Abstract: The present invention comprises bio-degradeable seed growth enhancer compositions that provide enhanced seed protection and propagation characteristics that can be formulated and tailored to the plant or crop species for best results. The formulations comprise a naturally - derived hydrophilic protein hydrogel with a sulfated or neutral non-sulfated polysaccharide incorporated therein together with an azeotropic drying agent. The drying agent is a preferably a low molecular weight alcohol or ketone which insures uniform application and adherence qualities of the coating when the hydrogel is dried onto the seed.

Abstract: A bio-degradeable seed coating composition for enhanced seed protection and propagation comprises a gelatin-based hydrogel formulation consisting of a naturally derived, hydrophilic protein in combination with a sulfated or non-sulfated polysaccharide. The protein is animal porcine or bovine derived while the polysaccharide is preferably a cellulose derivative such as sodium cellulose sulfate, dextran sulfate, sulfated chitosan, sulfated starch and mixtures thereof. The seed coating composition may also comprise a rheology modifier comprising a clay, a dessicant or silica gel.

Abstract: Skin care, hair care and hair coloring compositions comprising a water-soluble silk protein as an active ingredient are described. The water-soluble silk protein deposits onto the skin or the natural hair keratin to provide a smooth and durable film to provide added strength for protection against environmental, chemical, and grooming associated damage. The compositions may be in the form of skin care, skin cleansing, or anti-wrinkle products, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, aerosols, gels, mousses, dyes, or bleaches.

Abstract: Skin care, hair care and hair coloring compositions comprising a water-soluble silk protein as an active ingredient are described. The water-soluble silk protein deposits onto the skin or the natural hair keratin to provide a smooth and durable film to provide added strength for protection against environmental, chemical, and grooming associated damage. The compositions may be in the form of skin care, skin cleansing, or anti-wrinkle products, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, aerosols, gels, mousses, dyes, or bleaches.

Abstract: A method for purifying and recovering silk proteins in water-soluble form is described. The method is based upon precipitation of the silk protein at a temperature below room temperature, which results in a protein pellet that redissolves in water without the addition of harsh chemicals. When the precipitation is done at room temperature, the resulting protein pellet cannot be redissolved in water. Applications for the water-soluble silk proteins in cosmetics, skin care, hair care, hair coloring products, and for pigment coating and wound healing bandages are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to substantially dust free bleach powders that, when mixed with aqueous hydrogen peroxide, yield activated bleach compositions that exhibit improved thixotropy. The bleach powders comprise at least one de-dusting agent and at least one peroxygenated salt. The de-dusting agents, which are preferably present in an amount less than about 10% by weight of the bleach powder are inert, substantially hydrophilic compounds selected from alkylated esters, cyclic ethers and cyclic esters. Optionally, one or more hair conditioning agents, thickeners and desiccants may be added to the dust free bleach powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to substantially dust-free bleach powders that, when mixed with aqueous hydrogen peroxide, yield activated bleach compositions that exhibit improved thixotropy. The bleach powders comprise at least one de-dusting agent and at least one peroxygenated salt. The de-dusting agents, which are preferably present in an amount less than about 10% by weight of the bleach powder are inert, substantially hydrophilic compounds selected from alkylated esters, cyclic ethers and cyclic esters. The bleach powders also comprise powdered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in an amount of about 1-5% by weight of the bleach powder. The bleach powders also comprise an ammonia source, e.g., an ammonium halide, diammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate and mixtures thereof. Optionally, one or more hair conditioning agents, thickeners and desiccants may be added to the dust-free bleach powder.

Abstract: A highly effective, ammonia-free, permanent waving lotion is attained by employing one a reducing agent consisting of a thiol compound or mercaptan in combination with an alkalizing agent consisting of an alkanolamine and an alkali metal hydroxide. In accordance with this invention, the reducing agent is employed either independently as an aqueous solution or in association with desired additives for imparting additional benefits to the permanently waved hair. Preferably, the reducing agents of the present invention are employed in a permanent waving lotion having a pH ranging between about 5.5 and 10.0. By employing this invention, long lasting permanently waved hair is attained with substantially less malodor being produced, thereby providing increased comfort to the stylist and the person who undergoes permanent waving.

Abstract: An improved, highly effective permanent waving lotion is attained by employing a reducing agent which consists of a lower alkyl ester of cysteine in combination with a thiol compound selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts and glyceryl esters of thioglycolic acid, thiolactic acid and thiopropionic acid. By employing the reducing agent of this invention, the pH level at which the permanent wave is performed can be substantially reduced, thereby improving comfort and reducing adverse reactions. The reducing agent of this invention is employed either as an aqueous solution of the two components or in association with desired additives for imparting additional benefits to the permanently waved hair. Preferably, the reducing agents of the present invention are employed in a permanent waving lotion having a pH ranging between about 5.0 and 9.5.

Abstract: A highly effective permanent waving lotion is attained by employing one compound selected from the group consisting of glyceryl monothiopropionate, glyceryl thiolactate, and combinations of glyceryl monothiopropionate and glyceryl thiolactate as the sole reducing agent. In accordance with this invention, the reducing agent is employed either independently in an aqueous solution or in association with desired additives for imparting additional benefits to the permanently waved hair. Preferably, the reducing agents of the present invention are employed in a permanent waving lotion having a pH ranging between about 6.0 and 9.5. In this way, processing time is reduced and long lasting permanently waved hair is attained with substantially less malodor being produced.

