CN116322624A

CN116322624A - Composition for promoting skin microbiota

Info

Publication number: CN116322624A
Application number: CN202180063429.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 珍妮弗·胡佩登; 米里亚·拉舍特; 卡连·汤姆迪克; 海克·弗尔斯特; 塞宾·塞尔考
Original assignee: Beiersdorf AG
Current assignee: Beiersdorf AG
Priority date: 2020-09-22
Filing date: 2021-09-22
Publication date: 2023-06-23
Also published as: EP4217077A1; BR112023005226A2; WO2022063857A1

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of skin care. More particularly, the present invention relates to a skin care composition comprising a growth promoting compound that promotes the development of a healthy skin microbiota. These growth promoting compounds are metabolized by microorganisms of the skin microbiota after topical application to the skin, thereby supporting the growth of the microorganisms. The growth promoting compounds and compositions comprising the same are useful for treating or preventing skin disorders, promoting the development of healthy skin microbiota, stabilizing healthy skin microbiota, and promoting the growth of bacteria of the skin microbiota.

Description

Composition for promoting skin microbiota

Technical Field

Background

Human skin colonizes millions of microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi. Most of these microorganisms are harmless and even beneficial to their host. Microorganisms living on human skin are collectively referred to as "skin microbiota". There is increasing evidence that the skin microbiota has a direct impact on human health. For example, bacteria of the skin microbiota contribute to health by secreting antimicrobial compounds that provide a barrier to bodily infections by pathogenic bacteria or fungi. In addition, the skin microbiota interacts with the immune system, effectively stimulating the immune system against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

For microorganisms, human skin is an overall undesirable habitat. The skin contains salts, dries, and is continuously exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Furthermore, the nutrients available on the skin surface are limited to compounds released from the dead skin cells of the epithelial layer. Due to these harsh conditions, the total number of bacterial and fungal cells on the skin is quite low, especially in the dry areas of the forearm, leg and lower back, etc. Daily use of soaps to cleanse the skin and improper use of cosmetics provides additional antimicrobial effects, further reducing the total number of bacterial and fungal cells on the skin and possibly causing disturbances in the skin microbiota.

In a healthy microbiota, resident microorganisms appear to exist in equilibrium with each other. The disorder of the balance is believed to contribute to a disease or condition, such as acne or eczema. In particular, if the number of bacteria residing in the flora, such as staphylococcus epidermidis (Staphylococcus epidermidis), is too low, there is a risk that the skin will become colonised by pathogenic or potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus). Healthy and stable microbiota generally prevent colonisation of the skin by such pathogenic or potentially pathogenic bacteria. Thus, means and methods are needed to maintain a healthy skin microbiota. In addition, means and methods are needed that promote the growth of resident microorganisms in the microbiota.

Disclosure of Invention

During the course of the present invention it has been found that by applying a skin care composition comprising a large number of compounds which can be metabolized by the microorganisms of the skin microbiota to promote their growth, an equilibrium microbiota can be actively supported. In particular, it has been found that certain compounds can be used as a carbon source, nitrogen source or lipid source by microorganisms of the skin microbiota after their topical application to the skin. Thus, topical application of such compounds improves metabolic conditions for these microorganisms on the skin surface.

The growth promoting compounds disclosed herein are metabolized by resident microorganisms, i.e., microorganisms that are typically present as part of the human skin microbiota, more effectively than transient microorganisms that only transiently colonize the skin (e.g., after touching contaminated objects with hands). Thus, the compounds disclosed herein provide growth advantages for resident microorganisms, such as staphylococcus epidermidis, relative to pathogenic microorganisms, such as staphylococcus aureus. In this way, these compounds help to stabilize and promote the growth of resident microorganisms of the skin microbiota.

Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a skin care composition for promoting the microbiota of the skin, wherein the composition is formulated for topical application to the skin and comprises:

(a) A carbon source selected from glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate.

In addition to the carbon source, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least one of the following components:

(b) A nitrogen source selected from alanine, glycine, arginine and/or urea;

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

The present invention thus relates to a composition for promoting the skin microbiota comprising a carbon source which is glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or any combination thereof, and at least one additional growth promoting compound. The additional growth promoting compound may be a nitrogen source selected from urea, alanine, glycine and arginine or caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises all three types of components. Accordingly, in a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to a skin care composition for promoting the microbiota of the skin, wherein the composition is formulated for topical application to the skin and comprises:

(a) Glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate as carbon source,

(b) Alanine, glycine, arginine and/or urea as nitrogen source,

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

Preferably, the present invention relates to a skin care composition for promoting the microbiota of the skin, wherein the composition is formulated for topical application to the skin and comprises:

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or a mixture thereof as a carbon source.

