Hair care

Melanin synthesis discovery prompts hope of new cosmetics applications

07-Jul-2016 By Simon Pitman

New research that has deciphered the formation process for melanin could lead to further development of its use in a number of applications, including cosmetics.

Alpecin expands its global reach into the China market

07-Jul-2016 By Simon Pitman

Hair loss shampoo Alpecin is extending its global reach with a new market expansion services deal with DSKH that will see the brand available throughout China.

Merck partners with Agrimer on marine-derived dermocosmetic active ingredient

06-Jul-2016 By Simon Pitman

Specialty chemicals giant Merck has entered into a long-term agreement to develop dermocosmetic active ingredients with agro-industrial player Agrimer.

Luxe Pack Monaco will feature a new focus on digital luxury

06-Jul-2016 By Simon Pitman

This year’s Luxe Pack Monaco event will feature a combination of highlighted show features from previous years, complete with a new focus on how to connect luxury through digital mediums.

Women spend on beauty for confidence and youth, study finds

06-Jul-2016 By Deanna Utroske

The Changing Face of Beauty, a global study conducted by Allergan, reflects a shift in consumer expectations; women today opt for products and procedures to improve how they feel, rather than simply how they look.

What is halal skin care and makeup, and what are the trends?

06-Jul-2016 By Lucy Whitehouse

Halal is becoming big business for the beauty industry globally, and particularly in Asia: a central focus for this week’s in-cosmetics Korea event, we take a closer look at the trend.

Univar expands personal care footprint in Europe

05-Jul-2016 By Simon Pitman

Univar has announced the opening of a new technical facility together with a new distribution agreement for its personal care operations in Europe.

UK to get the country's first ever black beauty awards

05-Jul-2016 By Simon Pitman

Cosmetics and personal care products targeting different skin colour and ethnicity are on the rise, and a new awards event in the UK is set to celebrate the growing product offerings.

How the search for sustainable palm oil took one supplier to Ecuador

01-Jul-2016 By Simon Pitman

Cosmetics Design recently spoke to Gay Timmons, the founder of ingredient supplier Oh Oh Organic, to find out about how her quest to find sustainable and ethically produced palm oil took her to the South American country of Ecuador.

Alban Muller targets fast-growing US naturals market with LA office

01-Jul-2016 By Simon Pitman

France-based Alban Muller is targeting growth in the US market for natural and organic products with the opening of a new office in Los Angeles.

Givaudan forms active cosmetic ingredient partnership with Amyris

30-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

Swiss fragrance and flavours player Givaudan has formed a long-term partnership to develop active cosmetic ingredients with bioscience player Amyris.

Cosmetics Europe points to stronger outlook for industry

30-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

Industry body Cosmetics Europe has revealed research indicating that the European industry is getting back on its feet and returning to growth, following tough times.

Beauty brands that got personalization right in 2015 saw the greatest growth in sales

29-Jun-2016 By Deanna Utroske

According to a report from market researcher Kline, cosmetics and personal care brands (and apps) that customized consumer options did well in the US marketplace last year, and social media marketing got results too.

Making sure that last drop is squeezed out of a shampoo bottle

28-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

Scientists have developed a new coating that means shampoo slides more easily out of the bottle, in turn helping to ensure waste is reduced.

OPI moves into the retail business with first UK flagship

24-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

OPI Nails has ventured into the retail space with its first flagship spa in the UK where it will offer luxury manicures and pedicures as well as a fully stocked range of its nail care products for consumers to take home.

Scientists believe ‘systematic review’ will ease concerns around cosmetics chemical safety

24-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

According to researchers at the University of Lancaster, lessons from the field of medicine could help provide clearer answers to concerns around chemical safety, particularly in the case of the cosmetics industry.

The Body Shop transforms London’s Westminster to raise awareness for Bio-Bridges

23-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

The Body Shop has transformed London’s Westminster Bridge into a pseudo ‘Bio-Bridge’ with 6-foot tall monkey topiaries in a campaign that aims to regenerate and protect 75 million square meters of forest around the world from exploitation, poaching and...

