JP7528993B2 - Composition - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a composition containing an N-acylamino acid or its salt, and a polyhydric alcohol.

Conventionally, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin have been used in leave-on cosmetics for skin and scalp care to suppress dryness and provide moisturizing properties. However, although polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin have excellent moisture absorption properties and provide moisturizing properties, their actual moisturizing retention is not satisfactory. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired moisturizing properties, the use of ceramides (Patent Document 1) and essential oils (Patent Document 2) instead of glycerin has been proposed.

Moreover, in order to maintain the stability of typical leave-on cosmetics such as lotions and emulsions, efforts are being made to develop moisturizing ingredients that are highly compatible with polyhydric alcohols.

Furthermore, in order to control the feel of leave-on cosmetics when applied, there is a demand for the development of formulation compounding technology that allows easy viscosity adjustment. For example, the use of polymers has been proposed to adjust the viscosity of leave-on formulations (Non-Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5888563 Special Publication No. 2008-506725

Takeo Mitsui (ed.), New Cosmetics (2nd ed.), Nanzando, published January 18, 2001

Ceramides are expensive, and their use as an emulsifier in general is cost-intensive. Ceramides also have low solubility and poor compatibility with polyhydric alcohols, limiting the amount that can be used in a formulation and causing formulation stability problems.

Essential oils require a large amount of emulsifiers to be stably emulsified or solubilized in the formulation. However, emulsifiers generally have skin irritating properties. Therefore, when essential oils are used in leave-on cosmetics, skin irritation associated with the use of large amounts of emulsifiers is likely to be induced.

The use of polymers to adjust viscosity in leave-on formulations has the problem that the feel of the polymer itself significantly affects the original formulation. In addition, if the polymer is not sufficiently dispersed in the formulation, quality problems such as cloudiness and precipitation of the formulation can occur, and the dispersion state of the polymer affects the appearance of the final formulation. Therefore, the polymer dispersion process during formulation preparation places a great burden on the user.

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a composition (e.g., a cosmetic such as a leave-on cosmetic) that has excellent moisturizing retention.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition which has excellent moisturizing power and also has an excellent formulation.

After extensive research, the inventors have found that a specific N-acylamino acid acts synergistically with a polyhydric alcohol to significantly improve moisturizing retention. The inventors have also found that a specific N-acylamino acid can significantly improve the solution stability, viscosity, and emulsifying ability (emulsion stability and uniformity of the emulsion state) of a polyhydric alcohol. Based on these findings, the inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by using a composition containing a specific N-acylamino acid and a polyhydric alcohol, and have completed the present invention.

〔式中、
Ｒ_１は、炭素原子数１～１７の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基であり、
Ｒ_２は、水素原子、または炭素原子数１～５の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基である。〕で表される化合物またはその塩、および多価アルコールを含む、組成物。
〔２〕Ｒ_１が、炭素原子数１～１１の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基である、〔１〕の組成物。
〔３〕Ｒ_１が、炭素原子数１～９の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基である、〔２〕の組成物。
〔４〕Ｒ_１が、炭素原子数７の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基である、〔３〕の組成物。
〔５〕Ｒ_２が、水素原子、または炭素原子数１～４の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基である、〔１〕～〔４〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔６〕Ｒ_２が、炭素原子数１～４の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基である、〔５〕の組成物。
〔７〕Ｒ_１およびＲ_２における炭化水素基がアルキルである、〔１〕～〔６〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔８〕多価アルコールが、２価または３価のアルコールである、〔１〕～〔７〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔９〕多価アルコールが、前記化合物またはその塩１重量部に対して０．５重量部以上で組成物中に含まれる、〔１〕～〔８〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔１０〕前記組成物がさらに油剤を含む、〔１〕～〔９〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔１１〕油剤が、炭化水素油、エステル油、油脂、高級アルコール、およびロウからなる群より選ばれる１または２以上の油剤である、〔１０〕の組成物。
〔１２〕油剤が、前記化合物またはその塩１重量部に対して０．０１重量部以上で組成物中に含まれる、〔１０〕または〔１１〕の組成物。
〔１３〕前記組成物がさらに水分を含み、
水分に対する前記化合物またはその塩の重量百分率が０．１～１５％である、〔１〕～〔１２〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔１４〕前記組成物が、液状組成物、クリーム状組成物、または乳化組成物である、〔１〕～〔１３〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔１５〕前記組成物が保湿剤である、〔１〕～〔１４〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔１６〕前記組成物が化粧料である、〔１〕～〔１５〕のいずれかの組成物。
〔１７〕前記化粧料がリーブオン化粧料である、〔１６〕の組成物。 That is, the present invention is as follows.
[1] The following formula (1):

[Wherein,
R ₁ is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms;
and R ₂ is a hydrogen atom, or a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
[2] The composition of [1], wherein R ₁ is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms.
[3] The composition according to [2], wherein R ₁ is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
[4] The composition of [3], wherein R ₁ is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 7 carbon atoms.
[5] The composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein R ₂ is a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
[6] The composition of [5], wherein R ₂ is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
[7] The composition according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the hydrocarbon group in R ₁ and R ₂ is alkyl.
[8] The composition according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the polyhydric alcohol is a dihydric or trihydric alcohol.
[9] The composition according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the polyhydric alcohol is contained in the composition in an amount of 0.5 parts by weight or more per part by weight of the compound or a salt thereof.
[10] The composition according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the composition further comprises an oil.
[11] The composition according to [10], wherein the oil is one or more oils selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon oils, ester oils, oils and fats, higher alcohols, and waxes.
[12] The composition according to [10] or [11], wherein the oil is contained in the composition in an amount of 0.01 part by weight or more per part by weight of the compound or a salt thereof.
[13] The composition further contains water,
The composition according to any one of [1] to [12], wherein the weight percentage of the compound or a salt thereof to water is 0.1 to 15%.
[14] The composition according to any one of [1] to [13], wherein the composition is a liquid composition, a cream composition, or an emulsion composition.
[15] The composition according to any one of [1] to [14], wherein the composition is a moisturizer.
[16] The composition according to any one of [1] to [15], wherein the composition is a cosmetic.
[17] The composition according to [16], wherein the cosmetic is a leave-on cosmetic.

