Abstract:
Antioxidant skin care composition comprising at least two antioxidant components one of which is a solid coffee extract antioxidant, which exhibits a synergistically increased antioxidant potency as measured by ORACsc compared to the antioxidant potency of antioxidant skin care compositions which do not contain at least two antioxidant components one of which is a solid coffee extract antioxidant. The skin care compositions are particularly suited for use in the treatment of wrinkles, pigmentation effects caused by sun damage and redness in the skin.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of skin care compositions, methods of formulating same, and methods of using them. More particularly, the present invention provides antioxidant skin care compositions comprising at least two antioxidant components, one of which is a coffee extract antioxidant, for example  coffea arabica  extract, which possess unexpected beneficial effects. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A free radical is defined as an atom or molecule with an unpaired electron. These unstable entities are chemically reactive and can harm the skin&#39;s DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids through oxidation. 
     Antioxidants protect cells by neutralizing free radical damage by donating an electron to unstable free radicals. It is now increasingly being realized that antioxidants can play an important role in the treatment and/or prevention of a number of diseases, including cancer, heart, vascular, and neurogenitive diseases. 
     A focus for the use of antioxidants is in the treatment of conditions of the skin. However, to date, no effective compositions have been developed. As a result, a need exists for improved antioxidant skin care compositions in order to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals. The present invention seeks to meet that need. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an antioxidant skin care composition comprising at least two antioxidant components which together give rise to a synergy in their effect when used in the treatment of skin conditions. Thus, in a first embodiment, there is provided an antioxidant skin care composition comprising at least two antioxidant components which together generate a synergistic effect when used in treatment of skin conditions. One of the two components is preferably a coffee extract antioxidant, for example  coffea arabica  extract. 
     In further aspect, there is provided a process of preparing an antioxidant skin care composition, comprising formulating at least two antioxidant constituents, one of which is a coffee extract, employing a low heat process in which antioxidant constituents in solid form are formulated with other constituents at a low temperature, for example around room temperature, to avoid causing damage to the antioxidant components. 
     In yet a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of treating skin conditions in a patient in need of such treatment, comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an antioxidant skin care composition of the invention. Typically, the composition is applied topically to the affected area of the skin. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first embodiment, the present invention provides an antioxidant skin care composition comprising at least one coffee extract antioxidant, for example a  coffea arabica  extract, and at least one further antioxidant component. The coffee extract is preferably in solid form, typically in the form of solid particles. The at least on further antioxidant may be in solid or liquid form. When a liquid, the further antioxidant it is typically in the form of an oil. 
     The solid antioxidant is typically present in the compositions in an amount of 5-15 wt %, for example 8-12 wt %. The at least one further antioxidant, for example an oil, is typically present in an amount of 0.05-0.5 wt %. 
     It has been found, surprisingly, according to the invention, that the combination of a solid antioxidant constituent, including a coffee extract antioxidant, for example  coffea arabica  extract, and a further antioxidant in liquid or oil form, gives rise to a synergistic effect with respect to the antioxidant potency of the composition. The expression “synergistic effect” as used herein means that the antioxidant potency of the antioxidant compositions of the invention, as measured by the score obtained using the ORACsc testing protocol, is surprisingly increased as compared to the ORACsc scores of antioxidant compositions not containing a combination of a solid antioxidant constituent, including a coffee extract antioxidant, for example  coffea arabica  extract, and a further antioxidant in solid or liquid (oil) form. 
