WO2025186365A1

WO2025186365A1 - Cosmetic powder formulation comprising viable microorganisms

Info

Publication number: WO2025186365A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/056091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anders Bech Bruntse
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2024-03-07
Filing date: 2025-03-06
Publication date: 2025-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-07
Also published as: WO2025186365A8

Abstract

The present invention relates to a topical powder composition comprising at least one a particulate solid, at least one viable stable microorganism, and at least one desiccant substance.

Description

COSMETIC POWDER FORMULATION COMPRISING VIABLE MICROORGANISMS

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a cosmetic powder, a method of preparing the same, and a make-up cosmetic composition comprising the same, and more specifically, to a cosmetic powder with skincare treatment effects by viable microorganisms.

Products based thereon are stable over prolonged periods of time and maintain the viability of microorganisms in the product. The invention has particular advantage when stabilizing live microorganisms in a powder composition for topical application of microorganisms.

The present invention relates to water free systems comprising viable microorganisms with a water activity Aw below 0.2. In particular, the present invention relates to powder compositions for topical use on skin or mucous membranes comprising at least one viable microorganism.

In particular, the present invention relates to stability of viable microorganisms in cosmetic powder products for topical application.

Background of the invention

There is considerable interest in the use of probiotic bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered at adequate levels (FAO WHO, 2006). However, to exert these benefits, the microorganisms must remain viable during the processing and storage of the product containing live probiotics. Considerable amount of research has been done to stabilize probiotics for oral consumption and ensure resistance to gastrointestinal fluids.

In order to meet the demand of skin care products comprising live microorganisms, it is necessary to develop stable compositions for topical use which can maintain viability of the microorganisms as well as secure activation of the microorganism when applied on skin or mucous membranes.

Topical powder formulations and products for cosmetic purposes are developed to have a long shelf life at room temperature and to be stable towards contamination and spoilage caused by microorganisms. The stability of viable probiotics in these topical powder formulations are limited, however, the use of probiotics in topical formulations could have a huge potential if viability can be maintained in the formulation. Topical cosmetic powder formulations contain water bound in the powder materials in these formulations, this bound water content in powders poses a problem for the storage stability of probiotics in their metabolically inactive condition. A second problem occurring in such topical cosmetic powder formulations, is that these generally contain agents, which are not compatible with the survival of microorganisms, such as preservatives, surfactants, antimicrobial agents, and other ingredients in order to protect such formulations against the growth of unwanted microorganisms as well as for forming stable powders.

The major problem observed when formulating live probiotic strains in these cosmetic powders is lack of viability at long term storage at room temperature.

Hence, it was an object of the present invention to provide a composition allowing for longterm storage of viable microorganisms in cosmetic powders, which does not substantially harm such microorganisms upon use thereof and which does activate the viable microorganisms when applied on the skin without further activation than applying the powder on skin.

Powder-based cosmetic products for skin care or make-up may be loose powders or compact powders. Powder-based cosmetic compositions, whether said powders are loose or compact, can be prepared via a process wherein the pulverulent materials such as the fillers and the pigments are mixed with a binder essentially composed of non-volatile fatty substances. The pulverulent ingredients/ materials as well as the final cosmetic powder still contain a significant amount of water. The water is bound to the powder, but the binding is not so strong that it prevents the water from turning in to water vapor detaching from the powder. The water activity of dry powder materials is typically above Aw 0.2. Starch and clay powders appears dry but do comprise a significant amount of water bound in the powder and hold an Aw of about 0.4.

A loose powder is generally prepared dry by simple mixing of the ingredients, optionally accompanied by milling and/or screening.

Compact powders are generally prepared by mixing all the components of the pulverulent phase and then adding a binding fatty phase to this mixture with stirring. The mixture is then milled, screened, and then poured into a dish and compacted. The compacting is typically carried out at a pressure of from 5 to 25 MPa. A compact powder is different from a "cast" composition, which is prepared by heating a fatty phase that is solid at ambient temperature and that needs to be melted in order for it to be mixed with pulverulent materials. Compact powders have, compared with cast compositions, a better ability to crumble when the composition is taken up for the purpose of applying it to the skin.

The "cast-baked" method comprises a step of diluting the powders in a solvent at ambient temperature in order to prepare a slurry, in depositing obtained pieces of the slurry on a ceramic plate, and then in baking the product in an oven. The dried powder cakes are then worked into the shape of the casing which must serve as packaging. The ceramic support to which the powder cake adheres remains connected to the composition with which it is therefore packaged. Another method comprises a step of casting the slurry into moulds, and then in removing the solvent contained in the slurry, for example, by suction, by pressing or by means of an absorbent material.

All these processes for preparing a cosmetic powder does not remove the water bound in the pulverulent ingredients/ materials and the Aw is still about 0.2 or more in the powder and in the final cosmetic product.

The present invention aims to propose novel powder-based cosmetic compositions with water activity (Aw) below 0.15 which improve the stability of viable microorganisms in this type of formulations as well as allowing for activation of the microorganisms from an inactive form to an active form when applied topical to skin.

The purpose of the invention is to solve the technical problems with survival of probiotic microorganisms in cosmetic powders in a way that can be used on the industrial scale, in particular in the cosmetics industry.

Summary of the invention

Thus, an object of the present invention relates to topical cosmetic powder compositions with increased stability comprising viable microorganisms and a desiccant. Use of such composition and a method of preparing such composition.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a topical cosmetic powder composition where stability of live microorganisms, in particular added live microorganisms, is improved. An aspect of the present invention relates to a topical cosmetic powder composition comprising at least one particulate solid phase, at least one viable microorganism, at least one desiccant, wherein the desiccant is characterized by being able to absorb or adsorb water in the composition with a relative humidity of less than 10%.

An aspect of the present invention the composition further comprises at least one nonvolatile anhydrous liquid phase.

Yet an aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a powder composition according to the present invention on skin, scalp, foot, hair, mucous membranes or genitals of a mammal.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising the topical powder composition according to the present invention in a cosmetic, in a cosmeceutical, or in a medicament, for the treatment or prevention of a disease, dysfunction or disorder.

Still a further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a desiccant substance to stabilize viable microorganisms in a topical powder composition. Wherein the desiccant is able to adsorp or absorp water at a relative humidity below 30%, more preferable below 20% more preferable below 15%.

Still a further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for providing a topical cosmetic powder composition comprising a desiccant, at least one viable microorganism and particulate solid phase wherein the particulate solid phase is subjected to a step of dehydration or partly dehydration before being mixed into the powder composition.

