The present invention relates to a damaged hair improving agent, comprising: (A) an ester compound made from dipentaerythritol and at least one fatty acid selected from the group consisting of fatty acids having 5 to 16 carbon atoms, wherein the molar ratio of dipentaerythritol residue to the fatty acid (having 5 to 16 carbon atoms) residue ranges from 1.0:3.0 to 1.0:6.0, and one or more substances selected from the group consisting of (B) an ester compound having a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 16 to 18 carbon atoms wherein hydrogen atoms on these groups are optionally replaced with hydroxyl groups, and a viscosity of 2,000 mPa.Math.s or less at 25° C. (exclusive of the component (A)), (C) an alcohol having a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 16 to 18 carbon atoms and a viscosity of 2,000 mPa.Math.s or less at 25° C., and (D) hydrocarbon oil having at least 20 carbon atoms. The damaged hair improving agent imparts sleek fell to damaged hair and reduces gritty feel of the damaged hair to impart smooth feel to the damaged hair.

Provided are benzopyran compounds of formula I, for example, pomiferin-3′,4′-dimethyl ether, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. ##STR00001##
wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are described herein. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Provided are benzopyran compounds of formula I, for example, pomiferin-3′,4′-dimethyl ether, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. ##STR00001##
wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are described herein. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Technologies are generally described for a method and compounds for managing dag on hair. The method of managing dag on hair includes applying a low energy compound including a silicone and a terminal reactive group to the hair and applying a hair binding moiety to the hair for functionalizing the low energy compound, at its terminal reactive group, to bind to the hair. The applied low energy compound enables ease of removal of dag from the hair or mitigation of dag formation on the hair. The functionalized low energy compound may be made prior to the application to the hair.

The present invention is directed to a scalp care composition comprising from about 1% to about 99% of an aqueous carrier; from about 0.05% to about 10% of a nonionic, water-soluble, cross-linked N-vinyl lactam homopolymers; and from about 0.001% to 10% of an insoluble zinc salt.

Methods of stabilizing color in a composition, which methods comprise: (a) providing an amino-substituted hydroxybenzophenone compound corresponding to the general formula (I):

##STR00001##

and (b) combining the amino-substituted hydroxybenzophenone compound with a composition to be stabilized selected from the group consisting of cosmetic preparations and dermatological preparations, are described along with compositions containing an organic dye and an amino-substituted hydroxybenzophenone compound corresponding to the general formula (I).

Methods of stabilizing color in a composition, which methods comprise: (a) providing an amino-substituted hydroxybenzophenone compound corresponding to the general formula (I):

##STR00001##

and (b) combining the amino-substituted hydroxybenzophenone compound with a composition to be stabilized selected from the group consisting of cosmetic preparations and dermatological preparations, are described along with compositions containing an organic dye and an amino-substituted hydroxybenzophenone compound corresponding to the general formula (I).

The present invention provides a composition containing component (A): a compound represented by the formula (1)

##STR00001##

wherein each symbol is as described in the DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof, and component (B): an anionic water-soluble m polymer, which suppresses syneresis and aggregation over time, is superior in the maintenance of viscosity in a wide pH range even in the presence of electrolyte or alcohol, and suppresses stickiness and sliminess.

The present invention provides a composition containing component (A): a compound represented by the formula (1)

##STR00001##

wherein each symbol is as described in the DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof, and component (B): an anionic water-soluble m polymer, which suppresses syneresis and aggregation over time, is superior in the maintenance of viscosity in a wide pH range even in the presence of electrolyte or alcohol, and suppresses stickiness and sliminess.

The present invention provides a composition containing component (A): a compound represented by the formula (1)

##STR00001##

wherein each symbol is as described in the DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof and component (B): a cationic surfactant, which is superior in the usability during rinsing, which makes the hair surface after treatment smooth and free of dry feeling, provides a uniform touch feeling from the root of the hair to the tip thereof, and can be utilized as an aqueous cosmetic.