Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Applications of Polymers, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1991

Polymers continue to show almost amazing versatility. We have always known that polymers could be used for trinkets, toys and dishes. Now, however, we are no longer surprised to encounter these adaptable mate­ rials in almost every place we look. We find them in our cars, tools, electronic devices, building materials, etc. The use of polymeric mate­ rials in medicine is also well documented in previous books by one of the Editors (Gebelein) and by others. Likewise, the use of polymeric mate­ rials in pharmaceutical applications, especially in controlled release systems, is also well established. Nevertheless, the use of these ubiquitous chemicals is far less ob­ vious in the field of cosmetics, although modern cosmetic preparations rely heavily on polymers and this trend is certain to increase. This book brings together much of the basic information on polymers in cosmetics and compares this usage with similar applications in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Cosmetics, like medicine and pharmacy, dates back to antiquity. We can find uses of perfumes, balms and ointments in various old books, such as the Bible. For example, the use of ointments and balms is noted more than thirty eight times, and perfumes and related materials are cited at least twenty nine times in the Bible.

Cosmetic Applications: The Suitability and Regulation of Raw Materials for the Cosmetics Industry (M.R. Thomas). Applications of Polymers in Hair Care (G. Martino, F. Nowak). Applications in Both Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Cosmetic Uses of Chitin and Chitosan (S. Hirano et al.). Polysaccharides (G.L. Brode). Pharmaceutical Applications: Hylan and Hylan Derivatives in Drug Delivery (N.E. Larsen et al.). Polymeric Controlled Drug Delivery Systems (A.G. Thombre). Liposomes as a Topical Drug Delivery System Evaluated by In Vitro Diffusion Studies (K. Egbaria, N. Weiner). Other Medical Related Applications: Medical Applications of Hyaluronan and Its Derivatives (E.A. Balazs). Hydrophilic Lubricious Coatings for Medical Applications (Y.L. Fan). Twentysix additional articles. Index.