B3 compound is substantially uncomplexed in the composition prior to delivery to the skin. Exemplary approaches to minimizing or preventing the formation of undesirable complexes include omission of materials which form substantially irreversible or other complexes with the vitamin B3 compound, pH adjustment, ionic strength adjustment, the use of surfactants, and formulating wherein the vitamin B3 compound and materials which complex therewith are in different phases. Such approaches are well within the level of ordinary skill in the art.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the vitamin B3 compound contains a limited amount of the salt form and is more preferably substantially free of salts of a vitamin B3 compound. Preferably the vitamin

B3 compound contains less than about 50% of such salt, and is more preferably essentially free of the salt form. The vitamin B3 compound in the compositions hereof having a pH of from about 4 to about 7 typically contain less than about 50% of the salt form.

The vitamin B3 compound may be included as the substantially pure material, or as an extract obtained by suitable physical and/or chemical isolation from natural (e.g., plant) sources. The vitamin B3 compound is preferably substantially pure, more preferably essentially pure.

Vitamin B3 compounds which exist in crystalline form are particularly preferred for use herein.

Pantothenic Acid Derivatives

Another essential component of the compositions useful in the methods of the instant invention is pantothenic acid and/or a pantothenic acid precursor or derivative. Pantothenic acid, which is also known as N-(2,4-dihydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyryl)-B-alanine, is a member of the B complex vitamins and is sometimes known as vitamin B₅. Pantothenic acid is a dietary essential for most mammals. The material can exist as the D(+) form, the L(-) form, and the racemate. See The Merck Index, Tenth Edition, entry 6877, p. 1007 (1983); this reference is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A variety of pantothenic acid precursors or derivatives are known and or can be synthesized. Nonlimiting examples include the alcohol, aldehyde, alcohol esters, acid esters, and the like. Suitable examples are detailed in U.S. Patents 3,230,228; 4,514,338; 4,602,036; 5,136,093; and 5,750,122, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Especially preferred for use in the compositions of the instant invention is the alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid. This alcohol, which is also known as panthenol, pantothenol, pantothenyl alcohol, and 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3- dimethylbutanamide is a stable source of pantothenic acid activity. Like the parent acid, panthenol can exist as the D(+) form, the L(-) form, and the racemate. See The Merck Index, Tenth Edition, entry 2910, p. 426 (1983); this reference is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The pantothenic acid precursors or derivatives are effective in reducing the irritation caused by vitamin B3 compounds as a result of individual factors (e.g., hypersensitivity) and/or environmental conditions. With respect to environmental conditions, the irritation reducing compositions of the present invention are preferably administered under environmental temperatures of from about 20°C to about 55°C, preferably from about 25°C to about 50°C, most preferably from about 30°C to about 45°C and/or relative humidities of from about 50% to about 100%, preferably from about 65% to about 100%, most preferably from about 80% to about 100%.

The pantothenic acid and or pantothenic acid precursor or derivative of the compositions useful in the instant invention is present from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, and most preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.5%.

Preferred for use in these compositions is from about 0.1% to about 10% panthenol by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.5%, and most preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight of the composition. D- panthenol, also known as dexpanthenol, is particularly preferred for use herein.

Preferred for use in these less-irritating skin care actives is from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the active, preferably from about 7.5% to about 30%, most preferably from about 10% to about 30%.

Tocopherol-Based Anti-oxidant/Free Radical Scavenger

Preferred compositions of the present invention comprise a safe and effective amount of a tocopherol-based anti-oxidant/radical scavenger. Preferred tocopherol-based anti-oxidant/radical scavengers are selected from tocopherol (vitamin E), tocopherol acetate, tocopherol sorbate, and other esters of tocopherol, preferably tocopherol acetate. For example, the use of tocopherol esters including tocopherol acetate in topical compositions and applicable to the present invention is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,786,384, issued on July 28, 1998 to Ismail, incorporated herein by reference.

Most preferred for use in these compositions is from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition of tocopherol acetate.

