Abstract: The invention relates to a functionalised polymer of formula:(P)--S--X--F (1)in which:(P) is a hydrophobic polymer chain obtained by radical polymerisation of at least one monomer,S represents sulphur,X represents:a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and substituted with at least one COOH or NH.sub.2 group in the free or salified forma peptide chain constituted of 2 to 4 amino acids, particularly natural amino acids,F represents a COOH or NH.sub.2 group, in the free or salified form,with the exception of the .omega.-dicarboxylic macromonomers resulting from the radical polymerisation of a monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent constituted of thiomalic acid.

Abstract: A method for promoting differentiation of cells in culture. At least one lipid transfer protein or lipid transfer protein analog is introduced into a culture medium at a concentration that is effective for obtaining differentiation of cells in the culture medium. The lipid transfer protein or lipid transfer protein analog includes at least one amino acid sequence having at least 80% homology with a sequence depicted in FIG. 2.

Abstract: A container with a brush for the application of a product such as mascara includes a scraping sleeve made fast to the neck of the container and which forms at least one constriction permitting the insertion of the brush into the container and its dry-squeezing during withdrawal from the container. The constriction extends transversely inside of the sleeve and defines on either side of the constriction a chamber through which a stem of the brush passes and another chamber opposite to the brush receiving chamber into which the free ends of the bristles are received. The bristles being squeezed while passing through the constriction. The transverse dimension of the constriction is smaller than the length of the bristles so that a certain amount of the product can be retained on the ends of the bristles while the portion of the bristles in the constriction is dry-squeezed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition based on hydrated lipidic lamellar phase or on liposomes and to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, particularly dermatological composition incorporating it. The hydrated lipidic lamellar phases or the liposomes contain at least in part a derivative of labdane, or a plant extract containing it. The invention reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid complex particles, each comprised of at least two solid substances, at least one of them being biologically active.The biologically active solid substance is comprised of at least one biologically active product and is evenly distributed at the surface of a grain consisting of the other solid core-forming substance, so-called support substance, said grain having a size comprised between 0.05 and 100 .mu.m (microns) and the weight ratio between said active substance and said core-forming substance being comprised between 10.sup.-4 and 1.5 approximately.The invention also relates to a method for the preparation of said particles, a process for the treatment of a biological surface in order to accelerate the biodisponibility of a biologically active substance.It also relates to compositions for topical application containing the particles of the invention.

Abstract: A brush for applying a given kind of material is disclosed. The brush has an operative portion consisting of a tube split along at least one generatrix and containing at least one insert surrounded by flexible filaments held in place by means of a sleeve, and the free ends of the filaments project out of the slit in the tube to form the brush bristles. The brush enables, inter alia, the application of mascara onto eyelashes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator device for applying, e.g., a viscous fluid or a gel, with the use of a self-tapping piston. The device comprises a piston provided with a blade, the cutting edge of which is inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis of a rod passing through the piston. The cutting edge of the blade projects into a space defined in the piston through which the rod passes and bites into the relatively soft, smooth outer surface of the rod as the rod is rotated. The blade cuts into the surface of the rod during such rotation in a substantial spiral direction, causing the piston to move along the rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for topically administering a Smelophyllum capense extract as a cosmetic, dermatologic, or pharmaceutical composition to promote collagen synthesis. Administration of the composition results in the firming of the skin, improves healing and is suitable for treating various pathologies accompanied with a deficiency in collagen. The extract can also be added to cell culture medium used in the culture of skin cells, particularly skin fibroblasts. The composition can contain between 0.0001% and 1% by weight of the Smelophyllum capense extract, and the extract can be obtained by extraction with a polar solvent. The composition can contain other ingredients including ascorbic acid, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, madecassoside, asiaticoside, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, collagenase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, lysine, proline, 2-oxoglutarate and ginsenoside Ro.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of ascorbic acid, notably L-ascorbic acid or vitamin C, or of its erythorbic acid isomer, or of their salts or esters, for promoting the synthesis of elastin in the dermis in the view of improving in particular skin elasticity.The invention enables manufacturing cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, notably dermatological compositions, for improving skin elasticity, for example in the context of a product which improves skin tone or skin firmness.The invention also enables increasing the elastin content of artificial dermes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Medicago saponins for the preparation of cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions.The invention provides for the incorporation of 0.01% to 5% by weight of a saponin or a corresponding sapogenin, or a plant extract in which it is present, originating in particular from lucerne leaves or roots.The invention makes it possible to promote renewal of the epidermis, stimulate hair regrowth or delay hair loss, or else to combat the effects of ageing on the state of the skin and scalp, as is evident from the Figure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Medicago saponins for the preparation of cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions. The invention provides for the incorporation of 0.01% to 5% by weight of a saponin or a corresponding sapogenin, or a plant extract in which it is present, originating in particular from lucerne leaves or roots. The invention makes it possible to promote renewal of the epidermis, stimulate hair regrowth or delay hair loss, or else to combat the effects of ageing on the state of the skin and scalp, as is evident from the FIGURE.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of an organic or hydro-organic extract of Poria cocos Wolf fungi for the preparation of a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical composition, in particular a dermatological composition, for the treatment of acne and oily skin.The preferred concentration of Poria cocos extract is in the range 0.001% to 5% by weight with respect to the total weight of the final composition.Cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, in particular dermatological compositions, can be prepared for the effective treatment of acne and oily skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a stable microdispersion of particles comprised of acrylic polymers in an organic solvent used as reaction medium in the presence of a stabilizing agent comprised of a block copolymer, characterized in that said acrylic polymer is obtained by radical polymerization of at least one acrylic monomer in the presence of a block copolymer based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polytert-butyl acrylate (PtBuA). It also relates to microdispersions which may be obtained by said process as well as to microgels produced from said microdispersions and compositions, particularly cosmetic compositions such as nail varnish.

