Disclosed are cosmetic and dermatological formulations which contain all natural ingredients, and particularly plant based ingredients, while excluding water, unnecessary fillers, artificial fragrances and harmful preservatives which might be irritants to the skin. The natural plant based formulations presented herein can be used for treating and/or alleviating skin disorders including dermatitis, eczema, rough skin, cracking and itchy skin. The formulations incorporate a mixture of plant based ingredients including Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Cocos nucifera (virgin coconut oil), Vera alba (beeswax), essential oils and d-alpha tocophera (vitamin E).

The present disclosure relates to a method for inducing pluripotent stem cells by inducing reprogramming and/or dedifferentiation of differentiated adult cells using shikimic acid, a plant extract or plant stem cells containing shikimic acid and an extract of dedifferentiated stem cells (callus), pluripotent stem cells prepared by the method and a composition containing the pluripotent stem cells. In accordance with the present disclosure, ethical concerns implicated with the use of eggs to prepare pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cell can be resolved. And, because the plant stem cell extract unharmful to human is used, pluripotent stem cells with proven safety can be prepared and they may be used to develop immunocompatible cell therapy agents suited for individuals. In addition, by pluripotent stem cells from individuals having diseases, the present disclosure will be very useful in studying the cause of diseases and devolving therapeutic strategy.

Disclosed is a method for moisturizing skin in need thereof, the method comprising topically applying to the skin a composition that includes effective amounts of an extract from Echinacea purpurea, an extract from Silybum marianum, and glycerin, wherein topical application of the composition activates human cannabinoid receptor type 2 and inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in the skin and treats the skin.

Disclosed is a method for moisturizing skin in need thereof, the method comprising topically applying to the skin a composition that includes effective amounts of an extract from Echinacea purpurea, an extract from Silybum marianum, and glycerin, wherein topical application of the composition activates human cannabinoid receptor type 2 and inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in the skin and treats the skin.

Disclosed is a method for treating dry or erythemic skin in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising topically applying to the skin a composition that includes effective amounts of an extract from Echinacea purpurea and an extract from Silybum marianum, wherein topical application of the composition activates human cannabinoid receptor type 2 and inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in the skin and treats the skin.

The present invention has an object to provide an external dermal composition for anti-ageing, which prevents or improves apparent skin problems such as wrinkles, fine wrinkles, blemishes, and saggings caused by increasing age or ageing; and maintains or improves the barrier function and the hyaluronic acid production in the skin. The object is solved by providing an external dermal composition for anti-ageing, which contains an aqueous medium as a base material and one or more ingredients selected from L-ascorbic acid, derivatives thereof, and their salts as an effective ingredient(s).

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions comprising whole yeast organisms and/or lipid yeast extract. Such compositions may be cosmetic, medical, biotechnological or agricultural compositions, comprising one or more cosmetic, medical, biotechnological or agricultural ingredients. The invention comprises methods of making such compositions. The yeast components of the compositions may be derived from yeast cultures which comprise at least 0.1% oil by dry weight.

Disclosed is a method for treating pruritus comprising topically applying a composition that includes effective amounts of an extract from Echinacea purpurea and an extract from Silybum marianum fruit to skin in need thereof, wherein topical application of the composition activates human cannabinoid receptor type 2 and inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in the skin and treats pruritus.

The use of long-chain alkenones to impart desired characteristics in personal care compositions for topical applications is described. The preparation of mixtures long-chain alkenones and synthetic derivatives thereof is presented. Examples of compositions include abrasive soaps, with alkenones serving as natural exfoliating agents. Alkenones and their derivatives can serve as emollients, occlusive agents, encapsulating agents, stabilizing agents, binding agents, thickening agents, surfactants, and anti-microbials.

A topical skin composition is disclosed. The composition includes Echinacea purpurea extract, Silybum marianum extract, behenyl alcohol, bisabolol, shea butter, Carthamus tinctorius oil, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, Cocos nucifera oil, glycerin, Helianthus annuus seed oil, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium hyaluronate, and squalane.