Nivea Men named ‘Global Partner’ of AC Milan in renewed partnership

23-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

Nivea Men will continue its partnership with AC Milan for another three years, a move that will increase the brand’s visibility as well as being named the football club’s official ‘Global Partner’.

Harvard’s ‘bionic leaf’ has cosmetics potential - turning sunlight into liquid fuel

23-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

Scientists at Harvard Medical School say they have developed an artificial photosynthesis system that can convert solar energy to biomass with more efficiency than that of the fastest growing plants.

What does the cosmetics industry do for Europe?

22-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

According to a new study by Cosmetics Europe, the contribution of the cosmetics industry to the socio-economic landscape throughout Europe is wide-reaching and has significant impact.

UK SMEs share concerns on EU trade ahead of referendum

21-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

As the EU Referendum draws closer, many UK small and medium-sized cosmetics company owners are still unclear as to how leaving or staying in the EU will affect their businesses. 

Is beauty brand enthusiasm for social media ‘fading’?

21-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

It seems that every other day we’re hearing about another beauty brand conquering the social media realm - engaged and ambitious in their efforts to get ahead in the digital field.

Henkel looks to the Egyptian market to increase its presence in Africa

17-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

To expand its foothold in Africa, German personal care player Henkel is set to invest €50m in Egypt in the next five years.

‘Don’t be afraid to tell consumers ‘no you’re not right’ - Glossybox MD

17-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

Beauty sampling provider Glossybox is not afraid to ask customers to unsubscribe from its online platforms should they become persistent in giving ‘abusive’ or ‘aggressive’ feedback on its social media channels.

French consumers top European poll of demand for Korean beauty

17-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

As demand for multi-functional cosmetics continues to sit at the top of French consumers’ beauty priority list, Korea’s innovations have been scooping up the majority of the market share.

Dyson moves into the beauty device arena with ‘supersonic’ hair dryer

16-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

The evolved version of the bulky, high temperature and loud hair dryer has been a long time coming.

Amazon and eBay are called on for extra vigilance as counterfeit cosmetics are on the rise

16-Jun-2016 By Michelle Yeomans

If you thought that counterfeit cosmetics were a problem reserved for the likes of developing countries, think again.

L'Oréal creates first chief retail officer role in Americas region

14-Jun-2016 By Deanna Utroske

The multinational beauty company announced a CRO role for its Montreal-based L'Oréal Canada subsidiary this month. The new executive will lead retail strategy and customer experience for the company’s branded boutiques and shops.

AMSilk expands distribution into Spain, Portugual and Italy

14-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

AMSIlk, a supplier of cosmetic grade synthetic silk biopolymers, has announced two new distribution agreements to expand its footprint in Southern Europe.

Lush rules beauty and wellbeing trend with latest launch

14-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

The convergence of beauty and wellbeing has been well documented in recent years, but nothing underscores the trend more than the launch of the Lush beauty care and fitness.

L'Oréal loses the bulk in India: smaller packaging to court consumers

14-Jun-2016 By Lucy Whitehouse

L’Oréal is making a bid to cater to a dominant consumer trend in India for smaller product sizes, especially the widespread enthusiasm for hair products in sachets.

L’Oréal backs bio energy project to produce isobutene

10-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

As part of its efforts to reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint, L’Oréal has given its backing to a programme focused on developing the first bio-isobutene plant.

Avon workers picket production facility in Turkey

10-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

Workers at an Avon manufacturing facility situated near Istanbul in Turkey have been protesting against alleged discrimination in pay for different types of employees.

Meeting consumer demands for ‘waterless’ products

10-Jun-2016 By Belinda Carli, director of The Institute of Personal Care Science

Consumers are increasingly looking to balance their use of products with an environmental conscience, and we’re seeing this demand met by a new wave of products being promoted as ‘waterless’.

