DESC:Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel cosmetic composition and a method of preparing the same and more particularly to a cosmetic composition comprising niacinamide, liquorice extract and oxysphere as active ingredients.
Background of the Invention
The desire to maintain youthful appearance has been a facet of modern times. Both women and men are constantly seeking ways to attenuate the signs of skin ageing. Cosmetic products which improve the appearance of skin are increasingly popular among the consumers.
In particular, skin ageing concerns two processes intrinsic ageing and extrinsic ageing. Intrinsic ageing is related to the natural ageing process and genetic influences whereas extrinsic ageing is an accumulated damage due to environmental factors such as the exposure to sun. The most common factors affecting the skin are hormonal variations, stress, lifestyle and the amount of exposure to the external aggressions such as UV rays, pollution, chemicals, smoking etc. Amongst the other reasons, the actual age of a person and how well a person has taken care of the skin are the major factors influencing the ageing process. These factors eventually lead to visible signs of ageing and over time these signs progress through three stages viz; early ageing, moderate ageing and advanced ageing. As the ageing progresses from moderate to advanced ageing, the skin becomes fragile and prone to impurities. Blemishes appear without correlation with age or skin type.
A frequent, undesirable skin ageing condition is “oily skin,” the condition which results from the excessive secretion of sebum on the skin. The term “sebum” refers to an oily secretion on the surface of the skin produced by the sebaceous glands present in the skin.
Blemishes of the skin lead to the disturbed sebum secretion. This results in localized shines, dilated pores, blackheads, spots, redness and dehydrated areas resulting in an uneven skin texture. Further, blemishes also give rise to a number of skin disorders characterized by cracking, flaking or scaling of hands, feet or the body and generally identified as "dry skin".
Changes in the quality and/or quantity of sebum secreted on the skin surface are associated with alterations in the secretory cells present in the sebaceous glands and in the surrounding connective tissue elements. In areas of actual or potential hair growth, abnormalities of the hair follicles and hair may be associated with the disturbances in the sebaceous glands which are located in the immediate vicinity of the hair shaft. These glands open through their ducts into the hair root canal, thus forming a common anatomical structure, the Pilosebaceous Apparatus (PSA). The disturbances in the structure and function of the sebaceous glands and/or Pilosebaceous Apparatus lead to acne. Moreover, the increase in the sebum production leads to disturbance of keratinisation, increase in lipase activity, increase in pro-inflammation free fatty acids, perifollicular inflammation etc. Elevated production of sebum by hyperactive sebaceous glands can cause Propionibacterium acnes bacteria to grow and multiply causing increase in their population.
Numerous skin care products are commercially available in the form of creams, lotions, soap bars and gels that effectively cleanse, moisturize, exfoliate and minimize wrinkling of the skin. However, the products available in the market either do not effectively address ageing skin or have skin irritating effects.
There is an ongoing need in the art for effective treatments for inflammatory skin disorders, skin disorders associated with the bacterial infections and other types of blemishes. Inflammation of the skin can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including bacterial infection, viral infection, parasitic infection, mycolic infection, allergies, pruritis, vascular disorders, granulomatosis, pigmented dermatitis, and photosensitivity.
Moreover, most of these skin care products are designed for a single purpose use. In order to achieve multiple benefits, an individual may have to use more than one skin care product. Recently, skin care products have been developed that may have more than one use such as a combination of a cleanser and a moisturizer. However, there can be some difficulty in producing such products as the physical properties of each individual component may not be compatible with one another. Also, these multipurpose products may not be as effective when used alone. Accordingly, there remains a need for skin care products that can provide multiple skin care benefits.
Niacinamide is a substance found in many cosmetics and is used as a skin lightening and/or moisturizing agent. Niacinamide also known as nicotinamide is the amide of nicotinic acid i.e. vitamin-B3. It is a biologically active form of vitamin-B3 found in many vegetables. Niacinamide improves skin moisturization by boosting synthesis of free fatty acids and ceramides, which result in reduced Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Its role of improving the appearance of skin ageing is associated to its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis, reducing excess of dermal glycosaminoglycan and controlling skin yellowing. Additionally, niacinamide is believed to reduce skin pigmentation by down-regulating transfer of melanosomes from the melanocytes to the keratinocytes (Solano et al. Pigment Cell Res. 90, 550-571). Niacinamide based compositions for the treatment of skin disorders are known in the art. US2015/90050342 A1 discloses compositions comprising chlorhexidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; niacinamide or niacin; and salicylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof. The compositions are suitable for use in treating and preventing disorders of the skin. The compositions are also provided in the form of cosmetic products. US2010/105638 A1 discloses a cosmetic or dermatological compositions comprising 0.1 to 5 wt. % of an ascorbyl phosphate; 0.5 to 10 wt. % of niacinamide; 0.005 to 3 wt.-% biotin or a salt thereof and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract is a common ingredient found in many skin lightening cosmetics and is also used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases even outside the scope of dermatology due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties. The primary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in liquorice root extract are the glycosides namely glycyrrhizinic acid, flavonoids and saponins. Liquorice is a commonly used skin-lightening agent used in a number of prior arts.
US 2009/0155371 discloses topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres, each microsphere containing a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. Oxysphere is the encapsulated microsphere engulfing the perfluorodecaline in a matrix formed by marine collagen and marine glycosaminoglycan. The size of such microspheres ranges from a few hundred nanometers to 900 µm. It provides active oxygen delivery close to the cells to boost the natural process of skin regeneration. DE 102009026718 A1 discloses cosmetic, non-therapeutic use of at least one fluorocarbon, which is a perfluorinated hydrocarbon compound, wherein the numerically least 90%, preferably at least 95%, particularly preferably at least 98%, extremely preferably 100% of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms, which except C, F and optionally H having no other hetero-atoms in the molecule, exists as a liquid under normal conditions and having a molecular weight in the range of 250-700 g/ mol, in a topical composition for reducing the pore size of the skin, especially the facial skin. Examples of inventively preferred fluorocarbons include perfluorodecaline.
