Abstract: A composition of matter useful for enhancing the metabolism of the skin and mucosal tissue and thereby improving its health and appearance. The composition of matter includes a lipidic furan and retinol palmitate. The lipidic furan has a structure: furan--R, wherein R is a straight C.sub.9-36 alkyl chain, having the formula CH.sub.3 --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --(CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.3, (n=8 to 35). R can also be a straight unsaturated C.sub.9-36 alkenyl chain with a single double bond, of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --CH.dbd.CH--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --CH.sub.3, wherein n and m.noteq.0 and n+m=6 to 33. R can be a straight unsaturated C.sub.9-36 chain, containing two to six double bonds, with the formula CH.sub.3 --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.dbd.CH).sub.x --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --, wherein m, x and n.noteq.0, m+2x+n=8 to 35. R can likewise be a straight unsaturated C.sub.9-36 chain containing one to six double bonds and one triple bond, having the formula CH.sub.3 --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --C.tbd.C--(CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2).sub.