Hair care

Natura and Symrise obtain UEBT certification for 40 Amazon ingredients

08-Apr-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Natura Cosmetics and Symrise Amazon have obtained a UEBT certification for a total of 40 natural ingredients from the Amazon attesting that the ingredients are ethically sourced from 14 supplier communities based in the Brazilian Amazon.

P&G study shows more tolerance to PPD derivative hair dye and stresses pretest importance

08-Apr-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A new study carried out by Procter & Gamble with University Trier and the University of Groningen has found that individuals who are allergic to para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dyes, better tolerate one of the manufacturer’s own derivatives; although...

Barentz and Innospec ink distribution deal for Personal Care ingredients in Europe

07-Apr-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Barentz International and Innospec have teamed up by signing a long-term distribution agreement to market ingredients for Personal & Home Care throughout a number of countries in Europe.

EC announces public consultation on MI use in rinse-off cosmetics products

06-Apr-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The European Commission announces the public consultation on Methylisothiazolinone (MI) in rinse-off cosmetic products, proposing a restriction on its use, as well as a ban when it comes to leave-on products.

Specialty ingredients driven by demand for multifunctional products

05-Apr-2016 By Simon Pitman

Performance-enhancing multifunctional ingredients are topping the ‘must have’ list for formulators all over the world, according to a new report from the Kline Group.

Sun Chemical announces price increase ‘with regret’ to meet growing global demand

05-Apr-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Sun Chemical, which produces inks, coatings, and pigments for the cosmetics industry, announces that ‘with regret’ it will raise global prices on cosmetic pigments, preparations and effects as of June 1, 2016.

IMCD establishes a new office in Japan

05-Apr-2016 By Simon Pitman

Holland-based fine chemicals distributor IMCD has expanded its position in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of an office in Tokyo, Japan.

UEBT returns with 8th Biodiversity conference focusing on value in sourcing

05-Apr-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) announces its 8th annual conference on Biodiversity on 26 May 2016 in Paris, with a focus on creating and sharing value through ethical sourcing, this year.

‘Product's efficacy and individuality will be important for cosmetics innovation’

01-Apr-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Products that work to maintain skin health while still meeting the needs of the latest trends such as sensory, multifunctional, and ethical, will form the future of the cosmetics market, according to an industry expert.

Oriental herb extract shown to be good candidate to treat hair loss

01-Apr-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have found that myristoleic acid, an active compound in Malva verticillata seeds, can activate Wnt reporter activity and increase cell proliferation in cultured human dermal papilla cells (DPC), making it a good candidate to treat hair loss.

New science makes organic synthesis easier

29-Mar-2016 By Deanna Utroske

Chemists from the University of Texas at Arlington and North Carolina State University have documented a water-based process that could lessen industry’s dependence on solvents.

‘Cosmetics is at a crossroad… creative design could help usher in innovative breakthroughs’

24-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The scientific theory of creative design, known as Concept-Knowledge theory (C-K theory), could provide the cosmetics industry with opportunities, possibilities, and new players that could disrupt the standard ecosystem, according to a French university...

Study shows how ageing can affect properties and perception of hair

24-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

We normally associate hair loss, thinning and greying as markers of age, and a new study has now shown how ageing influences the diameter, surface topography, hardness, loss modulus, storage modulus, and tactile perception of human hair.

Croda breaks ground on new project in France to meet surfactant demand

23-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Croda has moved to bolster its European surfactants offering with a groundbreaking ceremony at its Chocques manufacturing site in northern France that signals the start of a major capital investment.

ECHA recommends restrictions on D4 and D5 in some personal care products

22-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The European Chemicals Agency (Echa) has recommended restrictions be placed on octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) in personal care products intended for use with water, as these are a mojor source of these substances...

CTPA says no cause for alarm over US teen cosmetics study

18-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association has played down the risk of cosmetics products harming our bodies after a US study showed that a short break from certain kinds of make-up, shampoos and lotions can lead to a significant drop in levels...

BASF nano forum calls for more transparency and clearer guidance for cosmetics

18-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

BASF’s Dialogforum Nano has called for clearer guidance and transparency in the future in order to work with nanomaterials in cosmetics safely and effectively, ensuring the needs of public authorities, consumers and workers are fulfilled, while supporting...

