[001] This invention relates to a skin care preparation and in particular to a moisturiser kit. The invention extends to use of the preparation in methods of treatment or management of skin sensitivity such as experienced by a cancer sufferer or someone experiencing a sensitive skin condition such as eczema, dermatitis, or acne which is exacerbated by application of a synthetic compound.

Background to the invention

[002] Skin moisturising products are well known and numerous in the market. They are supplied and available in tubes, bottles and containers as a finished product, ready for immediate application to the skin on dispensing.

[003] Emulsifying wax is well known as a basic ingredient in foods and cosmetics to prevent water- and oil-based components from separating - see http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/soap/product.asp7product id=WAXEMULUS86

[004] According to this website's authors, emulsifying wax can form extremely stable water/oil or oil/water emulsions. They propose that the emulsion should have an emulsifying wax content in the range from 5% - 10%. Their preparation method involves melting the wax with other fats and waxes and then slowly adding the water phase while continuously stirring. They consider the key to forming a stable emulsion being in keeping the formulation in motion until it has cooled and solidified completely.

[005] Another source of information on the making of skincare formulations is http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my weblog/making natural skincare produc

[006] It proposes a basic emulsion formula comprising 1 part emulsifier, 3 parts oil or vegetable butter and 6 parts water or hydrosol. [007] To create the emulsion, the reader is instructed to start by heating the waxes and oils/butters together and, in a separate container, heating the waters together with borax. When both phases have become hot, and the waxes have fully melted, the reader should begin whipping the water phase, slowly pouring a very thin stream of the oil/wax mixture into the water phase. After the ingredients are fully combined, the reader is enjoined to continue to whip the mixture for at least a full five minutes. The mixture should then become thick and opaque. It is admitted by the author that, depending on ingredients, the resultant mixture may vary wildly in texture and appearance, so that achieving a stable emulsion may require some "tweaking" of the component ratios.

[008] This unpredictability of outcome is therefore a drawback of skin care products produced in this form and by the proposed methods.

[009] Several naturally-derived extracts are known to provide health benefits. Examples that have been associated with human skin health are mentioned below.

[0010] Avocado oil applied topically helps relieve dry and itchy skin. Once applied, avocado oil is deeply absorbed by the skin, thus making it an ideal moisturizer and skin care agent. It is also useful in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Avocado oil contains a high concentration of proteins and unsaturated fats, both of which are strong skin agents. Avocado oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, also found in fish oil. It is also high in sterolin, which studies have shown to facilitate the softening of the skin and to reduce the incidence of age spots. Avocado oil is rich in antioxidants, making it useful for healing sun-damaged skin.

[0011] Antioxidants like vitamins A, D and E in avocado increase skin suppleness and are particularly good for dry and/or aged skin.

[0012] Macadamia Oil infuses the skin with moisture, so that applying it topically firms the skin while maintaining a youthful glow. By using macadamia oil, restoration of the skin's palmitoleic acid levels is promoted. This slows the skin's rate of deterioration, encouraging tissues to regenerate. This results in keeping the skin taut, discouraging wrinkle formation.

[0013] Sweet Almond Oil has powerful antioxidant and moisturizing properties, high in antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, also rich in protein, Vitamin E, Magnesium, and Calcium. Protein is the building block of skin and almonds are a particularly rich source. Vitamin E is known as a strong antioxidant

[0014] Magnesium helps cells produce energy and protein and is believed to counter the effects of stress hormones, which make the skin age faster and exacerbate acne. Calcium helps cells absorb nutrients.

[0015] Coconut oil is known to soothe insect bites, speeds healing, helps with rashes, alleviates skin flaking, softens and shrinks wrinkles, helps protect against sun damage while keeping tans lasting longer and acts as an antioxidant to prevent cellular aging.

[0016] Shea butter assists with the elimination of irritation, dryness, preventing bumps forming after shaving, reduces acne, is absorbed quickly, assists with restoration of elasticity to skin, reduces the effects of skin peeling after too much sun, reduces redness, itching and rashes due to dryness, cracked skin, minor burns, razor irritation after shaving, evens skin tone and assists in restoring elasticity to skin.

[0017] Cocoa butter is high in antioxidants, which assist in fighting off free radicals. It is widely noted as helping to reduce stretch marks, is high in fat to assist with hydrating the skin deeply, assists with healing scars and is an excellent healing agent for conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

[0018] Glycerine, when applied to the skin, signals the cells to mature in normal desired fashion. Psoriasis is a skin disease in which the skin cells shed too quickly before they are properly mature, resulting in thickened scaly skin. The application of glycerine can interrupt this abnormal process, and allows the cells to reach full maturation before shedding. [0019] Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is an antioxidant used as a preservative in the water component of cosmetics to prevent bacterial, fungal and mould propagation and growth.

