Skin care

Frutarom makes 10th acquisition of the year and hints at more…

11-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ingredient supplier Frutarom has kept its acquisition momentum up with its 10th of the year, having purchased 79% of the shares of the Spanish company Nutrafur, who specialise in the research and development and manufacture of speciality natural plant...

Oriflame research identifies key anti-ageing factors for women in Russia

10-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Oriflame research has found that by providing a clear view on the signs of ageing that really matter to Russian women who are aged 40 years old and above, it can then look to develop relevant anti-ageing skin care solutions.

Corbion’s Spanish plant receives approval for L-Lactic acid production for biocidal products

10-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Dutch ingredients supplier Corbion has received approved supplier status under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 (BPR) for the second of its production plants for L-Lactic acid in Spain, meaning its products can be used in biocidal products. 

EC considers a skin lightener and UV filter unsafe for cosmetics use

08-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The European Commission has released its latest Opinion on two cosmetics ingredients, deoxyarbutin and phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine, and says they are not safe for use.

Out-of-date make-up linked to meningitis and septicaemia

08-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A new study which finds that out-of-date make-up could carry serious health risks, serves as a stark warning to consumers to keep cosmetics bags and tools clean and to store products correctly.

Solvay teams up with L'Oréal to promote sustainable practices in India

08-Sep-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Solvay has teamed up with L'Oréal to teach sustainable agricultural practices to guar bean farmers in India - derivatives of which are used in various hair and skin conditioning products.

Physical effects applied with AHA peels improve skin pore and comedone condition

04-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have discovered that applying a 4% alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) solution combined with using water jet pressure, had rapidly improved effects on whiteheads and blackheads on the face, and that combined physical therapy may have more impact on...

Sun tan tattoos don’t have to be harmful if done the self-tan way

04-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ingredient supplier DSM says that the Erythrulose self-tanning enhancement ingredient can meet the demand of people wanting to temporarily ‘tattoo’ their skin, rather than by exposing skin to dangerous levels of sun as has been shown in the recent ‘sunburn...

Oil and clay-based skin care textures on the rise

02-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Mud packs and skin care oils have long been used for their beauty benefits for hundreds of years, and now it seems clay and oil-based skin care is trending in Europe, as consumers are rediscovering age-old beauty secrets for face care.

DSM to make organisational changes to adapt to global market

02-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Royal DSM announces that it is making adjustments to its organisational and operating model as it looks to create a more focused and cost efficient organisation, with a clearer market focus on a global scale; but this will mean job losses.

Givaudan acquires Induchem as Cosmetics Actives strategy continues

01-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Swiss ingredients player Givaudan has continued its efforts to build its science-based active cosmetics ingredients business with the acquisition of Induchem.

Study points to plastic particles found in cosmetics as damaging

01-Sep-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Face scrubs, cosmetics and cleaning products that contain microbeads could be harming the environment and in particular marine life, according to a new study by Plymouth University.

From waste prawn shells to shampoo - scientists develop new polymer

28-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

So you have made a lovely prawn cocktail, but what to do with the waste? Well, scientists have looked into producing shampoo using polymers found in seafood shells in a bit to make the whole process more environmentally friendly.

Beiersdorf working hard to get in shape for summer… 2016

28-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The sun care market is a very competitive one and can be a difficult one to innovate in which is why Beiersdorf is already ramping up its efforts for next year, as CEO Stefan Heidenreich says it has to do more. 

Researchers identify insect repelling compounds in sweetgrass

26-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Most of us have at some point in our lives have had to deal with mosquito and/or insect bites and while investigating potential repellents, researchers have identified two chemicals in sweetgrass that they claim have the same potency as DEET - the most...

Danish Consumer Council claims potential allergens and EDCs in body care products

26-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

According to two new surveys carried out on personal care products in Denmark, the country’s Consumer Council says that one in four body lotions contain allergens or endocrine disruptors (EDCs), whilst it is even higher in hand soaps.

