Abstract: The present invention relates to the cosmetic use of at least one compound corresponding to the following formula (I) or (I?) and also their salts, their solvates, their optical isomers and their racemates, as inhibitor of the black or brown colouration of comedones. It also relates to a cosmetic method for preventing the black or brown colouration of the comedones, comprising the topical application, to the skin, of a cosmetic composition comprising at least one compound corresponding to the formula (I) or (I?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cosmetic use of a lysate of a bacterium or bacteria belonging to the Vitreoscilla sp. genus (in particular of the Vitreoscilla filiformis species) in a complete fermentation medium, as an active agent for preventing and/or treating hyperseborrhoeic conditions not associated with a dandruff condition of the scalp.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cosmetic composition for treating or preventing disorders associated with a greasy skin, in particular by an activity reducing sebum secretion, comprising as active principle at least one dicarboxylic fatty acid or one derivative of such a fatty acid. The invention concerns in particular cosmetic compositions for topical administration. The invention also concerns a cosmetic method for treating or preventing disorders associated with hyperseborrhea.

Abstract: The invention relates to: a cosmetic composition that mimics sebum; a preparation method thereof; the use of same in cosmetics; the use of same for the preparation of a skin equivalent comprising a sebum equivalent; a skin equivalent comprising a sebum equivalent; and the use of a skin equivalent comprising a sebum equivalent.

Abstract: Anti-inflammatory compositions, well suited for a wide variety of therapeutic/cosmetic applications, comprise combinatory immixture of (1) an effective anti-inflammatory amount of at least one peptide derivative of &agr;-type melanocyte stimulating hormone (&agr;-MSH), or functional biological equivalent thereof, and (2) an effective anti-inflammatory response-enhancing amount of at least one marine algal extract.

Abstract: A regimen for inducing/stimulating hair growth and/or retarding hair loss on an individual in need of such treatment, comprising administering thereto, advantageously topically and for such period of time as required to elicit the desired effect, an effective amount of at least one RXR-type retinoid receptor agonist preferably having the structural formula(I): ##STR1## in which Ar is one of the following radicals: ##STR2##

Abstract: An assay for determining whether a first substance is potentially suitable for use as an active agent in hair treating compositions is provided. This assay involves contacting a first substance having putative activity as an active agent for treating hair with plucked hair follicle contained in a culture medium and assaying for a second substance which is correlated to the potential efficacy of the first substance. This assay is particularly suitable for use in evaluating the potential efficacy of hair growth promoters, hair growth retardants, agents that affect hair color, agents that affect hair survival and agents that affect inflammation. This assay is especially suited for evaluating putative efficacy of agents for treatment and/or prevention of the inflammatory stages of alopecia. In particular, the compound to be quantitatively determined is a mediator of inflammation.