GB2443388A

GB2443388A - Acne treatment

Info

Publication number: GB2443388A
Application number: GB0621527A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iris Strodtholz
Original assignee: Reckitt and Colman SA; Reckitt and Colman Products Ltd
Current assignee: Reckitt Benckiser France SAS; Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare UK Ltd
Priority date: 2006-10-30
Filing date: 2006-10-30
Publication date: 2008-05-07
Also published as: GB0621527D0; WO2008053246A1

Abstract

There is provided the use of hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis for the treatment of acne. Also provided is a skincare composition comprising hydrolysed algin in combination with at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis and an additional topically active ingredient useful in the treatment of acne, preferably salicylic acid.

Description

1 2443388 Acne Treatment This invention relates to the treatment of

acne vulgaris, to skincare compositions useful in such treatment and to a process to prepare said compositions.

Acne vulgaris (acne) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous units of the skin, which is particularly prevalent in adolescents. The skin produces sebum and occasionally pores become blocked. This environment is ideal for a bacterium called Propionibacterium.acne (P.acne) to live and multiply. Small numbers of this bacterium commonly live on the skin without any adverse effect.

However, if large numbers develop in the blocked sebum, the immune system may react and cause inflammation. If inflammation develops, it causes the surrounding skin to become red, and the spots become larger and filled with pus (pustules). In :. 15 some cases the pustules become even larger and form into small cysts. This :::: ccnctior usghty and, furthemior, ii ii unheated, can lead to the scamng ot * *.* the skin. * . ****

* : Known treatments for topical application which are effective to treat the bacteria can have a harsh effect on the skin. Some effects include exfoliation and drying leading to stinging and/or redness of the skin.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that a combination of hydrolysed algin with at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis has improved efficacy in the treatment of acne.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided the use of hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis in the treatment of acne.

It has been found that this treatment provides advantages over existing acne treatments, particularly in toleration of the acne treatment by the skin. It may also have an effect in reducing the severity of the acne, for example as measured by the number of pustules and/or papules. Furthermore, cutaneous irritation may be reduced. Other measures indicating advantages are a reduction in inflammation in the affected skin and/or a soothing effect. Also, the spots may become less visible on the skin. A synergistic effect may be obtained in at least one measure of treatment.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of hydrolysed algin and a plant extract comprising one or more of Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of acne.

The hydrolysed algin and plant extract in combination may be applied to the affected area, for example as a mixture. Typically, the combination is applied :.,15 topically in a skincare composition. S... * *

Hydrolysed algin is a marine extract and may be obtained from any conventional *5S* ***, source. A preferred hydrolysed algin is a concentrated solution of an oligosaccharide obtained by controlled enzymatic depolymenzation (with a marine origin enzyme) of membraneous polysaccharides of a brown seaweed. It is further :::: preferably constituted by a chain of two uronic acids mannuronic acid and * guluronic acid.

In one embodiment, the hydrolysed algin is obtained under the trade name Phycosaccharides Al (RTM). In another embodiment, the hydrolysed algin is obtained under the trade name Phycosaccharides AlP (RTM). Both are supplied by Cod if, Roz-sur-Cousenon, France.

The concentration of hydrolysed algin in a skincare composition for topical application is preferably at least 0.0001 % w/w, more preferably at least 0.001 % w/w and most preferably at least 0.01% w/w. The concentration of hydrolysed algin is preferably less than I % w/w, more preferably less than 0.5% w/w and most preferably less than 0.2% w/w. The concentration of hydrolysed algin may therefore fall in the range 0.0001 % to 1% by weight, more preferably 0.001 % to 0.5% and most preferably 0.01 % to 0.2% w/w. A particularly preferred concentration of hydrolysed algin is 0.07% w/w.

In accordance with the present invention, there is used at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis. Preferred plants from which extracts can be derived for combination with at least one of the above materials are seashore plants.

Preferably, two of the plant extracts are selected for combination with the hydrolysed algin, for example the combination of Lavendula stoechas with Helichrysum italicum or Helichrysum italicum with Cistus monspeliensis or Lavendula stoechas with Cistus monspeflensis. Most preferably, the plant extract comprises a mixture of Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis. * .** ***.

These plant extracts, for example aromatic seashore plant extracts, may be **.* . . . *** obtained by means of a vacuum microwave hydrodistillation process (VMDH) which is used to remove the extracts from plants, especially seashore plants, including Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum, Cistus monspeliensis and **** Criste marine.

