Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided wherein a phytosphingosine-containing ceramide is stably suspended within a C.sub.6 -C.sub.100 ester base functioning as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and the ceramide is solubilized by a glycerol C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 mono fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A colored cosmetic stick, especially a lipstick, is provided containing water, a solidifying agent such as a wax, and a colorant which is an aluminum salt, especially an aluminum lake.

Abstract: A powdered color cosmetic composition, especially an eye shadow, is provided that includes a powdered nylon having average particle size ranging from about 1 to 10 microns and an ultrafine powdered boron nitride, the combination being held in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: A method and article is provided for distinguishing cosmetic sticks, especially lipsticks, containing water from those where water is absent. The method involves applying a test stick to a test paper or fabric impregnated with an indicator compound capable of changing color, forming a smear of the stick thereon and observing any change in color around an area of the smear.

Abstract: A novel system for depositing color cosmetic materials directly onto the skin or other parts of the body utilizes the principle of electrostatic spraying to deliver the color cosmetic composition to the intended site, e.g. the skin of the face, eyelids, eyelashes, nails, etc. The system is applicable to a wide range of known color cosmetic materials.

Abstract: A dual-phase toilet bar is provided having a first portion that is at least translucent and a second portion that is opaque. Each portion of the bar has at least 80% by weight of its components identical. The opaque portion incorporates a solid particulate opacifying agent. A process is also disclosed wherein a clear composition is poured into a mold to partly fill same. Thereafter, an opaque composition is poured into the remaining volume of the mold, this composition being essentially identical to the clear composition but also including a small amount of solid particulate opacifying agent. Alternatively the opaque composition may be poured first into the mold followed by the clear composition.

Abstract: Novel pseudoceramides are compounds with a general structure (2): ##STR1## In this formula a is 0 or 1, b is 0 or 1 but if a is 0, b is also 0 and R has 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The substituents R and R.sup.1 are a range of substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon substituents. R.sup.2 is hydrogen, a sugar residue, a sulphate residue or a phosphate residue. R.sup.3 is hydrogen or a fairly short chain hydrocarbon substituent which in turn may be substituted. All of the substituents R--R.sup.3 are more fully defined in claim 1. These novel compounds are effective to improve water barrier function of the stratum corneum. They may be incorporated into compositions for topical application to human skin, hair and nails. A synthetic route for obtaining the novel compounds is described.

Abstract: Novel pseudoceramides are defined, together with their synthesis and compositions comprising them for topical application to human skin, hair and nails.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a colored cosmetic stick or reproducible hardness through utilizing a wax that has been treated with an alcohol to convert any naturally-occurring C.sub.12 -C.sub.60 fatty acid into a respective ester. This esterified wax is mixed with an aluminum lake colorant and then formed into a stick. There is also disclosed colored cosmetic sticks produced through the aforementioned process.

Abstract: A dual container is provided for delivering two composition streams held in separate compartment thereof. Each of the compartments is flexible walled and received in a relatively rigid receptacle having a left and right wall positioned on opposite sides of the receptacle. Within each of the latter walls are a respective window through which a button protrudes that when squeezed compresses the respective compartments forcing a composition to exit therefrom.

Abstract: A Saturn-shaped container is provided which includes a receptacle forming a lower portion of the container, a lid forming an upper portion of the container, a ring member surrounding the receptacle and supporting the lid, and a seal member positioned between receptacle and lid so as to define a first and second compartment within the container. Advantageously, the lid is transparent and may serve as a magnifying means for viewing contents within the container.