The patent was originally filed over two years ago with the World Intellectual Property Organisation, having also consulted European, Eurasian, and African authorities.
It concerns a topical cosmetic composition that includes a dermatologically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of a skin-commensal prebiotic to improve the health of the skin microbiome, thereby potentially improving the condition and/or appearance of the skin.
Cosmetic composition
Disclosed in the patent application file, the three inventors present a method for improving the condition and/or appearance of skin which comprises topically applying a cosmetic composition to the skin.
The cosmetic composition comprises a dermatologically acceptable carrier and a galactooligosaccharide (GOS).
The scientists state that this composition may be suitable for use as topical skin care or colour cosmetic products, which may be applied as part of a user's routine make-up or personal care regimen.
Additionally, the compositions may be used on an ‘as needed’ basis, such as in a skin care product that includes a cosmetically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of the skin commensal prebiotic agent.
The P&G team claim that this should provide a skin care benefit or otherwise improve the health and appearance of the skin in the target area.
The skin commensal prebiotic agent may also be incorporated into a colour cosmetic product such as a foundation that is applied to a user's face or portions thereof as part of a daily beauty regimen.
Skin microbiome
It is believed that the health of the skin microbiome may be linked to desirable skin function or appearance and may otherwise provide one or more skin care benefits.
For example, it may be possible to maintain or improve the appearance, barrier function, moisture retention and other properties of the skin by maintaining or improving the health of one or more members of the skin microbiome.
According to P&G, in some instances, if a particular area or areas of the skin exhibit undesirable function and appearance it may be desirable to target that particular area or areas of the skin for maintenance or improvement, by using a topically applied cosmetic composition.
These are already quite commonplace on today’s marketplace, but based on its new data investigated in applying for this patent, P&G says it may be desirable to incorporate prebiotic agents such as GOS into topical cosmetic compositions to exploit the health and appearance benefits that may be provided by a healthy, balanced skin microbiome.
The patent has not yet been granted but has been applied for, and the patent file can be viewed here.