Novel 1-phenylmono- or -polyhydroxypropane compounds, compositions and cosmetic uses thereof

A process for preventing and/or reducing the signs of aging of the skin which comprises applying to the skin a compound of formula (I)

• in which
• n=0;
• 1;
• 2 or 3
• m=0;
• 1;
• 2 or 3
• with 2≦m+n≦3
• R1 independently denotes a linear C1-C6 alkyl radical or a branched C3-C6 alkyl radical or a linear C1-C6 acyl radical,
• R2 and R3 independently denote a hydrogen atom or an OH radical,
• and also an optical isomer, stereoisomer and/or diastereoisomer thereof and/or salts thereof.

A compound of formulae (V) to (IX):

• Formula (V):
• in which:
• n=1 or 2
• each of the substituents R1 independently denotes a hydrogen atom or a linear C1-C6 alkyl or a branched C3-C6 alkyl
• Formula (VI):
• in which:
• when R2 denotes a hydroxyl radical, then R3 denotes a hydrogen atom,
• when R2 denotes a hydrogen atom, then R3 denotes a hydroxyl radical,
• each of the substituents R1 independently denotes a hydrogen atom or a linear C1-C6 alkyl or a branched C3-C6 alkyl
• in which:
• R3 denotes a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl radical
• each of the substituents R1 independently denotes a hydrogen atom or a linear C1-C6 alkyl or a branched C3-C6 alkyl
• in which:
• when R2 denotes a hydroxyl radical, then R3 denotes a hydrogen atom,
• when R2 denotes a hydrogen atom, then R3 denotes a hydroxyl radical,
• each of the substituents R1 independently denotes a hydrogen atom or a linear C1-C6 alkyl or a branched C3-C6 alkyl
• in which R1 independently denotes a hydrogen or a linear C1-C6 alkyl or a branched C3-C6 alkyl.

A cosmetic composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one compound of formula (I)

• in which
• n=0;
• 1;
• 2 or 3
• m=0;
• 1;
• 2 or 3
• with 1≦m+n≦3
• R1 independently denotes a linear C1-C6 alkyl radical or a branched C3-C6 alkyl radical or a linear C1-C6 acyl radical,
• R2 and R3 independently denote a hydrogen atom or an OH radical,
• an optical isomer, stereoisomer and/or diastereoisomer thereof and/or salts thereof, provided that when R1 denotes methyl, R2 denotes a OH radical, and R3 denotes a hydrogen atom then 2≦m+n≦3,
• with the exception of the following compound;