(b) Urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source;

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

The invention thus also relates to a composition for promoting the cutaneous microbiome, the composition comprising a carbon source which is pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or a mixture thereof, such as a combination of pyruvate and lactate, and at least one additional growth promoting compound. The additional growth promoting compound may be a nitrogen source selected from urea and arginine or caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises all three types of components. Accordingly, in a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to a skin care composition for promoting the microbiota of the skin, wherein the composition is formulated for topical application to the skin and comprises:

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Urea and/or arginine as a nitrogen source,

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

In a particularly preferred aspect, the present invention relates to a skin care composition for promoting the microbiota of the skin, wherein the composition is formulated for topical application to the skin and comprises:

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Urea and/or arginine as a nitrogen source,

(c) Optionally, caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition of the invention comprises pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or a mixture thereof as carbon source. If pyruvic acid is used, it will typically dissociate to some extent in aqueous solution. Thus, it will be present in an aqueous environment as a mixture of undissociated pyruvic acid and the corresponding pyruvate. As shown in the examples below, pyruvic acid and pyruvate are capable of significantly increasing the number of resident bacterial cells when applied to facial skin in the form of a skin care composition. As used herein, pyruvate refers to a salt or ester of 2-oxopropionic acid. Preferably, the pyruvate in the composition is calcium pyruvate or sodium pyruvate. Sodium pyruvate is used in some cosmetic compositions for stimulating collagen synthesis.

Preferred skin care compositions of the present invention comprise the following:

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Urea as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Preferably, the amount of pyruvic acid, pyruvate or a mixture of both components present in the composition is 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.7 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. Particularly preferred amounts are 0.05-1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or mixture thereof is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). All weight percentages referred to herein with respect to certain components refer to the total weight of the formulation or composition, unless otherwise indicated.

Also, it is preferred that urea is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.7 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, urea is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w).

The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. As used herein, the term "caprylic/capric triglyceride" refers to a triglyceride in which glycerol is esterified with the fatty acids caprylic and capric. The caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably present in an amount of 0.1-6.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2-6.0w/w%, more preferably 0.3-5.5w/w%, more preferably 0.4-5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.5-4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.6-4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.7-3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8-3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9-2.5w/w%, more preferably 1.0-3.0w/w%, more preferably 1.5-2.5w/w%, such as 2.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of caprylic/capric triglyceride present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), at least 3.0 (w/w), at least 4.0 (w/w), or at least 5.0 (w/w).

Another preferred skin care composition of the present invention comprises the following:

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Pyruvic acid, pyruvate or an ester or a mixture of both components is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Glycine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Pyruvic acid, pyruvate or an ester or a mixture of both components is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Pyruvic acid, pyruvate or an ester or a mixture of both components is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the alanine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of alanine present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

In another embodiment of the invention, the composition of the invention comprises lactic acid, lactate salt or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source. Like pyruvate, lactate and lactate can increase the number of resident bacterial cells when applied to facial skin. As used herein, lactate refers to a salt or ester of lactic acid. If lactic acid is used, it will typically dissociate to some extent in the aqueous solution. Thus, it will be present in an aqueous environment as a mixture of undissociated lactic acid and the corresponding lactate salt. Preferably, the lactate in the composition is calcium lactate or sodium lactate. Sodium lactate is used as a humectant in some cosmetic compositions and for pH stabilization. Preferred skin care compositions of the present invention comprising lactate as a growth promoting component include:

(a) Lactic acid, lactate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Urea as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Preferably the amount of lactic acid, lactate or a mixture of both components present in the composition is 0.05-5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1-5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2-4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3-4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4-3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5-3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6-2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.7-2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.8-1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of lactic acid, lactate, or a mixture of both components present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w).

The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. The caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably present in an amount of 0.1-6.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2-6.0w/w%, more preferably 0.3-5.5w/w%, more preferably 0.4-5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.5-4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.6-4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.7-3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8-3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9-2.5w/w%, more preferably 1.0-3.0w/w%, more preferably 1.5-2.5w/w%, such as 2.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of caprylic/capric triglyceride present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), at least 3.0 (w/w), at least 4.0 (w/w), or at least 5.0 (w/w).

(a) Lactic acid, lactate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Lactic acid, lactate or a mixture of both components is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Lactic acid, lactate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) Glycine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Lactic acid, lactate or a mixture of both components is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Lactic acid, lactate or ester or a mixture of both components as carbon source,

(b) Alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Lactic acid, lactate or a mixture of both components is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the alanine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of alanine present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Glucose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Urea as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Preferably, the amount of glucose present in the composition is 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.7 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. Particularly preferred amounts are 0.05-1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of glucose present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w).

(a) Glucose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Glucose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Glucose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Glycine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Glucose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Glucose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Glucose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the alanine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of alanine present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Fructose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Urea as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Preferably fructose is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.7 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. Particularly preferred amounts are 0.05-1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of fructose present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w).

(a) Fructose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Fructose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Fructose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Glycine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Fructose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Fructose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Fructose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the alanine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of alanine present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Maltose as a carbon source and a nitrogen source,

(b) Urea as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Preferably, the maltose is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05-5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1-5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2-4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3-4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4-3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5-3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6-2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.7-2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.8-1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. Particularly preferred amounts are 0.05-1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of maltose present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w).

