Skin treatment composition

by: Durrant, James A.; Lowry, Michael R.;

A cosmetically acceptable product for topical application to human skin comprises a selected amphiphilic compound having a log partition coefficient in octanol/water of from 0.5 to 3.5; emulsifier which is normally solid at 20.degree. C., which has an average HLB value of from 5 to 11, and which is capable with water of forming a gel phase having an X-ray reflection of from 0.37 to 0.44 nm and which permits substantially no co-crystallisation therewith of the amphiphilic compound; an activity enhancer which is capable, at a concentration of 5% by weight of increasing the cloud point temperature of a 0.025M aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene (8) nonylphenyl ether by at least 10.degree. C.; and water, the product having an aqueous phase and a gel phase. Optionally the product can also comprise an "oil" having a dielectric constant not greater than 3.0, in which case the product will also comprise an oily phase.

The invention relates to cosmetically acceptable products, particularly oil-in-water emulsions containing an amphiphilic compound which possesses a skin benefit property.

An amphiphilic compound is one which possesses in the same molecule distinct regions of lipophilic and hydrophilic character. When incorporated in an emulsion, an amphiphilic compound will accordingly normally partition into both the aqueous and the oily phases.

If such an emulsion is then applied to human skin, delivery of the amphiphlic compound selectively to the skin surface can be impaired due to the fact that a significant amount remains in the oily phase.

It has now been discovered that a totally new type of product can be formed between water, a special normally solid emulsifier capable of forming a gel phase, and an activity enhancer, which together provides a vehicle for the amphiphilic compound with enhanced delivery properties due to its partition almost exclusively into the aqueous phase.

It is accordingly with the provision of a superior product containing an amphiphilic compound having skin benefit properties, which possesses the ability to deliver to human skin an unexpectedly high proportion of the amphiphilic compound, that this invention is concerned.

Accordingly, the invention provides a cosmetically acceptable product for topical application to human skin which comprises:

(i) from 0.001 to 20% by weight of an amphiphilic compound having a log partition coefficient in octanol/water of from 0.5 to 3.5, provided that when the amphiphilic compound is one having an unbranched alkyl chain, that chain contains no more than 12 carbon atoms;

(ii) from 1 to 20% by weight of emulsifier which is normally solid at 20.degree. C., which has an average HLB value of from 5 to 11, and which is capable with water of forming a gel phase having an X-ray reflection of from 0.37 to 0.44 nm and which permits substantially no co-crystallisation therewith of the amphiphilic compound;

(iii) from 0.1 to 50% by weight of an activity enhancer which is capable, at a concentration of 5% by weight of increasing the cloud point temperature of a 0.025M aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene (8) nonylphenyl ether by at least 10.degree. C.; and

(iv) from 5 to 98.899% by weight of water;

the product having an aqueous phase which forms from 5 to 99% by volume and a gel phase which forms from 1 to 95% by volume.

The product of the invention is accordingly one in which the aqueous phase forms from 5 to 99%, preferably from 50 to 90% by volume and the gel phase forms from 1 to 95%, preferably from 5 to 50% by volume. The gel phase comprises long straight hydrophobic alkyl chains (C.sub.14 to C.sub.20) with an average HLB value of no more than 11, the alkyl chain groups being rigid and packed in a hexagonal lattice; they undergo rapid rotation about the chain axis and are characterised by having an X-ray reflection of from 0.37 to 0.44 nm. It should be explained that similar systems having an X-ray reflection of less than 0.37 nm are solids and those having an X-ray reflection of greater than 0.44 nm form a lamellar phase which does not possess the properties and advantages of a gel phase as described herein.

The formation, structure and properties of the gel phase are further described in "Biological Membranes: Physical Fact & Function" Ed. by Denis Chapman (1968).

It has been discovered that incorporation of an amphiphilic compound into a product in which such a gel phase is already preformed results in partition of a substantial proportion of the amphiphilic compound into the aqueous phase, with the result that the amphiphilic compound possesses greater affinity for human skin following topical application of the product, than would be the case if the amphiphilic compound had been incorporated into a normal oil-in-water emulsion. This is because the gel phase resists partition into it and co-crystallisation with it of the amphiphilic compound, so that the availability of the amphiphilic compound to the skin from the aqueous phase, following topical application of the product, is thereby enhanced.

Amphiphilic compound

The product comprises an amphiphilic compound which is characterised by its ability to partition between octanol and water and is accordingly defined as having a log partition coefficient in octanol/water of from 0.5 to 3.5.

The amphiphilic compound is further characterised by the proviso that when an unbranched alkyl chain is present in the molecule, then that chain contains no more than 12 carbon atoms.

It should be explained that if the amphiphilic compound is one having an unbranched alkyl chain with more than 12 carbon atoms, then it can co-crystallise in the gel phase, whereas it will not behave in this way if the unbranched alkyl chain contains no more than 12 carbon atoms.