According to the composition of the present invention containing a specific N-acylamino acid and a polyhydric alcohol, the specific N-acylamino acid acts synergistically with the polyhydric alcohol, thereby significantly improving the moisturizing power, and therefore the composition of the present invention has excellent moisturizing power for a long period of time.
Furthermore, the composition of the present invention can significantly improve the solution stability, viscosity, and emulsifying ability (emulsion stability and uniformity of the emulsion state) of the polyhydric alcohol.
Furthermore, since the composition of the present invention can exhibit a transparent property, it can impart a sense of luxury in appearance and can avoid visual effects on the skin. Therefore, the composition of the present invention has an advantage that, for example, white residue caused by application can be reduced.

The present invention provides a composition. The composition of the present invention contains a compound represented by the above formula (1) or a salt thereof, and a polyhydric alcohol.

(I) Compound represented by the above formula (1) or a salt thereof R ₁ is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group in R ₁ may be preferably 15 or less, more preferably 13 or less, even more preferably 11 or less, and even more preferably 9 or less. The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group in R ₁ may also be 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more. More specifically, the number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group in R ₁ may be preferably 2 to 15, more preferably 3 to 13, even more preferably 4 to 11, even more preferably 5 to 9, and particularly preferably 7. The hydrocarbon group in R ₁ is saturated or unsaturated. Examples of such hydrocarbon groups include alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl.

When R ₁ is an alkyl group, the alkyl group is a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms. Examples and preferred examples of the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in R ₁ are the same as the number of carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group in R ₁ described above. Examples of the alkyl group in R ₁ include methyl, ethyl, propyl (e.g., n-propyl, isopropyl), butyl (e.g., n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl), pentyl (e.g., n-pentyl, iso-pentyl, neo-pentyl, 1-ethylpropyl), hexyl (e.g., n-hexyl, iso-hexyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl), heptyl (e.g., n-heptyl, 1-methylhexyl, 2-methylhexyl, 3-methylhexyl, 1,1-dimethylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylpentyl, 3,3-dimethylpentyl, 2-ethylpentyl, 1,2-dimethylpentyl, 1,3-dimethylpentyl, 1,4-dimethylpentyl, 1,5-dimethylpentyl, 1,6-dimethylpentyl, 1,7-dimethylpentyl, 1,8-dimethylpentyl, 1,9-dimethylpentyl, 2,10-dimethylpentyl, 2,20-dimethylpentyl, 2,30-dimethylpentyl, 2,40-dimethylpentyl, 2,50-dimethylpentyl, 2,60-dimethylpentyl, 2,70-dimethylpentyl, 2,80-dimethylpentyl, 2,90-dimethylpentyl, 2,10-dimethylpentyl, 2,110-dimethylpentyl, 2,20-dimethylpentyl, 2,25-dimethylpentyl, 2,30-dimethylpentyl, 2,40-dimethylpentyl, 2,50 Examples of the alkyl group include aryl, octyl (e.g., n-octyl, 1-methylheptyl, 2-methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl, 1,1-dimethylhexyl, 2,2-dimethylhexyl, 3,3-dimethylhexyl, 2-ethylhexyl), nonyl (e.g., n-nonyl, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl), decanyl (e.g., n-decanyl), undecanyl (e.g., n-undecanyl), dodecanyl (e.g., n-dodecanyl), tridecanyl (e.g., n-tridecanyl), tetradecanyl (e.g., n-tetradecanyl), pentadecanyl (e.g., n-pentadecanyl), hexadecanyl (e.g., n-hexadecanyl), and heptadecanyl (e.g., n-heptadecanyl).

When R ₁ is alkenyl, the alkenyl is a straight or branched alkenyl having 2 to 17 carbon atoms. Examples and preferred examples of the number of carbon atoms of the alkenyl in R ₁ are the same as the number of carbon atoms of the above-mentioned hydrocarbon group in R _1. Examples of the alkenyl in R ₁ include ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl, tridecenyl, tetradecenyl, pentadecenyl, hexadecenyl, and heptadecenyl.

When R ₁ is alkynyl, the alkynyl is a straight or branched alkynyl having 2 to 17 carbon atoms. Examples and preferred examples of the number of carbon atoms of the alkynyl in R ₁ are the same as the number of carbon atoms of the above-mentioned hydrocarbon group in R _1. Examples of the alkynyl in R ₁ include ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, octynyl, nonynyl, decynyl, undecynyl, dodecynyl, tridecynyl, tetradecynyl, pentadecynyl, hexadecynyl, and heptadecynyl.

Preferably, R ₁ is a linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 17 carbon atoms. Examples and preferred examples of the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl in R ₁ are the same as the number of carbon atoms of the above-mentioned hydrocarbon group in R _1. Specific examples of such alkyl are as described above.

_R2 is a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group in _R2 may be preferably 4 or less, more preferably 3 or less. The hydrocarbon group is saturated or unsaturated. Examples of such hydrocarbon groups include alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl.