(a) Maltose as a carbon source and a nitrogen source,

(b) Arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Maltose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Maltose as a carbon source and a nitrogen source,

(b) Glycine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Maltose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Maltose as a carbon source and a nitrogen source,

(b) Alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Maltose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the alanine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of alanine present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Sucrose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Urea as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Preferably, sucrose is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.7 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. Particularly preferred amounts are 0.05-1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the sucrose is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w).

(a) Sucrose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Sucrose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Sucrose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Glycine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Sucrose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Sucrose as a carbon source is used as a carbon source,

(b) Alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Sucrose is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the alanine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of alanine present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Maltodextrin as a carbon source is used as a source of the carbon,

(b) Urea as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Preferably the maltodextrin is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.7 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. Particularly preferred amounts are 0.05-1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, maltodextrin is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w).

(a) Maltodextrin as a carbon source is used as a source of the carbon,

(b) Arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Maltodextrin is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the arginine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Maltodextrin as a carbon source is used as a source of the carbon,

(b) Glycine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Maltodextrin is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, glycine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

(a) Maltodextrin as a carbon source is used as a source of the carbon,

(b) Alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source.

Maltodextrin is preferably present in the composition in the amounts described above. Preferably, the alanine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the amount of alanine present in the composition is at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w). The composition may optionally include caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. If present, caprylic/capric triglyceride is preferably used in the amounts described above.

Particularly preferred compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to:

a skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester as carbon source or mixture thereof,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, 0.05-6.0w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester as carbon source or mixture thereof,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, 0.5-4.5w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester as carbon source or mixture thereof,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, 1.5-2.5w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% lactic acid, lactate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

(c) As an optional component, 0.2-6.0w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% lactic acid, lactate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% lactic acid, lactate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% glucose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% glucose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% glucose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% glucose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% glucose as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% glucose as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% fructose as carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% fructose as carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% fructose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% fructose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% fructose as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% fructose as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% of maltose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% of maltose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% of maltose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% of maltose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% of maltose as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% of maltose as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% sucrose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% sucrose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% sucrose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% sucrose as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% sucrose as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% sucrose as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% of maltodextrin as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% of maltodextrin as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% of maltodextrin as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% of maltodextrin as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% of maltodextrin as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea or alanine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 1.0-1.5w/w% of maltodextrin as a carbon source,

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine or glycine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% urea as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(a) 0.1-5.0w/w% lactic acid, lactate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) 0.1-5.0w/w% urea as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.1-5.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% urea as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% urea as nitrogen source, and

A skin care composition comprising:

(b) 1.0-1.5w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

Instead of a single amino acid such as arginine or alanine, a mixture of amino acids may also be used according to the invention, e.g. a mixture comprising one or more of alanine, arginine, serine, threonine, histidine, glutamic acid and/or lysine may be used. Mixtures of alanine and arginine are particularly preferred. Another nitrogen source that may be used in the compositions of the present invention, alone or in combination with another nitrogen source, is betaine (2-trimethylammonioethylene). Preferably, the betaine is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0w/w%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.5w/w%, more preferably 0.3 to 4.0w/w%, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5w/w%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0w/w%, more preferably 0.6 to 2.5w/w%, more preferably 0.8 to 2.0w/w%, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5w/w%, such as 1.0w/w%. In some embodiments, the betaine is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.3 (w/w), at least 0.4 (w/w), at least 0.5 (w/w), at least 0.6 (w/w), at least 0.7 (w/w), at least 0.8 (w/w), at least 0.9 (w/w), at least 1.0 (w/w), at least 2.0 (w/w), or at least 3.0 (w/w).

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the skin care compositions of the present invention are formulated as aqueous compositions having particularly low osmolality for topical application to the skin. It has been found that by reducing the osmolality, a healthy and stable microbiota can be further supported. The high amount of osmotically active solutes in the composition results in high levels of osmotic stress after application of the composition to the skin. After application to the skin, the water contained in the composition evaporates to a large extent, leaving the remaining water on the skin surface to contain salts and other osmotically active components in a highly concentrated form. These concentrated compounds are able to bind free water in the environment, which is critical for bacterial metabolism and thus for bacterial viability. Furthermore, due to the high permeation conditions of the skin surface, water diffuses from inside the bacterial cells to outside along the permeation gradient. This severely affects the viability of the bacterial cells.

The osmolality of the solution quantifies the osmotically active particles or ions contained in the solution. Osmolality refers to the weight of a substance relative to the volume molarity that determines the number of particles or ions in the volume of liquid. It is generally expressed as mOsm/kg water or mmol/kg water. The actual osmolality of the composition can be determined according to methods known in the art. For example, the osmolality can be measured using a freezing point depressant osmometer or a vapor pressure lowering osmometer. Since the freezing point of water-based compositions decreases depending on the amount of osmotically active particles or ions contained, osmolality can be measured by determining the freezing point of the composition.

