Abstract: An external skin care preparation comprising a compound represented by the following general formula (I) or (II), or a salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 9-25 carbon atoms, A and B denote specific groups respectively, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are individually an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 10-26 carbon atoms, and R.sup.8 denotes a group --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 COOH, or --COCH.sub.3.

Abstract: Novel cosmetic compositions comprising a lipid derived from horny cells can enhance a moisture retention ability of the horny layer and are useful for remedy of dry skin. When the lipid is used in combination with surface active agents, the above effect is enhanced.The cosmetic compositions may take any preparations such as creams, milky lotions, beauty wash, rouges, foundations, hair tonics and the like.

Abstract: An external skin care preparation comprising a compound represented by the following general formula (I) or (II), or a salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 9-25 carbon atoms, A and B denote specific groups respectively, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are individually an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 10-26 carbon atoms, and R.sup.8 denotes a group --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 COOH or --COCH.sub.3.

Abstract: An external skin care preparation comprising a compound represented by the following general formula (I) or (II), or a salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 9-25 carbon atoms, A and B denote specific groups respectively, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are individually an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 10-26 carbon atoms, and R.sup.8 denotes a group --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 COOH or --COCH.sub.3.

Abstract: A novel melanin inhibitor comprising as an active component a p-hydroxycinnamamide derivative of the following general formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a 2-hydroxyethyl group, and R.sub.2 represents a hydroxymethyl group or a carboxyl group.The melanin inhibitor may take various forms such as a lotion, an emulsion, a cream, an ointment, a gel and the like, and it is locally applied onto affected parts such as spots and freckles on the skin, and a pigmental deposition after sunburn.

Abstract: A melanin inhibitor comprising as the reactive component a cinnamic acid derivative of the formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## in which R' represents an acyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an alkenyl group, and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an alkenyl group.The melanin inhibitors according to the invention are locally applied to affected portions such as of freckles and pigmentary deposits after sunburn without giving any stimulative or allergic troubles to the skin.

Abstract: A novel melanin inhibitor comprising as an active component a p-hydroxycinnamamide derivative of the following general formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a 2-hydroxyethyl group, and R.sub.2 represents a hydroxymethyl group or a carboxyl group.The melanin inhibitor may take various forms such as a lotion, an emulsion, a cream, an ointment, a gel and the like, and it is locally applied onto affected parts such as spots and freckles on the skin, and a pigmental deposition after sunburn.

Abstract: An external medicament comprises a novel amide derivative represented by the following formula (I). ##STR1## The external medicament is applicable to both a pharmaceutical external medicament and a cosmetic composition, and it provides excellent improving and preventing effects for chapping of the skin.

Abstract: A composition for application to the skin to protect the skin from the long wavelength ultraviolet ray comprises a dibenzoylmethane derivative of the following general formula ##STR1## in which X represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent metal cation, an organic cation, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or a polyoxyalkylene oxide having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, Y and Z each independently represent a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or a polyoxyalkylene oxide group having from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and m and n are independently an integer of from 0 to 3.The composition is adjustable so as to have an optimum HLB balance and has good compatibility with various cosmetic bases. Further, it does not irritate the skin, is difficult to be percutaneously absorbed and shows continued skin-protecting effects.

Abstract: 4-methoxy-2'-carboxydibenzoylmethane of the following general formula (I) ##STR1## is prepared by reacting p-methoxyacetophenone (III) with phthalic anhydride (II) in accordance with the following reaction equation. ##STR2##The compound (I) and its salts absorb both UV-A and UV-B, and exhibit prominent effects as a ultraviolet absorber for cosmetic formulations such as skin cosmetic formulations and hair cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: A chalcone derivative of the formula (I): ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents hydrogen or a methyl group, and R.sub.2 represents a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 24 carbon atoms.The derivative is effective in protecting the skin when made into ultraviolet absorbing agents including an anti-sunburn oil, since it has the maximum absorbing capacity at a wave length in the vicinity of 350 nm, does not irritate the skin and is highly compatible with a cosmetic base.

Abstract: Sebum secretion accelerator composition comprising a cholesteryl ester of a branched fatty acid represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## in which R represents a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 11 to 23 carbon atoms and at least one alkyl substituent at a position between the carboxyl bond and the center of the main chain. The cholesteryl ester should be contained not smaller than 25 wt % of the total composition.The composition according to the invention promotes sebum secretion, and is effective in keeping healthy and beautiful skin.The composition is further advantageous in that it can be readily formed into various types of cosmetics such as lotions, creams and ointments.

Abstract: A detergent composition which has a low irritation effect to human skin containing as an active surfactant component one or a mixture of compounds having the formulas ##STR1## wherein R is saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon having 10 to 16 carbon atoms, X.sub.1 and X.sub.3 are hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonium, alkylammonium or substituted alkylammonium, and X.sub.2 is alkali metal, ammonium, alkylammonium or substituted alkylammonium, with the provisos that both X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are not alkali metal and that when R has an average carbon atom number of 10, X.sub.1 is hydrogen, and wherein the weight ratio of the formula (1) compound(s) : formula (2) compound(s) is from 100:0 to 80:20.