     The antioxidant skin care compositions of the invention typically have a pH in the range of 3.0 to 6.5, for example 4-6. The specific pH range will depend on the particular nature of the composition. Examples are discussed below. 
     The antioxidant skin care compositions of the invention typically have a viscosity in the range of T/C 20,000-65,000 cp5 rpm, for example 25,000-58,000 cp5 rpm. The specific viscosity range will depend on the particular nature of the composition. Examples are discussed below. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the antioxidant skin care composition of the invention comprises the following constituents in the recited wt. percentages: stabilized AV gel 38-44, xanthan gum 0.1-0.5, Carbopol 940 (cross-linked polyacrylate polymer) (2%) 5-15, Hydrolite-5 (pentylene glycol) 1-5, panthenol 0.1-0.5, glycerin 2-8, sodium PCA 0.2-0.9, tetrasodium EDTA 0.05-0.5, allantoin 0.1-0.5, Promulgen D (ethoxylated cetearyl alcohol compounded with cetaryl alcohol) 1-5, cetyl alcohol 1-5, stearic acid 1-5, Liponate GC (caprylic/capric triglyceride) 2-10, cyclomethicone 1-5, rice bran oil 0.05-0.5, avocado oil 0.05-0.5, Dimethicone 47V20 (polydimethylsiloxane) 1-4, olive oil 1-5, vitamin E 0.01-0.1, Simulgel NS (hydroxyethylacrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer &amp; squalane &amp; Polysorbate 60 the latter of which is polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate) 1-5, Optiphen Plus (phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol and sorbic acid) 0.1-5, grape seed extract 0.05-0.5, VitaBerry (antioxidant blend of whole fruit powders and extracts combining wild blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, strawberry, prune, cherry, wild bilberry and grape) 0.05-0.5, quercetin 0.05-0.5, goji berry extract powder 0.1-0.5, coffee cherry extract powder or green coffee extract powder 5-15, vitamin A 0.01-0.1, vitamin C 0.05-0.1, hyasol 1-5, biotin 0.05.0.5, OPC pine bark 0.1-1.0, ACAI extract 0.05-0.5, guarana extract 0.5-5, green tea extract 0.05-0.5, licorice extract 0.05-0.5, cucumber extract 0.05-0.5, chamomile extract 0.05-0.5, tea 99% 0.01-1, grapefruit oil #1854 0.05-0.5, orange oil #1085 0.05-0.5, aromatic pomegranate extract #H2580 0.05-0.5, to a total of 100.00 wt %. 
     In further aspect, there is provided a process of preparing an antioxidant skin care composition, comprising formulating at least two antioxidant constituents, at least one of which is a solid antioxidant coffee extract, under low heat conditions such that the at least one solid antioxidant constituent is not subjected to a temperature which would adversely affect the antioxidant potency of the antioxidant. In such a low heat process, the temperature when the solid antioxidant(s) is admixed is typically maintained at about 20-45° C., for example 25-30° C., more usually around room temperature. 
     In one aspect, the process of the invention comprises heating a first phase comprising at least a stabilized gel in a first vessel to a temperature of 80° C. or less, heating a second phase comprising at least one antioxidant in the form of an oil in a separate vessel to a temperature of 80° C. or less, homogenizing the first and second phases to give a first homogenized phase at a temperature of 80° C. or less, homogenizing a third phase comprising a stabilizer with the first homogenized phase at a temperature of 80° C. or less to give a second homogenized phase, cooling the second homogenized phase to a temperature in the range of 20-45° C. to give a cooled phase, adding at least one solid antioxidant in powder form to the cooled phase at a temperature of 20-45° C. to give a final mixture, and homogenizing the final mixture at a temperature of 20-45° C. to give a skin care composition of the invention. 
     In one particular embodiment, the process comprises: 
     heating to a temperature of 80° C. or less in a first vessel a first phase (A) composed of the following constituents in wt. % amounts: stabilized AV gel 38-44, xanthan gum 0.1-0.5, carbopol 940 (2%) 5-15, hydrolite-5 1-5, panthenol 0.1-0.5, glycerin 2-8, sodium PCA 0.2-0.9, tetrasodium EDTA 0.05-0.5, and allantoin 0.1-0.5, 
     heating to a temperature of 80° C. or less in a separate vessel a second phase (B) composed of the following constituents in wt % amounts: Promulgen D 1-5, cetyl alcohol 1-5, stearic acid 1-5, Liponate GC 2-10, cyclomethicone 1-5, rice bran oil 0.05-0.5, avocado oil 0.05-0.5, Dimethicone 47V20 1-4, olive oil 1-5, and vitamin E 0.01-0.1, 