Examples of amphiphilic compounds which fulfil the above criteria and which are suitable for use in the products of the invention are given below together with their respective log partition coefficients. It is to be understood that this selection of preferred amphiphilic compounds is given by way of example and that it does not accordingly constitute an exhaustive list to which the invention is limited.

    ______________________________________
                     Log partition coefficient
                     of from 0.50 to 1.00
                     (octanol/water at 20.degree. C.)
    ______________________________________
    morphine           0.76
    triethyl citrate   0.67
    sulphamonomethoxine
                       0.85
    adenosine diphosphate
                       0.89
    ephedrine          0.93
    sulphamethoxazole  0.88
    5-ethyl-5-i-propyl barbituric acid
                       0.97
    5,5-diethyl barbituric acid
                       0.65
    p-methylbenzene sulphonamide
                       0.82
    o-methylbenzene sulphonamide
                       0.84
    m-methylbenzene sulphonamide
                       0.85
    p-aminobenzoic acid
                       0.68
    saccharin          0.91
    p-dihyroxybenzene  0.59
    o-dihydroxybenzene 0.80
    p-nitrobenzene sulphonamide
                       0.64
    m-nitrobezene sulphonamide
                       0.55
    2-ethyl-2-propanol 0.89
    crotonic acid      0.72
    ______________________________________


______________________________________ Log partition coefficient of from 1.01 to 1.50 (octanol/water at 20.degree. C.) ______________________________________ erythromycin 1.26 4'-hydroxyerythromycin 1.44 colchicine 1.03 codeine 1.01 .alpha.-hydroxy benzyl penicillin 1.40 cyclobarbital 1.20 5-ethyl-5-phenyl barbituric acid 1.42 chloramphenicol 1.14 nicotine 1.17 niacinamide 1.37 4-methyl-6-(2,4,6-trimethyl-pentyl)- 1.28 2-(1H)--pyridone 5,5-dimethyl, 1-methyl barbituric acid 1.09 acetyl salicyclic acid 1.23 coumarin 1.39 2-phenyl ethanol 1.36 ethyl nicotinate 1.32 m-hydroxybenzoic 1.50 benzimidazole 1.34 phenol 1.46 ______________________________________

______________________________________ Log partition coefficient of from 1.51 to 2.00 (octanol/water at 20.degree. C.) ______________________________________ hydrocortisone 1.53 strychnine 1.93 quinine 1.73 thebaine 1.91 atropine 1.79 benzyl pencillin 1.83 sulphaphenzole 1.57 procaine 1.87 sulphadimethoxine 1.56 adenosine triphosphate 1.64 azelaic acid 1.57 amphetamine 1.63 N--acetyl O--aminobenzoic acid 1.88 O--hydroxybenzaldehyde 1.70 benzoic acid 1.87 ______________________________________

______________________________________ Log partition coefficient of from 2.01 to 3.50 (octanol/water at 20.degree. C.) ______________________________________ salicylic acid 2.26 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid 2.24 2-ketooctanoic acid 3.20 ______________________________________


The amphiphilic compound to be incorporated in the product of the invention should form from 0.001 to 20%, preferably from 0.01 to 10% and most preferably from 0.01 to 5% by weight of the product.

The appropriate amount of amphiphilic compound employed will depend on its function and property on the skin and the purpose for which it is applied.

Emulsifier

The product according to the invention will also comprise one or more emulsifiers which are normally solid at room temperature, that is at 20.degree. C., and which have an average HLB value of from 5 to 11 and which are capable of producing a gel phase with water.

Examples of preferred emulsifiers together with their respective HLB values are given below:

    ______________________________________
    Emulsifier               HLB value
    ______________________________________
    BRIJ 52 (polyoxyethylene(2)cetyl ether)
                             5.3
    ALDO MSD (glyceryl monostearate)
                             5.5
    ARLACEL 40 (sorbitan monopalmitate)
                             6.7
    TEGESTER PEG (polyethyleneglycol 200
                             8.5
    monostearate)
    EMEREST 2642 (polyethyleneglycol 400
                             8.5 -distearate)
    ETHOPHATE 60/15 (polyoxyethylene(5)-
                             9.0
    monostearate)
    TWEEN 61 (polyoxyethylene(4)sorbitan
                             9.6
    monostearate)
    HODAG 62-S (polyethylene glycol 400
                             10.5
    distearate)
    ARLACEL 165 (glyceryl monostearate)
                             11.0
    ______________________________________


Where a mixture of more than one emulsifier is employed, it is possible that each may have an HLB value outside the range of from 5 to 11, provided that the mixture has an average HLB value within this range.

Examples of preferred mixtures of emulsifiers together with their respective average HLB values are given below:

    ______________________________________
                  % W/W
                  in     HLB Value
    Emulsifier      mixture  individual
                                       mixture
    ______________________________________
    BRIJ 52         70       5.3
    (polyoxyethylene(2)
    cetyl ether)
    BRIJ 58         30       15.7        8.4
    (polyoxyethylene(20)
    cetyl ether)
    ALDO MSD (glycerol
                    80       5.5
    monostearate)                        7.5
    BRIJ 58         20       15.7
    BRIJ 72 (polyoxyethylene
                    14       4.9
    (2)stearyl ether)
    ARLACEL 165 (glycerol
                    86       11.0        10.1
    monostearate)
    BRIJ 52         67       5.3
    BRIJ 56 (polyoxyethylene
                    33       12.9        7.8
    (10)cetyl ether)
    ______________________________________
     EMULSENE 1219 (supplied by Bush Boake Allen), a mixture of emulsifiers
     having an average HLB value between 5 and 11.


