Hair care

Google+ hangouts – what is it, and how can the cosmetics industry use it?

13-Jun-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Launched last summer, Google+ hangouts has fast been gathering momentum as an online platform for showcasing beauty brands and their products; but how does it work and what’s the value? Cosmetics Design investigates.

Swedish study finds hairdressers exposed to banned amines

13-Jun-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Scientists at Sweden's Lund University claim hairdressers are being exposed to banned amines, following a study which identified two banned hair-dye chemicals in the blood.

Lush consolidates win against Amazon as court finalizes injunction

10-Jun-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

In what will come as a further blow to Amazon in the widely publicised court case which has seen it penalised for intellectual property infringement against beauty brand Lush, the terms of the injunction have now been confirmed.

L’Oreal outlines plans to double its consumer base by 2020

06-Jun-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Beauty multinational L’Oreal has revealed it is placing a strong focus on digital marketing in order to reach its goal of doubling its consumer base in the next six years.

RSPO roundtable to ‘turn the page’ on palm oil sourcing for Europe

30-May-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

As more European countries commit to sourcing only certified sustainable palm oil, a round table has been organised by the RSPO to start a new dialogue with Europe’s supply chain as to ‘shared responsibilities’ in this area.

Cosmetic formula-centric app navigates complex regulatory requirements

27-May-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Dassault Systèmes’, a specialist in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management solutions has developed the 'ENOVIA' app for cosmetic formula-centric companies to navigate complex regulatory requirements and manage and leverage formulas more effectively.

Growing natural trend and intense competition in anti-ageing market

23-May-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

It is no secret that anti-ageing is such a lucrative segment of the skin care market, but while the natural trend may be driving the market, intense competition could be hindering some.

EU launches green cosmetics ingredients project

22-May-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As the natural trend continues, a European consortium has been set up with the aim of establishing and demonstrating environment-friendly production processes and novel cosmetic ingredients with a lower environmental footprint.

EU puts forward hopes for increased unity in transatlantic cosmetics standards

21-May-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

As part of ongoing talks between the US and the EU thrashing out the details of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the European Commission has released a position paper on cosmetics, which outlines the continent’s hope for greater...

Naturex talks investment in purification technologies

21-May-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

On giving Cosmetics Design a preview of its newest portfolio 'NATpurity', we sat down with Naturex to discuss the brand’s investment in upgrading its' expertise through technologies at its France based facility.

The ‘natural’ look hits hair styling sales in the UK

21-May-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

UK consumers wanting the ‘natural’ look has seen sales of styling products stall, increasing just 0.3% between 2012 and 2013 to reach a value of £294 million in 2013, says Mintel.

Paraben-free claims continue to charm consumers; beauty industry profiting

15-May-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Although research continues to conclude that the paraben preserving agents used widely in cosmetics pose no threat to human health, consumer enthusiasm for products able to make ‘paraben-free’ claims remains robust, and brands are making the most of the...

Exclusive Interview

Clariant reveals expertise in formulation technologies

14-May-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

On the back of specialty chemicals provider Clariant further developing its ‘Secret Code of Beauty’ portfolio, we sat down to discuss how the brand’s investment in innovative technology is enabling it to provide more efficient ingredients.

Certified Sustainable Palm Oil use increases 49% on last year

14-May-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The uptake of certified sustainable palm oil has seen a 49% increase in the first quarter of 2014 compared to last year which many believe is a positive landmark for the industry that has been threatening to destroy rainforests in Indonesia and around...

None of your beeswax: chemically tainted ingredient pushes brands to source abroad

09-May-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Beeswax is causing quite a buzz: demand for the material has risen by an estimated 25% in Australia over the last two years, and producers are citing its use as an ingredient in European and US cosmetics as a key factor behind the boom.

Scrubbing up online: beauty brand Lush polishes digital techniques

06-May-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Lush, well-known for the heady scents and visual identity of its high street outlets, is now attempting to translate its very physical retail offering onto the web.

Brands investing in MENA region as it gears up for growth

06-May-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Unilever is investing robustly in the Middle East and North Africa region, a move which follows recent industry expert predictions for strong growth in the region for beauty and personal care.

Certified palm oil is our shared responsibility, says RSPO

29-Apr-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) will gather industry and NGOs from across the UK and Europe to launch new dialogue on shared responsibility and the supply chain.

'Scientists must be in the vision, not just the formulation,' says Oriflame VP

29-Apr-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Cosmetics Design was invited to Oriflame’s facility in Dublin where Senior Vice President of research and development revealed the importance of laboratories being involved in the end vision of a product.

Western consumers are now demanding skin care influences from Asia

22-Apr-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

It is important for ingredient suppliers to stay relevant and follow the trends – which in skin care right now, is coming from Asia…

Suppliers need to listen to global consumers so they can use the same language as manufacturers

22-Apr-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Two years after launching its Care Creations brand to reach all consumers from different markets around the world, BASF has now developed new innovations based on consumer needs, which are just as important to ingredient suppliers.

Kline reveals China and Brazil to influence specialty active trends

11-Apr-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

At the in-cosmetics event in Hamburg, Nikola Matic industry manager at Kline stopped by Cosmetics Design's booth to discuss his presentation which focused on specialty actives and what markets we are likely to see innovation coming from next.

Mis-indentification a serious issue for the botanical industry, says expert

11-Apr-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham stopped spoke with Cosmetics Design at the in-cosmetics event in Hamburg to discuss superflowers, the issue of mis-identification in botanical sourcing, and where he's off to next sourcing for Naturex.

Hair loss and fat – it’s all linked finds new study

08-Apr-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A new study combining science from Australia and the UK has suggested that losing weight and halting hair loss could go hand-in-hand after findings show that the skin can regulate fat production.