BRB and Azelis agree deal on personal care silicones distribution

17-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

BRB International and Azelis UK Life Sciences announce a strategic partnership agreement for the latter to exclusively distribute specialty ingredients for personal care applications in the UK and Ireland.

Unilever agrees multi-year supply deal of €200m+ personal care algae oils

17-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Anglo-Dutch giant has signed a definitive multi-year global supply agreement with Solazyme, now known as TerraVia, for the supply of sustainable algae oils to be used in personal care applications.

RSPO welcomes Greenpeace deforestation report stating ‘much more needs to be done’

16-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) welcomes the Greenpeace deforestation report which looked into the palm oil sourcing of major FMCG players, and says that much more needs to be done in order to improve the situation.

Avon shifts HQ to the UK, sheds 2,500 jobs

15-Mar-2016 By Simon Pitman

Avon Products has confirmed that it is shifting its international headquarters to the UK and is to reduce its workforce by 2,500 as part of its transformation plan for the ailing business.

Dow – DuPont merger on course

14-Mar-2016 By Deanna Utroske

The two US chemical corporations jointly filed a preliminary registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission this month, outlining plans for leadership, work streams, synergies, and finance.

Evonik launches new beauty formulation concepts in China

10-Mar-2016 By Lucy Whitehouse

Evonik, a leading global specialty chemicals company, used the recent PCHi trade show to launch a new concept, ''Trendy textures for new experiences', onto the China market.

BASF announces 145 halal-certified ingredients as market demand grows

08-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As the demand for halal-certified cosmetics ingredients grows chemicals company BASF announces that 145 of its products for personal care manufactured at its Düsseldorf and Illertissen site comply with international halal standard HAS 23000.

P&G studies role of ascorbic acid in reducing skin reaction to PPD

08-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A study carried out by researchers in Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium has found that pre-treatment of the skin with ascorbic acid could reduce elicitation reaction to hair dye component p-phenylenediamine (PPD) in sensitised individuals.

Henkel buys P&G hair care brands as it targets Eastern Europe and MEA

04-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

German manufacturer looks to target the hair care market in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, after acquiring a portfolio of brands from Procter & Gamble which all target these regions.

Scientists identify dormant stage as crucial to healthy hair growth

04-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A new study shows that the dormant phase for hair can actually be important for maintaining the cells' rejuvenating activity over time, as inhibiting a specific stem cell gene can speed up hair growth cycle, but also wear out and damage the hair...

Scientists identify grey hair gene for first time

02-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists at University College London have identified the gene for greying hair for the first time, as well as the genes influencing hair shape and density and this could have a big impact on products to delay the ageing process.

Clariant to offer Beraca’s natural ingredients in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

02-Mar-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Clariant has upped its sustainability focus and portfolio of natural ingredients with the announcement that it will distribute Brazilian firm Beraca’s cosmetics ingredient line in Germany Austria, and Switzerland.

Is cactus from Mexico the next big personal care ingredient?

29-Feb-2016 By Deanna Utroske

International beauty rituals inspire consumers to use products with novel and seemingly exotic ingredients. Cactus seed oil has been gaining in popularity for years, and now Mexico is looking to export prickly pear derivatives and perhaps some of the...

Lonza expands hair care market presence with opening of UK research centre

25-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ingredient supplier Lonza has today opened its new Global Centre of Hair Care Technology in Blackley, near Manchester, as it looks to expand its presence in the market by strengthening its R&D footprint and portfolio, with the aim of also developing...

Inolex expands in China with new technical facility

25-Feb-2016 By Simon Pitman

Cosmetic and personal care ingredients players Inolex has announced the opening of its new Commercial & Technical Center in Guangzhou, China as part of its expansion plans in the market.

Industry defends product safety after French consumer group warns of potential risks

24-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A consumer product study carried out by French organisation UFC-Que Choisir says it has found a number of health and beauty products sold in the country may contain potentially harmful substances; although industry responds saying all EU products pass...

