A method, composition and compounds useful in said compositions for treating the skin and scalp characterized by an excessive secretion of sebum to improve the condition thereof by reducing said excessive secretion of sebum includes topically applying to a human having skin and/or a scalp so characterized a cosmetic composition containing as an active ingredient a derivative of cysteine or cysteamine. The composition contains about 0.1-5 weight percent of said derivative and also contains as a carrier for the active ingredient, water, a mixture of water and a lower alkanol, a lower alkanol, a mixture of a lower alkanol and a cosmetic resin, a reducing agent, a neutralizing agent or a vegetable oil.