High-clarity aqueous concentrates of 4-hexylresorcinol

Abstract

The present invention relates to hexylresorcinol/water concentrates that are high in clarity, easily handled, and readily blended with other ingredients to form skin care compositions.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An aqueous concentrate of 4-hexylresorcinol consisting of from about 64% to about 80% by weight of 4-hexylresorcinol, water, and an additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, organic sunscreens, retinoids, and combinations thereof, wherein the aqueous concentrate is high in clarity. 
     
     
         20 . The aqueous concentrate of  claim 19 , wherein the aqueous concentrate transmits at least 25% of light having a wavelength of 700 nm through a 1 cm path length. 
     
     
         21 . The aqueous concentrate of  claim 19  wherein the additional ingredient is present at a concentration of less than about 20% by weight of the aqueous concentrate. 
     
     
         22 . A formulated composition comprising a) an aqueous concentrate of 4-hexylresorcinol consisting of from about 64% to about 80% by weight of 4-hexylresorcinol and water, and b) a secondary composition comprising a cosmetically or pharmaceutically active agent selected from the group consisting of anti-acne agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-mycotic agents, anti-parasite agents, external analgesics, sunscreens, photoprotectors, antioxidants, keratolytic agents, vitamins, anti-perspiration agents, deodorants, skin (de)pigmentation agents anti-aging/anti-wrinkle agents, pH adjusters, preservatives, and anti-oxidants. 
     
     
         23 . The formulated composition of  claim 22 , wherein the cosmetically or pharmaceutically active agent is selected from the group consisting of anti-aging/anti-wrinkle agents and anti-oxidants. 
     
     
         24 . The formulated composition of  claim 22  in the form of solution, dispersion, emulsion, microemulsion, liposomal system, gel, lotion, cream, stick, spray, or ointment. 
     
     
         25 . A method of treating a sign of skin aging, which comprises topically applying to skin in need of treatment for one or more signs of skin aging a formulated composition comprising a) an aqueous concentrate of 4-hexylresorcinol consisting of from about 64% to about 80% by weight of 4-hexylresorcinol and water, and b) a secondary composition comprising a cosmetically or pharmaceutically active agent selected from the group consisting of anti-acne agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-mycotic agents, anti-parasite agents, external analgesics, sunscreens, photoprotectors, antioxidants, keratolytic agents, vitamins, anti-perspiration agents, deodorants, skin (de)pigmentation agents anti-aging/anti-wrinkle agents, pH adjusters, preservatives, and anti-oxidants. 
     
     
         26 . The formulated composition of  claim 25 , wherein the cosmetically or pharmaceutically active agent is selected from the group consisting of anti-aging/anti-wrinkle agents and anti-oxidants. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the formulated composition is in the form of solution, dispersion, emulsion, microemulsion, liposomal system, gel, lotion, cream, stick, spray, or ointment.