Cosmetic composition.

摘要

Novel pseudoceramides are compounds with a general structure (2): <CHEM> In this formula a is 0 or 1, b is 0 or 1 but if a is 0, b is also 0 and R has 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The substituents R and R<1> are a range of substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon substituents. R<2> is hydrogen, a sugar residue, a sulphate residue or a phosphate residue. R<3> is hydrogen or a fairly short chain hydrocarbon substituent which in turn may be substituted. All of the substituents R-R<3> are more fully defined in claim 1. These novel compounds are effective to improve water barrier function of the stratum corneum. They may be incorporated into compositions for topical application to human skin, hair and nails. A synthetic route for obtaining the novel compounds is described.