Hair care

Innospec appoints new sales director for personal care

31-Jan-2014

Speciality chemicals manufacturer Innospec has appointed Johathan Treen as sales director of personal care for its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

Indena launches new hair strengthening plant extract

30-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ingredients supplier Indena is launching its latest hair product utilising the herbaceous centella plant following the results of its clinical study which shows it improves hair follicle resistance.

Last call for Beiersdorf Innovation Pitch entries

30-Jan-2014

Personal care giant Beiersdorf is urging any remaining candidates for their Innovation Pitch to get applications in before tomorrow’s deadline.

Researchers convert adult cells to hair generating stem cells to beat the bald

30-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

In news that may please the follicly challenged among us, researchers have come up with a method to convert adult cells into epithelial stem cells for the first time.

Quest for green sustains naturals market in Western Europe

28-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

According to market researcher Frost & Sullivan, the natural and organic cosmetics market in Western Europe will rise to $800 million by 2017.

L’Oréal reiterates sustainability importance with ‘zero deforestation’ commitment

15-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

L’Oréal has reiterated its commitment to sustainability by announcing that it has put a ‘zero deforestation’ rule in place when sourcing raw materials.

SEPPIC launches totally natural solubilizer

15-Jan-2014 By Simon Pitman

SEPPIC has launched a totally natural solubilizer, tapping into formulator requirements to achieve natural and organic formulations with a high lower overall carbon footprint.

Hair loss problem? the industry steps up innovation...

10-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Hair loss remains a problem for many, but there have been major advances in the area of treatments, particularly in the last year that suggest it could soon be a thing of the past. Here's what the cosmetics industry has been working on...

PZ Cussons wins the claim game as ads are backed up with detailed evidence

09-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

All too often cosmetics companies are picked out for making misleading claims in adverts, but this time PZ Cussons recorded a resounding victory after producing detailed evidence to back up all claims made.

Naturex bolsters LatAm presence with acquisition of Quillaja producer

09-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Naturex has reinforced its position in Latin America with the acquisition of a majority stake in Chile Botanics; a company that produces Quillaja extracts used in the cosmetics industry among others.

Stem cell answer to beat the bald

06-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A trio of studies have delved into the regeneration of hair follicles and described some of the factors that determine when hair grows, when it stops growing and when it falls out.

Hair loss development as pathway found that can prompt or limit growth

18-Dec-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The hair loss world has witnessed a new development after scientists identified a molecular pathway that can be activated to prompt hair growth of dormant hair follicles, or blocked to prevent growth of unwanted hair.

Cosmetics Europe warns manufacturers to eliminate MIT

18-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

Beauty industry trade body Cosmetics Europe has recommended that manufacturers eliminate the preservative MIT from all leave-on skin products.

UAE authority launches public health campaign against ‘dangerous’ cosmetics salons

17-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

The public health department of Al Ain has launched an awareness campaign after a spate of illegal and dangerous cosmetics have been discovered on sale in salons.

Formulation funding set to deliver huge boost to the cosmetics sector

13-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The UK’s Technology Strategy Board has awarded over £9.2 (€10.9) million to industries including the cosmetics sector to advance their capabilities in formulation and R&D areas.

ASA crackdowns: the brands that found themselves on the naughty list this year

12-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Cosmetics companies are still getting caught out for misleading claims in the UK and some of the top players were the biggest offenders this year. Let’s take a look at where they went wrong...

Datamonitor: Dandruff flakes and anti-ageing driving hair care market

04-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

A new global report from market researcher, Datamonitor Consumer highlights the fact that anti-ageing and anti-dandruff are becoming increasingly important sectors in hair care.

EC makes amendments to hair dye regulation

03-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The European Commission has announced its decision to amend Annex III of the cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament in its Official Journal. 

Greentech develops new ingredient targeting dandruff reduction

28-Nov-2013 By Simon Pitman

France-based Greentech has developed a new natural-based ingredient, Dandrilys, that aims to reduce dandruff and rejuvenate the overall look of the hair and scalp.

Euromonitor highlights how cosmetics companies can reach middle class outside of BRIC

27-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

A report by market research firm Euromonitor reveals the methods and strategies which companies can adopt in order to reach the growing middle class in emerging markets.

New natural ingredient boosts genetics to build skin firmness

27-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

Israeli company IBR has announced the release of a new extract for skin and hair care which works with the user’s genes to boost the structure and growth of cells.

SCCS gives opinion on thioglycolic acid

26-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The European Commission has appointed its’ scientific committee to look into the use of thioglycolic acid used on eyelashes, in depilatories and hair rinse-off products.

Guest Blog

Future Beauty Trends: Finding the right target

25-Nov-2013 By Imogen Matthews

The recent Beauty Futures Forum conducted by trends forecasting agency 'The Future Laboratory' identified what we can expect next in terms of original concepts and different ways of targeting beauty consumers post-recession. Here, our expert...

Shiseido moves into Middle Eastern market with Dubai base

22-Nov-2013

The Japanese hair care and cosmetics producer has revealed its plans to capitalize on the Middle East’s ‘market potential’ by investing in a Dubai based division.

L’Oreal to target ‘sixth continent’ with new travel retail division

22-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

L’Oreal has announced the creation of an expanded group Travel Retail Division to target the ‘sixth continent’ of worldwide travelers.

Mintel: “Buying British” dwindles as Brazilian beauty fuelled by World Cup

21-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

Brazilian cosmetics are expected to make a bigger impact in the UK than British brands in the lead-up to the 2014 World Cup, according to a report by the market research firm Mintel.

