Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for inducing (up-regulating) the expression of sulfotransferases in the hair follicles, e.g., the scalp. Increasing sulfotransferase is beneficial for metabolizing pro-drugs that require sulfonation to be activated, e.g., minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite of minoxidil. A method for combining the compositions described herein with topical minoxidil to enhance minoxidil treatment for androgenetic alopecia is described. Additional methods and compositions include the use of retinoid X receptor agonists, retinoic acid receptor agonists, and nuclear receptor agonists in an RXR—NR heterodimer. Additional methods and compositions include the use of a topical solution containing an alkalinizing agent or an alkalinizing agent used with a penetration enhancer for up-regulating the sulfonating capacity of hair bearing skin, hair follicles, and/or keratinocyte cells. In addition, compositions and methods for increasing or decreasing the growth rate of hair follicles is disclosed by altering the intracellular pH.

A peptide according to one aspect of the present invention, and a pharmaceutical composition and a skin external preparation containing same promote the growth of individual hair follicle cells and increase the amount of hair growth-related cytokines, thus having a hair tonic, hair growth, or hair growth-promoting effect, and consequently, the effect of effectively treating, ameliorating, or preventing alopecia.

Provided is a composition for inhibiting hair graying, having an excellent effect of preventing the occurrence of gray hair, and a use thereof. A composition for inhibiting hair graying, of the presently claimed subject matter, activates the Wnt and β-catenin signaling pathway to promote melanin synthesis in hair, thereby having remarkably excellent hair graying (canities) inhibition, prevention, improvement, alleviation, delaying, or treatment effects.

A method of reducing the appearance of dark circles in a periorbital area of a person's face is disclosed. The method can include topically applying to the dark circles a composition comprising an extract of Opuntia ficus-indica to reduce the appearance of the dark circles in the periorbital area of the person's face.

A plant derived active ingredient and a cosmetic and a drug composition including the plant derived ingredient including: an extract from at least one plant of the gender Olea, an extract from at least one plant of the gender Tilia and/or an extract from at least one plant of the gender Cydonia.

A method of modulating topical pH of a subject is provided. The methods include administering an effective amount of a preparation comprising ammonia oxidizing microorganisms to the subject. The methods include administering the preparation comprising ammonia oxidizing microorganisms topically to skin of the subject. Related preparations and kits are also provided.

Disclosed is a novel peptide, which is a highly functional peptide derived from a natural fermentation product exhibiting an anti-wrinkle activity. A tetrapeptide consists of an amino acid sequence of glycine (Gly)-glutamine (Gln)-valine (Val)-serine (Ser) (SEQ ID NO: 1). The peptide is synthesized by utilizing 2-(4-nitrophenyl)sulfonylethoxycarbonyl-amino acid (Nsc-amino acid) as an intermediate. The anti-wrinkle activity is exhibited through the inhibition of elastase. The anti-wrinkle activity is exhibited through collagen synthesis.

A method of modulating topical pH of a subject is provided. The methods include administering an effective amount of a preparation comprising ammonia oxidizing microorganisms to the subject. The methods include administering the preparation comprising ammonia oxidizing microorganisms topically to skin of the subject. Related preparations and kits are also provided.

A method of treating a person's skin is disclosed. The method can include topically applying to the skin a composition comprising jojoba oil and an oil extract of Opuntia ficus-indica tuna or Opuntia ficus-indica nopales, or a combination thereof, to treat the person's skin.

The present invention provides a skin barrier function-improving agent including an inositol derivative as an active ingredient in which inositol and saccharide are bonded, and a composition for improving a skin barrier function including the above skin barrier function-improving agent and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier.