| abstract |
A composition suitable for topical application to human skin comprises, in addition to a suitable vehicle an active ingredient which can control skin barrier functions. The active ingredient is (a) a long chain omega -hydroxy fatty acid or a carboxy-substituted derivative, (b) an hydroxy- or epoxy-derivative of an essential fatty acid or an ester formed between (a) and (b). Certain novel compounds of structures (a), (b) and (a)(b) esters are also claimed. |