Abstract: A hair growth promotor which is an ethanol or aqueous ethanol preparation comprising, as active ingredients for a hair growth promotor, (A) at least one compound selected from fatty acids having a chain length of an odd number of carbon atoms, the derivatives of the fatty acids, aliphatic alcohols having a chain length of an odd number of carbon atoms and the derivatives of the aliphatic alcohols and (B) at least one selected from 6-benzylaminopurine and/or the derivatives thereof represented by the following Formula (I), wherein it further comprises (C) at least one of polyglycerin fatty acid esters and (D) at least one of sorbitan fatty acid esters: in Formula (I), R1 and R2 are defined. The hair growth promotor can have an excellent hair growth effect and can provide an excellent stabilization effect at low temperature and can provide good feeling having no stickiness.

Abstract: A hair growth promotor which is an ethanol or aqueous ethanol preparation comprising, as active ingredients for a hair growth promotor, (A) at least one compound selected from fatty acids having a chain length of an odd number of carbon atoms, the derivatives of the fatty acids, aliphatic alcohols having a chain length of an odd number of carbon atoms and the derivatives of the aliphatic alcohols and (B) at least one selected from 6-benzylaminopurine and/or the derivatives thereof represented by the following Formula (I), wherein it further comprises (C) at least one of polyglycerin fatty acid esters and (D) at least one of sorbitan fatty acid esters: in Formula (I), R1 and R2 are defined. The hair growth promotor can have an excellent hair growth effect and can provide an excellent stabilization effect at low temperature and can provide good feeling having no stickiness.

Abstract: A preparation for epidermis containing kojic acid and/or its derivative, which has improved preparation stability, is provided. The preparation stability is imparted by adding to the preparation at least one member selected from the group consisting of alcohols and polyphenols.

Abstract: A preparation for epidermis containing kojic acid and/or its derivative and an ultraviolet light absorbent, which has improved preparation stability and which shows lasting effectiveness, is provided. The improved preparation stability is imparted by adding to the preparation at least one member selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters and fatty acid glycerides.

Abstract: A preparation for epidermis containing kojic acid and/or its derivative and a surfactant or surfactants having HLB value adjusted to 12 or less than that is disclosed. This preparation is preferably in a form of O/W emulsion or W/O emulsion, with the latter being preferably formed by gel emulsification process. The surfactants or surface active agents serve to depress coloration or decomposition of kojic acid and/or its derivative and improve application feel of the preparation.

Abstract: The compound 2-ethoxymethyl-5-hydroxy-.gamma.-pyrone and a melanogenesis-inhibiting endermic preparation for external application containing the compound as an active ingredient. The endermic preparations are almost non-toxic and have an extremely high melanogenesis-inhibiting activity.

Abstract: A melanogenesis-inhibiting preparation for external application contains 5-hydroxy-2-methoxymethyl-.gamma.-pyrone as an active ingredient. The preparation is usable for the remedy of and prevention of chromatosis. It is applied to human skin in the form of a milky lotion, lotion, emulsion, ointment, cataplasm or cream.

Abstract: Compositions for topical use having melanin synthesis-inhibiting activity comprising kojic acid or its esters and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of azelaic acid, tropolone, lipoic acid, sorbic acid, glucosamine, derivative of glucosamine, tunicamycin, deoxynojirimycin, glutathione, cystein, hydroquinone, derivative of hydroquinone, dehydroacetic acid, chelidonic acid and lipoamide. The compositions have excellent human skin-whitening effect and anti-suntan effect.

Abstract: External preparations containing, as active ingredient, kojic acid purified by sublimation show higher stability against discoloration with the passage of time compared with conventional products containing otherwise purified kojic acid.

