Cosmetic compositions containing hydroxy acid or retinoid

Abstract: Oil-in-water emulsions containing hydroxy acids and/or retinoids and further containing borage seed oil as an anti-irritant. Borage seed oil was found to be uniquely effective (when compared to gamma-linolenic acid, or other anti-irritants containing gamma-linolenic acid or other known anti-irritants) in reducing the irritation caused by hydroxy acids and/or retinoids.

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to cosmetic compositions containing hydroxy acid or retinoid and to a use of such ingredients in combination with borage seed oil in the manufacture of a composition for reducing or eliminating skin irritation and/or sting caused by the topical application. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hydroxy acids (HAs) and retinoids in cosmetic compositions for topical application to the skin have been proven to deliver cosmetic benefits, such as improvement in the appearance of photodamaged or naturally aged skin, skin lightening, treatment of age spots, etc. Unfortunately, their use at high concentrations may occasionally be associated with skin irritation, e.g. skin redness and stinging sensation upon application. The irritation can be ameliorated by lowering the amount of an active ingredient in the composition or by reducing the active's penetration through the skin. A serious drawback of both approaches is that the efficacy is impaired. The HA related irritation can be reduced by raising the composition's pH but this method yields reduced efficacy due to a decreased HA penetration through the skin. It is desirable to reduce or eliminate the irritation potential of HAs and/or retinoids while maintaining their efficacy. European Patent Application 0631722 (Johnson & Johnson) discloses the use of glycolic acid to reduce irritation of the skin by retinol. U.S. Patent 5,252,604 (Nagy et al.) teaches the use of tocopherols for retinoic acid induced irritation. U.S. Patent 5,516,793 (Duffy) discloses the use of ascorbic acid to ameliorate the irritation caused by various topical ingredients, including HAs and retinoids. U.S. Patent 5,476,661 (Pillai et al.) discloses cosmetic compositions containing 25-hydroxycalciferol and a lipid ingredient. Numerous optional ingredients are listed among which are mentioned HAs and/or retinoids and unsaturated fatty acids, such as gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Pillai et al. do not address the problem of skin irritation, do not teach the use of any agent for reducing skin irritation and do not teach the use of borage seed oil. European Patent Application 0416855 (Efamol) discloses treatment of skin damage due to radiotherapy with gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and also teaches a variety of suitable plant sources of GLA, including Borage species. PCT application WO 90/07331 (Went) teaches treatment of inflammation arising from arthritis or headache by topical application of GLA; borage seed is taught as a suitable source. European Patent Application 0173478 (Efamol) discloses treatment of inflammatory skin disorders with compositions containing GLA and glucocorticoids; borage species such as Borago officinalis is mentioned as a rich source of GLA. French patent 2,704,390 (Boiron) discloses an oral supplement containing borage seed oil to provide anti-aging benefits to skin. French patent 2,604,624 (Parfums Rochas) discloses skin care compositions containing polyunsaturated carboxylic acids, such as GLA; borage is said to be rich in GLA. U.S. Patent 5,445,822 (Bracco) discloses cosmetic compositions containing polyunsaturated acids such as GLA. Great Britain Patent 2,271,928 (Laing) discloses the use of borage family plant extracts for alleviation of skin disorders and irritations. Tollesson et al., "Transepidermal Water Loss and Water Content in the Stratum Corneum in Infantile Sebhorroeic Dermatitis", Acta Derm Venereol (Sweden), Feb. 1993, 73 (1), p. 18-20, disclose the use of topically applied borage oil for treatment of sebhorroeic dermatitis. Bahmer et al., "Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis with Borage Seed Oil (Glandol) - A Time Series Analytic Study", Kinderarztl Prax (Germany), Oct. 1992, 60 (7), p. 199-202, disclose the use of borage oil for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The art discussed above does not teach any compositions containing borage seed oil in combination with HAs and/or retinoids. The art does not teach the use of GLA or borage seed oil to reduce irritation or sting associated with the use of HAs and/or retinoids. We found as part of the present invention that among GLA containing plant sources borage seed oil was particularly effective at ameliorating irritation induced by HAs or retinoids and that this effect could not be attributed merely to the presence of GLA in the borage seed oil. We also found that borage seed oil was more effective than other, non-GLA-containing anti irritants. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a cosmetic oil-in-water composition containing a cosmetic benefit ingredient selected from the group consisting of hydroxy acids, retinol, retinoic acid, retinol, C 2 -C 5 retinyl esters and mixtures thereof and further containing at least 50 wt% water and borage seed oil in an amount of from 0.5 to 10 wt% of the emulsion, wherein if the cosmetic benefit ingredient is a hydroxy acid, it is present in an amount of from 2 to 20% by weight of the composition. The invention also provides a cosmetic method for reducing irritation or sting caused by the topical application of a composition containing a HA or a retinoid, the method comprising topically applying borage seed oil to the affected skin. According to the inventive method, borage seed oil may be co-present with HAs and/or retinoids in the same composition, or borage seed oil may be applied from a separate composition. According to the present invention, by virtue simultaneous of topical application of borage seed oil, the irritation induced by the topical application of HAs and/or retinoids is reduced or eliminated. It has been found as part of the present invention that not all known anti-irritants, even those that contain GLA, ameliorate HAs/retinoid induced irritation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION All amounts are by weight of the oil-in-water emulsion, unless otherwise specified. Borage seed oil is an essential ingredient of the inventive compositions and methods. Borage seed oil is obtained from the seeds of borage plant, also known as Borago officinalis L. (Boraginaceae), which is an herbaceous annual plant, native to Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa, naturalized in the United States. The seed oil contains: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), ∼24%, sterols (e.g., campestrol and sitosterol), tocopherols, linoleic acid (∼38%), oleic acid (∼14.5 - 23%), palmitic (∼4.7%), amabiline, etc. See Whipkey et al., "In Vivo and In Vitro Lipid Accumulation in Borago officinalis L.", JAOCS, 65 (6), 979-984 (1988); and Leung et al., "Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics", 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York (1996). Borage seed oil is employed according to the present invention to reduce or eliminate the skin irritation and/or sting caused by hydroxy acids and/or retinoids. The amount of borage seed oil in the inventive compositions ranges from 0.5% to 10 wt.%, preferably from 0.1% to 5%, most preferably from 0.5% to 2%. Hydroxyacids enhance proliferation and increase ceramide biosynthesis in keratinocytes, increase epidermal thickness, and increase desquamation of normal skin resulting in smoother, younger looking skin. The hydroxy acid can be chosen from a-hydroxy acids, b-hydroxyacids (e.g. salicylic acid), other hydroxycarboxylic acids (e.g., dihydroxycarboxylic acid, hydroxy-dicarboxylic, hydroxytricarboxylic) and mixtures thereof and combinations of their stereoisomers (DL, D or L). Preferably the hydroxy acid is chosen from a-hydroxy acids having the general structure (1) where M is H or a saturated or an unsaturated, straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing from 1 to 27 carbon atoms. Even more preferably the hydroxy acid is chosen from lactic acid, 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid, hydroxylauric, glycolic acid, and mixtures thereof. When stereo isomers exist, L-isomer is most preferred. It is to be understood that depending on the pH of the composition, the hydroxy acid may be present as a salt, e.g. ammonium or potassium or sodium salt. Although the inventive compositions may have any pH in the general range of e.g. 2.5 to 10, the inventive compositions are particularly useful when they are at an acidic pH (especially if they contain a hydroxy acid), preferably 3-5 and most preferably at a pH of 3-4, because such compositions are particularly irritating. Retinoids enhance keratinocyte proliferation in vitro, increase epidermal thickness and increase collagen synthesis by dermal fibroblasts. This results in protection from sun damage and smoothing of wrinkled skin. The term "retinoids" as