Abstract: A device for wiping and/or drying a brush for applying a liquid from a container to a portion of the body, such as mascara for eyelashes, and a container including the same. The device includes a sleeve insertable into the neck of the container and having a first open end, a second end provided with articulated flaps, and a wall between the first and second end and provided with lugs radially deformable towards an axis of the sleeve upon insertion of the sleeve into the neck of the container. The lugs constitute a stop for the flaps during the withdrawal of the brush through these flaps while the flaps are, upon insertion of the brush into the container through the sleeve, freely pivoting to permit this insertion.

Abstract: Block copolymers denoted by AB from acrylic or methacrylic acid, the corresponding blocks being denoted by A, and from alkyl acrylate or methacrylate with the alkyl chain being C.sub.1 -C.sub.10, the corresponding blocks being denoted by B. Said copolymer blocks are used as wetting and/or dispersing agents for solid particles in an essentially organic medium consisting of a solvent or a mixture of solvents solubilizing the block B.The invention also concerns solid particle dispersions using the above-defined block copolymers.It also concerns compositions, in particular cosmetic compositions, containing said dispersions.

Abstract: A simarouba extract is used to produce a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, and particularly dermatological, composition or a skin cell culture medium. The resulting compositions are also disclosed. The simarouba extract has a significant skin depigmentation activity and can enhance the protective function of the skin, particularly its water barrier function, as well as having a significant keratinocyte differentiation activity.

Abstract: A simaba extract is used to produce a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, and particularly dermatological, composition or a skin cell culture medium. The resulting compositions are also disclosed. The simaba extract has a significant skin depigmentation activity and can enhance the protective function of the skin, particularly its water barrier function, as well as having a significant keratinocyte differentiation activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic or dermatological composition.This composition contains, as active ingredient, a saponin of formula (I): ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1 =-Glc(2-1)Glc,R.sub.2 =-Glc(6-1)Glc andR.sub.3 =H, the saponin being called G--Rb.sub.1,Glc denoting a .beta.-D-glucopyranosyl group, or a plant extract in which it is present, and, if appropriate, cepharanthine or oxyacanthine, or a derivative thereof, or a plant extract in which it is present, such as an extract of Stephania cepharantha or Berberis.This cosmetic or dermatological composition is intended in particular for promoting hair growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an .alpha.-tocopherol phosphate, especially in its dl or d form, or an ester thereof, of the general formula ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as the methyl or ethyl radical in particular, or an .alpha.-tocopheryl radical; and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as a methyl or ethyl radical in particular, or an oxyethylene chain of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 independently are a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, or a salt thereof, for preparing a pharmaceutical, dermatological or cosmetic composition for the prevention or treatment of allergic manifestations such as skin allergy or bronchial asthma, or inflammatory manifestations, or for the prevention or treatment of the harmful effects of free radicals.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an extract of Marrubium vulgare for the preparation of a cosmetic or a pharmaceutical composition, especially dermatological composition, intended in particular for promoting the pigmentation of the skin, preventing or slowing down the appearance of white hair and treating pigmentation disorders.