The emulsifier, whether a single emulsifier or mixtures thereof, to be incorporated into the product of the invention should form from 1 to 20%, preferably from 2 to 10% by weight of the emulsion.

Activity Enhancer

The product according to the invention will also comprise an activity enhancer whose presence further improves the delivery to the skin of the amphiphilic compound. The activity enhancer accordingly effectively increases the partition of the amphiphilic compound into the skin from the product when applied topically. The activity enhancer will have little or no effect on improving skin benefit such as increasing skin plasticisation when used alone: it is only when combined with the amphiphilic compound that a substantial increase in skin benefit is realised.

While screening a series of non-electrolytes for their ability to function as activity enhancers, it was observed that they were all compounds which were capable of substantially increasing the cloud point temperature of nonionic surfactants. Such compounds included short chain alkanols, diols and short chain fatty acids. By contrast, other non-electrolytes which reduce the cloud point temperature of nonionic surfactants, such as long chain alcohols, for example, butan-1-ol and cyclohexanol; polyols, for example sorbitol and propan-1,2,3-triol, do not function as activity enhancers.

An activity enhancer is accordingly defined as a non-electrolyte which is capable, at a concentration of 5% by weight of increasing the cloud point temperature of a 0.025M aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene(8)nonylphenyl ether by at least 10.degree. C. Preferably the activity enhancer is one which is capable of increasing the cloud point temperature by at least 15.degree. C., most preferably by at least 20.degree. C.

It should be explained that the "cloud point" is a measure of the inverse solubility of a nonionic surfactant with temperature and can be determined by heating a standard clear aqueous solution of the nonionic surfactant until the solution becomes visibly cloudy and then measuring the temperature.

The cloud point temperature can conveniently be determined automatically using the equipment and method described by Baum et al in Mat. Res. Std. 4 26 (1964).

Examples of suitable compounds functioning as activity enhancers, together with the respective elevated cloud point temperature obtained in each case when using the standard test defined hereinbefore are listed below in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1
    ______________________________________
    Elevation of the cloud point temperature of a 0.025 M
    aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene(8)nonylphenyl ether
    in the presence of activity enhancers
                   0.025 M aqueous solution of
                   polyoxyethylene(8)nonyl
                   phenyl ether
                   (SYNPERONIC NP8 ex ICI)
                     Cloud point
                                Elevation of
    Activity Enhancer
                     temperature
                                cloud point
    (5% by weight)   (.degree.C.)
                                temperature
    ______________________________________
    None (control)   33.5       0
    2-methyl propan-2-ol
                     55.0       21.5
    Propan-2-ol      56.0       22.5
    Ethyl-2hydroxypropanoate
                     52.1       18.6
    Hexan-2,5-diol   52.0       18.5
    POE(2) ethyl ether
                     46.0       12.5
    Di(2-hydroxypropyl) ether
                     44.8       11.3
    Pentan-2,4-diol  48.0       14.5
    Acetone          46.3       12.8
    POE(2) methyl ether
                     43.5       10.0
    2-hydroxypropionic acid
                     45.0       11.5
    Propan-1-ol      53.0       19.5
    1,4 Dioxane      44.0       10.5
    Tetrahydrofuran  45.0       11.5
    Butan-1,4-diol   45.0       11.5
    ______________________________________


By way of comparison, we list below in Table 2 examples of non-electrolytes which do not satisfy the cloud point test in that the increase in cloud point temperature is less than 10.degree. C.; in some cases a reduction of cloud point temperature is observed.

                  TABLE 2
    ______________________________________
    Elevation (or reduction) of the cloud point temperature of
    a 0.025 M aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene(8)nonylphenyl
    ether in the presence of compounds which are not "activity
    enhancers" as herein defined
                0.025 M aqueous solution of
                polyoxyethylene(8)nonylphenyl
                phenyl ether (SYNPERONIC NP8)
    Compound which is not
                  Cloud point  Elevation of cloud
    an activity enhancer
                  temperature  point temperature
    (5% by weight)
                  (.degree.C.) (.degree.C.)
    ______________________________________
    None (control)
                  33.5         0
    2-methyl propan-1-ol
                  41.0         7.5
    Butan-1-ol    36.3         2.8
    Cyclohexanol  11.0         -22.5
    Ethan-1,2-diol
                  33.0         -0.5
    Propan-1,2-diol
                  39.0         5.5
    Butan-1,3-diol
                  41.5         8.0
    Propan-1,2,3-triol
                  32.2         -1.3
    Morpholine    40.0         6.5
    Dimethyl sulphoxide
                  33.9         0.4
    ______________________________________


The activity enhancer should form from 0.1 to 50%, preferably from 0.5 to 25% by weight of the product.

Water

The product according to the invention will also comprise from 5 to 98.899%, preferably from 9 to 95% by weight of water which will form a substantial proportion of the aqueous phase in the emulsion.

"Oil"

The product can also optionally comprise an oil, fat or wax, herein referred to as "oil" having a dielectric constant of not greater than 3.0. It is apparent that if an "oil" possessing a higher dielectric constant is employed, then the affinity of the amphiphilic compound for the oil will be unacceptably high, and the delivery to the skin of the amphiphilic compound will thereby be impaired.

Examples of preferred "oils", when employed, together with their dielectric constants measured when they are in a liquid state are given below:

    ______________________________________
    "Oils"          Dielectric constant*
    ______________________________________
    n-decane        1.99
    n-dodecane      2.02
    linoleic acid   2.71
    oleic acid      2.46
    beeswax         2.90
    carnauba wax    2.75
    paraffin wax    2.05
    OZOKERITE WAX   2.03
    ______________________________________
     *as recorded in "Handbook of Chemistry & Physics" pages E 55-60, 57th
     Edition 1976-77


Further examples of "oils" having a dielectric constant <3.0 include mineral oil, n-tetradecane, n-hexadecane, n-octadecane, SIRIUS M85 (Paraffin Oil ex Dalton Industries), ISOPAR L (C.sub.10 -C.sub.12 isoparaffin ex Esso), SILKOLENE 910 (paraffin jelly ex Dalton Industries).

When an oil is to be incorporated in the product of the invention, it should form up to 75%, preferably from 1 to 75%, most preferably from 1 to 30% by weight of the product.

The product can optionally also contain other hydrophilic or lipophilic materials as are conventionally employed in products which are particularly adapted to be applied topically to human skin. Examples of such optional materials include perfumes, colourants, preservatives, germicides, sunscreens and humectants.

The product can take the form of a solid or semi-solid cream or a gelled, thickened or free flowing liquid.

The product will normally be packaged in a convenient dispenser such as a bottle, jar or tube having a closure.

The invention also provides a process for the preparation of a cosmetically acceptable product for topical application to human skin which comprises the steps of:

(i) preparing an aqueous phase by mixing with water, water-soluble ingredients, other than the amphiphilic compounds, such as activity enhancers, preservatives and humectants, and heating the mixture to a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., preferably at least 70.degree. C.;

(ii) adding to the aqueous phase, melted emulsifier which is normally solid at 20.degree. C., which has an average HLB value of from 5 to 11 and which is capable of forming a gel phase, with continued heating at at least 50.degree. C., preferably at at least 75.degree. C. and shear mixing to provide an emulsion;

(iii) cooling the emulsion to form a gel phase having an X-ray reflection of from 0.37 to 0.44 nm;

(iv) adding with continued stirring the amphiphilic compound; and

(v) subsequently packaging the product so formed in a sealed container;

the product having an aqueous phase which forms from 5 to 99% by volume and a gel phase which forms from 1 to 95% by volume of the product, the amphiphilic compound forming from 0.001 to 20% by weight, the emulsifier forming from 1 to 20% by weight, the activity enhancer forming from 0.1 to 50% by weight and water forming from 5 to 98.899% by weight.

The invention further provides a process for the preparation of a cosmetically acceptable product containing "oil" suitable for topical application to human skin, which process comprises the steps of:

(i) forming an emulsion between an aqueous phase and an oily phase, comprising:

(a) an aqueous phase containing water soluble ingredients, other than amphiphilic compounds, such as activity enhancers, preservatives and humectants;

(b) an "oil" having a dielectric constant of not greater than 3.0; and

(c) emulsifier normally solid at 20.degree. C., which has an average HLB value of from 5 to 11, and which is capable of forming a gel phase with water;

at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., preferably at least 70.degree. C.;









(ii) cooling the emulsion to produce a gel phase having an X-ray reflection of from 0.37 to 0.44 nm, and to solidify the "oils" with melting points above 20.degree. C.;

(iii) adding with stirring the amphiphilic compound; and

(iv) subsequently packaging the emulsion so produced in a sealed container.

the product having an aqueous phase which forms from 5 to 99% by volume, an "oil" phase which forms from 2 to 95% by volume and a gel phase which forms from 1 to 95% by volume, the amphiphilic compound forming from 0.001 to 20% by weight, the emulsifier forming from 1 to 20% by weight, the activity enhancer forming from 0.1 to 50% by weight, the "oil" forming from 1 to 75% by weight and the water forming from 5 to 97.899% by weight.

The product according to the invention is suitable for topical application to human skin and is intended to provide enhanced delivery to the skin of amphiphilic skin benefit compounds for cosmetic purposes, or of amphiphilic pharmaceutical or other healing agents for the treatment of skin disease.

A particularly preferred product is one containing, as the amphiphilic compound, 2-hydroxy octanoic acid which is capable of softening the skin by increasing the extensibility of stratum corneum and which is suited to the treatment of acne.