used herein includes retinoic acid, retinol, retinal and C 2 -C 5 retinyl esters. Included in the term "retinoic acid" are 13-cis retinoic acid and all-trans retinoic acid. The term "retinol" includes the following isomers of retinol: all-trans-retinol, 13-cis-retinol, 11-cis-retinol, 9-cis-retinol, 3,4-didehydro-retinol. Preferred isomers are all-trans-retinol, 13-cis-retinol, 3,4-didehydro-retinol and 9-cis-retinol. Most preferred is all-trans-retinol, due to its wide commercial availability. Retinyl ester is an ester of retinol. The term "retinol" has been defined above. Retinyl esters suitable for use in the present invention are C 2 -C 5 esters of retinol, preferably C 2 and C 3 esters, and most preferably C 2 ester because it is more commonly available. Retinyl esters included in the invention are also known as: retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate, retinyl butyrate, and retinyl pentanolate. A particular advantage of the inventive compositions is that higher amounts of hydroxy acids or retinoids may be employed without causing skin irritation. The amount of the hydroxy acid component present in the composition according to the invention is from 2 to 20%, more preferably from 2 to 12% and most preferably from 4 to 12% by weight. A retinoid may be present in the inventive compositions in an amount from 33 to 330,000 IU per gram of the composition, preferably 330 to 16,500 IU, most preferably 1,650 to 6,600 IU. Again, a higher amount of a retinoid may be employed in the inventive compositions without causing skin irritation, due to the co-presence of borage seed oil. Preferably, the retinoid is retinol and/or retinyl ester. Most preferred inventive compositions containing borage seed oil anti-irritant include retinol and/or glycolic acid and/or lactic acid because these ingredients have been found to cause irritation yet they were found to be particularly efficacious at delivering cosmetic benefits. The skin treatment composition of the invention also includes a cosmetically acceptable vehicle or a carrier which is inert, including water and functioning to deliver active ingredients. Vehicles can include in addition to water liquid or solid emollients, solvents, humectants, thickeners and powders. An especially preferred nonaqueous carrier component is a polydimethyl siloxane and/or a polydimethyl phenyl siloxane. Silicones of this invention may be those with viscosities ranging anywhere from 10 to 10,000,000mm 2/ s (centistokes) at 25°C. Especially desirable are mixtures of low and high viscosity silicones. These silicones are available from the General Electric Company under trademarks Vicasil, SE and SF and from the Dow Corning Company under the 200 and 550 Series. The cosmetically acceptable vehicle will usually form from 5% to 99.9%, preferably from 25% to 80% by weight of the composition, and can, in the absence of other cosmetic adjuncts, form the balance of the composition. According to the present invention, the vehicle preferably is at least 80 wt.% water , by weight of the vehicle. The inventive compositions are oil-in-water emulsions, in order to improve dermal delivery of hydroxy acids (See Sah A., "An in-vitro study of the effect of formulation variables and product structure on the delivery of alpha-hydroxy acid (Lactic acid) to skin", MS Thesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, OH, July 1996). Such improved delivery is frequently accompanied by increased irritation/sting, making the use of borage seed oil in such emulsions particularly critical. In the oil-in-water emulsions according to the present invention, water comprises at least 50 wt.% of the inventive emulsion, most preferably from 60 to 80 wt.%, by weight of the composition. Optional Skin Benefit Materials and Cosmetic Adjuncts Additional oil or oily material may be present, together with an emulsifier providing an oil-in-water emulsion. Emollients are often incorporated into cosmetic compositions of the present invention. Levels of such emollients may range from 0.5% to 50%, preferably between 5% and 30% by weight of the total composition. Emollients may be classified under such general chemical categories as esters, fatty acids and alcohols, polyols and hydrocarbons. Esters may be mono- or di-esters. Acceptable examples of fatty di-esters include dibutyl adipate, diethyl sebacate, diisopropyl dimerate, and dioctyl succinate. Acceptable branched chain fatty esters include 2-ethyl-hexyl myristate, isopropyl stearate and isostearyl palmitate. Acceptable tribasic acid esters include triisopropyl trilinoleate