Preferably, the plant extract is obtained from Codif, Roz-sur-Cousenon, France under the trade name Area umats, especially Areaumats Lavanda, Areaumats Perpetua and Areaumats Cistacae. The plant extract or mixture of plant extracts may be provided in aromatic waters with an aqueous carrier.

The total concentration of plant extract in a skincare composition for topical application is preferably at least 0.00001 % w/w, more preferably at least 0.00005 % w/w and most preferably at least 0.0001% w/w. The total concentration of plant extract is preferably less than 1% w/w, more preferably less than 0.1% wlw and most preferably less than 0.01 % w/w. The total concentration of plant extract may therefore fall in the range 0.00001% to 1% w/w, more preferably 0.00005% to 0.1% w/w, most preferably 0.0001% to 0.01%. A particularly preferred concentration of total plant extract is 0.001 % w/w.

Where more than one plant extract is used, the individual amounts of plant extract may be in equal parts, for example one third of the ranges given above where three plant extracts are employed. However, if desired the amounts of the individual extracts may differ. For example, in a typical skincare composition for topical application, the concentration of Lavendula stoechas is preferably at least 0.0001 % w/w, more preferably at least 0.0002% w/w and most preferably at least 0.0004% w/w. The concentration of Lavendula stoechas is preferably less than 0.1% w/w, more preferably less than 0.01% wlw and most preferably less than 0.001% w/w. The total concentration of Lavendula stoechas may therefore fall in the range from 0.0001% to 0.1 % by wlw, more preferably from 0.0002% to 0.01 % and especially from 0.0004 to 0.001% wlw. A particularly preferred concentration of Lavendula stoechas is 0.0006% wlw. The concentration of Helichrysum italicum is preferably at least 0.00005 % wlw, more preferably at least 0.0001% w/w and most preferably at least 0.0002% w/w. The concentration of Helichrysum els.

italicum is preferably less than 0.5% w/w, more preferably less than 0.005% w/w and most preferably less than 0.0005% w/w. The total concentration of S...

Helichrysum italicum may therefore fall in the range 0.00005% to 0.5% w/w, more S. ** : * . preferably 0.0001% to 0.005% and especially 0.0002% to 0.0005% w/w. A partioularly preferred concentration of Helichrysum italicum is 0M003% wlw. The concentration of Cistus monspeliensis is preferably at least 0.00003 % w/w, more preferably at least 0.00005% wlw and most preferably at least 0.00006% w/w. The concentration of Cistus monspeliensis is preferably less than 0.1% w/w, more preferably less than 0.01% w/w and most preferably less than 0.001% wlw. The total concentration of Cistus monspeliensis may therefore fall in the range 0.00003% to 0.1% wlw, more preferably 0.00005% to 0.001% and especially 0.00006% to 0.001 % w/w. A particularly preferred concentration of Cistus monspeliensis is 0.0001% wlw.

Advantageously, a skincare composition for use in accordance with the present invention comprises 4-8 parts by weight Lavendula stoechas to 1-5 parts by weight Helichrysum italicum to 0.1-3 parts by weight Cistus monspeliensis. Preferably, the respective weight ratios of these preferred plant extracts are 5 to 7 parts Lavendula stoechas to 2 to 4 parts Helichrysum italicum per part by weight Cistus monspeliensis, most preferably, 6 parts Lavendula stoechas and 3 parts Helichrysum italicum per part by weight Cistus monspeliensis.

In a composition useful in accordance with the present invention, the ratio of hydrolysed algin to total plant extract is preferably in the range 200:1 to 1:1 parts by weight, more preferably 200:1 to 20:1 parts by weight and most preferably 100:1 to 50:1 parts by weight.

A composition useful in accordance with the invention may comprise hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract selected from Lavendulastoecha neiiiiiyuiiu ILdIIL.U111, LIbLU UI UI a..LIV IIIjPUIIIL. * * S...

However, in a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a skincare composition comprising hydrolysed algin, at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis S...

and an additional topically active ingredient useful in the treatment of acne.

