Abstract: Cosmetic Base composition exhibiting therapeutic properties comprising an acyl fatty acid alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid ester or alkali metal salt thereof, a sucrose fatty acid ester, and a solvent.

Abstract: Cosmetic Base composition exhibiting therapeutic properties includes an acyl fatty acid lactylate ester or alkali metal salt thereof, a sucrose fatty acid ester, and a solvent.

Abstract: A toilet bar is provided containing either soap or a synthetic detergent as a cleansing agent and wherein an alkali metal salt of an acyl lactylate or glycolate is incorporated in the bar as a skin conditioning member which imparts a non-oily, talc-like, silky, very smooth, non-powdery feel to the user's skin. The preferred skin conditioning member is from about 1% to about 5% by weight of sodium isostearoyl lactylate incorporated in the bar.

Abstract: A highly stable water in oil emulsion system for cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations is provided wherein an unexpectedly high proportion of from about 70% to about 80% of an internal aqueous phase may be dispersed as globules usually of about one micron in a continuous external oleaginous phase by use of an emulsifier composition containing cooperatively effective amounts of (1) a di- or tri-valent salt of the esterification product of a C.sub.10 to C.sub.22 fatty acid with a hydroxy carboxylic acid containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms (preferably calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate), and (2) a co-emulsifier compatible with emulsion (1) having an HLB value and present in a quantity to cause said emulsifier composition to have an effective HLB value within the range of about 4.6 to about 6.6. An emulsion may be produced using simple mechanical mixing techniques which has a static shelf life of at leat about six months at approximately 25.degree. C.