This invention relates to certain divalent and polyvalent d-orbital metals of first transition series of the Periodic Table of Elements, from Group IV to Group VI, and including Molybdenum, complexed concurrently with an amino acid, or an equivalent of an amino acid, and a hydroxy acid in a novel spirocyclic bidentate chemical complex form (FIG. 1). Upon topical application said metal complexes undergo enhanced skin penetration without causing skin irritation. The said metal complexes are useful for topical conditions that include dry skin, xerosis, ichthyosis, dandruff, brownish spots, keratoses, melasma, lentigines, age spots, dark circles around eyes, skin pigmentation, topical inflammation, liver spots, pigmented spots, wrinkles, blemishes, skin lines, oily skin, acne, warts, eczema, pruritic skin, psoriasis, inflammatory dermatoses, disturbed keratinization, dandruff, bacterial infection, fungal infection, wound healing, body odor, and skin changes associated with aging.