The awards were organised by the French cosmetics society (Société Française de Cosmétique or SFC) for the first time in 2014 as part of the Cosmetagora cosmetics formulation event held in France in January.
Formulations from 30 participants were blind tested by a panel of nine judges and rated according to sensory appeal, technical concept and marketing potential. Some three awards were presented.
Seppic scoops first prize
Seppic won first prize with its Melting Caramel Butter body care concept, which the company says melts smoothly when applied, leaving a soft and powdery finish.
Claiming to impart a moisturising, nourishing and firming effect, the formulation contains emulsifiers of plant origin in combination with a stabilising thickener, and three proprietary active ingredients.
The latter are Juvenessence AD, a marine active that makes skin more supple and hydrated; Sepilift DPHP, which has a firming action; and Aqauxyl, which provides the skin with moisture.
According to Riva Brinet, head of personal care marketing in Europe at Seppic, the Melting Caramel Butter is “inspired by the "Food Mania" trend, which is being seen in the current keen interest in cooking shows or cooking courses. It brings the same pleasures to the skin as food does to the body."
Gattefossé and Nusil also winners
Suitable for sensitive skins including children, the formulation fits into the ‘Revert to Childhood’ trend, which according to Gattefossé, offers fun and unexpected products dedicated to dreaming and playing.
In third place was NuSil Technology with the CareSil water in silicone Velvet Mousse foundation, which claims to provide a lighter, fresher feel than traditional silicone-based alternatives.
NuSil’s R&D team blended 30% water with CareSil’s high-purity silicone elastomer gel, CXG-1104, to create a product which, according to the company, ‘looks like a mousse, feels natural like skin and spreads evenly and smoothly.’