CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 0001 This is a continuation application of PCT/EP00/12780, filed Dec. 15, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and also claims the benefit of German Priority Application No. 100 00 210.2, filed Jan. 5, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 0002 The present invention relates to cosmetic and dermatological preparations of the oil-in-water type, in particular flowable O/W emulsions, very particularly sprayable O/W emulsions, which have a viscosity of less than 2000 mPas, and to a method of stabilizing O/W formulations by matching the density of the phases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 0003 Cosmetic preparations are essentially used for skincare. The human skin is the largest human organ and performs numerous vital functions. Having an average area of about 2 m2 in adults, it has a prominent role as a protective and sensory organ. Amongst its many functions (for example for heat regulation), the barrier function, which prevents the skin (and therefore ultimately the entire organism) from drying out, is by far the most important. At the same time, the skin acts as a protective device against the invasion and the absorption of external substances (e.g. dirt, chemicals, microorganisms). In addition, it has an important role as a regulatory and target organ in human metabolism. 0004 The main aim of cosmetic skincare is to strengthen or restore the skin's natural function as a barrier against environmental influences and against the loss of endogenous substances (as well as water also natural fats, electrolytes etc.). 0005 Another aim of skincare is to compensate for the loss by the skin of lipids and water caused by daily washing. This is particularly important if the natural regeneration ability is inadequate. Furthermore, skincare products should protect against environmental influences, in particular against sun and wind, and delay skin aging. 0006 The harmful effect of the ultraviolet part of solar radiation on the skin is generally known. Depending on their respective wavelength, the rays have different effects on the skin organ: UV-C radiation having a wavelength of less than 290 nm is absorbed by the ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere and is of no physiological importance. By contrast, rays in the range between 290 nm and 320 nm, the UV-B region, cause erythema, simple sunburn or even burns of varying severity. UV-A radiation (320 to 400 nm) is much more harmful than UV-B radiation with regard to the triggering of photodynamic, specifically phototoxic, reactions and chronic changes in the skin. For example, UV-A radiation on its own under very normal everyday conditions is enough to damage collagen and elastin fibers within a short period. The harmful effect of UV-B radiation can also be further intensified by UV-A radiation. 0007 In addition, even very low radiation dosages can trigger photochemical reactions. These include, in particular, the formation of free radicals, which in turn can trigger uncontrolled secondary reactions as a result of their high reactivity. In order to prevent such reactions, as well as UV filter substances, it is also possible to additionally add antioxidants and/or free-radical scavengers to cosmetic or dermatological formulations. 0008 Medicinal topical compositions usually comprise one or more medicaments in an effective concentration. For the sake of simplicity, in order to clearly distinguish between cosmetic and medicinal use and corresponding products, reference is made to the legal provisions of the Federal Republic of Germany (e.g. Cosmetics Directive, Foods and Drugs Act). 0009 By far the most important type of product in the field of skincare compositions is emulsions. Emulsions are disperse two- or multi-phase systems, cosmetic emulsions consisting of at least one fatty phase (fats and mineral oils, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols etc.) and at least one water phase (water, glycerol, glycols etc.), which are distributed in the form of very fine droplets in one another using emulsifiers. If the oil phase is finely distributed in the water phase, then this is an oil-in-water emulsion (O/W emulsion, e.g. milk). The basic character of an O/W emulsion is determined by the water, i.e. is less greasy on the skin, has more of a matting effect and absorbs more rapidly into the skin than a W/O emulsion. 0010 Although, when viewed from a thermodynamic standpoint, emulsions are unstable systems, it is possible to prepare cosmetic emulsions which are stable for years. An emulsion is described as stable if, over a predefined period of time, no measurable temporal or spatial changes in the droplet size distribution can be established. 0011 The stability or instability of emulsions depends on a variety of factors. Firstly, the water phase of a W/O emulsion tends, for example, toward sedimentation since the water and oil phases have different densities. The oil phase of an O/W emulsion, accordingly, has a tendency toward creaming. 0012 In addition, because of the forces of attraction between the finely distributed droplets of the disperse phase, drop aggregation can result, where the individual droplets of an aggregate remain initially separate from one another by a thin film of the continuous phase. In this case, the original droplet size distribution only appears to change and can in this case be restored by stirring or shaking. 0013 However, the droplets which are in contact can, moreover, also coalesce, which leads to a real change in the droplet size distribution, which can only be changed back by inputting energy. This phenomenon is referred to as coalescence. The more viscous the outer phase of the emulsion, the more slowly the process of coalescence proceeds. 0014 The processes described can occur individually or together. One process often initiates or intensifies the other. Thus, for example, the formation of aggregates in O/W emulsions accelerates creaming of the oil phase. If the disperse state of an emulsion is partially or completely lost, then the two phases separate, and this is referred to as emulsion breaking. 0015 Accordingly, the stabilization of emulsions over a relatively long period of time requires auxiliaries which prevent separation of the two phases, or at least delay it until the emulsion has fulfilled its intended purpose. 0016 These auxiliaries should firstly stabilize the interface by preventing the droplets of the disperse phase from coalescing. In the ideal case, these substances moreover effect repulsion of the droplets, which prevents them from contacting, thus avoiding agglomeration (aggregate formation). 0017 Secondly, auxiliaries are used to counteract creaming or sedimentation of the phases. 0018 Emulsifiers are interface-active substances which are able to prevent the interfacial tension between oil and water phase by positioning themselves preferably at the interface between these two phases. This is made possible as a result of their amphiphilic molecular structure: emulsifiers have at least one polar (hydrophilic) group and at least one nonpolar (lipophilic) group. As a result, they are soluble both in the hydrophilic phase and in the lipophilic phase. The part which is more soluble in the corresponding phase protrudes into this phase and as a result lowers the interfacial tension between the two phases. 