Abstract: Topical formulations comprising an anti-irritant amount of aqueous-soluble lithium (Li.sup.+) or potassium (K.sup.+) cation, and methods for using the same to inhibit skin irritation, are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-stage process, employing novel compositions or mixtures of ingredients, for the therapeutic conditioning of damaged or thinning human hair and for promoting the growth and restoration of hair which has been lost, which includes a cleansing stage, a treatment stage and a heating stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screening cosmetic composition comprising, in a mixture, 0.5 to 10% by weight of metal oxide nanopigments chosen from titanium, zinc, cerium or zirconium oxide or mixtures thereof, with a mean diameter of less than 100 nm, and 0.1 to 10% by weight of 1,4-benzenedi(3-methylidene-10-camphosulfonic) acid or one of its alkali metal, ammonium, amine, alkanolamine, Ca, Zn, Mg, Ba, Al or Zr salts, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier. This composition is useful as composition for protecting the human epidermis or the hair against UV rays or as make-up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screening cosmetic composition comprising, in a mixture, 0.5 to 10% by weight of metal oxide nanopigments chosen from titanium, zinc, cerium or zirconium oxide or mixtures thereof, with a mean diameter of less than 100 nm, and 0.1 to 10% by weight of 1,4-benzenedi(3-methylidene-10-camphosulfonic) acid or one of its alkali metal, ammonium, amine, alkanolamine, Ca, Zn, Mg, Ba, Al or Zr salts, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier.This composition is useful as composition for protecting the human epidermis or the hair against UV rays or as make-up.

Abstract: A nail enamel based on a solvent mixture of nitrocellulose, and plasticizer(s) is made faster drying by incorporating a particular class of vinyl-silicone copolymers. Trapping of bubbles in the dried enamel is avoided by incorporating a dimethicone anti-foaming agent.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a cosmetic composition which comprises dl-.alpha.-tocopheryl 2-L-ascorbyl phosphate phosphate and/or a salt thereof in stabilized condition. The cosmetic composition comprises one or more members of the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol derivative, urea, and a sub-critical micelle concentration of a nonionic surfactant as formulated with said dl-.alpha.-tocopheryl 2-L-ascorbyl phosphate or salt thereof.

Abstract: A body wash composition containing an anionic cleansing surfactant, such as an alkyl ether sulfate or an alkyl sulfate, like sodium lauryl ether sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate; a polymeric cationic conditioning compound, such as a quaternized guar gum; and a quaternized phosphate ester in an aqueous carrier is disclosed. The composition is used in a method to cleanse the skin and to impart conditioning properties to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair treatment composition which provides an excellent finishing effect and superior protection against environmental, chemical, and grooming-associated damage. The compositions of the present invention comprise hydrolyzed protein having an abundance of anionic amino acids and in particular, sulphur-containing amino acids, as well as divalent cationic compounds, such that the anionic components of the hydrolyzed protein may effectively bind to the hair by means of cationic bridges. While bound to the hair, the sulphur containing amino acids in the hydrolyzed protein may serve as "decoys" for the effects of a variety of damaging agents. Compositions of the present invention may further comprise a vitamin compound which enhances these protective benefits.

Abstract: Cationic dispersion containing at least 1) one natural or synthetic ceramide or glycoceramide or a mixture of natural or synthetic ceramides and/or glycoceramides of formula (I) where R.sub.1 denotes C.sub.14 -C.sub.30 alkyl, R.sub.2 denotes hydrogen, (glycosyl).sub.n, (galactosyl).sub.m or sulfogalactosyl, n having the value 1 to 4 and m having the value 1 to 8, R.sub.3 denotes a C.sub.15 -C.sub.26 hydrocarbon radical or a C.sub.15 -C.sub.26 .alpha.-hydroxyalkyl radical in the case of the natural ceramides and/or glycoceramides; 2) a compound of formula (II) where X is an anion and a) R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 denote C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl and R.sub.7 denotes C.sub.22 alkyl, or b) R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 denote C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl and: (i) R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 denote C.sub.20 -C.sub.22 alkyl; or (ii) R.sub.6 denotes C.sub.22 alkyl and R.sub.7 denotes benzyl; or c) R.sub.4 denotes C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, R.sub.5 denotes (alkyl and/or alkenyl)amidoethyl and R.sub.6 and R.sub.

