Abstract: Dimethyl imidazolidinone 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 dimethyl imidazolidinone were analogous to treatment with retinoic acid.

Abstract: A cosmetic sunscreen composition is described that includes an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, an acrylic polymer such as poly(methyl methacrylate) and a chromophoric organic sunscreen agent capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation within the range 290 to 400 nm. The ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and acrylic polymer have been found to interactively boost the SPF value of the organic sunscreen.

Abstract: Skin treatment agents, such as those conventionally found in lotions or creams which are applied by gentle massage or rubbing-in with fingers, are delivered for example in substantially neat form by means of electrostatic spraying.

Abstract: A cosmetic microemulsion composition is provided including a fragrance and a vehicle system noninterfering with the fragrance scent and including water, isoeicosane and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.40 fatty glyceride ester alkoxylated with from 1 to 100 moles C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 alkylene oxide per mole of glyceride. These microemulsions are best utilized as aftershave balm with a fragrance identical if not at least quite similar to a signature perfume.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleansing composition, which comprises in addition to water, (a) from 10 to 30% by weight of one or more C.sub.6 to C.sub.16 acyl lactylates and (b) from 5 to 25% by weight of one or more co-surfactants, such as acyl taurates, isethionates, sarcosinates and sulphosuccinates. The cleansing compositions are primarily intended to be used as personal washing products, such as facial wash foams, bath foams and hair shampoos.

Abstract: A cosmetic product formed as a multi-compartment dispenser is provided wherein a first and second substance is stored apart from one another in separate compartments. The first substance incorporates a liquid organic acid in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The second substance incorporates an alkaline agent present in an amount to neutralize the liquid organic acid to thereby form a surface active material.

Abstract: Thickened cosmetic compositions are provided based upon a thickening system that includes sclerotium gum and a hydrophobically-modified acrylate or methacrylate copolymer. The relative weight ratio of sclerotium gum to the polymer may range from about 1:1 to about 1:30. Compositions according to the present invention may also contain water-soluble vitamins. Interactive viscosity enhancement is particularly evident when free carboxylic groups present on the hydrophobically-modified acrylate or methacrylate copolymer are neutralized with a base thereby forming anionic carboxylate groups.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided which includes as an active ingredient a C.sub.2 -C.sub.28 .alpha.-hydroxy carboxylic acid within a non-stinging ester base formula comprising a C.sub.7 -C.sub.60 neoalkanol ester and a C.sub.12 -C.sub.40 fatty acid ester alkoxylated with from 1 to 100 moles alkylene oxide per mole of glyceride.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving skin condition through a system whose steps include applying to the skin separately on a plurality of days a first composition that incorporates a retinoid which is either retinol or retinoic acid in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Once the skin has acclimated to any irritation induced by the first composition, a second composition is applied to the skin daily for a subsequent period of time. The second composition will also include retinoid but at a level at least about 10% higher than that employed in the first composition. Once the skin has acclimated to the second composition, subsequent progressive increases of the active retinoid can be applied over subsequent periods of time. Finally, a maintenance level composition is utilized with the highest level of retinoid in the progressive program to minimize potential irritation.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions, especially color cosmetics such as facial foundations, are described that include C.sub.2 -C.sub.28 .alpha.-hydroxy carboxylic acid, rosmarrinic acid as well as salts of the foregoing in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These compositions are effective against the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles while being non-irritating to the skin.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving skin condition through a system whose steps include applying to the skin separately on a plurality of days a first composition that incorporates a C.sub.2 -C.sub.28 .alpha.- or .beta.-hydroxy carboxylic acid in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Once the skin has acclimated to any irritation induced by the first composition, a second composition is applied to the skin daily for a subsequent period of time. The second composition will also include hydroxy carboxylic acid but at a level at least about 10% higher than that employed in the first composition. Once the skin has acclimated to the second composition, subsequent progressive increases of the active hydroxy carboxylic acid can be applied over subsequent periods of time Finally, a maintenance level composition is utilized with the highest level of hydroxy carboxylic acid in the progressive program to minimize potential irritation.