0019 The attempt to classify emulsifiers is difficult since they belong to categories which are very different in chemical terms. The more quickly an emulsifier lowers the interfacial tension and the lower the equilibrium value of the interfacial tension, the more effective the emulsifier. 0020 Moreover, emulsifiers also stabilize emulsions as a result of the formation of interfacial films and thus physical barriers, as a result of which aggregate formation and coalescence of the emulsified particles is prevented. As a result of the positioning of the emulsifier at the interface, the droplets either become charged, so that they mutually repel, or a stable, often high-viscosity or even solid protective layer is formed around the droplets. 0021 However, for the practical preparation of cosmetic or dermatological emulsions, the use of one or more emulsifiers on their own is generally insufficient. Important factors for the stability of cosmetic or dermatological preparations are also: 0022 very fine distribution of the two phases in one another the smaller the dispersed particles, the more stable the emulsion. 0023 high viscosity of the outer phase 0024 a stable interfacial film 0025 a balanced phase volume ratio 0026 The emulsifier system must therefore in most cases comprise, in addition to the actual emulsifier, a further component which is referred to as coemulsifier, stabilizer or, depending on the activity mechanism, also as bodying agent, thickener or protective colloid etc. 0027 These substances, which for the sake of simplicity are referred to below as stabilizers, increase the stability of an emulsion. Stabilizers do not have to be surface-active, but can be amphiphilically constructed compounds. 0028 One way of stabilizing emulsions is, in accordance with what was stated above, to increase the viscosity of the external phase. This viscosity increase generally brings about a considerable reduction in the mobility of the dispersed droplets, as a result of which the rate of sedimentation or creaming is reduced. As a result of this, the droplets also meet less frequently, which results in a lower tendency toward coalescence. 0029 The viscosity of the external phase can, for example, be increased by adding thickeners which form, for example, gels and/or lamellar liquid crystals. In principle, emulsifiers are also able to increase the viscosity of a liquid as a result of the formation of emulsifier gel networks. However, this requires a relatively large amount of emulsifier since gel networks are only formed when the total interface between the phases is coated with emulsifier molecules. 0030 The breaking of an emulsion can also be prevented by the choice of a suitable phase volume ratio. To illustrate this fact, imagine an emulsion as a system of metal spheres of equal diameter (internal phase) and a liquid (external phase). Sedimentation or creaming can, in this simple model, no longer occur if the entire liquid is filled with metal spheres. Assuming as dense as possible a sphere packing as distribution, this is the case precisely at a ratio of 1:2, i.e. when {fraction (2/3)} of the emulsion consists of an internal phase. It is obvious that the viscosity of an emulsion increases as the proportion of internal phase grows since the mobility of the dispersed droplets becomes restricted as a result. 0031 The person skilled in the art is of course aware of the large number of options for formulating stable O/W preparations for cosmetic or dermatological use, for example in the form of creams and ointments, which are spreadable in the range from room to skin temperature, or as lotions and milks, which by contrast are flowable in this temperature range. In this connection, as well as the choice of the right emulsifier or emulsifier system, the further composition of the preparation, in particular, is important. 0032 O/W emulsions are generally stabilized by thickeners which increase the viscosity of the aqueous phase. Examples of suitable thickeners for this purpose are polyacrylates (carbomers) and other organic thickeners. A disadvantage of this method of improving the stability is the sensitivity of these formulations toward electrolytes. In addition, by nature higher-viscosity formulations (such as creams or ointments) are of course to be prepared in this manner. The stabilization of O/W emulsions above the phase volume ratio also generally leads to viscous formulations, in accordance with what was stated above. 0033 Emulsions of liquid (flowable) consistency are used in cosmetics, for example as care, cleansing, face or hand lotions. They generally have a viscosity of from about 2 000 mPas to about 10 000 mPas. The stability of flowable emulsions requires particular attention since the considerably greater mobility of the particles encourages more rapid coalescence. 0034 These prior art liquid emulsionssince they too generally comprise thickenersare not stable toward relatively high concentrations of electrolyte either, which may manifest itself in phase separation. It is, however, frequently desirable to use certain electrolytes, such as, for example, water-soluble UV filters, in order to be able to utilize the other physical, chemical or physiological properties thereof. Although in many cases appropriate choice of the emulsifier system can provide remedies to a certain extent, other disadvantages then arise just as often. 0035 The discussed disadvantages can, for example, lie in the fact that relatively large amounts of one or more emulsifiers are required (e.g. 3% by weight or above). Since, however, even emulsifiersas ultimately any chemical substancecan in individual cases trigger allergic reactions or reactions based on oversensitivity of the user (although the use of customary cosmetic emulsifiers is of course generally entirely acceptable), it is desirable to keep the emulsifier content of a cosmetic or dermatological formulation as low as possible. 0036 Emulsions with a very low viscosity (low-viscosity or sprayable emulsions) have hitherto, in accordance with what was stated above, only been able to be formulated with considerable effort, if at all. Accordingly, the supply of such formulations is extremely low. Nevertheless, such formulations could offer the consumer cosmetic results which were hitherto unknown. 0037 Generally, low-viscosity preparations of the prior art frequently have the disadvantage that they are limited to a narrow area of application or a restricted choice of raw materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 0038 An object of the present invention was to enrich the prior art with O/W preparations for cosmetic or dermatological use. 0039 In addition, the object of the invention was to prepare preparations of the oil-in-water type which have a low or very low viscosity and do not have the disadvantages of the prior art. A further object of the invention was to discover ways of producing cosmetic or dermatological, as low-viscosity as possible, O/W emulsions which are stable toward increased electrolyte concentrations. 0040 It was a further object of the present invention to find a method of stabilizing O/W formulations. 0041 Surprisingly, these objects are achieved by cosmetic or dermatological preparations of the oil-in-water type, which comprise an oil phase into which one or more citric esters of the general structural formula 2

