Agents for cosmetically treating keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair, contain in a cosmetically acceptable carrier (i) at least one ester of formula (I), where R.sup.1 stands for a linear or branched (C.sub.2-C.sub.30) alkyl group, a linear or branched (C.sub.8-C.sub.30) alkenyl group, a (C.sub.2-C.sub.30) alkylpoly(oxyethylene) group, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substituted aryl(C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group or a (C.sub.2-C.sub.6) hydroxyalkyl group, and R.sup.2 stands for an optionally substituted aryl group, a linear or branched (C.sub.8-C.sub.30) alkyl group, a linear or branched (C.sub.8-C.sub.30) alkenyl group, an optionally substituted aryl (C.sub.1-C.sub.4) alkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl (C.sub.2-C.sub.4) alkenyl group or a (C.sub.2-6) hydroxyalkyl group, and (ii) at least one oil selected from at least one compound of the group comprising silicones and paraffin oil, which are particularly suited in the form of a spray mist for giving shine to keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair.

Agents for cosmetically treating keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair, contain in a cosmetically acceptable carrier (i) at least one ester of formula (I), where R.sup.1 stands for a linear or branched (C.sub.2-C.sub.30) alkyl group, a linear or branched (C.sub.8-C.sub.30) alkenyl group, a (C.sub.2-C.sub.30) alkylpoly(oxyethylene) group, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substituted aryl(C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group or a (C.sub.2-C.sub.6) hydroxyalkyl group, and R.sup.2 stands for an optionally substituted aryl group, a linear or branched (C.sub.8-C.sub.30) alkyl group, a linear or branched (C.sub.8-C.sub.30) alkenyl group, an optionally substituted aryl (C.sub.1-C.sub.4) alkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl (C.sub.2-C.sub.4) alkenyl group or a (C.sub.2-6) hydroxyalkyl group, and (ii) at least one oil selected from at least one compound of the group comprising silicones and paraffin oil, which are particularly suited in the form of a spray mist for giving shine to keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair.

Aminofunctional silicone compositions are disclosed comprising: an organopolysiloxane having an average formula of (CH.sub.3).sub.3SiO[(CH.sub.3).sub.2SiO].sub.x [(CH.sub.3)R.sup.NSiO].sub.ySi(CH.sub.3).sub.3 with less than 1 weight % of nitrogen in its formula, where R.sup.N is an aminofunctional group, x is ≧100, y is ≧1 with the proviso the sum of x+y is from 250 to 350; wherein the viscosity of the silicone composition ranges from 1000 to 2500 cP at 25° C. and is measured by a Brookfield RV DV viscometer equipped with Pro CP 52 spindle at 20 RPM; and the aminofunctional silicone composition contains less than 0.1 weight % of D4 and less than 0.1 weight % D5 cyclic siloxanes.

Aminofunctional silicone compositions are disclosed comprising: an organopolysiloxane having an average formula of (CH.sub.3).sub.3SiO[(CH.sub.3).sub.2SiO].sub.x [(CH.sub.3)R.sup.NSiO].sub.ySi(CH.sub.3).sub.3 with less than 1 weight % of nitrogen in its formula, where R.sup.N is an aminofunctional group, x is ≧100, y is ≧1 with the proviso the sum of x+y is from 250 to 350; wherein the viscosity of the silicone composition ranges from 1000 to 2500 cP at 25° C. and is measured by a Brookfield RV DV viscometer equipped with Pro CP 52 spindle at 20 RPM; and the aminofunctional silicone composition contains less than 0.1 weight % of D4 and less than 0.1 weight % D5 cyclic siloxanes.

Compositions, kits, and methods for repairing bonds, for example, disulfide bonds, in hair or on the skin are disclosed. The compositions provide improved conditioning benefit for dry hair or moisturize the skin. The compositions also provide a long lasting moisturized feel and smooth feel to the skin or hair, without feeling greasy. The compositions contain one or more compounds that covalently bind at least two thiol groups in the hair or on the skin. Use of the binding compositions prevents reversion of the repaired bonds to their free thiol state, for at least one week or one month, or more, after a single application of the composition. Improved methods of styling hair, for example permanent hair waving, hair curling, hair coloring or highlighting, and hair straightening, are also provided.

Compositions, kits, and methods for repairing bonds, for example, disulfide bonds, in hair or on the skin are disclosed. The compositions provide improved conditioning benefit for dry hair or moisturize the skin. The compositions also provide a long lasting moisturized feel and smooth feel to the skin or hair, without feeling greasy. The compositions contain one or more compounds that covalently bind at least two thiol groups in the hair or on the skin. Use of the binding compositions prevents reversion of the repaired bonds to their free thiol state, for at least one week or one month, or more, after a single application of the composition. Improved methods of styling hair, for example permanent hair waving, hair curling, hair coloring or highlighting, and hair straightening, are also provided.

The invention provides the use of at least one alkyl-phthalide or a plant extract comprising mainly said alkyl-phthalide for the topical cosmetic treatment of the skin and of the scalp, in particular an anti-dandruff treatment. According to the invention, a CO.sub.2 supercritical extract of Apium graveolens seeds consisting mainly of sedanenolide may be used.

An antimicrobial preservation system comprising: i. itaconic acid or salt thereof and ii. benzoic acid or salt thereof.

An antimicrobial preservation system comprising: i. itaconic acid or salt thereof and ii. benzoic acid or salt thereof.

A bioactive composition and method of using the composition is provided having anti-aging, antioxidant and/or free radical scavenging properties.