[0020] Rosemary extract is a potent natural antioxidant and free radical scavenger. When added to Vegetable Oil, Natural Creams and Lotions etc, the "shelf life" can be extended for another 30 to 40% longer.

[0021] Rosemary Extract is also an excellent "anti-aging" ingredient. The purpose of this ingredient in this product is as a natural preservative in the nourishing/fat component.

[0022] Emulsifying wax is a vegetable base wax used to make oil and water bind together into a smooth emulsion. Emulsifying wax works by attracting both water and oil to trap the liquid, keeping it from breaking free and separating the product.

Objects of the invention

[0023] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide a skin care preparation that overcomes the drawback identified above.

[0024] A further object of the invention is to provide method of reproducibly and reliably preparing a ready-to-use skin care preparation.

[0025] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

[0026] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense - that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not being limited to" - as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense - that is to say meaning "including this and nothing else".

Summary of invention

[0027] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a skin- nourishing cosmetic cream comprising an emulsion having an aqueous phase and an oil- based phase, wherein the oil-based phase comprises an emulsifying wax and a therapeutic agent selected from: macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa, rosemary extract and combinations thereof.

[0028] Said therapeutic agents are selected for exhibiting synergy with each other in providing an enhanced skin-nourishing function.

[0029] In a preferred form of the invention, the oil-based phase comprises by weight 20-35% emulsifying wax, and 80 to 65% therapeutic agent.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the therapeutic agent comprises by weight

Emulsifying Wax 27%

Macadamia Oil 13%

Sweet Almond Oil 8%

Avocado Oil 6%

Coconut Oil 18.5%

Shea Butter 16%

Cocoa butter 11%

Rosemary Extract 0 .5%

[0031] Preferably the product cream comprises the oil based phase in the range from 18-49% by weight and further preferably from 40-45% by weight.

[0032] Preferably, the aqueous phase makes up from 55-82% by weight of the emulsion. [0033] In a preferred form of the invention the aqueous phase comprises 2-10% by weight emollient. In a further preferred form of the invention, the emollient is glycerine.

[0034] Still further, it is preferred that the aqueous phase comprises glycerine from 4-9% by weight.

[0035] In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the aqueous phase comprises 6.7% glycerine by weight.

[0036] Additionally, the aqueous phase includes an antimicrobial agent. A preferred antimicrobial agent is grapefruit seed extract. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the aqueous phase contains grapefruit seed extract making up 1.1% by weight. The grapefruit seed extract is blended into the glycerine.

[0037] It has been surprisingly found that the composition having the particularly preferred amounts of components bring enhanced benefits to the human skin after tria Ming by a significant number of users.

[0038] In a yet further preferred form of the invention, the composition is free of synthetic ingredients. In a preferred embodiment, the composition contains natural components only.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a skin nourishment product in kit form comprising first and second sealed containers, the first container being charged with an oil-based composition and the second container with a water-soluble composition; and instructions for combining the compositions to form a therapeutically effective mixture for topical application.

[0040] In a preferred form of the invention, the water-soluble composition is in liquid form.

[0041] In a further preferred form of the invention, the oil-based composition is a solid at room temperature. Preferably, the oil-based composition is a solid at temperatures up to and including 30 ^° C. [0042] In a further preferred form of the invention, the oil-based composition comprises a combination of therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agents are selected from: macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa.

[0043] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a packaged kit for domestic use in preparing a cosmetic cream, the method comprising steps of providing a skin-nourishing therapeutic agent and a water-soluble composition, providing sealable first and second containers for receiving respectively the agent and the water-soluble composition, and charging the containers respectively with said agent and water-soluble composition, sealing the containers; providing usage instructions for use by an end receiver of the kit; providing packaging selected and adapted for receiving the sealed containers; and packing the containers and instructions in the packaging.

[0044] A preferable further step of the invention is that of closing the packaging in a tamper-resistant manner.

[0045] In a further preferred form of the invention, the method includes providing a storage container suitable for receiving and storing of emulsified cream prepared from the therapeutic agent and liquid composition.

[0046] In a still further preferred form of the invention, the agent is an oil-based composition comprising a combination of therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agents are selected from: macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa.

