Abstract: A skin firming composition comprising an aqueous solution of sodium silicate/sodium oxide mixture in a weight percent of about 14% Na.sub.2 O to 33% SiO.sub.2, a viscosity in centipoises of about 2,100, and a pH of about 12, a polystyrene sulfonate having an average molecular weight of about 130,000, a second water soluble polymer and, optionally, a thickening agent, and a pigment or a preservative. The method of firming human skin comprises the application of the above composition to an area of the skin and permitting the composition to dry.

Abstract: Alkali metal and ammonium zirconyl carbonates (AZC) may be used as active antiperspirant ingredients when converted to complexes with various acidic antiperspirant agents, including particularly the highly acidic zirconium compounds. The acidic antiperspirant agent activates the zirconium in the zirconyl carbonate to an acidic, active antiperspirant species. The zirconyl carbonate comprises about 2 to 35 weight percent of the complex, and the antiperspirant activating agent is present in such an amount that the pH of a 5 to 20 weight percent aqueous solution of the complex will be about 3 to 6. Potassium and ammonium zirconyl carbonates are preferred, but sodium may also be used if the complex is kept in solution. The acidic, antiperspirant activating agent is preferably a zirconium oxy salt or zirconium hydroxy salt, such as a zirconium hydroxy halide. However, other water soluble, polyvalent metal salts of strong acids may be used, particularly aluminum halides and basic aluminum compounds.