阅读说明：本技术 皮肤治疗方法、含类视黄醇的组合物及其递送系统 (Skin treatment method, retinoid-containing composition and delivery system thereof ) 是由 B·R·沙弗 S·M·赫南德斯 于 2018-02-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种稳定的、无刺激性的、含类视黄醇的制剂和用于皮肤的局部应用的药物释放系统。所公开的局部制剂和递送系统提供了类视黄醇向皮肤的控制释放,用于治疗易受感染的皮肤病以及改善皮肤美观性能。还提供了用于所公开的含类视黄醇的制剂和递送系统的配制、制造和使用的方法。(A stable, non-irritating retinoid containing formulation and drug delivery system for topical application to the skin is disclosed. The disclosed topical formulations and delivery systems provide controlled release of the retinoid to the skin for treating skin conditions susceptible to infection and for improving skin aesthetic properties. Methods for the formulation, manufacture and use of the disclosed retinoid-containing formulations and delivery systems are also provided.)

1. A topical formulation comprising silicone rubber, a solubilizer, a retinoid and a silicone-based liquid carrier.

2. The formulation of claim 1, further comprising one or more of an antioxidant, xanthine, moisturizer, and emollient.

3. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the retinoid is all-trans retinol.

4. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the silicone rubber is a PEG-12/PPG-20 crosspolymer.

5. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the solubilizing agent is at least one of octylmethylpolysiloxane, PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane, polysorbate 20, and mixtures thereof.

6. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the silicone-based liquid carrier is at least one of polydimethylsiloxane, cyclomethicone, and mixtures thereof.

7. A formulation as claimed in claim 2 wherein the antioxidant is tea polyphenol.

8. The formulation of claim 2, wherein the xanthine is caffeine.

9. The formulation of claim 2, wherein the moisturizer is sodium hyaluronate.

10. The retinoid formulation according to claim 1, comprising (% w/w):

5% -85% of octyl methyl polysiloxane;

5% -20% of PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 cross-linked polymer;

0.1% -40% of polydimethylsiloxane;

0.1% -10% caffeine;

0.01% -40% of cyclomethicone;

0.1% -10% of PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane;

tea tree green tea polyphenols 0.1% -2.5%;

0.001% -60% of retinol;

0.001% -5% of sodium hyaluronate; and

0.01% -25% polysorbate 20.

11. The formulation of claim 10, wherein the tea tree green tea polyphenol is a formulation having a purity of 90% to 100%, and wherein the retinol is all-trans retinol.

12. The formulation of claim 11, wherein the all-trans retinol is all-trans retinol with a purity of at least 90%, the all-trans retinol is either pure all-trans retinol or all-trans retinol in a carrier.

13. The formulation of claim 12, wherein the all-trans retinol is all-trans retinol with a purity of at least 95%, the all-trans retinol is pure all-trans retinol, or all-trans retinol in a carrier.

14. The formulation of claim 1, comprising (% w/w):

40% -70% of octyl methyl polysiloxane;

10% -20% of PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 cross-linked polymer;

10% -20% of polydimethylsiloxane;

1% -5% caffeine;

0.1% -3% cyclomethicone;

1.0% -2.5% of PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane;

1.0% -5% of tea tree green tea polyphenol;

0.1% -1.0% retinol;

0.01% -1.0% of sodium hyaluronate;

0.1% -5% polysorbate 20.

15. The formulation of claim 14, wherein the tea tree green tea polyphenol is a formulation having a purity of 90% to 100%, and wherein the retinol is all-trans retinol.

16. The formulation of claim 15, wherein the all-trans retinol is all-trans retinol with a purity of at least 90%, the all-trans retinol is either pure all-trans retinol or all-trans retinol in a carrier.

17. The formulation of claim 16, wherein the all-trans retinol is at least 95% pure all-trans retinol, is pure all-trans retinol or is all-trans retinol in a carrier.

18. A method of treating a skin disorder comprising topically applying to an affected area a therapeutically effective amount of a formulation comprising silicone rubber, a solubilizing agent, a retinoid, and a silicone-based liquid carrier.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the treatment comprises exfoliating affected skin.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the affected area is one or more of human skin, scalp, hair, nails.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the retinoid is retinol.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the retinoid is all-trans retinol.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the formulation further comprises one or more of an antioxidant, a xanthine, a moisturizer, and an emollient.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein topically applying the formulation is a pretreatment for treatment of a skin disorder with a topical agent.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the pre-treatment is a chemical stripping of the affected area.

