Active substance combination comprises (a) epsilon -polylysine, and (b) at least one ethoxylated or propoxylated alkanol (I). Active substance combination comprises (a) epsilon -polylysine, and (b) at least one ethoxylated or propoxylated alkanol of formula (HO-(CH(R1)-CH 2-O) m-R2) (I). R1 : H or CH 3 R2 : 10-24C alkyl (optionally branched) and m : 1-1000. An independent claim is also included for a cosmetic composition comprising the above active substance combination.