Patent analysis: a look at the innovative nature of plant-based cosmetics

Abstract

The use of plants have become a important trend in cosmetic market, with a crescent number of patent applications. Despite various herbal-based ingredients have been described in scientific literature, most of them are restricted to patent databases. In this work we analyze the innovative use of plants and its derivatives in cosmetic technologies, based on patent analysis. The investigation was conducted using Derwent World Patents Index (Thomson Reuters Scientific, USA) from 1995 to 2015. The search was carried out to evaluate the number of patent deposits, the patent depositors profiles, the countries with most patent applications, the International Patent Classification (IPC) and the main plant families using in cosmetics. Patent analysis revealed an increase number of applications involving cosmetic containing plants components, with a higher number of deposits related to anti-ageing and whitening skin treatment. Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Rutaceae, Lilliacae and Apiaceae were the key plant families used in cosmetic formulations for skin care treatment. Comparison between scientific and technological data pointed out divergences between patents deposits and aid-based scientific reports. The use of patent analysis in combination with scientific data opens up wider aspects of knowledge and enables a better rationalization of innovative works.

Development and efficacy evaluation of hair care formulations containing vegetable oils and silicone

“…In addition, they act in the improvement of sensorial characteristics of the hair fiber. 7 Brazilian nut oil has 60% to 70% lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, 15 to 20% proteins, selenium, calcium, iron, magnesium and B-complex vitamins. 8 Due to the amount of selenium in its composition, presents properties in the reduction of the formation of free radicals (antioxidant activity), preventing the natural destruction of the cells, as well as the protective effect of ultraviolet (UV) rays.…”

Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Photoprotective Activities of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. (Anacardiaceae)

“…Currently, the development of products with raw materials from natural sources has been reported as a trend due to its good acceptance and the potential activity of natural products [5, 6]; for example, the extracts from the flowers of Bromelia laciniosa showed high sun protection factor [7], as well as extracts from the leaves of Neoglaziovia variegata [8]. …”