The present invention belongs to the cosmetic field and relates to a specific use of cosmetic ingredients allowing for an effective protection of the human skin from particulate matter by forming by protective layer or conditioning the skin in a way such that particulate matter does less adhere to the skin and can be washed away easily with tap water.

A beautiful and attractive appearance is a desire for many people. One typical sign of such an appearance is a healthy and smooth looking skin. Therefore, in order to take care on the skin, it is for many people a daily routine to apply cosmetic products such as body lotions and sunscreen compositions.

For example, compositions containing UV-filters are commonly used to protect the skin from the ultraviolet radiation of the sunlight. In addition to the acute damage (sunburn), long-term damage such as an increased risk of skin cancer occurs in case of excessive irradiation with light from the UVB range (wavelength: 280-320 nm). The excessive exposure of UVB and UVA radiation (wavelength: 320-400 nm) also leads to a weakening of the elastic and collagen fibers of the connective tissue. This leads to numerous photo-toxic and photo- allergic reactions and results in premature skin ageing.

To protect the skin, a number of light protection filter substances have been developed, which can be used in cosmetic preparations. These UVA and UVB filters are grouped in the most developed countries in the form of positive lists such as Annex VI of the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

However, besides the sunlight the human skin is also exposed to many other environmental factors. For example, in some global regions it is problematic that due to the environmental pollution the concentration of fine particulate matter in the air is high. The term particulate matter is understood as solid matter suspended in the earth’s atmosphere. Sources of particulate matter can be natural or anthropogenic.

A special kind of particulate matter are particles from smog, tabacco smoke and flying ash, which appearance may be caused by forest fires, smoking or the exhaust of engines. Such particulate matter usually has a diameter in the range from 0.01pm to 100 pm, wherein smog and tobacco smoke typically cover the range from 0.01pm to 2.5pm.

It is generally known that particulate matter, especially from smog and tobacco smoke, may adversely affect the human health. Inhalation of such particles may lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. However, high concentration of such particulate matter in the air also leads to an increased particle deposition on the skin. The correlation between high concentration of particulate matter in the air and the effect on the skin has recently been evaluated in a number of scientific studies.

For example, the disclosure “Premature skin aging by infrared radiation, tobacco smoke and ozone” by P. Schroder, S.M. Schieke and A. Morita (Skin Aging; Springer-Verlag; pp 45-55) discusses the effect of faster aging skin caused by tobacco smoke. Furthermore, a study by A. Vierkotter, T. Schikowski, U. Ranft, D. Sugiri, M. Matsui, U. Kramer and J. Krutmann (Airborn Particle Exposure and Extrinsic Skin Aging ; Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2010; 130; pp 2719-2726) indicated that the particle emission of engines may also correlate to a faster skin aging.

Cosmetic products are often used to protect the human skin from environmental effects. For example, the US2007/0003536 discloses a method for protecting human skin against oxidizing species and oxidative damages of the skin. Although the document is addressed to environmental effects, it does not address the easy and effective removal of particulate matter after deposition from the air.

Furthermore, the US2002/0192178 discloses a method for protecting the skin against the effects of pollution, comprising the application of a composition which contains an aqueous extract of maize. The extract of the invention is used as a heavy metal-scavening agent. However, the document does not address the easy and effective removal of particulate matter after deposition from the air.

Another example is the US patent application 2009/0035235, which describes a cosmetic composition that is capable of combating and preventing the effects of atmospheric pollution on the skin containing two vegetable extracts: Camellia sinensis (white tea) and Lapsana communis. The composition containing these two extracts exhibits an antiradical activity, provides protection against lipoperoxidation caused by exhaust gases and stimulates the mitochondrial respiration. Again, there is no disclosure in regard to an effective removal of particulate matter. Looking at the state of the art, it can be noticed that there are a number of documents addressing pollution effects. However, it is pointed out that none of the cited documents addresses compositions which can be applied to the skin before the exposure to the particulate matter and which allow an easy and effective removal of the deposited material with water after exposure. The application of conventional skin care products such as body lotions and creams usually results in the fact that particulate matter deposited on the treated section cannot easily be removed with tap water. In most cases it is necessary to use cleansing formulations including surfactants for an effective removal of the particulate matter. As a result surfactants are unnecessarily released into the sewage system causing higher efforts in the purification process before releasing the water back to the environment.

