WO2019162471A1

WO2019162471A1 - Cosmetic use of an extract of lemon savory as an antipollution agent

Info

Publication number: WO2019162471A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/054492
Authority: WO
Inventors: Corinne Ferraris; Claire PELE
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2018-02-23
Filing date: 2019-02-22
Publication date: 2019-08-29
Also published as: FR3078259B1; FR3078259A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to the cosmetic use of at least one extract of lemon savory, in particular Satureja montana L. ssp. citriodora, or a cosmetic composition comprising said extract, as antipollution agent.

Description

COSMETIC USE OF AN EXTRACT OF LEMON SAVORY

AS AN ANTIPOLLUTION AGENT

The present invention relates to the field of antipollution active agents for combating the harmful effects of atmospheric pollution on keratin materials, in particular the skin, for cosmetic use.

The skin is constituted of two compartments, a surface compartment, the epidermis, and a deeper compartment, the dermis. Natural human epidermis is composed mainly of three types of cells, namely keratinocytes, which form the vast majority, melanocytes and Langerhans cells. Each of these three types of cells contributes, by virtue of its intrinsic functions, to the essential role played in the body by the skin, especially the role of protecting the body against external attacking factors, which is known as the “ barrier function

The epidermis is conventionally divided into a basal layer of keratinocytes constituting the germinative layer of the epidermis, a spinous layer constituted of several layers of polyhedral cells positioned on the germinative layers, one to three "granular" layers and finally the comified layer (or stratum corneum ), constituted of a set of layers of keratinocytes at the terminal stage of their differentiation, known as comeocytes. Comeocytes are anuclear cells mainly composed of a fibrous matrix containing cytokeratins, surrounded by a very strong structure 15 nm thick, known as the comified envelope. The stacking of these comeocytes constitutes the comified layer which is responsible for the barrier function of the epidermis. In the course of the normal desquamation process, the most superficial comeocytes detach from the surface of the epidermis.

An increasingly large number of clinical studies shows the direct impact of atmospheric pollution on the quality of the skin, in particular the heterogeneity of the complexion, the skin’s microrelief (wrinkles), and also its involvement in the appearance of more reactive and more sensitive skin. The impact of atmospheric pollution may also be induced, or aggravated, by concomitant prolonged exposure to UV.

Studies conducted in industrialized countries thus show that the amounts of metals present in the atmosphere are increasing. This leads, for example, to an increase in the levels of heavy metals, microparticles or hydrocarbons in the tissues of organisms following exposure to the atmosphere. By way of example, benzopyrene (which participates in atmospheric pollution) has an impact on the skin (keratinocytes) which is characterized by the induction of oxidative stress, mediated by the production of interleukin-8 (Tsuji et al.; “An environmental contaminant, benzo(a)pyrene, induces oxidative stress-mediated interleukin-8 production in human keratinocytes via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway”; J. Dermatol. Sci. 2011; 62(1): 42-9).

Thus, the metals that are particularly incriminated in atmospheric pollution are copper, cobalt, zinc, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead and cadmium.

The problem posed is thus that of protecting the skin against these pollutants, and most particularly hydrocarbons and particles in suspension in the air and the deleterious effects thereof encountered when the skin is subjected to urban pollution, by selecting active principles that are efficient for combating these effects and/or preventing the penetration of metals into the skin or keratin materials, in particular into the skin.

Admittedly, plant-based extracts have already been reported in cosmetics for their antipollution or depollution properties, for instance those described in WO 2001/087319.

Extracts such as essential oils have also been reported for their advantageous properties against atmospheric pollution, as reported in Kfoury et al. (“ Essential oil components decrease pulmonary and hepatic cells inflammation induced by air pollution particulate matter”; Environ. Chem. Lett.; 2016).

There nevertheless remains a need to find novel active agents, and especially natural active agents, for specifically treating and/or preventing disorders of keratin materials, in particular of the skin, associated with atmospheric pollution, as antipollution agents.

There in particular remains a need for novel active agents, with cosmetic or dermatological designs, for treating and/or preventing the signs associated with this atmospheric pollution.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes compositions containing an extract of lemon savory, in particular an essential oil and/or hydrolate, as active agents for combating the signs of aging of the skin associated with atmospheric pollution, which especially includes pollutants such as benzopyrene and particles, optionally in the presence of UV.

Surprisingly, the inventors have in fact demonstrated the particular properties of extracts of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly of Satureja Montana ssp. variegata or citriodora, for reducing the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced by atmospheric pollution, reducing the adhesion to the skin of carbon microparticles, and restoring or maintaining the homogeneity of the skin's complexion.

These properties as a whole thus make it possible, advantageously, to envisage the use of an extract of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly of Satureja Montana ssp. variegata or citriodora, or of a composition comprising said extract, as an antipollution agent, most particularly an atmospheric antipollution agent.

The term“skin" means the entire skin of the body, including the mucous membranes and semi-mucous membranes. More particularly, in the present invention, the skin of the neckline, of the neck and of the face, and especially the skin of the face, and also the skin of the hands and feet, is considered.

The term“ anti-pollution agent” means any compound that is capable of trapping ozone, monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic compounds such as benzopyrene (also known as benzo[a]pyrene or BAP) and/or heavy metals such as cobalt, mercury, cadmium and/or nickel.

In particular, an antipollution agent according to the invention is directed against atmospheric pollution.

Most particularly, an antipollution agent according to the invention is directed against pollution associated with:

- toxic gases, and more particularly toxic gases chosen from: ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides; and/or

- monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic compounds such as benzopyrene; and/or

- particles in suspension in the atmosphere.

In particular, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (or PAH) are a subfamily of aromatic hydrocarbons, i.e. of molecules constituted of carbon and hydrogen atoms, the structure of which comprises at least two fused aromatic rings. Among the monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic compounds that are most particularly considered as pollutants, the following are targeted (non-exhaustive list): benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, anthracene, coronene, corannulene, tetracene, naphthalene, pentacene, phenanthrene, pyrene, triphenylene, ovalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluorene, fluoranthene, benzo [a] anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[c]fluorene, benzo [a] fluoranthene, benzo [ejpyrene, indeno[l,2,3-cd]pyrene, benzo [ghijperylene, dibenzo [a, h] anthracene, pyrene, dibenzopyrenes, 5-methylchrysene and cyclopentapyrene.