When _R2 is an alkyl group, the alkyl group is a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group in _R2 include methyl, ethyl, propyl (e.g., n-propyl, iso-propyl), butyl (e.g., n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl), and pentyl (e.g., n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, 1-ethylpropyl).

When _R2 is alkenyl, the alkenyl is a straight or branched alkenyl having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkenyl in _R2 include ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, and pentenyl.

When _R2 is alkynyl, the alkynyl is a straight or branched alkynyl having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkynyl in _R2 include ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, and pentynyl.

Preferably, R ₂ is a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. More preferably, R ₂ is a linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples and preferred examples of the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl in R ₂ are the same as the number of carbon atoms of the above-mentioned hydrocarbon group in R _2. Specific examples of such alkyl are as described above.

In one embodiment, the compound represented by formula (1) is represented by the following formula (2):

〔式中、
Ｒ_１は、炭素原子数１～１７の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基である。〕で表される化合物であってもよい。式（２）におけるＲ_１について、炭化水素基（例、アルキル、アルケニル、アルキニル）および炭素原子数の定義、例、好ましい例および具体例は、式（１）において上述したものと同様である。

[Wherein,
R ₁ is a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms. With respect to R ₁ in formula (2), the definitions, examples, preferred examples and specific examples of the hydrocarbon group (e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl) and the number of carbon atoms are the same as those described above in formula (1).

In another embodiment, the compound represented by formula (1) is represented by the following formula (3):

〔式中、
Ｒ_１は、炭素原子数１～１７の直鎖もしくは分岐鎖の炭化水素基である。〕で表される化合物であってもよい。式（３）におけるＲ_１について、炭化水素基（例、アルキル、アルケニル、アルキニル）および炭素原子数の定義、例、好ましい例および具体例は、式（１）において上述したものと同様である。

[Wherein,
R ₁ is a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms. With respect to R ₁ in formula (3), the definitions, examples, preferred examples and specific examples of the hydrocarbon group (e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl) and the number of carbon atoms are the same as those described above in formula (1).

The compounds represented by formulas (1) to (3) correspond to N-acylamino acid derivatives. The compounds represented by formulas (1) to (3) may be optical isomers (L-form or D-form) with respect to the nitrogen atom, the carbon atom of the carbonyl group, and the carbon atom to which _R2 is bonded, or may be a mixture thereof. Preferably, the compounds represented by formulas (1) to (3) are L-forms.

The compounds represented by the above formulas (1) to (3) are known in the art (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 4893381). Therefore, the composition of the present invention can be prepared using such compounds.

Examples of salts include salts with inorganic acids, salts with organic acids, salts with inorganic bases, salts with organic bases, and salts with amino acids. Examples of salts with inorganic acids include salts with hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid. Examples of salts with organic acids include salts with formic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and pyroglutamic acid. Examples of salts with inorganic bases include salts with alkali metals (e.g., sodium, potassium), alkaline earth metals (e.g., calcium, magnesium), and other metals such as zinc and aluminum, as well as ammonium. Examples of salts with organic bases include salts with trimethylamine, triethylamine, propylenediamine, ethylenediamine, pyridine, ethanolamine, monoalkylethanolamine, dialkylethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine. Examples of salts with amino acids include salts with basic amino acids (e.g., arginine, histidine, lysine, ornithine) and acidic amino acids (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid).

(II) Polyhydric Alcohols Examples of polyhydric alcohols include dihydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 2,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 2-butene-1,4-diol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, isoprene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, monoglycerides (monoacylglycerols)), trihydric alcohols (e.g., glycerin, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol), tetrahydric alcohols (e.g., diglycerin, pentaerythritol), alcohols with higher valences, and salts thereof (e.g., the salts as described above). Examples of higher hydric alcohols include sugar alcohols which may be substituted (e.g., monosaccharide alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, sucrose, glucose, mannose, etc., disaccharide alcohols such as trehalose, etc., and polysaccharide alcohols such as hyaluronic acid, xanthan gum, etc.), as well as polymers of dihydric to tetrahydric alcohols as described above (e.g., polyglycols, polyglycerins), and salts thereof (e.g., the salts as described above). The polyhydric alcohol may preferably be a dihydric to tetrahydric alcohol, and more preferably a dihydric or trihydric alcohol.

(III) Details of the composition The content of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt alone or the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt in combination with other components can improve the moisturizing retention of the composition containing polyhydric alcohol. Such components include, for example, gelling agents (e.g., dibutyl lauroyl glutamide) and thickeners (e.g., thickeners such as carboxyvinyl polymers described below). In the composition of the present invention, when the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt is used in combination with other components, the content of the other components can be reduced while improving the moisturizing retention of the composition. When the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt is used in combination with other components, the content of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can contribute to reducing the content of other components to improve the moisturizing retention.

More specifically, the content of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt in the composition of the present invention, either by itself or by a combination of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt with other components, may vary depending on the presence or absence of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt, other components, and the type and amount of the polyhydric alcohol and other components, but may be, for example, 0.01% (wt) or more, preferably 0.05% (wt) or more, more preferably 0.10% (wt) or more, and even more preferably 0.20% (wt) or more. The content may also be, for example, 90% (wt) or less, preferably 80% (wt) or less, more preferably 70% (wt) or less, and even more preferably 60% (wt) or less. More specifically, the content may be, for example, 0.01 to 90% (wt), preferably 0.05 to 80% (wt), more preferably 0.10 to 70% (wt), and even more preferably 0.20 to 60% (wt). The composition of the present invention may contain one or more (e.g., two, three, or four) types of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt.