Evidence of delivery to skin from gel phase system of amphiphilic compound

An experiment was conducted to compare the delivery to skin of phenol, as an example of an amphiphilic compound, from an ordinary emulsion and from two products having a gel phase. These products were not strictly in accordance with the invention as no activity enhancer was present, but the experiment was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of a gel phase containing system in delivering phenol to skin.

Preparation of products

1. Control emulsion

An ordinary oil-in-water emulsion which does not contain a gel phase was prepared as follows:

Octanol (oil: dielectric contstant 10.3), 25 parts, was mixed with SYNPERONIC NP8 (liquid emulsifier HLB value 12.3), 5 parts, and phenol (amphiphilic compound), 1 part, to form an oily phase. This was heated to 70.degree. C. and added to water, 69 parts, also heated to 70.degree. C. with mixing to form an emulsion. This was then cooled to 20.degree. C.

2. Test Product A

A product having a gel phase and containing a solid wax was prepared as follows:

Paraffin wax ("oil"), 25 parts, and a mixture of two normally solid emulsifiers, namely BRIJ 58, 3 parts, and ALFOL 16, 2 parts, were heated together at 70.degree. C. to form a melt which was then added with stirring to water, 69 parts, also heated to 70.degree. C. The emulsion so obtained was cooled to 40.degree. C. to solidify both the paraffin wax and the emulsifiers and phenol, 1 part, was added with stirring and further cooling to 20.degree. C.

3. Test Emulsion B

An emulsion having a gel phase and containing normally liquid oil having a dielectric constant of not more than 3.0 was prepared in the manner described for Test Product A, except that SIRIUS M85, 25 parts, the normally liquid oil was employed instead of paraffin wax.

The phenol used in the preparation of each emulsion was C.sup.14 labelled phenol.

Application to skin and measurement of phenol

Pieces of guinea pig stratum corneum were immersed in each of the above emulsions for 20 hours, after which they were removed, blotted dry and the amount of phenol retained by the corneum was measured by a radio tracer technique using a standard methodology. The results of these measurements were as follows:

    ______________________________________
              Phenol delivered to stratum corneum
    Product   (moles phenol/g)
    ______________________________________
    Control    6.38 .times. 10.sup.-5
    Test A    20.46 .times. 10.sup.-5
    Test B    12.69 .times. 10.sup.-5
    ______________________________________


Conclusion

It can be concluded from these results that delivery to skin of phenol, as an example of an amphiphilic compound, from a product is enhanced when a gel phase is present in the product. When the emulsion contains a normally liquid oil such as SIRIUS M85 (Test Emulsion B) then the amount of phenol delivered to the skin is doubled, whereas when a solid wax such as paraffin wax is present (Test Product A), then the amount of phenol delivered to the skin is about three times that delivered from an oridinary emulsion (Control).

Evidence of the benefit of an activity enhancer in the delivery to the skin of an amphiphilic compound

An experiment was conducted to compare the delivery to skin of 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid, as an example of an amphiphilic compound, from an aqueous solution with and without activity enhancers. These solutions are not products according to the invention, since no "oil" or normally solid emulsifier was present, but the experiment nevertheless was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of activity enhancers having the requisite cloud point elevation temperature in delivering 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid to the skin.

Preparation of control and test solutions

The control and each of the test solutions comprised a 0.2M aqueous solution of 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid. The control solution contained no additives, while the test solutions each contained 5% by weight of a further additive, some which were activity enhancers as herein defined, in that they possessed the ability to elevate the cloud point of a 0.025M aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene(8)nonylphenyl ether by at least 10.degree. C. under the conditions defined herein, while other additives possessed cloud point elevation temperatures of less than 10.degree. C.

Increase in extensibility of stratum corneum

The ability of an additive to enhance the delivery to skin of 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid was measured in terms of the increase in extensibility of guinea pig foot pad stratum corneum following contact with each solution.

In this experiment, pieces of guinea pig foot pad stratum corneum, equilibrated at a relative humidity of 65%, were immersed in each solution for 3 hours at 20.degree. C., and then removed, blotted dry and re-equilibrated at the same relative humidity. The extensibility of each piece of guinea pig foot pad stratum corneum was measured before and after this treatment in an extensiometer according to the method described in European Pat. No. 7785.

Results

The results of this experiment are tabulated below:

    ______________________________________
                                       Increase
           0.2 M            Elevation of
                                       stratum
    Test   2-hydroxyoctanoic +
                            cloud point
                                       corneum
    Number + additive at 5% w/w
                            temperature
                                       extensibility
    ______________________________________
    Control
           No additive      --         5
    1      propan-1,2,3-triol
                            -1.3       5
    2      ethan-1,2-diol   -0.5       5
    3      dimethyl sulphoxide
                            -0.5       5
    4      butan-1-ol       2.8        13.2
    5      propan-1,2-diol  5.5        12.6
    6      di(hydroxy propyl)ether
                            11.3       21.6
    7      2-hydroxy propionic acid
                            11.5       17.1
    8      pentan-2,4-diol  14.5       17.0
    9      2-pyrrolidone    15.5       28.0
    10     hexan-2,5-diol   18.5       37.0
    ______________________________________


Conclusion

It can be concluded from these results that delivery to skin of 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid, as an example of an amphiphilic compound from an aqueous solution is greatly enhanced when the solution also contains an activity enhancer as herein defined is employed.