The particles in suspension are solid particles or particles in aerosol form, which are borne by the air, and which may be quantified by filtration or by other physical processes. The targeted particles in suspension may thus be divided into various categories according to the size of the particles (aerodynamic diameter). Thus, these particles especially include "fine" particles, which are particles transported by the air. The largest particles (MWio) have a size of between 2.5 and 10 micrometres in diameter; and (MW_2.5) have an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 pm.

The fine particles smaller than 0.1 pm are known as“ ultrafine particles " (MW_0.1) or“nanoparticles" . Particles less than or equal to 100 pm in size are also considered as particles in suspension for the purposes of the invention. The particles under consideration include all sizes of particles, among which are the MW₁₀, MW_2.5 and MW_0.1 particles.

Said extract or the composition comprising said extract may advantageously be used for treating or preventing the signs of aging of the skin associated with pollution, chosen from: skin inflammation following exposure to pollutants, impairment of the skin's complexion, impairment of the skin's microrelief, and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

According to the invention, an“ impairment in the skin's complexion” or an “ impairment of the skin's mίcrorelίef^, in particular target heterogeneity of the complexion and/or a dull complexion and/or an increase in the microrelief.

According to the invention, the term“ prevent " or“ prevention " means reducing the probability of occurrence or reducing a risk of manifestation of the phenomenon concerned. As developed hereinbelow, the antipollution and depollution properties of these extracts may be used both in a strictly cosmetic context and in a therapeutic/dermato logical context.

The term "antipollution cosmetic agent" thus means an agent which protects keratin materials and in particular the skin so as to prevent, attenuate and/or eliminate the harmful effects associated with exposure to these pollutants, and most particularly atmospheric pollutants.

Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a cosmetic use of at least one extract of lemon savory, in particular Satureja montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly Satureja montana ssp. variegata or citriodora, or of a cosmetic composition comprising said extract, as antipollution agent.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a cosmetic process comprising a step consisting in applying to keratin materials, and in particular the skin, at least one extract of lemon savory, in particular Satureja montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly Satureja montana ssp. variegata or citriodora, or a cosmetic composition comprising said extract, as an antipollution agent, to an individual in need thereof.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an extract of lemon savory, in particular Satureja montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly Satureja montana ssp. variegata or citriodora, or a composition comprising said extract, which is intended to be used for treating or preventing inflammation induced by exposure to pollutants, and most particularly to atmospheric pollutants.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a composition, especially a cosmetic or dermatological composition, comprising at least one hydrolate of lemon savory, in particular Satureja montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly Satureja montana ssp. variegata or citriodora.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to the use of at least one extract of lemon savory, in particular Satureja montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly Satureja montana ssp. variegata or citriodora, for the preparation of an antipollution composition, especially a cosmetic or dermatological antipollution composition. Particular indications

According to one embodiment, the extracts of the invention (or compositions comprising said extracts) may be used for caring for the skin and/or keratin materials.

In particular, the extracts of the invention (or compositions comprising said extracts) may be used for treating or preventing the signs of aging of the skin associated with pollution, chosen from: skin inflammation following exposure to pollutants, impairment of the skin's complexion, impairment of the skin's microrelief, and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Impairment of the skin's microrelief, and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, which correspond to impairments of the surface of the skin associated with pollution, are especially targeted.

The term “care" means cosmetic (non-therapeutic) or dermatological (therapeutic) care capable of producing an effect on keratin materials.

According to one embodiment, what is intended is non-therapeutic care capable of producing an aesthetic effect without, however, preventing or correcting a pathological dysfunction of the skin.

The term“ keratin materials " most particularly means the skin (such as facial skin) and the scalp.

Homogeneity and/or radiance of the skin's complexion:

The homogeneity and/or radiance of the complexion reflects the state of good health of the skin, especially of young skin. Many external or internal factors, such as exposure to sunlight, and/or exposure to atmospheric pollutants, for the external factors, may affect the skin and give rise to imperfections in the skin and/or lead to an off-colour or non-homogeneous complexion. These factors tend to ruin the complexion, making it non- homogeneous, dull or waxy. These complexion impairments, often of multi- factorial origin, are an increasingly frequent reason for consultation in beauty parlours or dermatological clinics.

An extract or a composition of the invention advantageously makes it possible to prevent and/or treat an impairment of the radiance of the skin's complexion.

In particular, the essential oil and/or the hydrolate and/or a composition containing same, according to the invention, makes it possible to prevent and/or treat loss of radiance of the skin's complexion, to give a radiant skin complexion, or to prevent and/or treat an off-colour, dull or non-homogeneous skin complexion.

Sur face of the skin

The surface of human skin is not smooth. It has a relief reflected by fine lines, different from wrinkles, which may be observed with a magnifying glass in the case of children and by eye in the case of the elderly. These fine lines or furrows criss-cross so as to form structures of polygonal shapes, namely the skin's microrelief.

The number and depth of the furrows constituting the skin's microrelief may be affected by many external or internal factors. Among the extrinsic factors, mention may be made of exposure to sunlight, and/or exposure to atmospheric pollutants. These extrinsic factors tend towards increasing the number and depth of the furrows of the microrelief, which become more pronounced and visible to the naked eye, and which may reflect a lack of desquamation.

Advantageously, an extract or a composition of the invention may be used for preventing and/or treating an impairment of the state of the skin's surface, in particular following a lack of desquamation.

Even more particularly, an extract or a composition of the invention may be used for preventing and/or treating an impairment of the skin's microrelief, to reduce the number of furrows in the skin's microrelief, to smooth out the skin's surface, to prevent and/or treat a skin surface irregularity, in particular to prevent and/or treat a rough state of the skin, or to reduce the depth of the furrows in the skin's microrelief.

Essential oil

Essential oils are products obtained from starting materials of plant origin (leaves, stems, flowers, roots, bark, fruit or whole plant, for example). According to the definition given in the international standard ISO 9235 and adopted by the Commission of the European Pharmacopoeia, an essential oil is an odorous product generally of complex composition, obtained from a botanically defined plant raw material, either by steam distillation, or by dry distillation, or via an appropriate mechanical process without heating (cold pressing). The essential oil is usually separated from the aqueous phase via a physical process that does not result in any significant change in the composition. Essential oils are generally volatile and liquid at room temperature, which distinguishes them from“set” oils. They are more or less coloured and their density is generally less than that of water. They often have a high refractive index. They are liposoluble and soluble in the usual organic solvents, distillable with steam, and very sparingly soluble in water.

