Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for delivering mechanical energy to an expanse of skin, wherein the apparatus includes: (a) a skin-contactable element having a skin-contactable surface, wherein the skin-contactable element includes an agent selected from the group consisting of a benefit agent, an apparatus-enhancing agent, and combinations thereof; (b) a motor; and (c) a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; wherein the agent is configured to release from the skin contactable element to the expanse of skin upon contacting the skin-contactable surface with the expanse of skin.

Abstract: Methods of mitigating effects of aging on skin include a first skin treatment to an expanse of skin, and after a delay, providing a second skin treatment to the same expanse of skin. The skin treatments may include initiating exposure of an expanse of skin to light; terminating the exposure of the expanse of skin to the light after a period, preferably of less than about one hour; and applying a first benefit agent treatment to the expanse of skin after a first delay following the termination.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions comprising at least one compound of the formula I or formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 independently, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, or a cosmetically acceptable salt thereof, and the use thereof for treating acne and reducing the appearance of oil or pores on the skin.

Abstract: Methods of mitigating effects of aging on skin include a first skin treatment to an expanse of skin, and after a delay, providing a second skin treatment to the same expanse of skin. The skin treatments may include initiating exposure of an expanse of skin to light; terminating the exposure of the expanse of skin to the light after a period, preferably of less than about one hour; and applying a first benefit agent treatment to the expanse of skin after a first delay following the termination.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions comprising at least one compound of the formula I or formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 independently, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, or a cosmetically acceptable salt thereof, and the use thereof for darkening the skin.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of screening a compound for potential efficacy for the treatment of at least one sign of aging on the skin selected from the group consisting of enhancing the elasticity of said skin, enhancing the firmness of said skin, or reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the skin, said method comprising contacting one or more skin cells with said compound and measuring the ability of said compound to contract said one or more skin cells.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions comprising at least one compound of the formula I or formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 independently, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, or a cosmetically acceptable salt thereof, and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of treating at least one sign of aging on the skin selected from the group consisting of enhancing the elasticity of said skin, enhancing the firmness of said skin, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles or cellulite on the skin, by administering to skin in need of such treatment a composition comprising at least one compound of the formula I or formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 independently, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, or a cosmetically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions comprising at least one compound of the formula I or formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 independently, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, or a cosmetically acceptable salt thereof, and the use thereof for reducing the appearance discoloration or puffiness around the eye.

Abstract: The invention features a method of administering a skin benefit agent to an expanse of skin, wherein the method includes: (a) contacting the expanse of skin with a skin benefit agent; and (b) contacting the skin benefit agent on the expanse of skin with an apparatus having a output power to the skin of greater than about 0.2 W, the apparatus including: a skin-contactable element having a skin-contactable surface; a motor; and a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; wherein the skin-contactable surface contacts the skin-benefit agent.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for delivering mechanical energy to an expanse of skin, wherein the apparatus includes: (a) a skin-contactable element having a skin contactable surface; (b) a motor; and (c) a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; wherein the skin-contactable element includes a signaling marker that is adapted to provide a change in a sensation that is discernable to a user after a period of time of operation of the apparatus, and wherein the sensation is selected from a group consisting of tactile, olfactory, thermal, visual, auditory, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for delivering mechanical energy to an expanse of skin, wherein the apparatus includes: (a) a skin-contactable element having a skin-contactable surface, wherein the skin-contactable element includes an agent selected from the group consisting of a benefit agent, an apparatus-enhancing agent, and combinations thereof; (b) a motor; and (c) a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; wherein the agent is configured to release from the skin contactable element to the expanse of skin upon contacting the skin-contactable surface with the expanse of skin.

Abstract: The invention features a method of administering a skin benefit agent to an expanse of skin, wherein the method includes: (a) contacting the expanse of skin with an apparatus, the apparatus including: (i) a skin-contactable element having a skin-contactable surface; (ii) a motor; and (iii) a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; and (b) after contacting the expanse of skin with the apparatus has ceased, further contacting the expanse of skin with a benefit agent, wherein the benefit agent is selected from the group consisting of retinoids, copper moieties, skin-firming agents, depigmentation agents, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A self foaming composition comprising: (I) a surfactant mixture comprising (a) at least one anionic surfactant; (b) at least one amphoteric surfactant; and (c) optionally at least one nonionic surfactant; and (II) at least one self foaming agent. The composition is in the form of a liquid crystalline structure and wherein the ratio of (a) to (b) to (c) is selected such that when the surfactant composition is mixed with the self foaming agent a gel consistency is obtained. The cleansing composition is useful in the bath and the shower, as a facial cleanser, and as a shampoo.

Abstract: A mild cleansing composition is disclosed. The composition includes a from about 4 percent to about 8.5 percent of an anionic surfactant; from about 1 percent to about 30 percent of an amphoteric surfactant; and from about 0.1 percent to less than about 3 percent of a hydrophobically modified, crosslinked, anionic acrylic copolymer, wherein the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to hydrophobically modified, crosslinked, anionic acrylic copolymer is about 3:1 to about 40:1. The composition is useful as shampoos, washes, baths, gels, lotions, creams, and the like.

Abstract: A mild cleansing composition is disclosed. The composition includes a from about 1 percent to about 8 percent of an anionic surfactant; and from about 0.1 percent to about 3 percent of a hydrophobically modified, crosslinked, anionic acrylic copolymer, wherein the weight ratio of component a) to component b) is about 1:1 to about 20:1 and wherein the composition is substantially free of non-ionic surfactants. The compositions are useful as shampoos, washes, baths, gels, lotions, creams, and the like.

Abstract: A mild cleansing composition is disclosed. The composition includes a from about 3.5 percent to about 8.5 percent of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.1 percent to about 3 percent of a hydrophobically modified, crosslinked, anionic acrylic copolymer; and c) from about 1 percent to about 25 percent of a nonionic surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of component a) to component b) is about 1:1 to about 25:1. The composition is useful as shampoos, washes, baths, gels, lotions, creams, and the like.

Abstract: A cleansing composition including a) from about 0.1 percent to about 12.5 percent of an anionic surfactant; and b) from about 0.1 percent to about 8 percent of a hydrophobically modified, crosslinked, anionic acrylic copolymer, wherein the weight ratio of component a) to component b) is about 1:1 to about 40:1, and the composition is substantially free of amphoteric surfactants. The composition is useful as shampoos, washes, baths, gels, lotions, creams, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleansing compositions suitable for use in personal cleansing applications, and in particular make-up removal applications, which impart superior cleansing properties and are comprised of a liquid, water-insoluble propoxylated fatty alcohol, water dispersible components, water, and foaming surfactants. Also disclosed are compositions for effectively depositing various benefit agents into and onto the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of simultaneously cleansing the skin and reducing skin sensitivity and/or skin reactivity.