Biotech beauty ingredient market growth underlined by Ginkgo Bioworks and Twist Bioscience deal

08-Jun-2016 By Deanna Utroske

Biotech innovations require industry-scale resources to get alternative ingredients for fragrance and personal care to market. As that market grows, synthetic DNA manufacturing, like what Twist Bioscience does, is in greater demand.

Changing spending patterns leads to decline in value of UK beauty market

08-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

The value of the UK beauty market fell slightly in 2015, which according to market research company Mintel is all down to Brits seeking out bargain beauty products and treatments while spending more on experiences.

Superfood ingredients getting big in beauty

08-Jun-2016 By Lucy Whitehouse

Superfoods have been a dominant fad in the food industry for the past few years, with consumers turning to such ‘superfood ingredients’ as chia seed, pumpkin seed, quinoa, kale and more in their enthusiasm for naturals.

Swallowfield expands into branded beauty market with Brand Architekts acquisition

07-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

UK-based contract manufacturer has expanded its business footprint in the branded beauty world with the acquisition of Brand Architekts.

Lafley leaves P&G

06-Jun-2016 By Deanna Utroske

After 12 years as chairman of the board for the multinational consumer goods company, A.G. Lafley is leaving the post again. His successor will take over next month, and P&G hopes things move ahead smoothly.

Stephenson Personal Care launches sustainable emulsifier range

03-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

Stephenson Personal Care has launched a range of emulsifiers which it claims are more sustainable thanks to the use of a cold processing technique.

Influencer strategy lets beauty brands reach limitless consumers with word-of-mouth recommendations

02-Jun-2016 By Deanna Utroske

The social media – driven approach to PR has come into its own. So to find out what it’s all about, what works, and what’s next, Cosmetics Design checked in with Alexa Tonner, EVP of Collectively.

The race is on to find a more effective head lice shampoo

02-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

A new drug-resistant strain of ‘super nits’ is starting to invade many parts of the world, including Europe, putting developers under pressure to come up with more effective treatments.

China gearing up to ban repackaged cosmetics?

02-Jun-2016 By Lucy Whitehouse

China looks set to ban the sale of repackaged cosmetics, according to industry commentators, a move which will shut down the widespread practice of repackaging and remarketing products in the country.

Bio-On launches bioplastics for eco-friendly cosmetics formulation

01-Jun-2016 By Simon Pitman

Italy-based Bi-On has unveiled a newly patented bioplastic microbead replacement at the Future of Formulation In Cosmetics conference, in Budapest Hungary.

Nanoparticles in English Ivy could lead to synthetic cosmetic adhesives

31-May-2016 By Deanna Utroske

Researchers at Ohio State University now have a good understanding of what comprises the glue that binds this plant to the trees, fences, and walls it so readily climbs.

Palm oil: BASF responds to the 'decisive factor' of sustainability

31-May-2016 By Lucy Whitehouse

BASF, global specialty chemicals firm, has laid out a series of measures by which it hopes to raise the sustainability profile of its personal care ingredients offering, with a particular focus on palm oil.

L’Oréal targets African middle class, but it won’t be an easy ride

27-May-2016 By Simon Pitman

The rise of the African middle class is key to higher consumer spend for fast moving consumer goods, and L’Oreal’s designs on the continent are all about this.

Waste food could be the next thing in sustainable cosmetic ingredients

26-May-2016 By Simon Pitman

Growing pressure to be more sustainable, combined with advances in extraction technology is leading to a new generation of cosmetic and personal care ingredients that are derived from food waste and side streams.

Beauty Forum Awards to honour professionals in France

26-May-2016 By Simon Pitman

France is home to one of the most important markets for the cosmetics and personal care industry in the world, and a brand new awards forum is set to honour the country’s beauty professionals.

Colombia’s undiscovered natural cosmetics ingredients

25-May-2016 By Deanna Utroske

Areas of the South American country are largely uncharted when it comes to plant species because of the danger researchers face from decades of war and criminal gang activity. Now the prospect of peace could change all that.