Since it is cumbersome to measure the actual osmolality, in practice it is usual to use a composition based on the molar mass and the combination of the compounds contained in the compositionThe amount of compound in the composition is calculated as the "theoretical osmolality" to determine the osmolality of the composition. Theoretical osmolality b, as used herein _osm Represents the molar concentration of osmotically active particles in the solution. It is calculated according to the following formula:

wherein n is _osm Represents the amount of osmotically active particles in moles; m is m _Solvent(s) The mass of the solvent is expressed in kg.

According to the invention, the skin care composition has a theoretical osmolality of 4000mOsm/kg water or less. Preferably, the composition has a theoretical osmolality of 3900mOsm/kg water or less, 3800mOsm/kg water or less, 3700mOsm/kg water or less, 3600mOsm/kg water or less, 3500mOsm/kg water or less, 3400mOsm/kg water or less, 3300mOsm/kg water or less, 3200mOsm/kg water or less, 3100mOsm/kg water or less, or 3000mOsm/kg water or less. In other words, it is particularly preferred that the theoretical osmolality of the skin care composition is in the range of from 3000 to 4000mOsm/kg water, more preferably from 3100 to 3900mOsm/kg water, from 3200 to 3800mOsm/kg water, from 3300 to 3700mOsm/kg water or from 3400 to 3600mOsm/kg water.

The composition of the present invention is preferably an aqueous composition. The water content of the composition is preferably 30w/w% water or higher. This means that the composition of the present invention preferably comprises 30w/w% water or more, 35w/w% water or more, 40w/w% water or more, 45w/w% water or more, 50w/w% water or more, 55w/w% water or more, 60w/w% water or more, 65w/w% water or more, 70w/w% water or more, 75w/w% water or more, 80w/w% water or more, or 85w/w% water or more. It is particularly preferred that the composition of the present invention comprises at least 70w/w% or at least 75w/w% water.

The skin care compositions of the present invention are preferably formulated as ready-to-use compositions suitable for direct topical application to the skin. Such compositions may be provided in various forms including, but not limited to, gels, lotions, fluids, creams, ointments, solutions, water-based emulsions, and the like. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention is formulated as a gel or lotion.

In order to provide low levels of osmolality, the skin care compositions of the present invention will use only small amounts of compounds that are osmotically active when dissolved in water. In some embodiments, certain osmotically active compounds, such as NaCl, KCl, caCl, are omitted entirely ₂ Or MgCl ₂ 。

In one embodiment, the amount of NaCl in the composition to be applied to the skin is less than 1w/w%, less than 0.9w/w%, less than 0.8w/w%, less than 0.7w/w%, less than 0.6w/w%, less than 0.5w/w%, less than 0.4w/w%, less than 0.3w/w%, less than 0.2w/w% or less than 0.1w/w%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise any NaCl.

In another embodiment, the amount of KCl in the composition to be applied to the skin is less than 1w/w%, less than 0.9w/w%, less than 0.8w/w%, less than 0.7w/w%, less than 0.6w/w%, less than 0.5w/w%, less than 0.4w/w%, less than 0.3w/w%, less than 0.2w/w% or less than 0.1w/w%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise any KCl.

In one embodiment, caCl in a composition to be applied to the skin ₂ Less than 1w/w%, less than 0.9w/w%, less than 0.8w/w%, less than 0.7w/w%, less than 0.6w/w%, less than 0.5w/w%, less than 0.4w/w%, less than 0.3w/w%, less than 0.2w/w%, or less than 0.1w/w%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise any CaCl ₂ 。

In one embodiment, the MgCl in the composition to be applied to the skin ₂ Less than 1w/w%, less than 0.9w/w%, less than 0.8w/w%, less than 0.7w/w%, less than 0.6w/w%, less than 0.5w/w%, less than 0.4w/w%, less than 0.3w/w%, less than 0.2w/w%, or less than 0.1w/w%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise any MgCl ₂ 。

Another component contributing to osmolality is glycerol. According to the invention, it is preferred that the amount of glycerol in the composition to be applied to the skin is less than 10w/w%, less than 9w/w%, less than 8w/w%, less than 7w/w%, less than 6w/w%, less than 5w/w%, less than 4w/w%, less than 3w/w%, less than 2w/w% or less than 1w/w%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise any glycerol.

In one embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention as defined in the other parts above comprises less than 0.5w/w% NaCl and less than 5w/w% glycerol. In one embodiment, the composition comprises less than 0.5w/w% NaCl and no glycerol. In another embodiment, the composition comprises less than 5w/w% glycerol and does not comprise NaCl.

In another embodiment, the skin care composition comprises less than 0.5w/w% KCl and less than 5w/w% glycerin. In one embodiment, the composition comprises less than 0.5w/w% KCl and no glycerol. In another embodiment, the composition comprises less than 5w/w% glycerol and does not comprise KCl.

