Abstract: The present invention relates to a topical formulation intended to be used for the treatment of androgenic or androgenetic baldness in men and women, with reduced side effects, especially with fewer collateral effects in the female population. The topical formulation comprises 0.01% to 10% by weight of Finasteride and a concentration of 1% to 5% by weight of Minoxidil in its free form or in an inert porous polymer. The combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil provides a synergistic effect against baldness. The formulation also comprises 0.15% by weight of retinol and is suitable for being applied to the scalp of the patient that requires it.

Abstract: The invention consists of the simultaneous use of the two stereoisomeric forms of retinoic acid with or without the addition of an antibacterial agent effective against Propionibacterium acnes in a cosmetically suitable topical formulation. These formulations may also contain a polymeric system that provides a gradual release of one or more of the active ingredients to obtain extended therapy with less skin irritation.

Abstract: The present application relates to a facial and/or body wash composition that after rinsing provides a sun protection factor of at least about 6 comprising (i) red petrolatum; (ii) at least one surface-treated metal oxide pigment that blocks ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of from about 290 nm to about 400 nm; (iii) at least one organic sunscreen agent having a log P of greater than about 4.0 that blocks or absorbs ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of from about 290 nm to about 400 nm; (iv) at least one lathering anionic surfactant; (v) at least one lathering non-ionic surfactant; (vi) an alkyl silicone; and (vii) a volatile cyclic silicone.

Abstract: A cellulite-reducing topical composition comprising a lecithin organogel, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymer, caffeine, a retinoid, and optionally at least one vitamin, vitamin derivative or vitamin precursor.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic product comprising first and second active ingredient-containing formulations for topical administration to a patient, wherein said product includes storage means whereby said formulations are maintained separately prior to dispense, together with dispense means which permit said formulations to be dispensed from said storage means, characterised in that (i) an active ingredient in at least one of said formulations is contained within a polymeric delivery system and (ii) both of said formulations comprise water-based carrier bases having substantially the same lipophilicity.

Abstract: Retinoic acid compositions intended for topical application are incorporated in novel formulations in which they are retained as impregnants inside the pores of porous solid particles or microspheres. The pores form a continuous network open to the exterior of the particles, permitting outward diffusion of the retinoic acid impregnant at a controlled rate depending on the pore size. The impregnated particles are prepared by impregnation of preformed particles with the retinoic acid.

Abstract: Benzoyl peroxide intended for topical application is incorporated in novel formulations in which it is retained as impregnants inside the pores of porous solid particles or microspheres. The pores form a continuous network open to the exterior of the particles, permitting outward diffusion of the benzoyl peroxide impregnant at a controlled rate depending on the pore size. The impregnated particles are prepared by impregnation of preformed particles with the benzoyl peroxide.

Abstract: Ionic compositions comprise an active ingredient absorbed within a network of internal pores defined by a plurality of polymeric particles. The particles are preferably crosslinked polymeric beads having a diameter in the range from about 5 to 100 microns and a surface charge density from about 0.1 to 10 meq/qm hydrogen ion capacity. The active ingredients are released from the ionic polymer beads over time when orally administered, applied to a keratinic material, typically human skin or hair or otherwise delivered to a target environment. The use of a cationic charge promotes adhesion of the beads to the keratinic material.

Abstract: Retinoids for topical skin application are formulated as impregnants in porous microspheres. Thus formulated, the retinoids display a surprisingly high level of stability and low degree of skin irritation.

Abstract: Diseases of the colon are treated by oral ingestion of a unit dosage form containing a plurality of porous microscopic beads, the pores containing an active agent or drug and plugged with a polysaccharide that is chemically degradable by colon-specific bacteria. The dosage form further contains a coating of an enteric material that remains intact until the dosage form reaches the colon.

Abstract: Ionic compositions comprise an active ingredient absorbed within a network of internal pores defined by a plurality of polymeric particles. The particles are preferably crosslinked polymeric beads having a diameter in the range from about 5 to 100 microns and a surface charge density from about 0.1 to 10 meq/qm hydrogen ion capacity. The active ingredients are released from the ionic polymer beads over time when orally administered, applied to a keratinic material, typically human skin or hair or otherwise delivered to a target environment. The use of a cationic charge promotes adhesion of the beads to the keratinic material.

Abstract: Flavored food and pharmaceutical compositions include one or more flavor additives incorporated within polymeric particles, usually within an internal pore network defined by individual polymeric particles. The polymeric particles are, in turn, dispersed within and/or over a surface of an orally-deliverable matrix material, which is usually a solid or semi-solid substrate. In the case of chewable compositions, the flavor additives will be released into the orally-deliverable matrix material as the composition is chewed and held in the mouth, thus prolonging the flavor of the composition. In the case of dried powders and mixes, the flavor will typically be made available as the product is consumed or be released into the matrix material as the composition is further processed. When two flavors are combined with the polymeric particles, the relative amounts of the additives can be selected to provide simultaneous release and exhaustion of the additives.

Abstract: Transdermal drug delivery systems comprise a backing or enclosure having a matrix layer which incorporates a drug and a percutaneous enhancer for the drug. The percutaneous enhancer and/or drug will be contained within polymeric particles dispersed through the matrix layer, where the polymeric particles define pore networks which are sized to release the enhancer and/or drug into the matrix layer at rate(s) selected to provide for a desired rate of drug penetration. By isolating the enhancer within the polymeric particles, adverse interactions between the enhancer and the matrix layer and/or the drug can be minimized. Moreover, the release rate of the enhancer into the matrix layer can be carefully controlled, which in turn controls the penetration rate of the drug into the treated host.

Abstract: Melanin compositions include a melanin pigment incorporated within polymeric particles, usually within an internal pore network defined by a polymeric particle matrix. The melanin compositions may be produced by in situ oxidation of melanin precursors within the pore network, or by absorption of a melanin pigment in a suitable vehicle or carrier. The melanin compositions are found to display enhanced absorbance of ultraviolet radiation and better cosmetic attributes when compared to melanin pigments which are not incorporated in such a polymeric particle matrix.

Abstract: Melanin compositions include a melanin pigment incorporated within an internal pore network defined by a polymeric particle matrix. The melanin compositions may be produced by in situ oxidation of melanin precursors within the pore network, or by absorption of a melanin pigment dispersed in a suitable vehicle or carrier. The melanin compositions are found to display enhanced absorbance of ultraviolet radiation when compared to melanin pigments which are not incorporated in such a polymeric particle matrix.

Abstract: Method and pharmaceutical composition for topically treating skin inflammatory disorders by administering to the inflamed area a therapeutically effective amount of candelilla wax or a saturated hydrocarbon fraction from candelilla wax comprising a mixture of saturated straight chain C.sub.29 -C.sub.33 hydrocarbons, predominantly C.sub.31 hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Method and pharmaceutical composition for topically treating skin inflammatory disorders by administering to the inflamed area a therapeutically effective amount of a substantially non-polar hydrocarbon fraction from beeswax comprising a mixture of (i) a major proportion of saturated straight chain C.sub.21 -C.sub.33 hydrocarbons and (ii) a minor proportion of mono-unsaturated long chain hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A nail conditioning composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of sodium lauryl sulfate, urea and hydrolyzed animal protein in the aqueous phase and mineral oil, cholesterol and a lipid in the oil phase, said lipid being cetyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate or a base salt of palmitic or stearic acids. The composition moisturizes and imparts flexibility to the nail and softens the cuticle area.

Abstract: Monohydroxy-benzoyl peroxide of the formula ##STR1## possesses both antibacterial and comedolytic activity and is useful in compositions for the treatment of acne.