and trilauryl citrate. Acceptable straight chain fatty esters include lauryl palmitate, myristyl lactate, oleyl eurcate and stearyl oleate. Preferred esters include coco-caprylate/caprate (a blend of coco-caprylate and coco-caprate), propylene glycol myristyl ether acetate, diisopropyl adipate and cetyl octanoate. Suitable fatty alcohols and acids include those compounds having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Especially preferred are such compounds such as cetyl, myristyl, palmitic and stearyl alcohols and acids. Among the polyols which may serve as emollients are linear and branched chain alkyl polyhydroxyl compounds. For example, propylene glycol, sorbitol and glycerin are preferred. Also useful may be polymeric polyols such as poly-propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. Butylene and propylene glycol are also especially preferred as penetration enhancers. Exemplary hydrocarbons which may serve as emollients are those having hydrocarbon chains anywhere from 12 to 30 carbon atoms. Specific examples include mineral oil, petroleum jelly, squalene and isoparaffins. The inventive compositions preferably include sunscreens. Sunscreens include those materials commonly employed to block ultraviolet light. Illustrative compounds are the derivatives of PABA, cinnamate and salicylate. For example, octyl methoxycinnamate and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone (also known as oxybenzone) can be used. Octyl methoxycinnamate and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone are commercially available under the trademarks, Parsol MCX and Benzophenone-3, respectively. The exact amount of sunscreen employed in the emulsions can vary depending upon the degree of protection desired from the sun's UV radiation. Another category of useful functional ingredients within the cosmetic compositions of the present invention are thickeners. A thickener will usually be present in amounts anywhere from 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably from about 0.5% to 10% by weight of the composition. Exemplary thickeners are crosslinked polyacrylate materials available under the trademark Carbopol from the B.F. Goodrich Company. Gums may be employed such as xanthan, carrageenan, gelatin, karaya, pectin and locust beans gum. Under certain circumstances the thickening function may be accomplished by a material also serving as a silicone or emollient. For instance, silicone gums with viscosity in excess of 10 centistokes and esters such as glycerol stearate have dual functionality. Powders may be incorporated into the cosmetic composition of the invention. These powders include chalk, talc, kaolin, starch, smectite clays, chemically modified magnesium aluminum silicate, organically modified montmorillonite clay, hydrated aluminum silicate, fumed silica, aluminum starch octenyl succinate and mixtures thereof. Other adjunct minor components may also be incorporated into the cosmetic compositions. These ingredients may include coloring agents, opacifiers and perfumes. Amounts of these other adjunct minor components may range anywhere from 0.001% up to 20% by weight of the composition. Use of the Emulsion The composition according to the invention is intended primarily as a product for topical application to human skin, especially for conditioning and smoothening the skin, and preventing or reducing the appearance of lined, wrinkled or aged skin. In use, a small quantity of the composition, for example from 1 to 100 ml, is applied to exposed areas of the skin, from a suitable container or applicator and, if necessary, it is then spread over and/or rubbed into the skin using the hand or fingers or a suitable device. According to the present inventive use, the skin irritation/sting caused by the active ingredient is reduced or eliminated by simultaneous topical application of borage seed oil. Product Form and Packaging The emulsion of the invention can be formulated as a lotion, a fluid cream, a cream or a gel. The composition can be packaged in a suitable container to suit its viscosity and intended use by the consumer. For example, a lotion or fluid cream can be packaged in a bottle or a roll-ball applicator, or a capsule, or a propellant-driven aerosol device or a container fitted with a pump suitable for finger operation. When the composition is a cream, it can simply be stored in a non-deformable bottle or squeeze container, such as a tube or a lidded jar. The invention accordingly also provides a closed container containing a cosmetically acceptable composition as herein defined. The