However, the combination of niacinamide, liquorice extract and oxysphere has not been disclosed in any of the prior art documents. Surprisingly, it has been found that a combination of niacinamide, liquorice extract and oxysphere used in cosmetic composition of the present invention give excellent efficacy in treatment for all kind of blemishes of the skin.
The present invention provides a novel composition which aim to overcome many or all of the disadvantages of the existing treatments for blemishes of the skin. In particular, the present invention provides novel composition containing a unique combination of skin lightening agents, vitamins, proteins, oxygen donors and collagen builders that work together to effectively address most of the blemishes of the skin such as dark spots, pigmentation, dark circles, dullness and uneven skin tone and under eye dark circles and also defying the ageing process of the skin which cannot be addressed using conventional treatments.
Summary of Invention
The present invention relates to a novel cosmetic composition that effectively addresses most of the blemishes of the skin which cannot be addressed using conventional treatments.
According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a novel cosmetic composition for addressing blemishes of the skin and correcting other problems relating to the skin, comprising niacinamide, liquorice extract and oxysphere as active ingredients.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the niacinamide is present in the range of 15-25% w/w.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the liquorice extract is present in the range of 1-3% w/w.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the oxysphere is present in the range of 0.1-0.3% w/w.
According to another embodiment of the invention the cosmetic composition further comprises of a lactate salt, a skin active glucan, one or more antioxidants, a skin lightening agent, water, preservatives and surfactants.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the lactate salt is selected from the group consisting of potassium lactate and sodium lactate alone or in combination thereof.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the lactate salt is preferably sodium lactate.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the lactate salt is present in the range of 4-6% w/w.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the skin active glucan is oat beta glucan present in the range of 1-3% w/w.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the antioxidants are selected from the group of sodium ascorbyl phosphate and vitamin-E alone or in combination thereof.
According to another embodiment of the invention the antioxidants are present in an amount of 1-2% w/w.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the skin lightening agent is selected from the group consisting of nano white, provi white and sulfora white alone or in combination thereof.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the skin lightening agent is preferably sulfora white.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the skin lightening agent is present in the range of 1-2% w/w.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the preservatives are selected from a group consisting of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate alone or in combination thereof.
According to another embodiment of the invention, surfactant is selected from polysorbate 20 or any other suitable surfactant.
The cosmetic composition of present invention provides a wide range of skin care benefits such as providing soothing and calming effect for sensitive, dry, rough, irritated, red, flaky and itchy skin. It imparts the best efficacy in diminishing all types of blemishes of the skin such as dark spots, pigmentation, dark circles, dullness and uneven skin tone and under eye dark circles and also defying the ageing process of the skin. It thereby defies the ageing process of the skin. Further, the cosmetic composition of present invention relates to a unique combination of ingredients like skin lightening agents, vitamins, proteins, oxygen donors and collagen builders that work together effectively.
Brief description of drawings
The invention can be described in the terms of the following figures where-
Figure 1: shows the % reduction in wrinkles by the cosmetic composition of the present invention
Figure 2: shows the % change in the moisture content due to the cosmetic composition of the present invention
Figure 3: shows the % reduction in melanin by the cosmetic composition of the present invention
Detailed Description of Invention
Discussed below are some representative embodiments of the present invention. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative methods. The illustrative examples are described in this section in connection with the embodiments and methods provided. The invention according to its various aspects is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the appended claims read in view of this specification and appropriate equivalents.
It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The expression of various quantities in terms of “% w/w” means the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.
As used herein, the terms "cosmetic composition” refers to a composition that aids in preventing or removing facial scars that occurs due to acne infection and other skin conditions such as dark spots, pigmentation, dark circles, dullness and uneven skin tone and under eye dark circles.
The ingredients for use in the present composition and their preferred amounts to be utilized are described in details hereinafter.
The term "quantity sufficient" used in reference to the amounts of ingredients is commonly understood in the art to mean the quantity required to make up volume of the composition and is generally readily determined by the persons skilled in the formulation arts. Quantity sufficient can be interchangeably used as "q.s."
The present invention relates to novel cosmetic compositions for addressing blemishes of the skin and correcting other problems relating to the skin, comprising niacinamide, liquorice extract and oxysphere as active ingredients and a process for preparing the same.
Niacinamide [CAS-No. 98-92-0] is one of the water-soluble B-complex vitamins which is available as Niacinamide PC or Niacinamide from DSM Nutritional Products AG, (4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland). Niacinamide is also referred to as nicotinamide or pyridine-3-carboxamide and is the amide of niacin (vitamin-B3). Niacinamide is a substance found in many cosmetics and is used as a skin lightening and/or moisturizing agent. It is a biologically active form of vitamin-B3 found in many vegetables. Niacinamide improves skin moisturization by boosting synthesis of free fatty acids and ceramides, which result in reduced Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Its role of improving the appearance of skin ageing is associated to its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis, reducing excess of dermal glycosaminoglycan and controlling skin yellowing. Additionally, niacinamide is believed to reduce skin pigmentation by down-regulating transfer of melanosomes from the melanocytes to the keratinocytes (Solano et al. Pigment Cell Res. 90, 550-571). Niacinamide is present in the range of 15-25% w/w in the cosmetic composition of the present invention.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract is a common ingredient found in many skin lightening cosmetics and is also used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases even outside the scope of dermatology due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties. The primary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in liquorice root extract are the glycosides namely glycyrrhizinic acid, flavonoids and saponins. Liquorice is a commonly used skin-lightening agent used in a number of prior arts. As used herein, "skin lightening agent" refers to any compound, substance, or composition which upon topical application to skin lightens or depigments the skin. Such skin lightening agents can include, but are not limited to, pigmentation inhibitors, tyrosinase inhibitors, and melanocyte melanogenesis inhibitors. Liquorice extract is present in the range of 1-3% w/w in the cosmetic composition of the present invention.
