Stabilization of ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid derivatives and/or extracts containing ascorbic acid for topical use

Abstract

A stable composition is provided to treat and/or prevent photo-aged skin and related skin disorders such as sunburn, wrinkles, poor skin tone and skin discoloration by topically applying to the skin the treatment composition containing an effective amount of a compound such as ascorbic acid, derivatives of ascorbic acid and/or extracts containing ascorbic acid, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle containing a substantially anhydrous base having no water added. The anhydrous base stabilizes the compound, so that the compound remains effective for an effective period of time, even in the presence of exposure to water.

We claim:  
     
       1. A topical composition consistently essentially of a mixture of a compound selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, derivatives of ascorbic acid and extracts containing ascorbic acid and a substantially anhydrous pharmaceutically acceptable base in an amount of above about 10% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
       2. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a silicone. 
     
     
       3. The composition as in  claim 2  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a cyclomethicone. 
     
     
       4. The composition as in  claim 2  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a linear silicone. 
     
     
       5. The composition as in  claim 2  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises dimethylpolysiloxane. 
     
     
       6. The composition as in  claim 2  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a dimethicone copolyol. 
     
     
       7. The composition as in  claim 2  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a silicone glycol. 
     
     
       8. The composition as in  claim 2  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises an aminofunctional silicone. 
     
     
       9. The composition as in  claim 2  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises an polymeric silicone. 
     
     
       10. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises an emollient. 
     
     
       11. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises an emulsifier. 
     
     
       12. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a surfactant. 
     
     
       13. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprise a liquid anti-oxidant. 
     
     
       14. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises as chelating agent. 
     
     
       15. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a solvent. 
     
     
       16. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a synthetic wax. 
     
     
       17. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises an alkaline anhydrous pH buffer. 
     
     
       18. The composition as in  claim 1  wherein said substantially anhydrous base comprises a fat soluble vitamin. 
     
     
       19. The method of treating photo-aged skin and related skin disorders, wrinkles, sunburn, poor skin tone and/or skin discoloration, comprising the steps of applying topically to the area of the skin affected an effective amount of a treatment composition consistently essentially of a mixture of a compound selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, derivatives of ascorbic acid and extracts containing ascorbic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle comprising a substantially anhydrous single phase carrier base, said compound being present in an amount of above about 10 percent by weight of the treatment composition. 
     
     
       20. The method according to  claim 19 , wherein said treatment composition is applied periodically to the skin area to be treated, said periodic treatment being applied in an amount as required to be efficacious. 
     
     
       21. The method according to  claim 19 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle including the substantially anhydrous base is provided in the group consisting of a cream, lotion, pad applied formulation of gel base.