     homogenizing the first and second phases at a temperature of 80° C. or less to give a first homogenized phase, 
     homogenizing a third phase (C) comprised of simulgel NS 1-5 wt % with the first homogenized phase at a temperature of 80° C. or less to give a second homogenized phase, 
     cooling the second homogenized phase to a lower temperature, for example 20-45° C., to give a cooled phase, 
     adding a phase (D) comprised of optiphen 0.1-5 wt % to the cooled phase at 20-45° C., and 
     adding to the cooled phase at 20-45° C. a mixture of phases comprised of (E) grape seed extract 0.05-0.5, VitaBerry 0.05-0.5, quercetin 0.05-0.5, goji berry extract powder 0.1-0.5, coffee cherry extract powder or green coffee extract powder 5-15, (F) vitamin A 0.01-0.1, vitamin C 0.05-0.1, and hyasol 1-5, (G) biotin 0.05.0.5, (H) OPC pine bark 0.1-1.0, ACAI extract 0.05-0.5, guarana extract 0.5-5, green tea extract 0.05-0.5, licorice extract 0.05-0.5, cucumber extract 0.05-0.5, and chamomile extract 0.05-0.5, (I) tea 99% 0.01-1, and (J) grapefruit oil #1854 0.05-0.5, orange oil #1085 0.05-0.5, and aromatic pomegranate extract #H2580 0.05-0.5, to a total of 100.00 wt %. 
     Processing of the skin care formulation of the invention is carried out under low heat conditions to not adversely affect the antioxidant potency of the antioxidant constituents. This is achieved according to the process by ensuring that, when the solid antioxidant constituents are present in the formulation, the process is conducted under low heat conditions such that the temperature of the formulation is maintained in the range of about 20-45° C., more usually 25-30° C., for example around room temperature. In the particular embodiment described above, the low heat conditions are maintained while the phases E, F, G, H, I and J, in which the solid antioxidants are present, are mixed with the cooled homogenized mixture obtained by mixing phases A, B, C and D. 
     By controlling the input of heat while the solid antioxidant constituents are admixed with the phase containing the liquid (oil) antioxidant(s), it has been found according to the invention, that the antioxidant potency of the compositions is surprisingly increased as compared to the antioxidant potency of the respective individual antioxidant constituents. This observation evidences the presence of an unexpected synergistic effect with regard to the antioxidant potency of the combination of antioxidants, not observed with the individual antioxidants. 
     Three sample formulations have been produced according to the present invention, namely an eye serum, a night crème and a day lotion. The ORACsc (oxygen radical absorbance capacity—skin care) has been determined for these formulations. The scores obtained using the ORACsc testing method is a measure of the capability of an antioxidant serum, crème or lotion to absorb free radicals, i.e., the antioxidant potency of the composition. 
     The formulations of the invention produced surprisingly high ORACsc scores (micromole TE/100 g). The eye serum crème ORACsc score was 79,507; the night crème ORACsc score was 49,321 and the day lotion ORACsc score was 18,506. 
     Skin conditions which may be treated using the compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to, the presence of wrinkles, pigmentation effects caused by sun damage and redness in the skin. The compositions have been found to be particularly effective in treating the presence of wrinkles, lack of skin firmness, hyper-pigmentation, blotchy redness and tactile roughness in photo-damaged skin. 
     The antioxidant skin care compositions are typically formulated for topical application, and are usually in the form of a serum, crème or lotion. The antioxidant skin care composition containing the percentage ranges defined above is typically applied to affected areas of the skin in a therapeutically effective amount, that is an amount which produces an advantageous effect by reducing and/or eliminating the condition present on the affected area of the skin as compared to the outcome of not treating the affected skin area. Typically, the amount of the composition, as defined about in terms of percentage amounts applied to the affected skin area, approximates the size of a dime. The serum, crème or lotion is usually applied over the affected skin area until evenly distributed. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     Lighten &amp; Firm Eye Serum 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Phase 
                 Constituents 
                 Wt. Percent 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 STABILIZED AV GEL 
                 42.990 
               