following specific examples further illustrate the invention. Borage seed oil employed in the examples was obtained from Canamono Inc. (Northport, NY). EXAMPLE 1 Seventeen subjects were tested according to Irritation Test Method described below. Irritation Test Method Four Exposure Patch Test: The objective was to compare the level of irritation produced by various test materials after repeated patch applications. The test materials were held in contact with the skin under occlusive conditions. The outer upper arm of the panelist was designated as the area of application. Bandage type dressing (Scanpor® tape) was used to hold the patches (25 mm Hill Top® Chamber fitted with 18 mm diameter disc of Webril® padding) into place. Both upper arms of the panelist were used. Patches were applied in a balanced random order. Patches were applied at 9:00 o'clock Monday morning and removed at 9:00 o'clock Tuesday morning (24 hour exposure). A new set of patches was applied at 3:00 o'clock Tuesday afternoon and removed Wednesday morning at 9:00 o'clock (18 hour exposure). A third set of patches was applied at 3:00 o'clock Wednesday afternoon and removed Thursday morning at 9:00 o'clock (18 hour exposure). A final set of patches was applied at 3:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon and removed Friday morning at 9:00 o'clock (18 hour exposure). Each time the patches were removed, the sites were rinsed with warm water and patted dry. The test sites were then marked with a surgical skin marking pen to ensure location for grading and subsequent patch applications. Test sites were evaluated at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the study, prior to re-patching. Skin irritation such as moderate redness, dryness, and/or itching of the test site is expected. Swelling of the test sites is possible. If any test has moderate redness or any swelling at evaluation, that particular test site should not be repatched. The test sites on each arm were visually ranked by two trained examiners under consistent lighting. The test sites were ranked in order of severity. The examiner ranking responses at the first evaluation period continued ranking the sites each day throughout the study. In ranking the reactions, the site with the most severe response was given the lowest score. The site with the second most severe response was given the second lowest score, etc. There was no forced ranking. If two or more sites had no response or the same response (no difference between sites), an average of the ranks was assigned. If a site has been discontinued, due to degree of irritation the site retained the rank it received at the time dosing was discontinued. Statistical Analysis The ranking results from the patch treatments were statistically compared by nonparametric statistical methods. The test materials containing the anti-irritants were compared to the corresponding control containing only hydroxy acid and/or retinoid, using Friedman's Rank Sum. Treatments were compared to the Formula 2 (control) at each evaluation point using Friedman's analysis with the panelist acting as a block (i.e., each panelist was tested with each test treatment). p-value of < 0.1 was considered statistically significant. An oil-in-water emulsion base was prepared having the following formula. BASE FORMULA FULL CHEMICAL NAME OR CFTA NAME TRADE NAME WT. % water, DI 46.54 disodium EDTA Sequesterene Na2 0.05 magnesium aluminum silicate Veegum Ultra 0.6 methyl paraben Methyl Paraben 0.15 simethicone DC Antifoam Emulsion 0.01 butylene glycol 1,3 Butylene Glycol 1,3 3.0 hydroxyethylcellulose Natrosol 250HHR 0.5 glycerine, USP Glycerine USP 2.0 xanthan gum Keltrol 1000 0.2 triethanolamine Triethanolamine 99 (%) 1.2 stearic acid Pristerene 4911 3.0 propyl paraben NF Propylparaben NF 0.1 glyceryl hydrostearate Naturechem GMHS 1.5 stearyl alcohol Lanette 18DEO 1.5 isostearyl palmitate Protachem ISP 6.0 C12-15 alcohols octanoate Hetester FAO 3.0 dimethicone Silicone Fluid 200 (50cts) 1.0 cholesterol NF Cholesterol NF 0.5 sorbitan stearate Sorbitan Stearate 1.0 butylated hydroxytoluene Embanox BHT 0.05 tocopheryl acetate Vitamin E Acetate 0.1 PEG-100 stearate MYRJ 59 2.0 water, DI q.s. to 99.80 alpha-bisabolol Alpha-bisabolol 0.2 pH 7-8 Compositions 1-5 containing ingredients as indicated in Table 1 were tested using the Irritation Test Method. Ingredients added to Compositions 2-5 were added in place of water in the Base Formula. Compositions 2-5 had a pH=3.8 +/- 0.2. The results that were obtained are summarized in Table 1. The higher the Sum of Ranks, the less severe the irritation. Irritation Test Results COMPOSITION INGREDIENTS SUM OF RANKS (DAY 4) % GLA 1 Base Formula 68.5 2 Control: Base Formula + 8% Glycolic Acid and 0.075% Retinol + ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 46.5 3 Composition #2 + 0.5% Borage Seed Oil 69.5 0.115 4 Composition #2 + 3% Black Currant Seed Oil 58.0 0.51 5 Composition #2 + 1% Sambucus 44.5 It can be seen from the results in Table 1 that after four exposures, 8% glycolic acid with 0.075% retinol (#2) was significantly more irritating than Base formula (#1). 