Abstract: Disclosed herein is an external skin-care composition comprising hydroxycarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof represented by the general formulae (1), (2), and (3), or the salts thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are each independently a hydroxyl group, an amino group or an alkoxyl group which may be substituted by 1-3 hydroxyl groups, l is a number of 7-11, m is a number of 6-10, and n is a number of 5-9. This composition exhibits an excellent moisturizing effect, moisturizes the skin, has a great effect in preventing skin roughness and shows excellent effects in enhancing the clear skin tone of the skin and reducing skin dullness, and is hence particularly useful for cosmetic skin-care compositions.

Abstract: A patch is disclosed, which comprises a water-soluble adhesive sheet (a), and a patch is disclosed, which comprises a water-soluble adhesive sheet (a) and a water-soluble protective material (b) laminated thereon.This patch is convenient in handling and achieves high merit. Also, it can be applied to the skin so as to exhibit excellent warm-bathing effects on the application site.

Abstract: A bathing preparation is disclosed, comprising bathing agent components packed in a bag which is made of; a nonwoven or woven fabric consisting of a water soluble polymer fiber or a laminate sheet comprising a nonwoven or woven fabric consisting of a water soluble polymer fiber on the outside and a water soluble film on the inside.

Abstract: A 4,4-Dimethyl-1-phenylpentane-1,3-dione derivatives represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein all symbols are defined in the disclosure, is disclosed. An ultraviolet ray absorbent and a cosmetic comprising the derivative are also disclosed. The derivative of the present invention have excellent ultraviolet ray absorbing performance and superior light stability, and the ultraviolet ray absorbent and cosmetic comprising the derivative have excellent effect to prevent sunburn.

Abstract: A novel aroyl ketone derivative represented by formula (I) is disclosed.Ar(COCH.sub.2 COR.sup.1).sub.n (I)wherein R.sup.1 represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1-24 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkoxyalkyl or alkenyloxyalkyl group having 1-24 carbon atoms, dialkylamino group having 1-24 carbon atoms, Ar represents a benzene or naphthalene ring which may be substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups, alkoxy groups having 1-24 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy groups having 1-24 carbon atoms, polyoxyleneoxy groups, mono- or dialkyl amino groups having 1-24 carbon atoms, or .alpha.-methylenedioxy groups, and n denotes an integer of 1-4. An UV-ray absorber and cosmetic composition comprising the aroyl ketone derivative of formula (I) are also disclosed.