Abstract: Modified ceramides are defined, together with their synthesis and compositions comprising them for topical application to human skin, hair and nails. The modified pseudoceramides have a structure: ##STR1## and an approximate summary is that R and R.sup.1 are aliphatic hydrocarbon, A is CH.sub.2, CHOR.sup.2, CH.dbd.CH or CHOY, and at least one of R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is sulphate, phosphate or similar. The presence of phosphate or sulphate facilitates skin absorption, after which the phosphate or sulphate is removed by enzymes present in vivo.

Abstract: Novel pseudoceramides are defined, together with their synthesis and compositions comprising them for topical application to human skin, hair and nails.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for reducing the galactose content of galactomannan by means of a substantially specific galactosidase enzyme preparation in which the galactomannan is incubated in the form of a hydrated preparation containing 2-70 percent by weight of galactomannan. Preferable this preparation contains 8-50 percent by weight of galactommanan. The process yields galactomannans with a reduced content of galactose of which those containing 15 to 19 percent of galactose are novel compound. These latter products are used with advantage in foodstuffs and cosmetic preparations.

Abstract: Novel pseudoceramides are compounds with a general structure (2): ##STR1## In this formula a is 0 or 1, b is 0 or 1 but if a is 0, b is also 0 and R has 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The substituents R and R.sup.1 are a range of substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon substituents. R.sup.2 is hydrogen, a sugar residue, a sulphate residue or a phosphate residue. R.sup.3 is hydrogen or a fairly short chain hydrocarbon substituent which in turn may be substituted. All of the substituents R--R.sup.3 are more fully defined in claim 1. These novel compounds are effective to improve water barrier function of the stratum corneum. They may be incorporated into compositions for topical application to human skin, hair and nails. A synthetic route for obtaining the novel compounds is described.

Abstract: Novel pseudoceramides are defined, together with their synthesis and compositions comprising them for topical application to human skin, hair and nails.

Abstract: The invention provides a deodorant composition for reducing axillary body odor without suppressing the secretion of perspiration, comprising a suspension of a particulate deodorant active material in a carrier liquid or gel medium containing less than 80% water by weight of the carrier medium, particularly an aerosol or roll-on composition, in which the deodorant active ingredient is a zinc carbonate.

Abstract: The invention provides a deodorant composition for reducing axillary body odor without suppressing the secretion of perspiration, comprising a suspension of a particulate deodorant active material in a carrier liquid or gel medium containing less than 80% water by weight of the carrier medium, particularly an aerosol or roll-on composition, in which the deodorant active ingredient is an oxide, hydroxide or carbonate of magnesium or lanthanum or a mixture thereof.