Described is a composition comprising: (a) a compound of formula (I), or a salt, prodrug, metabolite or derivative thereof;

##STR00001## wherein: A, B, C, D, W, X, Y and Z are each independently selected from H and OH; and (b) one of more agents selected from agents for improving skin health, wherein the agents for improving skin health are selected from one or more of the following: (i) one or more ceramides, for example, one or more phytoceramides; (ii) a carotenoid, for example, lycopene and/or lutein; c. zinc or a salt thereof; d. astaxanthin; and optionally e. L-lysine; f. one or more NAD boosters, for example, nicotinamide and/or co-enzyme Q.sub.10; g. eggshell membrane or an extract thereof; and/or h. biotin, or a derivative thereof.

A stable emulsion type anti-aging composition is in the form of an oil in water emulsion has a pleasing tactile feel and includes a blend of compounds including an elastase reducer, for example a C-glycoside derivative also known as hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, and two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of cell proliferation agents, for example niacinamide, anti-inflammatory agents, for example Eperua falcata bark extract and collagen production agents, for example Gentiana lutea root extract, and combinations thereof.

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.

The invention relates to a composition for dyeing human keratin fibers, preferably the hair, comprising:one or more anthraquinone cationic direct dyes,one or more polyols,one or more anionic surfactants, andone or more nonionic polysaccharides.

A water-based composition containing lapachol is provided that includes water, a plurality of water-based and/or water-soluble components, a plurality of oil based and/or soluble components, lapachol. The lapachol is dissolved within one or more of the plurality of oil based and/or soluble components.