Accordingly, there is a general need for methods to protect the human skin from particulate matter from the environment, in particular there is a need for formulations which can be used to precondition the skin such that particulate matter, which is deposited after application of the formulation to the skin, can be removed easier. It is in particular desirable to precondition the skin such that subsequently deposited particulate matter can be easily rinsed off with water.

It was surprisingly found by the application that the objectives can be met by the present invention.

A first object of the invention is the use of a cosmetic oil in water emulsion comprising, based on the total weight of the emulsion, from 0.8 to 13% by weight of an oil phase and at least one emulsifier to condition human skin such that particulate matter, which is deposited onto the skin after application of the emulsion, can be rinsed off the skin with water.

A second object of the invention is a method to protect the human skin from particulate matter and/or pollution involving the following steps i. application of a cosmetic oil in water comprising, based on the total weight of the emulsion, from 0.8 to 13% by weight of an oil phase and at least one emulsifier to the human skin, ii. exposure of the skin to particulate matter from the environment, and iii. washing off the particulate matter deposited from the skin using tap water.

A further object of the invention is use of a cosmetic oil in water emulsion comprising, based on the total weight of the emulsion, from 0.8 to 13% by weight of an oil phase and at least one emulsifier to form a protective layer or protective barrier on the human skin, whereby the protective layer or barrier allows particulate matter, which is deposited onto the skin after application of the emulsion, to be rinsed off the skin with water.

A further object of the invention is use of a cosmetic oil in water emulsion comprising, based on the total weight of the emulsion, from 0.8 to 13% by weight of an oil phase and at least one emulsifier to protect human skin from particulate matter upon application of the emulsion, whereby the protective layer allows particulate matter, which is deposited onto the skin after application of the emulsion, to be rinsed off the skin with water.

It was surprisingly noticed that the use and the method according to the invention allows for an easy and effective removal of particulate matter from the skin. In this way the human skin is protected from particulate matter which is deposited on the skin. Accordingly, the objectives of the present invention are solved.

A further aspect of the present invention is a cosmetic oil in water emulsion comprising, based on the total weight of the emulsion, from 0.8 to 13% by weight of an oil phase and at least one emulsifier.

All the weight percentages (% by weight) given below relate, unless otherwise stated, to the total weight of the cosmetic emulsion. If ratios of certain components are disclosed in the following description, these ratios refer, unless otherwise stated, to weight ratios of the components.

Unless otherwise stated, all tests and measurements were performed under “normal conditions”. The term "normal conditions" refers to 20°C, 1013 hPa and a relative humidity of 50%.

All disclosed values for the interfacial tension towards water relate to a temperature of 20°C. Furthermore, the disclosed values for the interfacial tension towards water relate to 1013 hPa and a relative humidity of 50%.

In the following description the terms ..according to the invention”, “preferred according to the invention” and so on are always directed to the use according to the invention, to the method according to the invention and to the cosmetic emulsion according to the invention. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "free from" means that the proportion of the respective substance is less than 0.05% by weight. This ensures that entrainments or impurities with these substances are not included as "free from" according to the invention.

The term “skin” refers solely to the human skin.

Emulsifiers are understood to be all substances which are listed in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, Thirteenth Edition 2010, (ISBN 1-882621-47-6) under the name "emulsifying agent". Surfactants are understood to be all substances which are listed in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, Thirteenth Edition 2010, (ISBN 1-882621-47-6) under the name "surfactant".

According to the invention emulsifier and surfactants are not considered as part of the oil phase.

Emulsions, here in particular W/O, O/W or W/O/W emulsions, are often used as cosmetic or medical preparations. Emulsions are generally understood as meaning heterogeneous systems which comprise two liquids which are immiscible or only miscible with one another to a limited extent, which liquids are normally referred to as phases. In an emulsion, one of the two liquids is dispersed in the other liquid in the form of very fine droplets.

If the two liquids are water and oil and if oil droplets are finely distributed in water, then this is an oil in water emulsion (O/W emulsion, e.g., milk). The basic character of an O/W emulsion is determined by the water. In the case of a water-in-oil emulsion (W/O emulsion, e.g., butter), the principle is reversed, the basic character here being determined by the oil.

According to the invention it is preferred if the total quantity of the oil phase in the emulsion is in the range from 0.9 to 8.6% by weight, more preferably 1 to 8.2% by weight, more preferably 1.1 to 6.2% by weight and most preferably from 1.2 to 5.6% by weight, calculated to the total weight of the emulsion.