The content of the polyhydric alcohol in the composition of the present invention may be, for example, 0.1% (wt) or more, preferably 0.5% (wt) or more, more preferably 1.0% (wt) or more, and even more preferably 2.0% (wt) or more. The content may also be, for example, 90% (wt) or less, preferably 80% (wt) or less, more preferably 70% (wt) or less, and even more preferably 60% (wt) or less. More specifically, the content may be, for example, 0.1 to 90% (wt), preferably 0.5 to 80% (wt), more preferably 1.0 to 70% (wt), and even more preferably 2.0 to 60% (wt). The composition of the present invention may contain one or more types of polyhydric alcohol (e.g., two, three, or four types).

In the composition of the present invention, the amount of polyhydric alcohol per 1 part by weight of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt, may be, for example, 0.5 parts by weight or more, preferably 0.75 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 2.0 parts by weight or more, and particularly preferably 5 parts by weight or more, although it varies depending on the presence or absence of other components, and the type and amount of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt, etc. Such an amount may also be, for example, 200 parts by weight or less, preferably 100 parts by weight or less, more preferably 80 parts by weight or less, even more preferably 60 parts by weight or less, and particularly preferably 40 parts by weight or less. More specifically, the amount of polyhydric alcohol per 1 part by weight of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt may be, for example, 0.5 to 200 parts by weight, preferably 0.75 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably 1.0 to 80 parts by weight, even more preferably 2.0 to 60 parts by weight, and particularly preferably 5 to 40 parts by weight.

The composition of the present invention may further contain water. The water in the composition of the present invention may be provided by adding an aqueous solution to the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt and the polyhydric alcohol. The aqueous solution may or may not have a buffering capacity. Examples of the aqueous solution include water (e.g., distilled water, sterile distilled water, purified water, physiological saline), aqueous phosphate solution (buffer solution), Tris-hydrochloric acid buffer, TE (Tris-EDTA) buffer, carbonate-bicarbonate buffer, aqueous boric acid solution (buffer solution), aqueous tartaric acid solution (buffer solution), hydrochloric acid-potassium chloride buffer, glycine-hydrochloric acid buffer, glycine-sodium hydroxide buffer, aqueous citric acid solution (buffer solution), citric acid-phosphate buffer, and aqueous acetic acid solution (buffer solution). The water in the composition of the present invention may be derived from one or more (e.g., two, three, or four) aqueous solutions.

The water content in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited and may vary depending on the formulation of the composition of the present invention, but may be, for example, 10% (wt) or more, preferably 20% (wt) or more, more preferably 30% (wt) or more, and even more preferably 40% (wt) or more. The water content may also be, for example, 95% (wt) or less, preferably 90% (wt) or less, more preferably 85% (wt) or less, and even more preferably 80% (wt) or less. More specifically, the water content may be, for example, 10 to 95% (wt), preferably 20 to 90% (wt), more preferably 30 to 85% (wt), and even more preferably 40 to 80% (wt).

The composition of the present invention may further contain an organic solvent other than the polyhydric alcohols described above (e.g., a hydrophilic organic solvent, a hydrophobic organic solvent, or a mixture thereof).

Preferably, the organic solvent is an oil. Examples of the oil include hydrocarbon oils, ester oils, oils and fats, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, waxes, and silicone oils. The oil may be liquid, semi-solid, or solid. The composition of the present invention may contain one or more types (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 types) of oils.

Hydrocarbon oils are saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds. Examples of hydrocarbon oils include hydrocarbon compounds having 7 or more carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more, and more preferably 12 or more. Hydrocarbon oils may also be hydrocarbon compounds having 30 or less, 25 or less, or 20 or less carbon atoms. Such hydrocarbon compounds may have a substituent (e.g., alkyl groups such as methyl). Examples of hydrocarbon oils include mineral oils (e.g., mineral oil, petrolatum), paraffinic oils (e.g., paraffin, liquid paraffin, isoparaffin, cycloparaffin), fuel oils (e.g., light oil, heavy oil, petroleum, kerosene, gasoline, mixed oils), compounds having a hydrocarbon chain (linear or branched chain) [e.g., decane, undecane, dodecane (e.g., n-dodecane), tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, squalane], and compounds having a hydrocarbon ring (aromatic or non-aromatic), such as benzene ring compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, alkyl benzoate (C12-15)).

Ester oils are esters produced by the reaction of monohydric or polyhydric alcohols with carboxylic acids.

The monohydric or polyhydric alcohol may be a monohydric or polyhydric alcohol having a linear, branched or cyclic (monocyclic or bicyclic such as fused ring) saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon moiety (e.g., a hydrocarbon chain) having one or more carbon atoms. Examples of the monohydric or polyhydric alcohol include monohydric or polyhydric alcohols having a hydrocarbon moiety having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms may be, for example, 2 or more, preferably 3 or more. The number of carbon atoms may also be 25 or less, or 20 or less. The valence of the polyhydric alcohol is, for example, 2 to 6, preferably 2 or 3. Specific examples of monohydric alcohols include methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl (e.g., n-propyl, iso-propyl) alcohol, butyl (n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl) alcohol, pentyl alcohol, hexyl alcohol, heptyl alcohol, octyl alcohol, nonyl alcohol, decanyl alcohol, undecanyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, lanolin alcohol, cholesterol, phytosterol, hexyldodecanol, and isostearyl alcohol. Specific examples of polyhydric alcohols include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerin.

