The invention relates to compositions and methods useful for treating a variety of cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders, where the composition includes a phenyl glycine derivative represented by the following formula:wherein, R1 and R2 are independently H, I, F, Cl, Br, OH, SH, NH2, NHNH2, alkyl, aralkyl, alkoxy, acetoxy, acyloxy group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, and being attached at the 2, 3 or 4 position of the phenyl group, whereby when R1 and / or R2 are OH, SH, NH2, they may be acetylated or acylated with 1 to 9 carbon atoms; R3 is H, formyl, acetyl, propanoyl, acyl, alkyl, aralkyl or an aryl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms; R4 is OH, NH2, NHOH, NHNH2, or OR; where R is an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms; the H attached to any carbon or nitrogen atom may be substituted by I, F, Cl, Br, OH, SH, NH2, NHNH2, an alkyl, aralkyl, alkoxy or acyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms. Phenyl-glycine and its derivatives may be present as isomeric D or L, non-isomeric or racemic DL, as a free acid, salt, lactone, amide or ester form.