[0047] The water soluble composition preferably comprises an antimicrobial agent. Particularly preferred is grapefruit seed extract blended into glycerine as an emollient. [0048] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of nourishing human skin comprising applying in a therapeutically effective amount a cream comprising an emulsion having an aqueous phase and an oil-based phase, wherein the oil-based phase comprises an emulsifying wax and a therapeutic agent, the therapeutic agent being selected from: macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa, rosemary extract and combinations thereof.

[0049] In a preferred form of performing said method, the cream comprises the oil based phase in the range from 18-49% by weight and further preferably from 40-45% by weight.

[0050] The invention extends further to a composition for use in a therapeutic method for alleviating human skin afflictions, the composition being an emulsion comprising an oil-based phase which comprises an emulsifying wax and a therapeutic agent, the therapeutic agent being selected from: macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa, rosemary extract and combinations thereof.

Brief description of drawings

[0051] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of means and method of preparing the product of this invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the components of the kit of the invention.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0052] A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described. It is provided to a user in kit form. In the embodiment illustrated in process of Figure 1 and the kit of Figure 2, the kit 10 includes ingredients sufficient for making up a batch of 500ml of the end product, ready for use and refrigerated storage. To this end, the kit includes a 500ml storage receptacle 12 in the form of a glass jar having an access opening 14. The jar is suitable for refrigerated storage and has a substantially airtight complemental lid 16 (shown removed) that is operably adapted for screw-threaded engagement with the receptacle, using screw thread 18 located externally thereon.

[0053] The kit also includes a second, smaller storage receptacle 20 sized for the storage of a quantity of the product for use during the current day. In this preferred embodiment, this "daily dose" receptacle is 100ml in capacity and comes with a screw top 22 for substantially airtight sealing via screw thread 24 of its opening 26.

[0054] It will be appreciated that other size combinations may be used instead of those named in this particular embodiment. Furthermore, the kit may be expanded to include additional smaller storage containers. Doing so facilitates use by more than one person of the cream product in the main large storage container, each person being able to manage their own daily requirement for their specific desired therapeutic benefit.

[0055] The oil-based skin-nourishing composition of the invention is packaged and shipped as a solid, ready for later melting under controlled conditions by the preparer of the end product. In this example, for making up a batch of 500ml end product emulsion, there is provided 212.5g of the nourishing composition 28, and this is charged to a polypropylene container 30 via an upper opening which is then closed and sealed by means of an adhering lid 32 of plasticized foil. Lid 32 has a gripping tab 34 for facilitating removal by peeling away by a user in readiness for final preparation of the end product cream.

[0056] Nourishing composition 28 is oil-based and comprises in major proportion an emulsifying wax (W), a vegetable butter, namely shea butter (B), and a mixture of essential oils (E) selected from two or more of the following: macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil and cocoa butter.

[0057] In addition to the above, the composition contains rosemary extract. In preferred embodiments such as this, the nourishing composition is free of borax. [0058] In this embodiment, the water-soluble composition 36 is provided as a liquid and comprises glycerine 36a as an emollient and grapefruit seed extract 36b as an antimicrobial agent. Water-soluble composition 36 is charged to sealable tubelike container 38 via an upper opening which is then closed and sealed by means of an adhering foil lid 42. Lid 42 has a gripping tab 44 for facilitating removal by peeling away by a user in readiness for final preparation of the end product cream.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, a printed paper instruction sheet 48 is placed in container 12 prior to being closed by means of lid 16. The instructions may be complete in detail, or may include reference to a website where further information and detailed instructions are provided for use of the kit and preparation and use of the product to be made. Labelling and shrink-wrap packaging (not shown) are then applied before the product is ready for shipping.

[0060] It will be appreciated that other forms of packaging may be used, as appropriate for protecting the containers and the contents, for example blister packaging, or a box of plastics, wood or other suitable substances.

[0061] The two compositions are kept isolated from each other in separate sealed containers until ready to use, at which time they are combined by the user, as guided by the enclosed instructions. According to the instructions, the components are first to be heated separately, in individual heatable receptacles.