It can be seen by inspection of the results tabulated above that each of test solutions 1 to 5, which contain additives at 5% w/w possessing a cloud point elevation temperature of less than 10 result in an increase in stratum corneum extensibility which is less than that recorded with test solutions 6 to 10, which contain activity enhancers as herein defined. This supports the fact that the presence of an activity enhancer substantially increases the delivery to skin of the amphiphilic compound, bearing in mind that none of the additives when employed alone increases the extensibility of stratum corneum to any significant extent.

The invention is illustrated by the following Examples:

EXAMPLES 1 TO 3

The following formulations represent oil-in-water creams according to the invention that can be used in the treatment of acne.

    ______________________________________
                  % w/w
                  1        2       3
    ______________________________________
    "Oils"
    mineral oil     4          2       --
    paraffin wax (Mp 55.degree. C.)
                    --         2       4
    Solid emulsifiers
    polyoxyethylene(10)
                    4          4       4
    cetyl ether*
    cetyl alcohol*  4          4       4
    Amphiphilic compounds
    2-hydroxyoctanoic acid
                    2.4        --      2.4
    2-ketooctanoic acid
                    --         2.4     --
    Activity enhancer
    acetone         3          --      --
    butan-1,4-diol  --         3       --
    hexan-2,5-diol  --         --      3
    Other ingredients
    triethanolamine .about.0.75
                               .about.0.75
                                       .about.0.75
    xantham gum     0.3        0.3     0.3
    perfume         qs         qs      qs
    preservative    0.4        0.4     0.4
    water           to 100     100     100
    ______________________________________
     pH adjusted with triethanolamine to pH 4 in each case.
     *a mixture of emulsifiers having an average HLB value of about 7.


Preparation of creams

The oil-in-water creams according to Examples 1, 2 and 3 were each prepared as follows:

(i) The mineral oil and/or the paraffin wax were heated to a temperature of 75.degree. C. and the normally solid emulsifiers, polyoxyethylene(10)cetyl ether and cetyl alcohol were each added with continued heating at 75.degree. C. to provide a melt (oily phase).

(ii) The activity enhancer, triethanolamine, xantham gum and preservative were each added to the requisite amount of water with stirring and heating to 75.degree. C. (aqueous phase).

(iii) The oily phase was then added gradually to the aqueous phase with sheer stirring while maintaining the temperature at 75.degree. C.

(iv) The emulsion so obtained was then cooled to 45.degree. C. in order to solidify at least the normally solid emulsifiers and the wax present in Example formulations 2 and 3. A gel phase was obtained together with an aqueous and oily phase, the latter being solid in the case of Example formulation.

(v) The amphiphilic compounds (2-hydroxy octanoic acid or 2-ketooctanoic acid) was then mixed into the cooled emulsion to form a white viscous cream, and the cream was finally packaged in screw topped jars.

Effect of creams on pH value of human skin

The creams of Examples 1 and 3 with activity enhancers, and control creams based on the Example 1 and Example 3 formulations omitting activity enhancers and the 2-hydroxy octanoic acid, were each applied to the foreheads of a panel of 10 volunteer subjects, according to a statistically designed experiment. The area of forehead skin treated in each subject was 32 cm.sup.2 and the quantity of cream applied to this area was 0.0865 g. In each case, the skin surface pH was measured at frequent intervals over four hours following application of the creams, and the cream pH value calculated in each case.

The following results were obtained:

    ______________________________________
    Cream formulation
                   Mean skin pH after 4 hours
    ______________________________________
    Example 1          4.95
    Example 3          4.60
    Control 1
                       5.39
    Control 3
    ______________________________________


From these results, it can be concluded that:

(i) 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid is being delivered effectively from both Example 1 and Example 3 creams, as evidenced by the lower mean pH value due to the effect of this acid.

(ii) A greater quantity of 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid is delivered to the skin from the Example 3 cream than from the Example 1 cream, thus indicating that a greater proportion of the acid is partitioned into the aqueous phase where solid paraffin wax comprises the oily phase than where liquid mineral oil comprises the oily phase.

These conclusions provide further support for preference for a solid wax over a liquid oil (even though both have a dielectric constant of not greater than 3) as shown in the foregoing experiments reported earlier in this specification.

EXAMPLES 4 TO 6

The following formulations represent an oil-in-water emulsion according to the invention which can be employed topically in the treatment of acne.