The carboxylic acid is a mono- or polycarboxylic acid. Examples of monocarboxylic acids include saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms of the monocarboxylic acid may be, for example, 2 or more, preferably 3 or more. The number of carbon atoms of the monocarboxylic acid may also be 25 or less, or 20 or less. Specific examples of monocarboxylic acids include methanoic acid (formic acid), ethanoic acid (acetic acid), propanoic acid (propionic acid), butanoic acid (butyric acid), pentanoic acid (valeric acid), hexanoic acid (caproic acid), heptanoic acid, octanoic acid (caprylic acid), nonanoic acid (pelargonic acid), decanoic acid (capric acid), undecanoic acid (undecylic acid), dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tridecanoic acid (tridecylic acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), pentadecanoic acid (pentadecylic acid), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), and octadecanoic acid (stearic acid). The polycarboxylic acid may be, for example, a saturated or unsaturated acid having 2 to 30 carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms in the polycarboxylic acid may be, for example, 2 or more, preferably 3 or more. The number of carbon atoms in the polycarboxylic acid may also be 25 or less, or 20 or less. The valence of the polycarboxylic acid is, for example, 2 to 6, preferably 2 or 3. Specific examples of the polycarboxylic acid include succinic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid.

Specific examples of esters of monohydric alcohols and carboxylic acids include liquid oils such as fatty acid ester oils (e.g., cetyl ethylhexanoate, ethylhexyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, tri(caprylic acid/capric acid)glyceryl, triethylhexanoin, and other fatty acid esters and polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters), acyl amino acid esters (e.g., isopropyl lauroyl sarcosine (ELDEW (registered trademark) SL-205), di(cholesteryl/octyldodecyl) N-lauroyl-L-glutamate, hexyldecyl myristoyl methylaminopropionate, dihexyldecyl lauroyl glutamate, diisostearyl lauroyl glutamate, dioctyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, bis(hexyldecyl/octyldodecyl) lauroyl glutamate, dioctyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, stearoyl dioctyldodecyl glutamate], and phytosterol ester oils [e.g., N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid di(phytosteryl/2-octyldodecyl)], and semi-solid oils include cholesterol ester oils [e.g., cholesteryl isostearate, cholesteryl hydroxystearate, cholesteryl macadamia nut oil fatty acid, N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid di(cholesteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl)], phytosterol ester oils [e.g., N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid di(phytosteryl/behenyl/2-octyldodecyl), myristoylmethyl-β-alanine (phytosteryl/decyltetradecyl), phytosteryl isostearate, phytosteryl oleate], and dipentaerythritol fatty acid ester oils [e.g., dipentaerythritol hexaoxystearate, dipentaerythritol rosinate].

Specific examples of esters of polyhydric alcohols and carboxylic acids include partially hydrogenated triglycerides such as glycolides (e.g., ethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, N-alkyl glycol monoisostearate, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, and tripropylene glycol pivalate), glycerides (e.g., glycerin di-2-heptylundecanoate, glycerin diisostearate, glycerin tri-2-ethylhexanoate (triethylhexanoin), glycerin trioctanoate, and glycerin triisopalmitate), tri(caprylic/capric/myristic/stearic acid)glyceryl, and hydrogenated oils.

The oils and fats are naturally derived liquid oils and fats such as vegetable oils, animal oils, and fish oils, semi-synthetic oils and fats, or synthetic oils and fats. Specific examples of oils and fats include liquid vegetable oils (e.g., soybean oil, linseed oil, castor oil, avocado oil, camellia oil, corn oil, rice oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil, sasanqua oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, sunflower oil), semi-solid or solid vegetable oils (e.g., shea oil, cacao butter, coconut oil, hardened coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, Japan wax kernel oil, Japan wax oil, etc.), and other oils and fats (e.g., beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse tallow).

Examples of higher alcohols include alcohols having 6 or more carbon atoms. The higher alcohols may have a linear, branched, or cyclic structure. Preferred higher alcohols are alcohols having 8 or more carbon atoms, more preferably alcohols having 10 or more carbon atoms, and particularly preferably alcohols having 12 or more carbon atoms. The higher alcohols may also have 30 or less, 25 or less, or 20 or less carbon atoms. Specific examples of higher alcohols include hexyl alcohol, heptyl alcohol, octyl alcohol, nonyl alcohol, decanyl alcohol, decyltetradecanol, undecanyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl hydroxystearate, myristyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, lanolin alcohol, cholesterol, phytosterol, hexyldodecanol, and isostearyl alcohol.

Examples of waxes include carnauba wax, beeswax, candelilla wax, lanolin, sugarcane wax, lanolin fatty acid isopropyl, hexyl laurate, and jojoba wax.

Higher fatty acids include, for example, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having 8 or more carbon atoms. Higher fatty acids may also have 30 or fewer carbon atoms, 25 or fewer carbon atoms, or 20 or fewer carbon atoms. Higher fatty acids may have a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic (preferably straight chain or branched chain) structure. Specific examples of higher fatty acids include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, isostearic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid.

Examples of silicone oils include polysiloxanes. Specific examples of polysiloxanes include linear polysiloxanes (e.g., dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, diphenylpolysiloxane), cyclic polysiloxanes (e.g., cyclomethicone, cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane), and modified polysiloxanes (e.g., amino-modified polysiloxanes, polyether-modified polysiloxanes, alkyl-modified polysiloxanes).