26. The method of claim 18, wherein applying the formulation comprises peeling the skin by applying the formulation.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein exfoliating affected skin comprises chemical exfoliation of the affected skin.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of dermatological compositions and skin treatment methods having at least one retinoid, and to their delivery systems, including dermatological compositions and methods having retinol, and delivery systems thereof, for topical application to the skin, and methods of formulation, manufacture, and use of medicaments.

Background

Retinoids are useful in the treatment of a wide variety of skin disorders, including inflammatory diseases, conditions characterized by increased cell turnover, such as psoriasis, photoaging, age spots, skin wrinkles, acne, and skin cancer.

However, retinoids, especially retinol, are unstable and easily oxidized in the presence of air and the components commonly used in cosmetic formulations. This can be a serious problem when applied as a thin layer over a relatively large surface area of the skin.

Retinol is also difficult to release from prior art delivery systems, resulting in a substantial decrease in delivery efficiency even with relatively high concentrations of retinol in the formulation. Thus, while the first formulation may contain a higher concentration of the retinoid or retinol than the second formulation, the latter may be more effective in delivering the retinoid or retinol if the latter formulation provides enhanced release of the active agent, the retinoid or retinol.

Retinol can also irritate the skin, preventing continued use in patients requiring treatment with retinol-containing formulations, thereby reducing, if not eliminating, the therapeutic effect. Typically, retinol formulations with 4% -6% active agent are used in dermatological applications such as chemical skin exfoliation. These formulations must generally be applied by a professional or under medical supervision during skin treatment and are relatively susceptible to the skin irritation effects described above.

Retinoid and retinol formulations that may be used include solvent-based systems, ointments, water-based formulations, creams, gels and lotions, all of which vary in stability and efficacy. Thus, retinoid and retinol formulations are not adequately used for pretreatment (e.g., chemical stripping) or other skin care procedures due to irritation.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for topical formulations and delivery systems that can provide retinoids to the skin of a person in need thereof to alleviate and ameliorate one or more of the exemplary conditions described above, as well as other conditions recognized in the field of dermatology and cosmetic skin care procedures.

The present disclosure provides new, improved formulations and delivery systems for retinol and other members of the retinoid family that maintain product stability, exhibit low irritation, and also provide an increase in the release and delivery efficiency of the active agent retinol or another member of the retinoid family. The formulations and delivery systems disclosed herein include use as chemical exfoliants, as well as use as pretreaters for dermatological and cosmetic skin care procedures.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides retinoid delivery systems, and more particularly, retinol delivery systems. The delivery system exhibits product stability, low irritation, and improved delivery efficiency of formulated retinoids. In particular, the present disclosure provides a delivery system that exhibits product stability, low irritation, and improved delivery efficiency of formulated retinol.

The present disclosure provides formulations containing one or more retinoids, including retinol, which are useful in the disclosed delivery systems. When applied to the skin, the disclosed formulations provide retinoid stability, low irritation, and effective release of the active agent retinoid/retinol. In one aspect of the disclosure, the skin is human skin. In other aspects of the disclosure, the skin is that of a companion animal, livestock, or commercially useful animal.

The disclosed delivery systems contain one or more polymers, particularly polymers that act as solvents. In one aspect of this embodiment, the polymer is a silicone rubber. In another aspect, the silicone rubber exhibits a degree of polarity, for example, by ethoxylating or propoxylating the silicone rubber or by modifying the silicone rubber with other materials having a degree of polarity. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the polymer is a PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 copolymer.

The disclosed delivery systems also contain one or more solubilizers, rheology modifiers, emulsifiers, and/or dispersing aids. In one aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing agent/emulsifier is a nonionic solubilizing agent/emulsifier. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing agent/emulsifier is octylmethylpolysiloxane. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing agent/emulsifier is PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing agent/emulsifier is polysorbate 20. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing agent/emulsifier is a mixture of two or more materials including, but not limited to, a mixture of two or more of octylmethylpolysiloxane, PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane, and polysorbate 20.

