The year has seen increasing research into natural possibilities
for sun care that focus on protecting the DNA from UV damage rather
than blocking UV rays like conventional sunscreens.
As anxiety among policy makers grows in the run up to the 2009 ban,
two biochips have been developed that could eliminate the need for
animal testing on cosmetic ingredients.
Evonik Goldschmidt, previously known as Degussa Personal Care, has
joined forces with Aqualon to bring multi-functional polymers to
the personal care market.
Chemicals commonly used in personal care products remain in the
water system and may prove hazardous for both the environment and
human health, says a recent report.
In answer to growing consumer pressure over sustainable and
ethically sourced personal care products, Lush has teamed up with a
small soap specialist in the UK to develop what is
claimed to be the world's first palm oil-free...
Swedish scientists say that dermatological research they have
carried out on the anti-ageing ingredient Tricutan confirms that it
can improve skin firmness, elasticity and possibly off-set the need
for cosmetic surgery.
An in-vitro method for testing the water resistance of
sunscreens has been developed that could provide a cost efficient
alternative to in-vivo tests whilst reducing the need for
human volunteers.
The incorporation of sunscreens into nano lipid carrier molecules
could increase their effectiveness, whilst reducing the possibility
of undesired side effects, according to a recent study.
France-based ingredients supplier Alban Muller has launched a new
skin whitening ingredient that combines Asian plant extracts and UV
protecting antioxidants.
Kiwi fruit extract combines high essential fatty acids with
impressive antioxidant properties, representing a perfect
anti-aging ingredient both through topical application and oral
use, according to a New Zealand company.
UK-based life science company S Black is eyeing further expansion
in the personal care and food sectors having become a part of the
larger Azelis Group, a leading distributor of chemicals and
polymers in the European market.
Blackberry leaf extract could be the new ingredient in the fight
against ageing skin thanks to its collagen- and elastin boosting
properties, according to a recent study.
A Which? magazine survey has once again brought to the fore the
potential hazards of certain chemicals used in hair dye products,
suggesting that there are several highly allergenic and potentially
carcinogenic chemicals still widely...
LVMH Recherche's 7th Symposium took place last week in
Paris, entitled Stem Cells and the Skin, concentrating on the
latest discoveries in regenerative medicine and skin science.
Having won the HBA technology award for its Coheliss anti-aging
ingredient, Silab was also using last week's show as a platform for
its latest anti-aging innovation, Osilift.
Antiperspirant manufacturers should exploit the anti-irritant
activity of essential oils and fragrance raw materials in their
formulations, according to a new study.
Scientific evidence that perfumed skin care products enhance the
mood of users suggests that mind over matter is the key to
developing commercially successful beauty products.
The advantages of deriving active ingredients for cosmetics
products from plant cell cultures were discussed at this year's
congress, 'Plants for Human Health in the Post Genomic Era', held
in Helsinki.
A Norwegian marine biotechnology company is introducing its
all-natural, marine-based enzyme onto the global cosmetics market
at the upcoming HBA exhibition in New York, aiming to tap into the
increasing popularity of such ingredients.
The discovery of a plant-based antioxidant could have a major
impact on the lucrative anti-ageing market because it lasts longer
than many of its commercial competitors, according to researchers
at The University of Hebrew.
Significant advances in producing collagen from genetically
modified corn have been made; leading to safer sources of the
protein for use in surgical, medical and cosmetics applications,
say researchers at a recent conference in Boston.
An Illinois based biotechnology firm is launching a class of
natural bio-lipids off the back of its soy based sunscreen
discoveries; promising to deliver the benefits of active
ingredients that have previously been unsuitable for...
Recent research suggests that the properties of a lotion change
radically on application to the skin; changes that were previously
unknown to scientists, and opening up the industry's research and
development to criticism.
Tainted toothpaste has turned up among the supplies of a luxury
provider of toiletries for international hotels, taking the Chinese
toothpaste scare beyond the gray market.
New research suggests the widespread presence of aluminium salts in
sunscreens, with potential pro-oxidant properties; re-introducing
fears over the negative consequences of sunscreen
application.
A recent report in the British Journal of Dermatology suggests an
effective non-antibiotic treatment for acne that may help to
provide a solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance in acne
causing bacteria.
Specialty chemicals supplier Innospec has announced that it will
set up an ester manufacturing facility in Elesmere
Port, UK, to supply the global personal care industry.
An Israeli biotech company is advocating the use of the shrub Inula
viscosa, which boasts anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and
anti-inflammatory action, as a natural alternative to synthetic
preservatives.
The promise of a unique fragrance created from consumer's individual DNA has elicited concerns from both UK and US watchdogs regarding the security of personal genetic information.
Norwegian scientists are currently recruiting for volunteers to
take part in studies of an anti-jellyfish sting agent incorporated
into a sunscreen - a product which is likely to be in high demand
as jellyfish populations are soaring.
A recently patented ingredient based on naturally occurring skin
lipids promises to reduce wrinkles and improve the texture of
photoaged skin, reflecting further specialization in the anti-aging
market.
A study suggests that polylactic acid (PLA) an injectable cosmetic
filler previously deemed to be safe and reliable can lead to
permanent facial scarring in certain patients.
Growing concerns regarding irresponsible palm oil production has
led The Body Shop to announce an initiative to introduce
sustainable palm oil into cosmetic manufacturing.
Spanish authorities have instigated an EU-wide response to
hazardous toothpaste products originating from China, with the
announcement that it is to withdraw certain brands from the Spanish
market.
The European Commission issued an information initiative yesterday
that requires sunscreen manufacturers to amend all sunscreen labels
by next summer, in an attempt to further educate consumers on the
perils of over exposure to the...
Naturally occurring saponins from the Indian soap nut tree are
becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to chemical
detergents tying in with the growing trend for natural personal
care products.
In a bid to create a foothold on the anti-aging market, British
biotechnology company Intercytex has announced the release of an
injectable filler that is said to improve facial wrinkles.
Indian scientists have found a natural-based ancient Ayurvedic
remedy for hair loss that outperforms the commercial competition,
cashing in on the growing popularity for natural products and the
extensive market for hair loss treatments.
LVMH Recherche, the research arm of French luxury consumer group
LVMH has conducted three tests on European and Japanese adolescent
skin care routines in a bid to develop skin care treatments for
this age group and later in life.
In order to further assess the safety of the nanotechnology in
cosmetic manufacturing, the EC has requested the Scientific
Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) to prepare a preliminary
opinion on the matter - concurrently launching...
The UK Trading Standards Institute (TSI) has warned consumers
against DIY tooth whitening kits after tests reported illegally
high levels of hydrogen peroxide in many products.