    ______________________________________
                  % w/w
                  4       5       6
    ______________________________________
    "Oils"          5         5       5
    mineral oil
    Solid emulsifier
                    7         7       7
    EMULSENE 1219*
    Amphiphilic compound
                    2         2.5     3
    2-hydroxyoctanoic acid
    Activity enhancer
    2-hydroxypropionic acid
                    5         --      5
    ethyl 2-hydroxy-
                    --        7.5     7.5
    propionate
    Other ingredients
    thickener       0.5       0.5     0.5
    butan-1,3-diol  13.5      13.5    13.5
    preservative    0.3       0.3     0.3
    perfume         qs        qs      qs
    water           to 100    100     100
    pH adjusted with
                    4.0       3.8     3.8
    triethanolamine to
    ______________________________________
     *EMULSENE 1219 is a mixture of cetyl alcohol and polyoxyethylene cetyl
     ether having an average HLB value of about between 5 and 11.


These emulsions can be prepared by the method described for Examples 1 to 3.

EXAMPLES 7 TO 9

The following formulations illustrate oil-in-water creams according to the invention.

    ______________________________________
                  % w/w
                  7       8       9
    ______________________________________
    "Oil"
    mineral oil     4         2       --
    paraffin wax    --        2       4
    Solid emulsifiers
    polyoxyethylene(10)
                    4         4       4
    cetyl ether
    cetyl alcohol   4         4       4
    Amphiphilic compounds
    4'-hydroxyerythromycin
                    0.1       --      --
    hydrocortisone  --        0.1     --
    codeine         --        --      0.1
    Activity enhancer
                    5         5       5
    hexan-2,5-diol
    Other ingredients
    thickener       0.3       0.3     0.3
    preservative    0.4       0.4     0.4
    perfume         qs        qs      qs
    water           to 100    100     100
    ______________________________________


EXAMPLES 10 & 11

The following formulations illustrate anti-eczemateous preparations according to the invention.

    ______________________________________
                      10    11
    ______________________________________
    "Oils"
    Ozokerite wax       5.0     10.0
    Sirius M85          5.0     10.0
    Solid emulsifier
    Brij 52             7.0     14.0
    Brij 58             3.0      6.0
    Amphiphilic compound
                         0.25    0.5
    erythromycin
    Activity enhancer   5.0     10.0
    polyoxyethylene(2) ethyl
    ether
    Other ingredients
    xantham gum         0.3      0.3
    perfume             qs      qs
    preservatives       0.3      0.3
    water               to 100  100
    ______________________________________


EXAMPLES 12 & 13

The following formulations illustrate sun protection products according to the invention.

    ______________________________________
                      12    13
    ______________________________________
    "Oils"
    carnauba wax        5.0     2.0
    linoleic acid       5.0     8.0
    Solid emulsifier
    Aldo MSD            8.0     7.0
    Brij 58             2.0     3.0
    Amphiphilic compound
                        5.0     2.5
    p-Aminobenzoic acid
    Activity enhancer   10.0    13.5
    di(2-hydroxypropyl)ether
    Other ingredients
    xanthan gum         0.5     1.0
    preservatives       0.3     0.3
    perfume             qs      qs
    water               to 100  100
    ______________________________________


EXAMPLES 14 & 15

The following formulations illustrate anti-pruritic creams according to the invention.

    ______________________________________
                      14    15
    ______________________________________
    "Oils"
    Beeswax             5.0     10.0
    Isopar L            10.0    --
    Solid emulsifier    8.0     8.0
    Tween 61
    Amphiphilic compound
                        2.0     1.0
    Acetyl salicylic acid
    Activity enhancer   10.0    5.0
    hexan-2,5-diol
    Other ingredients
    xanthan gum         0.5     1.0
    preservatives       0.3     0.3
    perfume             qs      qs
    water               to 100  100
    ______________________________________


EXAMPLES 16 & 17

The following formulations illustrate anti-acne products according to the invention:

    ______________________________________
                      16    17
    ______________________________________
    "Oils"
    Paraffin wax (Mp 55.degree. C.)
                        7.0     10.0
    Sirius M85          5.0     --
    Solid emulsifiers
    Brij 72             1.0     --
    Arlacel 165         6.0     10.0
    Amphiphilic compound
                        2.0     3.2
    2-hydroxyoctanoic acid
    Activity enhancers
    ethyl-2-hydroxypropionate
                        7.5     5.0
    2-hydroxypropionic acid
                        5.0     5.0
    Other ingredients
    xanthan gum         0.3     0.3
    preservatives       0.3     0.3
    perfume             qs      qs
    water               to 100  100
    ______________________________________
     pH adjusted with triethanolamine to pH 4.5


EXAMPLES 18 & 19

The following formulations illustrate local anaesthetic creams according to the invention.

    ______________________________________
                      18    19
    ______________________________________
    "Oils"
    hexadecane          10.0    --
    silkolene 910       1.0     20.0
    Solid emulsifier    7.5     10.0
    Tegester PEG
    Amphiphilic compound
                        2.0     2.0
    codeine
    Activity enhancer   5.0     5.0
    pentan-2,4-diol
    Other ingredients
    xanthan gum         1.0     0.5
    preservative        0.3     0.3
    perfume             qs      qs
    water               to 100  100
    ______________________________________


EXAMPLES 20 & 21

The following formulations illustrate skin lightening compositions according to the invention.

