Abstract:
Cosmetic creams or lotions comprising emulsions of shark liver oil, squalane, and squalene along with numerous other ingredients with therapeutic and synergetic effects on the skin are disclosed.

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     This invention relates to preparations for application to the skin. More particularly, it relates to lotions and creams incorporating fish oils, such as shark liver oil, squalane, and squalene, that are used as moisturizers, as bases for cosmetics, as hand and body lotions, and as sunburn preventives. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various compositions have been developed for the purpose of moisturizing the skin and protecting it from harsh detergents. The composition of such products may contain various ingredients in various proportions and percents that may alter or promote the synergetic effects of fish oils. The present invention is based upon the results of a series of research and experiments of an oil-in-water base emulsion that has synergetic ingredients that achieve and utilize the benefits of shark oils (i.e. shark liver oil, squalene, or squalane) and maintain a suitable shelf life, measured in years. A two-year shelf life has been found to be satisfactory. 
     Shark liver oil is an unsaturated oil that contains triglycerides, lipids, and fatty acids, and is especially noted for its high content of vitamin A and squalene, the latter being a highly unsaturated terpenic hydrocarbon that is a biochemical precursor of cholesterol. Squalene, in fact, is a constituent of normal skin sebum. A study of the prior art has revealed patents relating to shark liver oil, squalane, and squalene as constituents in cosmetic formulations. Examples of such prior art are: U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,465, issued to Rosenthal; U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,000, issued to Margraff; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,572, issued to Van Scott, et al--none of which have any pertenence with respect to the present invention. The present invention will show a method of preparation and ingredients that will not alter, but will promote the effects of fish oils with synergetic ingredients and maintain a stable emulsion. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Many ingredients were investigated to determine their compatibility with shark liver oil emulsions. The invention will show a method of preparation and ingredients to be used to promote the beneficial effects of shark liver oil. 
     Antioxidants and preservatives must be used to protect shark oil against harmful microorganisms. Thus, preservatives such as diazolidinyl urea at a concentration of from 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % is needed. As an alternative, a mixture of BHT and BHA, each at 0.05 wt. % is highly to be desired. All three preservatives could be included in the formulation without detriment. 
     An emulsifier is needed to initially create a stable emulsion and a stabilizer is needed to maintain such an emulsion. Emulsifying wax as, for example the variety, &#34;polawax&#34; N.F. at 0.5 to 8.0 wt. %, stearic acid at 0.5 to 4.0 wt. %, glyceryl stearate at 0.5 to 5.0 wt. %, and cetyl alcohol at 0.5 to 2.0 wt. % are essential for shark oil to form a lotion or cream emulsion. Triethanolamine (TEA) at 0.02 to 1.0 wt. % is also essential to prevent separating of the emulsion, once it is formed. 
     There are many oils that can be combined with shark liver oil--oils such as sesame oil at up to 30 wt. %, almond oil at up to 30 wt. %, or lanolin at up to 3.0 wt. %; these oils appear to be the most superior, although most organic oils can be used. Squalane or squalene may be substituted for shark liver or used in combination with shark liver oil in a range of 0.5 to 30 weight percent. 
     Thickening agents such as xanthan gum at 0.2 to 0.5 wt. % or Carbopol at 0 to 0.2 wt. % are useful to help form an emulsion. Sodium salts, such as a sodium salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) at 0 to 0.2 wt. %, are also helpful. 
     There are many esters used in cosmetic preparations. I have found PPG2 myristyl ether propionate promotes a synergetic effect with shark oils at 0.5 to 2.0 wt. %; pentaerythritol tetracaprate/caprylate (trade name &#34;Crodamol P.T.C.&#34;), has a similar effect at 0.5 to 2.0 wt. %, as does C 12  -C 15  alcohol benzoate at concentrations below 1 wt. %. 
     Many cholesterols are used in cosmetic formulations. I have found that C 10  -C 30  carboxylic acid esters of sterols, predominantly the sterols cholesterol and lanosterol, may be used as an emollient and resemble the active part of sebum that has emulsion stabilizing properties. They also act as viscosity builders and have the ability to absorb up to 50% of its weight of water, which feature promotes the effect of shark liver oil. I prefer to use C 10  -C 30  Cholesterol/Lanosterol Ester, trade name &#34;Super Sterol Ester&#34;, at a concentration in the range of 0.1 to 8 wt. %. 
     When a fatty acid, such as stearic acid is used, it is essential to reduce or eliminate sudsing of the emulsion by using a defoaming agent, such as dimethicone at 0.1 to 4.0 wt. %. When fatty acids are absent, no defoaming agent is needed, although its inclusion does no harm. 
     If the shark liver oil has been refined, as by chromatography, thereby removing the naturally present vitamin A, then that vitamin may be replenished by adding retinyl palmitate AD 3  at 0.1 to 4.0 wt. %. This palmitate may also be used with squalane or squalene. 
     A humectant such as propylene glycol at 0.5-4.0 wt. %, or glycerine as an alternative at similar concentrations, is also desirable and is compatible with shark oils. 
     Other ingredients, such as collagen amino acids, hydrolyzed animal proteins, reticulin, and hydrolyzed elastin may be used. All of these materials are naturally synthesized by the human body and they are very compatible with shark liver oil, squalane, and squalene. I have found that each of these ingredients may be used in the range of 0 to 1.0 wt. % in a stable emulsion. Fragrance may be added as desired in a range of 0 tp 0.5%. 
     PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following examples are detailed descriptions of the preparation of two preferred embodiments of the present invention. The ingredient names are those commonly used by the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient           Weight Percent______________________________________PHASE A:Water                as required for 100%Xanthan gum          0.2Carbopol             0.02PHASE B:Propylene glycol     4.0Triethanolamine (TEA)                0.5Tetrasodium EDTA     0.05PHASE C:Squalane             2.0Sesame oil           2.0Shark liver oil      0.5Lanolin              0.5Emulsifying wax (pola wax) N.F.                2.0PPG2 Myristyl ether propionate                2.0Glyceral stearate    1.0Dimethicone          0.5Cetyl alcohol        0.5Pentaerythritol tetra-                1.0caprate/caprylateBHT                  0.05BHA                  0.05Stearic acid         0.5Diazolidinyl urea    1.0Fragrance            0.5______________________________________ 
    
