The subject of the present invention is a cosmetic composition of oil-in-water type comprising: (1) hydrophobic silica aerogel particles having a specific surface area per unit of mass (S.sub.M) ranging from 500 to 1500 m.sup.2/g and a size, expressed as volume-average diameter (D[0.5]), ranging from 1 to 1500 μm ; (2) at least one gemini surfactant of formula (I): ##STR00001##
in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 denote, independently of one another, an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 25 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 denotes a spacer consisting of a linear or branched alkylene chain containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; X and Y denote, independently of one another, a —(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.a—(C.sub.3H.sub.6O).sub.bZ group; n ranges from 1 to 10 ; and (3) at least one fatty phase comprising at least one fatty substance chosen from solid fatty substances and pasty fatty substances. The composition in accordance with the invention makes it possible to make good the lack of cutaneous lipids in dehydrated skin, and to provide comfort and persistent nutrition, while at the same time having sensory properties, for example a non-greasy and non-tacky effect and a matt skin appearance, and also good skin penetration properties, even with a high level of solid fatty substance.

The subject of the present invention is a cosmetic composition of oil-in-water type comprising: (1) hydrophobic silica aerogel particles having a specific surface area per unit of mass (S.sub.M) ranging from 500 to 1500 m.sup.2/g and a size, expressed as volume-average diameter (D[0.5]), ranging from 1 to 1500 μm ; (2) at least one gemini surfactant of formula (I): ##STR00001##
in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 denote, independently of one another, an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 25 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 denotes a spacer consisting of a linear or branched alkylene chain containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; X and Y denote, independently of one another, a —(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.a—(C.sub.3H.sub.6O).sub.bZ group; n ranges from 1 to 10 ; and (3) at least one fatty phase comprising at least one fatty substance chosen from solid fatty substances and pasty fatty substances. The composition in accordance with the invention makes it possible to make good the lack of cutaneous lipids in dehydrated skin, and to provide comfort and persistent nutrition, while at the same time having sensory properties, for example a non-greasy and non-tacky effect and a matt skin appearance, and also good skin penetration properties, even with a high level of solid fatty substance.

The present invention provides a cosmetic composition that is stable, not sticky when used, has excellent moisture and smoothness, and maintains the effects for a long time without deterioration due to washing and/or sweating. Specifically, the present invention provides a cosmetic composition that comprises: (i) a polyalkylene oxide-modified product obtained by reacting a polyalkylene oxide compound, a diol compound, and a diisocyanate compound; and (ii) water or a lower alcohol aqueous solution, wherein the cosmetic composition comprises 0.3 mass % or more polyalkylene oxide-modified product.

The present invention provides a cosmetic composition that is stable, not sticky when used, has excellent moisture and smoothness, and maintains the effects for a long time without deterioration due to washing and/or sweating. Specifically, the present invention provides a cosmetic composition that comprises: (i) a polyalkylene oxide-modified product obtained by reacting a polyalkylene oxide compound, a diol compound, and a diisocyanate compound; and (ii) water or a lower alcohol aqueous solution, wherein the cosmetic composition comprises 0.3 mass % or more polyalkylene oxide-modified product.

Provided is a composition containing, as an alkane polyol, a C.sub.4-18 1,2-alkane polyol in which the degradation over time of the C.sub.4-18 1,2-alkane polyol, which has inferior chemical stability and degrades easily, is suppressed, the composition being suitable for use in a cosmetic, an inkjet ink, a fiber or a coating material such as a paint. A composition containing 1,2-alkane polyol that can be used in a cosmetic, an inkjet ink, a raw material for fibers or a coating material, the alkane polyol being a C.sub.4-18 1,2-alkane polyol, and the composition containing a radical scavenger.

Provided is a composition containing, as an alkane polyol, a C.sub.4-18 1,2-alkane polyol in which the degradation over time of the C.sub.4-18 1,2-alkane polyol, which has inferior chemical stability and degrades easily, is suppressed, the composition being suitable for use in a cosmetic, an inkjet ink, a fiber or a coating material such as a paint. A composition containing 1,2-alkane polyol that can be used in a cosmetic, an inkjet ink, a raw material for fibers or a coating material, the alkane polyol being a C.sub.4-18 1,2-alkane polyol, and the composition containing a radical scavenger.

A tetrapeptide having antioxidant activity is provided. The tetrapeptide has a structure comprising, in amino acid sequence from N-terminus to C-terminus: tryptophan-X-tyrosine-X; wherein X is arginine, lysine, histidine or any positively-charged amino acid derivative such as 5-hydroxylysine, ornithine, 2,4-diamino-butyrate and 2,3-diamino-propionate. Each amino acid of the sequence or its Homo-amino acid derivative is independently of the D configuration (D-stereoisomer) or of the L configuration (L-stereoisomer), and the C-terminal comprises one selected from the group consisting of carboxyl (—COOH), and carboxamide (—CONH.sub.2). A composition stabilized to oxidation or having antioxidant activity and a method for attenuating effects of free radicals on a keratinous material are also provided.

A tetrapeptide having antioxidant activity is provided. The tetrapeptide has a structure comprising, in amino acid sequence from N-terminus to C-terminus: tryptophan-X-tyrosine-X; wherein X is arginine, lysine, histidine or any positively-charged amino acid derivative such as 5-hydroxylysine, ornithine, 2,4-diamino-butyrate and 2,3-diamino-propionate. Each amino acid of the sequence or its Homo-amino acid derivative is independently of the D configuration (D-stereoisomer) or of the L configuration (L-stereoisomer), and the C-terminal comprises one selected from the group consisting of carboxyl (—COOH), and carboxamide (—CONH.sub.2). A composition stabilized to oxidation or having antioxidant activity and a method for attenuating effects of free radicals on a keratinous material are also provided.

A method of combatting colour loss from a dyed material, the method comprising contacting the material with a composition comprising an amine salt of a carboxylic acid wherein the carboxylic acid has 4 to 10 carbon atoms.

A method of combating colour loss from a dyed material, the method comprising contacting the material with a composition comprising a hydroxy-substituted aldehyde.