Abstract: A method for the determination of the morphological integrity of a membrane of lipid vesicles, such as liposomes, using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy including the steps of: a) labeling the lipid vesicles with an ESR-active probe; b) producing a sample by introducing a quantity of the labeled lipid vesicles into a test medium; c) producing a positive control by introducing a quantity of the labeled lipid vesicles into a control medium and optionally a negative control by introducing a quantity of the ESR-active probe into the test medium; d) obtaining ESR spectra of the controls and the sample; and e) comparing ESR spectra of the sample and controls to determine relative morphological integrity. Morphological integrity of lipid vesicles may be quantitatively determined in the test medium by obtaining difference spectra produced using the spectra of the sample and of the positive and/or negative control.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition containing from about 1% to about 50% by weight of membrane-forming sphingolipids and/or galactolipids and about 5% to about 50% by weight of a fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture charged with oxygen. Surprisingly, it has been shown that the use of membrane-forming sphingolipids and/or galactolipids as transport vesicles or for the formation of transport vesicles for a fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture charged with oxygen results in excellent transport of oxygen through the stratum corneum of the skin and the epidermis in a manner which is far superior to known transport systems.

Abstract: A cosmetic or therapeutic composition with a proportion of substantially free amino acids as well as the use of such a composition for improving skin moistness, skin elasticity and/or for skin wrinkle reduction. In accordance with the invention proposed for that purpose is a cosmetic or therapeutic composition having a proportion of substantially free amino acids, which includes at least theanine and an amino acid selected from aspartic acid and glutamic acid, wherein the proportion of substantially free amino acids additionally contains at least two amino acids which are selected from alanine, glycine, threonine and serine. The invention also includes a method for preparing the composition.