Topical cosmetic skin lightening compositions and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Topical cosmetic compositions are provided that can comprise a Phyllanthus extract, a Bellis extract, and a licorice ( Glycyrrhiza ) extract. These compositions are used for topical cosmetic applications, particularly to lighten skin. Methods for lightening skin are also provided and can comprise topically administering a therapeutically effective amount of a topical cosmetic composition comprising a Phyllanthus extract, a Bellis extract, and a licorice extract, to skin of a subject in need thereof.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A topical cosmetic composition, comprising:
 a) a skin lightening component consisting of
 a  Phyllanthus  extract; 
 a  Bellis  extract; and 
 a licorice extract; 
   b) at least one non-skin lightening agent, non-plant derived, selected from
 i) an anti-acne agent, 
 ii) an anti-microbial agent, 
 iii) an anti-fungal agent, 
 iv) an anti-wrinkle agent, 
 v) an anti-atrophy agent, 
 vi) an anti-inflammatory agent, 
 vii) a keratolytic agent, 
 viii) a peptide, 
 ix) a fatty acid derivative, 
 x) a sunscreen, 
 xi) an optical brightener, and combinations thereof; and 
   c) at least one cosmetically acceptable carrier or excipient.   
     
     
         2 . The topical cosmetic composition of  claim 1 , wherein the  Phyllanthus  extract comprises a  Phyllanthus embilica  extract, the  Bellis  extract comprises a  Bellis perennis  extract and the licorice extract comprises a licorice root extract. 
     
     
         3 . The topical cosmetic composition of  claim 2 , wherein the  Phyllanthus embilica  extract is present in an amount of from about 0.25 wt % to about 4 wt %; the  Bellis perennis  extract is present in an amount of from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %; and the licorice extract is present in an amount of from about 0.01 wt % to about 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     
     
         4 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one cosmetically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of distilled water, saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, Hanks solution and DMSO. 
     
     
         5 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one cosmetically acceptable excipient is selected from the group consisting of an antioxidant, a chelating agent, a pH adjuster, an emollient, a thickening agent, a gelling agent, a free radical scavenger, a preservative, an emulsifier, a humectant, a moisturizer, a suspending agent, a surfactant, a stabilizer, a vitamin, a penetration enhancer, a perfume or fragrance, a coloring agent, a fluid alkyl alcohol, a polysiloxane, a modified polysiloxane and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 2 , wherein the non-skin lightening agent, non-plant derived agent is a sunscreen. 
     
     
         7 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 6 , wherein the sunscreen is present in an amount of from about 0.5 wt % to 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the topical cosmetic composition. 
     
     
         8 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 7 , wherein the sunscreen comprises:
 a first sunscreen selected from the group consisting of methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, coated zinc oxide, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, isoamyl methoxycinnamate, homosalate, ethyl hexyl salicylate, octocrylene, polysilicone-15, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, methyl anthranilate, and ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         9 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 8 , wherein the composition comprises a second sunscreen selected from the group consisting of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, isoamyl methoxycinnamate, homosalate, ethyl hexyl salicylate, octocrylene, polysilicone-15, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, menthyl anthranilate, ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 9 , wherein the first sunscreen is present in an amount of from about 1 wt % to 20 wt %, and the second sunscreen is present in an amount of from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the topical cosmetic composition. 
     
     
         11 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 9 , wherein the first sunscreen is methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylphenol, and the second sunscreen is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. 
     
     
         12 . The composition according to  claim 9 , wherein the sunscreen in the composition provides for an SPF of greater than about 10. 
     
     
         13 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is water. 
     
     
         14 . The topical cosmetic composition according to  claim 13 , wherein the water is present in an amount of from about 3 wt % to about 95 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     
     
         15 . The topical compostion according to  claim 1  which is a cream, a gel, a serum, or a lotion. 
     
     
         16 . The topical composition according to  claim 5  wherein the composition comprises as an excipient a thickening agent, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a chelating agent, an emollient, a preservative and a pH adjuster. 
     
     
         17 . A method of lightening skin pigmentation in a subject, comprising topically administering to skin of a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of the topical cosmetic composition of  claim 1 .