Yet an aspect of the present invention relates to a process for producing an topical powder composition, the method comprises the steps of:

Providing a particulate solid;

Dry the particulate solid to remove bound water and reduce the water activity to Aw below 0.15;

Add viable freeze dried microorganisms;

Add a desiccant with the properties of being able to adsorp or absorp water at a relative humidity below 30%;

Homogenize the mixture;

Yet an aspect of the present invention relates to a process for producing a topical powder composition, the method comprises the steps of: Providing a particulate solid;

Add viable freeze dried microorganisms;

Homogenize the mixture;

A further aspect of the present invention relates to use of a topical powder composition according to the invention for topical cosmetic applications, for topical cosmeceutical applications for topical pharmaceutical applications.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to use of a topical powder composition according to the invention for a cosmetic, a prophylaxis medicament or a medicament for the treatment of a disease, dysfunction, or disorder.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to use of a topical powder composition according to the invention in a cosmetic product for anti-age, anti-acne, anti-dandruff treatment, for diaper rash, athletes foot, jock itch or the like.

The present invention will now be described in more detail in the following.

Detailed description of the invention

Thus, the present invention relates to a cosmetic composition in solid form, in particular in the form of a loose or compact powder, comprising:

(a) from 50 percent to 99 percent by weight, preferably from 70 percent to 90 percent by weight, of at least one particulate solid desiccant phase, characterized by being able to absorb or adsorb water in the composition with a relative humidity of less than 10%, and

(b) from 0.01 percent to 10 percent by weight, preferably from 0.05 percent to 2 percent by weight, of at least one viable microorganism, and

(c) from 0 percent to 50 percent by weight, preferably from 0.1 percent to 30 percent by weight, of at least one non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase.

In one embodiment, the sum of weight percentages of the particulate desiccant solid phase and the viable microorganisms equals 100 percent. The composition according to the invention has at least one of the following advantages compared with the prior art powders: its stability during storage is better, viability of the live microorganisms is improved during storage at room temperature, the microorganisms is activated by topical application to skin. In certain embodiments, all these advantages can be obtained simultaneously.

The composition (the topical composition) according to the present invention further comprises a non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase.

In one embodiment of the invention, the non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase is fatty binders used to agglomerate the powders. Increasing the amount of fatty binders makes it possible to increase the feeling of softness, or even of creaminess, of the composition when it is applied to the skin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the particulate solid desiccant phase comprises of a desiccant phase and a particulate solid phase. Increasing the amount of desiccant makes to composition able to absorb or adsorb more water. This increases its stability during storage, improving the viability of the live microorganisms during storage at room temperature.

In certain embodiments, the amount of non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase is 0 percent or less than 0.1 percent by weight allowing for a very loose powder formulation. In a particular embodiment the loose powder formulation is sprayable.

The composition applied to the skin, for example the baby powder for diaper rash, skin, foot, hair or scalp powder, make-up powders for face, eyelids or the cheeks, can provide application of viable microorganisms as active ingredients for skin care or skin treatment or as make-up, the microorganisms are kept in a dry form in the powder which easily takeup moisture from the skin and thereby activate the microorganism.

The composition preferably contains from 0.05 percent to 5 percent by weight, more preferably from 0.1 percent to 2 percent by weight, of the dried viable microorganism.

The particulate solid phase advantageously comprises of a mixture of pulverulent materials.

In one embodiment of the invention, the particulate solid phase comprise at least one particulate pigment and/or at least one particulate filler. The pigments may be chosen from mineral pigments, organic pigments and pearlescent pigments.

The mineral pigments may be chosen from iron oxides, in particular black, yellow, red and brown iron oxides; manganese violet; ultramarine blue; chromium oxides, in particular chromium oxide hydrate, Prussian blue, carbon black, and mixtures thereof.

Among the organic pigments, mention may in particular be made of the lakes obtained from dyes such as the dyes D and C Black No. 2, FD and C Blue No. 1, FD and C Green No. 3, D and C Green No. 5, D and C Orange No. 4, D and C Orange No. 5, D and C orange No. 10, D and C No. red 3, D and C Red No. 6, D and C Red No. 7, D and C red No. 9, D and C red No. 13, D and C red No. 19, D and C Red No. 21, D and C Red No. 22, D and C Red No. 27, D and C Red No. 28, D and C Red No. 30, D and C Red No. 33, D and C Red No. 36, FD and C Red No. 40, FD and C Yellow No. 5, FD and C Yellow No. 6, D and C Yellow No. 10 and cochineal carmine.

The pearlescent pigments are, for example, chosen from mica coated with titanium oxide, titanium-mica coated with iron oxide, titanium-mica coated with Prussian blue, titanium- mica coated with chromium oxide, titanium-mica coated with an organic pigment as described above, and also pigments based on bismuth oxychloride.

The filters may be mineral or organic, and of any shape, platelet-shaped, spherical or oblong.

The fillers are chosen in particular from inorganic fillers such as: talc, preferably in the form of particles having dimensions of less than 40 pm; micas of natural or synthetic origin having dimensions of from 2 to 200 pm, preferably from 5 to 70 pm, and a thickness of from 0.1 to 5 pm, preferably from 0.2 to 3 pm; kaolin having particle sizes of generally less than 30 pm; metal soaps derived from organic carboxylic acids containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, for example zinc stearate, magnesium stearate or lithium stearate, zinc laurate or magnesium myristate, preferably in the form of particles having dimensions of less than 10 pm; zinc oxides, titanium oxides; calcium carbonate; magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydrogen carbonate, silica, glass beads, ceramic beads; and mixtures thereof.

As fillers, use may also be made of organic fillers such as: crosslinked or noncrosslinked starches, for example tapioca, maize, wheat or rice starches; natural powders, for example turmeric root powder, arrow root powder, liquorice root powder, as well as crosslinked or noncrosslinked, spheronized or nonspheronized, expanded or nonexpanded powders of synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene powders, polyester powders (for example isophthalate or terephthalate), polyamide powders (for example poly- beta -alanine powders and nylon powders such as those sold under the name Orgasol(R)), poly(meth)acrylic acid or poly(meth)acrylate powders such as crosslinked methyl methacrylate powders, polyurethane powders such as the copolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate and of trimethylol hexyl lactone sold under the names Plastic Powder(R) D-400 and Plastic Powder(R) D-800 by the company Toshiki, divinylbenzene-crosslinked polystyrene powders, silicone resin powders such as silsesquioxanes, or tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon(R)) powders; and mixtures thereof. Advantageously, the composition of the invention may contain large proportions of spherical powders, for compression to compact powder of these a copolymer can former be added to keep satisfactory cohesion. This is because it is generally necessary to apply high compression forces in order to cause the particles of spherical powders to adhere to one another since they have a tendency to roll and slide over one another. The copolymer used in the composition according to the invention makes it possible to render these particles cohesive without having to compact them at a high pressure.

The fillers advantageously have an average diameter of greater than 100 pm and less than 200 pm, and more particularly a diameter of between 5 and 150 pm.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the main particulate solid is a starch.

A powder composition according to the invention may comprise a pearlescent agent as part of the particulate solid. The pearlescent agents can be selected from pearlescent pigments such as titanium mica coated with iron oxide, titanium mica coated with bismuth oxychloride, titanium mica coated with chromium oxide, titanium mica coated with an organic dye, and pearlescent pigments based on bismuth oxychloride. It may also be mica particles on the surface which are at least two superimposed layers of metal oxides and I or organic dyes.

