During this year’s Suppliers’ Day 2023 convention, CosmeticsDesign was invited to tour the show’s INDIE 360 Pavilion, which featured brands who focused on innovative ingredients to produce finished goods that are in high consumer demand. Co-sponsored by the Independent Beauty Association, the INDIE 360 Pavilion included thirteen brands across various cosmetic and personal care product spaces including bioengineered ingredients, intimate care, sustainable oral care and more.
In this article, CosmeticsDesign takes a brief look at each of these companies and the innovative options they exhibited at the show this year.
Ina Intimate Skin Care
Co-founded by leading OB/GYN Dr. Beri Ridgeway and world-renowned chemist Susan Goldsberry, the Ina product line provides women with “clean, clinical care for a woman’s most intimate skin,” as detailed by literature shared at the event. Each product is formulated with the proprietary Ina-V Complex which includes Centella asiatica, sea buckthorn, and moringa, each of which has been proven gentle and beneficial for intimate skin.
The product collection, which includes a Balancing Intimate Cleanser, Hydrating Intimate Serum, Nourishing Oil Elixir, Barrier Balm, and Anti-Chafe Liquid Powder, are designed to cleanse and moisturize the vulva and address common intimate skin concerns. These products are gynecologist developed, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free and vegan, and feature eco-conscious primary packaging.
Madame Lamy
Celebrity and TV makeup artist and Madame Lamy founder Holly Eve dedicated herself to formulating and producing an effective aluminum-free natural deodorant product after losing a close friend to breast cancer.
Supported by an Oxford-trained chemist and former VP of R&D for Elizabeth Arden, Eve found that by formulating her products with powdered lemon, she was able to create a natural powdered deodorant product that can be used in a variety of applications including as a body powder, dry shampoo, and more.
Available in several scent options including Rose, Lavender, Lime & Bergamot, and Lemon & Bergamot, all Madame Lamy products are vegan, cruelty-free and free of toxic chemicals, as detailed on the company’s website.
Additionally, the entire product line is designed to be environmentally sustainable, featuring product packaging sourced from recycled paper and magnetized boxes that can be refilled or repurposed after use.
Truth Treatment Systems
Registered compounding pharmacist, cosmetic chemist, and nutritionist Benjamin Knight, R. Ph. offers a comprehensive product line that features a wide range of products designed to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, treat, and ‘nutriate’ the skin for a healthy and youthful glow.
All products in the collection are formulated without fillers, waxes, preservatives, silicones, oils, or fragrances and are designed with 100% active, clean and functional ingredients that visibly reverse the signs of aging, as detailed in company literature distributed at the event.
The product line includes a hydrating Hyaluronic Honey Cleanser, skin tone evening AHA Energizing Mineral Exfoliator, brightening Transdermal C Serum, collagen-stimulating Regenerating 5% Retinol Gel, and a skin-healing Blemish Repair Complex supplement among others.
Additionally, as Truth Treatment Systems are highly concentrated, products also include a Perfect Dose Spoon to deliver the precise amount of product needed with every use for optimal results, as detailed in the company’s literature.
Nicole Ravachi Brand
Social media influencer Nicole Ravachi has created a collection of multifunctional skin care and makeup products that appeal to a variety of consumers with different skin types and care needs. The collection’s skin care products include the Clear Double Cleansing Makeup Remover, Calm Hydrating Serum, and Cloud Purifying Mask for effective and efficient cleansing and a clear complexion.
The OH! Purpose Stick is one of the most popular products in the lineup and is designed as a hydrating tint to be used on lips and cheeks to refresh makeup throughout the day. As a multifunctional product, the OH! Purpose Stick is appealing to consumers interested in easy-to-use and versatile skin care options that minimize the number of cosmetic products needed to maintain a daily polished appearance.
Other makeup products include the simple clear Glassip Lip Oil, which also functions as a lip gloss, as well as the Cocotour, a long-lasting liquid control for lips and eyes which will be launching soon.
república
Brand founder Julissa Bermudez featured her república Sugar Body Polish as a natural option to exfoliate and hydrate the body’s skin. Formulated with naturally derived oils and butters and incorporating finely milled organic cane sugar, this product exfoliates dry flakey skin and includes macadamia oil to nourish the smooth skin left behind.
The formula also features squalene, which is naturally derived from cane sugar to help support the skin in retaining moisture to feel more hydrated. Additionally, the packaging is environmentally sustainable in a BPA-free recycled jar that includes a bamboo lid and scoop.
Nulastin
Nulastin founder and CEO Leah Garcia launched the company in 2016 with the help of microbiologist and former director of Amgen Specialty Chemicals Group Dr. Burt Ensley. Driven by Ensley’s work in formulating Elastaplex Technology, the Nulastin product collection includes options to support lash, brown, hair, and skin care.
Elastaplex Technology includes Elastapure, a nature-identical human elastin protein that replenishes the skin’s youthful glow and supports cells that produce hair follicles during the active phase, as detailed in literature distributed at the event. Other actives include Keratin, hyaluronic acid, and biologically active ester to support the body’s natural processes in hair growth and cellular regeneration.
The Lash, Brow, and Hair collection includes a Lash Follicle Fortifying Serum, Brown Shape Altering Serum, and Hair Vibrant Scalp Serum, and the Skin Care Collection includes a Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Intensive Hydrating Serum, and Rejuvenating Facial Moisturizer, all of which incorporate Elastaplex Technology for added efficacy.
