Abstract: Utilization of a growth factor as active principle of a slimming and lipolytic composition and its utilization in a treatment method particularly in the process for improving the aesthetic aspect of the skin. The slimming composition may also contain the growth factor in association with a lipolytic substance such as caffine.

Abstract: The use of lysine pyrrolidone carboxylate and arginine pyrrolidone carboxylate are disclosed as antioxidants in a cosmetic composition combined with at least one phenolic derivative.

Abstract: A cosmetic slimming composition for topical application to the skin contains in combination Ginkgo biloba as an alpha-2-blocker and at least one other alpha-2-blocker. This anti-cellulitis composition is capable of checking or stopping local fat accumulation and improving the esthetic appearance of the skin.

Abstract: An appliance for manual use for massaging a cutaneous covering, comprising, on the one hand, a reservoir (1) containing the product to be applied, and integral with a gripping element (2), the reservoir comprising a movable wall (4), so as to adapt its internal volume (9) to the quantity of product contained and, on the other hand, an applicator element (3) constituted by a sole (6) cooperating with the reservoir (1) and comprising at least one ball (7) held in a housing (8), which communicates with the internal volume of the reservoir (1) through at least one opening. The appliance also comprises a direct current source (12), which is situated in the said gripping element (2) and whose poles are each connected to one electrode, the first electrode (13) being a conductive covering which covers the wall of the gripping element (2) and the second electrode (14) being constituted by a conductive film which is in permanent contact with the product situated in the reservoir (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for examining a sample whose surface comprises reliefs, and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The apparatus comprises a sample carrier plate subjected to illumination from at least two sources having different wavelengths and whose illumination axes form an acute angle of incidence on the sample carrier plate, the illumination axes of the sources being all different, and an observation system for the sample carried by the plate. The method may be used for measuring the effectiveness of a cosmetic treatment product on a skin.