Abstract: A water-based hair styling composition that is easy to make, and that provides excellent flexibility and hold with a natural appearance. The compositions utilize a flexible polymer system that comprises acrylates/dimethicone copolymer and dimethicone PEG-8 polyacrylate in specified ratios.

Abstract: Improved hair straightening topical compositions comprising transglutaminase, sodium metabisulfite, and a system for stabilizing the pH of the composition, and for inhibiting the generation of sulfur dioxide. Optionally, one or more additional hair straightening agents, that are capable of affecting secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures of human hair may be included. Optionally, polylysine may be included which, in combination with TGase, acts to form a surface barrier film and moisture shield around human hair. The invention includes methods of using such topical compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods that are able to increase the amount of molecular structure within the cortex of hair fibers. As result, hair fiber diameter, cross sectional area, elasticity and stiffness are all increased. The benefits are long term, surviving repeated rinsing and shampooing. These results are particularly beneficial in the treatment of fine hair.

Abstract: A method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods that are able to increase the amount of molecular structure within the cortex of hair fibers. As result, hair fiber diameter, cross sectional area, elasticity and stiffness are all increased. The benefits are long term, surviving repeated rinsing and shampooing. These results are particularly beneficial in the treatment of fine hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres and methods for making the same. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. The solid particles are preferably formed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other sunscreen agents to form sunscreen compositions of broader UV protection spectrum and enhanced photostability.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods that are able to increase the amount of molecular structure within the cortex of hair fibers. As result, hair fiber diameter, cross sectional area, elasticity and stiffness are all increased. The benefits are long term, surviving repeated rinsing and shampooing. These results are particularly beneficial in the treatment of fine hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres and methods for making the same. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. The solid particles are preferably formed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other sunscreen agents to form sunscreen compositions of broader UV protection spectrum and enhanced photostability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: A hair straightening topical composition comprising transglutaminase and polylysine, which act to form a surface barrier film and moisture shield around human hair. The transglutaminase also contributes to hair straightening. The composition also comprises one or more additional hair straightening agents, other than TGase, that are capable of affecting secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures of human hair, preferably sodium metabisulfite and/or tourmaline. The invention includes compositions that may be washed out of the hair after straightening has occurred, and compositions that are intended to remain in the hair for additional or extended benefits. The invention includes methods of using a topical composition that is capable of affecting secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures of human hair.

Abstract: Improved hair straightening topical compositions comprising transglutaminase, sodium metabisulfite, and a system for stabilizing the pH of the composition, and for inhibiting the generation of sulfur dioxide. Optionally, one or more additional hair straightening agents, that are capable of affecting secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures of human hair may be included. Optionally, polylysine may be included which, in combination with TGase, acts to form a surface barrier film and moisture shield around human hair. The invention includes methods of using such topical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention achieves bio-mechanical stimulation of collagen synthesis in skin cells and reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin by applying a polymeric composition onto the skin in a manner so as to create surface tension that mimics the natural mechanical tension found in youthful skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: Cosmetic hair treatment compositions comprising thiolated polymers having in the range of from about 5% to about 50% reactive thiol groups are provided. Also provided is a method for extending the color retention of color-treated hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. The solid particles are preferably formed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other sunscreen agents to form sunscreen compositions of broader UV protection spectrum and enhanced photostability.