[0062] Oil-based composition 28 is in a solid phase when packed and should remain so in container 30 28until sealing cover 34 is removed. The end user or consumer is required to apply heat to melt it, for example in a saucepan 54 over a heating element 52 (see Figure 1). The water-soluble composition (from the kit) is mixed to dissolution with 350ml of purified water 56 in a heat-tolerating container such as a pot 58 and bought to the boil. The water may be purified by a known process such as distillation or deionisation. If no water of this kind is available, uncontaminated thoroughly boiled water may instead be used. This aqueous liquid solution is then poured (at 60) into the oil-based, melted, liquid composition in container 54 and blended to achieve smooth consistency. [0063] Blending is performed with a high speed rotary impeller 62. Preferred rotational speeds are in the range 2000-3000rpm. Blending duration is at least 1½ minutes, but preferably in the range from two minutes to 5 minutes and more preferably from 2-3 minutes. The blend is then left to cool and thicken, subject to intermittent brief mixing, until thick and opaque. At room temperature, it is in the form of viscous cream that does not spread of its own accord, except very gradually.

[0064] During the cooling time, the stirring and mixing cycle is briefly repeated at approximately 5-10 minute intervals until the mixture has cooled to room temperature.

[0065] Cooling time is preferably in the range from 16 to 28 minutes, ideally about 20 minutes. However, under optional refrigeration, the duration is reduced.

[0066] Conveniently, the blend is able to be scooped into the 500ml container supplied in the production kit (see 12 in Figure 1). Also in the kit is a 100ml jar 20, intended for daily replenishment with a dose for the day. A quantity judged by the user as being sufficient for their needs for the day ahead is separated from the prepared batch and placed in the day-container so described. The remainder of the batch of cream in the 500ml container is then stored under refrigeration at a temperature between 5-18 ^° C, preferably at about 10 ^° C.

[0067] In the kit, the ratio of the water soluble composition to the oil-based composition is in the range from 0.3 to 0.4 by weight and preferably in the range 0.33 to 0.35 by weight.

[0068] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the water soluble composition makes up 25.2% by weight of the combined mass of the two compositions in the kit. For clarity, this figure excludes the mass of purified water to be added by the preparer of the end product.

[0069] The compositions of the kit have been tested in sealed containers and found to have a shelf life up to 5 years under refrigeration and were found to blend together excellently when combined as described. [0070] Anecdotal evidence from trials conducted over periods of 2 weeks to 12 months indicates that the components contained in the product of the invention act synergistically to enhance skin benefits in human subjects to an unexpected degree and to maintain these benefits once first achieved.

[0071] The components of the compositions of the invention are further selected for acceptance by persons adhering to vegetarian, vegan and similar dietary practices. It is formulated to alleviate the symptoms of skin sensitivity and conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and acne. It is found that the composition is well suited to the needs of persons suffering from a condition that results in their experiencing an unfavourable reaction to synthetic ingredients found in many skin treatments. Among such people are found cancer sufferers, especially those undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, and sufferers of skin ailments of the kind mentioned above. The present invention therefore provides compositions free of such ingredients, and preferably consisting of natural products of high purity.

[0072] An example of the preparation and use of the invention follows: Example of Preparation

[0073] The do-it-yourself (DIY) moisturiser kit of the invention is provided as a two- part system that is blended into forming a weight of 500g of natural organic or vegan moisturiser. In this example, the parts are composed of the following:

Part A - the oil-based component (vol %)

Emulsifying Wax, 27%

Macadamia Oil 13%

Sweet Almond Oil 8%

Avocado Oil 6%

Coconut Oil 19%

Shea Butter 15.5%

Cocoa butter 11%

Rosemary Extract 0.5%

Part B - the water-based component(vol %) Purified Water 92.2%

Glycerine 6.7%

Grapefruit Seed Extract 1.1%.

[0074] Compositions A and B were kept isolated from each other in separate sealed containers until required for use. When required, they were first heated separately, in individual heatable receptacles. The water-soluble composition (Part B) was brought to the boil.

[0075] A quantity of 185g of Part A was allowed to melt completely, but was not permitted to boil.

[0076] Part B was then poured into the 185g quantity of Part A to make up a volume of 500ml in total, and the two were blended to achieve a smooth consistency using an impeller operating for 2 minutes at 2400rpm.

[0077] The blend was then left to cool and thicken, subject to intermittent brief mixing at 10 minute intervals, until thick and opaque. At room temperature, it was in the form of a viscous cream that did not spread of its own accord, except very gradually.

[0078] The finished product was then put into an air-tight container and stored in the refrigerator until required for actual use.

[0079] In weight percent, the final product composition was as follows:

Part A (oil phase) Weight = 185g Emulsifying Wax = 27%

Macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil and coconut oil: collectively = 45.8% Shea butter and cocoa butter together = 26.7%

Rosemary Extract = 0.5%

Part B (aqueous phase)Weight = 385g

Purified Water = 92.2%

Glycerine = 6.7%

Grapefruit Seed Extract = 1.1% [0080] The mixtures was then scooped into waiting jars and bottles which, once filled, were sealed and placed in storage, ready for labelling and distribution.

