Abstract: A topically applied scalp treatment composition and related method is provided including caffeine, melatonin, a meroterpene and a cosmetically acceptable carrier, and wherein the composition treated scalp area has an anagen to telogen ratio increase from a baseline control of 3.8 compared to at least about 4.6 units of ratio after a 30-day daily application to the scalp area.

Abstract: A skin color measuring device is provided for use with a kit and method to measure skin shades at point-of-sale. The device includes a hand holdable housing encompassing a spectrophotometer/colorimeter, a logic program for calculating L, a, b values measured by the spectrophotometer/colorimeter and for converting these values into corresponding shades of facial foundation cosmetic products suitable for the measured customer, and a display window formed in the wall of the housing allowing visualization of the logic selected facial foundation products. Kits in the form of a display case are provided which include the skin measuring device and an inventory of different facial foundation products as well as a reader card set for correlating the selected facial foundation products with complementary color cosmetics such as lipsticks, eye shadows, eye liners, blush and lip liners.

Abstract: A lipstick is provided for freshening the breath and reducing oral malodor. These lipsticks are based on a combination of free menthol and a bound menthol substance, the latter being either a complex or an encapsulated form. Most preferred is a menthol complex with beta-cyclodextrin. Further components of the lipstick include lipophilic material such as waxes and usually colorants. Water is advantageously included at levels ranging up to 10% by weight.

Abstract: A lipstick is provided for freshening the breath and reducing oral malodor. These lipsticks utilize an antibacterial agent in combination with menthol as the active components. Most preferred as the antibacterial agent are zinc salts, especially zinc citrate. Further components of the lipstick include a lipophilic material such as waxes and usually colorants. Water may be included at levels ranging up to about 25% by weight.

Abstract: A method and cosmetic composition for improving skin firmness are provided through an anhydrous composition including a hydrophobic carrier which may be a silicone or hydrocarbon for delivering an effective amount of a ceramide formed of a sphingoid base linked through an amide to a 2-hydroxycarboxylic C.sub.2 -C.sub.30 group.

Abstract: A cosmetic product is provided for delivery of skin actives through adhesive strips which concurrently remove keratotic plugs from skin pores. The product is a strip including a flexible substrate sheet onto which a composition containing an adhesive polymer is deposited. The composition is essentially a polymer of anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic variety which increases in tackiness upon being wetted, with wetting occurring just prior to application onto the skin thereby enhancing the composition's adhesivity. Skin agents delivered through the adhesive strip include vitamins, herbal extracts, alpha- and beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, ceramides, anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, vasoconstrictors, zinc salts and mixtures thereof. The strips are sealably enclosed within a pouch for purposes of moisture protection.

Abstract: A cosmetic product formed as a multi-compartment dispenser is provided wherein an aqueous and an anhydrous composition are stored in separate compartments. The anhydrous composition includes ascorbic acid delivered in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The aqueous composition includes an alkaline agent present to cause a rise in pH of the anhydrous composition as both compositions are blended together after being dispensed from their respective compartments.

Abstract: A cosmetic product is provided for delivery of skin actives through adhesive strips which concurrently remove keratotic plugs from skin pores. The product is a strip including a flexible substrate sheet onto which a composition containing an adhesive polymer is deposited. The composition is essentially a polymer of anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic variety which increases in tackiness upon being wetted, with wetting occurring just prior to application onto the skin thereby enhancing the composition's adhesivity. Skin agents delivered through the adhesive strip include vitamins, herbal extracts, alpha- and beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, ceramides, anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, vasoconstrictors, zinc salts and mixtures thereof. The strips are sealably enclosed within a pouch for purposes of moisture protection.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for enhancing skin radiance and treating chronoaging conditions including wrinkles and dermatological disorders including acne, follicular and lesional papules, actinic keratoses, oily skin and rosacea comprising: (i) a safe and effective amount of an unsaturated C.sub.18 -C.sub.30 fatty acid ester of retinol; and (ii) a safe and effective amount of a cosmetically acceptable carrier, the composition being stable for at least four weeks at 43.degree. C. An unsaturated C.sub.18 -C.sub.30 fatty acid ester of retinol is the active component which is applied to the skin in a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The most preferred unsaturated retinol fatty acid ester is retinyl linoleate. The composition is stable and remains active for at least four weeks at 43.degree. C.

Abstract: A composition and method thereof treating or conditioning human skin, hair or nails is described. The composition is topically applied in an effective amount and contains from about 0.0001 to about 50 wt. % of a ceramide derivative containing sphingoid bases having amide, but not ester linkages to a 2 (alpha)-hydroxy carboxylic acid and a safe and effective amount of a pharmaceutical or cosmetically acceptable carrier. The composition effectively treats or conditions areas of fine flakes having histogram values of 10 to 128. Treated areas exhibit a desquamation value difference of 1.0 or greater at day 28 after treatment commences compared to a desquamation value of untreated areas.

Abstract: A novel series of phytosphingosines are disclosed which are phytosphingosine salicylates having use in cosmetic compositions. They have potential as anti-acne, anti-blemish, anti-bacterial and anti-wrinkle agents, as well as being active in skin lightening.