The content of organic solvents (e.g., oils) other than polyhydric alcohols in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited and may vary depending on the formulation of the composition of the present invention (e.g., liquid formulation or high-viscosity formulation such as a cream-like composition), but may be, for example, 0.1% (wt) or more, preferably 0.3% (wt) or more, more preferably 0.5% (wt) or more, and even more preferably 0.7% (wt) or more. The organic solvent (e.g., oil) content may also be, for example, 90% (wt) or less, preferably 80% (wt) or less, more preferably 70% (wt) or less, and even more preferably 60% (wt) or less. More specifically, the organic solvent (e.g., oil) content may be, for example, 0.1 to 90% (wt), preferably 0.3 to 80% (wt), more preferably 0.5 to 70% (wt), and even more preferably 0.7 to 60% (wt).

In the composition of the present invention, the amount of organic solvent (e.g., oil) per 1 part by weight of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt, although it varies depending on the presence or absence of other components, and the type and amount of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt, polyhydric alcohol, and other components, may be, for example, 0.01 parts by weight or more, preferably 0.05 parts by weight or more, more preferably 0.10 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 0.15 parts by weight or more, and particularly preferably 0.20 parts by weight or more. Such an amount may also be, for example, 200 parts by weight or less, preferably 100 parts by weight or less, more preferably 80 parts by weight or less, even more preferably 60 parts by weight or less, and particularly preferably 40 parts by weight or less. More specifically, the amount of polyhydric alcohol per 1 part by weight of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt may be, for example, 0.01 to 200 parts by weight, preferably 0.05 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably 0.10 to 80 parts by weight, even more preferably 0.15 to 60 parts by weight, and particularly preferably 0.20 to 40 parts by weight.

In the composition of the present invention, the weight percentage of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt relative to water may be, for example, 0.1% or more, preferably 0.15% or more, more preferably 0.2% or more, even more preferably 0.25% or more, and particularly preferably 0.3% or more, although this may vary depending on the presence or absence of other components, the type and amount of the compound represented by formula (1) or its salt, the polyhydric alcohol, and other components, and the formulation of the composition of the present invention. The weight percentage may also be, for example, 50% or less, preferably 40% or less, more preferably 30% or less, even more preferably 20% or less, and particularly preferably 15% or less. More specifically, the weight percentage may be, for example, 0.1 to 50%, preferably 0.5 to 40%, more preferably 1.0 to 30%, even more preferably 1.5 to 20%, and particularly preferably 2.0 to 15%.

In addition to the above-mentioned components, the composition of the present invention may further contain one or more (e.g., two, three, or four) active ingredients having any action (e.g., biological action or chemical action). Such active ingredients include, for example, low molecular weight compounds.

The term "low molecular weight compound" refers to a compound with a molecular weight of 1500 or less. A low molecular weight compound is a natural or synthetic compound. The molecular weight of a low molecular weight compound may be 1200 or less, 1000 or less, 900 or less, 800 or less, 700 or less, 600 or less, 500 or less, 400 or less, or 300 or less. The molecular weight of a low molecular weight compound may also be 30 or more, 40 or more, or 50 or more. Examples of low molecular weight compounds include amino acids, oligopeptides, vitamins, nucleosides, nucleotides, oligonucleotides, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, lipids, fatty acids, and metabolites thereof, as well as salts thereof (e.g., salts as described above). Such low molecular weight compounds may be moisturizers, skin whitening agents, or hair growth agents.

The composition of the present invention may also contain other ingredients such as thickeners, stabilizers, pH adjusters, preservatives, UV protection agents, fragrances, and colorants. The specific types and amounts of these ingredients can be set as appropriate.

Examples of thickening agents include carrageenan, dextrin, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, carboxyvinyl polymer (carbomer), (acrylic acid/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) copolymer, and xanthan gum.

Examples of stabilizers include ascorbic acid, sodium pyrosulfite, and EDTA.

Examples of pH adjusters include the aqueous solutions (buffer solutions) described above, acidic substances such as hydrochloric acid, and basic substances such as sodium hydroxide.

Preservatives include, for example, ethyl paraoxybenzoate, sodium benzoate, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben), and sodium bisulfite.

Examples of UV protection agents include UV absorbers (e.g., t-butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone-3) and UV scattering agents (e.g., titanium oxide, zinc oxide).

Fragrances include, for example, limonene, citral, menthol, rose oil, and rose oil.

Examples of pigments include organic pigments (e.g., red pigments such as Red No. 201, blue pigments such as Blue No. 404, orange pigments such as Orange No. 203, yellow pigments such as Yellow No. 205, green pigments such as Green No. 3, organic lake pigments such as zirconium lake, and natural pigments such as chlorophyll), and inorganic pigments (e.g., white pigments such as titanium oxide, colored pigments such as iron oxide, extender pigments such as talc, and pearl pigments such as mica).

The composition of the present invention is considered to have low irritation to the living body (e.g., skin irritation). This is because, in addition to the polyhydric alcohol contained in the composition of the present invention being low irritation to the living body, N-acylamino acids are also generally known to be low irritation to the living body (see, for example, JP 2002-145755 A, which proposes N-acylamino acids as a component of an emulsion for infants and young children).

The composition of the present invention can be prepared as a composition in any state. Examples of such compositions include liquid compositions, cream compositions, emulsion compositions, powder compositions, stick compositions, and sheet-impregnated compositions. The composition of the present invention is useful as, for example, products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and miscellaneous goods, and as raw materials thereof.

The composition of the present invention can also be used by applying an effective amount (e.g., 1 mg to 100 g) to a desired area (e.g., skin, hair, body hair, scalp) of a subject (e.g., mammals such as humans, animals such as birds and reptiles). Preferably, the composition of the present invention is applied to a human. The condition of the subject to which the composition of the present invention is applied is a healthy condition or an abnormal condition (e.g., disease). Such abnormal conditions include, for example, rough skin, dry skin, scales, disturbances in turnover, and skin diseases (e.g., dermatitis such as atopic dermatitis).