In one embodiment the composition of the invention further contains at least one nonvolatile anhydrous liquid phase.

The viable microorganism incorporated in the powder-based cosmetic composition is as an active agent. The preferred activity of the microorganism are chosen from the effects: probiotic activity; activity on dysbiosis; re-generating microbial balance; anti-ageing activity; depigmenting or a lightening activity on the skin; moisturizing activity; anti-acne activity; anti-dandruff activity; calming, soothing or relaxing activity; and mixtures thereof.

"Desiccant" according to the present invention is a substance being able to adsorb or absorb at a low relative humidity in a powder composition.

Desiccant substances of the invention are desiccants that attract water molecules, either by adsorption or absorption, from the particulate solid phase at a low relative humidity below 30%, resulting in a powder composition with a water activity (Aw) below 0.15.

A desiccant adsorb water by holding the water molecules as a thin film on the outside surface of the desiccant or on internal surfaces within the desiccant molecule.

A desiccant absorb water by take in, or soak up the water molecule by chemical or physical

Important functionality of the desiccant of the invention is, that the desiccant is able to adsorb or absorb water molecules in the powder compositions with very low water content, thereby not allowing this water to become available for the dried viable microorganism.

The composition is advantageously devoid of surfactants and/or preservatives.

The composition of the invention may have various cosmetic uses, and in particular may serve as a foundation, a hair powder, a scalp powder, a foot powder, a complexion base, a body makeup powder, a care powder, a face makeup powder, a blusher or face powder, an eyeshadow, a complexion illuminator, an antisun powder, or a protective complexion powder.

A subject of the invention, according to one of its aspects, is a process for manufacturing the powder-based composition described above, which process comprises:

(i) drying the particulate solid phase for bound water to a water activity Aw below 0.15,

(ii) mixing solid phase with at least one dried viable microorganism and at least one desiccant,

(iii) and optional mixing with non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase

The process of the present invention makes it possible to advantageously obtain a dry cosmetic composition comprising viable microorganisms with prolonged stability and viability at room temperature. The drying may comprise a step of exposing the particulate solid phase to a stream of air, to infrared radiation, to microwave radiation, freeze drying or in an oven.

The drying may also comprise a step of heating in an oven adjusted to a temperature ranging from 30 to 70 degrees centigrade, preferably ranging from 40 to 60 degrees centigrade Usually, the drying of the composition may be complete after a period ranging from four to ten hours under these conditions. The pressure in the oven is preferably atmospheric pressure, and the humidity level in the oven is preferably controlled at between 70 percent and 90 percent relative humidity.

A composition according to the invention is a powder composition, which be in the form of a "compact" or a "loose" powder. Preferably, a powder composition of the invention is a loose powder.

"Pigments" should be understood as meaning white or colored, inorganic or organic, insoluble in an aqueous solution. A composition of the invention may comprise from 0.01 percent to 40 percent by weight, especially from 0.1 percent to 20 percent by weight and especially from 1 percent to 15 percent by weight of pigments, compared to the total weight of said composition. As mineral pigments used in the invention include oxides or titanium dioxide, zirconium or cerium and oxides of zinc, iron or chromium oxide, ferric blue, manganese violet, ultramarine blue and chromium hydrate, and mixtures thereof. It can also be a pigment having a structure that can be for example of sericite I brown iron oxide I titanium dioxide I silica.

In one embodiment of the invention the powder composition is without pigments. Such composition can be for application of active viable microorganisms to treat skin issues e.g. dandruff, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, itching, irritation etc.

The term "non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase" is intended to mean a phase comprising a non-volatile anhydrous liquid, i.e. a liquid which has a vapour pressure of less than 13 Pa at atmospheric pressure (approximately 0.1 MPa) and at ambient temperature (25 degrees centigrade). It is also possible to define a non-volatile anhydrous liquid as having a rate of evaporation such that the amount evaporated-off after 30 minutes is less than 0.07 mg/cm² under the temperature and pressure conditions defined above.

In one embodiment, this non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase contains at least one nonvolatile oil. This oil is preferably the major component by weight of said phase. For the purpose of the present invention, the term "oil" is intended to mean a compound that is liquid at ambient temperature (25 degrees centigrade) and at atmospheric pressure (approximately 0.1 MPa) and that is not soluble in water at 25 degrees centigrade at a concentration of at least 1 percent by weight relative to the weight of water.

The non-volatile oil may be chosen from those normally used in the cosmetics industry and particularly from linear or branched hydrocarbons, fatty acids which are optionally branched and/or unsaturated, fatty alcohols which are optionally branched and/or unsaturated, fatty acid and/or fatty alcohol esters or polyesters, non-volatile silicone oils, and mixtures thereof.

The composition of the invention may optionally comprise agents for structuring or gelling the non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase, in particular pasty fatty substances or waxes, of animal, plant, mineral or synthetic origin, polyorganosiloxanes, silicone polyamides comprising siloxane units, hydrocarbon-based polyamides, homopolymers and copolymers comprising urethane and/or urea units, block copolymers and homopolymers comprising at least one sequence of styrene units or derivatives and at least one sequence of olefin units and/or derivatives.

The term "oil", while fat in liquid form at room temperature at atmospheric pressure. A composition of the invention may comprise a content of less than 15 percent by weight and preferably less than 10 percent by weight, especially less than 8 percent by weight and preferably less than 5 percent by weight of phase (s) fat (s) liquid (s), compared to the total weight of said composition. An oil phase suitable for preparing cosmetic compositions of the invention may include hydrocarbon oils, silicone, or mixtures thereof.

The oils are preferably nonvolatile.