Abstract: A process for preparing dye compositions which comprises hydrolyzing an O-protected 5,6-dihydroxyindole with an alkaline material under anaerobic condition and the products made by such process.

Abstract: A process for preparing dye compositions which comprises hydrolyzing an O-protected 5,6-dihydroxyindole with an alkaline material under substantially anaerobic condition and the products made by such process.

Abstract: By intermixing a gelling agent, water, a mercaptan-based reducing agent, and a certified dye designated as an F,D&C dye and/or a D&C dye, a highly effective, easily employed permanent dye/gel composition is obtained which imparts a desired color into both natural and synthetic fibers. In the preferred embodiment, the mercaptan-based reducing agent is added to the composition immediately prior to applying the permanent dye/gel composition to the fibers. By merely rubbing, or embrocating the permanent dye/gel composition into the natural or synthetic fibers, the desired color is permanently embedded into the fibers in a long-lasting durable manner. In view of the constituents employed in this permanent dye/gel composition, use as a permanent hair dye is highly effective.

Abstract: An improved permanent waving lotion is attained by incorporating into an otherwise conventional composition an organic compound having at least one function position definable as an alpha, beta-unsaturated ketone in conjunction with a carbon-carbon double bond. By employing the present invention, improved curl formation is attained and the malodor typically associated with permanently waved hair is substantially eliminated. Compounds incorporating the desired alpha, beta-unsaturated ketone can be used directly, in the permanent waving lotion, or chemical precursors can be employed to produce the desired alpha, beta-unsaturated ketone when exposed to oxidation or to alkaline materials.

Abstract: Process for dyeing human hair by the sequential treatment of the hair with a metal ion and particularly transition metal ion containing composition and with a dye composition containing 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid.

Abstract: By incorporating an alkyl polyol and a water soluble or emulsifiable silicone based compound into a moderately viscous gel-type hair conditioning composition, a hair conditioning gel formulation is attained which is able to be delivered in a spray mist pattern using conventional small diametered pump spray nozzles. Preferably, the alkyl polyol has a carbon content ranging between 2 and 8, and the hydroxyl ion content ranges between 2 and 7 and are not spaced apart by more than 4 carbon atoms. It has been found that by employing this invention, the resulting gel formulation is able to be dispensed consistently, repeatedly and easily in a liquified spray mist through a pump nozzle having apertures ranging between about 0.010 and 0.030 mm.

Abstract: Simultaneous permanent waving and dyeing of hair fibers is attained by incorporating a silk amino acid and a water soluble or emulsifiable silicone based compound in the permanent waving lotion and intermixing the dyestuff with the oxidizing or neutralizing composition. Preferably, the combined dyeing and neutralizing composition is adjusted to have a pH ranging between about 7 and 9. In this preferred embodiment, the hair is warmed after receiving the combined dyeing and neutralizing composition with said composition preferably being processed on the hair at a temperature ranging between 40.degree. C. and 65.degree. C. In addition, further enhanced coloring and permanent waving is attained by incorporating a lipotropic material into the dye additive composition.

Abstract: An easily employed, effective and predictable hair dye composition is obtained by combining aryl amines with aryl aldehydes along with an inorganic metal salt having a valence between +1 and +3. By employing this formulation, a permanent, long-lasting, non-fading hair coloring is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the inorganic metal salt is selected from the group consisting of aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, lithium bromide, manganese chloride, copper chloride, and manganese nitrate. In carrying out the teaching of the present invention, the aryl amine and aryl aldehyde may be applied to the hair separately or in combination, along with the inorganic metal salt. In addition, this inorganic metal salt can be applied after the application and removal of the aryl amine and aryl aldehyde.

Abstract: By combining a fluoroscein-based dye with a mercaptan based permanent waving composition and maintaining the pH of the resulting composition between about 2.5 and 4.5, a composition is achieved which simultaneously colors and permanently waves the hair. In addition, even if no coloring or dying of the hair is desired, the use of a colorless or complimentary fluoroscein-based dye with the mercaptan based permanent waving composition achieves a composition which imparts a substantially improved curl configuration to the hair as well as substantially longer lasting curls. Preferably, the mercaptan based permanent waving composition employed comprises an ester of either thioglycolic acid, thiolactic acid, or the amide of 2-aminoethanethiol.

Abstract: By combining a fluoroscein-based dye with a mercaptan based permanent waving composition and maintaining the pH of the resulting composition between about 2.5 and 4.5, a composition is achieved which simultaneously colors and permanently waves the hair. In addition, even if no coloring or dyeing of the hair is desired, the use of a colorless or complimentary fluoroscein-based dye with the mercaptan based permanent waving composition achieves a composition which imparts a substantially improved curl configuration to the hair as well as substantially longer lasting curls. Preferably, the mercaptan based permanent waving composition employed comprises an ester of either thioglycolic acid, thiolactic acid, or the amide of 2-aminoethanethiol.