New partnerships, new website, new brand for Bluestar as it plans new strategy

24-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Bluestar Silicones has launched a new strategic plan which be based on new partnerships, a new website and stronger branding, as it aims to strengthen its worldwide speciality businesses and market position.

Making scents last – researchers find new way to encapsulate fragrance molecules

19-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have developed a new way to encapsulate fragrance molecules to make a product’s scent last longer by combining bulk and microfluidic emulsification, and it could mean that the scent from luxury perfumes does not evaporate as quickly.

Cosmoprof Bologna gears up for ‘most global show ever’

18-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The 49th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna returns once more in March and 2016 will see the show with its most global reach ever, according to the organisers, as more than 2500 firms are due to attend, including 73% from abroad.

Digital and technology prove to be the key tools for engaging beauty consumers

17-Feb-2016 By Simon Pitman

Cosmetic players are diving much deeper into both the digital arena and technology as a means of capturing the imagination of consumers, latest research from Mintel shows.

EC approves Coty acquisition of P&G brands amid competition concerns

17-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Coty can breathe a sigh of relief now in Europe after the European Commission approved its acquisition of Procter & Gamble's beauty products businesses by Coty, under the EU Merger Regulation.

Biotech company claims ‘major progress’ in developing five new carotenoid molecules

17-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Biotech firm Deinove announces that is making major progress in its carotenoids project developing five new molecules that can be used in cosmetics, among other applications, as it looks to maximise on natural market demand.

Dutch research institute develops concept for nanomaterials risk assessment in cosmetics

16-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has developed a concept of a new electronic tool that could be used for the risk assessment of nanomaterials in cosmetics.

Europe still Estée Lauder’s market for strong growth thanks to demand and new launches

12-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

New launches, strong local demand and continued tourist traffic in Europe, the Middle East and Africa have continued to boost Estée Lauder’s results for the second quarter running maintaining the region’s key position for the company at a challenging...

RSPO NEXT initiative launched to strengthen no-deforestation and human rights commitments

11-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil launches its RSPO NEXT initiative as a voluntary add-on to its existing Principles & Criteria (P&C) for sustainably grown palm oil, with the aim of strengthening its no-deforestation and human rights commitments.

Symrise strengthens European salesforce to address cosmetic market complexities

10-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As the market for cosmetic applications has become more complex Symrise says it is reinforcing its strategic sales positions in the EMEA region with two experts to service its customers with a targeted approach.

Hedge Apples: the accidental skin care and hair care ingredient

09-Feb-2016 By Deanna Utroske

Seed oil from the Maclura Pomifera, a common Midwestern tree fruit, has found its way to the beauty market in professional hair care products and as a facial oil from the legendary New York City cosmetics retailer Alcone.

Godrej continues personal care push in Africa with Canon acquisition

09-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Godrej Consumer Products is looking to build its home and personal care business in Africa by entering into an agreement with Kenya-based supplier Canon Chemicals for the acquisition of a majority equity stake in its business in the country.

Studies further explain stem cell effects on hair growth

05-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Two new studies have delved into what causes hair loss and thinning, and suggest that it may be related to the ageing of hair follicle stem cells, adding volume to the research surrounding hair growth.

Time to shift men’s focus from simply hygiene to skin and hair solutions

02-Feb-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Men have their own specific skin and hair physiology that can be addressed by appropriate products and strategies so beauty routines should focus on this rather than just on hygiene as it has done in the past, according to one of the biggest players in...

Gattefossé extends Azelis partnership with distribution deal in Turkey

29-Jan-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Having worked together in partnership in a number of regions for a number of years, Gattefossé has appointed Azelis as its new distributor for its Personal Care portfolio in Turkey.

Clariant achieves RSPO Mass Balance certification for European and Asia Pacific sites

28-Jan-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Clariant has achieved Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Mass Balance (MB) certification for its production sites in Spain and Indonesia meaning it can now offer certified palm-based ingredients to customers in the European and Asia-Pacific regions.

Unilever partners with Intersuchel in $35m Cuban personal care factory investment

27-Jan-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Unilever is looking to build a new personal and home care factory in Cuba after partnering with state-owned company Intersuchel and agreeing a $35 million joint venture.