               
                   
                 XANTHAN GUM 
                 0.300 
               
               
                   
                 CARBOPOL 940 (2%) 
                 10.000 
               
               
                   
                 HYDROLITE-5 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 PANTHENOL 
                 0.200 
               
               
                   
                 GLYCERIN 
                 5.000 
               
               
                   
                 SODIUM PCA 
                 0.500 
               
               
                   
                 TETRASODIUM EDTA 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 ALLANTOIN 
                 0.250 
               
               
                 B 
                 PROMULGEN D 
                 3.000 
               
               
                   
                 CETYL ALCOHOL 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 STEARIC ACID 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 LIPONATE G C 
                 5.000 
               
               
                   
                 CYCLOM + ETHICONE 
                 3.500 
               
               
                   
                 RICE BRAN OIL 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 AVOCADO OIL 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 DIMETHICONE 47V20 
                 1.500 
               
               
                   
                 OLIVE OIL 
                 3.500 
               
               
                   
                 VITAMIN E 
                 0.050 
               
               
                 C 
                 SIMULGEL NS 
                 2.000 
               
               
                 D 
                 OPTIPHEN PLUS 
                 1.000 
               
               
                 E 
                 GRAPE SEED EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 VITABERRY 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 QUERCETIN 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 GOJI BERRY EXTRACT POWDER 
                 0.250 
               
               
                   
                 COFFEE CHERRY EXTRACT POWDER 
                 10.000 
               
               
                 F 
                 VITAMIN A 
                 0.050 
               
               
                   
                 VITAMIN C 
                 0.010 
               
               
                   
                 HYASOL 
                 1.500 
               
               
                 G 
                 BIOTIN 
                 0.100 
               
               
                 H 
                 OPC PINE BARK 
                 0.500 
               
               
                   
                 ACAI EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 GUARANA EXTRACT 
                 1.000 
               
               
                   
                 GREEN TEA EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 LICORICE EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 CUCUMBER EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 CHAMOMILE EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                 I 
                 TEA 99% 
                 0.400 
               
               
                 J 
                 GRAPEFRUIT OIL #1854 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 ORANGE OIL #1085 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 AROMATIC POMEGRANATE  
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 EXTRACT #H2580 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 100.00 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Attribute 
                 Specs (Range) 
                 ACTUAL 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 pH 
                     4.0-5.0      
                   
               
               
                 Odor 
                 CHARACTERISTIC 
                   
               
               
                 Color 
                 .BROWN 
                   
               
               
                 Viscosity 
                 T/C 28,000-40,000cp5rpm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The above formulation is processed by heating phase A to 70° C. in a first main vessel. Phase B is heated in a separate vessel to 70° C., and phases A and B are homogenized together to form a main batch. Phase C is homogenized with the main batch, and the resulting mixture is cooled to room temperature. Phase D is added to the cooled mixture followed by phase E to give a combined mixture. Phase F is premixed and added to the combined mixture, followed by phases G, H, I and J. 
     Example 2 
     Repair &amp; Replenish Night Crème 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Phase 
                 Constituents 
                 Wt. Percent 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 STABILIZED AV GEL 
                 45.390 
               
               
                   
                 XANTHAN GUM 
                 0.300 
               
               
                   
                 CARBOPOL 940 2% 
                 10.000 
               
               
                   
                 HYDROLITE-5 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 PANTHENOL 
                 0.200 
               
               
                   
                 GLYCERN 
                 5.000 
               
               
                   
                 SODIUM PCA 
                 0.500 
               
               
                   
                 TETRASODIUM EDTA 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 ALLANTOIN 
                 0.250 
               
               
                 B 
                 PROMULGEN D 
                 3.000 
               
               
                   
                 CETYL ALCOHOL 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 STEARIC ACID 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 LIPONATE GC 
                 5.000 
               
               
                   
                 CYCLOMETHICONE 
                 3.500 
               
               
                   
                 RICE BRAN OIL 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 AVOCADO OIL 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 DIMETHICONE 47V20 
                 1.500 
               
               
                   
                 OLIVE OIL 
                 3.500 
               
               
                   
                 VITAMIN E 
                 0.050 
               
               
                 C 
                 SIMULGEL NS 
                 1.500 
               
               
                 D 
                 OPTIPHEN PLUS 
                 1.000 
               
               
                 E 
                 GRAPE SEED EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 VITABERRY PLUS 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 QUERCETIN POWDER 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 GOJI BERRY EXTRACT POWDER 
                 0.250 
               
               
                   
                 GREEN COFFEE EXTRACT POWDER 
                 5.000 
               
               
                 F 
                 VITAMIN A 
                 0.050 
               
               
                   
                 VITAMIN C 
                 0.010 
               
               
                   
                 HYASOL 
                 1.500 
               
               
                 G 
                 BIOTIN 
                 0.100 
               
               
                 H 
                 ACAI EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 OPC PINE BARK 
                 0.500 
               
               
                   
                 CHAMOMILE EXTRACT 
                 0.250 
               
               
                   
                 GUARANA EXTRACT 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 GREEN TEA EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 LICORICE EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 CUCUMBER EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                 I 
                 ORANGE OIL 
                 0.750 
               
               
                   
                 GRAPEFRUIT OIL 
                 0.750 
               
               
                   
                 AROMATIC POMEGRANATE EXTRACT #2580 
                 0.750 
               
               
                 J 
                 TEA 99% 
                 0.400 
               
               
                   
                   
                 100.00 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Attribute 
                 Specs (Range) 
                 ACTUAL 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 pH 
                     5.0-6.0      
                   
               
               
                 Odor 
                 CHARACTERISTIC 
                   
               
               
                 Color 
                 BROWN 
                   
               
               
                 Viscosity 
                 T/C 40,000-55,000cp5rpm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The above formulation is processed by heating phase A to 70° C. in a first main vessel. Phase B is heated in a separate vessel to 70° C., and phases A and B are homogenized together to form a main batch. Phase C is homogenized with the main batch, and the resulting mixture is cooled to room temperature. Phase D is added to the cooled mixture. Phase E is premixed and added to the cooled mixture, followed by phases F, G, H, I and J. 
     Example 3 
     Protect &amp; Rejuvinate Day Lotion 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Phase 
                 Constituents 
                 Wt. Percent 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 STABILIZED AV GEL 
                 51.990 
               
               
                   
                 XANTHAN GUM 
                 0.300 
               
               
                   
                 CARBOPOL 940 2% 
                 10.000 
               
               
                   
                 HYDROLITE-5 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 PANTHENOL 
                 0.200 
               
               
                   
                 GLYCERN 
                 5.000 
               
               
                   
                 SODIUM PCA 
                 0.500 
               
               
                   
                 TETRASODIUM EDTA 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 ALLANTOIN 
                 0.250 
               
               
                 B 
                 PROMULGEN D 
                 3.000 
               
               
                   
                 CETYL ALCOHOL 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 STEARIC ACID 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 LIPONATE GC 
                 5.000 
               
               
                   
                 CYCLOMETHICONE 
                 3.500 
               
               
                   
                 RICE BRAN OIL 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 AVOCADO OIL 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 DIMETHICONE 47V20 
                 1.500 
               
               
                   
                 OLIVE OIL 
                 3.500 
               
               
                   
                 VITAMIN E 
                 0.050 
               
               
                 C 
                 SIMULGEL NS 
                 1.000 
               
               
                 D 
                 OPTIPHEN PLUS 
                 1.000 
               
               
                 E 
                 GRAPE SEED EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 VITABERRY PLUS 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 QUERCETIN POWDER 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 GOJI BERRY EXTRACT POWDER 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 GREEN COFFEE EXTRACT POWDER 
                 1.000 
               
               
                 F 
                 VITAMIN A 
                 0.050 
               
               
                   
                 VITAMIN C 
                 0.010 
               
               
                   
                 HYASOL 
                 1.500 
               
               
                 G 
                 BIOTIN 
                 0.100 
               
               
                 H 
                 ACAI EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 OPC PINE BARK 
                 0.500 
               
               
                   
                 CHAMOMILE EXTRACT 
                 0.250 
               
               
                   
                 GUARANA EXTRACT 
                 2.000 
               
               
                   
                 GREEN TEA EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 LICORICE EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 CUCUMBER EXTRACT 
                 0.100 
               
               
                 I 
                 ORANGE OIL 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 GRAPEFRUIT OIL 
                 0.100 
               
               
                   
                 AROMATIC POMEGRANATE EXTRACT #2580 
                 0.100 
               
               
                 J 
                 TEA 99% 
                 0.400 
               
               
                   
                   
                 100.00 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Attribute 
                 Specs (Range) 
                 ACTUAL 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 pH 
                    4.75-5.75     
                   
               
               
                 Odor 
                 CHARACTERSTIC 
                   
               
               
                 Color 
                 BROWN 
                   
               
               
                 Viscosity 
                 T/C 38,000-48,000cp5rpm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The above formulation is processed by heating phase A to 70° C. in a first main vessel. Phase B is heated in a separate vessel to 70° C., and phases A and B are homogenized together to form a main batch. Phase C is homogenized with the main batch, and the resulting mixture is cooled to room temperature. Phase D is added to the cooled mixture. Phase E is premixed and added to the cooled mixture, followed by phases F, G, H, I and J. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.