0042 in which R1, R2 and R3, independently of one another, are chosen from the group consisting of ethyl, propyl and butyl, and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a CH3(CO) group, are incorporated, and a water phase, where the difference in density between the oil phase and the water phase (determinable using a computerized digital density meter of the type DMA 45 from chempro/PA at 25 C.) is not greater than 0.01 gcm3 and, if desired, comprising cosmetic or dermatological auxiliaries, additives and/or active ingredients. 0043 The invention further provides a method of stabilizing O/W formulations, which comprises matching the density of the oil phase to the density of the water phase by adding one or more citric esters of the general structural formula 3

0044 in which R1, R2 and R3, independently of one another, are chosen from the group consisting of ethyl, propyl and butyl, and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a CH3(CO) group, in such a way that the difference in density between the two phases is not greater than 0.01 gcm3. 0045 O/W formulations obtainable by this method are also provided by the present invention. 0046 Advantageous citric esters for the purposes of the present invention are those for which R1, R2 and R3 are identical radicals. Triethyl citrate, acetyltriethyl citrate, tributyl citrate and acetyltributyl citrate are particularly advantageous. According to the invention, preference is also given to citric esters which are only sparingly soluble or even insoluble in water, i.e. particularly those for which at least one of the radicals R1, R2 and R3 is a butyl radical and/or for which R4 is an acetyl radical. 0047 The preparations according to the invention are entirely satisfactory preparations in every respect and are not limited to a restricted choice of raw materials. Accordingly, they are particularly suitable for use as bases for preparation forms having diverse application purposes. The preparations according to the invention have excellent stability against decomposition in oil and water phases and exhibit very good sensory properties, such as, for example, spreadability on the skin or ability to be absorbed into the skin. 0048 It was particularly surprising that the preparations according to the invention are extraordinarily stable even without addition of further stabilizerssuch as, for example, bodying agents, thickeners or protective colloids etc. This could in no way have been foreseen, particularly for flowable or even sprayable formulations. 0049 The preparations according to the invention represent an enrichment of the prior art in every respect with regard to O/W emulsions, in particular with regard to flowable or sprayable O/W emulsions. 0050 In addition, very stable O/W formulations, for example sprayable formulations with a high sun protection factor, are obtainable by the method according to the invention in a surprisingly simple manner. 0051 It is particularly advantageous according to the invention if the preparations comprise considerably less than 1% by weight (based on the total weight of the preparations) of one or more emulsifiers. 0052 It is also advantageous according to the invention if the preparations have a viscosity of less than 10 000 mPas, more preferably less than 2 000 mPas, in particular less than 1 500 mPas (determinable using a Haake viscometer VT-02 at 25 C.). 0053 It is also advantageous if the average diameter of the oil droplets of the formulations according to the invention is less than 50 m. For the purposes of the present invention, preference is also given to formulations whose overall density is greater than 0.9 gcm3, in particular greater than 0.95 gcm3. 0054 It may also be advantageous if the O/W formulations according to the invention, although it is not necessary, also comprise stabilizers, which are advantageously chosen from the group of thickeners. It is advantageous to choose the content of the thickener(s) from the range 0.05% by weight to 0.15% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparations. 0055 The oil phase of the O/W formulations according to the invention advantageously has a high content of citrate esters according to the invention and may even consist entirely of such esters. Moreover, it may, however, also be advantageous to use further oils, for example in order to achieve a better feel of the formulations on the skin or to increase the performance of the products. The cosmetic and dermatological preparations according to the invention can, accordingly, also comprise oil components, as are customarily used in such preparations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 0056 If the O/W formulations according to the present invention are to comprise emulsifiers, then it is advantageous to use those emulsifiers which are suitable for the preparation of O/W emulsions, it being possible for these to be present either individually or else in any combinations with one another. 0057 The emulsifier(s) is/are advantageously chosen from the group consisting of the following compounds: polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, cetyidimethicone copolyol, glycol distearate, glycol dilaurate, diethylene glycol dilaurate, sorbitan trioleate, glycol oleate, glyceryl dilaurate, sorbitan tristearate, propylene glycol stearate, propylene glycol laurate, propylene glycol distearate, sucrose distearate, PEG-3 castor oil, pentaerythrityl monostearate, pentaerythrityl sesquioleate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl diisostearate, pentaerythrityl monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, isostearyl diglyceryl succinate, glyceryl caprate, palm glycerides, cholesterol, lanolin, glyceryl oleate (containing 40% monoester), polyglyceryl-2 sesquiisostearate, polyglyceryl-2 sesquioleate, PEG-20 sorbitan beeswax, sorbitan oleate, sorbitan isostearate, trioleyl phosphate, glyceryl stearate and ceteareth-20 (Teginacid from Th. Goldschmidt), sorbitan stearate, PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil, steareth-2, oleth-2, cetyl alcohol and ceteareth-30 (emulsifier E 2209 from Th. Goldschmidt), PEG-5 soya sterol, PEG-6 sorbitan beeswax, ceteth-2, glyceryl stearate SE, methylglucose sesquistearate, PEG-10 hydrogenated castor oil, oleth-3, sorbitan palmitate, PEG-22/dodecyl glycol copolymer, polyglyceryl-2 