The interfacial tension is the force which acts on an imaginary line one meter in length at the interface between two phases. The physical unit for this interfacial tension is conventionally calculated from the force/length relationship and is usually expressed in mN/m (millinewtons divided by meters). It has a positive sign if it tends to reduce the interface. In the converse case, it has a negative sign. Generally, oils are regarded as polar if their interfacial tension towards water is less than about 20 mN/m, and as nonpolar if their interfacial tension towards water is more than about 30 mN/m. Oils with an interfacial tension towards water between about 20 and about 30 mN/m are generally referred to as moderately polar.

The following table indicates the interfacial tension towards water of a number of oils:

It was surprisingly found that if the human skin is conditioned with an oil in water emulsion comprising an oil having an interfacial tension towards water of less than 20 mN/m and at least one emulsifier it is possible to apply particulate matter and remove it by washing with water consecutive times, whereby the removal of particulate matter with water is very effective. Oils which are less polar do not show this effect. Accordingly, it is not possible to repeat the two steps of depositing particulate matter and removing it with water. After the first removal of particulate matter with water, it is no more possible to remove particulate matter, which is deposited after the first wash, by pouring water onto the relevant skin section.

Accordingly, it is preferred if the emulsion comprises at least one oil having an interfacial tension towards water of less than 20 mN/m. Obviously, this oil is always situated in the oil phase according to the invention.

According to the invention it is preferred, if the at least one oil is contained which has an interfacial tension towards water of less than 20 mN/m, more preferably less than 15 mN/m, more preferably less than 10 mN/m and most preferably less than 8 mN/m.

Some embodiments, which are also preferred, are characterized in that the emulsion does not contain an oil having interfacial tension towards water of more than 20 mN/m. It is particular preferred, if the oil used in the emulsion is PPG-15 stearyl ether and/or Ricinus communis seed oil, whereby PPG-15 stearyl ether is most preferred.

According to the invention it is further preferred if the total quantity of the oil, which has an interfacial tension towards water of less than 20 mN/m is in the range from 0.5 to 8% by weight, more preferably 1 to 6% by weight, more preferably 1.2 to 5% by weight and most preferably from 1.3 to 4.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to the invention it is further preferred if the total quantity of the oil, which has an interfacial tension towards water of less than 15 mN/m is in the range from 0.5 to 8% by weight, more preferably 1 to 6% by weight, more preferably 1.2 to 5% by weight and most preferably from 1.3 to 4.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to the invention it is further preferred if the total quantity of the oil, which has an interfacial tension towards water of less than 10 mN/m is in the range from 0.5 to 8% by weight, more preferably 1 to 6% by weight, more preferably 1.2 to 5% by weight and most preferably from 1.3 to 4.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to the invention it is further preferred if the total quantity of the oil, which has an interfacial tension towards water of less than 8 mN/m is in the range from 0.5 to 8% by weight, more preferably 1 to 6% by weight, more preferably 1.2 to 5% by weight and most preferably from 1.3 to 4.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to the invention it is further preferred if the total quantity of the PPG-15 stearyl ether and/or ricinus communis seed oil is in the range from 0.5 to 8% by weight, more preferably 1 to 6% by weight, more preferably 1.2 to 5% by weight and most preferably from 1.3 to 4.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to the invention it is further preferred if the total quantity of the PPG-15 stearyl ether is in the range from 0.5 to 8% by weight, more preferably 1 to 6% by weight, more preferably 1.2 to 5% by weight and most preferably from 1.3 to 4.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to the invention it is preferred if the ratio of the total quantity of the emulsifier to the total quantity of the oil phase is in the range from 1:1 to 1:7, more preferably 1:1.1 to 1:4, more preferably 1:1.2 to 1:3 and most preferably 1:1.4 to 1:2.8. It is noted that by definition emulsifier and surfactants are not calculated to the total quantity of the oil phase.

In one embodiment of the invention preferred emulsifier are nonionic emulsifier. Although, basically all nonionic emulsifier can be contained in the emulsion of the invention, some emulsifiers were found to be particularly beneficial for the effect described. Preferred nonionic emulsifier are selected from oleth-20, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil.

It is particularly preferred are glyceryl stearate and/or glyceryl stearate SE.

According to the invention it is preferred if the ratio of the total quantity of the nonionic emulsifier to the total quantity of the oil phase is in the range from 1:1 to 1:7, more preferably 1:1.1 to 1:4, more preferably 1:1.2 to 1:3 and most preferably 1:1.4 to 1:2.8. It is noted that by definition emulsifier and surfactants are not calculated to the total quantity of the oil phase.

