Abstract: Composite particulates, topical composition containing composite particulates, methods for improving the appearance of skin depth, dimensionality or undertones; a method for improving the ashy, chalky or mask-like appearance of color cosmetic compositions on the skin; and a method for reducing the number of shades in a color cosmetic shade range by formulating the cosmetic with composite particulates.

Abstract: A method for making a composite particulate comprised of a colorant portion and a clear thermoplastic portion and cosmetic compositions containing the composite particulate.

Abstract: A method for improving the appearance of skin depth, dimensionality or undertones by topically applying a composition containing composite particulates made by (a) solvating a clear or translucent thermoplastic material with solvent in an amount sufficient to swell the material; (b) combining the solvated mixture of (a) with one or more colorants; (c) removing the solvent to form a composite particulate, (d) formulating the composite particulate into a topical cosmetic composition for application to skin.

Abstract: A method for improving the appearance of skin depth, dimensionality or undertones by topically applying a composition containing composite particulates made by (a) solvating a clear or translucent thermoplastic material with solvent in an amount sufficient to swell the material; (b) combining the solvated mixture of (a) with one or more colorants; (c) removing the solvent to form a composite particulate, (d) formulating the composite particulate into a topical cosmetic composition for application to skin.

Abstract: A method for making a composite particulate comprised of a colorant portion and a clear thermoplastic portion and cosmetic compositions containing the composite particulate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving skin lipid barrier function by applying to the skin a composition comprising effective amounts of a protease inhibitor and a cell differentiation enhancer. The composition is useful in promoting skin lipid barrier repair and maintaining the integrity of the lipid barrier. In this regard, the compositions can be used in the treatment and prevention of dry skin, and associated chrono/proto-aging conditions, in the treatment and prevention of irritation on the skin, in the treatment and prevention of UV-related damage to the skin, and in the enhancement of the retention of self-tanning.

Abstract: A method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres and methods for making the same. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. The solid particles are preferably formed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other sunscreen agents to form sunscreen compositions of broader UV protection spectrum and enhanced photostability.

Abstract: The present invention comprises cosmetic compositions and methods for retarding hair growth comprising a combination of an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, an anti-angiogenic active and an anti-inflammatory.

Abstract: A method is provided for tracking and analyzing changing skin conditions and displaying such conditions in an RGB image format on a three dimensional virtual model to facilitate research and consumer communication. The system involves building a catalog, library or database of skin conditions in the form of datasets taken from spectral images that include the skin conditions of interest. For each spectral image dataset identifying a skin condition of interest a corresponding RGB dataset is calculated and compiled in a database. The database of calculated RGB datasets is used to diagnose skin conditions of subjects by analyzing RGB or spectral photographs of the subject. The spectral or RGB data sets can also be used to predict the effects of proposed treatments and the resulting altered skin condition can be displayed in RGB images that are readily comprehended.

Abstract: Composite particulates, topical composition containing composite particulates, methods for improving the appearance of skin depth, dimensionality or undertones; a method for improving the ashy, chalky or mask-like appearance of color cosmetic compositions on the skin; and a method for reducing the number of shades in a color cosmetic shade range by formulating the cosmetic with composite particulates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving skin lipid barrier function by applying to the skin a composition comprising effective amounts of a protease inhibitor and a cell differentiation enhancer. The composition is useful in promoting skin lipid barrier repair and maintaining the integrity of the lipid barrier. In this regard, the compositions can be used in the treatment and prevention of dry skin, and associated chrono/proto-aging conditions, in the treatment and prevention of irritation on the skin, in the treatment and prevention of UV-related damage to the skin, and in the enhancement of the retention of self-tanning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: The present invention achieves bio-mechanical stimulation of collagen synthesis in skin cells and reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin by applying a polymeric composition onto the skin in a manner so as to create surface tension that mimics the natural mechanical tension found in youthful skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: Topical compositions containing pigment particles entrapped in microspheres are provided. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more pigment particles. The microsphere-entrapped pigment particles are characterized by enhanced color intensity, improved stability, and better dispersibility, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other skin active ingredients to form better colored cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modulating a selected biological activity of a naturally occurring material having one or more biological activities in an extract of the naturally occurring material, the method comprising incubating the extract in a medium in the presence of an aerobically metabolizing microorganism, under suitable aerobic conditions, for a period of time sufficient to modulate the selected activity with respect to baseline activity of the unincubated extract. The invention also relates to the bioconverted material so prepared, and the use of same in cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention comprises cosmetic compositions and methods for retarding hair growth comprising a combination of an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, an anti-angiogenic active and an anti-inflammatory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing a dispersion of composite particles. Each of such composite particles contains one or more core particles encapsulated or entrapped in a polymeric shell. At least some of the core particles are formed of a material capable of causing generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Each of the composite particles further contains: (1) a first antioxidant co-encapsulated or co-entrapped with the core particles inside the polymeric shell for quenching or scavenging ROS generated in the vicinity of the core particles, and (2) a second antioxidant coated over the polymeric shell for preventing or reducing oxidative damage to the skin, such as lipid peroxidation. The particle dispersion of the present invention therefore can be readily formulated into topical sunscreen compositions with organic sunscreen agents susceptible to oxidative decomposition or degradation to provide improved protection against skin damage caused by exposure to UV light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. The solid particles are preferably formed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other sunscreen agents to form sunscreen compositions of broader UV protection spectrum and enhanced photostability.