Abstract: The invention relates to a topical composition containing a bilirubin-producing plant extract. In particular, the bilirubin-producing plant extract is obtained from the genus Stelitzia. When topically applied to skin, the composition is effective in accelerating the degradation of heme by-products such as bilirubin present in the skin.

Abstract: Antimicrobial bispyridine amine compositions that facilitate easy application on the skin, do not penetrate the skin, are compatible with typical deodorant ingredients, and do not cause adverse effects on skin and clothing. In one aspect, the present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition including an organic acid salt of a bispyridine amine where the organic acid contains from about 4 to about 30 carbon atoms. Because the organic acid salts of bispyridine amines are large molecules, they will not easily penetrate the skin, and will stay on the surface where they were applied and where they are needed to have their effect.

Abstract: Antimicrobial bispyridine amine compositions that facilitate easy application on the skin, do not penetrate the skin, are compatible with typical deodorant ingredients, and do not cause adverse effects on skin and clothing. In one aspect, the present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition including an organic acid salt of a bispyridine amine where the organic acid contains from about 4 to about 30 carbon atoms. Because the organic acid salts of bispyridine amines are large molecules, they will not easily penetrate the skin, and will stay on the surface where they were applied and where they are needed to have their effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a topical composition containing a bilirubin-producing plant extract. In particular, the bilirubin-producing plant extract is obtained from the genus Stelitzia. When topically applied to skin, the composition is effective in accelerating the degradation of heme by-products such as bilirubin present in the skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetic composition comprising prenylated isoflavonoid and a carrier, wherein the prenylated isoflavonoid is from about 0.0000001% to about 10%, preferably from 0.00001% to 1%, most preferably from 0.01% to 1%, by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The active agent prenylated isoflavonoid induces a statistically significant upregulation of collagen 1A1 and elastin genes in normal human dermal fibroblasts. The composition is effective to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and improve the appearance and condition of the skin.

Abstract: A personal care composition comprising leghemoglobin and at least one preservative selected from the group consisting of alcohols, glycols, parabens, hydantoins, quaternary nitrogen-containing compounds, isothiazolinones, aldehyde-releasing agents, and halogenated compounds. Preferably, the leghemoglobin is a nitrogen fixation root nodule extract providing a leghemoglobin concentration in the composition of between 0.0001% and about 10% based upon the total weight of the composition. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the personal care composition.

Abstract: A personal care composition comprising leghemoglobin and at least one preservative selected from the group consisting of alcohols, glycols, parabens, hydantoins, quaternary nitrogen-containing compounds, isothiazolinones, aldehyde-releasing agents, and halogenated compounds. Preferably, the leghemoglobin is a nitrogen fixation root nodule extract providing a leghemoglobin concentration in the composition of between 0.0001% and about 10% based upon the total weight of the composition. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the personal care composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for protecting personal care components, advantageously labile active personal care components, from decomposition during high temperature drying, employing water-soluble hydrolyzed polysaccharide encapsulants. Also disclosed is an additive for a personal care composition comprising a personal care component that is at least partially encapsulated within a hydrolyzed polysaccharide encapsulant. Also disclosed is a method for protecting a composition containing labile biologically active particles which comprises encapsulating at least a portion of the biologically active particles within hydrolyzed polysaccharide particles, thereby protecting said portion of said biologically active particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetic composition comprising prenylated isoflavonoid and a carrier, wherein the prenylated isoflavonoid is from about 0.0000001% to about 10%, preferably from 0.00001% to 1%, most preferably from 0.01% to 1%, by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The active agent prenylated isoflavonoid induces a statistically significant upregulation of collagen 1A1 and elastin genes in normal human dermal fibroblasts. The composition is effective to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and improve the appearance and condition of the skin.

Abstract: A personal care composition comprising leghemoglobin and at least one preservative selected from the group consisting of alcohols, glycols, parabens, hydantoins, quaternary nitrogen-containing compounds, isothiazolinones, aldehyde-releasing agents, and halogenated compounds. Preferably, the leghemoglobin is a nitrogen fixation root nodule extract providing a leghemoglobin concentration in the composition of between 0.0001% and about 10% based upon the total weight of the composition. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the personal care composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for protecting personal care components, advantageously labile active personal care components, from decomposition during high temperature drying, employing water-soluble hydrolyzed polysaccharide encapsulants. Also disclosed is an additive for a personal care composition comprising a personal care component that is at least partially encapsulated within a hydrolyzed polysaccharide encapsulant. Also disclosed is a method for protecting a composition containing labile biologically active particles which comprises encapsulating at least a portion of the biologically active particles within hydrolyzed polysaccharide particles, thereby protecting said portion of said biologically active particles.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of polyglucosamine derivatives, e.g., hydroxypropyl chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan, are disclosed. The polyglucosamine derivatives can be prepared in a covalently bonded form using a dilute caustic medium. Strong bases and undesirable water-immiscible organic solvents can be avoided. The covalently bonded derivatives dissolve into the dilute caustic medium upon formation. Compositions containing the derivatives and uses for the derivatives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyglucosamine derivatives, e.g., chitosan, substituted with oxirane carboxylic acids, e.g., epoxysuccinic acid, are disclosed. The polyglucosamine derivatives can be prepared in a covalently bonded or ionically bonded form. Methods for preparing the polyglucosamine derivatives are disclosed as well as compositions containing the derivatives and uses for the derivatives.