In another embodiment, the skin care composition comprises less than 0.5w/w% CaCl ₂ And less than 5w/w% glycerol. In one embodiment, the composition comprises less than 0.5w/w% CaCl ₂ And does not contain glycerol. In another embodiment, the composition comprises less than 5w/w% glycerol and no CaCl ₂ 。

In another embodiment, the skin care composition comprises less than 0.5w/w% MgCl ₂ And less than 5w/w% glycerol. In one embodiment, the composition comprises less than 0.5w/w% MgCl ₂ And does not contain glycerol. In another embodiment, the composition comprises less than 5w/w% glycerol and does not comprise MgCl ₂ 。

Thus, a particularly preferred skin care composition of the present invention has an osmolality of 4000mOsm/kg water or less and comprises

(a) Glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate as carbon source in an amount of preferably 0.05-5.0w/w%,

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(e) Alanine, glycine, urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source, preferably in an amount of 0.05-5.0w/w%,

(f) The amount of caprylic/capric triglyceride as the lipid source is preferably 0.05-6.0w/w%.

Thus, another particularly preferred skin care composition of the present invention has an osmolality of 4000mOsm/kg water or less and comprises

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% KCl,

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% CaCl ₂ ，

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% MgCl ₂ ，

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% of glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate as carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% of urea as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(f) As an optional component, 0.05-6.0w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% glycine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% alanine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% of glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate as carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% of urea as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(f) As an optional component, 0.5-4.5w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% glycine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% alanine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) The solution does not contain NaCl and is suitable for the treatment of the patients,

(d) No glycerol is included.

And at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

and at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

and at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

and at least one of the following:

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% of urea as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) The solution does not contain NaCl and is suitable for the treatment of the patients,

(e) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(e) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% glycine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(e) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% alanine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(e) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% of urea as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(f) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(e) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% glycine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(e) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% alanine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(e) The glycerol is not included and the water does not contain glycerol,

(a) Pyruvic acid and/or pyruvate as a carbon source in an amount of preferably 0.05 to 5.0w/w%,

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(e) Urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source, preferably in an amount of 0.05-5.0w/w%,

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% KCl,

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% CaCl ₂ ，

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% of urea as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% pyruvic acid or pyruvate or ester or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% of urea as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(a) Lactic acid and/or lactate as a carbon source in an amount of preferably 0.05 to 5.0w/w%,

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% KCl,

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% CaCl ₂ ，

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(a) 0.05-5.0w/w% lactic acid or lactate or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% of urea as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(b) 0.05-5.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source, and

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% lactic acid or lactate or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% of urea as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% lactic acid or lactate or a mixture thereof as a carbon source,

(b) 0.5-3.0w/w% arginine as nitrogen source,

(c) At least 50w/w% of water,

(d) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(e) Less than 5w/w% glycerol

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or a mixture thereof as a carbon source in an amount of preferably 0.05 to 5.0w/w%,

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% NaCl,

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% KCl,

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

(b) At least 50w/w% of water,

(c) Less than 0.5w/w% CaCl ₂ ，

(d) Less than 5w/w% glycerol.

And at least one of the following:

The skin care compositions of the present invention may also comprise additional compounds typically present in topical skin compositions. For example, the skin care composition of the present invention may further comprise at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: perfumes, emollients, pigments, thickeners, fillers, colorants, antioxidants, surfactants, lubricants, stabilizers, preservatives, solubilizers, emulsifiers, and any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises hydrolyzed milk proteins and/or ginger compounds such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) root juice as additional components.

The skin care compositions described herein are particularly useful for promoting and maintaining a healthy skin microbiota. In the area of skin to which the skin care composition is applied, the composition preferably increases the total number of microorganisms, more preferably the total number of bacteria. It is particularly preferred that the total number of microorganisms, more preferably the total number of bacteria, is increased by at least 2.5%, at least 5%, at least 7.5%, at least 10%, at least 12.5% or at least 15% relative to the untreated area of the body part after 2-4 weeks of daily topical application of the composition. It is particularly preferred that the bacterial count of the species staphylococcus epidermidis increases after 2-4 weeks of daily topical application of the composition. Preferably, the number of staphylococcus epidermidis is increased by at least 2.5%, at least 5%, at least 7.5%, at least 10%, at least 12.5% or at least 15% relative to the untreated area of the body part.

The composition of the invention can be used for therapeutic purposes, in particular for preventing or treating dermatological disorders such as acne. Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating skin disorders (preferably acne) using a skin care composition as defined above. In one embodiment, the skin care composition is used to prevent acne formation. In another embodiment, the skin care composition is used to treat acute acne conditions. In another preferred embodiment, the skin care composition is used to prevent acne recurrence in a subject who has received standard acne treatment. Particularly preferably the subject is a human.

The invention also provides a method of treating the skin of a subject by applying a skin care composition as described above. In one aspect, there is provided a method of treating a skin disorder, preferably acne, comprising topically applying a skin care composition as described above.