PEG-4 stearate, laneth-5, ceteth-3, laureth-3, stearyl alcohol and steareth-7 and steareth-10 (emulsifier E-2155 from Th. Goldschmidt), oleth-5, sorbitan laurate, laureth-4, PEG-4 laurate, polysorbate 61, polysorbate 81, beheneth-10, polysorbate 65, polysorbate 80, laneth-10, triceteareth-4 phosphate, triceteareth-4 phosphate and sodium C14-17-alkyl sec sulfonate (Hostacerin CG from Hoechst), PEG-8 stearate, glyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate (Arlacel 165 from ICI), polysorbate 85, trilaureth-4 phosphate, PEG-25 glyceryl trioleate, oleth-10, steareth-10, ceteth-10, PEG-35 castor oil, sucrose stearate, PEG-8 oleate, trioleth-8 phosphate, PEG-40 sorbitan lanolate, PEG-15 glyceryl ricinoleate, choleth-24 and ceteth-24 (Solulan C-24 from Amerchol), C12-15-pareth-12, PEG-20 glyceryl isostearate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-16 soya sterol, PEG-20 glyceryl oleate, PEG-20 stearate, polysorbate 80, PEG-20 methylglucose sesquistearate, PEG-30 glyceryl isostearate, PEG-20 glyceryl laurate, ceteth-20, ceteareth-25, PEG-30 stearate, PEG-30 glyceryl stearate, polysorbate 20, laureth-23, PEG-40 stearate, PEG-30 glyceryl laurate, PEG-50 stearate, PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 laurate, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20 and steareth-21, ceteareth-6, PEG-40 castor oil, sodium cetearyl sulfate, lecithin, laureth-4 phosphate, propylene glycol stearate SE, PEG-25 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-54 hydrogenated castor oil, glyceryl stearate SE, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, glyceryl oleate and propylene glycol, PEG-9 stearate, glyceryl lanolate, ceteth-2, polysorbate 60, glyceryl myristate, glyceryl isostearate and polyglyceryl-3 oleate, glyceryl laurate, PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate, laureth-4, glycerol monostearate, ceteareth-3, lanolin acid, isostearyl glyceryl ether, cetearyl alcohol and sodium cetearyl sulfate, steareth-2, PEG-22 dodecyl glycol copolymer, polyglyceryl-2 PEG-4 stearate, pentaerythrityl isostearate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, sorbitan oleate and hydrogenated castor oil and Cera alba and stearic acid, sodium dihydroxycetyl phosphate and isopropyl hydroxycetyl ether, methylglucose sesquistearate, steareth-2 and PEG-8 distearate, steareth-20, isosteareth-20, methylglucose dioleate, sorbitan oleate and PEG-2 hydrogenated castor oil and ozokerite and hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-2 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-45/dodecyl glycol copolymer, methoxy PEG-22/dodecyl glycol copolymer, hydrogenated cocoglycerides, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate, PEG-40 sorbitan perisostearate, PEG-20 glyceryl stearate, PEG-8 beeswax, laurylmethicone copolyol, polyglyceryl-2 laurate, stearamidopropyl PG dimonium chloride phosphate, PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil, triethyl citrate, PEG-20 methylglucose sesquistearate, glyceryl stearate citrate, cetyl phosphate, polyglycerol methylglucose distearate, poloxamer 101, potassium cetyl phosphate, isosteareth-10, oleth-20, isoceteth-20, glyceryl isostearate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearates, cetearyl alcohol and PEG-20 stearate. 0058 The emulsifier(s) is/are particularly preferably chosen from the group of fatty acids which have been completely or partially neutralized with customary alkalis (such as, for example, sodium and potassium hydroxide, sodium and potassium carbonate, and mono- and triethanolamine). Particularly advantageous examples are stearic acid and stearates, isostearic acid and isostearates, palmitic acid and palmitates, and myristic acids and myristates. 0059 According to the invention, the emulsifiers are also preferably chosen from the group of saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/or unbranched fatty alcohols having 10 to 40 carbon atoms, particular preference being given to butyloctanol, butyldecanol, hexyloctanol, hexyldecanol, octyldodecanol, behenyl alcohol (C22H45OH), cetearyl alcohol a mixture of cetyl alcohol (C16H33OH) and stearyl alcohol (C18H37OH), cetyl arachidol 2-hexadecyl-1-eicosanol (C36H73OH), lanolin alcohols (wool wax alcohols which are the non-hydrolyzable alcohol fraction of wool wax which is obtained after the hydrolysis of wool wax) and/or 2-tetradecyloctadecanol (C32H65OH). Advantageous variants of the two last-mentioned fatty alcohols are available under the trade names Isofol 36 and Isofol 32 from Condea. 0060 The list of emulsifiers mentioned which can be used for the purposes of the present invention is of course not intended to be limiting. 0061 The preparations according to the invention can advantageously also comprise one or more hydrocolloids. 0062 Hydrocolloids are macromolecules which have a largely linear structure and have intermolecular forces of interaction, which permit secondary and primary valence bonds between the individual molecules and thus the formation of a reticular structure. Some are water-soluble natural or synthetic polymers which, in aqueous systems, form gels or viscous solutions. They increase the viscosity of the water by either binding water molecules (hydration) or else by absorbing and encapsulating the water into their interwoven macromolecules, at the same time restricting the mobility of the water. 0063 The group of hydrocolloids can be divided as follows into: 0064 organic, natural compounds, such as, for example, agar agar, carrageen, tragacanth, gum arabic, alginates, pectins, polyoses, guar gum, carob bean flour, starch, dextrins, gelatins, casein, 0065 organic, modified natural substances, such as, for example, carboxymethylcellulose and other cellulose ethers, hydroxyethyl- and -propylcellulose and the like, 0066 organic, completely synthetic compounds, such as, for example, polyacrylic and polymethacrylic compounds, vinyl polymers, polycarboxylic acids, polyethers, polyimines, polyamides, 0067 inorganic compounds, such as, for example, polysilicic acids, clay minerals, such as montmorillonites, zeolites, silicas. 0068 Examples of hydrocolloids which are preferred according to the invention are methylcelluloses, which is the name for the methyl ethers of cellulose. They are characterized by the following structural formula 4

