The present invention provides inexpensive, safe and reliable methods for improving the morphology, tone, texture and/or appearance of the skin and/or hair of a mammal, preferably without using one or more surfactants (or other chemicals) that can strip away, or otherwise remove, one or more protective lipids from the skin and/or hair. These methods comprise topically applying to the skin and/or hair at least three applications on a regular basis of a composition in an effective amount including: (a) a Meadowlactone in an amount that is effective for enhancing the morphology, tone, texture and/or appearance of the skin and/or hair, and having the chemical structure set forth herein; and (b) a cosmetically acceptable base in an amount that is effective for acting as a carrier vehicle for the Meadowlactone.