| abstract |
(57) [Summary] R 1 represents H- or acyl, R 2 represents H- or -CH 3 , and R 3 represents H-, alkyl, another hydrocarbyl or metal, ammonium or alkanolammonium counterion. , M is an integer from 1 to 5 and R 1 is acyl when R 3 is not alkyl, a compound of structure (1) is used in a cosmetic composition for topical application to the skin. The compound penetrates into the epidermis and is hydrolyzed by esterase therein to form the corresponding glycolate or lactate of structure (2) in which X represents -H or a counterion, thereby acting as a skin moisturizer. . A preferred composition comprises oil and / or organic solvent and water, and permeation of the compound of structure (1) can be achieved even when present in low concentrations. |