Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetic composition (solid or liquid, for example, including sticks and gels) containing an antiperspirant active aluminum-containing material, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, in a solvent therefor, and also containing poly(ethenylformamide) as a thickening agent of the composition. This composition can be an antiperspirant composition, where it contains an antiperspirant effective amount of the antiperspirant active aluminum-containing material, and can be applied to axillary regions of a human to reduce perspiration therefrom. Ammonium acetate can also be incorporated in the composition, to firm up the composition. The composition can be in the form of a gel, dispensed by extruding the gel through pores or slots in the top of a dispensing container. The composition can be clear and transparent, without the need of refractive index matching to achieve clarity.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of hydroxyethyl cellulose having improved resistance of enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis is provided by employment of a controlled, optimum amount of available water for swelling the cellulose in aqueous caustic reaction medium in hydroxy ethoxylation sequences of first high and then low ratios of caustic:cellulose.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers which are resistant to enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis can be prepared by using a mixture of sodium and lithium hydroxides as the catalysts in conjunction with etherification reagents, such as, epoxides or alkyl halides.