This application relates to compounds prepared from cosmetically acceptable ingredients, methods of preparation thereof, and use thereof. Compounds are of formula (I) U—C—B, or salts thereof, wherein U, C and B are moieties of cosmetically acceptable ingredients U′, C′ and B′. In living tissues, the compounds can release at least one of U′, C′ and B′. The bond between C and U and/or between C and B is labile in living tissues. In particular, the compounds comprise moieties derived from salicylic acid, retinol and retinoic acid or nicotinic acid.