Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of comparison samples each having a reflectance spectrum and being configured to substantially simulate a color of a keratinous element having a reflectance system. The reflectance spectrum of each comparison sample may be substantially similar to the reflectance spectrum of a respective keratinous element such that the comparison sample and the keratinous element appear to an observer to have substantially the same color under at least two differing illuminants.

Abstract: A contrast card comprising at least two colored zones corresponding respectively to the average color of at least two regions of the face of a panel of individuals.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of comparison samples configured to substantially simulate the appearance of a keratinous element. Each comparison sample may be configured to substantially simulate both a color and an appearance characteristic other than color of the keratinous element.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of comparison samples configured to substantially simulate the appearance of a keratinous element. Each comparison sample may be configured to substantially simulate both a color and an appearance characteristic other than color of the keratinous element.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of comparison samples each having a reflectance spectrum and being configured to substantially simulate a color of a keratinous element having a reflectance system. The reflectance spectrum of each comparison sample may be substantially similar to the reflectance spectrum of a respective keratinous element such that the comparison sample and the keratinous element appear to an observer to have substantially the same color under at least two differing illuminants.

Abstract: Topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological composition well suited for improved photoprotection of human keratinous substrates, for example human skin and/or hair, comprise (a) an aqueous phase, (b) at least one fatty phase having a refractive index n.sub.1, (c) an effective UV-photoprotecting amount of at least one water-soluble UV-screening active agent, and (d) particulates of at least one non-film- forming polymer having a refractive index n.sub.2, and the refractive indices n.sub.1, and n.sub.2 being selected such that:.vertline.n.sub.2 -n.sub.1 .vertline..ltoreq.0.07.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine quantities characteristic of the behavior of a surface, in particular, the human skin, subjected to light radiation. The apparatus includes an illumination device, a measurement detection device and a computation device. The apparatus and method determine a scattering spectrum, and calculate one or more quantities characteristic of the surface in a predetermined range of wavelengths.

Abstract: Topically applicable sunscreen/cosmetic compositions well suited for enhanced photoprotection of human skin and/or hair against the damaging effects of UV-A and UV-B irradiation, whether before, during and/or after exposure to such UV irradiation, particularly solar radiation, comprise a photoprotecting effective amount of (i) at least one antioxidant, for example tocopherol or derivative thereof, and (ii) at least one extract of at least one nonphotosynthetic and nonfructifying filamentous bacteria, for example of the order Beggiatoales, in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor.

Abstract: A urethane derivative from amino acids has the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents --CH.sub.2 OH, --CHOH--CH.sub.3 or --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --NH--CO--NHY, Y represents --H or --COOR', R' represents linear or branched alkyl, optionally unsaturated, having 8-24 carbon atoms, or a monocyclic cycloalkyl substituted by an alkyl whose total number of carbon atoms is equal to or greater than 10, or to the salts of the derivative of formula I or to a mixture of the derivatives of formula I and/or their salts. A method is given for the preparation of the urethane derivative of formula I, as are examples of cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions containing the urethane derivative, as a hydrating agent, for the treatment of dry skin.