The choice of the technique for obtaining an essential oil depends mainly on the starting material: its original state and its characteristics, its intrinsic nature. The “essential oil/plant raw material” yield may be extremely variable depending on the plants: 15 ppm to more than 20%. The choice of the production technique determines the characteristics of the essential oil, in particular viscosity, colour, solubility, volatility, and richness or poorness in certain constituents.

Among the methods for obtaining an essential oil, mention may be made of steam distillation, which may be performed, for example, by dry distillation or hydrodistillation. Hydrodistillation may be performed on glass apparatus, such as that defined in the European Pharmacopoeia for the determination of the essential oil from a plant material. Steam distillation corresponds to vaporization, in the presence of steam, of a sparingly water-miscible substance. The raw material is placed in contact with water brought to the boiling point (hydro distillation) or with steam in a stillpot (dry distillation). The steam entrains the essential oil vapour, which is condensed in the condenser and recovered as a liquid phase in a Florentine vase (or essence jar), where the essential oil is separated from the water by settling. The aqueous distillate that remains after the steam distillation, once the separation of the essential oil has been performed, is known as the “aromatic water” or“hydrolate” or“distilled floral water”.

The essential oil in accordance with the invention may be prepared according to the techniques mentioned above and will preferably be obtained according to the standard technique of steam distillation.

Steam distillation corresponds to vaporization, in the presence of steam, of a sparingly water-miscible substance. The raw material is placed in contact with steam in a stillpot. The steam entrains the essential oil vapour, which is condensed in the condenser and recovered as a liquid phase in a Florentine vase (or essence jar), where the essential oil is separated from the water by settling. The aqueous distillate that remains after the steam distillation, once the separation of the essential oil has been performed, is known as the “aromatic water” or“hydrolate” or“distilled floral water”.

The essential oil of lemon savory, a plant characteristic of the Vercors region and the Alps, is obtained after steam distillation of the floral aerial parts of the plant. Moreover, harvesting may be performed at various stages of cutting: beginning of flowering to end of flowering and preferably at the full bloom stage.

An essential oil of lemon savory that is suitable for use in the invention may thus be obtained by extraction of the plant and of the flowers by steam distillation.

According to a particular form of the invention, the essential oil of lemon savory that is suitable for use in the invention is obtained by extraction of the aerial parts of the plant, which are preferentially in bloom, by steam distillation.

The chemical composition of the essential oil of lemon savory in accordance with the invention thus obtained may be analysed by conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as gas chromatography GC analysis, chromatographic analysis with flame ionization detection, referred to as GC-FID, or GC/MS analysis, which consists of the use of a mass spectrometer coupled to a gas chromatograph. Thus, the main components of this essential oil are: geraniol, t-P-caryophyllene, nerol, germacrene D, b- bisabolene and geranial.

According to one embodiment, said extract may thus comprise, or even consist of, an essential oil of lemon savory comprising:

- at least 60% by weight of geraniol;

- at least 4% by weight of trans-P-caryophyllene, preferably at least 5% by weight of trans-P-caryophyllene; and

- at least 1% by weight of nerol, preferably at least 3% by weight of nerol; relative to the total weight of the essential oil.

Thus, an essential oil of lemon savory may comprise at least 60% by weight of geraniol, which includes 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75% by weight of geraniol. Thus, an essential oil of lemon savory may comprise at least 5% by weight of trans-P-caryophyllene, which includes at least 5, 6 and 7% by weight of trans-P- caryophyllene. Thus, an essential oil of lemon savory may comprise at least 1% by weight of nerol, which includes at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% by weight of nerol, in particular at least 3% of nerol.

By way of example, an essential oil of lemon savory that is suitable for use in the invention may contain:

- at least 60% by weight of geraniol;

- at least 5% by weight of trans-P-caryophyllene;

- between 1% and 5% by weight of nerol;

- between 1% and 5% by weight of germacrene D;

- between 0.5% and 5% by weight of b-bisabolene; and

- between 0.5% and 5% by weight of geranial.

According to a more particular embodiment, when said extract is an essential oil, an essential oil of lemon savory that is suitable for use in the invention may contain:

- between 60% and 80% by weight of geraniol, in particular between 60% and

75%;

- between 5% and 15% by weight of trans-P-caryophyllene;

- between 1% and 5% by weight of nerol;

- between 1% and 5% by weight of germacrene D;

- between 0.5% and 5% by weight of b-bisabolene; and

- between 0.5% and 5% by weight of geranial.

According to an even more particular embodiment, when said extract is an essential oil, an essential oil of lemon savory that is suitable for use in the invention may contain:

- between 65% and 70% by weight of geraniol;

- between 6% and 10% by weight of trans-P-caryophyllene;

- between 1% and 5% by weight of nerol;

- between 1% and 5% by weight of germacrene D;

- between 0.5% and 4% by weight of b-bisabolene; and

- between 0.5% and 4% by weight of geranial. The contents indicated herein are given relative to the total weight of the essential oil under consideration.

Hydro late

A hydrolate is a generally very dilute product obtained from a botanically defined plant raw material by steam distillation. The hydrolate (aqueous phase) is usually separated from the essential oil by means of a physical process that does not result in any significant change in the composition.

The hydrolate in accordance with the invention may preferably be prepared according to the conventional steam distillation technique.

Steam distillation corresponds to vaporization, in the presence of steam, of a sparingly water-miscible substance. The raw material is placed in contact with steam in a stillpot. The steam entrains the essential oil vapour, which is condensed in the condenser and recovered as a liquid phase in a Florentine vase (or essence jar), where the essential oil is separated from the water by settling. The term“ aromatic water” or “ hydrolate” or “floral water” or even“floral distilled water” is used to describe the aqueous distillate which remains once the separation of the essential oil has been performed, generally by steam distillation.

The hydrolate may be obtained from a whole plant, preferably a plant, a shrub or a flower, or from a part of this plant chosen from the flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, fruits, roots, petals, buds and bark, which may be in various states of dryness (dry, withered or fresh form), and mixtures thereof.

According to the invention, the hydrolate of lemon savory is preferentially obtained after steam distillation of the aerial parts of the plant that are in bloom, generally at a biomass/hydro late ratio of 1/1 and without cohobation, for approximately a period ranging from 30 min to 8 hours, preferably between 1 and 4 hours, more particularly between 1 and 2 hours, such as 1 h 30 min.