In particular it is preferred if the total quantity of the nonionic emulsifier selected from oleth- 20, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil to the total quantity of the oil phase is in the range from 1:1 to 1:7, more preferably 1:1.1 to 1:4, more preferably 1:1.2 to 1:3 and most preferably 1:1.4 to 1:2.8. It is noted that by definition emulsifier and surfactants are not calculated to the total quantity of the oil phase.

In another embodiment of the invention it is preferred, if the emulsifier are anionic emulsifier, advantageously selected from the group of anionic emulsifier having a hlb value ranging from 8 to 18, in particular from 10 to 15.

According to the invention it is preferred if the ratio of the total quantity of the anionic emulsifier selected from the group of anionic emulsifier having a hlb value ranging from 8 to 18, in particular 10 to 15, to the total quantity of the oil phase is in the range from 1:1 to 1:7, more preferably 1:1.1 to 1:4, more preferably 1:1.2 to 1:3 and most preferably 1:1.4. It is noted that by definition emulsifier and surfactants are not calculated to the total quantity of the oil phase.

Preferred are anionic emulsifier selected from glyceryl stearate citrate and glyceryl citrate. Accordingly it is also preferred in some embodiments that glyceryl stearate citrate and/or glyceryl citrate are contained and the ratio of the total quantity of glyceryl stearate citrate and/or glyceryl citrate to the total quantity of the oil phase is in the range from 1:1 to 1:7, more preferably 1:1.1 to 1:4, more preferably 1:1.2 to 1:3 and most preferably 1:1.4.

In still another embodiment it is preferred if the comprises anionic and/or nonionic emulsifier, whereby glyceryl stearate citrate, glyceryl citrate, oleth-20, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE and/or PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil are preferred. In that case it is further preferred if the ratio of the total quantity of glyceryl stearate citrate, glyceryl citrate, oleth-20, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE and/or PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil to the total quantity of the oil phase is in the range from 1:1 to 1:7, more preferably 1:1.1 to 1:4, more preferably 1:1.2 to 1:3 and most preferably 1:1.4.

The following description is valid for all embodiments disclosed above.

Generally it is preferred if the emulsifier used is not a fatty acid. Preferred emulsions are accordingly characterized in that no fatty acid is contained. Fatty acids are primary acids comprising 10 to 30 carbon atoms.

In addition, it is beneficial if the oil phase of the emulsion comprises further oil and wax compounds, which are preferably characterized in that they have an interfacial tension towards water of at least 20 mN/m. Preferred oils of that group are paraffinum liquidum and silicone oils, in particular dimethicone.

If dimethicone is contained it is preferred if the total amount of dimethicone is limited to 3% by weight, more preferably to 2% by weight.

If a silicone oil is contained it is preferred if the total amount of silicone oils is limited to 3% by weight, more preferably to 2% by weight.

If paraffinum liquidum is contained it is also preferred the total amount of paraffinum liquidum is limited to 2.5% by weight, more preferably to 1.6% by weight.

An embodiment of the present invention that is advantageous according to the invention is characterized in that the emulsion is a sunscreen. Such an advantageous sunscreen typically offers a high sun protection factor (SPF), e.g. SPF 25. Accordingly the emulsion comprises preferably at least one organic UV filter. According to the invention, the UV filters are the substances that are known from Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, including all changes and corrections made until November 1, 2017. Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The amendments and corrections can be found on the website http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html.

Such sunscreen emulsions according to the invention are advantageously characterized in that the emulsion comprises one or more organic UV-A filters selected from the group of the compounds 4- (tert-butyl) -4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane and 2- (4'-diethylamino-2 ' - hydroxybenzoyl) -benzoic acid hexyl ester.

It is inventively preferred if the organic UV-A filter compound 4- (tert-butyl) -4'- methoxydibenzoylmethane is used.

The advantageous total use according to the invention for the organic UV-A filter, in particular 4- (tert-butyl) -4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane and/or 2- (4'-diethylamino-2'- hydroxybenzoyl) - benzoic acid hexyl ester, is/are from 1 to 5 weight -%, preferably 1.5 to 4.5% by weight, particularly preferably 2 to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion.

