Abstract: The invention concerns the use of at least an oligosaccharide comprising 2 to 6 sugars and containing at least 2 galactose units, preferably 2 vicinal end-of-chain galactose motifs, or a plant extract containing same, as a cosmetic or dermatological agent, in particular for stimulating the beta-endorphin production in the skin. The invention enables to provide care for sensitive skins, in particular to fight against skin sensitivity, uncomfortable reactions, to provide sensations of well-being, and to produce a local analgesic action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cosmetic treatment for combating the effects of skin ageing and to novel cosmetic compositions which are particularly suitable for carrying it out.

Abstract: A method for stimulating the synthesis and/or secretion of proteoglycans and/or glycosaminoglycans by keratinocytes of a human in need thereof, by applying to an external body area of the human a composition containing an effective amount of D-xylose, an ester thereof or an oligosaccharide containing D-xylose, in a combination with a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cosmetic treatment for combating the effects of skin ageing and to novel cosmetic compositions which are particularly suitable for carrying it out. According to the invention, at least one agent for promoting the adhesion of the keratinocytes of the epidermal baseal layer to the dermo-epidermal junction, especially to the collagen IV of said junction, such as, in particular, a divalent metal salt or complex, preferably magnesium aspartate or magnesium chloride, is used, optionally in association with a stimulant of collagen IV synthesis and/or a stimulant of collagen VII synthesis. The application is for the preparation of cosmetic compositions with anti-wrinkle activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of ellagic acid and its derivatives in the field of cosmetics and pharmacy, especially dermatology.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an extract of the plant Potentilla erecta in the field of cosmetics and pharmacy, especially in dermatology. The invention more particularly relates to any application in which it is sought to reinforce the dermo-epidermal junction or to improve hair condition, by the improvement of the synthesis of collagen VII by keratinocytes and/or fibroblasts. In particular, these applications concern toning of the skin, diminishing of wrinkles or hair care. The invention also relates to a novel method of culture of cells, in particular of human fibroblasts or keratinocytes, for promoting the formation of collagen VII.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ester. The ester is characterized in that it presents the following chemical formula (I): ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently represent an atom of hydrogen, a methyl radical,A represents the following groups: ##STR2## R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are identical or different and each represents a chain of the form:--B.sub.m --C.sub.n --B.sub.p --C.sub.q --Hin which:B is the following group: ##STR3## C is the following group: ##STR4## and in which the indices m, n, p, and q are respective integers lying in the range 0 to 4, it being understood that the sum m+n+p+q is limited to integers in the range 0 to 4.The ester can be used for preparing cosmetic or pharmaceutical, in particular dermatological, compositions having activity against radicals, against inflammation, favoring differentiation of keratinocytes, improving skin moisturizing, improving skin grain fineness, and having anti-aging or depigmenting activity.