In addition to therapeutic use, any of the above-described compositions of the invention described in detail above may be used for non-therapeutic cosmetic purposes, for example, for promoting the development of a healthy skin microbiota or stabilizing a healthy skin microbiota, for improving the skin appearance of a subject, for maintaining healthy skin, or for promoting bacterial growth of a skin microbiota. The invention therefore also relates to the use, preferably non-therapeutic use, of a composition comprising

(a) A carbon source selected from glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate, and

at least one of the following components:

(b) A nitrogen source selected from alanine, glycine, arginine and/or urea;

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

The invention thus also relates to the use, preferably non-therapeutic use, of a composition comprising glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or any combination thereof as a carbon source, and at least one additional growth promoting compound. The additional growth promoting compound may be a nitrogen source selected from urea, alanine, glycine and arginine or caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises all three types of components. Thus, in a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to the use, preferably non-therapeutic use, of a composition comprising

(b) Alanine, glycine, arginine and/or urea as nitrogen source,

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

More preferably, the present invention relates to the use, preferably non-therapeutic use, of a composition comprising

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or mixtures thereof as carbon source, and

at least one of the following components:

(b) Urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source;

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

The invention thus also relates to the use, preferably non-therapeutic use, of a composition comprising pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or a mixture thereof, such as a combination of pyruvate and lactate, as a carbon source, and at least one additional growth promoting compound. The additional growth promoting compound may be a nitrogen source selected from urea and arginine or caprylic/capric triglyceride as a lipid source. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises all three types of components. Thus, in a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to the use, preferably non-therapeutic use, of a composition comprising

(b) Urea and/or arginine as a nitrogen source,

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

Thus, in a more preferred aspect, the present invention also relates to the use, preferably non-therapeutic use, of a composition comprising

(a) A carbon source selected from pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactate,

(b) A nitrogen source selected from urea and arginine; and/or

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride,

the composition is used for promoting the development of a healthy skin microbiota or stabilizing a healthy skin microbiota or for promoting the bacterial growth of a skin microbiota. In one embodiment, pyruvic acid, pyruvate or a mixture thereof is used as a carbon source for promoting the development of a healthy skin microbiota or for stabilizing a healthy skin microbiota or for promoting the bacterial growth of a skin microbiota. The pyruvate may be, for example, calcium pyruvate or sodium pyruvate. More preferably, the pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or mixture thereof is used in combination with urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source for promoting the development of a healthy skin microbiome or for stabilizing a healthy skin microbiome or for promoting the bacterial growth of a skin microbiome. Most preferably, the pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester or mixture thereof is used in combination with urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source and caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source for promoting the development of a healthy skin microbiome or for stabilizing a healthy skin microbiome or for promoting the bacterial growth of a skin microbiome.

In another embodiment, lactate is used as a carbon source for promoting the development of a healthy skin microbiota or stabilizing a healthy skin microbiota, or for promoting the bacterial growth of a skin microbiota. The lactate salt or ester may be, for example, calcium lactate or sodium lactate. More preferably, the lactate is used in combination with urea and/or arginine as a nitrogen source for promoting the development of a healthy skin microbiota or for stabilizing a healthy skin microbiota or for promoting the bacterial growth of a skin microbiota. Most preferably, the lactate is used in combination with urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source and caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source for promoting the development of a healthy skin microbiome or for stabilizing a healthy skin microbiome or for promoting the bacterial growth of a skin microbiome.

Drawings

FIG. 1The results of in vitro tests for promoting bacterial cell growth are shown. It can be seen that the addition of pyruvate or lactate as a carbon source, alone or in combination with a nitrogen source and/or a lipid source, can induce significant growth of staphylococcus epidermidis within 24 hours.

FIG. 2Other results of in vitro tests for promoting bacterial cell growth are shown. It can be seen that the addition of pyruvate alone or in combination with arginine caused significant growth of staphylococcus epidermidis within 24 hours.

FIG. 3The results of the analysis of skin hydration and cell counts in the volunteer study are shown. More specifically, fig. 3A shows the results of measuring skin hydration with a keratometer after applying the composition of the present invention to thigh skin for 4 weeks in an in vivo study. Fig. 3B shows the results of the cell count measurements of the same study. It can be seen that the compositions of the present invention resulted in significant skin hydration after both 2 and 4 weeks. Furthermore, the composition results in an increase in the number of cells of the microbiota.

FIG. 4The results of 16S amplicon sequencing after in vivo administration of the compositions of the invention are shown. No change in alpha and beta diversity was observed between the treated and control groups.

Detailed Description

Examples

The following examples further illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limiting in any way. All references cited throughout this application, including literature references, issued patents, published patent applications, and patent applications in the same application, are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Example 1: in vitro growth assay

Potential growth promoting compounds effective in stabilizing microbiota were tested by the following in vitro assay. An overnight culture of staphylococcus epidermidis was inoculated in 20ml CASO medium and incubated at 37 ℃. The culture was then diluted and adjusted to an OD600 of 0.25. From this suspension, the suspension was diluted 5X 10 by 1:200 in CASO-deficient medium ⁵ The starting cultures were prepared at a concentration of CFU/ml. Subsequently, solutions containing different active ingredients were mixed with the starting culture and incubated in a hot mixer by shaking at 37 ℃. Samples were tested at the corresponding time points, diluted with NaCl, and inoculated on CASO plates using a spiral inoculator. Plates were incubated at 37 ℃ for 24 hours and then counted.