The delivery system of the present disclosure also contains at least one source of retinoids. In one aspect of this embodiment, the retinoid may be retinol, retinal, esters of retinol (including, for example, palmitate and stearate esters of retinol), retinoic acid, or synthetic retinoids (such as adapalene, bexarotene, tazarotene, or combinations of two or more thereof). In one aspect of this embodiment, the retinoid is retinol. In another aspect, the retinoid is all-trans retinol.

The disclosed delivery system also contains at least one liquid carrier/diluent. In one aspect of this embodiment, the liquid carrier/diluent is a silicone. In another aspect of this embodiment, the silicone is mixed with or contains a volatile component. In a particular aspect, the carrier/diluent is polydimethylsiloxane; in another specific aspect, the carrier/diluent is cyclomethicone, and in another aspect is octylmethylpolysiloxane. In another aspect, the carrier/diluent is a mixture containing polydimethylsiloxane and cyclomethicone, and in another aspect is a mixture containing polydimethylsiloxane, cyclomethicone, and octylmethicone or another volatile or light and/or lubricious siloxane.

The disclosed delivery system may also contain one or more antioxidants. In one aspect of this embodiment, the antioxidant is a polyphenol. In a more specific aspect of this embodiment, the antioxidant comprises a polyphenol isolate of tea tree (camellia sinensis). In another aspect, the antioxidant comprises 90% or 95% polyphenol isolate of camellia sinensis.

The disclosed delivery sources may also contain a xanthine-related compound, polymeric derivatives thereof, or mixtures of xanthine-related materials, which may act as an antioxidant or a stimulator of antioxidant activity. In a particular aspect, the xanthine related compound is caffeine.

The disclosed delivery system may also contain one or more moisturizers and/or humectants. In one aspect of this embodiment, the moisturizer and/or humectant is sodium hyaluronate.

The disclosed delivery system may also contain one or more emollients. In one aspect of this embodiment, the emollient is an ester or oil. In various aspects of this embodiment, the emollient may comprise one or more of the following: shea butter, cocoa butter, mineral oil, lanolin, petrolatum, paraffin, beeswax, squalene, cetyl alcohol, olive oil, tri-iso-caprylic glyceride, coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, almond oil or other vegetable oils, and combinations of two or more thereof.

As discussed in further detail below, aspects of the present disclosure include a topical formulation comprising silicone rubber, a solubilizer, a retinoid, and a silicone-based liquid carrier. The formulation may further comprise one or more of antioxidants, xanthines, moisturizers, and emollients.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the retinoid is all-trans retinol. In other aspects, the silicone rubber is a PEG-12/PPG-20 crosspolymer. In other aspects, the solubilizing agent is at least one of octylmethylpolysiloxane, PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane, polysorbate 20, and mixtures thereof. In other aspects, the silicone-based liquid carrier is at least one of polydimethylsiloxane, cyclomethicone, and mixtures thereof. In other aspects of the disclosure, the antioxidant is tea polyphenol, the xanthine is caffeine, and the moisturizer is sodium hyaluronate.

In certain aspects disclosed herein, the retinoid formulation comprises (% w/w) 5% to 85% octylmethylpolysiloxane; 5% -20% of PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 cross-linked polymer; 0.1% -40% of polydimethylsiloxane; 0.1% -10% caffeine; 0.01% -40% of cyclomethicone; 0.1% -10% of PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane; tea tree green tea polyphenols (Camellia sinensis green tea polyphenols) 0.1% -2.5%; 0.001% -60% of retinol; 0.001% -5% of sodium hyaluronate; 0.01-25% polysorbate 20. The tea tree green tea polyphenol can be a preparation with the purity of 90% -100%, and the retinol is all-trans retinol. In other aspects of the disclosure, the all-trans retinol is all-trans retinol with a purity of at least 90%, may be pure all-trans retinol or all-trans retinol in a carrier. In other aspects, the all-trans retinol is all-trans retinol with a purity of at least 95%, can be pure all-trans retinol or all-trans retinol in a carrier.

Other aspects of the disclosure include a retinoid formulation containing (% w/w) 40% to 70% octylmethylpolysiloxane; 10% -20% of PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 cross-linked polymer; 10% -20% of polydimethylsiloxane; 1% -5% caffeine; 0.1% -3% cyclomethicone; 1.0% -2.5% of PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane; 1.0% -5% of tea tree green tea polyphenol; 0.1% -1.0% retinol; 0.01% -1.0% of sodium hyaluronate; 0.1-5% polysorbate 20.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of treating skin disorders. The method comprises topically applying to the affected area a therapeutically effective amount of a formulation comprising silicone rubber, a solubilizing agent, a retinoid, and a silicone-based liquid carrier. The method may further comprise exfoliating the affected skin. The affected area may be one or more of human skin, scalp, hair, nails.