Voice of the Industry

Will King fights for personal care players in sluggish male grooming sector

08-Apr-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

The rambunctious founder of UK men’s grooming brand King of Shaves says he disagrees with the suggestion that the big personal care players do not know how to communicate with men.

In-cosmetics awards: The winners are…

04-Apr-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As the doors close on another in-cosmetics event in Hamburg this week, ingredient suppliers Gattefossé and Alban Muller were among the companies to celebrate having scooped gold at the innovation awards.

Cosmetics company gets rapped for trading under BBC name

03-Apr-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

A company retailing products in Russia has been called out for ‘misleading’ consumers by trading under the BBC name, and has had its trademark invalidated.

House of Tara cosmetics spreading out in Africa as region records strong growth

28-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Nigerian beauty brand House of Tara (HOT), which is set to launch 20 new studios nationwide in the near future, has announced it is now also gearing up to establish 100 new stores across sub-Saharan Africa.

RSPO: communication improvement supports sustainable palm oil development

27-Mar-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

An improvement in communication channels will help to deliver the message and importance of sustainable palm oil to customers and consumers; and industry is beginning to work towards this, according to the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

in-cosmetics 2014 ready to launch next week

26-Mar-2014

Key European trade show, in-cosmetics, is set to return for its 2014 edition in one week, when it will open its doors to the industry in Hamburg.

Sustainable palm oil is the only answer for cosmetics industry

25-Mar-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As we look to tackle deforestation and the consumer increasingly demands a more sustainable industry, Chris Sayner explains that the answer lies in sustainable palm oil.

New Data: it’s all about the untapped ‘white space’, reveals Euromonitor

21-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Here, Euromonitor analysts speak exclusively to Cosmetics Design about their latest beauty research, ahead of the official launch on Monday.

Going green: Unilever issues its first ever ‘green bond’

20-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Unilever, global consumer goods giant, has issued a ‘green bond’ for £250m (€300m), with which it will finance projects to further the company’s sustainability.

*Cosmetics Vision Special*

Suppliers need to stay on top of trends to win over consumers

18-Mar-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ingredient suppliers need to stay on top of the trends and work with finished goods manufacturers to ensure they win over consumers, says Lubrizol’s Adrian Holland.

EU Parliament adopts new ABS biodiversity rules in ‘landmark vote’

13-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

The European Parliament has announced that it intends to fall into line with the rising global commitment to responsible sourcing of biological materials for research and development.

Unilever reports only 1 in 10 women evaluate beauty fairly

12-Mar-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

According to the latest research carried out by Unilever in Europe, Asia and the US, 90% of women still don't see themselves as being attractive.

UEBT set to launch 6th annual ‘Biodiversity Barometer’

12-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

The Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) has announced it will launch this year’s Biodiversity Barometer in April, promising insights on the growing consumer demand for beauty brands to show evidence of biodiversity responsibility.

Maternity beauty segment ripe for innovative brands

06-Mar-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Opportunities are ripe for cosmetic brands to cater to mother and baby as specific changes pre and post pregnancy sees demand rise for more specialised or natural based formulas.

Swallowfield returns to profit, refocuses strategy on high growth areas

28-Feb-2014 By Simon Pitman

UK-based personal care contract manufacturer Swallowfield says that after returning the business to profitability, it is now refocusing its strategy on high growth areas.

Study suggests general hair conditioner just as effective to get rid of lice

28-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A new study claims that ordinary hair conditioner is just as effective at getting rid of hair lice as specialist nit-removal.

As Shiseido refocuses on Asia, L’Oréal snaps up brands

27-Feb-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

In a mutually beneficial agreement, Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido has announced the sale of two of its luxury beauty brands, Carita and Decléor, to French beauty brand L’Oréal.

Scalp micro-pigmentation to help with hair loss

26-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

A 'Scalp Micro-Pigmentation' treatment is the latest weapon against hair loss, offering sufferers the option of less invasive and perhaps even a faster process of concealing areas of balding or thinning.

L’Oréal amongst experts to deliver workshops at in-cosmetics

21-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Technical and scientific experts from the likes of L’Oréal and Johnson & Johnson will discuss the most up-to-date issues the personal care industry is facing at in-cosmetics’ workshops in Hamburg this April.

UAE continues to make comeback

21-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

In the UAE, investment and new product developments is driving the sector, particularly in the skin care and colour cosmetics segments.

Sneak peek: Induchem introduces its hair growth galvanizer

20-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ahead of the upcoming in-cosmetics event, Induchem has given Cosmetics Design a preview of its Redensyl hair growth activating molecule which will be unveiled at the show.

Lush wins High Court trademark case against Amazon

13-Feb-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Lush’s trademark infringement claim against Amazon’s misuse of its brand has been upheld by the High Court of England and Wales.

Aptar launches dual-action aerosol actuator

13-Feb-2014

Aptar’s ‘Home+Beauty’ division has announced the development of a dual action spray device for cosmetics packaging, in a development they claim will increase consumer comfort.

L’Oréal steps up its biotech business with Evolva collaboration

11-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

French cosmetics maker L’Oréal has upped its biotechnology efforts by announcing it has signed a collaboration agreement with Evolva Holding for the co-development of novel biosynthetic production routes for an undisclosed ingredient with broad applications...

Voice of the Industry

'Copy and tweaking isn’t innovation,' says expert with 20,000 consumer database

11-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

That expert is Jo Fairley, co-founder of the biggest consumer beauty survey, the basis of the first ever successful ‘Beauty Bible’ with the feedback of 20,000 women on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to cosmetics.