Topical skin care formulations comprising plant extracts
Disclosed is a method of treating a skin condition, the method comprising topically applying to skin in need thereof a composition comprising an effective amount of an aqueous or alcoholic extract from the leaf of Quassia undulata , wherein the composition treats the skin condition by reducing COX-1, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase, TNF-α, melanogenesis, or MMP-1 activity in the skin.
1. A method of treating a skin condition, the method comprising topically applying to skin in need thereof a composition comprising an effective amount of an aqueous or alcoholic extract from the leaf of Quassia undulata , wherein the composition treats the skin condition by reducing COX-1, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase, TNF-α, melanogenesis, or MMP-1 activity in the skin, wherein the composition is applied to a fine line or wrinkle, an age spot, a skin discoloration, a freckle, skin having hyperpigmentation, or melasmic skin.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to a fine line or wrinkle.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to skin having hyperpigmentation or melasmic skin.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the composition is applied to an age spot, a skin discoloration, or a freckle.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises from 0.01% to 20% by weight of the aqueous or alcoholic extract from the leaf of Quassia undulata.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a lotion, cream, gel, or solution.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the composition is an emulsion.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the extract is an alcoholic extract.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the alcoholic extract is a methanol extract.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least 40% by weight of water.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the composition further comprises a moisturizing agent or a humectant.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition further includes an aqueous or alcoholic extract from the leaf of Buchanania reticulate.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the composition includes 0.01% to 20% by weight of the aqueous or alcoholic extract from the leaf of Buchanania reticulate.