Results: the results may be shown in fig. 1 and 2. From these figures, it can be seen that the addition of pyruvate or lactate to the low nutrient medium significantly promoted the growth of staphylococcus epidermidis over a 24 hour test period. The growth of organisms can be even further promoted by adding urea, arginine or caprylic/capric triglycerides to pyruvate or lactate.

Example 2 : in vivo study

In vivo studies were performed on 31 volunteers to examine whether a growth promoting compound that was found to be effective in an in vitro test, when applied to the skin as a lotion, also promoted cell growth of microorganisms of the skin microbiota in vivo. For this purpose, carrier lotions were prepared to which test compounds, i.e. compounds identified as growth promoting compounds in the in vitro assay of example 1, were added.

The following table describes the composition of the carrier skin lotion.

TABLE 1: composition of carrier skin care lotion

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Test formulations were prepared by mixing the test compound into carrier lotion. The test formulations were constructed as follows:

formulation 20: carrier skin care lotion +1% urea, 0.3% pyruvate, 1% caprylic/capric triglyceride

Formulation 30: carrier skin care lotion, urea (1%), sodium lactate (1%)

Formulation 40: carrier skin care lotion +1% urea, 1% sodium lactate, 1% caprylic/capric triglyceride

With respect to pretreatment, study participants stopped applying the cream to the thighs or washing the thighs with shower gel or soap 1 week before study initiation. 4 test areas (01 untreated control/test formulation 20/test formulation 30/test formulation 40) were marked on the thighs of each participant. The test formulation was applied twice daily in the home, both early and late in the thigh marker area by the test person. After 2 and 4 weeks, hydration of the skin in the test area was measured and microbiome samples were collected by wiping over the thigh.

Example 3: test area and sample analysis

Microbiome samples obtained from the in vivo study of example 2 were subjected to microbiome counting and bacterial diversity analysis via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. In addition, the skin area to be measured is analyzed by measuring skin hydration.

To measure skin hydration, 5 repeated measurements were used to measure the skin area of study participants using a keratometer CM 825 (Courage & Khazaka company, cologne, germany). Skin hydration is expressed in terms of the permittivity of any unit [ a.u ], wherein an increase indicates an improvement in skin hydration.

For measuring the microbial community count, 2ml of wash buffer (12.49 g/L Na) in a 15ml Falcon tube was used with a swab (FLOQSwabs, hain Life science, inc., nehren, germany) ₂ HPO ₄ ；0.63g/L KH ₂ PO ₄ (molecular level H) ₂ O) the test sites were rinsed 3 x 10 times. Sample material was inoculated onto Columbia sheep blood-Tween (COST) agar plates within 60 minutes after collection, followed by incubation. Specifically, 10. Mu.l of wash buffer was diluted in 990. Mu.l of 0.9% NaCl solution (1:100), 100. Mu.l of this dilution and 100. Mu.l of undiluted wash were inoculated on COST plates with a screw inoculator, followed by incubation at 37℃for 24 hours. After incubation, bacterial colonies on agar plates were counted using a counter Flash.

For molecular 16S rRNA analysis, DNA extraction, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and subsequent bioinformatics analysis were performed on microorganisms obtained by washing the test sites. The purpose of this analysis is to detect changes in bacterial diversity from baseline, which would indicate the effect of the test formulation on the composition of the skin microbiome.

Results: the skin hydration measurements are shown in figure 3. As can be seen in fig. 3A, the test formulation provided significant skin hydration after both 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 3B, the test formulation resulted in a significant increase in cell count. FIG. 4 shows the results of 16S amplicon sequencing. No significant change in alpha and beta diversity was observed between the treated and control groups. Thus, the test formulation stabilizes the skin microbiome and promotes the growth of bacteria of the skin microbiome without changing the composition of the microbiome.

Example 4: in vitro growth assay (OD)

Potential growth promoting compounds effective in stabilizing microbiota were tested by the following in vitro assay. An overnight culture of staphylococcus epidermidis was inoculated in 20ml CASO medium and incubated at 37 ℃. The culture was then diluted and adjusted to an OD600 of 0.25. From this suspension, the suspension was diluted 5X 10 by 1:200 in CASO-deficient medium ⁵ The starting cultures were prepared at a concentration of CFU/ml. Subsequently, solutions containing different nitrogen, carbon and lipid sources were mixed with the starting culture and 200 μl/well was transferred into 96-well flat transparent plates, at least in groups of three. The plates were placed in a Tecan reader at 37℃and 600 measurements per hour were taken over a 24-30 hour periodAbsorbance at nm.