The composition of the present invention may preferably be a moisturizer. When the composition of the present invention is a moisturizer, the moisturizer of the present invention can exert an excellent effect in preventing, suppressing, or improving conditions such as rough skin through its moisturizing action, and can also exert an anti-wrinkle, anti-spot, or anti-freckle effect.

The composition of the present invention is also a cosmetic or topical preparation. The cosmetic or topical preparation of the present invention can be prepared in any form that can be applied to a desired area (e.g., skin, hair, scalp) in accordance with a conventional method.

The cosmetic or topical preparation of the present invention can be preferably used as a cosmetic or topical preparation for the skin, hair, or scalp. Examples of the cosmetic or topical preparation for the skin include milky lotion, toner, cream, gel, beauty serum, and face mask. Examples of the cosmetic or topical preparation for the hair include hair milky lotion, hair treatment, hair conditioner, shampoo, and hair lotion. Examples of the cosmetic or topical preparation for the scalp include hair growth agents. Examples of preferred cosmetic preparations include leave-on cosmetic preparations, toners, milky lotions, creams, and face masks. Examples of preferred topical preparations include ointments, creams, and mousses.

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Examples 1 to 10: Preparation of test compositions The test compositions of Examples 1 to 10 were prepared as described in the test examples described below.

Comparative Examples 1 to 15: Preparation of Comparative Compositions Comparative compositions of Comparative Examples 1 to 15 were prepared as described in the Test Examples described later.

Test Example 1: Evaluation of compositions of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 (1) Method for preparing test samples The components shown in the table below were placed in a glass vial and stirred at 80°C. After confirming that the components were uniformly mixed, the mixture was gradually cooled to room temperature to prepare a test sample.

(2) Moisture retention test Each test sample was weighed out in a weighing bottle so that the total amount was about 1 g, and left in a thermostatic chamber (LH-30-10, Nagano Scientific Machinery Works) set at 65% relative humidity (RH) for 7 days to measure the weight (grams), and then the same sample was placed in a thermostatic chamber set at 35% RH, and the weight (grams) was measured after 14 days. The weight change rate of the acyl neutral amino acid or its salt alone was compared with the weight change rate of the polyhydric alcohol alone, and a score of A was given for values equal to or greater than the arithmetic mean, and a score of B was given for values less than the arithmetic mean.

A calculation example of the first embodiment is shown below.
Arithmetic mean = (weight change rate of Example 1 + weight change rate of Comparative Example 1) / 2 = -13%
Since the rate of change in Example 3 = -9% > -13%, the rate of weight change in Example 3 is equal to or greater than the arithmetic mean, and is therefore rated as A. The results of similar calculations are shown in the table as the difference between the rate of change and the arithmetic mean.

As a result, N-acylamino acids showed good compatibility with the polyhydric alcohols glycerin and sorbitol. Furthermore, compositions containing N-acylamino acids and polyhydric alcohols showed weight change rates after 14 days that were equal to or greater than the arithmetic mean (Table 1). This indicates that N-acylamino acids can significantly improve moisturizing retention by acting synergistically with polyhydric alcohols. Therefore, it was demonstrated that the composition of the present invention has excellent long-term moisturizing retention.

Test Example 2: Evaluation of the compositions of Examples 3 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 <Solution stability>
The dissolution state of the sample was evaluated according to the following criteria. The dissolution state was evaluated after placing about 1 g of the test sample in a 50 mL glass vial and storing it at 25° C. for 2 weeks. The results are shown in Table 2.
A: Transparent B: Precipitation C: Solid

<Viscosity evaluation>
The viscosity of the sample was evaluated according to the following criteria. The viscosity was evaluated by placing about 1 g of the test sample in a 50 mL glass vial and leaving it for 5 seconds. The results are shown in Table 2.
A: Does not flow easily even when the container is tilted 90 degrees B: Flows quickly when the container is tilted 90 degrees C: Precipitates or becomes solid

As a result, N-acylamino acids showed good compatibility with various polyhydric alcohols. Furthermore, compositions containing N-acylamino acids and polyhydric alcohols had high solution stability and high viscosity compared to polyhydric alcohols alone or combinations of polyhydric alcohols and emulsifiers (Table 2). This shows that N-acylamino acids can significantly improve the solution stability and viscosity of polyhydric alcohols. Therefore, it was demonstrated that the compositions of the present invention are useful as liquid compositions and high-viscosity compositions (e.g., cream compositions).

Test Example 3: Evaluation of the compositions of Examples 8 to 10 and Comparative Examples 7 to 15 <Emulsion stability test>
1 g of each test sample was weighed into an Eppendorf tube and stirred for 10 seconds using a vortex mixer (Scientific Industries Vortex Genie 2), after which the appearance was observed and evaluated according to the following criteria. This test was carried out at 25°C.

A: After stirring, the emulsion state was maintained for 5 minutes or more. B: After stirring, the emulsion state was maintained for 5 minutes. C: After stirring, the emulsion state was immediately separated into two phases.

<Evaluation of emulsion uniformity>
1 g of each test sample was weighed into an Eppendorf tube and stirred for 10 seconds with a vortex mixer. The sample was then observed under an optical microscope and evaluated according to the following criteria. This test was carried out at 25°C.