8% glycolic acid and 0.075% retinol was also significantly more irritating than the same composition containing Borage seed oil (#3). By contrast, 1% Sambucus (#5) or 3% Black Currant Seed Oil (#4) did not significantly reduce the irritation. Sambucus and Black currant seed oil are known anti-irritants. Black currant seed oil also contains 17% GLA. However, neither agent was effective in reducing alpha hydroxy acid/retinol induced irritation. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2 Compositions 1, 2 and 6-9 containing ingredients as indicated in Table 2 were tested using the Irritation Test Method described in Example 1. Seventeen subjects were tested. Ingredients added to Compositions 2-9 were added in place of water in the Base Formula. Compositions 2-9 had a pH=3.8 +/-0.2. The results that were obtained are summarized in Table 2. The higher the sum of ranks, the less is the irritation. Irritation Test Results COMPOSITION # INGREDIENTS SUM OF RANKS (DAY 4) 1 Base Formula 74.5 2 Base Formula + 8% Glycolic + 0.075% Retinol + ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 61.5 6 Composition #2 + 1% Green Tea 51.0 7 Composition #2 + 0.1% K2 Glycyrrohetinic Acid 54.5 8 Composition #2 + 3% Quench T 58.5 9 Composition #2 + 3% Polyol Prepolymer -2 57.0 It can be seen from the results in Table 2 that none of the anti-irritants tested (none contained GLA) were able to significantly reduce the irritation induced by composition #2 (containing 8% Glycolic Acid and 0.075% Retinol). EXAMPLE 3 Compositions 10-13 containing ingredients as indicated in Table 3 were tested using the Irritation Test Method described in Example 1. Composition 10 was similar to composition 1 in Example 1, except that composition 10 additionally contained 0.5% sodium stearyl lactylate, 0.1% retinyl palmitate and 0.1% hydroxy caprylic acid ("Base Formula A"). Ingredients added to Compositions 10-13 were added in place of water in the Base Formula. Composition 10 had a pH=7.8 +/- 0.5. Compositions 11-13 had a pH=3.8 +/- 0.2. The results that were obtained are summarized in Table 3. The higher the Sum of Ranks, the less severe the irritation. Irritation Test Results COMPOSITION # INGREDIENT SUM OF RANKS (DAY 4) % GLA IN COMPOSITION 10 Base Formula A 75.5 0 11 Base Formula A + 8% Glycolic Acid + ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 48.5 0 12 Base Formula A + 8% Glycolic Acid + 0.125% GLA + ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 44.5 0.125 13 Base Formula A + 8% Glycolic Acid + 0.5% Borage Seed oil + ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 61.0 0.115 It can be seen from the results in Table 3, that the addition of 8% glycolic acid (composition #11) significantly increased the irritation. Upon further addition of borage seed oil (composition #13), the irritation was directionally reduced. By contrast, a composition which contained a similar amount of GLA as composition #13, but not from borage seed oil, did not at all reduce the irritation induced by glycolic acid. This again demonstrates that borage seed oil efficacy at reducing HA irritation is unique and cannot be attributed solely to the presence of GLA. EXAMPLE 4 Twenty-one (21) subjects were tested according to the Irritation Test Method described in example 1. Compositions 11, 13 and 14 containing ingredients as indicated in Table 4 were tested using the Irritation Test Method. Ingredients added to Compositions 11, 13 and 14 were added in place of water in the Base Formula. The results that were obtained are summarized in Table 4. The higher the Sum of Ranks, the less severe the irritation. Irritation Test Results COMPOSITION INGREDIENTS SUM OF RANKS (DAY 4) % GLA 11 Base Formula A + 8% Glycolic Acid + ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 52.0 13 Composition #11 + 0.5% Borage Seed Oil + ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 65.5 0.115 14 Composition #11 + 1.0% Borage Seed Oil + ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 78.0 0.23 It can be seen from the results in