In the disclosed therapeutic method aspect, the retinoid is retinol, and may be all-trans retinol. In other aspects herein, the method comprises topically applying the formulation as a pretreatment for treating a skin disorder with a topical agent. The pre-treatment may include chemical stripping of the affected area. In other aspects herein, applying the formulation comprises exfoliating the skin by applying the formulation, and exfoliating the affected skin comprises chemical exfoliation of the affected skin.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides retinoid formulations, delivery systems, and methods of use thereof for alleviating or ameliorating skin disorders treatable with retinoids, including retinol. The present disclosure further provides retinoid formulations, delivery systems, and methods of using the same for skin treatment, e.g., as pretreatments and chemical exfoliants for skin treatment. Suitable conditions include, but are not limited to, inflammatory diseases of the skin and skin conditions characterized by increased cellular turnover, including psoriasis, photoaging, appearance of satiety cream, yellowing, loss of elasticity, collagen-rich appearance and/or youthful state, redness, dryness, age spots, skin wrinkles, acne, rosacea, ichthyosis, and skin cancer. The disclosed retinoid formulations and delivery systems are also useful for improving one or more aesthetic criteria, including, but not limited to, improvements perceived in apparent skin age, skin tone, appearance of heavy menstrual bloom, yellowing, loss of elasticity, redness, dryness, age spots, skin wrinkles, skin smoothness, brightness, radiance, and making skin pores less noticeable.

As used herein, the terms "treat" or "treating" with respect to a skin disorder generally mean "having a positive effect on the skin disorder" and include reducing, ameliorating, and/or alleviating at least one symptom of the skin disorder, reducing, ameliorating, and/or alleviating the severity of the skin disorder, delaying, preventing, or inhibiting the progression of the skin disorder, or the improvement or benefit perceived as a result of the treatment. Thus, treatment as described herein does not require a complete cure of the condition. The formulations or delivery systems for, or delivery systems or methods of, treating skin conditions of the present disclosure need only reduce the severity of the skin condition, reduce the severity of symptoms associated therewith, provide an improvement in the quality of life of a patient, or delay, prevent, inhibit the onset of, or provide a perceived benefit to one or more symptoms of the skin condition. As used herein, these terms also include aesthetic improvements to the skin upon application of the disclosed retinoid-containing formulations and delivery systems. For example, the present disclosure contemplates skin treatment with chemical exfoliation, as well as pretreatment as skin treatment.

As used herein, the terms "application," "applying," and "applying," with respect to a topical retinoid formulation or delivery system of the present disclosure, or a method of using a topical retinoid formulation or delivery system of the present disclosure, refer to any manner of applying a topical retinoid formulation or delivery system to the skin of a patient that delivers the retinoid formulation or delivery system to the skin surface of the patient in medical or cosmetic practice. The disclosed topical retinoid formulations or delivery systems, applied, rubbed, spread, sprayed, with or without a suitable device, on the skin of a patient are included within the scope of the term "applied" as used herein. The term "topical" or "topically" with respect to administration or use of the disclosed retinoid formulations or delivery systems refers to epicutaneous administration or use, or administration to the skin.

As used herein, the phrase "effective amount" refers to an amount of a retinoid formulation or delivery system or component thereof effective to treat a skin condition as described above, including a range of effects from detectable local improvement in the area of topical application to substantial relief of symptoms to improvement in one or more aesthetic criteria, including, but not limited to, perceived improvement in apparent skin age, radiation damage, sun or ultraviolet light damage, skin tone, appearance of satiety efflorescence, yellowing, loss of elasticity, redness, dryness, age spots, skin wrinkles, skin smoothness, brightness, luster, and making skin pores less apparent. The effective amount will vary with the particular disorder or disorders being treated, the severity of the disorder, the duration of treatment, the particular components of the composition being used, and other factors. More specifically, the disclosed compositions and formulations provide methods for stabilizing and delivering retinoids (including retinol) to the skin in an effective manner. The disclosed compositions, formulations, delivery systems, and methods of use thereof reduce, minimize, or eliminate common retinoid-induced skin disorders including, inter alia, itching, severe skin exfoliation, breakdown of the skin barrier, discomfort, extreme dryness, cracking and sensitization of the skin. The disclosed compositions, formulations, delivery systems, and methods of using the same also provide aesthetic improvements to the skin, including but not limited to making the skin appear younger, exhibit a more uniform skin tone, make skin pores less visible and smoother skin in the eyes of the user, and/or improve a frosty or aged appearance, yellowing, loss of elasticity, redness, dryness, age spots, and/or skin wrinkles.