The lemon savory hydrolate is a colourless water-soluble liquid with an aromatic, slightly herbaceous, fresh odour and a lemon note, containing a large amount of water, such as greater than 90%, in particular greater than 95%, more particularly greater than 98%. The main organic component of the hydrolate is geraniol, which is present in a content of at least 0.03% by total weight of said hydrolate, in particular approximately 0.05% by weight, for example in a content of between 0.04% and 0.06%.

Besides geraniol, the other main organic components of the lemon savory hydrolate, according to the invention, are generally nerol, citral and l-octen-3-ol.

The contents indicated herein are given relative to the total weight of the hydrolate (extract) under consideration.

Compositions

An extract of lemon savory may be, as stated hereinabove, an essential oil or a hydrolate. When said extract (whether it is in the form, for example, of an essential oil or a hydrolate) is used in a composition, especially a cosmetic or dermatological composition, this extract may form a substantial, major or minor part of said composition.

Another subject of the invention is a composition, especially a cosmetic or dermatological composition, containing at least one hydrolate of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly Satureja Montana ssp. variegata or citriodora.

Thus, according to certain embodiments, said composition may comprise less than 50% by weight of said extract, relative to the total weight of this composition. For example, said composition may comprise less than 40% by weight of said extract, especially less than 30% by weight of said extract, less than 20% by weight of said extract, less than 10% by weight of said extract, or less than 1% by weight of said extract.

For example, this composition may comprise less than 10% by weight of said extract, for example less than 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% 1%, 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%, 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2% or less than 0.1%, by weight of said extract relative to the total weight of the composition.

For example, this composition may comprise less than 10% by weight of said essential oil of lemon savory, for example less than 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% 1%, 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%, 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2% or less than 0.1%, by weight of said essential oil, relative to the total weight of the composition.

Alternatively, this composition may comprise more than 10% by weight of said extract, by weight of said extract relative to the total weight of the composition. Thus, according to other embodiments, said composition may comprise 30% or more than 30% by weight of said extract, i.e., for example, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or more than 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, this composition may comprise more than 60% by weight of said extract relative to the total weight of the composition, which includes more than 70%, more than 80%, or even more than 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

For instance, this composition may comprise more than 10% by weight of hydro late, by weight of said hydro late relative to the total weight of the composition.

When the extract of lemon savory consists of a hydrolate, this hydrolate is preferably used in the composition in a content of at least 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to one particular embodiment, a composition, especially a cosmetic or dermatological composition, according to the invention may be characterized in that it contains at least 10%, in particular at least 15% and more particularly at least 30% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate; especially at least 40% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate; especially at least 50% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate; relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to a particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention may be characterized in that the hydrolate, or the composition comprising said hydrolate, comprises geraniol. In particular, the composition comprising said hydrolate, may contain at least 0.003% by weight of geraniol, relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to a particular embodiment, said extract is a hydrolate of common savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and said extract of composition comprising said extract comprises at least 0.03% by weight of geraniol relative to the total weight of the extract.

For example, when said composition contains at least 10% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate, this composition may comprise at least 0.003% by weight of geraniol; relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to a particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention may be characterized in that the extract (i.e. essential oil), or the composition comprising said extract, comprises geraniol, t-P-caryophyllene, nerol, germacrene D, b- bisabolene and geranial.

According to a particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention may be characterized in that the extract (i.e. hydrolate), or the composition comprising said extract, comprises nerol, citral and l-octen-3-ol.

For example, a composition according to the invention may be characterized in that it comprises geraniol, nerol, citral and l-octen-3-ol.

Hence, a composition according to the invention may be characterized in that it comprises:

- at least 0.003% by weight of geraniol,

- at least 0.0001% by weight of nerol, citral or l-octen-3-ol; relative to the total weight of the composition.

In particular, a composition according to the invention may be characterized in that it comprises:

- at least 0.003% by weight of geraniol,

- at least 0.0001% by weight of nerol,

- at least 0.0001% by weight of citral,

- at least 0.0001% by weight of l-octen-3-ol; relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to a particular embodiment, said extract is an essential oil of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and said extract or composition comprising said extract comprises at least 60% by weight of geraniol and at least 4%, or even 5% by weight of trans-P-caryophyllene relative to the total weight of the composition. Such composition may also comprise nerol, citral and l-octen-3-ol.

The compositions according to the invention may, where appropriate, comprise a mixture of essential oils and of hydro lates.

For the purposes of the present invention, the antipollution active agent of the invention is chosen from the essential oil of lemon savory, or lemon savory hydrolate, or a mixture of the two (essential oil and hydrolate) in all proportions. For example, when the antipollution active agent of the invention is a mixture of essential oil and of hydrolate, the essential oil of lemon savory may be in a volume excess relative to the hydrolate. Conversely, said hydrolate may be in a volume excess relative to the essential oil.

In addition, the compositions and/or extracts according to the invention may, where appropriate, comprise essential oils or hydrolates other than those obtained from lemon savory.

According to a first form of the invention, the antipollution active agent of the invention is an essential oil of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly Satureja Montana ssp. variegata or citriodora.

According to a second form of the invention, the antipollution active agent of the invention is hydrolate of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and most particularly Satureja Montana ssp. variegata or citriodora.

According to a third form of the invention, the antipollution active agent is a mixture of said essential oil of lemon savory and of said lemon savory hydrolate.

The compositions, especially cosmetic or dermatological compositions, which may be used in the context of the invention generally comprise a physiologically acceptable medium, preferably a cosmetically acceptable medium.

The term “physiologically acceptable medium” means a medium that is compatible with keratin materials and in particular the skin.

The composition according to the invention may therefore comprise water and/or any adjuvant normally used in the envisaged field of application.

Mention may be made especially of organic solvents, especially Ci-C₆ alcohols and C₂-C₁₀ carboxylic acid esters; carbon-based and/or silicone oils, of mineral, animal and/or plant origin; water, waxes, pigments, fillers, dyes, surfactants, emulsifiers, coemulsifiers; cosmetic or dermatological active agents, UV-screening agents, polymers, hydrophilic or lipophilic gelling agents, thickeners, preserving agents, fragrances, bactericides, odour absorbers and antioxidants.