Abstract: External preparations of 1 melanogenesisinhibitory agent contain, as active ingredients, a placental extract of pregnant cows and kojic acid or a derivative thereof. The placental extract of pregnant cows is a very effective melanogenesis-inhibitory substance, which acts through a mechanism different from that of the known extract of fully-matured human placenta and markedly diminishes the overall activity of tyrosinase isozymes (T.sub.1, T.sub.2 and T.sub.3). The external preparations, which utilize the synergistic effect between this unique substance and kojic acid or a derivative thereof (a known melanogensis-inhibitory substance), are effective for the relief and prevention of pigmentation diseases, such as liver spots.

Abstract: External preparations comprising, as active ingredients, kojic acid or a derivative thereof which also contain an ultraviolet absorber, .beta.-cyclodextrin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and have a controlled pH in the range from 4.0 to 5.0 show little discoloration during storage. In addition, discoloration of the preparation applied to the skin due to ultraviolet rays and other causes is also minimized, thus eliminating the trouble of contaminating clothes and other surrounding objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair-dyeing composition comprising one or more tannins and one or more compounds selected from water-soluble zinc, copper, tin, magnesium and aluminum salts. The composition may be in the form of either a one-solution-type or a two-solution-type. The composition may dye hair in any desired color, and the color fastness of the dyed hair is excellent.

Abstract: Agents highly effective in preventing hair from turning gray with no adverse effects upon skin or hair contain, as an active ingredient, an unsaturated fatty acid or an ester thereof represented by the following general formula:A--COOR[wherein A is a radical of CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH(CH.sub.2).sub.n - or CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.10 CH.dbd.CH-(CH.sub.2).sub.m -, R is hydrogen atom or alkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, n is an integer 0 to 22, and m is an integer 5 or 6].

Abstract: Emulsified compositions comprising an elastin hydrolyzate having a molecular weight not lower than 200,000 (preferably in the range from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000) maintain a stable emulsion state without having to use any other surfactants, and cause sufficient retention of water and moisture on the human skin without having to use any other humectants when employed as cosmetics or external preparations for the skin.

Abstract: A composition for external application comprising kojic acid or a kojic acid derivative is characterized by formulating 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethan therein. The composition has the improved effects of inhibiting the formation of erythema and pigmentation caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays, preventing stains or freckles due to sunburn and preventing coloration after application, thus providing excellent compositions for external application as cosmetics, topical skin agents, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair-dyeing composition comprising geraniintannin and a water-soluble iron salt and optionally containing one or more selected from tannic acid, L-cysteine and salts thereof, sodium hydrogen sulfite, sodium sulfite, hydrolyzed product of collagen and resins for hair. The composition may be in the form of either a one-solution-type or a two-solution-type. Also disclosed is a hair-dyeing method using the said composition. The hair dyed with the composition has an almost natural and fast black color.

Abstract: Compositions for topical use having melanin synthesis-inhibiting activity comprising kojic acid or its esters and vitamin C or its derivatives. The compositions have excellent human skin-whitening effect and anti-suntan effect.

Abstract: Drugs containing, as an effective ingredient, kojic acid or kojic acid/.beta.-cyclodextrin inclusion complex are effective in preventing elastosis in an animal test using Spraguex-Dawley rats. The drugs also have powerful action to inhibit the formation of melanin, and show an outstanding color fading effect in a culture test using mouse melanoma B16 cells. The drugs have very low toxicity and are externally applied in the form of an ointment, cream, emulsion, pack or solution.

Abstract: A whitening cosmetic comprises kojic acid and cyclodextrins in addition to cosmetic base materials. The kojic acid may be included in cyclodextrins before being incorporated into the cosmetic. The cosmetic has an improved stability against coloring with the passage of time and an enhance whitening effect. The cosmetic can be a toilet lotion, a cosmetic cream, a milky lotion, a pack, etc., for application to human skin.

Abstract: Placenta extracts and kojic acid or kojic acid derivatives are formulated into cosmetic bases to make cosmetic compositions. The cosmetic compositions exhibit an enhanced whitening effect for the skin due to the action of the placenta extract and kojic acid or kojic acid derivatives.