Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of inhibiting hair growth, which comprises administering an inhibitor of elastase-like enzymes or a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, and use of an inhibitor of elastase-like enzymes or a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor for the preparation of a hair-growth inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for regulating the condition of mammalian keratinous tissue wherein the methods each comprise the step of topically applying to the keratinous tissue of a mammal needing such treatment, a safe and effective amount of a skin care composition comprising:

Abstract: Skin care, hair care and hair coloring compositions comprising a water-soluble silk protein as an active ingredient are described. The water-soluble silk protein deposits onto the skin or the natural hair keratin to provide a smooth and durable film to provide added strength for protection against environmental, chemical, and grooming associated damage. The compositions may be in the form of skin care, skin cleansing, or anti-wrinkle products, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, aerosols, gels, mousses, dyes, or bleaches.

Abstract: Use of a compound of formula (I): 1

Abstract: A clear aqueous emulsion of a complex comprising a moiety having a hydrophilic core to which is covalently bound the backbone of at least one monounsaturated C16-C20 fatty acid and appropriate surfactants is effective in controlling agricultural pests, including nematodes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hair growth promoting agent comprising a cyclosporin derivative having an excellent hair growth stimulating ability with little immunosuppressive effect as an active ingredient. In accordance with the invention, there is provided a hair growth promoting agent comprising a cyclosporin derivative represented by Chemical Formula 1 below. The derivatives of the invention were prepared by derivatization of cyclosporins at the amino acid residue 4, N-methyl-L-leucine, and hair growth promoting effects thereof were examined. Such a hair growth promoting agent, comprising a cyclosporin derivative as an active ingredient, exhibits an excellent hair growth effect, while it shows very weak immunosuppressive activity, compared to unmodified cyclosporin A.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of retaining, enhancing or imparting curl in a keratinous material which comprises applying to the keratinous material a retention effective amount of a transglutaminase enzyme.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a face wash which effectively removes pore stains and aged horny layers of the skin and gives whitening effect but has lesser stimulant feel. The present invention solves the object by providing a face wash comprising a protein-degrading enzyme, lipid-degrading enzyme, trehalose, D-glucose, and ascorbic acid and/or a derivative thereof as effective ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and composition for transforming hair. The composition is a dual composition that is useful to curl or straighten hair. The composition also repairs hair. The reducing solution includes monoethanolamine and thioglycolic acid and is essentially ammonium hydroxide free.

Abstract: Method for preparing a cosmetic or dermatological composition, of a sufficient amount of peptides of sequence (AA)n-Leu-Asp-Ala-Pro-(AA)n, wherein AA is any particular amino acid or one of its derivatives, n ranges between 0 and 2, and the amino acids may be in the form L, D or DL; the peptides or the composition being designed to: promote adhesion between skin cells; to provide curative and/or preventive treatment of ageing skin symptoms (of physiological or solar origin) and enhance skin appearance. In one preferred embodiment, the peptide is of sequence Lys-Leu-Asp-Ala-Pro-Thr.

Abstract: Use of a hop extract or a hop-malt extract for producing preparations for reducing sebum production and/or for establishing a normal sebum homeostasis, as well as for the prophylaxis and treatment of acne, blemished skin, greasy hair and dandruff.

Abstract: Method for preparing a cosmetic or dermatological composition, of a sufficient amount of peptides of sequence (Gly-Pro-Gln)n-NH2, wherein: n ranges between 1 and 3, and the amino acids can be in the form L, D or DL; the peptides or the composition being designed to: promote adhesion between skin cells, promote cell adhesion, to provide curative and/or preventive treatment for ageing skin symptoms (of physiological or solar origin) and to enhance skin appearance. In a preferred embodiment, the peptide is of sequence (Gly-Pro-Gln)2-NH2.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cosmetic product for skin care based on a three-element molecular complex. It comprises a combination of three active principles: enzymes, cytolines, biostimulins. The enzymes produce a keratolytic effect on the skin; the cytolines act to stimulate the cell activity, including the cell renewal; the biostimulins act to promote oxygenation of the cells, which constitutes a vital energy source. The invention is applicable in cosmetology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic treatment process for improving the epidermal barrier function of the skin, scalp and mucous membrane, characterized in that a preparation containing at least one substance which modulates tight junctions and/or which modulates occludin and/or claudins and/or which modulates the Zona occludens through the proteins ZO-1, ZO-2 and/or ZO-3 is topically applied.