According to exemplary embodiments, the compositions of the invention may comprise an extract of lemon savory; and a pharmaceutically acceptable medium. According to exemplary embodiments, the compositions of the invention may comprise at least 5% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate, relative to the total weight of the composition; and a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.

For example, the compositions of the invention may comprise at least 5% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate, relative to the total weight of the composition; at least one adjuvant, such as those described above, and a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.

In particular, the compositions of the invention may comprise at least 10% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate, relative to the total weight of the composition; and a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.

For example, the compositions of the invention may comprise at least 10% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate, relative to the total weight of the composition; at least one adjuvant, such as those described above, and a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the compositions of the invention may comprise at least 30% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate, relative to the total weight of the composition; and a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.

According to exemplary embodiments, the compositions of the invention may comprise an extract of lemon savory; at least one adjuvant, and a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.

For example, the compositions of the invention may comprise at least 30% by weight of lemon savory hydrolate, relative to the total weight of the composition; at least one adjuvant, such as those described above, and a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.

These optional adjuvants may be present in the composition in a proportion of from 0.001% to 80% by weight and especially from 0.1% to 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The aqueous phase (water and optionally the water-miscible solvent) may be present in the composition in a content ranging from 0.1% to 99.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, for example ranging from 40% to 95% by weight.

The compositions according to the invention may be in any presentation form conventionally used for topical application and especially in the form of aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic solutions, oil-in-water (O/W), water-in-oil (W/O) or multiple (triple: W/O/W or O/W/O) emulsions, aqueous gels, or dispersions of a fatty phase in an aqueous phase using spherules, it being possible for these spherules to be lipid vesicles of ionic and/or nonionic type (liposomes, niosomes or oleosomes). These compositions are prepared according to the usual methods.

The compositions according to the invention may also be in anhydrous form, for instance in the form of an oil. The term "anhydrous composition" means a composition containing less than 1% by weight of water, or even less than 0.5% water, and especially free of water, the water not being added during the preparation of the composition but corresponding to the residual water provided by the mixed ingredients.

Advantageously, the compositions according to the invention are in two-phase liquid form, or in the form of a gel, an emulsion, a powder or a paste. In addition, the composition according to the invention may be more or less fluid and may have the appearance of a white or coloured cream, an ointment, a milk, a lotion, a serum, a paste, a foaming gel, a care product, a tonic or a foam. It may optionally be applied to the skin in aerosol form. It may also be in solid form, for example in stick form.

A composition according to the invention may comprise an oily phase especially comprising fatty substances other than the compounds present in the extract of the invention.

A composition used according to the invention may advantageously comprise at least one liquid fatty substance other than the compounds present in the extract of the invention.

The term "liquid fatty substance" means a compound with a melting point below about 30-35°C, as opposed to solid fatty substances, such as waxes, which have a melting point above about 50°C.

When the composition used according to the invention includes an oily phase, it preferably contains at least one oil other than the compounds present in the extract of the invention. It may also contain other fatty substances. As oils that may be used in the composition of the invention, examples that may be mentioned include:

- hydrocarbon-based oils of animal origin, such as perhydrosqualene; hydrocarbon-based oils of plant origin, such as liquid triglycerides of fatty acids containing from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, for instance heptanoic or octanoic acid triglycerides or alternatively, for example, sunflower oil, com oil, soybean oil, marrow oil, grapeseed oil, sesame oil, hazelnut oil, apricot oil, macadamia oil, arara oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, avocado oil, caprylic/capric acid triglycerides, for instance those sold by the company Stearinerie Dubois or those sold under the names Miglyol 810, 812 and 818 by the company Dynamit Nobel, jojoba oil or shea butter oil; synthetic esters and synthetic ethers, especially of fatty acids, for instance oils of formulae R'C00R2 and R'0R2 in which R’ represents a fatty acid residue containing from 8 to 29 carbon atoms and R2 represents a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon-based chain containing from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, for instance purcellin oil, isononyl isononanoate, isopropyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-octyldodecyl stearate, 2-octyldodecyl erucate or isostearyl isostearate; hydroxylated esters such as isostearyl lactate, octyl hydroxystearate, octyldodecyl hydroxystearate, diisostearyl malate, triisocetyl citrate and fatty alkyl heptanoates, octanoates and decanoates; polyol esters, for instance propylene glycol dioctanoate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate and diethylene glycol diisononanoate; and pentaerythritol esters, for instance pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate;

- linear or branched hydrocarbons of mineral or synthetic origin, such as volatile or non-volatile liquid paraffins, and derivatives thereof, petroleum jelly, polydecenes, and hydrogenated polyisobutene such as Parleam oil;

- fatty alcohols containing from 8 to 26 carbon atoms, such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and a mixture thereof (cetylstearyl alcohol), octyldodecanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-undecylpentadecanol, oleyl alcohol or linoleyl alcohol;

- partially hydrocarbon-based and/or silicone-based fluoro oils, such as those described in JP-A-2-295 912;

- silicone oils, such as volatile or non-volatile polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) with a linear or cyclic silicone chain, which are liquid or pasty at room temperature, especially cyclopolydimethylsiloxanes (cyclomethicones) such as cyclohexasiloxane; polydimethylsiloxanes comprising alkyl, alkoxy or phenyl groups, which are pendent or at the end of a silicone chain, these groups containing from 2 to 24 carbon atoms; phenyl silicones, such as phenyl trimethicones, phenyl dimethicones, phenyltrimethylsiloxydiphenylsiloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones, diphenylmethyldiphenyltrisiloxanes or 2-phenylethyl trimethylsiloxy silicates, and polymethylphenylsiloxanes;

- mixtures thereof.