0069 in which R can be a hydrogen or a methyl group. 0070 Particularly advantageous for the purposes of the present invention are the cellulose mixed ethers, which are generally likewise referred to as methylcelluloses, which contain, in addition to a dominating content of methyl groups, also 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl or 2-hydroxybutyl groups. Particular preference is given to (hydroxypropyl)methylcelluloses, for example those available under the trade name Methocel E4M from Dow Chemical Comp. 0071 Also advantageous according to the invention is sodium carboxymethylcellulose, the sodium salt of the glycolic ether of cellulose, for which R in structural formula I can be a hydrogen and/or CH2COONa. Particular preference is given to the sodium carboxymethylcellulose available under the trade name Natrosol Plus 330 CS from Aqualon and also referred to as cellulose gum. 0072 Also preferred for the purposes of the present invention is xanthan (CAS No. 11138-66-2), also called xanthan gum, which is an anionic heteropolysaccharide which is generally formed by fermentation from maize sugar and is isolated as the potassium salt. It is produced by Xanthomonas campestris and a number of other species under aerobic conditions with a molecular weight of 2106 to 24106. Xanthan is formed from a chain having -1,4-bonded glucose (cellulose) with side chains. The structure of the subgroups (repeat units) consists of glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid, acetate and pyruvate. 0073 Other hydrocolloids which are advantageous according to the invention are polymers of acrylic acid, in particular those chosen from the group of carbomers or Carbopols (Carbopol is actually a registered trade mark of the B. F. Goodrich Company). Carbopols are compounds of the general structural formula 5