They can be animal, vegetable, mineral or synthetic. According to one embodiment, the vegetable oils are preferred. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "nonvolatile oil" means an oil having a vapor pressure less than 0.13 Pa. As non-volatile hydrocarbon oils, hydrocarbon oils of vegetable origin, such as phytostearyl esters, such as phytostearyl oleate, isostearate physostearyle and lauroyl glutamate I octyldodecyl I phytostearyl, triglycerides comprising of fatty acid esters and glycerol, in particular, including 15 fatty acids may have chain lengths ranging from C4 to C36, and, in particular, C18 C36, these oils can be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, such oils may in particular be of heptanoic or octanoic triglycerides, shea oil, alfalfa, poppy, millet, d barley, rye, candlenut, passionflower, the shea butter, aloe oil, almond oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil, avocado oil, baobab oil, borage oil, broccoli, calendula oil, camelina oil, canola oil, the 'carrot oil, safflower oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, oil, pumpkin seed oil, wheat germ, jojoba oil, oil of lilies, macadamia oil, corn oil, Meadowfoam oil, oil of St. John's wort oil, Monoi 25, hazelnut oil, the apricot kernel oil, walnut oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, palm oil, oil of black currant seed oil, kiwi seed oil, grapeseed oil, pistachio oil, pumpkin oil, pumpkin oil, quinoa oil, rose hip oil, sesame oil, soybeans, sunflower oil, castor oil, and oil watermelon, and mixtures thereof, or of triglycerides of 30 caprylic I capric acids, such as those sold by the Company Stearineries Dubois or those sold under the names Miglyol 810 (R), 812 (R) and 818 (R) by the company Dynamit Nobel, - synthetic ethers containing from 10 to 40 carbon atoms, such as ether dicapryl - synthetic esters, such as oils R1000R2 of formula in which R represents a residue of a linear or branched fatty acid having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and R2 represents a hydrocarbon chain, including branched containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms provided that RI R2 or 10. The esters may be, in particular, selected from esters of alcohol and fatty acid, for example, cetostearyl octanoate, esters of isopropyl alcohol, such as myristate, isopropyl palmitate isopropyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, 2-ethyl-hexyl, isopropyl stearate, octyl stearate, hydroxylated esters such as isostearyl lactate, octyl hydroxystearate, the ricinoleates alcohols or polyalcohols, hexyl laurate, esters neopentanoic acid, such as isodecyl neopentanoate, neopentanoate isotridecyl esters isononanoic acid such as isononyl isononanoate, the 'isotridecyl isononanoate, - polyol esters and pentaerythritol esters, such as tetra hydroxystea rate I tetra isostea rate dipentaerythritol, - fatty alcohols, liquid at room temperature has a branched and I or unsaturated having from 12 to 26 carbon atoms, such as 2-octyl dodecanol, isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, - higher fatty acids, C12-C22, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and mixtures thereof, - carbonates di-alkyl, the two alkyl chains may be identical or different, such as dicaprylyl carbonate sold under the name CETIOL CC (R) by Cognis, and - oils with high molecular weight, in particular, a molar mass ranging about 400 to about 2000 g I mol, in particular, about 650 to about 1600 g I mol. As high molecular weight oil used in the present invention, mention may be made esters of linear fatty acids having a total carbon number ranging from 35 to 70, as pentaerythrityl tetrapelargonate, hydroxy esters, such as triisostearate polyglyceryl-2, aromatic esters such as tridecyl trimellitate, esters of fatty alcohols or fatty acids C24-C28 branched, such as those described in the patent US 6,491,927 and esters of pentaerythritol, and in particular, triisoarachidyle citrate, glyceryl triisostearate, sorting tetradecanoate decyl-2, glyceryl tetra isostea rate polyglyceryleu2 or the tetra decyl-2 tetradecanoate pentaerythrityl, phenyl silicones such as BELSIL PDM 1000 from Wacker (MM = 9000 g I mol), polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) non-volatile, PDMS comprising alkyl or alkoxy pendant and I or silicone chain end, groups each containing from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, phenyl silicones such as phenyl trimethicones, phenyl dimethicone, phenyl trimethylsiloxy, diphenyl dimethicone, diphenyl methyldiphenyl trisiloxanes and 2-phenylethyl trimethylsiloxysilicates, or phenyl dimethicone viscosity of less than or equal to 100 cSt, and mixtures thereof, and mixtures of these different oils. A composition of the invention may comprise from 0.1 percent to 10 percent by weight, preferably from 0.5 percent to 5 percent by weight of oil (s) non-volatile (s), compared to the total weight of the composition.

A further cosmetic additives of the invention can also comprise any additive usually used in relation to, for example, chosen from waxes, pasty compounds, gums, semi-crystalline polymers, antioxidants, essential oils, preservatives, fragrances, neutralizing agents, antiseptic agents, protective agents against UV, and mixtures thereof. It is a routine operations of the skilled artisan to adjust the nature and amount of additives in the compositions of the invention, so that the cosmetic properties, including comfort, hydration and the desired stability of the latter are not affected.

According to one embodiment, a composition of the invention can advantageously be in the form of a powder foundation. This may be a composition in the form of a loose powder.

In an embodiment of the present invention the desiccant may be a salt hydrate which at standard atmospheric pressure and relative humidity between 45% and 75% will be fully hydrated or partly hydrated. The desiccant according to the present invention may dehydrate at a temperature above 20°C. More preferably the desiccant according to the present invention may dehydrate at a temperature above 25°C. More preferably the desiccant according to the present invention may dehydrate at a temperature above 30°C. More preferably the desiccant salt according to the present invention may dehydrate at a temperature above 40°C. More preferably the desiccant according to the present invention may dehydrate at a temperature above 50°C.

In yet an embodiment of the present invention the desiccant substance according to the present invention may be a dry desiccant substance. Preferably, the dry desiccant substance comprises a moisture content below 8% (w/w), e.g. below 6% (w/w), such as below 4% (w/w), e.g. below 2% (w/w), such as below 1% (w/w), e.g. below 0.5% (w/w), such as below 0.1% (w/w), e.g. below 0.05% (w/w), such as below 0.01% (w/w).

In an embodiment of the present invention the desiccant substance may be represent in the range of 0.05 to 5% (w/w) of the powder composition, more preferable in the in the range of 0.075 to 4% (w/w), more preferable in the in the range of 0.1 to 2% (w/w), more preferable in the in the range of 0.15 to 1,75% (w/w), more preferable in the range of 0.2 to 1.5% (w/w). The desiccant may be able to adsorb or absorb water at room temperature at a low relative humidity below 0.6%, more preferably below 0.5%, more preferably below 0.4%.

Preferably, the desiccant substance may be able to adsorb or absorb water to decrease the water activity to Aw below 0.2, more preferably to an Aw below 0.15.

In an embodiment of the present invention the desiccant substance is the particular solid matter or part of the particulate solid matter.

Preferably, the desiccant substance may be a salt (a desiccant salt).

The desiccant substance may be distributed in the powder composition as salt crystals. Preferably, the desiccant substance may be dried and distributed in the powder composition as crystals, e.g. salt crystals. Preferably the salt crystals may have a size less than 500 pm, such as less than 400 pm, e.g. less than 300 pm, such as less than 200 pm, e.g. less than 100 pm, such as less than 75 pm, e.g. less than 50 pm, e.g. less than 30 pm, e.g. less than 10 pm.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the desiccant substance may be a salt (a desiccant salt). Preferably, the desiccant salt may be selected from calcium chloride (CaCk); magnesium sulfate (MgSCU), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), copper(II) sulfate (CuSCU), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), lithium chloride (LiCI), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or a combination hereof. Preferably, the desiccant salt may be selected from calcium chloride (CaCk); magnesium sulfate (MgSCU), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), or a combination hereof.

The weight ratio of the desiccant substance to the viable microorganism is in the range from 10: 1 to 1 : 10, such as in the range of 8: 1 to 1 :8, e.g. in the range of 6: 1 to 1 :6, such as in the range of 4:1 to 1 :4, e.g. in the range of 2: 1 to 1 :2, such as about 1 : 1.

The present invention relates to and powder composition comprising live microorganisms including any bacteria, archaea, phages, viruses, yeast or fungi or any combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention the viable microorganism may be a probiotic viable microorganism.

