Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a Synergistic skincare composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin and a process for its preparation. The composition of the present invention is useful in regulating the oily nature of the skin and helpful in promoting sebum control for a prolonged period from the very first application.
Background of the Invention
Sebum is skin oil which is produced by sebocytes (cells of the sebaceous glands in the skin) and is then secreted to the skin surface. A frequent and undesirable skin condition is "oily skin," the condition which results from the excessive amount of sebum on the skin. Oily skin is associated with a shiny, undesirable appearance and a disagreeable tactile sensation and affects various age groups. Excessive sebum production is cosmetically undesirable and has been associated with the skin condition acne. Therefore, cosmetic products and methods that provide sebum control are highly desirable.
Sebum is made up of a number of components, with about 57% being triglycerides, or fatty acids, about 12% of sebum is squalene; about 3% of sebum is sterol esters, about 25% wax esters, and about 1 to about 2% cholesterol.
Propinibacteium acnes is a resident flora on the skin and is dominant in hair follicles. They colonise regions with high sebum production. The presence of glycerides and fatty acids aids in the prolifieration oi P.acnes that leads to acne.
Typically, the problem of oily skin is dealt with frequent cleansing and application of astringents that are very harsh, leading to dryness of the skin. However, the solution is temporary and sebum secretion starts after the cleansing. Moreover, it is not always possible to cleanse the face every few hours.
The acidic skin mantle of the stratum comeum is important for both the permeability barrier function and cutaneous anti-microbial defense. Skin pH is lower than 6 but varies

with individuals. Application of cosmetic products influences the skin pH. Changes in pH are reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of various skin disorders including acne vulgaris and hence it is desirable to have the cosmetic vehicle at a pH less than 5.5. It has been noted that use of higher pH cleansers which increased the skin pH increased the inflammatory lesions in the acne-prone skin.
Prior Art
Various inventions in the prior art have made use of targeting different pathways of decreasing sebum production.
The patent US 2004/0228885A1 by Khaiat et al., discloses the composition containing sebum reduction agents, keratolytic agents and anti-inflammatory agents that results in superior control of skin conditions such as acne.
The description given in the patent does not demonstrate the sebum control efficacy or the immediacy of the effect of the composition. The studies have not established that the basic need of providing a fresh and oil-free skin from the very first application. The focus of the invention is more on the reduction of acne which is one of the side-effects of oily skin.
The patent US 2005/005363lAl by D'Arcagelis et al., discloses a cosmetic composition and method of identifying actives that serve to inhibit sebum production. Such compositions use fatty acid synthase inhibitors and the method involves use of sebocytes in identifying and assessing inhibition of sebum production.
The focus of the inventors' discolsed in the patent is very specific for targeting the sebum production through inhibitor. However, the invention does not demonstrate the efficacy of the composition on human volunteers in providing superior sebum control and an aesthetically oil free fresh face for a prolonged period.
US Patent 5,762,947 by A. Cfuerrero et al., explores compositions for topical applications containing a salicyloxo-a-carboxy acid in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.

The composition claims to control sebum secretion from sebocytes. A skin conditioning composition comprising: (a) from 0.0001 to 20 wt.% of a salicyloxy a-carboxy acid or its analogs as free acid free acid or alkali/alkaline earth metal salts and (b) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle has been described.
The patent discloses one of the sebum regulating materials as an alternate to salicylic acid. However, the description given does not demonstrate the efficacy of the composition on human volunteers in providing superior sebum control and an aesthetically oil free fresh face for a prolonged period.
US Patent 6281203B1 by Touzan et al. discloses a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition, containing salicylic acid or its derivative, in combination with at least one ester of a fatty acid and glucose and at least one oxyethylenated ether of a fatty acid ester of glucose and/or alkylglucose. The composition is useful for treating the effects of skin ageing and treating skin disorders such as acne.
The patent discloses the effect of salicylic acid in combination with glucose and their derivatives. However, the patent does not demonstrate the efficacy of the composition on human volunteers in providing superior sebum control and an aesthetically oil free fresh face for a prolonged period.
Patent US 2004/012091 lAl by A. Shah et al., describes the topical composition and method for absorbing oil from skin. The composition has a vehicle and oil absorbing ingredient having an ethylene mixed block copolymer.
The invention disclosed in the patent only addresses the removal of oil from skin but does not focus on controlling the oil secretion. Such an approach will have only a short term effect. Further, the efficacy of the composition in controlling the oiliness in skin for a prolonged period after application has not been demonstrated.
United States Patent 2006/0039938A1 by D. Josse., describes a cosmetic composition comprising of porous particles having an average diameter by volume of less than or equal to 10 ^.m and comprising at least one active for the treatment of greasy skin.

