Abstract: The present invention is directed to water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion compositions containing gellan gum which provide an enhanced rate of release of active ingredients for delivery to the skin or mucosa.

Abstract: A topical pharmaceutical aerosol foam containing liquid silicones to enhance cosmetic elegance. Although liquid silicones are inherent defoamers, a high quality, stable foam is produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion compositions containing gellan gum which provide an enhanced rate of release of active ingredients for delivery to the skin or mucosa.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the preparation of stable surfactant-free dispersions of hydrophobic substances in low viscosity hydrophilic glyceryl polyacrylate or glyceryl polymethacrylate fluids, and topical vehicles formulated with the dispersions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sunscreen formulation which exhibits superior ultraviolet protection and water resistance than prior art sunscreen compositions. The sunscreen formulation comprises (a) a dispersion comprising a sunscreen active agent and (b) a base composition comprising a rheological modifying agent and water. The sunscreen formulation is substantially free of surfactants. According to a preferred embodiment, the sunscreen active agent is ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, or a combination thereof. The sunscreen formulation preferably comprises a phosphorylated starch derivative as a rheological modifying agent. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of protecting skin or hair from ultraviolet radiation by applying an effective amount of the sunscreen formulation of the present invention to the skin or hair.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting and producing a customized cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation is disclosed below. The system can be implemented in an Internet based system or a stand-alone version, such as a Kiosk. An improved method of custom formulation is presented which utilizes the user's preferences and profile, as well as external factors. The customized formulation can be directed to a manufacturing facility for on-demand production. Alternatively, a printout of the formulation can be provided for subsequent use at point-of-sale locations, such as a cosmetics store or a pharmacy. The custom formulation software can also be provided in conjunction with a cosmetics manufacturing kit for use in home or business application.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing topical compositions with enhanced barrier properties comprising dispersions of hydrophobic skin protective agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sunscreen formulation which exhibits superior ultraviolet protection and water resistance than prior art sunscreen compositions. The sunscreen formulation comprises (a) a dispersion comprising a sunscreen active agent and (b) a base composition comprising a rheological modifying agent and water. The sunscreen formulation is bustantially free of surfactants. According to a preferred embodiment, the sunscreen active agent is ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate, butylmethoxy-dibenzoylmethane, or a combination thereof. The sunscreen formulation preferably comprises a phosphorylated starch derivative as a rheological modifying agent. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of protecting skin or hair from ultraviolet radiation by applying an effective amount of the sunscreen formulation of the present invention to the skin or hair.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing surfactant free dispersions of hydrophobic fluids and hydrophobic rheological modifying agents which are used to modify the aesthetic properties of cosmetic and pharmaceutical topical compositions. The dispersions are prepared using high pressure/high shear methods. In particular, the dispersions comprise polyisobutene gel or silicone gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for topical, oral, nasal, anal, ophthalmic, or vaginal application comprising a base composition and at least one dispersion comprising suspended particles of a hydrophobic active agent, a hydrophobic adjuvant, or a combination thereof. The base composition comprises a rheology modifying agent and water. The composition is substantially free of emulsifying surfactants and the suspended particles generally have a diameter less than about 500 or 1,000 nm. Another embodiment is a method of preparing a composition comprising mixing the aforementioned base composition with the aforementioned dispersion. Mixing may be performed with a propeller mixer or manually, i.e., by hand. Since the topical dispersion is simple and quick to prepare, custom cosmetic compositions may be prepared at the point of sale for customers. Prior to the present invention, such products would take hours to be prepared.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable, homogeneous dispersions, comprising (a) from about 20 to 90% by weight of a first composition comprising (i) about 60-95% by weight of a first polar solvent, (ii) about 0-40% by weight of one or more second polar solvents, and (iii) water soluble components of a first natural product; and (b) from about 10 to 60% by weight of a second composition comprising: (i) one or more apolar solvents, and (ii) oil soluble organic components of a second natural product; and (c) from about 0.01 to 8% by weight of a non-surface active lipid phosphate or a surface active agent. Also disclosed are methods of forming the stable, homogeneous dispersions of the invention, comprising forming a first composition comprising water soluble components of a first natural product; forming a second composition comprising oil soluble organic components of a second natural product; mixing the compositions and subjecting the mixture to high pressure high shear processing to form a stable, homogeneous dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable, homogeneous dispersions, comprising (a) from about 20 to 90% by weight of a first composition comprising (i) about 60-95% by weight of a first polar solvent, (ii) about 0-40% by weight of one or more second polar solvents, and (iii) water soluble components of a first natural product; and (b) from about 10 to 60% by weight of a second composition comprising: (i) one or more apolar solvents, and (ii) oil soluble organic components of a second natural product; and (c) from about 0.01 to 80% by weight of a non-surface active lipid phosphate or a surface active agent. Also disclosed are methods of forming the stable, homogeneous dispersions of the invention, comprising forming a first composition comprising water soluble components of a first natural product; forming a second composition comprising oil soluble organic components of a second natural product; mixing the compositions and subjecting the mixture to high pressure high shear processing to form a stable, homogeneous dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low turbidity microemulsions which contain reduced amounts of surfactants, i.e., emulsifying agents. Methods of making such microemulsions are also disclosed. The invention also provides for pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations based on the microemulsions described herein, containing one or more pharmacological or cosmetic agents, and methods of using such formulations.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting and producing a customized cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation is disclosed below. The system can be implemented in an Internet based system or a stand-alone version, such as a Kiosk. An improved method of custom formulation is presented which utilizes the user's preferences and profile, as well as external factors. The customized formulation can be directed to a manufacturing facility for on-demand production. Alternatively, a printout of the formulation can be provided for subsequent use at point-of-sale locations, such as a cosmetics store or a pharmacy. The custom formulation software can also be provided in conjunction with a cosmetics manufacturing kit for use in home or business application.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable compositions which are effective as skin whitening agents, comprising alpha, beta or gamma substituted mono-, di or polyhydroxy or polycarboxy carboxylic acids; mono-, di, tri or polyhydroxy alkyl compound; and effective amounts of an inhibitor of tyrosinase and a pigmentation reversing reagent. Also disclosed are methods of forming stable compositions of the type described above.

Abstract: The present invention provides for vitamin A derivative selected from the group consisting of retinol, retinyl ester and any combination thereof incorporated into liposomes formed with alkylammonium fatty acid salts, and methods for manufacturing same. The liposomes of the invention may deliver vitamin A derivative materials at the occurrence of a preset triggering condition. Preferred liposomes of the invention are cationic liposomes. The preferred liposomes of the invention are formed with alkylammonium fatty acid salts, e.g., trialkylammonium fatty acid salts of long chain amides. The encapsulated vitamin A derivative is thus stabilized by the liposomes. The present invention thus also provides a method of stabilizing vitamin A derivative be encapsulation in such liposomes. The liposomes of the invention are used to provide topical skin treatment formulations useful in the treatment of skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides for liposomes formed with alkylammonium fatty acid salts, and methods for manufacturing same. The liposomes of the invention may deliver entrapped load material or materials at the occurrence of a preset triggering condition. Preferred liposomes of the invention are cationic liposomes. The preferred liposomes of the invention are formed with alkylammonium fatty acid salts, e.g., trialkylammonium fatty acid salts of long chain amides. The liposomes of the invention are used to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic load materials. The liposomes formed accordingly are capable of delivering their loads upon the occurrence of a trigger or control condition.