Amino acid derivatives for wrinkle smoothing: Fujimura et al. review the development of amino acid derivatives as a wrinkle smoothing ingredient based on improving softness and keratin dispersion of the stratum corneum (SC). In skin treated with acetone and water or ether and water, amino acids are known to improve the degree of softness, water content, and keratin dispersion of SC. The investigators seeking additional ingredients to improve the softness and water content of SC found that 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethylguanidine succinate (HP50), which is derived from the amino acid arginine, was effective.
A Bioderm Research patent discusses baby care skin protectant compositions containing zeolites for diaper rash. For infants and incontinent adults, the invention provides a comprehensive solution to skin problems related to diaper rash, also known as diaper dermatitis. The invention is based on certain novel divalent metal and quaternary ammonium complexes (ion pairs) of zeolites. These complexes are made by an in situ process. In synergistic combination with certain other compositions, these zeolite complexes provide a comprehensive treatment for diaper rash. The treatment encompasses the following aspects: (a) deactivation of lipase and protease enzymes on skin surface; (b) the controlled-release delivery of skin protectant compositions, such as divalent metal zinc cation; (c) trapping of acidic and alkaline chemicals deposited on skin from body exudates and enzyme activity; (d) controlled-release delivery of anti-inflammatory agents and cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme inhibitors; (e) controlled-release delivery of antibacterial and antifungal compositions; and (f) absorption of excess moisture in the diaper zone.
For example, to a clear solution obtained by mixing 1.36 parts of zinc chloride and 78.64 parts of glycerin, 20.0 parts of zeolite type 4A were added. The mixture contained zinc zeolite (100% zeolite exchanged), made by the in situ ion pair exchange. Type 4A (4 Å or 0.4 nm) is a molecular sieve and is the sodium form of the zeolite. Type 4A will adsorb those molecules having a critical diameter of less than 4 Å.
