Phenyl alpha acyloxyalkanoic acids, derivatives and their therapeutic use

A method for enhancing a cosmetic or therapeutic effect of a cosmetic or dermatologic drug for topical administration to nails, skin, lips, and other mucous membranes, wherein the cosmetic or dermatologic drug is present in an amount effective to produce a cosmetic or therapeutic effect to an area of topical applications, the improvement comprising adding to the cosmetic or dermatologic drug at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 2-phenyl beta acetoxypropanoic acid, and phenyl alpha acyloxyalkanoic acids having the formula:

• ##STR3## wherein said compound is present as free acid, lactone or salt form, and as an optically active or inactive isomer selected from the group consisting of D, L, and DL form, and wherein
• R.sub.1 represents H, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms, or a cyclic form;
• R.sub.2 represents alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms, or a cyclic form;
• and
• the hydrogen atoms of the phenyl, R.sub.1 R.sub.2, (CH.sub.2).sub.n may be substituted by a halogen, hydroxy, acetoxy, sulfur, or a lower alkyl or alkoxy, saturated or unsaturated having 1 to 9 carbon atoms;
• said at least one compound being present in an amount effective to enhance the cosmetic or therapeutic effect of said cosmetic or dermatologic drug.