Abstract: An improved highly alkaline hair straightening emulsion and a two component system for preparing the emulsion are provided. The emulsion employs a combination of strong nitrogenous organic base and alkali metal hydroxide in the presence of an alkaline earth metal cation. Neither the amount of the alkali metal hydroxide nor the amount of organic base present in the emulsion is sufficient by itself to effectively permanently straighten naturally curly hair. Alkaline earth metal hydroxides are characteristically ineffective as permanent hair straighteners. However, surprisingly, the combination is effective for achieving permanent straightening of hair within a treatment time of not more than about 30 minutes. In use, the emulsion also substantially avoids scalp skin irritation. Also, hair discoloration and hair breakage are minimized.

Abstract: Vitamin B12 is used to stimulate heme oxygenase production. In turn, levels of the molecules 12(R)-HETE and 12(R)-DIHETE, which are arachidonic acid derivatives, are reduced. Various topical formulations containing vitamin B12, but no other vitamins, are described.

Abstract: A method of using a multipurpose hair-care product utilizing the active ingredient chitosonium pyrrolidone carbonxylate which is primarily derived from shrimp and other shell fish yielding a product having improved cutting lotion, memory lock, straightening and relaxing characteristics. The method comprises applying the product to the hair after shampooing and drying the hair.

Abstract: A skin care composition in the form of an oil-in-water dispersion which comprises a silicone gum having a molecular weight of from about 200,000 to about 4,000,000 and wherein the composition additionally incorporates a fatty acid ester emulsifier based on a mixture of sorbitan acid ester and sucrose fatty acid ester. The composition provides improved moisturization, skin feel and skin care benefits and reduced greasiness, together with excellent rub-in and absorption characteristics.

Abstract: A rapid method to prepare low crystallinity cellulose (crystallinity 15-45% of polymerization 35-150), suitable for use as a direct compression excipient (e.g., binder, disintegrant, and diluent) in pharmaceutical solid dosage forms design and as a bodying and/or film forming agent in the development of sustained- and/or film forming agent in the development of sustained- and/or controlled-release pharmaceutical (topical and transdermal products), cosmetics, agricultural, personal care and like products, is provided by reacting cellulose materials with 85% or higher weight percentage phosphoric acid under controlled sequenced temperature conditions that involve treatment first at room temperature for an hour and then at 50.degree.-55.degree. C. for 3-6 hours, followed by separating by a precipitation method,. and subsequently isolating as a powder or converting into a head or hydrated form.

Abstract: The present invention comprises aqueous cellulose solutions and methods of their making. The solutions of the invention provide coatings and can be employed as nail coatings, protective coatings and non-wax polishes.

Abstract: A process for altering the color of hair that has been dyed with dihydroxyindole comprising the steps of treating the dyed hair with an acidic solution for an effective amount of time and rinsing the treated hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a cosmetics composition for application to hair, which contains at least one lipid, at least one silicone and water, characterized in that at least one ionic amphiphilic lipid capable of forming vesicles with at least one silicone is mixed with water, in that this mixture is subjected to a process for forming vesicles which encapsulate an aqueous phase, and in that a dispersion of the product obtained is carried out in an aqueous dispersion phase. The invention also relates to a composition obtained by the process and to a process for cosmetic treatment of hair by means of the said composition.

Abstract: Hair care compositions which provide improved styling and hair conditioning properties are disclosed. The compositions comprise from about 0.1% to about 10.0% of a specifically-defined silicone copolymer and from about 0.5% to about 99.5% of a carrier suitable for application to hair. These compositions are characterized by the fact that, when dried, the polymer phase separates into a discontinuous phase which includes a silicone macromer and a continuous phase which includes the copolymer backbone.

Abstract: A hair styling and conditioning process comprising the steps of: contacting the hair with a compound having an electrophilic group and at least one hydrophobic group whereby the electrophilic group reacts with nucleophilic sites in and on the hair to give the hair a plurality of hydrophobic groups at the surface, in which the hydrophobic group is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.10-30 and C.sub.10-30 alkenyl groups. Preferably the electrophilic group is azlactone.Also a reversible hair styling process in which the hydrophobic group is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-30 alkyl, C.sub.2-30 alkenyl, phenyl, diphenyl, other aromatics, and fluoroalkanes, and the electrophilic group is selected from the group consisting of azlactone, sulphide from disulphide, sulphide from thiosulphonate, vinyl zulphone, vinyl sulphoximines, banzoxazinones and isocyanates.Novel azlactones, including pentadecyl and hexyl azlactone.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anionic shampoo and conditioning composition comprising an oily conditioning agent, a shampooing agent, a acrylate copolymer, a cationic conditioning agent, and water. In another embodiment the composition further comprises a C.sub.8 to C.sub.18 fatty acid. The composition provides enhanced conditioning properties utilizing both oily and cationic conditioning agents in combination with an anionic acrylate copolymer while maintaining stability and dispersion.