Results: tables 2 and 3 below depict the results of the in vitro growth test. It can be seen in table 2 that the carbon sources glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvate and lactate support the growth of staphylococcus epidermidis. In addition, table 3 shows that the carbon source pyruvate in combination with nitrogen sources such as urea, alanine (Ala) and arginine (Arg) also supports growth. Furthermore, the carbon source pyruvate or lactate in combination with caprylic/capric triglyceride (FettK 12) supports growth.

TABLE 2: results of in vitro growth assay

TABLE 3 Table 3: results of in vitro growth assay

Example 5: preparation of bath preparation

To demonstrate that the microbiome enhancing compositions of the present invention can be formulated for use in different skin applications, two bathing formulations (referred to as formulation a and formulation B, respectively, in the table below) were formulated. Formulation a contained ginger compound (Jiang Genzhi) as an additional additive. Formulation B contained hydrolyzed milk protein as an additional additive. Both formulations were tested and the results were very suitable for bathing applications.

TABLE 4 Table 4: bath preparation

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Claims

1. A skin care composition for promoting a skin microbiome, wherein the composition is formulated for topical application to skin and comprises:

(a) A carbon source selected from glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate, preferably in an amount of 0.05-5.0w/w%,

and at least one of the following:

(b) A nitrogen source selected from alanine, glycine, arginine and/or urea, preferably in an amount of 0.05-5.0w/w%,

(c) The amount of caprylic/capric triglyceride as the lipid source is preferably 0.05-6.0w/w%.

2. The skin care composition for promoting the skin microbiota according to claim 1, wherein the carbon source is glucose, preferably in an amount of 0.5-3.0w/w%.

3. The skin care composition for promoting the skin microbiota according to claim 1, wherein the carbon source is fructose, preferably in an amount of 0.5-3.0w/w%.

4. A skin care composition for promoting the skin microbiota according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nitrogen source is glycine, preferably in an amount of 0.5-3.0w/w%.

5. A skin care composition for promoting the skin microbiota according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nitrogen source is alanine, preferably in an amount of 0.1-3.0w/w%.

6. A skin care composition for promoting the skin microbiota according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising

(a) A carbon source selected from glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate;

(b) A nitrogen source selected from alanine, glycine, arginine and/or urea;

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride.

7. A skin care composition for promoting the skin microbiota according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% of a carbon source selected from glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate;

(b) 0.1-3.0w/w% of a nitrogen source selected from alanine, glycine, arginine and/or urea;

(c) 0.5-4.5w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride.

8. The skin care composition for promoting the skin microbiota according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

(a) Glucose as a carbon source;

(b) Alanine as a nitrogen source;

(c) Optionally, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

9. A skin care composition for promoting a skin microbiome according to claim 8, comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% glucose as a carbon source;

(b) 0.1-3.0w/w% alanine as nitrogen source;

(c) 0.5-4.5w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride.

10. A skin care composition for promoting a skin microbiome according to claim 1, comprising:

(a) Pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate or a mixture thereof as a carbon source;

and at least one of the following:

(b) Urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source;

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

11. A skin care composition for promoting a skin microbiome according to claim 10, comprising:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% lactic acid, lactate or ester or mixtures thereof as a carbon source;

(b) 0.1-3.0w/w% urea as nitrogen source;

(c) 0.5-4.5w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride.

12. The skin care composition for promoting the skin microbiota according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: perfumes, emollients, pigments, thickeners, fillers, colorants, antioxidants, surfactants, lubricants, stabilizers, preservatives, solubilizers, emulsifiers or any combination thereof.

13. A skin care composition for promoting the microbiota of the skin according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for use in a method of treating skin disorders, preferably acne.

14. A non-therapeutic use of a composition for promoting development of a healthy skin microbiota or stabilizing a healthy skin microbiota, the composition comprising:

(a) A carbon source selected from glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid and/or lactate; and/or

(b) A nitrogen source selected from alanine, glycine, arginine and/or urea; and/or

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride.

15. A non-therapeutic use of a composition for promoting bacterial growth of a skin microbiota, the composition comprising:

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride.

16. The non-therapeutic use according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein glucose is used as carbon source in combination with alanine and optionally caprylic/capric triglyceride as nitrogen source.

17. The non-therapeutic use according to claim 16, wherein the amount of glucose is 0.5-3.0w/w% and the amount of alanine is 0.5-3.0w/w%.

18. The non-therapeutic use of any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the composition comprises:

and at least one of the following:

(b) Urea and/or arginine as nitrogen source;

(c) Caprylic/capric triglyceride as lipid source.

19. The non-therapeutic use of claim 18, wherein the composition comprises:

(b) 0.1-3.0w/w% urea as nitrogen source;

(c) 0.5-4.5w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride.

20. The non-therapeutic use of claim 18, wherein the composition comprises:

(a) 0.5-3.0w/w% pyruvic acid, pyruvate or ester as carbon source or mixture thereof;

(b) 0.1-3.0w/w% urea as nitrogen source;

(c) 0.5-4.5w/w% caprylic/capric triglyceride.