Carotenoid compositions useful for whitening skin
Inventors
Von Oppen Bezalel, Liki • Soudant, Etienne • Perry, Inon • Maniwa, Fumio • HATA, Yuki • Takayama, Akemi
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8398958-B2
Publication Date
2013-03-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates to use of carotenoid preparations for promoting skin whitening. Particularly, the present invention discloses that a combination of phytoene and phytofluene is effective in whitening skin. The present invention further relates to carotenoid compositions comprising a combination of phytofluene and phytofluene effective in whitening skin and at least one additional carotenoid, particularly carotenoids devoid of highly intense color.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a skin-whitening technology that whitens skin of a subject having undesired skin pigmentation by reducing melanin content within skin cells. The method administers a composition comprising a combination of phytoene and phytofluene in an amount sufficient to reduce melanin content and thereby whiten undesired skin pigmentation, wherein the undesired skin pigmentation is not caused by UV exposure.
The description centers the whitening effect on the phytoene and phytofluene combination and distinguishes this approach from prior bleaching agents that include harsh chemical agents, hydroquinone, unstable tyrosinase inhibitors, and colored carotenoids such as beta-carotene or lycopene. The composition may be colorless or devoid of intense color, while optionally including one or more additional carotenoids.
The document further supports whitening by showing in vitro melanin assay results in B16 melanoma cells and normal human melanocytes with reported reductions in melanin content and comparisons to kojic acid and IBMX, alongside reports of no cytotoxicity and viability retention. It also provides options for sourcing such components, including tomato fruit extract, Dunaliella algae, microorganisms, or synthesis.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a method of whitening skin by administering to a subject a composition containing phytoene and phytofluene, specifically limited to undesired skin pigmentation not caused by UV exposure. Dependent claims further define optional additional carotenoids, component proportions, sourcing routes, and administration forms, including topical and oral delivery and optional colorlessness or lack of intense color.
Whitening by reducing melanin content with administered phytoene and phytofluene
Administering to the subject a composition comprising a combination of phytoene and phytofluene in an amount sufficient to reduce melanin content within skin cells of the subject, thereby whitening undesired skin pigmentation, wherein the undesired skin pigmentation is not caused by UV exposure.
Additional carotenoid selection
Including at least one additional carotenoid selected from zeta-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, cataxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin, or any combination thereof.
Component concentration ratio for phytoene and phytofluene to additional carotenoid
Having a ratio of the concentration of the combined total amount of phytoene and phytofluene to the concentration of the at least one additional carotenoid from about 1:1 to about 50:1.
Carotenoid components obtained by chemical synthesis
Obtaining phytoene, phytofluene and at least one additional carotenoid by chemical synthesis.
Carotenoid components derived from Dunaliella algae
Deriving the phytofluene and the at least one additional carotenoid, or combinations thereof, from an algae of the species Dunaliella.
Topical and oral administration form
Administering the composition in a form selected from topical administration to the skin, oral administration, and a combination thereof.
Overall, the claims cover whitening by administering a phytoene and phytofluene composition that reduces melanin content in skin cells for pigmentation not caused by UV exposure. The dependent claims refine this by optionally adding selected additional carotenoids in a specified concentration ratio, constraining component sourcing or production routes, and limiting administration forms to topical or oral delivery.
Stated Advantages
Whitening of undesired skin pigmentation by reducing melanin content within skin cells.
Uses a phytoene and phytofluene combination centered approach, contrasted with prior bleaching agents such as harsh chemical agents, hydroquinone, unstable tyrosinase inhibitors, and colored carotenoids.
Compositions can be designed to be essentially colorless or devoid of intense color.
In vitro melanin assay results show decreased melanin content in B16 melanoma cells and normal human melanocytes.
Reported no cytotoxicity and viability retention in the described assays.
Documented Applications
Whitening effects are discussed for multiple hyperpigmentation conditions, including lentigines, freckles, melasma, chloasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Use in cosmetic compositions including topical forms such as a facial cleanser, skin lotion, milky lotion, and skin cream.
Use in cosmetic compositions with oral administration.
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