Examples of suitable probiotic microorganisms include bacteria such as the genera Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Fusobacterium, Melissococcus, Propionibacterium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, Staphylococcus, Peptostrepococcus, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Micrococcus, Leuconostoc, Weissella, Aerococcus, Oenococcus, Cutibacterium, Lactobacillus, Lactiplantbacillus, Holzapfelia, Amylolactobacillus, Bombilactobacillus, Companilactobacillus, Lapidilactobacillus, Agrilactobacillus, Schleiferilactobacillus, Loigolactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Latilactobacillus, Dellaglioa, Liquorilactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, Furfurilactobacillus, Paucilactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Fructilactobacillus, Acetilactobacillus, Apilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Secundilactobacillus, Lentilactobacillus, Aerococcus, Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Oenococcus, Sporolactobacillus, Nitrosomonas, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus, and Weissella as well as yeasts such as Saccharomyces, Debaromyces, Candida, Pichia and Torulopsis, moulds such as Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Mucor, and Penicillium and Torulopsis.

The most commonly used probiotics are strains of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In an embodiment of the present invention, the viable microorganism may be a lactic acid bacteria (LAB).

These LAB are considered non-pathogenic and are used as probiotic bacteria in general to improve gastrointestinal flora and in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms. The present invention may relate to stabilization of any viable microorganisms in an anhydrous composition for topical application. The bacteria are preferably selected among the genera Lactobacillus, Lactiplantbacillus, Holzapfelia, Amylolactobacillus, Bombilactobacillus, Companilactobacillus, Lapidilactobacillus, Agrilactobacillus, Schleiferilactobacillus, Loigolactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Latilactobacillus, Dellaglioa, Liquorilactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, Furfurilactobacillus, Paucilactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Fructilactobacillus, Acetilactobacillus, Apilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Secundilactobacillus, Lentilactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Bifidobacterium, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Aerococcus, Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Oenococcus, Sporolactobacillus, Tetragenococcus, Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, Probionibacterium, Vagococcus, and Weissella.

The preferred microorganisms may be bacteria, in particular probiotic bacteria. The probiotic bacteria may preferably be selected from the group comprising Lactococcus lactis, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Lactobacillus amylolyticus, Lactobacillus alimentarius, Lactobacillus aviaries, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus diolivorans, Lactobacillus farciminis, Lactobacillus gallinarum, Lacticaseibacillus easel, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus hilgardii, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus mucosae, Lactobacillus panis, Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum, Lactobacillus pontis, Latilactobacillus sake!, Lactobacillus saliverius, Lactobacillus sanfraciscensis, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus collinoides, Lactobacillus coryniformis, Lactobacillus curvatus, Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus fructivorans, Lactobacillus hilgardii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus ingluviei, Weissella viridescens, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Carnobacterium divergens, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Leuconostoc citreum, Leuconostoc lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, Oenococcus oeni, Pasteuria nishizawae, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus dextrinicus, Pediococcus parvulus, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Probionibacterium freudenreichii, Probionibacterium acidipropoinici, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus flexus, Bacillus fusiformis, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus lichen! formis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus vallismortis, Geobacillus stearothermophilus or mutants thereof.

In another aspect of the invention the probiotic microorganism may be selected from the genera related to the natural healthy skin microbiome including genera Lactobacillus, Lactiplantbacillus, Holzapfelia, Amylolactobacillus, Bombilactobacillus, Companilactobacillus, Lapidilactobacillus, Agrilactobacillus, Schleiferilactobacillus, Loigolactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Latilactobacillus, Dellaglioa, Liquorilactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, Furfurilactobacillus, Paucilactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Fructilactobacillus, Acetilactobacillus, Apilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Secundilactobacillus, Lentilactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Probionibacterium, Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, Nitrosomonas, Corynebacterium , Malassezia, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, and/or Epicoccum.

In embodiment of the present invention the probiotic strain may be Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Cutibacterium acnes (Probionibacterium acnes , Nitrosomonas eutropha or any combinations thereof.

In a further embodiment of the invention the probiotic strain may be a Gram-positive bacteria.

The powder composition according to the present invention may comprise at least one bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB356R (DSM 33094), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R (DSM 32996), Lactobacillus crispatus LB714R (DSM 33732), Pediococcus pentosaceus LB606R (DSM 33730), Weissella viridescens LB10G (DSM 32906), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB113R (DSM 32907), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB116R (DSM 32908), Levilactobacillus brevis LB152G (DSM 32995), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB28R (DSM 32994), Enterococcus faecium LB276R (DSM 32997), Leuconostoc mesenteriodes LB349R (DSM 33093), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB316R (DSM 33091), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB312R (DSM 33098), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB679R (DSM 33731), Lactobacillus gasseri LB905R (DSM 34094), Lactobacillus crispatus LB912R (DSM 34095), Lactobacillus crispatus LB919R (DSM 34097), Lactobacillus jensenii LB918R (DSM 34096), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB555R (DSM 34249), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB681R (DSM 34250), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB948R (DSM 34251), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB958R (DSM 34252), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB721R (DSM 34491), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB760R (DSM 34492), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB990R (DSM 34494) Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB857R (DSM 34493); and/or any combinations hereof and/or any mutant strains.

