Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are provided which include a silicone elastomer, a volatile siloxane, water and pentylene glycol. These compositions are emulsions which have improved phase stability as a result of the presence of pentylene glycol. The systems are also microbiologically preserved without the need for other added traditional preservatives.

Abstract: A topical composition comprising: (a) petroselinic acid and/or derivatives thereof; (b) a phenolic compound and/or mixtures thereof; and (c) a dermatologically acceptable vehicle. The product is particularly useful for treating wrinkles and soothing sensitive skin.

Abstract: Cosmetic skin care compositions containing alpha hydroxy acid linoleates. The inventive compositions provide, improved oil control and improved skin feel, and/or anti-aging benefits.

Abstract: A method and cosmetic composition for improving skin firmness are provided through an anhydrous composition including a hydrophobic carrier which may be a silicone or hydrocarbon for delivering an effective amount of a ceramide formed of a sphingoid base linked through an amide to a 2-hydroxycarboxylic C.sub.2 -C.sub.30 group.

Abstract: Cosmetic skin conditioning compositions containing ferulyl salicylate. The inventive compositions provide control of sebum secretion from sebocytes, improved oil control and improved skin feel, prevent shine and stickiness, while also providing anti-aging benefits which results in reduced appearance of wrinkles and aged skin, improved skin color, treatment of photoaged skin, improvement in skin's radiance and clarity and finish, and an overall healthy and youthful appearance of the skin.

Abstract: A low molecular weight fraction of gugulipid as antisebum and/or antioxidant active in cosmetic skin care compositions and methods. The low molecular weight fraction is capable of delivering dual benefit to the skin: controlling or preventing sebum secretion (oily skin conditions) and protecting the skin from free radical damage.

Abstract: N-substituted fatty acid amides which sufficiently inhibit LRAT or ARAT catalyzed esterification of retinol into inactive retinyl esters, have the same effect on keratinocytes as retinoic acid. Thus, effects of the retinol or retinyl esters in combination with N-substituted fatty acid amides are analogous to treatment with retinoic acid.

Abstract: Methoxycinnamyloxy salicylate and method of its preparation is described. Methoxycinnamyloxy salicylate is useful in skin care compositions, to improve the appearance of the skin.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for enhancing skin radiance and treating chronoaging conditions including wrinkles and dermatological disorders including acne, follicular and lesional papules, actinic keratoses, oily skin and rosacea comprising: (i) a safe and effective amount of an unsaturated C.sub.18 -C.sub.30 fatty acid ester of retinol; and (ii) a safe and effective amount of a cosmetically acceptable carrier, the composition being stable for at least four weeks at 43.degree. C. An unsaturated C.sub.18 -C.sub.30 fatty acid ester of retinol is the active component which is applied to the skin in a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The most preferred unsaturated retinol fatty acid ester is retinyl linoleate. The composition is stable and remains active for at least four weeks at 43.degree. C.

Abstract: A novel series of phytosphingosines are disclosed which are phytosphingosine salicylates having use in cosmetic compositions. They have potential as anti-acne, anti-blemish, anti-bacterial and anti-wrinkle agents, as well as being active in skin lightening.

Abstract: A composition and method thereof treating or conditioning human skin, hair or nails is described. The composition is topically applied in an effective amount and contains from about 0.0001 to about 50 wt. % of a ceramide derivative containing sphingoid bases having amide, but not ester linkages to a 2 (alpha)-hydroxy carboxylic acid and a safe and effective amount of a pharmaceutical or cosmetically acceptable carrier. The composition effectively treats or conditions areas of fine flakes having histogram values of 10 to 128. Treated areas exhibit a desquamation value difference of 1.0 or greater at day 28 after treatment commences compared to a desquamation value of untreated areas.