Abstract: A process for deforming keratin fibers involving: (a) mechanically deforming the keratin to form mechanically deformed keratin fibers; and (b) contacting the keratin fibers, prior to and/or after the keratin fibers are mechanically deformed, with an aqueous composition containing: (i) from about 0.1 to 20% by weight of an alkoxylated carboxylic acid ester; and (ii) from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of a fatty acid partial glyceride, all weights being based on the weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of surface cleaning and protection compositions. A typical embodiment of this invention may be a lotion, a soap, a cream, an aerosol, a gel, a medicinal lotion, a fabric cleanser, a furniture polish, an automobile polish, and a cleanser for other solid surfaces. The use of polyhederal oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) allows greater flexibility in delivering active agents to a surface as well as for surface protection from irritants. The current invention discloses compositions for a variety of applications ranging from skin care, home hygiene, health care, entertainment, and children training/education. The compositions may provide molecular-level benefits, form breathable protection layers on a surface (e.g. skin), provide UV protection, provide foaming effects or allow users (consumers) to know when or if the cleaning is complete.

Abstract: Personal care products including cosmetics, grooming products and topical pharmaceutical products can be produced including a polypeptide of between 3 and 12 amino acids in length and a ceramide. These formulations are particularly useful in addressing wrinkles in human subjects and in particular facial skin and hands. Certain analogs and derivatives of these polypeptides may be used in these formulations and/or alone. Methods of using these formulations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical composition, as well as these uses.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising at least a glycosidase but not a protease to promote scaling. The invention further concerns the use of the compositions for treating dry skin or for preventing or treating skin aging.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least a film-forming polymer (A) with particular characteristics and at least an additive (B), the latter being selected such that the film formed on the hair after the cosmetic composition has been applied retains its mechanical properties whatever the hygrometric condition. The invention also concerns a hair care or hair styling method using said composition and its use for the formulation of cosmetic products such as lacquers, sprays or foams, for hair care or hair styling.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least one protectin or protectin precursor production activator in a cosmetic composition or for preparing a composition intended to limit the side-effects of complement activation on the skin, mucosae and/or scalp. It also relates to compositions comprising such activators, to a method of selecting a product capable of protecting the cell membranes and a cosmetic method of enhancing the skin's resistance to the effects of complement activation.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use in a cosmetic composition of at least a poly-aminoacid of general formula (I) in which X is —O—, —S— or —NR3; R1 represents in particular a hydrogen atom or a C1-C40 alkyl radical; R2 represents in particular a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl radical; R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a radical such as NH2, OH, SH, —CHOHCH3, —CONH2; n is a number greater than 1 such that the poly-aminoacid derivative molecular weight ranges between 200 and 200000. The invention also concerns the use of said derivatives for keratinous fibre strengthening and care.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hair growth promoting agent comprising a cyclosporin derivative as an active ingredient, and more particularly, a hair growth promoting agent comprising a cyclosporin A derivative in which sarcosine is substituted with thiosarcosine in the 3-position as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A hydratable, highly absorbent keratin solid fiber or powder capable of absorbing a large weight excess of water may be produced by partially oxidizing hair keratin disulfide bonds to sulfonic acid residues and reacting the sulfonic acid residues with a cation. The neutralized suspension can be filtered, washed, and dried, leaving keratin solid which can be shredded into fibers and further ground into powder. Addition of water to the solid produces a hydrogel. The powder or hydrogel may be useful as an absorbent material, as a therapeutic for skin, or as an excipient. The keratin materials can be incorporated into nonwoven films. The hydrogel can be used as a biocompatible viscoelastic filler for implant applications. Another use for the absorbent keratin and keratin hydrogel is as an excipient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: A hair cleanser comprising is a mixture of conditioners, cooling agents, emulsifiers, humectants, pH balancing agents, preservatives, thickeners, and vitamins. The cleanser may also include astringents, emollients, fragrances, re-fatting agents and botanicals.

Abstract: A method for inducing and/or stimulating the growth of hair and/or slowing down hair loss comprising administering an effective amount of at least one metalloprotease inhibitor or any functional biological equivalent thereof and an acceptable carrier therefor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition comprising a cyclosporin derivative having an excellent hair revitalizing activity as an active ingredient, and more particularly, a composition comprising cyclosporin 7-thioamide produced by chemical derivatization of cyclosporin as an active ingredient for promoting hair growth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a topical composition for prevention and alleviation of wrinkling which comprises one or two or more selected from the group consisting of Phenytoin, Valproic acid, Cyclosporin A, Nifedipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil HCl and Amoldipine as an active ingredient having an effect of boosting collagen synthesis.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition which comprises one or more kinds of mono-N&agr;-long-chain acylarginines and/or one or more kinds of powders selected from powders subjected to a surface treatment with a mono-N&agr;-long-chain acylarginine and (B) a silicone compound for cosmetics and/or an amphoteric surfactant and is preferably applied to hair or skin. The composition has a feature of imparting gloss and elasticity to hair and skin, whilst little sliminess to skin and scalp during rinsing and little tackiness after drying.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a synthetic tanning agent is disclosed whereby multi functional polymer is polymerized with sulfonated aromatic compound, pretreated with organic ligand to form an organo-polymeric matrix, which is essentially formaldehyde-free. The product has potential application in leather industry as an eco-friendly approach to chrome tanning by eliminating the conventional pickling process and the related problem of total dissolved solids (TDS) associated with the effluent. The present invention also provides for an exhaust aid for chrome due to its multiple carboxyl groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic compositions containing a biotin compound and/or a complexing agent, one and/or the other bearing at least one reactive chemical function allowing covalent attachment to the hair, at least one cosmetic active agent being covalently attached to one of these two compounds, or to both of them.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for treating keratinous fibres, in particular human keratinous fibres such as hair, comprising in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least a protecting or conditioning agent, and further at least a cationic associative polyurethane polymer. The invention also concerns methods and devices using said composition.

Abstract: An abrasive pad for delivering a skin treatment for the treatment of animal and marine stings. The pad includes a material having an abrasive and entangling surface, the surface being sufficiently abrasive to mechanically abrade at least the stratum corneum from a patient's skin and the surface adapted to entangle any stinging cells left in the sting. A treatment solution is applied to the pad for contact with the patient's skin. The treatment solution comprises a 0.1% to 20% solution of a proteolytic enzyme.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the staying power of a hair tint, wherein a keratin fiber that has been treated with a semipermanent dye is contacted with a quaternized protein hydrolyzate are described. Additionally, methods of reducing the semipermanent dye wash-off effect of a hair treatment formulation are described wherein a quaternized protein hydrolyzate is combined with a hair treatment formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for external application enhancing the skin absorption of the active components infused in the composition, more specifically relates to an external application having enhanced skin permeability of the active components by using protease stabilized by &bgr;-1,3-glucan branched with &bgr;-1,6-linkage as an agent for enhancing the skin permeability to weaken the wall properties of the corneous layer.

Abstract: A composition which has a thickened fluid form comprises: (i) a first (shear gel) phase comprising at least one polymer which is capable of forming a gel, which polymer is present in the composition as a shear gel (i.e., a multiplicity of separate gel particles which have been formed by subjecting the polymer to shear while gel formation takes place); and (ii) a second (encapsulated) phase which is in the form of particles or droplets which comprise a hair benefit agent and are entrapped by the gel matrix of at least a proportion of the gel particles. The composition may allow enhanced delivery of the encapsulated phase.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods for treatment of hyperkeratotic mammalian tissue are disclosed employing proteolytic enzymes originally developed for the hydrolysis of food-related proteins and currently commonly used as food grade meat tenderizers and flavor enhancers. The compositions containing these proteinases soften, thin and exfoliate hyperkeratotic formations on the skin, including calluses, corns, dry, scaling/flaking skin and keratoses without harming surrounding tissue by selective lysing of hyperkeratotic tissue. Such enzymes accomplish this by lysing only the 10-end peptide bonds of keratin protein, the dominant protein component of hyperkeratotic skin.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods for treatment of hyperkeratotic mammalian tissue are disclosed employing proteolytic enzymes originally developed for the hydrolysis of food-related proteins and currently commonly used as food grade meat tenderizers and flavor enhancers. The compositions containing these proteinases soften, thin and exfoliate hyperkeratotic formations on the skin, including calluses, corns, dry, scaling/flaking skin and keratoses without harming surrounding tissue by selective lysing of hyperkeratotic tissue. Such enzymes accomplish this by lysing only the 10-end peptide bonds of keratin protein, the dominant protein component of hyperkeratotic skin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a treatment for animal pruritus. One aspect of this invention involves a treatment for animal pruritus comprising one or more polypeptides with an amino acid sequence including KPV (SEQ ID NO: 1), VKP-Ac-CC-Ac-KPV (SEQ ID NO: 5), MEHFRWG (SEQ ID NO: 2), HFRWGKPV (SEQ ID NO: 3) or SYSMEHFRWGKPV (SEQ ID NO: 4) for animal pruritus caused by exposure to any number of agents or causes. The polypeptides are at a level to effectively treat the animal pruritus and are combined with a shampoo. Other combinations include the polypeptides at a level to effectively treat animal pruritus combined with a shampoo and an antibiotic, antifungal and/or and anti-inflammatory. The one or more polypeptides can also be a dimer formed from any of the amino acid sequence above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a cosmetic composition for treating keratin materials, comprising at least one hydrophobin, and also to processes for cosmetically treating keratin materials.

Abstract: A method for inducing or stimulating new hair growth, increasing hair growth or preventing hair regression in a mammalian subject in need of or desirous of such treatment is provided that comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically or cosmeceutically effective amount of a composition comprising vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a VEGF receptor agonist, a prodrug form of the foregoing or a salt form thereof in a non-covalent association complex with a positively-charged backbone having a plurality of attached efficiency groups.

Abstract: A cosmetic method for providing improved skin hydration is provided comprising the steps of topically applying to the skin a protease enzyme, and simultaneously or sequentially, topically applying to the skin a skin care active selected from a vitamin B3 component, vitamin E acetate, panthenol and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification of genes linked to hair loss and the retardation of hair growth. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the identification of a gene, a mutation of which plays a role in the onset of a nonsyndromic alopecia, such as hytrichosis simplex of the scalp (HSS). More particularly, it relates to the corneodesmosin (CDSN) gene, which encodes the protein known as corneodesmosin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair growth promoting agent including a cyclosporin derivative as an active ingredient, and more particularly, a hair growth promoting agent including a cyclosporin A derivative substituted in the 3-position as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hair conditioning composition that comprises stearalkonium chloride and cetrimonium chloride. The hair conditioner composition of the invention preferably imparts a silky wet feel to hair and inhibits fly-away at 34% relative humidity when applied as a rinse off conditioner. In some embodiments, the hair conditioner of the invention is essentially free of an amidoamine; is characterized by a weight ratio of cetrimonium chloride to stearalkonium chloride of from about 0.65 to about 2; and/or the total combined amount of stearalkonium chloride and cetrimonium chloride is at most about 1% by weight of the composition. The present invention also provides a method of conditioning hair.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hair growth promoting agent comprising a cyclosporin derivative as an active ingredient, and more particularly, a hair growth promoting agent comprising a cyclosporin A derivative substituted in the 3-position as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate active agent compositions comprising lysozyme as a surface stabilizer. Also encompassed by the invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a nanoparticulate active agent composition of the invention and methods of making and using such nanoparticulate and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of oilgomers and polymers capable of rendering insoluble drugs soluble, protecting unstable drugs, and facilitating the delivery of drugs to their site of action. This invention further relates to processes for the preparation of such oilgomers and polymers, and to compositions containing them.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a stabilized enzyme, at least 30% water, a polyhydric alcohol, present in an amount such that the ratio of polyhydric alcohol to water is from 1:2 to 1:100; less than 5% of an earth alkali metal salt, and an osmo-protectant selected from a certain group of osmo-protectants defined herein. Also, a method of providing a skin care benefits, e.g. skin feel and/or skin appearance, preferably skin moisturization, skin softness, and/or skin smoothness, comprising topically applying a safe and effective amount of the inventive compositions described herein to skin in need of such a skin care benefit. Further, a method comprising providing a consumer with an enzyme-containing personal care product, wherein the enzyme is stable on shelf, and is active on both shelf and skin, preferably wherein the enzyme-containing personal care product comprises one of the inventive compositions described herein.

Abstract: Methods to control, or manipulate, melanocyte and keratinocyte cell death are disclosed. In particular, a method of preventing epidermal melanocyte cell loss due to injury in a vertebrate is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of inducing hair growth in a vertebrate, a method of inducing hair color in a vertebrate, a method of inducing skin color in a vertebrate, a method of treating baldness in an individual, and a method of treating alopecia areata in an individual.