Anhydrous composition of small-molecule polysaccharides and application thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel anhydrous composition of small-molecule polysaccharides, consisting of at least a small-molecule polysaccharide and an anhydrous base. The formulation of the anhydrous composition of small-molecule polysaccharides allows the small-molecule polysaccharide to maintain a molecular size of 12-22 nm and the direct penetration of the small-molecule polysaccharide across the horny layer of skin. The present invention also provides a method of effectively maintaining skin hydration level in a subject in need thereof, comprising topically administering to the subject an anhydrous composition of small-molecule polysaccharides.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An anhydrous composition of small-molecule hyaluronic acid, consisting of a small-molecule hyaluronic acid and a polyol, wherein the small-molecule hyaluronic acid has a molecular size of about 12-22 nm and directly penetrates the horny layer of skin. 
     
     
         2 . The anhydrous composition of small-molecule hyaluronic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the small-molecule hyaluronic acid has a molecular weight ranging from 4 kDa to 8 kDa. 
     
     
         3 . The anhydrous composition of small-molecule hyaluronic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the small-molecule hyaluronic acid is obtained by hydrolysis of a hyaluronic acid by a hyaluronidase. 
     
     
         4 . The anhydrous composition of small-molecule hyaluronic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the small-molecule hyaluronic acid is at a concentration from 0.5% w/v to 3% w/v, based on a total volume of the anhydrous composition of small-molecule hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
         5 . The anhydrous composition of small-molecule hyaluronic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the polyol is propylene glycol, glycerol, or combination thereof.