Hair care

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.

EU project promises better predictions of cosmetic toxicity

03-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

A project co-funded by the European Commission will develop more effective ways of predicting the toxic effects of cosmetics and hygiene products on the human body.

Asia in Focus

Expert highlights the 'power of the travelling Chinese consumer'

02-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

As the Chinese consumer becomes the number-one luxury spender in the world, our expert reckons US and European prestige brand managers are suddenly paying closer attention to their overseas spending behaviour.

JRC new EU reference for tracing metals in hair

01-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The scientific and technical arm of the European Commission has introduced a new 'Reference Material' that will enable the industry to better assess and monitor the presence of metals in the body.

Scientists develop simulations to better predict fluid flow process in formulations

24-Sep-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

University of Stuttgart researchers have developed a particle simulator that they say can look at how to control and optimize the process of new compounds within the ‘bubble columns’ of raw materials more efficiently then current industry methods.

Study finds theft “one of the biggest issues” affecting Dutch cosmetics industry

20-Sep-2013 By Chris BARKER

Cosmetics theft by gangs of Eastern European criminals is “one of the biggest issues” affecting the Dutch beauty industry, according to a new academic study announced this week.

Colour cosmetics innovation must come from demand says Merck

12-Sep-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

It is vital to listen to customer demand and the latest trends when developing pigments for the cosmetics industry according to ingredients supplier Merck KGaA.

Naturex shoots for “green” breakthrough with University of Avignon

12-Sep-2013 By Chris BARKER

Cosmetics ingredient and flavouring giant Naturex has formed a partnership with the University of Avignon to find environmentally friendly ways of extracting natural ingredients.

It is time for hair care manufacturers to recognise African consumer needs

11-Sep-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As numbers grow and demand heightens, it is time for hair care manufacturers to better serve African consumers worldwide, according to a new market report.

Mintel rubbishes male grooming is stagnant as research reveals it's on the up

11-Sep-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The number of personal care launches specifically targeted at men have increased globally by 70 per cent over the past six years as more men incorporate grooming into their routine, and brands rise to meet their specific needs with better placed products...

Beauty focus sees new DSM brand identity

10-Sep-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ingredients supplier DSM has refocused its beauty business to better position itself in the cosmetics and personal care market and claims a new brand identity will help it to better connect with customers and consumers.

UPDATE: EC moves to restrict MCI and MI

04-Sep-2013

The European Commission has announced its intention to restrict the use of the ingredients methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) to rinse-off cosmetics products.

CLP product-based laws - how they are likely to affect you!

04-Sep-2013

The reclassification of the old European Directive to the new GHS-based system in terms of labeling and packaging of cosmetics substances could change the downstream use of that substance for the industry.

First forum to combine colour metrology & pigment advancements focus

29-Aug-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Organisers of the 'Pigment and Colour Science Forum' say they will for the first time, provide a platform for all segments of the pigment sector, after professionals in the area highlighted a lack of connection across the departments.

Hair care gets a kick start from major focus on innovation

27-Aug-2013 By Simon Pitman

Hair care has seemed to stand in the shadows of the skin care category for years, but formulation innovation and enhanced product development is bringing it up to speed, and fast.

Ingredient manufacturers seeing hair care boost from anti-ageing trend

21-Aug-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

It is no surprise that the latest trend in hair care has been influenced by its skin care cousin as anti-ageing properties are now taking over shampoos, conditioners and serums, and helping boost ingredient manufacturers.