Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptor which enables two premade tubes such as toothpaste tubes of varying sizes to be fitted together, one inside the other to obtain a dual tube dispenser providing for separate storage of two dissimilar substances and its co-extrusion from the dispenser as and when desired upon application of external pressure on the latter. The adaptor includes a threaded component in the form of a cap with internal threads to match the threads of the neck portion of conventional toothpaste tubes. A central passage provided in the adaptor communicates with the inside of the tube to which it is screw-fitted. The adaptor is further provided with press-fitting studs to hold the tube coaxially within a larger tube to obtain a dual tube dispenser, the press-fitting studs being capable of forming a press-fit connection in the internal portion of the neck of the larger tube.

Abstract: A composition suitable for topical application to human skin comprises, in addition to a suitable vehicle an active ingredient which can control skin barrier functions. The active ingredient is (a) a long chain .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid or a carboxy-substituted derivative, (b) an hydroxy-or epoxy-derivative of an essential fatty acid or an ester formed between (a) and (b). Certain novel compounds of structures (a), (b) and (a)(b) esters are also claimed.

Abstract: A composition suitable for topical application to human skin comprises, in addition to a suitable vehicle an active ingredient which can control skin barrier functions. The active ingredient is (a) a long chain .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid or a carboxy-substituted derivative, (b) an hydroxy- or epoxy-derivative of an essential fatty acid or an ester formed between (a) and (b). Certain novel compounds of structures (a), (b) and (a)(b) esters are also claimed.

Abstract: A composition suitable for topical application to human skin comprises, in addition to a suitable vehicle and a perfume, an active ingredient which can control skin barrier functions. The active ingredient is (a) a long chain .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid or a carboxy-substituted derivative, (b) an hydroxy- or epoxy-derivative of an essential fatty acid or an ester formed between (a) and (b). Certain novel compounds of structures (a), (b) and (a)(b) esters are also claimed.

Abstract: A cosmetically acceptable composition for topical application to human skin comprises from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a substituted 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid or 2-ketooctanoic acid or a mixture thereof, together with an amount of a special neutralizing agent sufficient to adjust the pH of the composition to a value of from 3 to 7. The special neutralizing agent is one having a cation whose ionic radius is at least 100 pm.

Abstract: A cosmetically acceptable composition for topical application to human skin comprises from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a substituted 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid or 2-ketooctanoic acid or a mixture thereof, together with an amount of a special neutralizing agent sufficient to adjust the pH of the composition to a value of from 3 to 7. The special neutralizing agent is one having a cation whose ionic radius is at least 100 pm.