New eye and skin irritation test guidelines for make-up and personal care products

26-Aug-2015 By Deanna Utroske

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has published two novel eye irritation testing protocols and updated several skin testing guidelines.

Bill proposed to phase out animal testing of cosmetics in Russia

25-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Russian MPs have prepared a new cross-party bill, the first of its kind in the country, which aims to phase out all animal testing for cosmetics and their ingredients by 2020.

Scientists develop 'liver-on-chip' device to help with cosmetic product development

25-Aug-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

According to scientists from Israel and Germany, tighter EU regulations prohibiting the use of animals in safety testing, although more humane - is ultimately hindering new cosmetic product development.

Fresh science on anti-aging, from Avon

24-Aug-2015 By Deanna Utroske

Avon researchers have identified two biological factors that make for a more nuanced understanding of why skin changes with time and how lines and wrinkles form.

New database helps formulators quantify long-term ingredient exposure

24-Aug-2015 By Deanna Utroske

Just how much personal care and cosmetics product are loyal consumers in contact with? That’s what a team of researchers from the US and Europe – including two pros from P&G – set out to discover.   

Wellness trend helps turn professional skin care around in Europe

21-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The trend for consumers to be fitter and healthier is one of the biggest influences helping the professional skin care market show signs of recovery, with Germany and the UK as the driving regions at present.

Black henna temporary tattoo? The skin damage could be permanent…

21-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The British Skin Foundation and the Cosmetics Toiletry and Perfumery Association have warned consumers against getting ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos (BHTT) that you may see on holiday or at festivals as they could damage the skin for life.

Researchers develop PDMS elastomers that could have cosmetics application

19-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A team of polymer physicists and chemists has developed a way to create an ultra–soft yet dry silicone rubber that although is intended for medical use, could also be of interest to the cosmetics industry.

What the new Brazilian biodiversity regulation means to cosmetics companies

17-Aug-2015 By Simon Pitman

With a new Brazilian regulation aiming to generate more research and cultivation of indigenous plant species, cosmetics companies look set to benefit but will also be expected to foot the bill.

Nestlé Skin Health records strong performance as skin care innovation flourishes

14-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Innovation drove a good performance for in its Skin Health business as Nestlé saw sales increase in the first half of the year, although profits dipped.

Belcorp study looks at efficacy of hot and cold moisturising formulations on skin water content

13-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A study carried out by beauty firm Belcorp and a university in Colombia has found that hot and cold formulations make effective moisturizers and that the effect of hot formulation in the superficial layers of the skin was greater and longer in time than...

Infographic

Brits need more education on sun care as study reveals sun burn worries

12-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

British consumers are not completely sure what sunscreen labels mean and younger adults are less likely to ever wear sunscreen in their home nation, as sun burn is often shrugged off.

Public consultation on MI in leave-on cosmetics announced

11-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The European Commission announces a public consultation on Methylisothiazolinone (MI) used in cosmetic products with a decision expected in October.

EC bans eyebrow enhancer in Bulgaria labelling benzalkonium chloride levels as ‘serious risk’

11-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The European Commission has banned an eyebrow enhancer from being sold in Bulgaria after finding that it does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as it contains high levels of the cationic surfactant benzalkonium chloride.

Safety First! How consumers read beauty and personal care labels

11-Aug-2015 By Deanna Utroske

A newly released Harris Poll shows that well over half of women shopping for beauty and personal care products read the label before making a selection and that many are looking for formulations that exclude particular ingredients.

Study points to new active compound that could control body odour

11-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have found that the cyclic oligosaccharide beta-cyclodextrin is capable of interacting with different components in sweat and body secretion and this could position it as an active for use in body care formulations and deodorants.

Shiseido finds licorice extract and facial exercises stop skin sagging

07-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Having studied how the loss of dermal anchoring structures leads to skin sagging, Shiseido has discovered that exercises to contract and relax facial muscles can stimulate fibroblasts to prevent this, and a licorice extract can be used as the active ingredient...