The efficacy of the composition in controlling the oiliness in skin for a prolonged period after application has not been demonstrated on human volunteers in the patent. Its true efficacy is therefore uncertain.
US Patent 7163669B2 by M.C. Withiam et al., discloses a fluid cosmetic composition comprising a sebum-absorbing calcium silicate and a dispersant or carrier that provide effective, long-lasting facial cosmetic coverage.
The invention disclosed in the patent only addresses the need to have an oil-free face for cosmetic purposes by physically absorbing the oil secreted and does not deliver long time benefits to control oily skin.
WO/2002/002073 by Harichan. B et al., discloses anti-sebum skin care methods and compositions containing 3,4,4-trichlorocarbanilide for controlling oily skin and reducing, preventing or controlling sebum secretion from sebocytes.
The invention disclosed in the patent is very specific for targeting the sebum production through sebocytes through a specific inhibitor and does not demonstrate the efficacy of the composition in controlling the oiliness in skin for a prolonged period after application.
The publication of A. Dobrev (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6, 2007,113-118) discusses the efficiency of a sebum control cream using botanical compounds containig polyphenols.
The contents of the publication highlights the use of polyphenols for regulating the sebum the sebum production through a composition and does not demonstrate the efficacy of the product in controlling the oiliness in skin after the very first application.
The publication of J.W. Weichers et al., (Cosmetics and Toiletries, Vol.123, 12, 2008, 61-70) and Lambers et al.,( Int. J Cosmet. Sci, 28, 2006, 359-370) discusses the role of pH in cosmetics for skin applications.
These are references for highlighting the need for a product that has a low pH.

There have been various inventions that address the alternate components that deliver reduction of sebum production on skin. Some inventions also cater to the need to obtain a shine free face. But, none of the inventions promote an approach that deals with the problem from the very first application. A multipronged approach that encompasses the complete nature of the problem of oily skin which includes regulation of production of sebum, providing an aesthetically pleasing shine free face and controlling epithelial infestation oi P.acnes is necessary to provide both long term and short term benefit to the problem of oily skin. Further, it is vital that the product when topically applied to the skin shows the desired effect immediately from the very first application.
Therefore, there exists a scope for providing both the short-term and long term benefit for persons suffering from oily skin. It is necessary to provide a composition that reduces the oiliness on the skin for a prolonged period from the very first application and also provide such benefit over a longer period of time.
Objective of the Invention
The main objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic cosmetic composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art compositions.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic cosmetic composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin which is effective from the very first application.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic cosmetic composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin and is useful for topical application
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic cosmetic composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin wherein the composition is in any form such as gel, liquid, lotion, spray or cream as desired for application.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a process for the preparation of a synergistic cosmetic composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin wherein the composition is in any form such as gel, liquid, lotion or cream as desired for application.
The above objectives have been achieved by the present invention based on our approach which involves reduction of oiliness on human skin. Consequently, we have observed due to extensive R & ID work carried out that a combination of sebum regulating material, oil absorbers and anti-bacterial agents results in a synergistic composition which serve to control the oiliness of the skin for a prolonged period than the other compositions which contain the above said components individually or even as binary compositions. Accordingly the present invention
(i) Provides superior sebum control over individual ingredients or binary
combination of these ingredients. It has been demonstrated that such composition
gives 100% increase in duration of sebum control, (ii) Being a synergistic composition, lower quantities of individual components
would provide superior benefit thereby making it safe and economical, (iii) Shows efficient sebum control from the very first application, (iv) Is rated to be good in effectively making skin fresh and oil free by more than
95% of the volunteers who took part in a weeks' study, (v) Is recognized to control oiliness in skin by more than 95% of volunteers within
one week of application.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly the present invention provides a synergistic cosmetic composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin which comprises (a ) a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as sebum regulating material, (b) oil absorbers ( c ) an anti-bacterial agent and (d) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle comprising deionised water, rheology modifers, emulsifiers , emollients , preservatives and perfume , the pH of the composition being less than 5.5.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of the synergistic cosmetic composition for reducing secretion in skin which comprises
(i) Mixing deionised water v/ith the rheology modifier well until the rheology
modifier is dispersed in tlie water to obtain a water phase and heating to a
temperature in the range of 70-75°C and stirring well, (ii) Mixing the emusifiers, emollients and the sebo regulating material to get an oil
phase, (iii) Mixing the oil phase obtained in step (ii) with the water phase obtained in step
(i) and homogenized using a stirrer or a mixer, (iv) Cooling the homogenized composition obtained in step (iii) to a temperature in
the range of 45 to 40°C. (v) Adding oil absorbers to the resulting composition and mixing well, (vi) Adding the solution of a and / or B hydroxyl acid to the cooled solution obtained
in step (v) to maintain the pH less than 5.5 (vii) Adding antibacterial agent, perfume and preservative to the resulting
composition and mixing well, (viii) If desired, wherever appropriate, adding to the resulting composition other
ingredients such as sun screen agent, opacifier, natural extracts, skin benefit
agents, silicones and the like -which are normally included in such composition.
The composition can be in any form such as but not limited to gel, cream, lotion, spray etc... Such compositions are prepared by employing appropriate cosmetically acceptable vehicle. Such a composition when applied to skin topically is found to control oiliness effectively for a prolonged period.

Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention provides a synergistic cosmetic composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin which comprises (a ) a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as sebum regulating material, (b) oil absorbers ( c ) an anti-bacterial agent and (d) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle comprising deionised water, thickener, emulsifiers , emollients , preservatives and perfume , the pH of the composition being less than 5.5.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor may be selected from amino acid derivatives, more preferably glycine derivatives such as capryloyl glycine and undecanoyl glycine. The 5- alpha-reductase inhibitor may be in solid or liquid form. The amount of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor present in the composition may be in the range of 0.05 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight and most preferably from 0.2 to 2.5% by weight
In another preferred embodiment of the invention the oil absorbers used in the composition may be selected from absorbing powders such as starch, modified starch, silicates, clays and talc. The oil absorbers provide immediate sebum control and also help in providing a shine free appearance that is desired on the body. The ingredients may be present individually or in combination to give effective shine free appearance. The amount of these ingredients and thei- combinations present in the composition may range from 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 8% by weight and most preferably from 0.2 to 5% by weight.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention the anti-bacterial agents used in the composition includes but are not limited to triclosan, ethyl hexyl glycerin, cerulenin, EGCG, butyrolactones, TCC etc... These ingredients are present in the composition in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 2.5%. by weight, more preferably from 0.01 to 2 % and most preferably from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention the pH adjusting agent used in the composition may be selected from hydroxy acids, such as p-hydroxy acids, especially salicylic acid and its derivatives; (x-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, mallic acid and the like which also act as desquamation agents by promoting exfoliation. The most preferred hydroxy acid is the P-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid. These ingredients are used in the composition in an amount from 0.1 to 10%.
The compositions may contain other components, normally present in skin treatment compositions such as emulsifiers, emulsion stabilisers, rheology modifiers, emollients, skin conditioners, humectants, preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, opacifiers, colouring agents and fragrances etc. In addition the composition may also contain simscreen agents ( both sun blocks and UV absorbers) and skin benefit agents that provide for moisturisation, skin liglitening, anti-aging, antiwrinkle, anti pimple, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and the like which may be obtained from natural and synthetic sources.
The emulsifiers used may belong to the class of anionic emulsifier selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulphates, aralkyl sulphates, alkyl ethoxy ether sulphates, alkaryl sulphonates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, N-alkoyl sarcosinates, isethionates, N-acyl taurate, salts of N-longchain acyl aminoacids, fatty acid amides of methyl tauride and combinations thereof. Other suitable emusifiers that may be used are glyceryl stearate, polyoxyethylene stearates, sorbitan stearates, sesquioleates, silicone emulsifiers, long chain glucosides, long chain saccharides etc...The emulsifier when present in the composition may be an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.25 to 5% by weight and most preferably 0.5 to 2.5% by weight of the composition.
The emulsion stabilizers used in the composition may be selected from cetyl alcohol, stearyl, stearic acid and esters and ethers of long chain fatty acids and alcohols. The emulsion stabilizer when present in the composition may be an amount ranging from 0.1

