Composition and Uses Thereof

Abstract

A composition for topical application to the skin comprises a cocoa polyphenol extract in combination with an SUS-rich fat, wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is present in an amount of less than 15% by weight based on the weight of the SUS-rich fat, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The composition and the extract that it contains may increase skin elasticity and thickness and/or have an anti-wrinkle effect, may cause the depigmentation of age spots, improve skin renewal and/or reduce skin dryness such as reducing discomfort of chapped hands.

1 . A composition for topical application to the skin comprising
 a cocoa polyphenol extract in combination with an SUS-rich fat,   wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is present in an amount of less than 15% by weight based on the weight of the SUS-rich fat, and   a cosmetically acceptable carrier.   
   
   
       2 . Composition as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 13% by weight based on the weight of the SUS-rich fat. 
   
   
       3 . Composition as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is present in an amount of from 8 to 12% by weight based on the weight of the SUS-rich fat. 
   
   
       4 . Composition as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 1% by weight based on the weight of the SUS-rich fat. 
   
   
       5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the SUS-rich fat is cocoa butter. 
   
   
       6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is obtainable by the extraction of non-defatted cocoa beans which have not been fermented or have been allowed to ferment for no more than three days. 
   
   
       7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract has a polyphenol content of at least 30% by weight. 
   
   
       8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract has a polyphenol content of at least 40% by weight. 
   
   
       9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract has a theobromine content of less than 5% by weight. 
   
   
       10 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is obtainable by solvent extraction of cocoa beans. 
   
   
       11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein
 the solvent is selected from C1 to C6 alcohols or ketones, and mixtures thereof, optionally in admixture with water.   
   
   
       12 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract comprises from 0.1 to 10% by weight of cocoa fats. 
   
   
       13 .- 17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . A method for increasing skin elasticity and thickness and/or an anti-wrinkle effect comprising topically applying a composition comprising a cocoa polyphenol extract obtained by the extraction of non-defatted cocoa beans which have not been fermented or have been allowed to ferment for no more than three days to the skin. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the composition further comprises an SUS-rich fat. 
   
   
       20 . A method for depigmenting age spots comprising topically applying a composition comprising a cocoa polyphenol extract obtained by the extraction of non-defatted cocoa beans which have not been fermented or have been allowed to ferment for no more than three days to the skin. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the composition further comprises an SUS-rich fat. 
   
   
       22 . A method to improve skin renewal comprising topically applying a composition comprising a cocoa polyphenol extract obtained by the extraction of non-defatted cocoa beans which have not been fermented or have been allowed to ferment for no more than three days to the skin. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the composition further comprises an SUS-rich fat. 
   
   
       24 . A method for reducing skin dryness comprising topically applying a composition comprising a cocoa polyphenol extract obtained by the extraction of non-defatted cocoa beans which have not been fermented or have been allowed to ferment for no more than three days to the skin. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the composition further comprises an SUS-rich fat. 
   
   
       26 . A method for increasing skin elasticity and thickness, creating skin anti-wrinkle effect, depigmenting age spots, improving skin renewal, and/or reducing skin dryness comprising topically applying the composition of  claim 1  to the skin.