The delivery system disclosed herein not only maintains product stability, including stability of the formulated retinoid as well as the antioxidant, but also provides greater efficacy of the active agent retinoid. Here, the inventors have surprisingly found the effectiveness of the disclosed formulations as chemical strippers. Thus, as discussed in more detail below, the retinoid formulations, delivery systems, and methods of use thereof of the present disclosure act as chemical exfoliants at cosmetic strength by themselves, and without the skin irritation typically associated with these formulations, as compared to clinical/dermatological strength chemical exfoliants.

The antioxidant can be chemically synthesized polyphenol isolated from plant; the antioxidants may also be modified natural polyphenols or semisynthetic compounds prepared from mixtures of polyphenols. In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the antioxidant comprises "green tea polyphenols" isolated and purified from the leaves of the tea plant. Antioxidants formulated and delivered as disclosed herein provide antioxidant activity as well as anti-inflammatory activity, and further provide skin soothing, protective, anti-irritant, and restorative activity. The inventors have surprisingly found that the presence of an antioxidant, such as a polyphenol, in the retinoid formulations of the disclosure in the manner disclosed provides better tolerability with respect to retinoid formulations, i.e., reduces and/or eliminates irritation and redness resulting from the use of the formulation (e.g., chemical exfoliants and cosmetics in daily use).

The present disclosure provides formulations containing one or more retinoids, including retinol, for use in the disclosed delivery systems. When applied to the skin, the formulations of the present disclosure provide retinoid stability, low irritation, and effective release of the active agent retinoid/retinol. In one aspect of the disclosure, the skin is human skin. In other aspects of the disclosure, the skin is that of a companion animal, livestock, or commercially useful animal.

The inventors believe, without being bound by this idea, that the retinoid preparations of the present disclosure can be effectively used as a pretreatment agent on the day of skin treatment, such as chemical peeling. The inventors further believe, but not bound to this idea, that the unexpected results associated with the retinoid/retinol formulations are obtained by the synergistic operation of the delivery systems herein, i.e., the operation of the delivery systems results in controlled release of the retinoid active agent. The delivery systems and formulations disclosed herein release the active agent at maximum, optimal intensity and release rate without irritating the skin.

In particular embodiments, the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure contain 0.01 to 1.0% retinol. In various aspects of these embodiments, the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure contain 0.02 to 1.0% retinol, 0.03 to 1.0% retinol, 0.04 to 1.0% retinol, 0.05 to 1.0% retinol, 0.06 to 1.0% retinol, 0.07 to 1.0% retinol, 0.08 to 1.0% retinol, 0.09% to 1.0% retinol, 0.1% to 1.0% retinol, 0.2% to 1.0% retinol, 0.3% to 1.0% retinol, 0.4% to 1.0% retinol, or 0.5% to 1.0% retinol. For example, these formulations and delivery systems may be used in consumer products.

In particular aspects of these embodiments, the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure contain 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.75%, or 1.0% retinol

In particular embodiments, the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure contain 1.0 to 50.0% retinol. For example, these formulations and delivery systems may be used in a physician's office procedure.

The inventors believe, without being bound to this idea, that the increase in delivery efficiency of the active agent retinoid and the significant reduction in irritation observed when using the retinoid formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure allows for formulation and use of retinoid delivery systems at significantly higher concentrations than previously applied. Thus, the retinoid formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure provide effective chemical exfoliants in cosmetic strength.

The inventors believe, but not by way of limitation, that the retinoids, retinol and/or all-trans retinol of the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure help increase skin cell turnover, support collagen production in the skin, and lighten areas of hyperpigmentation of the skin. Thus, the inventors further believe, but not by way of limitation, that this beneficial skin activity is a result of the opening of a distinct gene by the retinoid/retinol formulations of the disclosure.