In the list of the oils other than the compounds present in the extract of the invention mentioned above, the term "hydrocarbon-based oil" means any oil predominantly including carbon and hydrogen atoms, and optionally ester, ether, fluoro, carboxylic acid and/or alcohol groups. The other fatty substances that may be present in the oily phase are, for example, fatty acids including from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, such as stearic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid; waxes, such as lanolin wax, beeswax, camauba wax or candelilla wax, paraffin waxes, lignite wax or microcrystalline waxes, ceresin or ozokerite, and synthetic waxes, such as polyethylene waxes and Fischer-Tropsch waxes; silicone resins such as trifluoromethyl-Ci-C₄-alkyl dimethicone and trifluoropropyl dimethicone; and silicone elastomers, such as the products sold under the name KSG by the company Shin-Etsu, under the name Trefil, BY29 or EPSX by the company Dow Coming, or under the name Gransil by the company Grant Industries. These fatty substances may be chosen in a varied manner by a person skilled in the art in order to prepare a composition having the desired properties, for example in terms of consistency or texture.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the composition according to the invention is a water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. The proportion of the oily phase of the emulsion may range from 5% to 90% by weight and preferably from 5% to 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The emulsions generally contain at least one emulsifier chosen from amphoteric, anionic, cationic and nonionic emulsifiers, used alone or as a mixture, and optionally a coemulsifier. The emulsifiers are chosen in an appropriate manner according to the emulsion to be obtained (W/O or O/W emulsion). The emulsifier and the coemulsifier are generally present in the composition in a proportion ranging from 0.3% to 30% by weight and preferably from 0.5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

For W/O emulsions, examples of emulsifiers that may be mentioned include dimethicone copolyols, such as the mixture of cyclomethicone and dimethicone copolyol sold under the trade name DC 5225 C by the company Dow Coming, and alkyl dimethicone copolyols such as the lauryl methicone copolyol sold under the name Dow Coming 5200 Formulation Aid by the company Dow Coming, and the cetyl dimethicone copolyol sold under the name Abil EM 90® by the company Goldschmidt. A crosslinked elastomeric solid organopolysiloxane including at least one oxyalkylenated group, such as those obtained according to the procedure of Examples 3, 4 and 8 of US-A-5 412 004 and of the examples of US-A-5 811 487, especially the product of Example 3 (synthetic example) of patent US-A-5 412 004, such as the product sold under the reference KSG 21 by the company Shin-Etsu, may also be used as surfactants for W/O emulsions.

For the O/W emulsions, examples of emulsifiers that may be mentioned include nonionic emulsifiers such as oxyalkylenated (more particularly polyoxyethylenated) fatty acid esters of glycerol; oxyalkylenated fatty acid esters of sorbitan; oxyalkylenated (oxyethylenated and/or oxypropylenated) fatty acid esters; oxyalkylenated (oxyethylenated and/or oxypropylenated) fatty alcohol ethers; sugar esters such as sucrose stearate; and mixtures thereof, such as the mixture of glyceryl stearate and PEG-40 stearate. The composition according to the invention may also contain adjuvants that are common in cosmetics, such as hydrophilic or lipophilic gelling agents, preserving agents, water, solvents, fragrances, fillers, waxes, pasty fatty substances, UV-screening agents, odour absorbers, dyestuffs, basic agents, acids, or nonionic, anionic or cationic surfactants. The amounts of these various adjuvants are those conventionally used in the field under consideration, for example from 0.01% to 20% of the total weight of the composition. Depending on their nature, these adjuvants may be introduced into the fatty phase, into the aqueous phase and/or into the lipid vesicles. The compositions according to the invention may also comprise at least one aqueous phase, said aqueous phase originating either from an addition or from the introduction of the lemon savory hydro late. The aqueous phase contains water and optionally other water-soluble or water-miscible organic solvents. An aqueous phase that is suitable for use in the invention may comprise, for example, a water chosen from a natural spring water, such as water from La Roche-Posay, water from Vittel or waters from Vichy, or a floral water such as the lemon savory hydro late.

Needless to say, a person skilled in the art will take care to select this or these optional additional ingredients and/or active agents, and/or the amount thereof, such that the advantageous properties of an extract of lemon savory according to the invention (for example an essential oil or a hydrolate) are not, or are not substantially, adversely affected by the envisaged addition.

Said extract (or said composition comprising said extract) is used topically in the context of a use or of a process according to the invention. Thus, according to a particular embodiment, the invention relates to a use or a process in which said extract or said composition may be applied topically.

According to a particular embodiment, the invention thus also relates to an extract (or a cosmetic or dermatological composition comprising said extract) intended to be applied topically.

According to a preferred embodiment, said extract (or said composition comprising said extract) is used topically.

The term“topically” means application at the surface of the skin.

The application of a composition comprising said extract (for example said essential oil or said hydrolate) may optionally be followed by a step of rinsing with water.

According to a particular form of the invention, the application of a composition of the invention is not followed by rinsing with water within 2 or 3 hours of the application.

According to one embodiment, the application is repeated, for example, 1 to 3 times daily for one day or more, preferably once or twice a day, and particularly over an extended period of at least 4 weeks, or even 4 to 15 weeks with, where appropriate, one or more periods of stoppage.

The compositions according to the invention may be applied directly to the skin or, alternatively, to cosmetic supports of occlusive or non-occlusive type, intended to be applied locally to the skin. As non-limiting examples of cosmetic supports, mention may be made especially of a patch, a wipe, a roll-on and a pen.

The composition according to the present invention will comprise, according to a particular embodiment, besides an extract of lemon savory as defined above, at least one additional active agent for caring for the skin, such as elderly skin, dull skin, greasy skin or greasy-prone skin. The composition may optionally be rinsed off after having been applied to the skin.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, other agents intended to make the appearance and/or texture of the skin more attractive may also be added to the composition that is suitable for use in the invention.

The term“ additional active agent for caring for the skin " means, in the context of the present invention, a compound which, by itself, i.e. not requiring the involvement of an external agent to activate it, has a biological activity that is beneficial to the skin.

Advantageously, a composition according to the invention may comprise at least one UV-screening agent. This screening agent is chosen from UV-A and/or UV-B screening agents. Even more particularly, said UV-screening agent is chosen from water- soluble organic UV-screening agents, liposoluble organic screening agents, and mixtures thereof, and more particularly liposoluble organic UV-screening agents.

FIGURES LEGEND

Figure 1: Viability of the explants (LDH assay) after 24 hours of pretreatment in the presence of the active agent followed by 24 hours of treatment with pollutant. The y-axis shows the percentage of cytotoxicity, or of viability (%), relative to the untreated control (set at 100%). The cytotoxicity limit is set at 80%. On the x-axis, from left to right on the graph: control (unpolluted); after treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA); control (polluted with 20 mM BaP); after systemic treatment with 0.0004% of essential oil of lemon savory; after systemic treatment with 0.002% of essential oil of lemon savory.