The skincare composition of the present invention is adapted to regulate the appearance of the skin, primarily to achieve an improvement in the appearance of the skin.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the composition includes at least one additional topical anti-acne active ingredient, for example, two, three, four or more additional topically active ingredients. These may be selected from: Salicylic acid; antimicrobial or antibacterial compounds, for example selected from the following: triclosan, neomycin, clindamycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, tetracylines such as doxycycline or minocycline, sulfa drugs such as sulfacetamide, penicillins, cephalosporins such as cephalexin, and quinolones such as lomefloxacin, olfoxacin or trovafloxacin; antiviral compounds, for example selected from acyclovir, tamvir, and penciclovir; antifungal compounds, for example selected from the following: farnesol, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, econazole, fluconazole, calcium or zinc undecylenate, undecylenic acid, butenafine hydrochloride, ciclopirox olaimine, miconazole nitrate, nystatin, sulconazole, and terbinafine hydrochloride; anti-inflammatory compounds, for example selected from the following: steroidal agents selected from hydrocortisone, fluocinolone acetonide, halcinonide, halobetasol propionate, clobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, and triamcinolone acetonide, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents selected from aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, aloe *.

vera gel, aloe vera, licorice extract, pilewort, Canadian willow root, zinc, and allantoin; * . S... a. **

: * . anthelmintic compounds, for example metronidazole.

Particularly suitable antibacterial agents are peroxide antibacterial agents. A preferred peroxide antibacterial agent for inclusion in the composition is hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, the composition may comprise a compound that, in use, is capable of generating hydrogen peroxide. An example of the latter class of compound is an adduct such as urea peroxide (carbamide peroxide).

When a composition according to the present invention comprises an additional topically active ingredient effective in the treatment of acne, most preferably salicylic acid is used. Salicylic acid is preferably incorporated into the composition according to the invention as the free acid. However, the pH of the composition may, and generally will, be such that the salicylic acid exists in the composition in dissociated form. As the composition may well contain cationic countenons, the salicylic acid may then be thought of as being present in salt form. Alternatively, the salicylic acid may be incorporated into the composition in salt form, eg as a salt with a Group I metal, such as sodium salicylate. As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, any and all references to salicylic acid should be taken to encompass references to the acid and to dissociated forms and salts thereof.

The concentration of salicylic acid in a preferred composition according to the invention is preferably at least 0.01% by weight, more preferably at least 0.1%, most preferably at least 0.5% and especially at least 1% by weight. The concentration of salicylic acid is preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, most preferably less than 4% and especially less than 3% by weight.

The concentration of salicylic acid may therefore fall in the range 0.01% to 10% by :.:::: weight, more preferably 0.1% to 5%, and most preferably 0.5% to 4% and especially I to 3% by weight. A particularly preferred concentration of salicylic acid is 2% by weight.

S..... * *

In one embodiment of the invention, the skincare composition comprises a ***.

combination of hydrolysed algin, at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum, Cistus monspeliensis, and salicylic acid.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the skincare composition comprises hydrolysed algin, a plant extract comprising a combination of Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum, Cistus monspeliensis, and salicylic acid.

The composition is preferably prepared with a pH in the range 2.3 to 7.0, more preferably 2.5 to 6.0, and particularly a pH in the range 2.5 to 4.0, eg about pH 3.0 or pH 3.5.

Compositions useful according to the present invention may be formulated in numerous forms. However, the composition may often take the form of an aqueous or oily solution or dispersion or emulsion or a gel. An emulsion may be an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion.

The oil phase of water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions may comprise for example: a) hydrocarbon oils such as paraffin or mineral oils; b) waxes such as beeswax or paraffin wax; c) natural oils such as sunflower oil, apricot kernel oil, shea butter or jojoba oil; d) silicone oils such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone or cetyldimethicone; e) fatty acid esters such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, dioctylmaleate, glyceryl oleate and cetostearyl isononanoate; f) fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol and mixtures thereof (eg cetearyl alcohol); g) polypropylene glycol or polyethylene glycoi ethers, eg PPG-1 4 butyi ether; or *...

h) mixtures thereof, for example, the blend of waxes available commercially *1S** under the trade name Cutina (Henkel).

S

S.....

