Formulation & science

The move increases Clariant’s exposure to the active and functional cosmetic ingredients market

Clariant acquires Lucas Meyer Cosmetics

By Kirsty Doolan

Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant has acquired Canadian cosmetics and personal care ingredients business Lucas Meyer Cosmetics from International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) for $810m (€767m).

Neurocosmetics is a growing trend as more beauty consumers demand products that make them feel good as well as look good (Image: Getty)

4 new neuro-cosmetic ingredient innovations

By Kirsty Doolan

Ingredients based around the mind-skin connection are big news at the InCosmetics Global show this year. Here are four new innovations that have just launched.

New molecule Melasyl took 18 years in the making and been launched in formulations for La Roche Posay’s Mela B3 franchise

L’Oréal laboratory head on new anti-pigmentation ingredient Melasyl

By Kirsty Doolan

After 18 years of research, French beauty multinational L’Oréal recently introduced a new molecule Melasyl that’s been used in La Roche Posay’s Mela B3 franchise to intercept skin pigmentation before it starts. We spoke to the company’s head of laboratory...

Lettice shared that in 20 years' time she expects the period care landscape to look dramatically different to that of today

Behind Mooncup’s launch into Asda

By Kirsty Doolan

We spoke to sustainable period care brand Mooncup about its new retail partnership with Asda, disrupting the period care market, and whether women will still use tampons and pads in 20 years time…

The next Bologna show will return between 20 - 23 March in 2025

The Cosmoprof and Cosmopack Award winners

By Kirsty Doolan

The 55th edition of international beauty trade show Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna has just closed. According to the organiser, this year’s show attracted 248,500 visitors from 150 countries.

The doctor skin care brand is embracing beauty technology for its a disruptive business model

Simon Ourian M.D. skin care continues its European expansion

By Kirsty Doolan

The favourite dermatologist of the Kardashians and Lady Gaga is launching an AI-based digital-first consultation service into new markets and has big plans for its club-based business model and microinfluencer strategy…

A recent study found that the effects of climate change could trigger eczema or worsen flare-ups of the skin condition (Image: Getty)

How climate change is impacting skin care NPD

By Kirsty Doolan

As air temperatures continue to rise and more of the world experiences extreme weather conditions, this is likely to negatively impact more people’s skin and create a need for new cosmetics solutions…

Image: Getty

6 hair care brands focusing on ingredients innovation

By Kirsty Doolan

Hair care is officially the category to watch in 2024, with an increased focus on scalp health, scientific innovation, and cutting-edge ingredients. Take a look at these brands that are innovating in this space...

Sterland said that Weleda is aiming to find packaging that can preserve its products without causing any damage to the planet

Circularity in the beauty industry: Q&A with MD at Weleda UK

By Kirsty Doolan

With a barrage of new regulations and consumer pressure, sustainability and circularity have never been so important for the industry. We spoke to Weleda about its regenerative model and how other companies can become more circular.

In 2023, Nivea enjoyed a record-breaking year for Beiersdorf, while its derma brands Eucerin & Aquaphor also saw strong sales

Beiersdorf CEO on record-breaking 2023 sales

By Kirsty Doolan

Nivea saw record-breaking sales in 2023, which offset the disappointing performances for La Prairie and Chantecaille. The CEO shared his action plan to boost these luxury brands.

Samaras said that Unilever R&D has around 12,000 microbiome samples from consumers of all ages, from all over the world, to get the fullest understanding of the skin

Innovating for Generation Alpha: Q&A with a Unilever R&D expert

By Kirsty Doolan

While the ‘tweens in Sephora’ headlines have raised a lot of eyebrows and some deeper concerns, it’s clear that Generation Alpha has a thirst for beauty products based on science and can potentially alter the future industry landscape.

Soeder hopes that its practices can showcase how other beauty and personal care brands can start to establish fully circular processes

Start the week with a startup: Soeder

By Kirsty Doolan

Every fortnight we talk to a game-changer startup brand about why it exists and how it plans to change the industry. This week we spoke to founders of the personal care brand Soeder, Hanna and Johan Olzon Åkerström, about its circular business model,...

Could the 'skinification' of hair further combine with the wellness movement this year? (Image: Getty)

What's new in the 'skinification' of hair care?

By Sarah Cohen

Actives traditionally used in skin care, as well as skin care-related regimes and claims are becoming more commonplace in the hair care category, as consumers take more interest in holistic hair wellness.

Cox said the company's future goals revolve around developing new sustainable and zero-waste packaging and ecosystems for clients, and swapping as many ingredients as possible with sustainable upcycled counterparts (Image: Getty)

Start the week with a startup: Genie Supply

By Kirsty Doolan

Every fortnight we talk to a game-changer startup business about why it exists and how it plans to transform the industry. This week we spoke to CEO of Genie Supply, Megan Cox, about how her private label business model could be the future of beauty product...

Fragrances may soon be able to mimic the DNA of individuals and align with their emotional states (Image: Getty)

Using AI for fragrance creation and innovation

By Sarah Cohen

To think of your favourite perfume in a purely scientific manner can dampen the magic a little, but it seems there is a formula when it comes to engaging the senses – and AI is giving perfumers a tool with which to find it.

SLS is widely used in shampoos and soaps for its cleansing and foaming properties  (Image: Getty)

Exploring EU regulations: SLS in cosmetics

By Kirsty Doolan

As the final story in our three-part series about regulations for the most misunderstood cosmetics and personal care ingredients, we focus on sodium lauryl sulfate, known as SLS. We explore why this ingredient was in the spotlight, and speak to regulatory...

Skin redness or erythema is a common side effect of the skin condition rosacea (Image:Getty)

3 breakthroughs that could treat skin redness

By Kirsty Doolan

Skin erythema – AKA skin redness or skin flushing – is a common complaint from people who suffer from rosacea and acne among other skin conditions, but can also be caused by sun exposure and allergies. We’ve rounded up three recent innovations in this...