Oxysphere is the encapsulated microspheres engulfing the perfluorodecaline in a matrix formed by marine collagen and marine glycosaminoglycan ranging from few hundred nanometers to 900 µm in size. Oxysphere provides oxygen delivery close to the cells to boost the natural process of skin regeneration. Oxysphere is present in the cosmetic composition of present invention in the range of 0.1-0.3% w/w.
The cosmetic composition of present invention further comprises of a lactate salt, a skin active glucan, one or more antioxidants, a skin lightening agent, water, preservatives and surfactants.
In the present invention, the lactate salt is selected from the group consisting of potassium lactate and sodium lactate alone or in combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lactate salt used to prepare the cosmetic composition of present invention is sodium lactate. Sodium lactate is the natural salt derived from a natural fermentation product, lactic acid. It is naturally produced in the skin and also occurs naturally in all animal and human muscle tissue. It has antimicrobial action and ability to inhibit bacteria development and is used in cosmetics and beauty products, especially shampoos and liquid cleansers, as a preservative, buffering agent, pH controlling agent, or exfoliant. The lactate salt is present in the range of 4-6% w/w in the cosmetic composition of the present invention.
The cosmetic composition of present invention also comprises of the skin active glucan. In an embodiment of the invention the skin active glucan is oat beta glucan. Oat beta glucan is a natural active ingredient offering significant performance-enhancing properties for personal care applications. Studies have shown that the molecule, despite its considerable molecular weight, is able to enter the stratum corneum and epidermis and penetrate deep into the dermis. The observed effects of beta-glucan on tissue restructuring and wrinkle reduction are most likely effects mediated by fibroblast stimulation and collagen deposition in the dermis. In an embodiment of the invention, the oat beta glucan is present in the range of 1-3% w/w in the cosmetic composition of the present invention.
The cosmetic composition of present invention further comprises of antioxidants. “Antioxidants” are substances that can provide protection from endogenous and exogenous oxidative stresses by scavenging free radicals. Topical antioxidants are available in multivariate combinations through over-the-counter skin care products that are aimed at preventing the clinical signs of photoaging. The antioxidants for the use in the cosmetic composition of present invention are selected from the group of sodium ascorbyl phosphate and vitamin-E alone or in combination thereof. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin-C that functions as an antioxidant. It also has an antibacterial action against acne-causing bacteria and is also potentially effective for lightening skin discolorations. Vitamin-E, also known as alpha tocopheryl acetate is one of the most powerful antioxidants that neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals, which are molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles and helps in repair of damaged cells. In the cosmetic composition of the present invention, the antioxidants are present in an amount of 1-2% w/w.
Further, the skin lightening agent present in the cosmetic composition of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of nano white, provi white and sulfora white alone or in combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the skin lightening agent skin lightening agent is preferably sulfora white. Sulfora white is a liposomal preparation of Swiss garden cress sprouts rich in sulforaphane, a powerful whitening antioxidant phytonutrient. Sulfora white effectively inhibits pigmentation by targeting the two upstream key reaction steps in the melanin cascade, it neutralizes reactive oxygen species and inhibits the binding of á-MSH, a natural hormone which stimulates skin pigmentation. It also reduces the effects of daytime stressors and helps to prevent the formation of melanin for a brighter, more luminous skin complexion. The skin lightening agent is present in the range of 1-2% w/w in the cosmetic composition of the present invention. Water is present in the cosmetic composition of present invention in quantity sufficient.
The cosmetic composition of present invention further comprises of preservatives and surfactants. The term "preservative" as used herein refers to compounds having an antimicrobial activity and which are conventionally used in topical (cosmetic) compositions to inhibit decomposition by microbial growth. The term "antimicrobial activity" (or "antimicrobial effect") as used herein means a capability of killing and/ or inhibiting growth of microbial cells such as in particular bacteria and fungi. The preservatives used in the cosmetic composition of the present invention are potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate alone or in combination thereof. Further, the surfactant used in the cosmetic composition of the present invention is selected from polysorbate 20 or any other suitable surfactant.
The present invention also provides the process for preparation of the cosmetic composition of present invention. To the hot purified water, the preservatives were added which is followed by addition of niacinamide, liquorice extract and oxysphere and other adjuvants to obtain the cosmetic composition of the present invention.
The cosmetic composition of the present invention can be formulated as a cream, lotion, cleaner, moisturizer, face wash etc.
The cosmetic composition provides a wide range of skin care benefits such as providing soothing and calming effect for sensitive, dry, rough, irritated, red, flaky and itchy skin. It imparts the best efficacy in diminishing all types of blemishes of the skin such as dark spots, pigmentation, dark circles, dullness and uneven skin tone and under eye dark circles and also defying the ageing process of the skin. It thereby defies the ageing process of the skin. The cosmetic composition of present invention relates to a unique combination of ingredients like skin lightening agents, vitamins, proteins, oxygen donors and collagen builders that work together.
The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrations only, since numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis and all reagents used in the examples were obtained or are available from the chemical suppliers.
Example 1
In this example, representative cosmetic composition of the present invention comprising niacinamide, liquorice extract and oxysphere is described. Table 1 shows the components and their amounts to be used in the cosmetic composition of the present invention. The unit of each value is % w/w.
Table 1: Components used for preparing the cosmetic composition of present invention
Sr.
No. Ingredients Example 1 (% w/w) Example 2
(% w/w) Example 3
(% w/w)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 Niacinamide
Sodium Lactate
Oat beta glucan
Liquorice extract
Sodium Ascorbyl phosphate
Sulfora white
Vitamin-E
Oxysphere
Potassium sorbate
Sodium benzoate
Polysorbate 20
DM water 15.000
3.000
2.000
2.000
1.000
1.000
0.600
0.200
0.100
0.100
1.000
74.000 20.000
5.000
2.000
2.000
1.000
1.000
0.600
0.200
0.100
0.100
1.000
67.000 25.000
5.000
2.000
2.000
1.000
1.000
0.600
0.200
0.100
0.100
1.000
62.000

These ingredients were combined to provide the cosmetic composition of the present invention that is prepared by the method described in Example 2. Said cosmetic composition can be formulated as a cream, lotion, cleanser, moisturizer, face wash etc. and further contains extracts from almond, allantoin, aloe vera, jojoba and herbal and non herbal extracts, skin conditioning agents, cheating agents, preservatives, thickeners etc.
Example 2
Process of preparation of the cosmetic composition of present invention
In a stainless steel container, purified water was taken and heated upto 45°C, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate were added under stirring in the water till a clear solution was obtained. Niacinamide, sodium lactate, oat beta glucan, liquorice extract, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, sulfora white were added simultaneously under stirring to the above solution and stirring was continued till all these ingredients were dissolved to form a clear solution. In a separate container polysorbate 20 was taken and vitamin-E was added to it, both were mixed properly to form a uniform paste which was further added to the main solution under stirring till it goes into the solution. Oxysphere was then added to the main solution and the stirring was continued at fast speed for 30 minutes to obtain the cosmetic composition of the present invention.
Example 3
Assessment of inhibitory effect of cosmetic composition on UV-B induced Melanogenesis in B16F10 cells
B16-F10 cells were counted and plated in 60mm petri dishes at the density of 0.8 X106 cells/2ml growth medium followed by overnight incubation in CO2 incubator at 37°C, 5% CO2 and 95% humidity. After overnight incubation, the cells were gently washed twice with 1X PBS and exposed to 20 mJ/cm2 UV-B irradiation in 1ml of 1X PBS. Following UV-B exposure, the PBS was discarded and cells were replenished with fresh growth medium containing cosmetic composition corresponding to the final concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1% .The cells pertaining to positive control group were replenished with fresh growth medium containing Arbutin corresponding to the final concentrations of 0.1mM and 1mM. The cells were incubated with cosmetic composition or positive control for 24h in CO2 incubator at 37°C, 5% CO2 and 95% humidity. After 24h of incubation, the plates were taken out for further processing for estimation of intracellular melanin levels For estimation of intracellular melanin levels, the cells were washed with 1X PBS and harvested by gentle scraping in alkaline lysis buffer containing 1N NaOH supplemented with 20% DMSO. The above lysates were then incubated in water bath at 80°C for 2h. After 2h of incubation, the absorbance of all the samples was read at 405nm. The percentage decrease in intracellular melanin content w.r.t UV irradiated cells was calculated as follows:

% Melanin synthesis = (R-X)/R x 100
Where, X = Intracellular melanin levels in test items treated cells
R = Intracellular melanin levels in UV irradiated cells
Effect of cosmetic composition and positive control on intracellular melanin content is represented in Table 2.
Table 2: Effect of cosmetic composition and positive control on Melanin synthesis in UV irradiated B16F10 cells
Test concentration (%v/v) % reduction in melanin synthesis w.r.t UV irradiated cells
0.01 25
0.05 14
0.1 18

Example 4
Assessment of inhibitory effect of cosmetic composition on mushroom tyrosinase enzyme activity
10µl of cosmetic composition at dilutions ranging from 1.25% - 25% (v/v in Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)), 50µl of mushroom tyrosinase enzyme (100 U/ml) and 90µl of 0.1M Potassium phosphate buffer were incubated for 10min in a 96-well plate at 37°C. 50 µl of 2mM L-tyrosine was further added to the above plate and incubated for 30min at 37°C.
The absorbance of the wells was read at 475 nm using Biotek synergy HT plate reader. The percentage inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase was calculated as follows:
% Inhibition = (R-X)/R x 100
Where, X = OD of cosmetic composition treated wells and
R = OD of blank
The effect of cosmetic composition and positive control on Mushroom tyrosinase enzyme activity is represented in Table 3 below.
Table 3: Effects of cosmetic composition and positive control on Mushroom tyrosinase enzyme activity
Test concentration (% v/v) % reduction in mushroom tyrosinase w.r.t control
1.25 47
2.5 31
5 44
10 44
12.5 55
25 72

Example 5
Determination of antioxidant potential of cosmetic composition of present invention
2, 2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and potassium per sulfate were dissolved in distilled water to achieve final concentration of 7mM and 2.45mM respectively at a ratio of 1:0.5. The above ABTS reagent was kept in dark at room temperature for 12-16h before use to generate ABTS radical (ABTS•+). The ABTS radical solution was then diluted with Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) to obtain an absorbance of 1 at 734 nm. 10µl of the test item and the positive control (Trolox) at different concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 100% and 0.025% to 0.25% respectively were added into 48 well plates. 990µl of ABTS reagent was then added to each of the above wells. The plates were covered with aluminum foil and kept for 15 minutes at 37°C. A solution of ABTS reagent with solvent 80% Methanol was used as blank.
The free radical scavenging activity of the novel cosmetic composition of present invention was evaluated at different concentrations by calculating % inhibition in absorbance using the following formula:
ABTS radical scavenging activity (% Inhibition) = (Ac-As)/Ac*100
Where, Ac = Absorbance of Blank, As = Absorbance of Sample
Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was taken as the measure of the antioxidant potential of the test item relative to the water- soluble vitamin-E analogue – Trolox, as antioxidant standard. It is a measure of antioxidant strength based on Standard reference Trolox. TEAC value was calculated by the slope (best-fit straight line graph) of fall in absorbance vs. concentration using the following formula:
TEAC value = (Slope sample) / (Slope Trolox)
Effect of cosmetic composition of present invention on free radical scavenging and the effect of Trolox on free radical scavenging is tabulated in Table 4 and Table 5 respectively.
Table 4: Effect of cosmetic composition of present invention on free radical scavenging
Test concentration (%) % Inhibition in absorbance of ABTS solution with test items at 734 nm
Blank 0
0.1 4.46
0.5 4.61
1 8.26
5 38.22
10 63.58
50 91.98
100 92.12

