Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel peptide having a specified amino acid sequence or its derivative, or a salt thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a composition containing the novel peptide or the like, a method of utilizing the novel peptide or the like, use of the novel peptide or the like, a polynucleotide encoding the novel peptide, or the like. The novel peptide of the present invention or its derivative, or a salt thereof can be utilized for enhancing production of at least one member selected from the group consisting of collagen and hyaluronic acid in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel peptide having a specified amino acid sequence or its derivative, or a salt thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a composition containing the novel peptide or the like, a method of utilizing the novel peptide or the like, use of the novel peptide or the like, a polynucleotide encoding the novel peptide, or the like. The novel peptide of the present invention or its derivative, or a salt thereof can be utilized for enhancing production of at least one member selected from the group consisting of collagen and hyaluronic acid in a cell.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide novel useful elastin production-enhancing agents that have a remarkable ability to enhance elastin production. The present invention provides elastin production-enhancing agents that include at least one component selected from the group consisting of the peptide Leu-Glu-His-Ala (formula I; SEQ ID NO:1), derivatives of the peptide, and salts thereof. The present invention also provides elastin production-enhancing agents that include at least one component selected from the group consisting of peptides which include a conservative substitution, deletion, and/or addition of one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of formula I that retain an ability to enhance elastin production in cells; derivatives of such peptides; and salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention has as an object to provide a preparation for external use on skin in which a water-soluble ascorbic acid can be stably dissolved. By blending a low molecular weight betaine in a preparation for external use on skin including a water-soluble ascorbic acid and a glycol ether or a specific polyhydric alcohol, the water-soluble ascorbic acid can be stably dissolved. For this reason, a preparation for external use on skin in which a water-soluble ascorbic acid can be blended in a high concentration can be produced, and therefore, the various effects which ascorbic acid inherently possesses can be effectively exhibited depending on the blending amount thereof. In addition, a preparation which does not give a sticky sensation after applying to the skin, provides a moisturizing sensation, and provides good fitness to the skin, can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention has as an object to provide a composition for external use on skin whose percutaneous absorption of an active component is increased, whereby a large amount of the active component can be delivered into the skin. By employing diglycerol and a low molecular weight betaine together, a percutaneous absorption accelerator excellent in permeability of an active component is provided. According to the percutaneous absorption accelerator of the present invention, the accelerated percutaneous absorption amount of an active component is greatly increased, whereby an effect which the active component essentially possesses is sufficiently exhibited.

Abstract: The present invention has as an object to provide a preparation for external use on skin in which the percutaneous absorption amount of ascorbic acid or an ascorbic acid derivative is increased and an effect on improving skin pigmentation and dullness is enhanced. In a preparation for external use on skin, comprising one or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives, by employing diglycerol and a low molecular weight betaine together, a preparation for external use on skin in which the percutaneous absorption of the ascorbic acid or the ascorbic acid derivative is increased, an effect on improving skin pigmentation and dullness, etc. is sufficiently exhibited and an excellent humectant effect is exhibited can be provided.

Abstract: A transparent micro-emulsion including two or more nonionic surfactants, two or more oily components, a water-soluble high molecular weight polymer, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The sum of the concentration of the surfactants (a) and the oily components (b) is less than about 0.6 wt %. The ratio of the surfactant to the oily component is from about 2:1 to about 1:1.

Abstract: There is provided a detergent composition comprising (a) an organic polymer containing acrylic acid or its salts, having an average molecular weight of less than 15,000; and (b) an amino tricarboxylic acid or its salts or complexes or any mixture thereof exhibiting improved soil and stain removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising a pectinesterase, including dishwashing, hard surface cleaning, and laundry compositions. The compositions are useful for significant overall cleaning performance and stain/soil removal benefits. In particular, the compositions are useful for removal of body, plant, fruit juice, and vegetable juice soils and stains.

Abstract: Laundry detergents and bleaching systems comprising acyl verolactam bleach activators having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkoxy group containing from about 1 to about 18 carbon atoms wherein the longest linear alkyl or alkoxy chain extending from and including the carbonyl carbon contains from about 2 to about 12 carbon atoms; ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are members selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, nitro, alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyaryl, alkaryl, and alkaryloxy moieties containing from about 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, and substituents having the structures: ##STR3## wherein R.sup.7 is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkaryl, alkoxy, alkoxyaryl, alkaryloxy, and aminoalkyl; X is O, NH, or NR.sup.9, wherein R.sup.9 is H or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group; and R.sup.8 is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl group containing from 3 to 11 carbon atoms; orc) mixtures of a) and b)are provided.

Abstract: Laundry detergents and bleaching systems comprise acyl valerolactam bleach activators. The bleach activators are effective under mixed soil conditions, especially mixtures of hydrophobic and hydrophilic soils and stains.