Abstract: Novel alkoxylates prepared by the reaction of mild-processed shea butter (MPSB) with ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or mixtures thereof. These compounds are useful as cosmetic and personal care ingredients, allowing for the delivery of highly desirable active ingredients present in MPSB, including natural antioxidants, in a water-soluble form that is substantive to the skin and hair.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing the levels of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGE) related proteins in the skin by topical application of dermatocosmetic compositions comprising effective amounts of extracts of Ganoderma lucidum that have been hydrolyzed by an acid protease, preferably Rhizomucor miehei, and thereafter rendered substantially devoid of acid-protease activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and composition for treating aged or photo-damaged skin. In one embodiment, the invention includes using a composition comprising about 1% to about 2% of 1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo [4,5,-C] quinolin-4-amine in a topical preparation or cream. In further embodiments, the method includes identifying topical compositions that can diagnose or identify precancerous region of the skin, as well as methods for treating aged or photo-damaged skin by applying a Toll-like receptor activator, such as 1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo [4,5,-C] quinolin-4-amine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transparent or clear emulsions for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use. The transparent emulsions of the present invention comprise an oil phase, containing at least one lipophilic solvent; an aqueous phase; and an emulsifying system containing at least one non-ethoxylated fatty acid ester emulsifier having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (“HLB”) from about 11 to about 16. Preferred non-ethoxylated fatty acid ester emulsifiers are sucrose esters, in particular sucrose palmitate and sucrose laurate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photostable compositions that provide protection from ultraviolet radiation (“UVR”). The invention particularly relates to the sunscreens avobenzone, octocrylene and oxybenzone, forming a triplet combination. Compositions of the present invention are free of diesters or polyesters of naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and also are substantially free of substantial amounts of other sunscreens and substantial amounts of optimizing agents. Sunscreens of the invention may be essentially free of, or free of, lower monohydric alcohol and/or acrylates/C12-22 alkylmethacrylate copolymer in an effective non-pilling amount used to gel a C1-C4 alcohol. The triplet combination surprisingly provides and substantially maintains the initial SPF value of the sunscreen composition throughout the period of UVR exposure. Compositions of the invention are photostable such that each of sunscreen active in the triplet combination does not appreciably photodegrade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photostable compositions that provide protection from ultraviolet radiation (“UVR”). The invention particularly relates to the sunscreens avobenzone, octocrylene and oxybenzone, forming a triplet sunscreen combination. Compositions of the present invention are generally substantially free of substantial amounts of other sunscreens. The triplet combination surprisingly provides and substantially maintains the initial SPF value of the sunscreen composition throughout the period of UVR exposure. Compositions of the invention are photostable such that each of sunscreen active in the triplet combination does not appreciably photodegrade. The present invention accurately communicates the amount of UVR photoprotection actually provided in natural sunlight and minimizes the amount of potential harmful free radicals formed as byproducts of photodegradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic and pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsions which have a mattifying effect when applied to the skin. The invention comprises a hydrophilic, non-organically modified magnesium aluminum silicate or a bentonite clay and a polyol in the water phase; and a volatile, skin-compatible, lipophilic solvent and a high melting point lipophilic plasticizer in the oil phase. A preferred surfactant system to stabilize the emulsion includes non-toxic metal alkyl sulfates and/or sucrose esters.

Abstract: Novel dimethyl amidopropyl amines prepared by the reaction of dimethyl amidopropyl amine (DMAPA) and shea butter, preferably mild-processed shea butter (MPSB). Materials of the present invention are useful as cosmetic and personal care ingredients, allowing for the delivery of highly desirable active ingredients present in shea butter including natural antioxidants, in a cationic material that is substantive to the skin and hair.

Abstract: Novel alkanolamides prepared by the reaction of an alkanolamine and shea butter, preferably mild-processed shea butter (MPSB). Materials of the present invention are useful as cosmetic and personal care ingredients; they thicken shampoos and body washes, stabilize foam, and deliver to the hair and skin highly desirable unsaponifiables present in shea butter, including natural antioxidants.