    ______________________________________
                      20    21
    ______________________________________
    "Oils"
    carnauba wax        2.0     0.5
    paraffin wax Mp 55.degree. C.
                        2.0     7.5
    Silkolene 910       6.0     1.0
    oleic acid          5.0     2.5
    Solid emulsifiers
    Brij 58             3.0     3.0
    Brij 52             7.0     7.0
    Amphiphilic compound
                        2.0     3.2
    Niacinamide
    Activity enhancer   10.0    13.5
    2-methyl propan-2-ol
    Other ingredients
    xanthan gum         0.3     0.3
    preservative        0.3     0.3
    perfume             qs      qs
    water               to 100  100
    ______________________________________
     pH adjusted with triethanolamine to pH 4.5


EXAMPLES 22 & 23

The following formulations illustrate antidandruff hair creams according the invention.

    ______________________________________
                      22    23
    ______________________________________
    "Oil"               38.0    30.0
    Sirius M85
    Solid emulsifier    3.0     9.0
    EMULSENE 1219
    Amphiphilic compound
                        0.5     1.0
    OCTOPIROX
    Activity enhancer   7.5     13.5
    hexan,-2,5-diol
    Other ingredients
    xanthan gum         1.0     1.0
    perfume             qs      qs
    preservatives       0.3     0.3
    water               to 100  100
    ______________________________________


EXAMPLE 24

The following formulation illustrates a Keratolytic foot lotion according to the invention.

    ______________________________________
                     24
    ______________________________________
    "Oil"              2.0
    Paraffin wax MP 55
    Solid emulsifier
    Brij 52            2.0
    Brij 56            1.0
    Amphiphilic compound
                       5.0
    acetyl, salicylic acid
    Activity enhancer  10.0
    POE(2) methyl ether
    Other ingredients
    xanthan gum        1.0
    preservative       0.3
    water              to 100
    ______________________________________

Lithography process

Fluid flow reversing apparatus

Capacitive pressure transducer

Selective hydrogenation of olefins

Lock for sliding doors

Environmentally stable monolithic Mach-Zehnder device

Wheelchair motorizing apparatus

Fast circuit switching system

Process for concentrating fluids

Internal combustion engine

Optical fiber strain relief device

Digital phase comparison apparatus

Thermosensitive recording sheet

Hollow fiber separatory device

Magnetic blanket for horses

Elongated flexible detonating device

Imidazodiazepine derivative

Direct conversion receiver per-selection

Process for coating glass

Variable delivery compressor

Thin floss brush

Soybean cultivar 40064423

Passive lavatory cleanser dispensing system

Seal press

Wearable display

Triarylpropyl-azabicyclooctanes

Aerobic exercise device

Snap fastening device

Facsimile compression for transmission

Gypsum-cement system for construction materials

Plastic orientation measurement instrument

Developing unit for electro-photographic apparatus

Incontinence electrode apparatus

Motor vehicle gearbox

Cover connecting mechanism

Shutter time control circuit

Digital character display

Photographic film and film cassette

Catalyzed fluorination of chlorocarbons

Signal amplifier

Paint toning machine

Antimicrobial cationic peptides

Thin layer ablation apparatus

Liquid container

Tricyclic amides

Mower deck bumper

Manual floor sweeper

Electrical coupling unit for electrosurgery

Flash jet coolant circulation system

Optical device, system and method

Phosphorus-containing copolyamides and fibers thereof

Layered film and packaging material

Display hook system

Substitute milk fat compositions

Automatic reversal mechanism

Golf club stand device

Article transferring apparatus

Movement detector

Screw

Light distribution device

Moisture-curing polyamides

Laterally supported flexible sign

Impact-resisting composites

Surface modifier composition

Fuel dispensing nozzle

Method of treating melanoma

Magnetic domain propagation register

Medical garment

Hard surface detergent composition

Fuel system

Electromechanical toy

Extrusion machine

Structurally efficient inflatable protective device

Preparation of star polymers

Compact and robust spectrograph

Developer powder supply cartridge

Naso-gastric tube retainer

Ion-channel forming peptides

Process for decoking catalysts

Thread wound golf ball

Three dimensional space viewing device

Start-up circuit for voltage regulators

Inter-LAN connection method using ISDN

Ice body delivery apparatus

Compartmentalized basket truck

Arrangement for moving an object

Preparation of 2-amino-4-fluoropyrimidine derivatives

Multi-channel optical transmission system

Facial sun block mask

DNA sequence encoding N-acetyl-galactosamine-transferase

Automatic trimming machine

Flexible chain conveyor

Cotton gin control

Actuator and actuator system

Endoscope signal level control

Dispenser

Asymmetric wire rope isolator

Master cylinder apparatus

Sliding exhaust brake system

Non-aqueous electrochemical cell

Outdoor enclosure with heated desiccant

Tissue anchoring system and method

Reversible code compander