A: The emulsion particles are uniform with little coalescence or aggregation.
B: The emulsion particles were non-uniform, with slight coalescence and aggregation.
C: The emulsified particles were non-uniform, and significant coalescence and aggregation occurred.

As a result, the composition containing an N-acylamino acid and a polyhydric alcohol had superior emulsion stability and uniformity of the emulsion state compared to various comparative substances (Table 3). This indicates that certain N-acylamino acids are significantly superior in the emulsifying ability of polyhydric alcohols. Therefore, it was demonstrated that the composition of the present invention is useful as an emulsion composition.

Formulation example 1: Lotion formulation (part 1)

The polyhydric alcohols were glycerin, DPG, and BG (total amount 6.25 wt%).
The oil was "Eldew" PS-203R, cetyl ethylhexanoate (total amount 0.50%).

1: Dissolve component A with stirring at 70°C.
2: While stirring component A, gradually add component B, which has been heated to 70°C, and cool to 40°C.
3: Mix component C separately.
4: Add component C to components A and B and cool to room temperature with stirring.
5: Adjust the pH with ingredient D to produce the product.

Formulation example 2: Lotion formulation (part 2)

The polyhydric alcohols are sodium hyaluronate, sorbitol, glycerin, and 1,3-butylene glycol (total amount 13.1 wt%).

1: Add component B to component A and mix.
2: Add component B to component C and mix.
3: Adjust the pH with ingredient D to produce the product.

Formulation example 3: Skin cream formulation (part 1)

The polyhydric alcohols are glycerin, xanthan gum, glyceryl stearate, and sucrose palmitate (total of 4 wt%).
The oils are squalane, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, tri(capric/caprylic)glyceryl, "Eldew" PS-203, isostearyl hydroxystearate, shea butter, stearyl alcohol, and carnauba wax (total amount 28.9 wt%).

1: Mix ingredients B thoroughly.
2: Add ingredients C in order and dissolve at 85°C.
3: Add component D and adjust the pH.
4: Mix component A (oil phase) at 85°C.
5: While stirring the oil phase with a homomixer, add the water phase and stir at 85°C for 3 minutes (3,000 rpm).
6: Cool to room temperature while stirring at 50 rpm using a mechanical stirrer.
7: Using a mechanical stirrer, add component E while stirring at 100 rpm and mix.

Formulation example 4: Skin cream formulation (part 2)

The polyhydric alcohols are glycerin, xanthan gum, glyceryl stearate, and sucrose palmitate (total of 4 wt%).
The oils are mineral oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, tri(capric/caprylic)glyceryl, "Eldew" PS-203, isostearyl hydroxystearate, shea butter, stearyl alcohol, and carnauba wax (total amount 28.9 wt%).

1: Mix ingredients B thoroughly.
2: Add ingredients C in order and dissolve at 85°C.
3: Add component D and adjust the pH.
4: Mix component A (oil phase) at 85°C.
5: While stirring the oil phase with a homomixer, add the water phase and stir at 85°C for 3 minutes (3,000 rpm).
6: Cool to room temperature while stirring at 50 rpm using a mechanical stirrer.
7: Using a mechanical stirrer, add component E while stirring at 100 rpm and mix.

The composition of the present invention is useful, for example, as a cosmetic product such as a leave-on cosmetic product or as a raw material thereof.

Claims (24)

The following formula (1):

[Wherein,
_R1 is a linear alkyl group having 5 to 9 carbon atoms;
R ₂ is a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a salt thereof, and a polyhydric alcohol,
The polyhydric alcohol includes at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butylene glycol;
The composition contains a polyhydric alcohol in an amount of 0.5 to 200 parts by weight per part by weight of the compound or a salt thereof,
The content of the polyhydric alcohol is 0.1 to 90% (wt);
A non-detergent composition (excluding compositions further comprising a glyco-type biosurfactant). The composition of claim 1 , wherein R ₁ is a straight chain alkyl group having 7 carbon atoms. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein _R2 is an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an iso-butyl group, a sec-butyl group, or a tert-butyl group. The compound has the following formula (1'):

[Wherein,
R ₁ and R ₂ are the same as defined in claim 1. The composition according to claim 1, which is a compound represented by the formula: embedded image or a salt thereof. The composition of claim 1, wherein the compound is N-octanoyl-L-valine. The composition of claim 1, wherein the compound is N-octanoyl-L-alanine. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the compound or its salt in the composition is 0.01% (wt) or more. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the compound or its salt in the composition is 0.01% (wt) to 1% (wt). 2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyhydric alcohol is contained in the composition in an amount of 0.75 to 100 parts by weight per part by weight of the compound or a salt thereof. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the polyhydric alcohol in the composition is 0.5 to 80% (wt) . The composition of claim 1, further comprising an oil agent. 12. The composition according to claim 11 , wherein the oil is one or more oils selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon oils, ester oils, fats and oils, higher alcohols, and waxes. The composition according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the oil is contained in the composition in an amount of 0.01 part by weight or more per part by weight of the compound or a salt thereof. The composition according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the content of the oil in the composition is 0.1% (wt) or more. The composition further comprises water,
The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight percentage of said compound or its salt to water is 0.1 or more. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a liquid composition, a cream composition, an emulsion composition, a stick composition, or a sheet-impregnated composition. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a coating composition. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a moisturizer. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a cosmetic. 20. The composition of claim 19 , wherein the cosmetic is a leave-on cosmetic. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is an external preparation. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a lotion, a skin lotion, a cream, a gel, a serum, or a face mask. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a hair emulsion, a hair treatment, a hair conditioner, or a hair lotion. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is an ointment, cream, or mousse.