Toxicity modelling could replace 'trial and error' animal testing

21-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

A team of researchers from a Liverpool university has developed a new computational model which could potentially predict the toxicity of cosmetics ingredients better than "trial-and-error" animal testing.

L’Oréal turns attention to testing alternatives in China as it ramps up regional business

20-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As the biggest cosmetics company in the world, and one of the most active in China, with new plans announced to ramp up operations further, L’Oréal has come under scrutiny over its stance of doing business in a country that requires animal testing on...

Unilever furthers palm oil commitment, now it’s time for industry

19-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever has announced a significant move in its journey to accelerate market transformation towards sustainable palm oil, stating that by the end of 2014, all of the palm oil it buys globally will be traceable to known...

“Human lung” model developed to replace animal testing

15-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

Researchers at a Welsh university have developed a human tissue model of the lung which can be used to detect the toxicity of cosmetics to humans without the need for animal testing.

First event of its kind rewards cosmetic brands digital efforts

15-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

An event dedicated to recognising beauty brands efforts on the digital platform has seen Lancôme and Dove take home top prizes and big players like Coty and L'Oreal reveal how they are best connecting with the online consumer.

Tricking biological clock could boost microalgae production

14-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A group of scientists have discovered a way to trick algae's biological clock to remain in its daytime setting, which dramatically boosts the amount of valuable compounds that the marine plants can produce when they are grown in constant light.

Plants and fungi become inspiration of latest Latvian anti-ageing research

12-Nov-2013 By Chris Barker

Biologists from the University of Latvia have kick-started a new project aiming to research several new anti-ageing ingredients which can be derived from natural substances like plants and fungi.

Guys, losing your hair? It could be gravity’s fault…

06-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A plastic surgeon in Turkey claims that the effects of gravity may explain the apparently paradoxical effects of testosterone in male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia (AGA).

Anti-ageing to drive hair care sales with UK heading Euro-charge

06-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Anti-ageing has long been a driving trend in the skin care market and is now making its presence felt in the hair care segment as consumers look to products to make them look younger.

Symrise green lab to focus on synthesis of new molecules

31-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The German flavour and fragrance manufacturer is opening a catalysis laboratory that it says will focus on advancing its strategic research focus in green chemistry and investigating the synthesis of new molecules.

Method developed to counter act allergenic compounds in perfume

31-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

A doctoral thesis from the University of Gothenburg has revealed a new method of dealing with the problem of allergenic compounds in perfumes and fragrances.

Diagonal Reports shines spotlight on future beauty market

31-Oct-2013 By Katie Nichol

New research from market intelligence firm Diagonal Reports highlights that small yet significant consumer groups are influencing the beauty agenda worldwide, and ingredients and formulations are subject to increased scrutiny.

Experts note 'reviving tradition' as key for luxury consumers

30-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

French communication agency Carlin International has revealed a shift in consumer expectations and culture with 'Generation Y’ when it comes to the world of luxury, which is initiating new strategic creative paths for brands.  

UPDATE: L’Oreal's CEO reveals brand is looking at all scenarios

30-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The future of Nestle’s 29% stake in L’Oreal has been a hot topic of late, with various industry analysts weighing in on potential scenarios. Now CEO Jean-Paul Agon speaks out on the matter, revealing that whilst Nestle is in ‘control’, the cosmetics company...

L’Oreal enters the mobile age with new CRM solution

23-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

L’Oreal Active Cosmetics has increased its strategic flexibility by investing in a new CRM system which will allow it to improve relations with customers.

New remote-control eyeshadow turns women into superheroes

23-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

A Brazilian Phd student has turned women into 'superheroes' by creating re-purposed beauty products which can also be used to control digital devices.

Are we approaching sustainability in the wrong way?

22-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Call it a buzzword, call it a trend, call it a responsibility. Sustainability has long been at the forefront of consumer goods markets; but now a number of cosmetics industry professionals are questioning whether it is being approached from the right...

Synthetic tea tree oil puts both cosmetics consumers and genuine suppliers at risk, producer claims

22-Oct-2013 By Simon Pitman

Synthetic and uncertified tea tree oil has been flooding the market for years now, and is cropping up in cosmetic products worldwide causing big problems for both consumers and manufacturers, a leading supplier of the ingredient claims.

L’Oréal paves the way to acquire two brands from Shiseido

18-Oct-2013 By Simon Pitman

L’Oréal has confirmed a draft agreement that will see it acquire the Decléor and Carita professional skin care brands from Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido.

Sarkozy/ L’Oreal corruption case dropped

11-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

French magistrates have dropped their investigation into charges that the former French President had manipulated extracting campaign pledges from L'Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt back in 2007.

Brazil increases demand for Spanish cosmetics

10-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Spanish cosmetics are continuing to rise in terms of popularity with Brazilian consumers as exports went up by 45% in 2012 and deals between Spanish brands and Brazilian suppliers are on the rise.

Euromonitor: Growing hunger for luxury cosmetics

09-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

Research by Euromonitor International has shown a global hunger for super premium cosmetics and other luxury products.

P&G announces first permanent hair dye molecule with reduced allergy risk

08-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Procter & Gamble’s new ME+ molecule is the first hair dye to provide full permanent colour performance & colour spectrum with reduced risk of developing allergy.

EU-developed active ingredients are decreasing...

08-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

According to the ECPA, the EU needs to unlock its innovation potential with active ingredients after finding the share of global crop R&D decreased in markets from 33% in the 80s to only 16% today.