Oligomeric acylated biosurfactants (“OABs”) having low critical micelle concentrations of from about 1.0 ppm to about 200 ppm, preferably less than about 50 ppm, in an aqueous solution of Minimal Essential Media that can lower the surface tension in the aqueous MEM environment to less than about 50 dynes/cm2 and have the ability to increase metabolic soluble proteins and/or increase synthesis of extracellular skin matrix proteins and/or increase rates of cell turnover while at the same time exhibiting comparatively low toxicity—preferably, an LD50 of greater 200 ppm in 37 year-old female fibroblast cells. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the use of OABs in formulations that are topically-applied, by which is meant the formulation is placed in direct contact with the skin, hair and nails as well as mucosa of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, anus and vagina.