[0081] During the past 5 years the finished product was tested in several different climates and on diverse skin conditions, on male, female and children of various ages.

EXAMPLE 1:

[0082] A female of 40 years, presenting with severe redness and dry flakey patches to several parts of her body due to eczema reported that for many years she had been using commercially available pharmaceutical creams and prescribed medication, including cortisone, in futile attempts to relieve her symptoms. Still having irritated, red, flaky and itchy patches, she began applying the final product, prepared as in the Example above, to the affected areas. Gradually, over a period of 3 hours pain relief was experienced and her skin stopped itching. Over a period of 2 weeks the dry flaky skin had dissipated and her skin had evened in colour and texture to the remainder of her body. After 6 months of continuous use, she ceased using all cortisone medication. Now, three years later, she continues using the composition and has had no recurring symptoms.

EXAMPLE 2:

[0083] A female of 30 years, presenting with severe sunburn, received and applied a composition made according to the preparation example above. She found that the paid subsided within 30 minutes and the redness reduced markedly by the end of 24 hours of first application.

EXAMPLE 3:

[0084] A male of 17 years, presented with dry pimply skin on his face. During a period of one week, using a composition prepared according to the example as a cleanser and moisturizer, the young man's skin softened, renourished and hydrated, resulting in a significant reduction in the number and size of this facial pimples. Soon afterwards, his face had returned to exhibiting a clear, radiant complexion.

EXAMPLE 4

[0085] A female of 40 years, presenting with dry hair, had tried several commercial brands of hair creme, but had not obtained the results she was looking for. She began applying a composition prepared according to the example to her hair. Even after only the first application, she reported that her hair again appeared nourished and shiny, and that she was able to style it easily.

EXAMPLE 5

[0086] A baby a few months old was afflicted with severe dry scalp ('cradle-cap'). Its mother began applying the composition of the preparation example to the baby's scalp daily. During the period of one week the dry scab-like consistency had begun to lift and dissipate. Within three weeks of applying the composition, the condition had cleared to be invisible.

EXAMPLE 6

[0087] A female of 60 years, presenting with severe dry flaky skin all over her body, reported that for years she had been using commercially available pharmaceutical shower gels, scrubs, creams and prescribed medication. Prior to taking a shower, she began applying to her body a composition prepared according to the example above. After showering, she again applied the composition to her clean skin. Over a period of just one week, her skin condition had changed. Her skin had stopped flaking; it looked and also felt soft. She continues using the composition with great results.

EXAMPLE 7

[0088] A female of 6 years suffered painful abrasions on her legs and arms following a fall in her school playground. After daily application morning and night of the composition of the example to all areas showing abrasions, she was able to report that the pain had reduced within 48 hours. Visible signs of the abrasions cleared within 2 weeks. EXAMPLE 8

[0089] A female of 28 years, presenting with acne skin condition on her face, reported that she had been using commercially available skin "cremes" and prescribed medication, but to no avail. Still irritated, pussy, red and suffering painful discomfort, she began applying a composition made according to the example above as a cleanser and creme/moisturiser to her face. Gradually, over a period of 10 days, her skin condition had begun showing improvement with symptoms reducing in severity. Within one month she had experienced complete relief, with her skin no longer breaking out in pimples.

EXAMPLE 9

[0090] A male of 68 years, in pain from and presenting with gravel rash and scratching on his legs, as a result of falling from his ride-on mower, began applying a composition prepared according to the above example to the affected areas. He reported that the pain subsided gradually but noticeably over a period of 2 hours. Over a period of 10 days the scratches and gravel rash had cleared. With continued use of the composition over a period of 4 weeks, this person's skin was back to normal and there was no visible scarring.

EXAMPLE 10

[0091] A female of 25 years, presented with a "sensitive-to-touch" skin condition to her face, in which her skin felt hot and looked and felt irritated. For several years she had tried many commercial brands of creams, but without satisfactory outcomes. Still hot and irritated, she began applying the composition described in the preparation example to her face, morning and night. Within 24 hours she reported that the heat had reduced. After a period of one month, the condition had cleared completely. The recipient reported that her face was no longer uncomfortably and painfully touch sensitive.

[0092] These embodiments merely illustrate particular examples of the method, kit and products of the invention for providing a cosmetic skin cream. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.