Abstract: A method of preventing damage caused to healthy skin, hair or mucous membranes by free radicals, includes applying to the healthy skin, hair or mucous membrane a composition containing at least one product having a peroxidase activity capable of reducing organic peroxides and at least one antioxidant capable of neutralizing singlet oxygen, the composition being free of peroxide. The product having a peroxidase activity is present in an amount of from 0.005 to 5.0% by weight, and the antioxidant is present in an amount of from 0.005 to 3.0% by weight, with a weight ratio of the product having a peroxidase activity to the antioxidant of from 0.001 to 0.3. The product having a peroxidase activity capable of reducing organic peroxides is lactoperoxidase, and the antioxidant is selected from quinolines, polyphenols, and carotenoids.

Abstract: Cosmetic, hygienic or dermopharmaceutical composition characterized in that it comprises, in combination, at least one superoxide-dismutase and at least one melanin pigment. In such a composition the melanin pigment reinforces synergistically the action of the SOD against free radicals. Application especially to combating cell aging and to the protection of the skin, of the hair and of the mucosa against the harmful and unaesthetic effects caused by free radicals.

Abstract: A depigmenting cosmetic or dermatologic composition for use in bleaching the skin or treating pigmental spots contains in a vehicle suitable for topical application to the skin a benzofuran derivative having the formula ##STR1## wherein the OH function occupies position 5 or 6,R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, each independently, represent hydrogen or alkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms,n is 0 or 1,when n is 0, the C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 bond is a double bond, andwhen n is 1, the C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 bond is a single bond.

Abstract: A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition containing a synergistically active oxidation inhibiting system consisting of a combination of a ginkgo extract and at least one polyphenol compound. For example, the ginkgo extract may be a hexane extract of ginkgo leaves and the polyphenol compound may be a flavonoid. Said composition may be used to prevent and treat cell damage on the skin, scalp or mucosae by free radicals induced especially by atmospheric pollutants and/or ultraviolet radiation, and/or for controlling the phenomenon of accelerated skin ageing.

Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological composition with a depigmenting action comprises derivatives of 2,5-dihydroxyphenylcarboxylic acids, their homologs, and their salts, with the derivatives having the following structural formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 represents OR.sub.5, OH, or ##STR2## R.sub.5 is a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl radical, a linear or branched C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyl radical, or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl radical substituted by one or more hydroxy or alkoxy groups;r' and r", identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl radical, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 hydroxyalkyl radical, or a C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 polyhydroxyalkyl, or r' and r" taken together, with the nitrogen atom, form a heterocycle;the number of carbon atoms in the --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COR.sub.1 chain is less than or equal to 21;R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical, or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy; R.sub.