* 20 Emulsifiers used may be any emulsifiers known in the art for use in water-in-oil or oil-S..... in-water emulsions. Known cosmetically acceptable emulsifiers include: *. S * S * * S a) sesquioleates such as sorbitan sesquioleate, available commercially for example under the trade name Arlacel 83 (Id), or polyglyceryl-2-sesquioleate; b) ethoxylated esters of derivatives of natural oils such as the polyethoxylated ester of hydrogenated castor oil available commercially for example under the trade name Arlacel 989 (ICI); c) silicone emulsifiers such as silicone polyols available commercially for example under the trade name ABIL WSO8 (Th. Goldschmidt AG); d) anionic emulsifiers such as fatty acid soaps e.g. potassium stearate and fatty acid suiphates e.g. sodium cetostearyl sulphate available commercially under the trade name Dehydag (Henkel); e) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, for example the emulsifiers available commercially under the trade name Bnj (ICI); f) sorbitan esters, for example the emulsifiers available commercially under the trade name Span (lCl); g) ethoxylated sorbitan esters, for example the emulsifiers available commercially under the trade name Tween (PCI); h) ethoxylated fatty acid esters such as ethoxylated stearates, for example the emulsifiers available commercially under the trade name Myrj (lCl); i) ethoxylated mono-, di-, and tn-glycendes, for example the emulsifiers available commercially under the trade name Labrafil (Affa Chem.); j) non-ionic self-emulsifying waxes, for example the wax available commercially under the trade name Polawax (Croda); k) ethoxylated fatty acids, for example, the emulsifiers available commercially S...

SI'" under the trade name Tefose (Alfa Chem.); I) methylglucose esters such as polyglycerol-3 methyl glucose distearate available commercially under the name Tegocare 450 ( Degussa Goldschmidt); or m) mixtures thereof. *. *. * . S * S

Gels provided according to the invention may be aqueous or non-aqueous. Aqueous gels are preferred. The gel will contain a gelling agent in order to give sufficient viscosity to the gel. A particularly suitable gelling agent is a copolymer of acryloyl dimethyl taunc acid (or a salt thereof), especially a copolymer of that monomer with another vinylic monomer. The salt may be a salt of a Group I alkali metal, but is more preferably an ammonium salt. Examples of suitable copolymer gelling agents are ammonium acryloyl dimethyl taurate I vinyl pyrrolidone copolymer, ammonium acryloyl dimethyl taurate / Beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate / vinyl formamide copolymer, These materials -10 are available from Clanant GmbH in the range of products under the trade name Aristoflex.

A variety of thickening agents may also be used according to the nature of the liquid carrier and the viscosity required. Thickeners that are water-soluble or hydrophilic are preferred, and examples include acrylic acid polymers, eg those available commercially under the trade name Carbopol (B.F. Goodrich), modified celluloses, eg hydroxypropylmethyjcellulose or hydroxyethylcellulose available commercially under the trade name Natrosol (Hercules), alkylgalactomanans available under the trade name N-Hance, xanthan gum, cetyl alcohol and sodium chloride.

The amount of gelling and/or thickening agent in the composition will each preferably lie in the range 0.1 to 5% w/w, more preferably 0.5 to 5% w/w.

Typically, the amount of gelling and/or thickening agent will each be less than 3% wlw, eg about 1% w/w or about 2% w/w. * * * **. *.**

In the case of solutions or dispersions, and gels, the composition will generally contain a solvent system or other continuous liquid phase. Such a system is S...

:" preferably aqueous. However, mixed solvent systems may often be used with advantage. Such a mixed solvent system most preferably comprises water, in ****** admixture with a co-solvent, most preferably a lower (eg C1) alcohol, in particular ethanol and t-butyl alcohol.

Preferred aqueous systems comprise water in an amount of at least 40% w/w, more preferably at least 50% wlwt, most preferably at least 60% w/w. Some compositions may contain at least 70% or even at least 75% w/w. The upper limit of water will depend on the amounts of other ingredients incorporated in the composition so that the water may form the remainder of the composition up to 100% w/w of the composition. A typical maximum value is less than 90% w/w, for example less than 85%or8O%w/w.

The composition may additionally compnse other topical skincare ingredients which will be well known to those skilled in the art. These include, for example: a) Emollients -ingredients that help to maintain the soft, smooth and pliable appearance of skin. Such ingredients may function by their ability to remain on the surface of the skin or in the stratum comeum, and to act as lubricants, reducing or preventing flaking of the skin and improving the skin's appearance. Examples of emollients are isopropyl myristate, triglycerides of fatty acids eg lauric triglyceride or capric/caprylic triglyceride, such as the triglyceride available commercially under the trade name Miglyol 810 (Huls UK), and the polypropylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol known as PPF-15 Stearyl Ether. Particularly preferred emollients are polysiloxane compounds, in particular those known as cyclomethicone, ie cyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds that conform to the formula: -(Si(CH3)2)-* S S.,.

in which n has a value between 3 and 7. a...