The inventors also believe that vitamin a (i.e., all-trans retinol), formulated and delivered as disclosed herein, in pure and active form, provides an effective topical treatment that has a low incidence of irritation, supports the skin barrier, and, as noted, increases cell renewal in the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, improving skin texture and tone, and contributing to a collagen-rich appearance. As used herein, "pure" refers to efficacy or activity measured as a percentage of the referenced component or agent.

Antioxidants, particularly green tea polyphenols and retinol, are generally considered to be notoriously difficult to stabilize because they are subject to oxidation and/or degradation by oxygen, moisture, light, trace metals, and other components typically contained in formulations. For topical formulations, they exhibit a large surface area when applied to the skin, thereby promoting air oxidation of the susceptible components of the formulation in use, and/or this instability is particularly evident when a long shelf life (e.g., 2 years) is sought for which the formulation is stable. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure overcome these problems, providing a unique, stable, non-irritating and effective system for topical application to the skin.

The delivery systems of the present disclosure contain one or more polymers, particularly polymers that act as solvents. In one aspect of this embodiment, the polymer is a silicone rubber. In another aspect, the silicone rubber exhibits a degree of polarity, for example, by ethoxylating or propoxylating the silicone rubber or by modifying the silicone rubber with other materials having a degree of polarity. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the polymer is a PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 copolymer.

The delivery system of the present disclosure also contains one or more solubilizing and/or emulsifying agents and/or dispersing agents. In one aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing/emulsifying/dispersing agent is a nonionic solubilizing/emulsifying/dispersing agent. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing/emulsifying/dispersing agent is octylmethylpolysiloxane. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing/emulsifying agent/dispersing agent is PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing/emulsifying/dispersing agent is polysorbate 20. Polysorbate 20 also provides stability to the disclosed formulations and retinoid delivery systems. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the solubilizing/emulsifying agent/dispersing agent is a mixture of two or more materials including, but not limited to, a mixture of two or more of octylmethylpolysiloxane, PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane, and polysorbate 20.

The disclosed delivery system also contains at least one source of retinoids. In one aspect of this embodiment, the retinoid may be retinol, retinoic acid, retinal, esters of retinol or esters of retinoic acid (including, for example, palmitate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, hexanoate, heptanoate, octanoate, and stearate of retinol or retinoic acid), or synthetic retinoids (such as, but not limited to, adapalene, bexarotene, tazarotene, or combinations of two or more thereof). Retinoids or retinoids are oily substances that are solubilized by the formulations disclosed herein. In one aspect of this embodiment, the retinoid is retinol. In another aspect, the retinoid is all-trans retinol.

The disclosed delivery system also contains at least one liquid carrier/diluent. In one aspect of this embodiment, the liquid carrier/diluent is a siloxane. In another aspect of this embodiment, the silicone is mixed with or contains a volatile component. In a particular aspect, the carrier/diluent is polydimethylsiloxane; in another specific aspect, the carrier/diluent is cyclomethicone. In a further aspect, the carrier/diluent is a mixture comprising polydimethylsiloxane and cyclomethicone. In yet another aspect, the carrier/diluent is octylmethylpolysiloxane.

The disclosed delivery system may also contain one or more antioxidants. In one aspect of this embodiment, the antioxidant is a polyphenol. In a more specific aspect of this embodiment, the antioxidant comprises polyphenol isolate of camellia sinensis. In another aspect, the antioxidant is 90% polyphenol isolate of tea plant.

The disclosed delivery sources may also contain a xanthine-related compound, polymeric derivatives thereof, or mixtures of xanthine-related materials, which may act as an antioxidant or a stimulator of antioxidant activity. In a particular aspect, the xanthine related compound is caffeine. In another particular aspect, the caffeine of the disclosed formulations and delivery systems is pure caffeine, very pure caffeine, or USP grade caffeine.

The disclosed delivery system may also contain one or more moisturizers and/or humectants. In one aspect of this embodiment, the moisturizer and/or humectant is sodium hyaluronate. Hyaluronate is a moisture binding agent that helps to retain skin moisture and "slip" (sensory aesthetics) the formulations of the present disclosure.