to 25% by weight, more preferably 0.25 to 15 % by weight and most preferably 0.5 to 10.0% by weight of the composition.
The composition of the present invention may also include one or more rheological modifiers. The rheological modifiers that can be used in the composition of the present may include, but are not limited to high molecular weight crosslinked homopolymers and copolymers of acrylic acid, acrylamide and Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. In some cases, rheology modifiers may also include cellulose dervatives and natural and modified gums. ^ATien used, the rheology modifiers are preferably included in the cosmetically acceptable composition of this invention in an amount from 0.01 to 10 % by weight, preferably from 0.05 to 5 % by weight and most preferably from 0.1 to 4 % by weight.
Another desirable ingredient is an emollient such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, C12-15 alkyl benzoates, diisopropyl adipates, capric/caprylic triglycerides etc... that is added to the composition to improve its feel. The use of non-comedogenic emollients like silicone oils, isohexadecane is favoured. Such ingredients may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 8% by weight most preferably from 0.5 to 5% by weight.
The compositions may contain skin conditioning agents such as glycereth-26, polymax, polyquatemium etc... that also function as film formers to improve skin feel. They are included in an amount from 0.01 to 10% by weight preferably from 0.5 to 5%.
The composition may contain humectants such as propylene glycol, glycerin, salts of PC A (pyrrollidone-5-carboxylic acid), hyaluronic acid etc... in the amount ranging from 0.5 to 10% preferably from 1.0 to 5%.
The composition may also contain chelating agents like EDTA, sodium citrate etc... in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 1%.

The compositions may also include one or more preservatives. Example of the preservatives, which may be used include, but are not limited to imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone methyl paraben, propyl paraben, phenoxyethanol, and sodium benzoate, and mixtures thereof The amount ranges from 0.05 to 5.0% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 2.5%.
The composition of the present invention may include one or more antioxidants, which include, but are not limited l:o ascorbic acid, BHT, BHA, tocopherol, vitamin E acetate, and ascorbyl palmitate. The amount ranges from 0.05 to 5.0% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 2.5%.
The composition of the present invention may include one or more sunscreen agents, which include sun blocks such as zinc and titanium oxides and chemical sunscreens. The simscreens include but are not limited to ethyl hexyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone, avobenzone, BMDM etc... The amount ranges from 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 8% by weight most preferably from 0.5 to 5% by weight.
The composition of the present invention may include other skin benefit agents. The examples may be chosen form knoivn ingredients used in the art. Illustrative examples are kojic acid, arbutin, extracts of bearberry, licorice, morus alba and the like for skin lightening, retinoids, wheat germ oil, extracts of raspberry, aloevera, camelia sinesis and the like for anti-ageing, extracts of rapeseed, evening primrose calendula and the like for anti-wrinkle, extracts of witch-hazel, sage, chamomile, cucumber and the like for anti¬inflammatory, peptamides, extracts of lavender, rosemary, hemp and the like for wound healing, extracts of neem, peppermint, basil and the like for anti pimple. These ingredients are present in the amount ranging from 0.01% to 5.0%.
In addition, the composition of the present invention may contain opacifiers, colouring agents and fragrance which are normally used to give an aesthetically acceptable product.

The details of the invention are given in the following examples I to IV which are provided solely to illustrate the invention and therefore should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly the present invention includes within its scope the modifications and alternatives modifications which would be obvious for those skilled in the art. Accordingly the invention embraces all such alternatives.
Example I

Ingredients Wt(ing)
Cetyl alcohol 6.0
Capryloyl glycine 0.5
Isohexadecane 1.5
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 1 0
Isoparaffin and Laureth-7 I t\J
Sodium stearoyl glutamate 1.0
Titanium dioxide 0.2
AUantoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid 0.5
Isopropyl Alcohol 2.0
Aluminum Starch 2.5
Octenylsuccinate