0074 whose molecular weight can be between about 400 000 and more than 4 000 000. The group of Carbopols also includes acrylate-alkyl acrylate copolymers, for example those characterized by the following structure: 6

0075 where R is a long-chain alkyl radical, and x and y are numbers which symbolize the respective stoichiometric content of each comonomer. These Carbopols, too, are also advantageous for the purposes of the present invention. 0076 Examples of advantageous Carbopols are the grades 907, 910, 934, 940, 941, 951, 954, 980, 981, 1342, 1382, 2984 and 5984, it being possible for these compounds to be present individually or in any combinations with one another. Particular preference is given to Carbopol 981, 1382 and 5984 (either individually or in combination with other hydrocolloids). 0077 Also advantageous for the purposes of the present invention are the copolymers, comparable with the acrylate-alkyl acrylate copolymers, of C10-30-alkyl acrylates and one or more monomers of acrylic acid, of methacrylic acid or esters thereof. 0078 The INCI name for such compounds is Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. Particularly advantageous are those available under the trade names Pemulen TR1 and Pemulen TR2 from B. F. Goodrich Company. 0079 The total amount of one or more hydrocolloids in the finished cosmetic or dermatological preparations is advantageously chosen to be less than 1.0% by weight, preferably between 0.01 and 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparations. 0080 The aqueous phase of the preparations according to the invention optionally advantageously comprises alcohols, diols or polyols of low carbon number and ethers thereof, preferably ethanol, isopropanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoethyl or monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl, monoethyl or monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether and analogous products, and also alcohols of low carbon number, preferably ethanol, isopropanol, 1,2-propanediol and glycerol. 0081 Particularly advantageous preparations are also obtained when antioxidants are used as additives or active ingredients. According to the invention, the preparations advantageously comprise one or more antioxidants. Favorable, but nevertheless optional antioxidants to be used are all antioxidants suitable or customary for cosmetic and/or dermatological applications. 0082 The antioxidants are advantageously chosen from the group consisting of amino acids (e.g. glycine, histidine, tyrosine, tryptophan) and derivatives thereof, imidazoles, (e.g. urocanic acid) and derivatives thereof, peptides, such as D,L-carnosine, D-carnosine, L-carnosine and derivatives thereof (e.g. anserine), carotenoids, carotenes (e.g. -carotene, -carotene, lycopene) and derivatives thereof, lipoic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g. dihydrolipoic acid), aurothioglucose, propylthiouracil and other thiols (e.g. thioredoxin, glutathione, cysteine, cystine, cystamine and the glycosyl, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl and lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, -linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof) and salts thereof, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodipropionate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, peptides, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts) and sulfoximine compounds (e.g. buthionine sulfoximines, homocysteine sulfoximine, buthionine sulfones, penta-, hexa-, heptathionine sulfoximines) in very low tolerated doses (e.g. pmol to pmol/kg), and also (metal) chelating agents (e.g. -hydroxyfafty acids, palmitic acid, phytic acid, lactoferrin), -hydroxy acids (e.g. citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acid, bile acid, bile extracts, bilirubin, biliverdin, EDTA, EGTA and derivatives thereof, unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof (e.g. -linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid), folic acid and derivatives thereof, ubiquinone and ubiquinol and derivatives thereof, vitamin C and derivatives (e.g. ascorbyl palmitate, Mg ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl acetate), tocopherols and derivatives (e.g. vitamin E acetate), vitamin A and derivatives (vitamin A palmitate) and coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, ferulic acid and derivatives thereof, butyl hydroxytoluene, butyl hydroxyanisole, nordihydroguaiacic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid and derivatives thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, zinc and derivatives thereof (e.g. ZnO, ZnSO4), selenium and derivatives thereof (e.g. selenomethionine), stilbenes and derivatives thereof (e.g. stilbene oxide, trans-stilbene oxide), and the derivatives (salts, esters, ethers, sugars, nucleotides, nucleosides, peptides and lipids) of said active substances which are suitable according to the invention. 0083 For the purposes of the present invention, the use of oil-soluble antioxidants is particularly advantageous. 0084 A surprising property of the present invention is that preparations according to the invention are very good vehicles for cosmetic or dermatological active ingredients into the skin, preferred active ingredients being antioxidants which can protect the skin from oxidative stress. Preferred antioxidants in this connection are vitamin E and derivatives thereof, and vitamin A and derivatives thereof. 0085 The amount of antioxidants (one or more compounds) in the preparations is preferably 0.001 to 30% by weight, particularly preferably 0.05 to 20% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparation. 0086 If vitamin E and/or derivatives thereof are the antioxidant(s), it is advantageous to choose their respective concentrations from the range 0.001 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation. 0087 If vitamin A or vitamin A derivatives, or carotenes or derivatives thereof are the antioxidant(s), it is advantageous to choose their respective concentrations from the range 0.001 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation. 0088 The person skilled in the art is of course aware that cosmetic preparations are in most cases inconceivable without customary auxiliaries and additives. The cosmetic and dermatological preparations according to the invention can, accordingly, also comprise cosmetic auxiliaries as are customarily used in such preparations, for example bodying agents, fillers, preservatives, perfumes, antifoams, dyes, other surface-active substances, emolients, moisturizers and/or humectants, anti-inflammatory substances, additional active ingredients, such as vitamins or proteins, light protection agents, insect repellents, bactericides, virusides, water, salts, antimicrobial, proteolytic or keratolytic substances, medicaments or other customary constituents of a cosmetic or dermatological formulation, such as alcohols, polyols, polymers, foam stabilizers, organic solvents and also electrolytes. 0089 Corresponding requirements apply mutatis mutandis to the formulation of medicinal preparations. 0090 The O/W emulsions according to the invention can be used as a basis for cosmetic and dermatological formulations. The latter can have the customary composition and be used, for example, for the treatment and care of the skin and/or the hair, as a lipcare product, as a deodorant product and as make-up or a make-up remover product in decorative cosmetics or as a light protection preparation. For use, the cosmetic and dermatological preparations according to the invention are applied to the skin and/or hair in a sufficient amount in a manner customary for cosmetics or dermatological compositions. 0091 Accordingly, for the purposes of the present invention, cosmetic or topical dermatological compositions can, depending on their composition, be used, for example, as skin protection cream, cleansing milk, sunscreen lotion, nutrient cream, day or night cream etc. In some instances, it is possible and advantageous to use the compositions according to the invention a basis for pharmaceutical formulations. 0092 The low-viscosity cosmetic or dermatological preparations according to the invention can, for example, be in the form of preparations which can be sprayed from aerosol containers, squeezable bottles or by means of a pump device, or in the form of a liquid composition which can be applied by means of roll-on devices, but also in the form of an emulsion which can be applied from normal bottles and containers. 0093 For the purposes of the present invention, suitable propellants for cosmetic or dermatological preparations which can be sprayed from aerosol containers are the customary known readily volatile, liquefied propellants, for example hydrocarbons (propane, butane, isobutane), which can be used alone or in a mixture with one another. Compressed air is also used advantageously. 0094 The person skilled in the art is of course aware that there are propellant gases which are nontoxic per se which would be suitable in principle for realizing the present invention in the form of aerosol preparations, but which must nevertheless be avoided because of their harmful impact on the environment or other accompanying circumstances, in particular fluorinated hydrocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). 0095 Those cosmetic and dermatological preparations which are in the form of a sunscreen are also favorable. These preferably additionally comprise at least one UV-A filter substance and/or at least one UV-B filter substance. 0096 It is, however, also advantageous for the purposes of the present invention to provide those cosmetic and dermatological preparations whose main purpose is not protection against sunlight, but which nevertheless have a content of UV protection substances. Thus, for example, UV-A and/or UV-B filter substances are usually incorporated into day creams. 0097 UV protection substances, like antioxidants and, if desired, preservatives, also represent effective protection of the preparations themselves against decay. 0098 Preparations according to the invention advantageously comprise substances which absorb UV radiation in the UV-A and/or UV-B region, where the total amount of the filter substances is, for example, 0.1% by weight to 30% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 20% by weight, in particular 1.0 to 15.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparations, in order to provide cosmetic preparations which protect the hair and/or the skin from the entire range of ultraviolet radiation. They can also be used as sunscreens for the hair or the skin. 0099 Advantageous UV-A filter substances for the purposes of the present invention are dibenzoylmethane derivatives, in particular 4-(tert-butyl)-4-methoxydibenzoylmethane (CAS No. 70356-09-1), which is sold by Givaudan under the name Parsol 1789 and by Merck under the trade name Eusolex 9020. 0100 Further advantageous UV-A filter substances are phenylene-1,4-bis(2-benzimidazyl)-3,3-5,5-tetrasulfonic acid: 7