Six Gldn
Founder and CEO Karima El-Hakkaoui created California-based Six Gldn to produce a collection of Korean clean skin care options for consumers with a wide variety of skin care needs and types. Utilizing Korean botanicals rooted in herbal medicine, Six Gldn’s product collection includes a Nourishing Face Oil, Super-G Youth Serum, Botanical Cleansing Gel, Botanical Toner, and Essential Moisturizer.
Products like the Nourishing Face Oil are formulated with Six Gldn’s Glow ReActivating Complex, which includes a blend of jojoba, grape seed, sweet almond, apricot kernel, rose hip, evening primrose, and rice bran oils to hydrate and moisturize skin.
The Botanical products are formulated with the brand’s proprietary PhytoActive Detoxifying Complex, which incorporates natural angelica, burdock, licorice, neem lead, ginseng, and magnolia berry to calm and cleanse skin, as detailed on the company’s website.
Alexandra Organic Beauty Co.
After graduating with a degree in chemical engineering, Alexandra Organic founder Klea Alexandra began as a DTC brand featuring a range of six hair care products and twelve skin care product options and has since expanded to include some makeup product options as well. Utilizing natural and effective ingredients like castor, almond, and olive oils, Kigelia fruits, Ginkgo biloba, salvia, and cinnamon extracts, Alexandra Organics most popular products include its Micro Keratin Mask, Toning Hair Serum, and Face Cleanser Oil, as detailed in a company press release.
The Micro Keratin Mask is formulated to improve the appearance of damaged hair while repairing spilt ends, and the Toning Hair Serum is enriched with a multifunctional renewable ingredient derived from sugar cane leaves to build hair strength and protect from further damage per the company release. Additionally, the Face Cleanser Oil features a jelly formula that includes cucumber and avocado extracts to soothe and moisturize sensitive skin types.
Manifest Beauty
Manifest Beauty’s simple product line focuses on hero product chili-infused Lip Plumper in three versatile shades: Crystal Clear, Dubai Gold, and Spicy Rose. Each product is formulated with a combination of cinnamon bark extract to correct hyperpigmentation, Columbian chili to plump the lip’s appearance, and jojoba oil for a hydrating and glossy finish, as detailed in literature distributed by the company at the event.
Product use is equally simple for the consumer. The Lip Plumper can be worn on dry lips as a gloss or layered beneath or on top of lipstick and lip liner for a fuller lip appearance. The Plumper can be used in the morning for a hydrated and full pout that lasts all day, or at night on clean lips for fuller appearance the next day.
Palmless
Through a proprietary fermentation process utilizing a naturally occurring yeast, the Palmless brand produced its first bio-designed ingredient, Torula oil, as a sustainable alternative to palm oil. Torula oil is the base ingredient for the brand’s hero product, SAVE THE F***ING RAINFOREST, a nourishing oil for face, body, and hair care.
This multi-purpose product is designed to be lightweight but moisturizing and is formulated with Palmless Torula oil, as well as jojoba, meadowfoam, oat kernel, raspberry seed, and apricot kernel oils plus essential oils for fragrance. Further, the product is rich in carotenoids and sterols to improve the overall look and texture of skin and hair, as detailed on the company’s website.
Raaka’s World
Raaka’s World founder and CEO Shobana Vankipuram, MD founded her brand on the principles and philosophy of self-care, which is reflected in the company’s product offerings. The product collection includes the Deep Cleansing Face Oil, Gorgeous Glow Face Butter, and Flourish Scalp Serum, each of which features sustainable and vegan ingredients like pomegranate, cardamom, turmeric, sandalwood, marula, and lavender.
The Flourish Scale Serum won the 2022 Cosmetics & Toiletries Alle Award for Most Significant Hair/Scalp Formula for an Indie Brand, and all products in the collection are 100% plant-based and cruelty-free. Additionally, the entire product collection received the beauty shortlist’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2022, as detailed in literature shared at the event.
Aneley Cosmetics
Utilizing organic and natural ingredients to formulate loose mineral makeup options including foundation powders and eye shadows, Aneley Cosmetics founder Yelena Kalendareva is unique in her approach to cosmetics formulation and production. Product offerings include certified kosher options for those observing Passover or Shabbat, as well as complete makeup kits including products for face, eyes, and brushes for application.
In addition to being free from added chemicals, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, and dyes, Aneley Cosmetics are contained and sold in non-reactive packaging to avoid contamination. Further, as all products are formulated with pharmaceutical-grade minerals and organic ingredients, they can be applied immediately after cosmetic or laser procedures.
ELIMS
ELIMS co-founders Casey Lau, DDS and Belinda Lee Lau are focused on providing sustainable oral care options through the ELIMS brand. Products include the Magic Melt-Away Teeth Whitening Masks, as well as Reflection Toothpaste in Pineapple Orange Mint and Lavender Vanilla Mint flavors, and Sonicare-compatible Electric Toothbrush Bamboo Heads with and without Activated Charcoal.
Formulated with 10% nano-hydroxyapatite, xylitol and baking soda, ELIMS’ naturally derived mineral toothpastes are packaged in 100% recyclable tubing made from sustainably grown sugarcane grown in renewable Brazilian forests. Additionally, the company has partnered with TerraCycle and will accept empty packaging to be recycled through their program.