Figure 2: Assay of the IL-8 released in the supernatants of human skin explants (pretreatment for 24 hours with the active agent, followed by treatment for a further 24 hours with pollution). The release of IL-8 (pg/mL) is given on the y-axis. On the x-axis, from left to right on the graph: control (unpolluted); after treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA); control (polluted with 20 mM BaP); after systemic treatment with 0.0004% of essential oil of lemon savory; after systemic treatment with 0.002% of essential oil of lemon savory. EXAMPLES

Example 1:

Production of a lemon savory hydrolate

A lemon savory hydrolate was prepared from the aerial parts of the plant at the full bloom stage by distillation of 5 kg by fresh weight by steam distillation for 1 hour 30 minutes in a 50 litre distillation device. The hydrolate volume obtained was about 5 1.

The hydrolate obtained comprises, as major constituents (by weight relative to the total weight of the hydrolate):

- Geraniol 0.05% by weight;

- Nerol 9x l0 ⁴% by weight;

- Citral 6^X 10 ⁴% by weight;

- l-Octen-3-ol, 6^c 10 ⁴% by weight.

The composition of the hydrolate obtained was determined by gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry.

Example 2:

Production of an essential oil of lemon savory

An essential oil of lemon savory was prepared from the aerial parts of the plant at the full bloom stage by distillation of 5 kg by fresh weight by steam distillation for 1 hour 30 minutes in a 50 litre distillation device. The volume of essential oil obtained was about 20 mL.

The essential oil obtained comprises, as major components (by weight relative to the total weight of the essential oil):

- Geraniol: 69% by weight;

- t-P-caryophyllene: 9% by weight;

- nerol: 3% by weight;

- germacrene D: 4.5% by weight;

- b-bisabolene: 1.5% by weight;

- geranial: 2% by weight. The composition of the essential oil obtained was determined by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry.

Example 3:

The essential oil of lemon savory limits the production of interleukin-8 following exposure to a chemical pollutant.

A. Principle

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of an active agent on the modulation of the production of an inflammatory mediator, IL-8 (interleukin-8), in a model of pollution of human skin explants.

This model is performed by applying a pollutant, benzopyrene (BaP), to the survival medium of human skin explants. Treatment with this pollutant induces the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8.

BaP is produced especially by the incomplete combustion of animal fats on contact with wood charcoal flames, in diesel engine exhaust gases in the case of insufficient combustion, and in tar vapours.

For reference, a tobacco cigarette produces from 18 to 50 ng of BaP.

B. Materials & Methods

The test product (i.e. the essential oil obtained in Example 2) is applied to skin explants in survival over 24 hours in pretreatment (systemically) and then over a further 24 hours together with the pollutant (i.e. 48 hours of application in total). The IL-8 released is assayed in the media, along with LDH (lactate dehydrogenase). The latter, together with a histological analysis of the explants, makes it possible to check the viability of the tissues at the end of the treatments.

The evaluation of the release of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase, or LDH, is measured with the "Cytotoxicity Detection Kit (LDH)" kit (Roche Diagnostics 11 644 793 001). This enzyme is a marker of the membrane integrity, since its release from the cytoplasm into the culture medium is an indication of cytotoxicity. C. Results

Impact on the cell viability

The results of the LDH assay are presented below.

The data are expressed in Figure 1 as percentages of cytotoxicity, or of viability, or else of viability relative to the untreated control (set at 100%). Application of the essential oil of lemon savory as obtained in Example 2 preserves the viability of the cells at the concentrations tested.

Assay of the interleukin-8

The results of the IL-8 assay are presented in Figure 2 in the form of a summary table and a graph.

In the table, the data are expressed as OD or in concentrations (mean), or as percentages of stimulation or of inhibition (relative to the unpolluted or polluted control). In the graph, the data are presented as IL-8 concentrations.

For the two PMA conditions and the control polluted with BaP, the values were compared with those for the untreated control (bar marked Control on the graph).

For the two active agent + BaP conditions, the values were compared with those for the control polluted with BaP.

PMA, the positive control of induction of IL-8 release, clearly shows a strong and significant increase in the production of this pro -inflammatory cytokine (*** p < 0.001). With the pollutant BaP, an increase in IL-8 release is also observed. This increase is significant (* p < 0.05). These two points make it possible to validate this experiment with this model of pollution of human skin explants.

The active agent essential oil of lemon savory thus makes it possible, at the highest dose tested of 0.002%, to significantly reduce the release of IL-8 (-23%), induced by pollution, and consequently to limit the effects induced by pollution on the skin.

Example 4:

The essential oil and the hydrolate of lemon savory according to the invention limit UV-induced inflammation. A. Principle

The essential oil (according to Example 2) and the hydrolate (according to Example 1) of lemon savory were evaluated on the release of the inflammation markers IL- 6 and IL-8 in culture supernatants.

B. Materials & Methods

Culturing of the keratinocytes

Keratinocytes were cultured for 24 hours in MCDB153 medium reconstituted in ultrapure water not containing (control) or containing the test compounds, and the cells were then preincubated for 24 hours. After the preincubation, the cells were irradiated, in the absence of compounds or reference, with UVB (+A) (dose of 300 mJ/cm² of UVB + 3 J/cm² of UVA). At the end of the irradiation, the medium was replaced with MCDB153 medium not containing or containing the test compounds, and the cells were then incubated for 48 hours. After incubation, the culture supernatants were collected and stored in order to assay the amounts of IL-6 and of IL-8 secreted. A viability test was performed on the cell lawns.

Cell viability measurement: MTT test

At the end of the treatment, the cells were incubated in the presence of MTT (tetrazolium salt), the transformation of which into blue formazan crystals is proportional to the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (mitochondrial enzyme). After dissociation of the cells and dissolution of the formazan by adding DMSO, the optical density (OD), representative of the number of live cells and of their metabolic activity, was measured with a microplate reader at 540 nm (VERSAmax, MolecularDevices).

Assay of IL-6 and of IL-8 by ELISA

The amounts of IL-6 and of IL-8 present in the culture supernatants were measured using ELISA assay kits according to the supplier's instructions.

The ELISA assay kits are:

- Duo Set IL-6 sold by R&D Systems (Ref. DY206)

- Duo Set IL-8 sold by R&D Systems (Ref. DY208) C. Results

The essential oil and the hydrolate of lemon savory limit the inflammation induced by exposure to UV. The essential oil limits this inflammation at and above 0.0003% and the hydrolate at and above 2.5%. Limitation of this inflammation makes it possible to preserve the quality of the skin and the homogeneity of the complexion.