Table 4 that after four exposures, 8% glycolic acid (#11) was significantly more irritating than the same composition containing 1% Borage seed oil (#14). Upon addition of 0.5% Borage seed oil (#13), irritation was directionally less as was previously shown in Example 3. Examples 5-9 illustrate skin care compositions according to the present invention. The compositions can be processed in conventional manner. They are suitable for cosmetic use. In particular, the compositions are suitable for application to wrinkled, lined, rough, dry, flaky, aged and/or UV-damaged skin to improve the appearance and the feel thereof as well as for application to healthy skin to prevent or retard deterioration thereof. EXAMPLE 5 An oil-in-water emulsion within the scope of the invention is as follows: chemical name wt.% propylene glycol 1 glycerin 1 hydroxyethylcellulose 0.5 magnesium aluminum silicate 0.5 imidazolidinyl urea 0.5 tetrasodium EDTA 0.05 petrolatum 2 isopropyl palmitate 5 dimethicone 0.5 cholesterol 0.5 cetyl alcohol 0.5 isostearic acid 3 retinyl palmitate 0.1 peg-40 stearate 1 peg-100 stearate 1 sorbitan stearate 1 borage seed oil 0.5 glycolic acid 7 ammonium hydroxide to pH 4.0 water DI qs to 100% EXAMPLE 6 Another oil-in-water emulsion within the scope of the invention is as follows: chemical name wt.% propylene glycol 1 hydroxyethylcellulose 0.5 magnesium aluminum silicate 0.5 imidazolidinyl urea 0.2 petrolatum 2 isopropyl palmitate 5 dimethicone 0.5 cholesterol 0.5 stearic acid 3 isostearic acid 1.5 glycerol stearate 1.5 peg-40 stearate 1 peg-100 stearate 1 sorbitan stearate 1 cetyl alcohol 0.5 borage seed oil 1 glycolic acid 10 ammonium hydroxide to pH 3.8 water DI qs to 100% EXAMPLE 7 The following oil-in-water emulsion within the scope of the invention is prepared: chemical name wt.% glycerin 1 tetrasodium EDTA 0.1 cetyl alcohol 1 stearyl alcohol 1 mineral oil 5 dimethicone 1 cyclomethicone 0.5 dimethiconol 0.2 polyquaternium 37 2 steareth-21 1 steareth-2 0.5 salicylic acid 2 borage seed oil 0.5 triethanolamine to pH 3.0 water DI qs to 100% EXAMPLE 8 The following oil-in-water emulsion within the scope of the invention is prepared: chemical name wt.% xanthan gum 0.2 disodium EDTA 0.1 sodium PCA 0.5 diazodinyl urea 0.3 titanium dioxide 1 stearic acid 3 cyclomethicone 0.3 cetyl alcohol 0.5 glyceryl stearate 0.5 peg-100 stearate 0.5 steareth-2 0.2 lecithin 0.5 tocopherol 0.2 octyl methoxycinnamate 6 borage seed oil 0.5 glycolic acid 3 malic acid 2 lactic acid 2 green tea extract 1 triethanolamine to pH 3.8 water DI qs to 100% EXAMPLE 9 The following oil-in-water emulsion within the scope of the invention is prepared: chemical name wt.% all-trans retinoic acid 0.05 light mineral oil 10 stearoxytrimethylsilane and stearyl alcohol 5 dimethicone 2 stearyl stearate 10 quaternium-15 3 peg-22 dodecyl glycol copolymer 1 borage seed oil 1 sorbitol 0.5 methyl paraben 0.2 disodium EDTA 0.1 butylated hydroxytoluene 0.1 water DI qs to 100%

Claims: A cosmetic oil-in-water emulsion comprising: (i) a cosmetic benefit ingredient selected from hydroxy acids, retinol, retinoic acid, retinal, C 2 -C 5 retinyl esters and mixtures thereof; (ii) borage seed oil in an amount of from 0.5 to 10 wt. %; and (iii) at least 50 wt. % water; wherein if the cosmetic benefit ingredient is a hydroxy acid it is present in an amount of from 2 to 20% by weight of the composition. An emulsion according to Claim 1, wherein if the cosmetic benefit agent is a hydroxy acid it is present at a level of 2 to 12% by weight of the composition. An emulsion according to Claim 1 wherein the cosmetic benefit ingredient comprises retinol and/or a retinyl ester, which is present in an amount of from 33 to 330,000 IU per gram of the composition. An emulsion according to Claim 1, wherein the cosmetic benefit ingredient is selected from retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid, hydroxylauric acid and mixtures thereof. An emulsion according to any of the claims 1 - 4, wherein the pH of the composition is in the range of from 3 to 5. Use of 0,5 to 10 wt% borage seed oil in combination with hydroxy acid or a retinoid and at least 50 wt% water in the mannfacture of a composition far providing a skin benefit with reduced irritation or sting.

Inventors: BARTOLONE JOHN BRIAN, HABIF STEPHAN SAMUEL, NANAVATY FALGUNI SNEHAL, SINFIELD DENNIS BRIAN, BARTOLONE, JOHN BRIAN, HABIF, STEPHAN SAMUEL, NANAVATY, FALGUNI SNEHAL, SINFIELD, DENNIS BRIAN
Applicants: UNILEVER NV, UNILEVER PLC, UNILEVER N.V.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A61K7
IPC codes: A61Q19, A61K8