Abstract: The object of the invention is the use of a Bertholletia extract, particularly a Bertholletia excelsa extract, for the preparation of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, particularly a dermatological composition. The Bertholletia extract promotes collagen synthesis or has activity against free radicals, for example to combat the effects of skin ageing, to prevent the formation of wrinkles or reduce their depth, or to promote firmer skin. It also has an activity for promoting the incorporation of vitamin C in the skin cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel uses of an Eriobotrya japonica extract, in particular in cosmetics or pharmaceutics. This extract permits stimulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis, in particular of hyaluronic acid, thus imparting to the cosmetic compositions containing this extract the properties of improving the firmness and suppleness of the skin, combating the formation of wrinkles or lessening the depth thereof, smoothing the surface of the skin by means of a tightening effect, or moisturizing the skin. The invention further concerns the use of these extracts for stimulating the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans from a cell culture medium, in particular fibroblasts or keratinocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an .alpha.-tocopherol phosphate, especially in its dl or d form, or an ester thereof, of the general formula ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as the methyl or ethyl radical in particular, or an .alpha.-tocopheryl radical; and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl or ethyl radical in particular, or an oxyethylene chain of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 independently are a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, or a salt thereof, for preparing a pharmaceutical, dermatological or cosmetic composition for the prevention or treatment of allergic manifestations such as skin allergy or bronchial asthma, or inflammatory manifestations, or for the prevention or treatment of the harmful effects of free radicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition based on hydrated lipidic lamellar phase or on liposomes and to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, particularly dermatological composition incorporating it. The hydrated lipidic lamellar phases or the liposomes contain at least in part a derivative of labdane, or a plant extract containing it. The invention reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid complex particles, each comprised of at least two solid substances, at least one of them being biologically active.The biologically active solid substance is comprised of at least one biologically active product and is evenly distributed at the surface of a grain consisting of the other solid core-forming substance, so-called support substance, said grain having a size comprised between 0.05 and 100 .mu.m (microns) and the weight ratio between said active substance and said core-forming substance being comprised between 10.sup.-4 and 1.5 approximately.The invention also relates to a method for the preparation of said particles, a process for the treatment of a biological surface in order to accelerate the biodisponibility of a biologically active substance.It also relates to compositions for topical application containing the particles of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for topically administering a Smelophyllum capense extract as a cosmetic, dermatologic, or pharmaceutical composition to promote collagen synthesis. Administration of the composition results in the firming of the skin, improves healing and is suitable for treating various pathologies accompanied with a deficiency in collagen. The extract can also be added to cell culture medium used in the culture of skin cells, particularly skin fibroblasts. The composition can contain between 0.0001% and 1% by weight of the Smelophyllum capense extract, and the extract can be obtained by extraction with a polar solvent. The composition can contain other ingredients including ascorbic acid, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, madecassoside, asiaticoside, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, collagenase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, lysine, proline, 2-oxoglutarate and ginsenoside Ro.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of ascorbic acid, notably L-ascorbic acid or vitamin C, or of its erythorbic acid isomer, or of their salts or esters, for promoting the synthesis of elastin in the dermis in the view of improving in particular skin elasticity.The invention enables manufacturing cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, notably dermatological compositions, for improving skin elasticity, for example in the context of a product which improves skin tone or skin firmness.The invention also enables increasing the elastin content of artificial dermes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Medicago saponins for the preparation of cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions.The invention provides for the incorporation of 0.01% to 5% by weight of a saponin or a corresponding sapogenin, or a plant extract in which it is present, originating in particular from lucerne leaves or roots.The invention makes it possible to promote renewal of the epidermis, stimulate hair regrowth or delay hair loss, or else to combat the effects of ageing on the state of the skin and scalp, as is evident from the Figure.

Abstract: The use of ginsenoside R.sub.0 or a plant extract containing same to prepare a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, particularly a skin care composition, for promoting collagen synthesis, particularly collagen I and/or collagen III synthesis. Said cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition is administered to a mammal, particularly a human being, in order to promote collagen synthesis. A method for promoting collagen synthesis in fibroblast growth media is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Medicago saponins for the preparation of cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions. The invention provides for the incorporation of 0.01% to 5% by weight of a saponin or a corresponding sapogenin, or a plant extract in which it is present, originating in particular from lucerne leaves or roots. The invention makes it possible to promote renewal of the epidermis, stimulate hair regrowth or delay hair loss, or else to combat the effects of ageing on the state of the skin and scalp, as is evident from the FIGURE.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of an organic or hydro-organic extract of Poria cocos Wolf fungi for the preparation of a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical composition, in particular a dermatological composition, for the treatment of acne and oily skin.The preferred concentration of Poria cocos extract is in the range 0.001% to 5% by weight with respect to the total weight of the final composition.Cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, in particular dermatological compositions, can be prepared for the effective treatment of acne and oily skin.

Abstract: A simaba extract is used to produce a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, and particularly dermatological, composition or a skin cell culture medium. The resulting compositions are also disclosed. The simaba extract has a significant skin depigmentation activity and can enhance the protective function of the skin, particularly its water barrier function, as well as having a significant keratinocyte differentiation activity.

Abstract: A simarouba extract is used to produce a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, and particularly dermatological, composition or a skin cell culture medium. The resulting compositions are also disclosed. The simarouba extract has a significant skin depigmentation activity and can enhance the protective function of the skin, particularly its water barrier function, as well as having a significant keratinocyte differentiation activity.