Abstract:
This invention relates to an acidic non-irritating lotion, cream or ointment for rejuvenating skin and hair which comprises a micronized, homogenized hydrogen of a cross-linked N-vinyl lactam polymer and an organic rejuvenating agent selected from the group consisting of pyruvic acid, a mono- or poly- carboxylated C1 to C20 hydrocarbon optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 hydroxy groups and ammonium and alkali metal salts of said acids and mixtures thereof including mixtures of the acids and/or said salts. The invention also relates to a cross-linked N-vinyl lactam polymer in the form of a stable, homogenized flowable hydrogel having microparticles which can be passed through a screen of between about 40 and about 350 mesh size and to the process for the preparation of the homogenized gel and to its use as a hair and skin conditioner or as a carrier for a cosmetically or pharmaceutically active substance.