Abstract: A personal care composition in the form of a hair or skin-treating gel containing an amount of a synthetic linearly viscoelastic cross-linked polymeric thickening agent, especially a cross-linked methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer, effective to render the composition linearly viscoelastic, and a method of promoting personal care by applying an effective amount of the composition to the hair or skin.

Abstract: An antiplaque composition comprising a bacteriocin such as nisin and a polyphosphonate.

Abstract: Oral composition containing an effective amount of N-methylpyrrolidone alone or in combination with a noncationic antibacterial agent such as Triclosan for topical application for the prevention of plaque, gingivitis and/or caries.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a cosmetic composition containing carrageenan, specifically, a toothpaste, wherein microwave radiation, preferably in the 0.8 to 3 gigahertz frequency range, is directed onto the toothpaste so as to raise its temperature to at least the gel-sol transition temperature of the carrageenan, after which the toothpaste is quiescently cooled to room temperature. The use of microwave radiation facilitates an even heating of the toothpaste, so that temperature sensitive components thereof are not adversely affected, and promotes excellent control of temperature regulation. Heating of the dentifrice, with improved thickening and stabilization thereof, is obtainable by passing it through a conduit while directing microwave radiation onto it and then filling it into suitable dispensing containers, or by filling the dentifrice into such containers and then subjecting them to microwave radiation.

Abstract: Anhydrous dentifrice having desirable rheological, sensory and hygienic characteristics containing a polysaccharide gum and glycerine humectant. Ingredients at least partially incompatible when water is present, such as zeolite or molecular sieve, may be included. The polysaccharide is clarified or non-clarified deacetylated heteropolysaccharide S-60.

Abstract: Gel dentifrice of desirable consistency having a low water content and a hydrous silica gel polishing agent and an antinucleating agent containing at least one phosphonic group. Optimum consistency is attained by incorporating the antinucleating agent into a gel phase containing humectant and gelling agent prior to incorporation of the polishing agent therein.

Abstract: A non-antibacterial oral composition effective to promote oral hygiene containing tranexamic acid as antigingivitis agent and an additive which reduces staining of dental surfaces caused by said agent without substantially diminishing the antigingivitis activity of said agent. The antistain additive is a peroxydiphosphate salt, preferably tetrapotassium peroxydiphosphate (K.sub.4 P.sub.2 O.sub.8).

Abstract: A periodontal dental preparation is disclosed comprising folic acid, a dentally acceptable water-insoluble polishing agent which reduces the soluble folic acid present in the preparation and a fluorine-containing agent which increases retention of soluble folic acid in said preparation, the fluorine-containing agent comprising an alkali metal fluoride, and alkali metal monofluorophosphate, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: An antibacterial oral composition effective to promote oral hygiene containing a quaternary ammonium antibacterial antiplaque agent and an additive which reduces staining of dental surfaces without substantially diminishing the antibacterial and antiplaque activity of the agent. Benzethonium chloride and cetyl pyridinium chloride, are typical examples of such antibacterial agents. The antistain additive is mellitic acid, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydromellitic acid and/or an orally acceptable salt thereof.