S

* .5SaS * 20 b) Humectants or Moisturisers -ingredients intended to increase the water content 5..

* of the top layers of the skin. Examples of such ingredients are glycerin, I,3-butylene :. glycol and propylene glycol.

C) Surfactants -Surfactants may be used in compositions according to the invention as solubilisers, or as cleansing agents or foam boosters. Many different classes of surfactant may be suitable for inclusion in the composition according to the invention, and these will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Examples of suitable surfactants include polyethylene glycol ethers of alcohols such as isocetyl alcohol (eg lsoceteth-20), isostearyl alcohol (eg lsosteareth-20), cetyl alcohol (eg Ceteth-20), oleyl alcohol (eg Oleth-20) and cetearyl alcohol (eg Ceteareth-20). A particularly preferred surfactant for use in the invention is lsoceteth-20.

d) Emulsion stabilising salts such as sodium chloride, sodium citrate or magnesium sulphate.

e) Preservatives -ingredients which prevent or retard microbial growth and thus protect the composition from spoilage. Examples of preservatives include such as propylparaben, bronopol, sodium dehydroacetate, polyhexamethylenebiguanide hydrochloride, isothiazolone and diazolidinylurea.

f) Chelating agents or sequestering agents (sequestrants) -ingredients that have the ability to complex with and inactivate metallic ions in order to prevent their adverse effects on the stability or appearance of the composition, as described above.

Examples of chelating agents are ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and its salts, notably the dipotassium and especially the disodium or tetrasodium salt.

g) Abrasives -ingredients used to assist in the removal of unwanted tissue or foreign * .* 0 materials from the skin during application of the composition. Abrasives commonly comprise fine solid particles. One example of a suitable abrasive is polyethylene beads. ****

h) pH adjusters-Ingredients used to control the pH of the composition. Examples of pH adjusters are inorganic salts such as sodium hydroxide, and organic bases such as tnethanolamine.

i) Conditioning agents, for example distearyldimonium chloride.

j) Actives useful in regulating the condition of the skin, particularly for treating dysfunction of the skin barrier, for example by improving the barrier properties of the skin and/or the appearance of the skin and/or by protecting the skin from extrinsic effects, such as UV. Such active ingredients may include ceramides which may be of natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic origin, and include trihyd roxypalmitamidohydroxypropyl myristyl ether and ceramide 2.

k) Perfumes and colourings.

The composition according to the invention may be applied and left on the skin to have the desired therapeutic effect or it may be applied and then rinsed off, for example with water. The composition may be applied with the aid of a fibrous material, for example a pad or a wipe.

The combination of hydrolysed algin and selected plant extract according to the present invention may be used in the therapeutic treatment of acne, including the inflammation associated with acne vulgaris, but will often be used in a cosmetic method, the objective of which is to reduce or eliminate externally visible, and often unsightly, symptoms of acne vulgans. In particular, the above described combination may be used to regulate the condition of the skin associated with acne vulgaris, in a patient suffering from acne. This may include regulating the appearance of the skin, including a reduction in the number of blemishes, for a...

example pustules and/or papules, on the skin and a reduction in the redness of the skin. Such regulation wilt generally serve to cosmetically improve the appearance a...

of the skin. The treatment of acne additionally includes the prophylactic and remedial treatment of acne. S... * S S...

: According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the prophylactic or remedial treatment of acne, which method comprises the topical application to the skin of a patient of a skincare composition comprising hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum, Cistus monspeliensis.

In a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum, Cistus monspeliensis in the manufacture of a skincare composition for the prophylactic or remedial treatment of acne by topical application of the composition to the skin.

In a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided a process to prepare a skincare composition as previously described comprising combining an active ingredient useful in the treatment of acne with hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis in an aqueous carrier.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of illustration only, with reference to the following Examples. In the Examples, Codif, Roz-sur-Cousenon, France supply hydrolysed algin under the tradename Phycosaccharide AlP (RTM), Lavendula stoechas under the tradename Areaumats Lavanda, l-Ielichrysum italicum under the tradename Areaumats Perpetua and Cistus monspeliensis under the tradename Areaumats Cistacae.

The compositions were formulated in an aqueous carrier according to known methods to pioduc uiisipusiiions suitabie for topicai application. *i.. * *

Example I * * *.*.