In an embodiment of the present invention the probiotic microorganism may be selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium lactis DSM10140, B. lactis LKM512, B. lactis DSM 20451, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB-225, Bifidobacterium adolescentis BB-102, Bifidobacterium breve BB-308, Bifidobacterium longum BB-536 from Zaidanhojin Nihon Bifizusukin Senta (Japan Bifidus Bacteria Center), Bifidobacterium NCIMB 41675 described in EP2823822. Bifidobacterium bifidum BB-225, Bifidobacterium adolescentis BB-102, Bifidobacterium breve BB-308, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (Howaru) available from International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Bifidobacterium lactis DN 173 010 available from Groupe Danone, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 available from Chr. Hansen A/S, Bifidobacterium lactis 420 Bifidobacterium breve Bb-03, B. lactis BI-04, B. lactis Bi-07, Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-02, Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-06, Bifidobacterium longum KC-1, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (Howaru), Streptococcus thermophilus 715, Streptococcus thermophilus ST21, Bifidobacterium longum 913, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus bulgaricus 1260 (International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.), Bifidobacterium breve M-16V (Morinaga) and/or a Lactobacillus having a probiotic effect and may be any of the following strains; Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG (Chr. Hansen), Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CRL431 (ATCC 55544), Lactobacillus paracasei strain F-19 from Medipharm, Inc. L. paracasei LAFTI L26 (DSM Food Specialties), Lactobacillus plantarum 299v available from Probi, L. paracasei CRL 431 (Chr. Hansen), Lactobacillus acidophilus PTA-4797, L. salivarius Ls-33 and L. curvatus 853 (International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.). Lactobacillus easel ssp. rhamnosus LC705 is described in Fl Patent 92498, Valio Oy, Lactobacillus DSM15527 (Bifodan), Lactobacillus DSM15526 (Bifodan), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) (ATCC 53103) is described in US Patent 5,032,399 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC705 (DSM 7061), Lactobacillus reuteri strains available from BioGaia e.g. Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475, Propionic acid bacterium e.g. Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii PJS (DSM 7067) described in greater details in FI Patent 92498, Valio Oy, Nitrosomonas eutropha D23 (ABIome), Staphylococcus hominis strains A9, C2, AMT2, AMT3, AMT4-C2, AMT4-GI, and/or AMT4- D12. (all from Matrisys Bioscience), L. rhamnosus PB01, L. gasseri EB01, L. curvatus EB10, L. acidophilus 5, Bifidobacterium animalis ssplactis 12, Bifidobacterium longum 536 all available from Bifodan A/S. Staphylococcus epidermidis strains M034, M038, All, AMT1, AMT5-C5, and/or AMT5-G6 (all from Matrisys Bioscience), L. plantarum YUN-V2.0 (BCCM LMG P-29456), L. pentosus YUN-V1.0 (BCCN LMG P-29455), L. rhamnosus YUN-S1.0 (BCCM LMG P-2961), Lactobacillus crispatus SJ-3C (ATCC PTA-10138), Lactobacillus crispatus CNCM 1-5579 available from BASF, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB356R (DSM 33094), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R (DSM 32996), Weissella viridescens LB10G (DSM 32906), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB113R (DSM 32907), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB116R (DSM 32908), Levilactobacillus brevis LB152G (DSM 32995), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB28R (DSM 32994), Enterococcus faecium LB276R (DSM 32997), Leuconostoc mesenteriodes LB349R (DSM 33093), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB316R (DSM 33091), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB312R (DSM 33098), Pediococcus pentosaceus LB606R (DSM 33730), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB679R (DSM 33731), Lactobacillus crispatus LB714R (DSM 33732), Lactobacillus gasseri LB905R (DSM 34094), Lactobacillus crispatus LB912R (DSM 34095), Lactobacillus crispatus LB919R (DSM 34097), Lactobacillus jensenii LB918R (DSM 34096), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB555R (DSM 34249), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB681R (DSM 34250), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB948R (DSM 34251), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB958R (DSM 34252), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB721R (DSM 34491), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB760R (DSM 34492), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB990R (DSM 34494) Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LB857R (DSM 34493); and any mutant strains hereof and any combinations hereof.

The microorganism, and in particular the viable microorganism, may be a bacterium or a mixture of bacterial strains.

The at least one viable microorganism according to the present invention may be provided in a crystal of a cryoprotectant.

The crystals comprising the microorganism may further comprise at least one further probiotic microorganism selected from the group consisting of bacteria, archaea, phages, virus, yeasts or molds or any combinations thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one further probiotic microorganism may be a bacterium.

The use of viable probiotics for topical application is very limited and most products are based on lysates of the in-activated probiotic strain to overcome the problems of maintaining viability of the microorganisms in the topical composition. The problems observed when formulating live probiotic strains in cosmetic formulations for topical application on the skin of mammals may include lack of viability and stability.

Compositions for topical applications are typically to be stable for months at room temperature, this is a major problem for maintaining viability of live probiotic microorganisms in skin care products.

The present invention solves the problem of stabilizing the live microorganisms, in particular the probiotic strains, in a composition for topical use on skin or mucous membranes.

The powder composition disclosed herein remain essentially free of unbound water and contain no more than a trace of water. The invention relates to topical powder compositions comprising only anhydrous ingredients and no added water. Further the particulate solids in the powder is dried out for water and hold an Aw of less than 0.15.

When used herein, the term topical may relate to formulations that are adapted for application to body surfaces (e.g. the skin, scalp, feet, hair or mucous membranes). Mucous membranes may include the mucosa of the vagina, the penis, the urethra, the bladder, the anus, the mouth, the nose and/or the ear.

The present invention relates to new methodologies and compositions for stabilization of live probiotic strains in a composition for topical use to skin and/or mucous membranes.

The utilization of these compositions comprising probiotic bacteria further facilitate the probiotic effects on skin of both humans and animals.

The present invention relates to methodologies for preparing an anhydrous composition comprising an anhydrous substance, at least one viable microorganism and a desiccant substance, wherein the desiccant is able to keep the Aw of the powder below 0.15.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a topical therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a skin disorder. The powder composition may advantageously further comprise other probiotics, prebiotics, or other active water-free powder substances and/or may preferably also contain one or more of the following substances selected from antioxidants, vitamins, coenzymes, fatty acids, amino acids, and cofactors.

In a preferred embodiment the antioxidant may be Vitamin E or a variant thereof (wherein the variants may be selected from alfa, beta, gamma, delta tocopherol, tocotrienols and tocomonoenols).

Preferably, the antioxidant may be tocopherol.

"Viability" of microorganisms may be measured as Colony Forming Units CFU. A "decrease" in viability of microorganisms may be determined as the difference in CFU/g or CFU/ml as compared to the CFU/g or CFU/ml at the time of formulating the composition.

A "decrease" in viability may be "statistically significant" as compared to the viability determined at the time of formulating the composition. Decrease may be measured as a log reduction and may include a log reduction of 0.1 or more, such as of 0.5 or more, e.g. of 1.0 or more, such as of 1.5 or more, e.g. of 2.0 or more, such as of 2.5 or more, e.g. of 3.0 or more, such as of 3.5 or more, e.g. of 4.0 or more, such as of 4.5 or more, e.g. of 5.0 or more.

The microorganisms according to the invention may be provided in isolated or purified form. The term "isolated" may mean that the microorganism is cultivated as a monoculture and may be derived from the culture medium including their natural medium. The term "purified" is not restricted to absolute purity.

The microorganisms may advantageously be present in viable dried form. Preferably, the viable microorganism may be a dried viable microorganism. The dried viable microorganism may be spray-dried or lyophilized or vacuum dried.

In an embodiment of the invention the probiotic strain may be used as a live isolated microorganism in a dried form. Preferably, the at least one viable microorganism may be a lyophilized microorganism, preferably a lyophilized microorganism comprising a cryoprotective agent.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the probiotic strain may be used as a viable isolated probiotic strain dried into a crystal of cryoprotectant. The crystal may comprise at least 2% cryoprotectant, such as at least 5% cryoprotectant, e.g. at least 10% cryoprotectant, such as at least 15% cryoprotectant.

Cryoprotectants are known to the skilled artisans of dried probiotics. The cryoprotectant may be selected from maltodextrin, trehalose, saccharose, lactose, mannitol, sucrose, glycerol, sorbitol, dextran, inulin, or a combination hereof.

In addition, it is preferable for the dried microorganism to be present in the powder composition in an amount by weight of 0.001% (w/w) to 20% (w/w), preferably 0.005% to 10% (w/w), especially preferably 0.01% to 5% (w/w).

The powder composition according to the present invention may be formulated for the administration of from approximately lxlO² to lxlO¹⁴ CFU of viable bacteria per gram powder composition, more preferably from approximately lxlO³ to lxlO¹⁰ CFU/g, and most preferably from approximately lxlO⁴ to lxlO⁹ CFU of viable bacteria per gram of powder composition.