New Google Glass to colour match using technology from skin tone app

06-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Google has turned to Techkon to provide the know-how to allow the new version of its Glass products to capture and match specific colours, based on the technology used in the German firm’s ‘Catch Your Skin Tone’ app which matches consumers with cosmetics...

Is anti-sweat make-up the next beauty niche?

05-Aug-2015 By Simon Pitman

In recent months both Bobbi Brown and a new player, Sweat Cosmetics, have launched make-up ranges with anti-sweat claims.

Research suggests skin damage from UV radiation is reversible

05-Aug-2015 By Simon Pitman

A team of researchers based at the John Hopkins University in Baltimore believe they may have found proof that photoaging damage from ultraviolet radiation could be reversed.

Fraunhofer refines method to analyse nanoparticles in cosmetics

05-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

German research institute Fraunhofer has developed a process to calculate the nanoparticles in sunscreens and cosmetics by advancing and refining an existing method.

Evonik expands global cosmetics R&D focus

05-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Evonik has made moves to globalise its research and development venture for the cosmetic industry with the opening of new facilities in South Africa, Singapore, and Brazil.

Nordic natural market boosted by consumer spending based on environmental concerns

04-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Nordic consumers take ethical and environmental concerns very seriously when it comes to cosmetics and personal care products and this is helping to drive the market forward.

Moisturising cream better for dermal absorption of hyaluronic acid, says study

04-Aug-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A research team in Poland has suggested that moisturising creams rather than ointments are better to carry hyaluronic acid for dermal absorption as they contain more water meaning the formulation is more stable.

All-natural sunscreen developed from algae to tackle pollution issue

03-Aug-2015 By Simon Pitman

A team of global scientists claim they have come up with a natural-based sunscreen that has been inspired by the strategy fish, algae and microorganisms develop as a means of UV protection.

Microalgae-derived betaine surfactant hits the market

29-Jul-2015 By Deanna Utroske

BASF has commercialized algal betaine as a personal care ingredient made with Solazyme’s AlgaPūr microalgae oils that’s intended for use in skin care and hair care formulations.

Scientists develop inorganic IR blockers to help protect against skin ageing

28-Jul-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A team of researchers have found that using metal oxide-coating PMMA or Talc as a new infrared blocker inhibits IR-induced decrease of collagens in the skin which could lead to further anti-ageing developments.

Evonik opens new US facility

27-Jul-2015 By Deanna Utroske

The specialty chemicals company cut the ribbon on its Richmond Business and Innovation Center last week, setting the stage for further growth in North America and a new innovations strategy across the Evonik business.

Shiseido enters new skin research agreement with CBRC

23-Jul-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Shiseido has entered into a new collaboration agreement with the dermatology research centre at Massachusetts General Hospital in the US for collaborative research into skin biology as well as efforts to communicate important information about skin protection...

Sirona Biochem skin lightening technology granted patent in Africa

23-Jul-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Sirona Biochem has been granted a patent in Africa for its skin lightening technology specific to TFC-849 and more global patents have been targeted.

Nestlé Skin Health invests in first Asia based hub to support healthy ageing

22-Jul-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

To address the 'under appreciated' needs of an increasingly ageing population, Nestlé Skin Health's innovation hub in Shanghai will look at skin health issues including intense dryness, skin cancer and ageing.

Are sunscreen and sun exposure guidelines unhealthy?

22-Jul-2015 By Deanna Utroske

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to numerous health conditions, and now an organization in Canada is calling for public health groups to advise consumers about the benefits of moderate UV exposure.

Lignin nanoparticles create 'nanobullets' with antibacterial properties

21-Jul-2015 By Simon Pitman

Scientists at North Carolina State University have presented research that points to an effective environmentally-friendly antibacterial agent developed using lignin nanoparticles.

New paper suggests there could be a case for wearing sunscreen indoors

21-Jul-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists in Brazil have suggested that as UVA and UVB rays can penetrate glass and commercial lamps, such as Tungsten and Fluorescent lamps, can also emit small amounts of radiation at certain wavelengths, there could be a case for wearing sunscreen...