Table 5: Effect of Trolox on free radical scavenging
Test concentration (%) % Inhibition in absorbance of ABTS at 734 nm
Blank 0
0.025 11.49
0.0625 31.78
0.125 57.34
0.1875 81.97
0.25 96.28

Example 6
Evaluation of efficacy of cosmetic composition of present invention in reducing skin blemishes and imparting fairness to skin
A) Instrumental evaluation
The study design for aforementioned evaluation is given in Table 6 below.
Table 6: Study design for evaluation of efficacy of cosmetic composition of present invention reducing skin blemishes and imparting fairness to skin
Number of volunteers Total 20
Arms Two
Gender Female and male
Age 18 to 35 Yrs.
Investigational products 1. Cosmetic composition
2. Placebo
Control Product Fairness Cream
Test site Face -Right cheek for test product

Control site Face- left cheek for control
Study period 8 weeks
Observations On Initial day 0, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28 & 56.

Application of cosmetic composition of present invention
The control was applied on the left check and the test cosmetic composition was applied on the right cheek of the volunteers. Samples were given to the volunteer along with directions for daily use. Volunteers were asked to come for the evaluation as per timelines. This was followed by various instrumental assessments as given below.

1. Visioscan

One photograph was taken on the left and right crow feet area for all the volunteers. The SEsm and SEw parameters were recorded for calculation of improvement in skin smoothness and skin wrinkles. The measurement was done at baseline 0th day, week 2, week 4 and week 8. The product showed significant reduction of wrinkles and fine lines at all time points over the baseline values compared to control product near crow feet area. Also there was remarkable improvement in smoothness of skin. Said results are graphically represented in the Fig. 1.
2. Corneometer
Assessment of the moisture content of face was taken by the measurement on the left and right cheek. Measurement was done at one at baseline 0th day, week 2, week 4 and week 8. The product showed significant increase of moisture content at all time points over the baseline values compared to control product. Said results are graphically represented in the Fig. 2.
3. Mexameter
Assessment of spot melanin was done by taking the measurement on the spot. Measurement was done at baseline 0th day, week 2, week 4 and week 8. The product showed significant reduction of melanin content at all time points over the baseline values compared to control product. Said results are graphically represented in the Fig. 3.
B) Self assessment of volunteers
All the volunteers were observed till 8 weeks post administration of cosmetic composition of present invention during which the efficacy of the said composition in providing smooth, uniform look to facial skin, by removing dark spots, blemishes and which moisturizes, hydrates and brightens the skin was observed periodically after 2nd, 4th and 8th week of use. A questionnaire based evaluation of the cosmetic composition of present invention was done. None of the volunteers reported any kind of irritation, redness or burning sensation due to the cosmetic composition of the present invention. The observations after 2nd, 4th and 8th week of use are summarized in Table 7 below.
Table 7: Observations after 2nd, 4th and 8th week of use of cosmetic composition of present invention
Criteria Observations
After 2 weeks After 4 weeks After 8 weeks
Overall fairness 80.0% of the volunteers agreed that the cosmetic composition made their skin fairer overall than the control. 83.5% of the volunteers were still in agreement that the cosmetic composition makes their skin fairer overall than the control and is retained till 4th week. 86.4% of the volunteers were in agreement that the cosmetic composition makes their skin fairer overall.

Even skin tone 72.8% of the volunteers agreed that the cosmetic composition made their skin tone more even. 77.7% of the volunteers were still in agreement that the cosmetic composition made their skin tone more even and is retained till 4th week. 75.8% of the volunteers were in agreement that the product makes their skin tone more even.

Softer and smoother skin 91.4% of the volunteers agreed that the cosmetic composition makes their skin softer and smoother. 82.3% of the volunteers were still in agreement that cosmetic composition made their skin softer and smoother and is retained till 4th week. 76.4% of the volunteers were in agreement that the product makes their skin softer and smoother
Reduction in pigment 74.3% of the volunteers agreed that cosmetic composition helps in reduction of pigmentation 88.8% of the volunteers agree that cosmetic composition helps in reduction of pigmentation 88.1% of the volunteers agree that cosmetic composition helps in reduction of pigmentation
Reduction in wrinkles and fine line 82.8% of the volunteers agreed that the cosmetic composition reduces the wrinkles and fine lines of their skin. 88.2% of the volunteers agreed that the cosmetic composition reduces the wrinkles and fine lines of their skin. 83.6% of the volunteers agreed that the cosmetic composition reduces the wrinkles and fine lines of their skin.

The cosmetic composition of present invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed herein and can be embodied by various modifications within the scope of the following claims. It should be recognized that the preferred embodiments described above are exemplary only. Certain modifications and improvements will occur to the persons skilled in the art upon a reading of foregoing description. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

CLAIMS:
We claim:
1. A novel cosmetic composition for addressing blemishes of the skin and correcting other problems relating to the skin, comprising niacinamide, liquorice extract and oxysphere as active ingredients.
2. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the niacinamide is present in the range of 15-25% w/w.
3. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquorice extract is present in the range of 1-3% w/w.
4. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oxysphere is present in the range of 0.1-0.3% w/w.
5. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cosmetic composition further comprises of a lactate salt, a skin active glucan, one or more antioxidants, a skin lightening agent, water, preservatives and surfactants.
6. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein the lactate salt is selected from the group consisting of potassium lactate and sodium lactate alone or in combination thereof.
7. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 6, wherein the lactate salt is preferably sodium lactate.
8. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein the lactate salt is present in the range of 4-6% w/w.
9. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 8, wherein the skin active glucan is oat beta glucan present in the range of 1-3% w/w.
10. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 9, wherein the antioxidants are selected from the group of sodium ascorbyl phosphate and vitamin-E alone or in combination thereof.
11. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 10, wherein the antioxidants are present in an amount of 1-2% w/w.
12. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 11, wherein the skin lightening agent is selected from the group consisting of nano white, provi white and sulfora white alone or in combination thereof.
13. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 12, wherein the skin lightening agent is preferably sulfora white.
14. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 13, wherein the skin lightening agent is present in the range of 1-2% w/w.
15. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 14, wherein the preservatives are selected from a group consisting of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate alone or in combination thereof.
16. The novel cosmetic composition as claimed in claims 1 to 15, wherein the surfactant is selected from polysorbate 20 or any other suitable surfactant.