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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Compositions containing hydroxy acids and/or retinoids and further containing Trichodesma lanicum seed extract as an anti-irritant/anti-sting agent.

Abstract: An opacified cosmetic emulsion composition is provided containing an inorganic particulate substance as the opacifier, a surfactant, and a hydroxy functionalized wax to stabilize the emulsion against separation/precipitation of its components. Particularly preferred as the wax are trihydroxystearin and 5ceramides.

Abstract: Fatty acid amides, but not free fatty acids or fatty acid esters, in combination with either retinol or retinyl ester resulted in a synergistic enhancement in keratinocyte proliferation and synergistic inhibition of keratinocyte differentiation. The effects of the retinol or retinyl esters in combination with fatty acid amides were analogous to treatment with retinoic acid.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition useful for enhancing a whitening effect on skin is described. The composition includes from 0.05 to 3 wt. % of a thickening polymer; from 1 to about 10 wt. % of the emulsifying system selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol having a formula R (OCH.sub.2).sub.n OH wherein R is a straight or branched alkyl group having a chain length from 10 to 20 and n is 10-30; an ethoxylated alcohol selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.12 to C.sub.20 fatty acid polyethylene glycol ester having from 5 to 10 EOs; and a mixture of a cetearyl alcohol and a cetearyl glycoside. The preferred whitening agent is placenta extract.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for customizing a skin foundation product for a customer at a location remote from a central location where the product is prepared. The essential elements are that of a skin analyzer for reading skin properties, a telemodem means connectable to the device for transmitting the signal conveying information to a central monitoring location, a device at the central monitoring location which receives the reading and correlates same with an optimal formula and a formulation machine for preparing the facial foundation product from various cosmetic chemical compositions. The formulation machine receives instructions from the device on the optimal formula. This formula is then dosed and blended from a series of dispensers containing separate cosmetic chemical compositions into a receiving container. The container is then delivered to the customer at his remote site.