Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a glycol di-salicylate or a glycol di-benzoate compound having the following structure: where R is OH or H, n is 1 or 2, and where the composition further includes a glycol mono-salicylate compound or a glycol mono-benzoate compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of exfoliating a person's skin. The method can include obtaining an apparatus that includes: (a) a water-permeable absorbent material, wherein the water-permeable absorbent material is a sponge, cloth, or mesh which has a first outer surface and a second outer surface; and (b) a composition comprising a plant material, a plant extract, or a combination thereof, wherein the plant material, the plant extract, or the combination thereof comprises salicylic acid, Matricaria recutita extract, and Aloe vera extract. The method can also include contacting the apparatus with water for a sufficient period of time so as to release, solubilize, or release and solubilize the plant material, the plant extract, or the combination thereof to yield a treated apparatus and contacting and cleansing the facial skin with the treated apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a topical skin composition comprising a glycol di-salicylate or a glycol di-benzoate compound having the following structure: where R is OH or H, n is 1 or 2, and where the composition further includes a glycol mono-salicylate compound or a glycol mono-benzoate compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of cleansing facial skin. The method can include obtaining an apparatus that includes: (a) a water-permeable absorbent material, wherein the water-permeable absorbent material is a sponge, cloth, or mesh which has a first outer surface and a second outer surface; and (b) a composition comprising a plant material, a plant extract, or a combination thereof, wherein the plant material, the plant extract, or the combination thereof comprises Aloe vera extract and a Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract. The method can also include contacting the apparatus with water heated to 30° C. to 100° C. for a sufficient period of time so as to release, solubilize, or release and solubilize the plant material, the plant extract, or the combination thereof to yield a treated apparatus and contacting and cleansing the facial skin with the treated apparatus.

Abstract: A complex formed by a zinc oxide molecule and a molecule comprising an acidic hydrogen is disclosed. The oxygen atom of the zinc oxide molecule is covalently bound to the acidic hydrogen.

Abstract: A complex formed by a zinc oxide molecule and a molecule comprising an acidic hydrogen is disclosed. The oxygen atom of the zinc oxide molecule is covalently bound to the acidic hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methods for its use that is configured to be used to treat various skin conditions. The apparatus includes a water-permeable absorbent material and a plant material comprising a water-soluble skin-active ingredient. The plant material is enclosed within the water-permeable absorbent material, and the water-permeable absorbent material is configured to absorb water and allow the absorbed water to contact the plant material so as to release the active ingredient from the plant material. The active ingredient is then absorbed by the absorbent material, which is then topically applied to skin in need of skin treatment.

Abstract: A complex formed by a zinc oxide molecule and a molecule comprising an acidic hydrogen is disclosed. The oxygen atom of the zinc oxide molecule is covalently bound to the acidic hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methods for its use that is configured to be used to treat various skin conditions. The apparatus includes a water-permeable absorbent material and a plant material comprising a water-soluble skin-active ingredient. The plant material is enclosed within the water-permeable absorbent material, and the water-permeable absorbent material is configured to absorb water and allow the absorbed water to contact the plant material so as to release the active ingredient from the plant material. The active ingredient is then absorbed by the absorbent material, which is then topically applied to skin in need of skin treatment.

Abstract: A method of vulcanizing rubber is disclosed. The method can include adding to un-vulcanized rubber a complex comprising mercaptobenzothiazole chemically bound to zinc oxide, and vulcanizing the rubber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methods for its use that is configured to be used to treat various skin conditions. The apparatus includes a water-permeable absorbent material and a plant material comprising a water-soluble skin-active ingredient. The plant material is enclosed within the water-permeable absorbent material, and the water-permeable absorbent material is configured to absorb water and allow the absorbed water to contact the plant material so as to release the active ingredient from the plant material. The active ingredient is then absorbed by the absorbent material, which is then topically applied to skin in need of skin treatment.

Abstract: A method of vulcanizing rubber, the method comprising adding to un-vulcanized rubber a complex comprising a disulfide compound having an acidic hydrogen and zinc oxide and vulcanizing the rubber, wherein the oxygen atom of the zinc oxide is covalently bound to the acidic hydrogen of the disulfide compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a topical skin composition comprising a glyceryl di-salicylate or a glyceryl di-benzoate compound having the following structure: where R is OH or H, and where the composition further includes a glyceryl mono-salicylate compound or a glyceryl mono-benzoate compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methods for its use that is configured to be used to treat various skin conditions. The apparatus includes a water-permeable absorbent material and a plant material comprising a water-soluble skin-active ingredient. The plant material is enclosed within the water-permeable absorbent material, and the water-permeable absorbent material is configured to absorb water and allow the absorbed water to contact the plant material so as to release the active ingredient from the plant material. The active ingredient is then absorbed by the absorbent material, which is then topically applied to skin in need of skin treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and methods of making said compounds comprising a zinc oxide molecule chemically bound to one or more molecules having an acidic hydrogen, such as an organic acid. The invention also provides compositions comprising such compounds and methods of preparing such compounds. The compounds of the invention may be provided in, for example, topical skin formulations, pharmaceutical compositions, or delivery systems for active ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preserving a cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation, the method comprising including a mixture of at least two of the following esters of salicylic acid and glycerin, or salts thereof, in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation in an amount sufficient to reduce or inhibit growth of a microorganism in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation:

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for moisturizing skin comprising topically applying to skin in need of moisturization a composition comprising a glyceryl di-salicylate compound having the following structure: wherein the composition further includes a glyceryl mono-salicylate compound, and wherein the composition moisturizes skin.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and methods of making said compounds comprising a zinc oxide molecule chemically bound to one or more molecules having an acidic hydrogen, such as an organic acid. The invention also provides compositions comprising such compounds and methods of preparing such compounds. The compounds of the invention may be provided in, for example, topical skin formulations, pharmaceutical compositions, or delivery systems for active ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preserving a cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation, the method comprising including a mixture of at least two of the following esters of salicylic acid and glycerin, or salts thereof, in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation in an amount sufficient to reduce or inhibit growth of a microorganism in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation:

Abstract: Disclosed is a preservative or antimicrobial system, and methods for its use, that includes at least one ester of salicylic acid and glycerin or a salt thereof.