0101 and its salts, particularly the corresponding sodium, potassium or triethanolammonium salts, in particular phenylene-1,4-bis(2-benzimidazyl)-3,3-5,5-tetrasulfonic bis-sodium salt: 8

0102 and 1,4-di(2-oxo-10-sulfo-3-bornylidenemethyl)benzene and salts thereof (in particular the corresponding 10-sulfato compounds, in particular the corresponding sodium, potassium or triethanolammonium salt), which is also referred to as benzene-1,4-di(2-oxo-3-bornylidenemethyl-10-sulfonic acid) and is characterized by the following structure: 9

0103 Advantageous UV filter substances for the purposes of the present invention are also broad-band filters, i.e. filter substances which absorb both UV-A and also UV-B radiation. 0104 Advantageous broad-band filters or UV-B filter substances are, for example, bisresorcinyltriazine derivatives having the following structure: 10

0105 where R1, R2 and R3, independently of one another, are chosen from the group of branched and unbranched alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or are a single hydrogen atom. Particular preference is given to 2,4-bis4-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine (INCI: Aniso Triazine), which is available under the trade name Tinosorb S from CIBA-Chemikalien GmbH and to tris(2-ethylhexyl) 4,4,4-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltriimino)trisbenzoate, synonym: 2,4,6-trisanilino(p-carbo-2-ethyl-1-hexyloxy)-1,3,5-triazine (INCI: Octyl Triazone), which is marketed by BASF Aktiengesellschaft under the trade name UVINUL T 150. 0106 Other UV filter substances, which have the structural formula 11

0107 are also advantageous UV filter substances for the purposes of the present invention, for example the s-triazine derivatives described in European laid-open specification EP 570 838 A1, whose chemical structure is expressed by the generic formula 12

0108 where 0109 R is a branched or unbranched C1-C18-alkyl radical, a C5-C12-cycloalkyl radical, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups, 0110 X is an oxygen atom or an NH group, 0111 R1 is a branched or unbranched C1-C18-alkyl radical, a C5-C12-cycloalkyl radical, optionally substituted by one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups, or a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, an ammonium group or a group of the formula 13

0112 in which 0113 A is a branched or unbranched C1-C18-alkyl radical, a C5-C12-cycloalkyl or aryl radical, optionally substituted by one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups, 0114 R3 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, 0115 n is a number from 1 to 10, 0116 R2 is a branched or unbranched C1-C18-alkyl radical, a C5-C12-cycloalkyl radical, optionally substituted by one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups, when X is the NH group, and 0117 a branched or unbranched C1-C18-alkyl radical, a C5-C12-cycloalkyl radical, optionally substituted by one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups, or a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, an ammonium group or a group of the formula 14

0118 in which 0119 A is a branched or unbranched C1-C18-alkyl radical, a C5-C12-cycloalkyl or aryl radical, optionally substituted by one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups, 0120 R3 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, 0121 n is a number from 1 to 10, 0122 when X is an oxygen atom. 0123 A particularly preferred UV filter substance for the purposes of the present invention is also an unsymmetrically substituted s-triazine, the chemical structure of which is expressed by the formula 15

0124 and which is also referred to below as dioctylbutylamidotriazone. 0125 European laid-open specification 775 698 also describes preferred bisresorcinyltriazine derivatives to be used, the chemical structure of which is expressed by the generic formula 16

0126 where R1, R2 and A1 represent very different organic radicals. 0127 Also advantageous for the purposes of the present invention are 2,4-bis4-(3-sulfonato)-2-hydroxypropyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine sodium salt, 2,4-bis4-(3-(2-propyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl )-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis4-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-4-(2-methoxyethylcarboxyl)phenylamino-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis4-(3-(2-propyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-4-(2-ethylcarboxyl)phenylamino-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis4-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-(1-methylpyrrol-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis4-tris(trimethylsiloxysilylpropyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis4-(2-methylpropenyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 2,4-bis4-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethylsiloxy-2-methylpropyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine. 0128 An advantageous broad-band filter for the purposes of the present invention is 2,2-methylenebis(6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethyl butyl)phenol), which is characterized by the chemical structural formula 17

0129 and is available under the trade name Tinosorb M from CIBA-Chemikalien GmbH. 0130 Another advantageous broad-band filter for the purposes of the present invention is 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methyl-6-2-methyl-3-1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-(trimethylsilyl)oxydisiloxanylpropylphenol (CAS No. 155633-54-8) having the INCI name Drometrizole Trisiloxane, which is characterized by the chemical structural formula 18

0131 The UV-B filters can be oil-soluble or water-soluble. Examples of advantageous oil-soluble UV-B filter substances are: 0132 3-benzylidenecamphor derivatives, preferably 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor, 3-benzylidenecamphor; 0133 4-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, preferably 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate, amyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate; 0134 2,4,6-trianilino(p-carbo-2-ethyl-1-hexyloxy)-1,3,5-triazine; 0135 esters of benzalmalonic acid, preferably di(2-ethylhexyl) 4-methoxybenzalmalonate, 0136 esters of cinnamic acid, preferably 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, isopentyl 4-methoxycinnamate; 0137 derivatives of benzophenone, preferably 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4-methylbenzophenone, 2,2-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone 0138 and UV filters bonded to polymers. 0139 Examples of advantageous water-soluble UV-B filter substances are: 0140 salts of 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid, such as its sodium, potassium or its triethanolammonium salt, and also the sulfonic acid itself; 0141 sulfonic acid derivatives of 3-benzylidenecamphor, such as, for example, 4-(2-oxo-3-bornylidenemethyl)benzenesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-5-(2-oxo-3-bornylidenemethyl)sulfonic acid and salts thereof. 0142 A further light protection filter substance which can be used advantageously according to the invention is ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate (octocrylene), which is available from BASF under the name Uvinul N 539 and is characterized by the following structure: 19

0143 It can also be of considerable advantage to use polymer-bonded or polymeric UV filter substances in the preparations according to the present invention, in particular those described in WO-A-92/20690. 0144 In some instances, it may also be advantageous according to the invention to incorporate further UV-A and/or UV-B filters into cosmetic or dermatological preparations, for example certain salicylic acid derivatives, such as 4-isopropylbenzyl salicylate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (octyl salicylate), homomenthyl salicylate. 0145 The list of said UV filters which can be used for the purposes of the present invention is of course not intended to be limiting. 0146 The examples below serve to illustrate the present invention without limiting it. The numerical values in the examples are percentages by weight, based on the total weight of the respective preparations.

EXAMPLES 0147

1123456Glyceryl stearate citrate0.50.50.50.5Glyceryl stearate0.50.5Tributyl citrate10553Acetyltributyl citrate10553Caprylic/capric triglycerid22C12-15-alkyl benzoate2523Butylene glycol dicaprylate/252dicaprateOctyltriazone0.5Methylbenzylidenecamphor2Butylmethoxydibenzoyl-2methaneTitanium dioxide3Vitamin E acetate0.50.5Preservative0.70.70.70.70.70.7Xanthan gum0.10.1Carbomer0.10.05Glycerol101.610910NaCl3.8Sodium3.58phenylbenzimidazolesulfonateWater75.381.160.870.290.778.95