In an embodiment of the invention the dosage of live probiotic microorganisms in the powder composition may be above approximately lxlO³ CFU of viable bacteria per gram of the powder composition, preferably above approximately lxlO⁴ CFU/g, even more preferably above approximately lxlO⁵ CFU/g, even more preferably above approximately lxlO⁵ CFU/g.

In the present context the term "effective" depends upon the context in which it is being applied. In the context of administering a composition comprising a viable microorganism topically on a skin or mucous membrane surface, an effective amount may be the number of viable microorganisms determined as CFU/gram which may have a probiotic effect on skin or mucous membranes.

In one embodiment of the present invention the increased stability may be measured as a reduced log reduction in CFU/g per month of storage at 25 degrees Celsius compared to a similar powder with a higher water activity.

In an embodiment of the present invention the increased stability may be a log reduction in CFU/g of less than 0.3 log per month of storage at 25 degrees Celsius, more preferably a log reduction in CFU/g of 0.2 log per month of storage at 25 degrees Celsius, more preferably a log reduction in CFU/g of 0.1 log per month of storage at 25 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the powder composition may be water free or essentially water free. Preferably, the amount of water bound in the powder composition may be below 2% (w/w); such as below 1% (w/w); e.g. below 0.5% (w/w); such as below 0.2% (w/w); e.g. below 0.1% (w/w); such as below 0.05% (w/w); e.g. below 0.03% (w/w).

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition may be used for topical application of probiotics to human skin, scalp or hair.

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition may be used for topical application to human mucous membranes.

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition may be used for application of probiotics to mucous membranes of the genitals.

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition may be used for topical cosmetic applications.

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition may be used for topical pharmaceutical applications.

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition may be used for topical application of viable microorganisms for balancing microbial dysbiosis.

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition may be used for a cosmetic, a prophylaxis medicament or a medicament for the treatment of a disease, dysfunction, or disorder.

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition may be used for a cosmetic for anti-age treatment.

In one aspect of the invention the powder composition comprising the microorganism further comprises a prebiotic. "Prebiotics" are components that increase the growth of specific microorganisms. "Synbiotics" are compositions comprising at least one probiotic and at least one prebiotic. Such compositions may be understood to encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms (e.g. the probiotic). Thus, powerful synbiotics may be based on a combination of specific strains of probiotic microorganisms with carefully selected prebiotics. They can lead to an important health benefit to a mammal. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a probiotic composition comprising the probiotic microorganism and at least one more active ingredient, like a prebiotic. Prebiotics may refer to chemical products that induce the growth and/or activity of commensal microorganisms of the microbiota (e.g., bacteria and fungi) that contribute to the well-being of their host. Prebiotics stimulate the growth and/or activity of advantageous bacteria that colonize the skin.

Prebiotics may include one or more oligosaccharides. Some oligosaccharides that may be used as prebiotics are fructooligosaccharides (FOS), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), polydextrose, pectins, galactooligosaccharides (GOS) or human milk oligo saccharides (HMO). Moreover, disaccharides like lactulose, lactose or some monosaccharides such as or tagatose may also be used as prebiotics.

The other active ingredient (or other ingredients) may not be limited in any way. In an embodiment of the present invention at least one prebiotic compound may be added to the powder composition of the invention, i.e. as other ingredient.

Prebiotics according to the present invention may include all those compounds which can be metabolized by probiotics. Prebiotics can thus serve as a food source for probiotics. Prebiotics are well known in the art and when used in the present invention there is no particular limitation of the prebiotic as such.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one prebiotic in the anhydrous composition may be selected from the following group of compounds and compositions carbohydrates, glucans, alpha-glucans, beta-glucans, mannan-oligosaccharides, inulin, oligofructose, human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), lactulose, lactosucrose, galactotriose, fructooligosaccaride (FOS), cellobiose, cellodextrins, cylodextrins, maltitol, lactitol, glycosilsucrose, betaine, Vitamin E or a variant thereof (wherein the variants are selected from alfa, beta, gamma, delta tocoferols, tocotrienols and tocomonoenols). Optionally, mannanoligosaccharides and/or inulin may be preferred.

HMOs may include lacto-N-tetraose, lacto-N-fucopentaose, lacto-N-triose, 3 '-sialyllactose, lacto-N-neofucopentaose, sialic acid, L-fucose, 2-fucosyllactose, 6 '-sialyllactose, lacto-N- neotetraose, 3-fucosyllactose, or any combination hereof.

Preferably, at least one of the following prebiotic compounds may be used in the topical anhydrous composition of the present invention lactose, beta-glucans, mannanoligosaccharides, inulin, oli-gofructose, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), lactulose, lactose, lactosucrose, galactotriose, fructo-oligosaccaride (FOS), cellobiose, cellodextrins, cylodextrins, maltitol, lactitol, glycosilsucrose, betaine, lacto-N-tetraose, lacto-N- fucopentaose, lac-to-N-triose, 3 '-sialyllactose, lacto-N-neofucopentaose, sialic acid, 2- fucosyllactose, 6 '-sialyllactose, lacto-N-neotetraose, 3-fucosyllactose or a combination hereof. Optionally, lactose and/or mannan-oligosaccharides and/or inulin may be preferred.

Fucose, in particular L-fucose, may be believed to strengthen natural defence of skin, stimulate epidermis immune defence and/or prevent and/or treat cutaneous autoimmune disease. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the anhydrous composition comprises L-fucose and/or D-fucose.

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known powder compositions for topical use. Known powder compositions for topical use are not able to maintain the viability of the microorganisms at room temperature for long term storage.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a desiccant substance to stabilize viable microorganisms in a powder topical composition.

Provided is also a procedure to produce a powder composition comprising a viable microorganism and a desiccant substance for topical use.

A Further preferred embodiment relates to a method for providing a topical powder composition comprising a particulate solid, at least one viable microorganism and a desiccant substance, wherein the desiccant substance may be subjected to a step of dehydration or partly dehydration before being mixed into the anhydrous substance providing the anhydrous composition.

Yet a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a topical powder composition comprising at least one particulate solid, at least one viable microorganism and at least one desiccant substance wherein the desiccant substance is subjected to a step of dehydration or partly dehydration before being mixed into the powder composition.

The desiccant substance may be dried to remove water/moisture from the desiccant substance. The drying of the desiccant substance may be provided by heating at a temperature of 100-200°C, such as a temperature of 125-175°C, e.g. for about 150°C for a period of at least 30 minutes, such as for at least 1 hour, e.g. for at least l¹/2 hours, such as for at least 2 hours, e.g. for at least 3 hours, such as for at least 4 hours, e.g. for at least 5 hours, such as for at least 6 hours, e.g. for a period of 10 minutes to 10 hours, such as for a period of 30 minutes to 8 hours, e.g. for a period of 1-6 hours, such as for 2- 5 hours, e.g. for 3-4 hours, before being added to the powder substance.