The disclosed delivery system may also contain one or more emollients. In one aspect of this embodiment, the emollient may be an ester, an oil, or a silicone. In various aspects of this embodiment, the emollient may comprise one or more of the following: shea butter, cocoa butter, mineral oil, lanolin, petrolatum, paraffin, beeswax, squalene, cetyl alcohol, olive oil, triisocaprylic glyceride, coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, almond oil or other vegetable oils, omega-6 fatty acids, licochalcone, evening primrose oil, grape seed oil, ceramides, and combinations of two or more thereof.

In representative embodiments, the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure contain octylmethylpolysiloxane, PEG-12 dimethicone/PEG-20 crosspolymer, dimethicone, caffeine, cyclomethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone, tea tree (green tea) polyphenols, retinol, sodium hyaluronate, and polysorbate 20.

In these formulations, octyl methyl polysiloxane, PEG-12 dimethicone/PPG-20 crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone, and polysorbate 20 are primarily responsible for carrying and delivering the co-formulated retinol. In some embodiments, polydimethylsiloxane is used as a blocking agent to aid retinol penetration, and green tea polyphenols reduce the potential for irritation. PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane is an emulsifying siloxane.

In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, octylmethylpolysiloxane and PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 are added as a mixture; additional octylmethylpolysiloxane may also be included, and other components of the formulation may be dispersed and/or dissolved when added to the formulations of the present disclosure.

In a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, a polydimethylsiloxane (polydimethylsilane) is formulated to have a viscosity (cps) in the range of 1cps to 1000 cps.

Cyclomethicones of various ring sizes (measured by the number of siloxane units in the ring) can be used in the formulations disclosed herein. These include, for example, cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and cyclohexasiloxane (D6). In a particular aspect of the present disclosure, the cyclomethicone is D6, cyclohexasiloxane.

The antioxidant contained in the retinoid formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure may comprise tea tree (green tea) polyphenols. In a particular embodiment, the formulation comprises purified isolated tea tree (green tea) polyphenols. The purity of polyphenols contemplated by the present disclosure can range from trace amounts (e.g., obtained from green tea extract) to polyphenols having a purity of 100%. Although, in various embodiments, any tea tree (green tea) polyphenol preparation may be formulated, in particular aspects of this embodiment, a 90% or 95% purified tea (green tea) polyphenol preparation is formulated. In various other formulations, the amount of polyphenol antioxidant added is inversely proportional to its purity.

The antioxidant contained in the disclosed retinoid formulations and delivery systems may comprise tea tree (green tea) polyphenols, which may be a mixture of polyphenols. In a particular aspect, the major component of the formulated polyphenol antioxidant is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

The present inventors have noted that green tea polyphenols in the formulation not only provide effective antioxidant reduction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), but they also very surprisingly provide a reduction in irritation normally associated with the use of retinol. This observed reduction in irritation is clearly superior to other antioxidants and anti-irritants. Inclusion of these substances in the disclosed formulations improves patient compliance. As described in the experiments below, patients adhered to the treatment regimen because they were not stimulated. Thus, although irritation is a major problem for topical retinol applications, it is not observed when tested with the retinoid delivery systems of the present disclosure. In particular, study participants did not withdraw from clinical studies, although based on historical studies, even with lower levels of formulated retinol, at least 10-15% of participants are expected to withdraw due to irritation, dryness, itching/burning or retinoid dermatitis. Indeed, the participants in the studies indicated below all show that the formulations of the present disclosure give a smoother skin feel to them. The inventors believe, but not by way of limitation, that these effects are due in part to the formulated green tea polyphenols alone or in combination with other components of the formulation.

The inventors believe, but not by way of limitation, that the antioxidant component of the disclosed formulations and delivery systems, particularly the formulated therapeutic levels of green tea polyphenols, act synergistically with the formulated retinoids (particularly all-trans retinol) to establish a skin matrix and to reduce, improve or eliminate the appearance of ultraviolet light damage to the skin. The inventors also believe that green tea polyphenols soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation, and that xanthines (e.g., caffeine) further help reduce, alleviate, improve, or eliminate the appearance of redness and irritation that occurs when retinoid-containing formulations and retinoid delivery systems are applied to the skin.