     wherein, in making said composition, said water is first heated to 75 degrees Celsius and then the additional PHASE A ingredients are mixed in; PHASE B ingredients are added to PHASE A the resulting phase is mixed; PHASE C ingredients are mixed in a separate vessel at 75 degrees Celsius and then mixed into the combined PHASE A AND B. At 40 degrees Celsius, fragrance is added. The mixture has formed a stable emulsion. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient           Weight Percent______________________________________PHASE A:Water                as required for 100%Xanthan gum          0.5Carbopol             0.2PHASE B:Propylene glycol     3.0Triethanolamine (TEA)                0.5Tetrasodium EDTA     0.05PHASE C:Almond oil           3.5Shark liver oil      0.5Squalane             2.0Emulsifying wax (pola wax) N.F.                3.0Cetyl alcohol        0.5BHT                  0.05BHA                  0.05Diazolidinyl urea    1.0C.sub.10 -C.sub.30 cholesterol/lanosterol                0.5esterRetinyl palmitate AD.sub.3                0.1PHASE D:Collagen amino acids 0.5Hydrolyzed animal protein                0.5Hydrolyzed elastin   0.5Fragrance            0.5______________________________________ 
    
     wherein, in making said composition, said water is first heated to 75 degrees Celsius and then the additional PHASE A ingredients are mixed in; PHASE B ingredients are added to PHASE A the resulting phase is mixed; PHASE C ingredients are mixed in a separate vessel at 75 degrees Celsius and then mixed into the combined PHASE A AND B. At 40 degrees Celsius, Phase D, which has also been separately mixed, is mixed in to form a stable emulsion. 
     I have found that the various constituents I have tested are totally capable of being combined together in the concentrations indicated for each to achieve a product with superior cosmetic and therapeutic properties not anticipated from the individual constituents alone. The overall effect may be described as a synergetic effect of the combination of ingredients acting in concert to achieve the overall improved effect on the skin. I have found no prior art to anticipate the superior effect of the formulations I have disclosed herein. 
     Various modifications of the described invention will occur to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that the invention includes such modifications as are embraced by, or equivalent to, the invention as claimed herein.