Abstract: A coated component for use in a pump or valve. The coated component may be a metal spring and/or metal ball. Also provided is a container fitted with a pump or valve having such a coated metal spring and/or metal ball for use with a composition that includes a metal ion sensitive ingredient. The spring and/or ball exterior surface is provided with a continuous and durable coating of a polymeric material effective to reduce interaction of metal ions, the metal spring and/or ball, with the ingredient. The coating on the spring is also preferably flexible.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for reducing susceptibility to, severity or duration of bruising by application of a topical composition. The topical composition has a phytoextract and a vehicle. There is also disclosed a method of improving the aesthetic appearance of skin by application of a topical composition that further contains a secondary ingredient.

Abstract: A preferred composition containing a skin whitening blend containing bearberry and an antioxidant, such as tetrahydrocurcumin, is provided. Also the composition can comprise a hypopigmenting component selected from mulberry, scutellaria, grape, cowberry, bilberry, molasses, pear, guava, licorice, etc. The licorice extract can be in the form of a water soluble extract or an oil soluble extract. Other antioxidants can be selected from rosemary extract, tocopherol, green tea extract, and gamma oryzanol. The skin whitening blend may also have an accelerant that enhances or accelerates the skin cell turnover rate. The skin whitening blend may also include a sunscreen component. Also, the composition may further include a pH adjusting agent, a surfactant, a thickening agent, a preservative, a fragrance, a masking agent, a pigment, an emulsifier, and/or emollient.