Example 5:

Effect of the lemon savory hydrolate according to Example 1 on the complexion

A. Principle

The object is to evaluate the effect of lemon savory hydrolate on the complexion.

B. Materials & Methods

Panel

It consists of 39 women from 25 to 50 years old presenting with a dull complexion. An application of the active agent, lemon savory hydrolate of Example 2 diluted to 50% in water, is performed twice a day, morning and evening, on the face for 4 weeks.

Evaluation

Evaluation of the radiance of the complexion is based on a visual sensory analysis of the following four descriptors:

- the colours of the facial skin (C) (four shades: red-pink, olive, beige, pale pink- white),

- the luminosity of the facial skin (L),

- the brightness of the facial skin (B),

- the transparency of the facial skin (T).

The colours are evaluated using a structured visual scale having a range of the four main facial skin colours: The luminosity, the brightness and the transparency are evaluated by means of analogue scales from 0 to 10 (= the maximum value): this analysis is performed by three experts, the subjects being illuminated with a ramp of "daylight" type, and the evaluations are made at TO and after 28 days of treatment. An index denoted "i" is calculated for each individual from the seven descriptors at each measurement time. Next, the variation in the index between Tn and TO (denoted "I" = CLBT index) is calculated for each individual according to the formula: CLBT index = I = frn - fro

Interpretation of the index I: I < 5 means no efficiency; I > 5 means a non significant probability of tendency towards improving the complexion; I > 5 means a significant probability of efficiency of the product.

C. Results

Table 1: improvement in the complexion with the hydr plate

NS: non-significant change

S: significant change

S: change in the wrong direction Table 2: variation of the parameters

After 28 days of use of the savory hydrolate of Example 1 diluted to 50% in water, the complexion colours and the texture are improved.

Regarding the colour: the significant decrease in olive shows a healthy complexion effect (skin less olive-looking). The significant increase in pale pink is evidence of a fresher complexion. Regarding the texture: the increase in the luminosity is a sign that the skin reflects light more intensely. The increase in the brightness is a sign that the complexion is unified in terms of texture and colour.

Example 6:

Effect of the combination of lemon savory hydrolate and essential oil of lemon savory on the anti-adhesion of carbon particles

A. Principle

The tests performed made it possible to demonstrate the efficiency of the combination in limiting the adhesion of carbon particles.

B. Materials & Methods

Protocol

The duration of the treatment consists of a single standardized application (2 mg/cm²) on the forearm of 58 pm carbon particles (size < 100 pm) after application of the combination (treated individual) or of water (untreated individual).

The evaluation method consists in measuring the amount of microparticles by image analysis (image acquisition using a HIROX® videomicroscope) remaining on the skin after rinsing with water and wiping with a dry pad of cotton wool. The experimental scheme consists of a comparison of the treated individuals versus untreated individuals in a randomized and double-blind manner. C. Results

The amount of microparticles removed after rinsing is significantly larger on the zones treated, respectively, with the formulation containing the combination (99.7% of hydro late or 50% of hydrolate + 0.3% of essential oil) than on the non-treated zone.

The results obtained thus demonstrate a significant antipollution effect of the test product compared with the non-treated zone. The treatment thus limits the adhesion of particles.

Example 7:

Effect of the combination of lemon savory hydrolate and essential oil of lemon savory on the cleansing of carbon particles

A. Principle

The tests performed made it possible to demonstrate the efficiency of the combination in cleansing off carbon particles.

B. Materials & Methods

The evaluation method consists in measuring the amount of microparticles by image analysis (image acquisition using a HIROX® videomicroscope) remaining on the skin after standardized cleansing of the zone treated by applying the test product and of the non-treated zone by applying water. The experimental scheme consists of a comparison of the treated individuals versus non-treated individuals in a randomized and double-blind manner. C. Results

The amount of microparticles removed after rinsing is significantly larger on the zones treated with the formulation containing the combination (50% of hydrolate + 0.3% of essential oil) than on the non-treated zones.

The formulation shows a significant cleansing effect with respect to microparticles modelling atmospheric pollution.

Example 8:

Facial cream comprising an essential oil of lemon savory

Example 9:

Facial cream comprising a lemon savory hydrolate

A facial cream as defined in Example 8 may also be modified by replacing said essential oil with a lemon savory hydrolate, in a content of 50%.

Claims

1. Cosmetic use of at least one extract of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, or of a cosmetic composition comprising said extract, as an antipollution agent.

2. Cosmetic use according to claim 1, in which said extract is a hydro late of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora.

3. Cosmetic use according to claim 1 or 2, in which said extract is a hydrolate of common savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and said extract of composition comprising said extract comprises at least 0.003% by weight of geraniol relative to the total weight of the composition.

4. Cosmetic use according to claim 1, in which said extract is an essential oil of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora.

5. Cosmetic use according to claim 4, in which said extract is an essential oil of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, and said extract or composition comprising said extract comprises at least 60% by weight of geraniol and at least 5% by weight of trans-P-caryophyllene relative to the total weight of the composition.

6. Cosmetic use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extract, or the composition comprising said extract, comprises geraniol, nerol, citral and l-octen-3-ol.

7. Cosmetic use according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the antipollution or depollution agent is directed against atmospheric pollution.

8. Cosmetic use according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the antipollution or depollution agent is directed against pollution associated with:

- toxic gases, and more particularly toxic gases chosen from: ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides;

- ultraviolet (UV) rays of A, B or C type;

- monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic compounds;

- particles in suspension.

9. Cosmetic use according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said extract or said composition is used for treating or preventing the signs of aging of the skin associated with pollution, chosen from: skin inflammation following exposure to pollutants, impairment of the skin's complexion, impairment of the skin's microrelief, and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

10. Cosmetic use according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said extract or said composition is applicable topically.

11. Cosmetic process comprising a step consisting in applying at least one extract of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, or a cosmetic composition comprising said extract, as an antipollution agent, to an individual in need thereof.

12. Composition, especially a cosmetic or dermatological composition, comprising at least one hydrolate of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora.

13. Composition according to claim 12, characterized in that it contains at least 30% by weight of hydrolate of lemon savory, in particular Satureja Montana L. ssp. citriodora, relative to the total weight of the composition.

14. Composition according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it contains at least 0.003% by weight of geraniol relative to the total weight of the composition.

15. Composition according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the hydrolate is obtained via a steam distillation process.