Abstract: A composition consisting essentially of a plant extract rich in antiandrogenic sterols from dwarfpalms, African plums, willow herbs, nettle herbs, or hops. The composition can be combined with an acceptable carrier agent to form a variety of topical formulations for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes.

Abstract: A saliva-soluble stimulant unit comprising an active ingredient and optional ingredients comprising flavor and aroma additives incorporated in a gel prepared by gelling a water-binding gelling agent, in which the active ingredient comprises nicotine or other alkaloids with the same direction of activity, said unit having i) a texture profile, determined by texture profile analysis, with parameter values of firmness, hardness, brittleness, adhesiveness, elasticity, and cohesiveness within given ranges; (ii) a disintegration time within the range 5-60 minutes; and (iii) a nicotine content from 0.5 to 10 mg or a corresponding content of said alkaloids.

Abstract: A process for the cosmetic treatment of the nails comprising the step of including at least one compound of ceramide type in a cosmetic composition.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing postpartum depression by administration of a composition containing one or more purified, naturally-occurring isoflavonoids.

Abstract: A medicament for immediately treating painful, inflammatory and/or febrile diseases contains as active substance ibuprofen as a racemate, as a racemic mixture with its enantiomers, as a pseudoracemate (mixtures of equal parts of S- and R-ibuprofen) or as a mixture of different parts of S- and R-ibuprofen in a range between pure S- and pure R-ibuprofen in the form of a pharmaceutically applicable nanosol and satisfies all requirements of an immediate-effect pharmaceutic form. It can in addition be combined with a slow-release medicament that contains as active substance ibuprofen as a racemic compound, as a pseudoracemate (mixtures of equal parts of S- and R-ibuprofen) or as a mixture of different parts of S- and R-ibuprofen in a range between pure S- and pure R-ibuprofen, in the form of a pharmaceutically applicable, gelatine-based nanosol.

Abstract: A lipstick composition containing a nonaqueous polymer dispersion in which the polymer is dispersed in a volatile silicone and perfluoroalkyl denaturated silicone or perfluoroalkyl denaturated methylphenyl polysiloxane with a specific structure. Also a lipstick composition containing volatile silicone oil and or volatile hydrocarbon oil and perfluoroalkyl denaturated silicone and or perfluoroalkyl denaturated methylphenyl polysiloxane with a specific structure.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for depigmenting or bleaching mammalian skin or both, which contains:a) an amount of L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid effective to depigment or bleach mammalian skin or both, andb) one or more polyols,c) a topically-acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Novel composition and method for forming artificial fingernails in situ and for prefabricated nails for people with weak, damaged nails. A vinyl fingernail extension is adhered to the top surface of the free end of a natural fingernail. Then for the in situ nail a coating of cyanoacrylate adhesive is applied to the vinyl extension and the natural nail. For the prefabricated nail, a fill in preliminary coating on the natural nail is first employed. Afterwards layers of a pink mixture in powder form of between approximately 8 and 12 parts by volume acrylic ester polymer or copolymer and 1 part sodium bicarbonate is applied to the adhesive coating while still wet to create an instant hardening. The coatings are repeated several times. The resulting nail looks naturally pink, blends into its finger, skin and nail environment, is hardy, corrects broken nails and is strong enough to protect against further damage to nails.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel shower gels and hair shampoos containing a neutralised tenside combination of alkyl polyglycol ether carboxylate, alkyl ether sulphate and fatty acid amidopropyl betaine and the customary auxiliary and base substances which the average degree of ethoxylation of the alkyl polyglycol ether carboxylate is 2-5.

Abstract: Quick drying coating compositions, preferably but not exclusively for application to natural or artificial nails are provided. The quick-drying coating composition comprises a base or lacquer component and an optional pigment component. The base component can dry in less than about 70 seconds under ambient conditions, yet is free of undesirable solvents and components such as acetone, toluene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde-containing resins. The base component includes film-forming polymers, a monomer component compatible with the polymers, and a free radical source.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions useful for making tablets which can be formed using conventional tableting machines and which disintegrate rapidly in the mouth with optional chewing. The compositions typically include shearform matrices which have been recrystallized using crystallization promoters.