Propylene Glycol 2.5
Phenoxy ethanol 0.2
Tridosan 0.20
Perfume (Clear Water) 0.3
Deionised Water 81.4
The composition I was made as follows:
The above composition was made by adding 81.4g deionised water to a mixing vessel. l.Og of poly acrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.2g titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by l.Og sodium stearoyl glutamate and heated to 70-75°C and stirred. In another vessel, 6.0g cetyl alcohol, 0.5g capryloyl glycine and 1.5g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase was th(;n transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added 2.5g aluminum stzurch

octenylsuccinate dispersed in 2.5g polyethylene glycol followed by the addition of 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g iscpropyl alcohol in cold phase. 0.2g Triclosan, 0.2g Phenoxyethanol and 0.3g perfume were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform. This composition is in the form of cream}' gel.
Example II

Ingredients Wt(ing)
Cetyl alcohol 3.0
Capryloyl glycine 0.1
Isohexadecane 5.0
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and Laureth-7 2.0
Sodium stearoyl glutamate 1.0
Titanium dioxide 0.2
Allantoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid 0.5
Isopropyl Alcohol
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Propylene Glycol
Phenoxy ethanol 2.0 8.0
5.0 0.2
Triclosan 0.05
Perfume (Clear Water) Deionised Water 0.3 72.45
The above composition was made as follows: Composition II was made by adding 72.45g deionised water to a mixing vessel. 2.0 g of Poly acrylamide and C13-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.2g titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by l.Og sodium stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75°C and stirred. In another vessel, 3.0g cetyl alcohol, O.lg capryloyl glycine and 5.0g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase

was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added 8.0g aluminum starch octenylsuccinate dispersed in 5.0g polyethylene glycol followed by the addition of 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol in cold phase. 0.05g Triclosan, 0.2g phenoxyethanol, 0.3g perfume and were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is unifonn. This composition is in the form of creamy gel.
Example III

Ingredients Wt (in g)
Cetyl alcohol 8.0
Capryloyl glycine 7.0
Isohexadecane 2.0
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and Laureth-7 0.25
Sodium stearoyl glutamate 0.75
Titanium dioxide 0.1
Allantoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid 0.25
Isopropyl Alcohol
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Propylene Glycol 2.0 0.5 0.5
Phenoxy ethanol 0.2
Triclosan 0.01
Perfume ((I^lear Water) 0.3
Deionised Water 77.94
The above composition was made as follows:
77.94g of Deionised water was added to a mixing vessel. 0.25 g of Poly acrylamide and C13-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added O.lg titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by 0.75g sodium stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75°C and stirred. In another vessel, 8.0g cetyl alcohol, 7.0g capryloyl glycine and 2.0g isohexadecane were

melted to oil. The oil phase was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added of 0.5g aluminum starch octenylsuccinate dispersed in 0.5g polyethylene glycol follwed by the addition of 0.25g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol in cold phase. 0.01 g Triclosan 0.2g phenoxyethanol, 0.3g perfume and were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform. This composition is in the form of cream)' gel.

Example IV
Ingredients Wt(lng)
Cetyl alcohol 10.0
Capryloyl glycine 3.0
Isohexadecane 8.0
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and Laureth-7 0.5
Sodium steairoyl glutamate 1.5
Titanium dioxide 0.5
Allantoin 0.1
Salicylic Acid 0.5
Isopropyl Alcohol 2.0
Aluminum Starch 5.0 5.0
Octenylsuccinate Propylene Glycol

Phenoxy ethanol 0.2
Triclosan 0.25
Perfume (Clear Water) 0.3
Deionised Water 63.15
The above composition was made as follows:
63.15g Deionised water was poured into a mixing vessel. 0.5g of Poly acrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.5g titanium dioxide, O.lg allantoin, followed by 1.5g sodium

stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75°C and stirred. In another vessel, lO.Og cetyl alcohol, 3.0g capryloyl glycine and 8.0g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added 5.0g aluminum starch octenylsuccinate dispersed in 5.0g polyethylene glycol followed by the addition of 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol in cold phase. 0.25g Triclosan, 0.2g Phenoxyethanol, 0.3g perfume and were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform This composition is in the form of creamy gel.
The under mentioned compositions are known compositions which are provided for comparative purposes
Example V