Embodiments of the present invention which are advantageous according to the invention are characterized in that the emulsion contains one or more organic UV filters selected from the group of the compounds 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulphonic acid and/or salts thereof; phenylene-1,4-bis(2-benzimidazyl)-3,3'-5,5'-tetrasulphonic acid salts; 1,4-di(2-oxo-10-sulpho- 3-bornylidenemethyl)benzene and salts thereof; 4-(2-oxo-3- bornylidenemethyl)benzenesulphonic acid salts; 2-methyl-5-(2-oxo-3- bornylidenemethyl)sulphonic acid salts; 2,2'-methylenebis(6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4- (1,1 , 3, 3-tetramethyl butyl) phenol); 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methyl-6-[2-methyl-3-[1 ,3,3,3- tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]disiloxanyl]propyl]phenol ; 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor; 3-benzylidenecamphor; terephthalidenedicamphorsulphonic acid; 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3- diphenylacrylate; 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate; amyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate; di(2-ethylhexyl) 4-methoxybenzalmalonate; 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate; isoamyl 4- methoxycinnamate; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4'- methylbenzophenone; 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; homomenthyl salicylate; 2- ethylhexyl 2- hydroxy benzoate; dimethicodiethylbenzalmalonate; 3-(4-(2,2- bisethoxycarbonylvinyl)phenoxy)propenyl)methoxysiloxane/dime thylsiloxan e copolymer; dioctylbutylamidotriazone (INCI: Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone); 2,4-bis[5-1 (dimethylpropyl)benzoxazol-2-yl(4-phenyl)imino]-6-(2-ethylhe xyl)imino-1,3,5-triazine with (CAS No. 288254-16-0); tris(2-ethylhexyl) 4,4',4"-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6- triyltriimino)trisbenzoate (also: 2,4,6-tris[anilino(p-carbo-2'-ethyl-1 '- hexyl oxy)]-1 ,3,5-triazine (INCI: Ethylhexyl Triazone); 2,4,6-tribiphenyl-4-yl-1 ,3,5-triazine; merocyanine.

It is inventively preferred if the emulsion contains 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and / or salts thereof. For the case that the emulsion contains 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and / or salts the total quantity of those substances is preferably in the range from 1 to 5% by weight, more preferably 1.5 to 4.5% by weight and most preferably 2 to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion.

It is further advantageous if the emulsion comprises 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3- diphenylacrylate (octocrylene), whereby it is further preferred if the total quantity of this substance is in the range from 1 to 5% by weight, preferably 1.5 to 4% by weight, particularly preferably 2 to 3.5% by weight based on the total emulsion.

It is in particular preferred if the combination of 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and / or salts, 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate and 4- (tert-butyl) -4'- methoxydibenzoylmethane is contained in the emulsion. In the case this combination is contained it is further preferred if no further UV filter are contained. In the case this combination is contained it is preferred, if the total quantity of this combination is in the range from 2 to 11 % by weight, more preferably from 3 to 9.5% by weight and most preferably 4 to 7% by weight calculated to the total weight of the emulsion.

Moreover, the cosmetic emulsions of the present invention are preferably free from inorganic UV-filter, especially free from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is especially preferred, if the total quantity of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in the cosmetic emulsion of the present invention is less than 0.1% by weight and more preferably 0% by weight, calculated to the total weight of the composition.

According to the invention, it is further preferred if the cosmetic emulsion contains phenoxyethanol. In the case the cosmetic emulsion contains phenoxyethanol the total quantity of phenoxyethanol is preferably in the range from 0.1 % by weight to 2% by weight and more preferably from 0.4% by weight to 1% by weight, calculated to the total weight of the emulsion. Moreover, preferred cosmetic emulsions of the present invention are therein characterized that they contain ethylhexylglycerin, whereby it is further preferred if the total quantity of ethylhexylglycerin is in the range from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the cosmetic emulsions does not contain an alkylparabene such as methyl parabene and/or butyl parabene.

According to the invention it is further preferred if the emulsion comprises at least one polymeric rheology modifier. The term “polymeric rheology modifier” is understood as a polymer which increases the viscosity of the emulsion if added to it. Preferred are the polymeric rheology modifier selected from the group carbomer, xanthan gum and hydroxyethylcellulose. Most preferred are carbomer and/or xanthan gum.

The total quantity of the polymeric rheology modifier is preferably in the range from 0.01 to 0.8% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 0.5% by weight and most preferably 0.15 to 0.4% by weight, calculated to the total weight of the emulsion.

In addition, preferred cosmetic emulsions are characterized in that they contain ethanol. In the case that ethanol is contained in the emulsions according to the invention, it if further preferred if the total quantity of ethanol is in the range from 2% by weight to 6% by weight, calculated to the total weight of the emulsion.