The drying of the desiccant substance may be done in an oven or a Binder Model ED 23 drying chamber.

In an embodiment of the present invention the powder composition according to the present invention may not comprise a coated or a microencapsulated microorganism, and/or a coated or a microencapsulated desiccant substance.

Coating and microencapsulation may relate to tiny particles or droplets of a material (the core material) which are surrounded by a protective shell, forming small capsules. This shell acts as a barrier between the core material and its environment. The shell material is typically a polymeric substance.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the powder composition comprises a mixture of the microorganisms, the desiccant substance, and the particulate solid.

A mixture may be a combination of three or more substances (the particulate solid substance and the desiccant substances and the microorganisms) in which each substance may retains its own chemical properties. Mixtures may be homogeneous (uniformly mixed) or heterogeneous (non-uniformly mixed).

In the mixture according to the present invention the desiccant substances, the microorganisms, and the particulate solid substance may form a homogenous or a heterogeneous mixture in which the desiccant substances and/or the microorganisms may be dispersed within the particulate solid substance.

The powder composition according to the present invention may be provided according to the procedures making cosmetic powder formulation known to the skilled artisans. Water activity of the particulate solids are reduced to below 0.2.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

The invention will now be described in further details in the following non-limiting examples. Examples

Definition water activity:

Water activity (aw) is the partial vapor pressure of a substance divided by the partial vapor pressure of pure water. This corresponds to the substances equilibrium relative humidity.

Water activity values are obtained by either a resistive electrolytic hygrometer, a Capacitance hygrometers or a Dew point hygrometers. A resistive electrolytic hygrometer measures the resistance of an electrolyte that changes with relative humidity. A capacitance hygrometer measures the capacitance between two charged plates separated by a polymer membrane dielectric. As the membrane absorbs water, its ability to hold a charge increases. Dew point hygrometers measure when dew is formed on a mirror as this is related to the vapor pressure of the air. The mirror is chilled to find the dewpoint with an optical sensor.

The water activity can be measured on a water activity meter, such as Neutec group Lab Touch - Water Activity Meter, Aqualab 4TE, Novasina LabSwift-aw or Rotronic AwTherm.

Example 1 :

Powder compositions were produced following the procedure:

Step 1; dry powders in a hot airstream until water activity is 0.15 at 25 °C.

Step 2; add desiccant and microorganism.

Step 3; add oil/wax if included in formula.

Step 4: mix powders until homogeneous.

The following compositions were produced following the procedure above. Composition 1 : Oryza Sativa starch (Fischer scientific ICN10295590) 75g Bentonite (Fischer scientific MP021008945) 10g Mica powders (The soapery) 10g

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R (Lactobio DSM32996, freeze-dried to Aw 0.12) 2g Aluminum silicate (Sigma aidrich 688363-25G) 2g Betaine (Sigma aidrich W422312-1KG-K) lg

Composition 2:

Kaolin (The soapery) 84.5g

Bentonite (Fischer scientific MP021008945) 5g French green clay (The soapery) 5g aloe vera powder (Fischer scientific 18-600-429) 4g

CaCI2 (Fisher scientific AAL131910B) lg

Pediococcus pentosaceus LB606R (Lactobio DSM33730, freeze-dried to Aw 0.13) 0.5g

Composition 3:

Arrow root powder (Fischer scientific 18-606-997) 75g

Bentonite (Fischer scientific MP021008945) 6g

French pink clay (The soapery) 6g aloe vera powder (Fischer scientific 18-600-429) 5g

Silica gel (Fisher scientific S679-500) 5g Jojoba oil (The soapery) 2g

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R (Lactobio DSM32996, freeze-dried to Aw 0.12) lg

Composition 4: kaolin (The soapery) 66g mica powders (The soapery) 15g cocoa powder (The soapery) 15g

Refined Shea butter (The soapery) 2g

Pediococcus pentosaceus LB606R (Lactobio DSM33730, freeze-dried to Aw 0.13) lg

Magnesium chloride anhydrate (Fischer scientific AA12315A1) lg

Example 2:

Powder compositions were produced following the procedure:

Step 1; mix powders and viable microorganisms until homogeneous

Step 2; dry powders in a dry airstream until water activity is 0.10 at 25 °C

Step 3; add oil/wax if included in formula and mix until homogeneous.

The following compositions were produced following the procedure above.

Composition 5:

Tapioca Starch (Special ingredients 5056191010132) 80g

Cocoa powder (The soapery) 10g

Bentonite (Fischer scientific MP021008945) 6g

Almond oil (Fischer scientific 18-600-422) 3g

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R (Lactobio DSM32996, freeze-dried Aw 0.12) 0.5g

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB356R (Lactobio DSM33094, freeze-dried Aw 0.11) 0.5g

Composition 6:

Arrow root powder (Fischer scientific 18-606-997) 60g Tapioca Starch (Special ingredients 5056191010132) 38g

Inulin (Fischer scientific 18-613-990) lg

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB356R (Lactobio DSM33094, freeze-dried Aw 0.11) lg

Claims

1. A topical powder composition comprising a particulate solid, at least one viable microorganism and a desiccant substance.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the water activity of the powder is below Aw 0.2.

3. The composition according to any of the proceeding claims wherein the desiccant is characterized by being able to adsorb or absorb water at room temperature at a low relative humidity below 0.6%, more preferably below 0.5%, more preferably below 0.4%.

4. The composition according to any of the proceeding claims wherein the composition further comprises a non-volatile anhydrous liquid phase.

5. The composition according to any of the proceeding claims wherein the viable microorganism is a dried viable microorganism.

6. The composition according to any of the proceeding claims wherein the viable microorganism is a bacterium or a mixture of bacterial strains.

7. The composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the powder composition is water free or essential water free and wherein the amount of water bound in the powder is below 2% (w/w); such as below 1% (w/w); e.g. below 0.5% (w/w); such as below 0.2% (w/w); e.g. below 0.1% (w/w); such as below 0.05% (w/w); e.g. below 0.03% (w/w).

8. The topical powder composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the viable microorganism is a viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB).

9. The topical powder composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the desiccant substance represents in the range of 0.05-5% (w/w) of the powder composition.

10. The topical powder composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the desiccant substance is a salt (a desiccant salt).

11. The topical powder composition according to claim 10, wherein the desiccant substance is distributed in the powder composition as salt crystals, preferably the salt crystals have a size less than 500 pm.

12. The topical powder composition according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one microorganism is provided in a crystal of a cryoprotectant.

13. A composition comprising the topical powder composition according to anyone of claims 1-12 in a cosmetic, in make-up, in a prophylaxis medicament or in a medicament, for the treatment of a disease, dysfunction or disorder.

14. Use of a desiccant substance to stabilize viable microorganisms in a powder topical composition.

15. A method for providing a topical powder composition comprising at least one particulate solid, at least one viable microorganism and at least one desiccant substance wherein the desiccant substance is subjected to a step of dehydration or partly dehydration before being mixed into the powder composition.