Ingredients Wt(ing)
Cetyl alcohol
Capryloyl glycine
Isohexadecane 6.0 0.5 1.5
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and Laureth-7 1.0
Sodium stearoyl glutamate 1.0
Titanium dioxide 0.2
Allantoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid
Isopropyl Alcohol
Phenoxy ethanol 0.5 1.0 0.2
Perfume (Clear Water) Deionised Water 0.3 87.6
The above composition was made as follows:
87.6g Deionised water was poured to a mixing vessel. l.Og of Poly acrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.2g titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by l.Og sodium

stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75 X! and stirred. In another vessel, 6.0g cetyl alcohol, 0.5g capryloyl glycine and 1.5g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol. 0.2g Phenoxyethanol and 0.3g perfume were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform.
Example VI

Ingredients Wt(ing)
Cetyl alcohol 6.0
Isohexadecane 1.5
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffm and Laureth-7 1.0
Sodium stearoyl glutamate 1.0
Titanium dioxide 0.2
Allaintoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid 0.5
Isopropj'l Alcohol Aluminum Starch 1.0
2.5
Octenylsuccinate

Propylene Glycol 2.5
Phenoxy ethanol 0.2
Perfiime (ClJlear Water) 0.3
Deionised Water 83.1
The above composition was made as follows:
83. Ig Deionised water was poured into a mixing vessel. l.Og of Poly acrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffm and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.2g titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by l.Og sodium stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75°C and stirred. In another vessel, 6.0g cetyl alcohol, and 1.5g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was

cooled to 40°C. To this added 2^5g aluminum starch octenylsuccinate dispersed in 2.5g polyethylene glycol followed by the addition of 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol in cold phase. 0.2g Phenoxyethanol and 0.3g perfume were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform This composition is in the form of creamy gel.
Example VII

Ingredients Wt(ing)
Cetyl alcohol 6.0
Isohexadecane 1.5
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and Laureth-7 1.0
Sodium stearoyl glutamate 1.0
Titanium dioxide 0.2
Allantoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid 0.5
Isopropj'l Alcohol 1.0
Phenoxy ethanol 0.2
Triclosan 0.2
Perfume (Clear Water) 0.3
Deionised Water 87.9
The above composition was made as follows:
87.9g Deionised water was poured into a mixing vessel. l.Og of Poly acrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.2g titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by l.Og sodium stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75 °C and stirred. In another vessel, 6.0g cetyl alcohol, and 1.5g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol. 0.2g Triclosan, 0.2g Phenoxyethanol and 0.3g perfume were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform This composition is in the form of creamy gel.

Example VIII

Ingredients Wt(ing)
Cetyl alcohol
Capryloyl glycine
Isohexadecane 6.0 0.5 1.5
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and Laureth-7 1.0
Sodium stearoyl glutamate 1.0
Titanium dioxide 0.2
Allantoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid Isopropyl Alcohol 0.5 1.0
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate 2.5
Propylene Glycol Phenoxy ethanol 2.5 0.2
Perfiime (Clear Water) Deionised Water 0.3 82.6
The above composition was made as follows:
82.6g Deionised water was poured to a mixing vessel. l.Og of Poly acrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.2g titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by l.Og sodium stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75°C and stirred. In another vessel, 6.0g cetyl alcohol, 0.5g capryloyl glycine and 1.5g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added 2.5g aluminum starch octenylsuccinate dispersed in 2.5g polyethylene glycol followed by the addition of 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol in cold phase. 0.2g Phenoxyethanol and 0.3g perfume were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform This composition is in the form of creamy gel.

Example IX

Ingredients Wt(ing)
Cetyl alcohol 6.0
Isohexadecane 1.5
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 1.0
Isoparaffin and Laureth-7

Sodium steaioyl glutamate 1.0
Titanium dioxide 0.2
Allantoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid 0.5
Isopropyl Alcohol 1.0
Aluminum Starch 2.5
Octenylsuccinate

Propylene Glycol 2.5
Phenoxy ethanol 0.2
Triclosan 0.20
Perfume ((I^lear Water) 0.3
Deionised Water 82.9
The above composition was made as follows:
82.9g Deionised water was poured into a mixing vessel. l.Og of Poly acrylamide and C13-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.2g titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by 1 .Og sodium stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75 °C and stirred. In another vessel, 6.0g cetyl alcohol, and 1.5g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added 2.5g aluminum starch octenylsuccinate dispersed in 2.5g polyethylene glycol followed by the addition of 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol in cold phase. 0.20g Triclosan, 0.2g Phenoxyethanol, and 0.3g perfume were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform This composition is in the form of creamy gel.