Preferred for use in the skin care active is from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the skin care active of tocopherol acetate, more preferably from about 7.5% to about 30%, most preferably from about 10% to about 30%.

Carrier

Another ingredient that is essential to topical application compositions and methods of the present invention is a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The phrase "dermatologically -acceptable carrier", as used herein, means that the carrier is suitable for topical application to the skin, has good aesthetic properties, is compatible with the actives of the present invention and any other components, and will not cause any untoward safety or toxicity concerns A safe and effective amount of carrier is from about 50% to about 99.99%, preferably from about 80% to about 99.9% more preferably from about 90% to about 98%, most preferably from about 90% to about 95% of the composition.

The carrier can be in a wide variety of forms. For example, emulsion carriers, including, but not limited to, oil-in-water, water-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water, and oil-in-water-in-silicone emulsions, are useful herein. Examples of suitable oils and silicones for use herein are found in U.S. Patents 5,759,524 to Tanner et al. and 5,069,897 to Orr et al., both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. These emulsions can cover a broad range of viscosities, e.g, from about 100 cps to about 200,000 cps. These emulsions can also be delivered in the form of sprays using either mechanical pump containers or pressurized aerosol containers using conventional propellants. These carriers can also be delivered in the form of a mousse. Other suitable topical carriers include aqueous-based single phase liquid solvents (e.g., hydro-alcoholic solvent systems); and thickened versions of these aqueous-based single phase solvents (e.g., where the viscosity of the solvent has been increased to form a solid or semi-solid by the addition of appropriate gums, resins, waxes, polymers, salts, and the like). Examples of topical carrier systems useful in the present invention are described in the following four references all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: "Sun Products Formulary" Cosmetics & Toiletries, vol. 105, pp. 122-139 (December 1990); "Sun Products Formulary", Cosmetics & Toiletries, vol. 102, pp. 117- 136 (March 1987); U.S. Patent No. 4,960,764 to Figueroa et al., issued October 2, 1990; and U.S. Patent No. 4,254,105 to Fukuda et al., issued March 3, 1981.

Preferred cosmetically and/or pharmaceutically acceptable topical carriers include hydro-alcoholic systems and oil-in-water emulsions. When the carrier is a hydro-alcoholic system, the carrier can comprise from about 0% to about 99% of ethanol, isopropanol, or mixtures thereof, and from about 1% to about 99% of water. More preferred is a carrier comprising from about 5% to about 60% of ethanol, isopropanol, or mixtures thereof, and from about 40% to about 95% of water. Especially preferred is a carrier comprising from about 20% to about 50% of ethanol, isopropanol, or mixtures thereof, and from about 50% to about 80% of water. When the carrier is an oil-in-water emulsion, the carrier can include any of the common excipient ingredients for preparing these emulsions. A more detailed discussion of suitable carriers is found in U.S. Patent 5,605,894 to Blank et al., and, U.S. Patent 5,681,852 to Bissett, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

OPTIONAL COMPONENTS The irritation reducing compositions of the present invention may optionally comprise additional skin actives. Non-limiting examples of such skin actives include hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid and their derivatives, e.g., alkyl esters of salicylic acid; desquamatory agents such as zwitterionic surfactants; sunscreens such as 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl-salicylate, 4- t-butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoyl methane, octocrylene, phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; anti-inflammatory agents; additional anti-oxidants/radical scavengers such as tocopherol and esters thereof; metal chelators, especially iron chelators; retinoids such as retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate, and retinal; N-acetyl-L-cysteine and derivatives thereof; ; keto acids such as pyruvic acid; benzofuran derivatives; flavonoids; sterols such as sitosterol, stigmasterol, and stigmastanol; vitamin D compounds; estrogenic compounds; and skin protectants. Mixtures of any of the above mentioned skin actives may also be used. A more detailed description of these actives is found in U.S. Patents 5,605,894 and 5,759,524 (previously incorporated by reference) as well as PCT application WO 96/33689 A, published October 31, 1996 (Barford et al.), herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Preferred skin actives include hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid; sunscreens such as 2- ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl-salicylate, 4-t-butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoyl methane, octocrylene, phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; antioxidants; and mixtures thereof.

Other conventional skin care product additives may also be included in the compositions of the present invention. For example, urea, guanidine, glycerol, petrolatum, mineral oil, sugar esters and polyesters, polyolefins, methyl isostearate, ethyl isostearate, cetyl ricinoleate, isononyl isononanoate, isohexadecane, lanolin, lanolin esters, cholesterol, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid/salt (PCA), trimethyl glycine (betaine), tranexamic acid, amino acids (e.g., serine, alanine) and/or their salts, collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, protein hydrolysates, primrose oil, jojoba oil, epidermal growth factor, soybean saponins, mucopolysaccharides, and mixtures thereof may be used. Other suitable additives or skin actives are discussed in further detail in PCT application WO 97/39733, published October 30, 1997, to Oblong et al., herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Methods for Treating and/or Preventing Skin Diseases and Conditions

The present invention relates to a method for treating and/or preventing skin diseases and conditions in mammalian skin by administering a cosmetic and/or dermatologic composition comprising a vitamin B3 compound in combination with a pantothenic acid or a pantothenic acid derivative to reduce any irritation caused by the vitamin B3 compound. Such a method comprises topically applying to the skin an effective amount of the cosmetic and/or dermatologic composition. The term "effective amount", as used herein, means an amount sufficient to provide a skin protective or therapeutic benefit. Quantities of the instant compositions which are typically applied per application are, in mg composition/cm^ skin, from about 0.1 g/cvπr to about 10 mg/cm^. A particularly useful application amount is about 1-2 mg/cm^. The composition can be continually applied at appropriate intervals, preferably about once or twice a day until the skin protective or therapeutic result is achieved.

In preferred methods, the composition also comprises a tocopherol-based anti-oxidant/radical scavenger to further moisturize and protect the skin. In most preferred methods, the composition also comprises tocopherol acetate. EXAMPLES

The following examples further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Examples 1 and 2

The following are examples of photoprotective compositions incorporating the components of the present invention.

Ingredient Footnotes for Examples 1 and 2

1 Available as Salcare SC95 from Allied Colloids.

2 Available as Sepigel 305 from Seppic, Inc.

3 Available as Dow Corning Q2-1403 fluid from Dow Corning Corporation.

4 Available as Dow Corning Q2-1401 fluid from Dow Corning Corporation.

5 Available as Dow Corning Q2-3225C from Dow Corning Corporation.

The compositions of examples 1 and 2 are prepared as follows:

The emulsion water phase is prepared by combining the panthenol, niacinamide (if present), glycerin, methylparaben, disodium EDTA, and water in a mixing vessel. Next, a zinc dispersion premix is prepared by combining the isohexadecane, octyl methoxycinnamate, and DEA oleth-3 phosphate in a separate vessel, and warming slightly to solubilize the DEA oleth-3 phosphate. The zinc oxide is then stirred into the mix of oils for about several minutes, and this zinc dispersion is then milled. Next, the remaining oil phase ingredients [tocopherol nicotinate (if present), cetyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, steareth-21, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, Dow Corning Q2-3225C, vitamin E acetate, propylparaben, and steareth-2] are mixed into the zinc dispersion.

Both the water phase and oil phase are then heated to 70 - 80°C, and the oil phase is slowly added to the water phase while the system is milled to form an emulsion. The emulsion is then cooled with stirring. When the system reaches about 60°C, the Salcare SC95, Sepigel 305, Dow Corning Q2-1401, and Dow Corning Q2-1403 are added, and the product is milled again to disperse the polymers and silicones. The system is then further cooled with stirring. The benzyl alcohol is then added when the product reaches about 48°C, and the product is poured into appropriate containers at about 30°C.

These compositions are useful for applying to human skin or hair to provide protection from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Example 3 The following is an example of a skin cream incorporating the compositions of the present invention. The compositions are formed by combining and mixing the ingredients of each column using conventional technology and then applying to the skin from about 0.5 g to about 50g.

Example 4 The following is an example of a skin cream incorporating the compositions of the present invention. The compositions are formed by combining and mixing the ingredients of each column using conventional technology and then applying to the skin from about from about 0.5 g to about 50g.

Example 5 The following is an example of a skin cream incoφorating the compositions of the present invention. The compositions are formed by combining and mixing the ingredients of each column using conventional technology and then applying to the skin from about from about 0.5 g to about 50g.

Example 6 The following is an example of a skin care active incoφorating the compositions of the present invention.

Ingredient Footnotes for Examples 3 through 6

1. Sepigel-305, Seppic Coφoration, Fairfield, NJ

2. Q2-1403, Dow Corning Coφ., Midland, MI

3. Arlatone-2121, ICI Americas Inc., Wilmington, DE

4. GLW-75CAP-MP, Kobo Products, Inc., NJ

5. Glydant Plus, Fairlawn, NJ

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of preventing and/or reducing the irritant effect associated with the topical application of cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions comprising a vitamin B3 compound, which method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of administering to the skin a safe and effective amount of a cosmetic and/or dermatologic composition, said method being further characterized in that the composition comprises:

A) a safe and effective amount of a vitamin B3 compound, preferably a vitamin B3 compound which is substantially uncomplexed and which is substantially free of salts of the vitamin B3 compound;

B) an effective amount of a pantothenic acid, derivatives thereof, preferably panthenol, or mixtures thereof effective to reduce the skin irritation induced by the vitamin B3 compound; and

C) a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

2. A method according to Claim 1 , wherein said vitamin B3 compound is selected from niacinamide and its derivatives, non-vasodilating esters of nicotinic acid, and mixtures thereof, and is preferably niacinamide or tocopherol nicotinate.

3. A method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the composition further comprises one or more additional skin actives selected from hydroxy acids, desquamatory agents, sunscreens, anti-oxidants, retinoids and mixtures thereof.

4. A method according to Claim 3 wherein the additional active is a sunscreen selected from 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl-salicylate, 4-t-butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoyi methane, octocrylene, phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or mixtures thereof.

5. A method according to any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the cosmetic and/or dermatologic composition is topically applied to the skin under hot and/or humid conditions.

6. A method of preventing and/or reducing the irritant effect associated with the topical application of cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions comprising a vitamin B3 compound, which method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of administering to the skin a safe and effective amount of a cosmetic and/or dermatologic composition, said method being further characterized in that the composition comprises: A) a safe and effective amount of a vitamin B3 compound, preferably niacinamide;

B) an amount of a pantothenic acid, derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, preferably panthenol, effective to reduce the skin irritation induced by the vitamin B3 compound, preferably;

C) an amount of a tocopherol-based anti-oxidant/free radical scavenger, preferably tocopherol acetate, effective to moisturize the skin; and

D) a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

7. A method of preventing and/or reducing the irritant effect associated with the topical application of cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions comprising a vitamin B3 compound, which method comprises the steps of administering to the skin a safe and effective amount of a cosmetic and/or dermatologic composition, said method being characterized in that the composition further comprises:

A) from 0.5% to 10% of niacinamide;

B) from 0.1% to 5% of panthenol;

C) from 0.1% to 5% of tocopherol acetate; and

D) a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

8. A skin care active useful in skin care compositions for reducing the irritant effect associated with topical application of cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions comprising a vitamin B3 compound, which active is characterized in that it comprises:

A) from 40% to 90% by weight of said active of niacinamide;

B) from 5% to 30% by weight of said active of panthenol; and

C) from 5% to 30% by weight of said active of tocopherol acetate.

9. A topical skin care composition useful for reducing the irritant effect associated with topical application of cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions comprising a vitamin B3 compound, which compositions is characterized in that it further comprises:

A) from 0.5% to 10% by weight of said composition of niacinamide;

B) from 0.1% to 5% by weight of said composition of panthenol;

C) from 0.1% to 5% by weight of said composition of tocopherol acetate; and

D) a dermatologically acceptable carrier.