Abstract: A pharmaceutical and cosmetical preparation which rapidly penetrates through human skin, and which thus is able to bring about the rapid transdermal penetration of a wide variety of active ingredients. The compounds which enhance the rate of dermal penetration are also anti-oxidative agents and thus protect active substances susceptible to oxidative degradation. Preferred agents enhancing penetration and which protect against oxidation are higher esters and higher amides of thioglycolic acid and of mercaptopropionic acid. The preparations can be in the form of mixtures or there may be prepared chemical compounds which are a combination of the active substance and the said thioacids.

Abstract: Composition for the treatment of gingivitis and other afflictions of the oral cavity, as well as for the reduction of dental plaque. These are in the form of gels, solutions or similar forms which comprise a therapeutically active agent in a polymeric carrier which contains a solvent. The nature of the preparation is such that when these are applied to an aqueous environment of the oral cavity, the polymer and the active agent precipitate and form a coating.