Topical skin care formulations comprising plant extracts

1. A method for treating skin of a person in need thereof, the method comprising topically applying to the skin of the person a composition comprising an effective amount of an aqueous, alcoholic, or aqueous-alcoholic extract from Vinca major , wherein the composition reduces melanin production in the skin, increases antioxidant activity in the skin, and/or increases skin moisture content.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to hyperpigmented skin.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the hyperpigmented skin is melasmic skin.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the hyperpigmented skin is a sunspot, age spot, or freckle.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the composition lightens skin.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to unevenly colored skin.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the unevenly colored skin is melasmic skin.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the unevenly colored skin is a sunspot, age spot, or freckle.

9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the composition evens skin tone.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition reduces oxidative damage to skin.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to dehydrated skin.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the dehydrated is dry skin.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the composition increases skin moisture content.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to sagging or loose skin.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the composition increases skin elasticity or firmness.

16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to a fine line or wrinkle.

17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition has a pH of about 6 to about 9.

18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is an emulsion.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the composition is an oil-in-water emulsion.

20. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a cream or a lotion.

21. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a solution.

22. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises 0.001% to 5%, by weight, of the extract.

23. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises:

(a) jojoba oil;

(b) aloe extract;

(c) vitamin E; and

(d) ethylhexylglycerin.

24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the composition further comprises:

(a) vitamin C;

(b) hyaluronic acid;

(c) cucumber extract;

(d) sodium PCA;

(e) sodium lactate; and

(f) acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer.

25. The method of claim 23 , wherein the composition further comprises:

(a) kaolin;

(b) glycolic acid;

(c) glycerin;

(d) sodium stearate;

(e) cetyl alcohol; and

(f) isopropyl palmitate.

26. The method of claim 23 , wherein the composition further comprises:

(a) sodium PCA;

(b) sodium lactate;

(c) cucumber extract;

(d) glycerin;

(e) carbomer; and

(f) alcohol.

27. The method of claim 23 , wherein the composition further comprises:

(a) sodium PCA;

(b) sodium lactate;

(c) cucumber extract;

(d) hydroxyethylcellulose;

(e) carrageenan; and

(f) potassium sorbate.

28. The method of claim 1 , where the composition further comprises:

(a) water;

(b) a chelating agent;

(c) a moisturizing agent;

(d) a preservative; and

(e) a thickening agent.

29. The method of claim 1 , wherein the extract is in liquid form and comprises the extracting solvent.

30. The method of claim 1 , wherein the extract is a lyophilized extract in powdered form.

31. The method of claim 1 , wherein the extract is from the whole plant of Vinca major.

32. The method of claim 1 , wherein the extract is an alcoholic extract.

33. The method of claim 32 , wherein the alcoholic extract is an ethanolic extract.