Example X

Ingredients Wt(ing)
Cetyl alcohol
Capryloyl glycine
Isohexadecane 6.0 0.5 1.5
Polyacrylamide and CI3-14 Isoparaffin and Laureth-7 1.0
Sodium stearoyl glutamate 1.0
Titanium dioxide 0.2
Allantoin 0.2
Salicylic Acid
Isopropyl Alcohol
Triclosan 0.5 1.0 0.2
Phenoxy ethanol 0.2
Perfume (([Jlear Water) Deionised Water 0.3
87.4
The above composition was made as follows:
87.4g Deionised water was poured to a mixing vessel. 1 .Og of Poly acrylamide and C13-14 Isoparaffin and laureth-7 was added to the vessel and mixed well until dispersed. To this added 0.2g titanium dioxide, 0.2g allantoin, followed by 1 .Og sodium stearoyl glutamate dispersed in water and heated to 70-75°C and stirred. In another vessel, 6.0g cetyl alcohol, 0.5g capryloyl glycine and 1.5g isohexadecane were melted to oil. The oil phase was then transferred to the water phase and homogenized. The homogenized composition was cooled to 40°C. To this added 2.5g aluminum starch octenylsuccinate dispersed in 2.5g polyethylene glycol followed by the addition of 0.5g salicylic acid dissolved in 2.0g isopropyl alcohol in cold phase.0.2g Triclosan, 0.2g phenoxyethanol and 0.3 g perfume were mixed in another vessel and the mixture was added to the composition below 40°C and mixed till composition is uniform This composition is in the form of creamj^ gel.

Determination of the skin surface sebum
Instrumental Measurement
Casual sebum level on the forehead and both cheeks was determined with a photometric device (Sebumeter® SM 815, Courage+Khazaka, Cologne, Germany). A special opaque plastic tape (64 mm^) was pressed onto the skin for 30s with a slight pressure to collect the sebum. The resulting increase in transparency of the tape was measured and the displayed values correspond to the sebum amount on the skin surface in |ig sebum/cm^.
Study Protocol
Evaluation of the eight creams was done on human volunteers. For testing, 8 volunteers were selected and half-face tests for different creams were carried out on the volunteers. The temperature was maintained at 25-28°C and humidity within 40-60% range. Volunteers were asked to wash their face with plain water. 250 mg of the test sample (for which the sebum control efficacy is being tested) was applied on one half of the face of volunteers while the other half of the face was left untreated. Subjects were asked to not to drink hot caffeinated drinks one hour before evaluation. The readings were taken for every three hours on the cheek and the forehead of the volunteers on both the treated and untreated test areas. The percentage sebum reduction was calculated using the formula as given below.
Percentage sebum reduction = SebumnnhY^t^n -Sebumh-MtpH x 100
Sebumuntreated
Statistics
The sebum levels in the treated and the untreated were subjected to a paired t-test and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Efficacy for different formulations
The effectiveness of the compositions (Examples I to X ) in controlling sebum over time was calculated as the percentage difference of sebum at the specific time interval of the treated versus untreated sites. All the compositions are found to reduce oiliness in treated sites compared to the untreated site as shown in Table 1.
Table 1

Composition Time (In hrs)

3 6 9 12
I + + + +
II + + + +
III + + + +
IV + + + +
V + + - -
VI + + - -
VII + - - -
VIII + - - -
IX + + - -
X + - - -
+ indicates signi leant reduction in sebum (treated vs. untreated) with p* = 0.05.
It may be observed from the above table that the synergistic ternary composition of the present invention described in Examples I to IV is most effective in controlling the sebum. The effectiveness in controlling the oiliness is sustained over a period of twelve hours. It may be noted that sebum control is most significant in the combined formulation than the unitary (V,VI and VII) and binary (VIII,IX and X) formulations which may be interpreted as synerg>' between the three components in the system. The compositions of the present invention as described in the Examples I to IV were found to significantly reduce sebum over a 12 hour period in the first application.

Subjective Assessment Study protocol
Thirty five healthy volunteers between the ages 18-35, were enrolled in this study after given written informed consent. The subjects were selected based on their self perception that they had oily skin. TJie volunteers were given samples of the composition of the present invention as described in the Example I. Approximately 500 mg of the tested product was applied to the face twice daily over a 1-week period by the subjects at home. The subjects were asked to rate the product after use based on the aesthetics and oil control nature of the product and the findings are given in Fig.l of the drawing accompanying this specification. It was found that nearly 95% of the respondents could actually feel the reduction in oiliness of their skin with the synergistic composition. More than 95% of the respondents said tliat the product was effective in controlling the oil production. Advantages of the invention
1. The composition provides sebum control in skin up to 12 hours from the very first application.
2. The composition addresses the problem of oily skin type through a synergistic approach that delivers both short term and long term benefits.
3. Being a synergistic composition, lower quantities of individual components would provide superior benefit thereby making it safe and economical.

We Claim
1. A synergistic skincare composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin which comprises ( a ) a 5- alpha-reductase inhibitor as sebum regulating material, (b) at least one or more oil absorbers ( c ) an anti-bacterial agent and (d) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle the pH of the composition being less than 5.5.
2. A synergistic skin care composition as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the 5- alpha-reductase inhibitors used is selected from amino acid derivatives, more preferably glycine derivatives such as capryloyl glycine and undecanoyl glycine and their amount used ranges from 0.05 to 10% by weight of the composition more preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight and most preferably from 0.2 to 2.5% by weight.

3. A synergistic skincare composition as claimed in Claims 1& 2 wherein the oil absorbers selected from starch, modified starch, precipitated silica, fumed silica and other forms of silicates selected from the group comprising of magnesium aluminum silicates, magnesium lithium silicates, talc and the like or combination containing the above and their amount ranges from 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 8% by weight and most preferably from 0.2 to 5% by weight.
4. A synergistic skincare composition as claimed in Claims 1 to 3 wherein the anti bacterial agent used is selected from triclosan, ethyl hexyl glycerin, cerulenin, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), butyrolactones, trichlorocarbanilide (TCC) etc... more preferably triclosan and the amount ranges from 0.001% to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.01 to 2 % and most preferably from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight.
5. A synergistic skincare composition as claimed in Claims 1 to 4 wherein the
composition contains pH adjusting acids selected from one or more alpha hydroxy acids
such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, mallic acid, ascorbic acid and their salts
thereof and/or beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid and its derivatives and salts

thereof and is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the composition.
6. A synergistic skincare composition as claimed in Claims 1 to 5 wherein the components, normally present in skin treatment compositions are selected from emulsifiers, emulsion stabilisers, rheology modifiers, emollients, skin conditioners, humectants, antioxidants, chelating agents, sunscreens, skin benefit agents that that provide for moisturisation, skin lightening, anti-aging, antiwrinkle, anti pimple, wound healing and the like which may be obtained from natural and synthetic sources, opacifiers, colouring agents and fragrances and the like.
7. A process for the preparation of the synergistic skincare composition as claimed in Claims 1 to 6 for reducing sebum secretion in skin which comprises
(i) Mixing deionised water well with the rheology modifier until the
rheology modifier is dispersed in the water to obtain a water phase and
heating to a temperature in the range of 70-75 °C and stirring well, (ii) Mixing the emulsifiers, emollients and the sebo regulating material to get
an oil phase, (iii) Mixing the oil phase obtained in step (ii) with the water phase obtained in
step (i) and homogenized using a stirrer or a mixer, (iv) Cooling the homogenized composition obtained in step (iii) to a
temperature in the range of 45 to 40°C. (v) Adding oil absorbers to the resulting composition and mixing well, (vi) Adding the solution oi a and /or B hydroxyl acid to the cooled solution
obtained in step (v) to maintain the pH less than 5.5 (vii) Adding antibacterial agent, perfume and preservative to the resulting
composition and mixing well, (viii) If desired, wherever appropriate, adding to the resulting composition
other ingredients suc;h as sun screen agent , opacifier , natural extracts,

skin benefit agents, silicones and the like -which are normally included in such composition
8. A synergistic skincare composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin substantially as herein described with reference to the Examples I to IV.
9. A process for the preparation of synergistic skincare composition for reducing sebum secretion in skin substantially as herein described with reference to the Examples I to IV