Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a mixture, 0.10 to 15% 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 0.001 to 2% by weight of melanin pigments derived from natural or synthetic sources with a mean diameter of between 10 and 20,000 nm, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier.This composition is useful as a composition for protecting the human epidermis or the hair against UV rays or as make-up.

Abstract: An improved, highly effective permanent waving lotion is attained by employing a reducing agent which consists of a lower alkyl ester of cysteine in combination with a thiol compound selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts and glyceryl esters of thioglycolic acid, thiolactic acid and thiopropionic acid. By employing the reducing agent of this invention, the pH level at which the permanent wave is performed can be substantially reduced, thereby improving comfort and reducing adverse reactions. The reducing agent of this invention is employed either as an aqueous solution of the two components or in association with desired additives for imparting additional benefits to the permanently waved hair. Preferably, the reducing agents of the present invention are employed in a permanent waving lotion having a pH ranging between about 5.0 and 9.5.

Abstract: The use of glycine anhydride dimethylol, also known as 1,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-piperazinedione, comprising the formula ##STR1## to kill microorganisms present in or on a host substance and to preserve products susceptible to contamination by a variety of microorganisms is disclosed.

Abstract: The hair shaping composition for permanent shaping of hair has a pH of from 6 to 9 and contains one or more conventional cosmetic additives, which can include water; perfume oil and/or a surface active compound, and from 5 to 25 percent by weight of 2-hydroxy-3-mercaptopropionic acid and/or its salts as active keratin-reducing agent. Preferably the 2-hydroxy-3-mercaptopropionic acid and/or its salts are the only keratin-reducing components in the composition. The method for permanent shaping of hair using this hair shaping composition allows a ready and uniform shaping of the hair without allergic or sensitizing reaction.

Abstract: Composition for washing keratinous materials, in particular hair and/or the skin, characterized in that it contains, in an aqueous medium, at least one silicone insoluble in this medium, at least one anionic, nonionic or amphoteric detergent surfactant and at least one scleroglucan optionally treated with glyoxal.

Abstract: A toiletry composition for hair care which is not irritative to the hair and skin and has an excellent conditioning effect and which comprises:(a) a quaternary ammonium salt compound which contains aliphatic chains and, bonded to the aliphatic chain(s), a secondary or tertiary amino group and a quaternary ammonium group, and further which optionally contains an ether, an ester or an acyl group bonded within the aliphatic chain;(b) an anionic surfactant; and(c) a water soluble polymer, and optionally(d) an alkylsaccharide surfactant.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions containing at least 6 .mu.M of betulinic acid, preferably in combination with ascorbic acid. The compositions are particularly useful in reducing signs of cellulite.

Abstract: Hydroquinone amino-acid esters having formula (I), pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions containing them, particularly dermatological compositions having pigment-removing activity, and the pharmaceutical, cosmetic or aesthetic uses thereof. The preparation of these novel hydroquinone esters from natural amino-acid derivatives is also described.

Abstract: A skin-whitening and suntan-inhibiting composition comprising (a) a compound which depletes glutathione, and (b) hydroquinone or an alkyl or aralkyl ether of hydroquinone.

Abstract: A skin-conditioning composition is disclosed which can be applied topically to improve skin cell renewal rates with low irritation levels and comprises minor proportions of a salicylic acid and a somewhat hydrophobic alpha hydroxy aliphatic acid formulated into an acidic cosmetic composition, optionally with an anti-irritant or anti-oxidant additive. Preferred acids are salicylic and lactic and appropriate compositions are also useful topical treatments for the scalp to reduce hair loss.

Abstract: This invention relates to hair fixing compositions containing a natural based hydrolyzed zein fixative which has a selected molecular weight, the composition having low volatile organic compound (VOC) content.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions providing a suitable medium for the development of beneficial endogenous flora, and including at least one oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of gluco-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, .alpha.- and .beta.-galacto-oligosaccharides and mixtures thereof. Examples of compositions are liquid soap, body lotion, face cream and vaginal gel.

Abstract: A top coat nail polish composition, which is at least substantially free of aromatic solvents, contains at least one cellulose ester, a mixture of aliphatic and cycloaliphatic solvents for the cellulose ester, a plasticizer for the cellulose ester, at least two UV blocking agents having different effective UV wavelength blockage ranges, a smoothing agent, an adhesion promoter, and an alkanol solvent for the smoothing agent and the adhesion promoter.

Abstract: A keratotic plug remover composition comprising a polymer compound having a salt forming group is disclosed. The composition according to the invention can effectively remove keratotic plugs in the skin pores, so that the conspicuousness of the skin pores is mitigated and clean and healthy skin pores can be maintained. The composition does not hurt the skin.

Abstract: The new keratin-reducing substances useful in compositions for permanent shaping of hair are glyceryl esters of cysteine, especially the monoglyceryl esters. As monoglyceryl esters of cysteine 2-amino-3-mercaptopropionic acid-(2',3'-dihydroxypropyl)ester and 2-amino-3-mercaptopropionic acid-(1',3'-dihydroxyisopropyl)ester are particularly preferred. A preferred embodiment of the compositions for permanent shaping of hair consists of a ready-to-use mixture of a water-free component including at least one glyceryl ester of cysteine and at least one other component which is kept physically separately from the water-free component until the mixture is prepared. The compositions also can include other conventional ingredients normally used in permanent shaping compositions such as surfactants and thickeners. The compositions have a preferred pH range of 6.0 to 8.5 and contain from 8 to 28 percent by weight of the glyceryl esters of cysteine.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic compositions are disclosed containing a matrix prepared by melt-spinning polydextrose with one or more medicaments and/or cosmetic ingredients. Methods of preparing such compositions as well as treating various maladies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating dandruff in warm-blooded animals comprising applying to the hair of a warm-blooded animal an anti-dandruff effective amount of an alkali metal or ammonium salt of a low molecular weight huminate with a mean molecular weight of 1000 with a range of 300 to 1500 and a method of treating or preventing dandruff.

Abstract: A non-aqueous cosmetic composition suitable as mascara, eyeliner, or lipstick comprising a dispersing agent in an amount sufficient to permit a high content of cosmetically acceptable solids, e.g. colorants, waxes, dry powders and solids.

Abstract: An external dermatological composition comprising a salt of L-arginine-L-aspartic acid and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier therefor.

Abstract: A hair relaxing composition used in high alkaline conditions comprising at lease one active hair relaxer ingredient, moisturizers, emollients, and emulsifier, with polymethacrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride included in the formula.