Formulation % (w/w) PPG-14 butyl ether 8.00 Cetearyl alcohol 6.00 *, *. _______________________________ : * * Salicylic acid 2.00 PEG-20 stearate 1.50 Hydrolyzed algin 1.00 Lavandula Stoechas 0.0006 Helichrysum italicum 0.0003 Cistus monspeliensis 0.0001 Parfum 0.10 Sodium hydroxide 0.01 Water to 100

Example 2

Formulation % (w/w) Octyldodecanol 6.0 Propylene glycol 5.0 Cetyl alcohol 2.0 Dimethicone 2.0 Salicylic acid 2.0 PEG-40 stea rate 1. 89 Glyceryl stearate 1.86 Magnesium aluminum silicate 1.0 PEG-I 00 stearate 1.0 Hydrojyzedalgin 1.0 Xanthan gum 0.75 Ammonium hydroxide 0.68 Phenoxyethanol 0.68 Lavandula stoechas 0.0006 Helichrysum italicum 0.0003 Cistus monspeliensis 0.0001 Preservative gs Water to 100 * u. * .5 ** . ***I * *

I

S.....

* 10 Example3 S...

Formulation % (w/w) : . Glycerin 4.98 Hydrogenated Polyisobutene 4.00 Glyceryl Polymethacrylate 2.10 Buxus Chinensis 2.00 Nylon-12 2.00 Cyclomethicone 2.00 Butyrospermum Parkii 2.00 Synthetic beeswax 1.50 Cetyl alcohol 1.50 Saccharide lsomerate 1.24 Phenoxyethanol 1.00 Hydrogenated Coco-Glycendes 1.00 Acrylates/Ci 0-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer 0.30 Tocopherol 0.20 Carbomer 0.20 Tnehylene glycol 0.15 Dichlorobenyl alcohol 0.13 Sodium hydroxide 0.10 Hydrolyzed algin 0.07 Propylene glycol 0.05 Decarboxy Carnosine HCI 0.05 Trihydroxypalmitamidohydroxypropyl Myristyl Ether 0.05 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.05 Butylene glycol 0.04 PEG-40 Hydrogenated castor oil 0.04 Citric acid 0.02 Ceramide 2 0.01 Cistus monspeliensis -0.0001 Lavendula stoechas 0.0006 Helichrysum italicum 0.0003 Preservative gs Parfum 0.20 Water to 100 _*.* * u. * * * S. * * * e***. * S * S **.S S. S.

S * .

Claims

Claims 1. The use of hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract

selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis for the treatment of acne.
2. The use according to Claim I comprising hydrolysed algin and a plant extract comprising a mixture of Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis.
3. The use according to either one of claims I or 2 comprising the topical application of a composition comprising hydrolysed algin and plant extract.
4. The use according to Claim 3 wherein the composition comprises from 0.0001% to 1% w/w hydrolysed algin, preferably from 0.001% to 0.5% wlw nydrolysed aigin and more preierabiy from 0.01 to 0.2% % W/W bydrolysed IS..

algin. *.S.
5. The use according to either one of claims 3 or 4 wherein the composition S.....

* 20 comprises from 0.00001 % to 1 % wlw plant extract, preferably from 0.0005 % to 0.1% w/w plant extract, more preferably from 0.0001% to 0.01% w/w S5** plant extract.
6. The use according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the composition comprises hydrolysed algin in a ratio to total plant extract of 200:1 to 20:1 parts by weight.
7. The use according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the composition comprises 4-8 parts by weight Lavendula stoechas to 1-5 parts by weight Helichrysum italicum to 0.1-3 parts by weight Cistus monspeliensis.
8. The use according to any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the composition is in the form of an aqueous dispersion.
9. The use according to any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the composition is in the form of an emulsion, preferably an oil-in-water emulsion.
10. The use of hydrolysed algin and a plant extract comprising one or more of Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of acne.
11. A skincare composition comprising hydrolysed algin in combination with at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis and an additional topically active ingredient useful in the treatment of acne.
12. A composition according to Claim 11 wherein said additional skincare active *:::* ingredient comprises salicylic acid or a salt thereof.

S
13. A composition according to either one of claims 11 and 12 further *...S.

* 20 comprising a ceramide active ingredient * *S. * * *.S*

* :*
14. A method for the prophylactic or remedial treatment of acne, which method comprises the topical application to the skin of a patient of a skincare composition comprising hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis.
15. A process to prepare a composition according to any one of claims 11 to 13 comprising the combination of an active ingredient useful in the treatment of acne with hydrolysed algin and at least one plant extract selected from Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum and Cistus monspeliensis in an aqueous carrier.