The inventors also believe, without being bound by this idea, that unlike other topical treatments, the delivery systems of the present disclosure work to provide a "micro-polymer" delivery system capable of delivering substantially all, up to 100%, of a formulated retinoid or retinol into the skin. The disclosed formulations effectively entrap retinoids (e.g., retinol and/or all-trans retinol), prevent oxidation when applied to the skin, and provide continuous, timed-release delivery, thereby establishing a protected, stable storage of retinol for sustained application to the skin. The retinoid formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure protect formulated retinoids (e.g., retinol and/or all-trans retinol) from oxidation when applied to the skin.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the retinoid-containing formulation contains the following components: octyl methyl polysiloxane, PEG-12 dimethicone/PPG-20 crosspolymer, dimethicone, caffeine, cyclomethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone, tea tree green tea polyphenols, retinol, sodium hyaluronate, and polysorbate 20. Preferably, a tea tree green tea polyphenol preparation with a purity of 90% to 95% is used, and the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol, and more preferably, the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol with a purity of at least 90%, even more preferably, the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol with a purity of at least 95%, which may be pre-dispersed in a carrier or obtained as a solution.

In other embodiments of the disclosure, the retinoid-containing formulation contains the following components (all expressed as% w/w) formulated within the specified ranges: octyl methyl polysiloxane (5% -85%), PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 cross-linked polymer (5% -20%), polydimethylsiloxane (0.01% -40%), caffeine (0.01% -10%), cyclomethicone (0.01% -40%), PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane (0.1% -10%), tea tree green tea polyphenols (0.1% -25%), retinol (0.001% -60%), sodium hyaluronate (0.01% -5%) and polysorbate 20 (0.01% -25%). The tea tree green tea polyphenol is preferably used in a formulation having a purity of 90% to 95%, and the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol, and more preferably, the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol having a purity of at least 90%, even more preferably, the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol having a purity of at least 95%, which may be pure (e.g., undiluted) all-trans retinol, or all-trans retinol in a suitable carrier.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the retinoid-containing formulation contains the following components (both expressed as% w/w) formulated within the specified ranges: octyl methyl polysiloxane (40% -70%), PEG-12 polydimethylsiloxane/PPG-20 cross-linked polymer (10% -20%), polydimethylsiloxane (10% -20%), caffeine (1% -5%), cyclomethicone (0.1% -3%), PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane (1.0% -2.5%), tea tree green tea polyphenols (1.0% -5%), retinol (0.1% -1.0%), sodium hyaluronate (0.01% -1%) and polysorbate 20 (0.1% -5%). The tea tree green tea polyphenol is preferably used in a formulation having a purity of 90% to 95% and the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol, and more preferably the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol having a purity of at least 90%, even more preferably the retinol is preferably all-trans retinol having a purity of at least 95%, obtained as pure all-trans retinol or obtained as all-trans retinol in a suitable carrier.

In a further embodiment, the all-trans retinol of the above formulation may be replaced or supplemented with one or more of the following retinoids at the indicated weight percent (% w/w) levels: retinal (0.01% -1%), esters of retinol (0.01-5%), retinoic acid (0.01% -0.2%), synthetic retinoids, e.g., adapalene (0.02-0.5%), tazarotene (0.01% -0.2%).

In still further embodiments, the all-trans retinol of the above formulations may be replaced or supplemented at specified (% w/w) levels with one or more of the following retinoids: retinal (0.05-0.10%), esters of retinol (0.1-2%), retinoic acid (0.02% -0.15%), synthetic retinoids, e.g., adapalene (0.1-0.3%), tazarotene (0.05% -0.1%).

In certain embodiments, the dosage range of the formulation or delivery system of the present disclosure applied to the skin is 0.01g to 5g, 0.02g to 4g, 0.05g to 3g, 0.1g to 2g, 0.2g to 1 g. In one aspect of these embodiments, the dosage of the formulation or delivery system of the present disclosure applied to the skin may be 0.4 g. The actual dosage applied will depend on, among other things, the condition to be treated, the particular regimen to be followed, and the personal preferences of the user. For example, spot therapy, multi-spot therapy, full or partial facial therapy, treatment of body parts (such as neck, hands, etc.) may be performed using different doses.

The formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure can be prepared under ambient conditions. In certain embodiments, the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure are prepared under an inert atmosphere. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the inert atmosphere is an inert gas, such as, but not limited to, nitrogen, argon, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the formulations and delivery systems of the present disclosure are prepared under a dry inert atmosphere, which may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more dry inert gases, including but not limited to dry nitrogen, dry argon, or combinations thereof.