Abstract: A non-toxic edible enteric film coating dry powder composition for use in making an aqueous enteric coating suspension which may be used in coating pharmaceutical tablets and the like comprises an enteric film forming polymer, a detackifier, a viscosity modifier, and an alkalizing/anti-coagulating agent. Advantageously, the inventive dry powder compositions may include a solid plasticizer, a lubricant, an anti-caking agent, a liquid plasticizer, and a pigment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wax-based composition comprising at least about 0.5-30% water in a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein water is encapsulated in a lamellar lipid vesicle capable of withstanding wax melting point temperatures. The composition is useful in delivering water soluble actives in an anhydrous base, and is particularly well-adapted for uses in lipsticks and lip-care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anhydrous makeup composition for topical application to the skin, the composition comprising (a) a silicone gel, the gel comprising an organopolysiloxane elastomer dispersed in a silicone-compatible vehicle, (b) and a silicone-oil base. The compositions of the invention produce a matte or non-shiny appearance when applied to the skin.

Abstract: Active ingredients are solubilized or dispersed in a matrix which also contains dispersants. When this composition is applied to a permeable substrate, the matrix and dispersants associate with the substrate and bring the active ingredient into contact with the substrate while substantially preventing penetration of the active ingredient into the permeable substrate. The consistent and continuous contact of the active ingredient with the permeable substrate, needed to achieve optimal and reliable effectiveness of the active ingredient, is enhanced by the low water solubility of the composition and by its resistance to removal by rubbing. The composition is, however, easily removable by surface active agents, such as soaps and detergents.

Abstract: A method for improving the flexibility of human fingernails by washing the hands in a normal fashion with a cleansing composition containing at least about 0.5% by weight of panthenol for at least about three (3) times per day and for at least about three (3) times per day and for at least about three (3) consecutive days, with each washing being followed by rinsing the hands with water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns hydrofluorocarbon compound with formula (I):R.sub.F --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --X--[C.sub.3 H.sub.5 (OH)]--(Y).sub.x --R.sub.H(I)whereC.sub.3 H.sub.5 (OH) represents the structures: ##STR1## R.sub.F represents a perfluorinated, linear or branched C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 alkyl radical or a mixture of perfluorinated, linear or branched C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 alkyl radicals;R.sub.H represents a linear or branched C.sub.23 -C.sub.36 alkyl radical or a mixture of linear or branched C.sub.23 -C.sub.36 alkyl radicals; ##STR2## It also concerns their use in cosmetic compositions and cosmetic compositions containing these compounds.

Abstract: A method for improving--with an adhesion-promoting composition--adhesion of a synthetic monomeric or polymeric material (such as a curable acrylic monomer/polymerized acrylic system) to a keratinaceous substrate, as in, for example, the reshaping of fingernails or toenails. The adhesion-promoting composition comprises (A) an organic, dipolar, aprotic liquid carrier and, uniformly distributed throughout said liquid carrier, (B) pyromellitic dianhydride glycerol dimethacrylate adduct ("PMGDM"). The PMGDM isomer mixture which typically results when pyromellitic dianhydride is reacted with glycerol dimethacrylate is preferred, particularly in view of its high solubility in solvents of relatively low toxicity (e.g. lower aliphatic ketones). The adhesion-promoting composition can, if desired, be included in a nail-reshaping kit containing the materials and implements needed to reshape the nail plate.

Abstract: A make-up comosition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising volatile silicone or hydrocarbon oil, pigment, organic amphiphilic material capable of forming smectic lyotropic liquid crystals in product or on the skin, and optionally, non-volatile oil. The make-up composition exhibits improved moisturisation and product stability together with reduced shine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for extended release of an erythromycin derivative in the gastrointestinal environment. The composition comprises an erythromycin derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer so that, when ingested orally, the composition induces statistically significantly lower C.sub.max in the plasma than an immediate release composition of the erythromycin derivative while maintaining bioavailability and minimum concentration substantially equivalent to that of the immediate release composition of the erythromycin derivative upon multiple dosing. The compositions of the invention have an improved taste profile and reduced gastrointestinal side effects as compared to those for the immediate release composition.