Further, it is preferred if the emulsion comprises glycerol, whereby it is further preferred if the total quantity of glycerol is at least 2% by weight, more preferably at least 2.5% by weight, more preferably at least 3% by weight, more preferably at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 6% by weight, more preferably at least 7% by weight, more preferably at least 8% by weight, more preferably at least 9% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 11% by weight, more preferably at least 12% by weight; and whereby the total quantity of glycerol should not exceed 14% by weight, calculated to the total weight of the emulsion.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are further characterized in that the emulsion comprises at least cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and/or cetearyl alcohol. In the case cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and/or cetearyl alcohol are contained, the total quantity of those substance is preferably in the range from 0.5 to 3.5% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 2.2% by weight, calculated to the total weight of the emulsion. Additionally, it is preferred according to the invention if the total quantity of water is in the range from 65% to 95% by weight, more preferably from 68% to 93% by weight and most preferably from 70% to 87% by weight, calculated to the total weight of the emulsion.

According to the invention the cosmetic emulsion may preferably contain at least one compound selected from the group of limonene, linalool, citral, alpha-isomethylionone and geraniol.

Embodiments of the present invention which are advantageous according to the invention are characterized in that the cosmetic emulsion contains as further ingredients one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, phytoene, D-biotin, coenzyme Q10, alpha-glucosylrutin, carnitine, carnosine, natural and / or synthetic isoflavonoids, flavonoids, creatine, creatinine, taurine, b-alanine, tocopheryl acetate, dihydroxyacetone, glycyrrhetinic acid, 8-hexadecene-1 , 16-dicarboxylic acid, glycerylglycose, (2-hydroxyethyl) urea and / or licochalcone A.

Additionally, preferred cosmetic compositions of the present invention are therein characterized that they have a viscosity in the range from 800 mPa-s to 10000 mPa-s, preferably 1500 mPa-s to 8000 mPa-s and most preferably 2000 mPa-s to 6000 mPa-s whereby the viscosity is measured using a Brookfield RV viscometer, spindle RV 4, 20 rpm without Helipath, at 20°C ambient temperature and 20°C sample temperature.

According to the invention it is further preferred if the cosmetic emulsion has a pH value in the range from 4.5 to 8.

Examples:

The following examples should illustrate the compositions of this invention, without intending to limit the invention to these examples. The numerical values in the examples are percentages by weight, based on the total weight of the preparations.

The following methodology was applied to analyze the effective removal of particulate matter after conditioning the skin with a composition followed by the exposure of the skin to particulate matter.

A group of participants has been selected for the study. The forearms of the participants were prepared by cleaning them with water, soap and ethanol. Afterwards several sections having a diameter of 2.5 cm were marked on the forearm. In each section 10 pi of one of the emulsions was applied. 30 minutes after application an excessive amount of charcoal powder (vegetable charcoal, 90% below 9.4 pm diameter, 10% below 2.5 pm diameter) was sprinkled over the marked sections ensuring that all sections were fully covered. The excessive amount of charcoal was then removed by flipping the arm 10 times until no further charcoal fell off.

To analyze the effectiveness of the removal of charcoal the marked sections were washed by pouring water onto the sections for 10 seconds. Afterwards, the amount of removed charcoal was optically evaluated by an expert panel using a scale ranging from 0 to 100. A value of 100 stands for a full removal of the charcoal. A value of 0 is chosen if the level of charcoal remaining on the skin is equal or worse compared to a skin section on which no emulsion was applied, but which was treated with charcoal as described above.

In some cases it was waited until the sections were dry again and the procedure was repeated starting from the application of charcoal. These experiments were performed to evaluate if the charcoal can be removed repeatedly after a single application of the emulsion.

The experimental results are indicated in the following table containing example formulations. All formulations designated with Com. X are reference example not according to the invention, whereby X is an integer. All formulations designated with Inv. Y are examples according to the invention, whereby Y is an integer.

Further experimental results were obtained using instead of charcoal titanium dioxide (hydrophilic), silica coated titanium dioxide, Nai-Tao-77891 (Titanium Dioxide (and) Disodium stearoyl glutamate (and) Aluminium hydroxide ; hydrophobic pigment), Cl 74160 (Phthalocyanine Blue BN) and dust collected in the filter of an air conditioning unit. The following formula was used in the panel test:

It was found that for all five kinds of particles the removal score with water was 100 after the first wash.

Accordingly, it can be validly stated that the invention covers all particulate matter independent of the surface charge and the kind of particles.

Further example compositions: