Abstract: The invention provides cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions for topical application to the skin comprising glutathione-enhancing effective amounts of a glycine compound, a glutamine compound, and a sulfhydryl-containing organic acid, in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The compositions are useful in increasing glutathione synthesis in skin cells, and in treating skin conditions associated with glutathione depletion in skin cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to composition having enhanced biological activity, the compositions comprising at least one structured water. In particular, the compositions contain a combination of I and S waters and a biologically active agent, in which the activity of the agent is increased relative to its activity in a non-structured water composition.

Abstract: This invention is a mixer mounting system which comprises a pair of horizontal guide bars, a collar slidably mounted on each bar, and a bracket pivotally mounted between the collars. A mixer is then attached to the bracket. The pivoting of the bracket permits the mixer to assume alternate positions, so as to be included in the mixing vessel when mixing is desired, or to be removed from the mixing vessel when mixing is complete, and/or when the vessel is to be cleaned.

Abstract: A mechanical twist-dispenser having a plurality of product compartments within a housing, a rotatable screw member axially disposed within each product compartment, and a piston axially slidably disposed within each product compartment. The piston has a central threaded aperture which cooperates with the screw member to move the piston axially within its product compartment with the relative rotation of its associated screw member. A master gear is positioned between and contacts each screw member gear such that the rotation of the master gear causes the screw member to rotate and subsequently move the piston axially within the product compartment so as to dispense the product within each compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for topical application to the skin comprising (a) silica beads comprising an inner core of silica, a middle layer of metal oxide, and an outer layer of silica; (b) at least one interference pigment; and optionally (c) at least one non-interference pigment, in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The compositions of the invention confer a natural appearance to the skin, also reducing the appearance of flaws or defects in the skin without conferring an opaque or made-up appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a cosmetic container having a surface with a decorative feature that is visible through a clear cosmetic product contained by the container. The present invention also includes a cosmetic container comprising a decorative feature at or near the bottom of an insert placed inside of the container. The decorative feature is observed as part of the product by the user while applying the cosmetic product. The decorative feature remains in tact during continued use of the product and lasts at least as long as the life of the cosmetic product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions for topical application to the skin, the compositions comprising effective amounts of at least one of each of the antioxidants selected from the group consisting of (a) tocopherol and derivatives thereof, (b) ascorbic acid and derivatives thereof,(c) a butylated phenol, (d)N-acetyl cysteine, (e)a rosemary extract, and (f)ubiquinone and derivatives thereof. The compositions are useful in treating and preventing the symptoms of photoaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions for topical application to the skin, the compositions comprising effective amounts of at least one of each of the antioxidants selected from the group consisting of (a) tocopherol and derivatives thereof, (b) ascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, (c) a butylated phenol, (d) a rosemary extract, and (e)ubiquinone and derivatives thereof. The compositions are useful in treating and preventing the symptoms of photoaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to transfer-resistant color cosmetic compositions comprising a film forming agent, a volatile oil, a styrene-ethylene-propylene copolymer as gellant, and optionally, a pigment.

Abstract: A cosmetic powder container and insert which allows the consumer the option of either dispensing the powder through a sifter, or through an opening of sufficient diameter to accommodate a brush without the consumer having to remove and discard the insert itself. The insert generally comprises a base having an aperture, and a panel having a plurality of perforations. The panel is pivotally attached to the base by a hinge. The panel is capable of occupying a first open position and a second closed position. In the first open position, the panel is pivoted to a position where the aperture of the base is exposed and a brush can be used to apply the loose powder. In the second closed position, the panel covers the aperture and allows the sifter to be used to sprinkle the powder through the perforations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions comprising a powder containing a water soluble carboxylated gum and a clay crosslinked with metal ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic skin or hair cleansing compositions comprising tourmaline.

Abstract: A wiper for use in a container for pasty products, such as mascara, lip gloss, eyeshadow, dental or oral care products, ointments, or the like, which wiper allows for the wiping of excess product from an applicator as the applicator is withdrawn from a container, but does not wipe the applicator as it is placed into the container. The wiper of the present invention comprises two or more flaps capable of occupying a first scraping position, when the applicator is withdrawn from the container, and a second non-scraping position, when the applicator is returned to the container.The non-scraping position of the flaps allows the applicator to be placed into the container without being wiped. This characteristic reduces the build-up of product within the neck of the container, thus providing a cleaner, aesthetically pleasing package for the consumer to use.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided which assists in preventing oxidation of a product having an oxygen labile component. The system comprises a container having an internal chamber and a neck providing access to the internal chamber. A pump is attached to the neck of the container. The pump projects into the internal chamber. A gas producing structure is attached to a portion of the pump that projects into the container. By one or more mechanisms, the gas producing structure gradually releases a gas, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or any other gas that is substantially unreactive with the labile component of the product. The released gas provides two advantages. First, the gas serves to keep internal pressure of the system at a constant level. Second, the gas released is one which will not degrade labile components of the product.

Abstract: The present invention is an airtight case comprising a base for receiving a stick-type product, a hollow cap, and a hollow plug sleeve inserted within the cap. The plug sleeve has an open end and a closed end, the closed end being a flexible bellows.This case is useful in reducing the adverse effects caused by the pressure build-up associated with sealing or airtight cases. When the cap of the present invention is placed on the base of the case the bellows expands in response to the compressing of the air located within the inner chamber of the case, thus preventing the cap from being pulled away from the base. Also, when the cap is removed, the bellows contracts and prevents the product from being pulled out of the base.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for cutting the bristles of a cosmetic brush by means of a laser beam, which comprises directing a focused laser beam on a bristle, the beam remaining focused on the bristle for a time sufficient to cut through the bristle. The increased accuracy of the laser beam as a cutting tool provides for brush designs which are unable to be achieved by conventional cutting methods.

Abstract: This invention provides an airtight cosmetic container, which comprises a cover, a base, and a hollow gasket positioned on the cover or the base. As the cover is moved into the closed position, the gasket deforms to a point where the gasket sealingly engages the cover and the base. The gasket surrounds a volatile solvent-containing product, and because the gasket deforms between the cover and the base, a seal is obtained which substantially prevents the loss of the volatile solvent from the product when the container is closed.

Abstract: The present invention is a case for a stick product that prevents the release of the stick product from the holder cup the case comprises an inner sleeve having a wall and a longitudinal track within the wall. The longitudinal track has a first upper lateral segment and a second upper lateral segment, said first upper lateral segment having a ramp. An outer sleeve is fitted about the inner sleeve so as to be able to rotate with respect to the inner sleeve, said outer sleeve having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a helical track along the inner wall. A holder cup is fitted into the inner sleeve. The holder cup comprises a shell having an inner surface and an outer surface. A lug is attached to the outer surface and extends through the longitudinal track to engage the helical track. A bellows portion is located below the lug and comprises part of the shell of the holder cup, said bellows capable of occupying a first stretched position and a second contracted position.