Pastaron (Urea) is a waste product of many living organisms, and is the major organic component of human urine. It is a very important starting material in a number of chemical syntheses, and is used on an industrial scale for the manufacture of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and resins. Urea is an osmotic diuretic similar to mannitol but more irritant. Applied topically, urea promotes hydration of keratin and mild keratolysis in dry skin. It increases water uptake by the stratum corneum and has an antipruritic effect. Pastaron is used to soften rough or dry skin caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, keratosis, and others.

Amorolfine (or amorolfin), is a morpholine antifungal drug with broad spectrum of activity. Its fungicidal action is based on an alteration of the fungal cell membrane targeted primarily on sterol biosynthesis. Amorolfine is administered as a nail lacquer in patients suffering from onychomycosis, as a cream in patients suffering from dermatomycosis. Amorolfine is well tolerated. The local adverse effects observed were mainly burning and itching.

Octenidine dihydrochloride is a cationic surfactant, with antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Octenidine approved as a medicinal substance in several European countries and used for skin antisepsis in combination with aliphatic alcohols, e.g. propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol, or with detergents such as antiseptic soap. Octenidine is also used for antisepsis on wounds and mucosa either as a single substance, as an approved combination of Octenidine and phenoxyethanol. Octenidine is virtually not absorbed via the skin or mucous membranes. Because Octenidine is only approved and used topically and is virtually not absorbed, no systemic effects are to be expected. Therefore, no further pharmacokinetic studies or studies on behalf of metabolism have been conducted. Octenidine is easy and safe to handle, chemically stable, not inflammable, without resistance development and low toxicity to man and the environment alike. Its popularity among therapists and wound care specialists is based on good clinical results, easy and pain-free application and local tolerance. Beside readily available combinations with phenoxyethanol, mouth rinses, and vaginal applications, semi-fluid preparations and dressings are described.

Cadmium is a chemical element with symbol Cd and atomic number 48. Its most common oxidation state is +2. Cadmium has no known biological function in higher organisms, but a cadmium-dependent carbonic anhydrase has been found in marine diatoms. In humans, the highest concentration of cadmium is absorbed by the kidneys and up to 30 mg of cadmium is commonly inhaled during childhood and adolescence. Cadmium is under preliminary research for its toxicity in humans, potentially contributing to risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. The most risk of cadmium toxicity is from industrial exposure to inhalation of dust and fumes, or ingestion of soluble cadmium compounds.

Tioxolone is a metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase I inhibitor, that has been used for psoriasis vulgaris and acne treatment. Tioxolone is reported to possess cytostatic, antipsoriatic, antibacterial and anti-mycotic properties. Tioxolone is also added to some cosmetics (e.g. hair shampoos and skin cleansers), due to claims for its oil-regulating and antibacterial properties.

Gamolenic acid also known as gamma-linolenic acid is a natural component of Oenothera biennis L. (Evening Primrose). Gamolenic acid was used for the treatment of breast painand atopic dermatitis in Europe, although now the drug is withdrawn from the market (there is no safety issue associated with the withdrawal of the licences). The mechanism of action of gamolenic acid is connected with its interaction with prostanoid pathway.

Hexamidine diisethionate has been used in the personal care industry and in a number of over-the-counter (OTC) drug products as an antimicrobial agent. It was shown, that hexamidine diisethionate plays a beneficial role in skin homoeostasis.

Acid Red 87, also known as Eosin Y, used as an acidic red stain for cell cytoplasm and as a background stain, thereby giving contrast to the nuclear stains. In histopathology, it is applied as a counterstain after hematoxylin and before methylene blue. Acid Red 87 is also a dye photosensitizer that catalyzes electron-transfer reaction for efficient regeneration of NADH through a photosensitizer-electron relay dyad. Recently was shown that the combination of eosin Y with light-emitting diode produced bacterial inactivation, being a potential candidate for photodynamic inactivation.

Chlorphenesin is a preservative and cosmetic biocide that helps prevent the growth of microorganisms. In cosmetics and personal care products, Chlorphenesin is used in the formulation of aftershave lotions, bath products, cleansing products, deodorants, hair conditioners, makeup, skin care products, personal cleanliness products, and shampoos. Chlorphenesin has been reported to cause irritation and contact dermatitis in some people, particularly those with sensitive and dry skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel released a safety assessment in October 2012, however, that stated chlorphenesin at 0.3 percent (as it exists in personal care products) was classified as having “negligible dermal irritation potential.”

Oxaceprol, a structural analog of hydroxyproline, has been used for several years for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, showing good gastrointestinal safety, particularly in comparison with NSAIDs. It was shown that oxaceprol does not inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins in vitro, but acts predominantly by inhibiting leukocyte adhesion and migration, thus inhibiting inflammation at an early stage and helps in pain relief.