Abstract: The invention is directed to a skin-whitening agent comprising at least one sugar fatty acid ester and at least one plant extract selected from the group consisting of extracts of Waltheria indica, extracts of Pisum sativum and mixtures thereof. The invention is further directed to cosmetic compositions comprising such a skin-whitening agents.

Abstract: An active composition for treating skin having a protein-containing extract from a Vigna aconitifolia plant.

Abstract: Oligopeptides according to formula (I) and/or (II), R1-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (I, SEQ ID NO:1); R1-Tyr-Pro-PhePhe-NH2 (II, SEQ ID NO:2), wherein R1 is linked to the NH2-group of the amino-terminal part of Tyr and is selected from the group consisting of —H; a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated acyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH+ group; a sterol or a sphingolipid group which is linked to the amino terminal part of Tyr via a bifunctional linker are disclosed. Cosmetic compositions containing the oligopeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Oligopeptides according to formula (I) and/or (II), R1-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (I, SEQ ID NO:1); R1-Tyr-Pro-PhePhe-NH2 (II, SEQ ID NO:2), wherein R1 is linked to the NH2-group of the amino-terminal part of Tyr and is selected from the group consisting of —H; a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated acyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH+ group; a sterol or a sphingolipid group which is linked to the amino terminal part of Tyr via a bifunctional linker are disclosed. Cosmetic compositions containing the oligopeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Oligopeptides according to formula (I) and/or (II), R1-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (I); R1-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2 (II), wherein R1 is linked to the NH2-group of the amino-terminal part of Tyr and is selected from the group consisting of —H; a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated acyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group; a sterol or a sphingolipid group which is linked to the amino terminal part of Tyr via a bifunctional linker are disclosed. Cosmetic compositions containing the oligopeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: An active composition for treating skin having a protein-containing extract from a Vigna aconitifolia plant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a skin-whitening active comprising at least one sugar fatty acid ester and at least one plant extract selected from the group consisting of extracts of Waltheria indica, extracts of Pisum sativum and mixtures thereof. The invention is further directed to cosmetic compositions comprising such a skin-whitening active.

Abstract: Oligopeptides according to formula (I) and/or (II), R1-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (I); R1-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2 (II), wherein R1 is linked to the NH2-group of the amino-terminal part of Tyr and is selected from the group consisting of —H; a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated acyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group; a sterol or a sphingolipid group which is linked to the amino terminal part of Tyr via a bifunctional linker are disclosed. Cosmetic compositions containing the oligopeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation containing an extract of a plant of the family Euphorbiaceae genus Plukenetia and cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations containing the extract. The extract contains proteins which when applied to the skin can provide an anti-inflammatory effect, a skin tightening effect, an antiaging effect and a substantivity effect. The preparations can also contain an oil of the plant. The preferred plant is Plukenetia volubilis. The extract, protein or mixture of proteins in the extract can be modified by hydrolysing, grafting or crosslinking.

Abstract: Methods for non-invasive, in vivo determination of the conductivity of nerves in a region of skin and apparatus for carrying out such methods are described, wherein the methods comprise: (a) providing a skin substrate to be analyzed; (b) applying a first non-invasive electrode to a measuring point of the skin substrate; (c) applying a second non-invasive electrode to a second point of the skin substrate; (d) subjecting the skin substrate to stimulation; and (e) analyzing a change in an electrical signal detected by the first and second non-invasive electrodes; wherein the first and second non-invasive electrodes are associated with an evaluation circuit for analyzing the electrical signal detected by the first and second non-invasive electrodes, the evaluation circuit comprising at least one amplifying element, at least one processing element, at least one recording element, and at least one microprocessor.

Abstract: An active composition for treating skin having a protein-containing extract from a Vigna aconitifolia plant.

Abstract: Processes for evaluating androgenic properties of various compounds and/or compositions are described, wherein the processes comprise: (a) providing a culture of at least one male fibroblast, the at least one male fibroblast having a metabolic activity; (b) contacting the culture with a potential active component; and (c) determining the metabolic activity of the fibroblast against a standard.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting hair growth on skin comprising contacting the skin with a composition containing: (a) a hydrolyzed soya protein; (b) at least one plant extract selected from the group consisting of Hypericum perforatum, Hamamelis virginiana, Arnica montana, Salix alba, and mixtures thereof; and (c) optionally, an auxiliary component selected from the group consisting of urea, menthol, propylene glycol, salicylic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Cosmetic preparations are disclosed, containing: (a) extracts of Waltheria indica and (b) ascorbic acid, ferulic acid and/or kojic acid.