method were synthesized following general organic chemistry principles and specific protocols available such as found in u s pat nos 5 177 243 5 191 081 5 191 106 5250 728 and 5 284 972 the ability of n acyl n n 39 n 39 ethylenediaminetriacetic acid to decrease corneocytes 39 cohesion and promote shedding of cornified layers of stratum corneum was discovered during a one day exfoliation assay performed on twenty human panelists according to the procedures described below the test used was a single 24 hour period occlusive patching parke davis patch on skin of the mid back region of the panelists skin gradings were conducted immediately post and 24 hours after removal of the patch the test focused primarily on the effect of n acyl n n 39 n 39 ethylenediaminetriacetic acid in a hydro alcoholic vehicle on the stratum corneum and specifically on exfoliation the comparative controls were with a plain hydroalcoholic vehicle and with a hydroalcoholic solution of glycolic acid a known exfoliation enhancer a desquamation sampling was taken following the visual grading at 24 hours after removal of the patch the test sites were first blotted with an acetone solution and allowed to dry prior to taking the desquamation sample a rectangular facial cleansing wipe saturated with acetone was used the desquamation.