Skin care

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.

Beiersdorf R&D head says it’s OK to appreciate external innovations

21-Mar-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Traditionally cosmetics companies have adopted a ‘not invented here’ attitude, but big benefits can be gained from changing to a ‘proudly found elsewhere’ mindset and being open with external partners, says Beiersdorf’s head of research and development.

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.

Screens for skin care – a match made in heaven?

20-Mar-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As the old adage goes: knowledge is power, and as we live in an information-demanding world, mobile devices are becoming more important in connecting with the skin care consumer.

*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.

Belgian skin whiteners found to contain illegal ingredients

18-Mar-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

A recent study carried out by the national Institute of Public Health (ISP) and the Free University of Brussels (VUB) found up to 60% of skin whiteners on the Belgian market to have contained one or more illegal ingredients.

*Cosmetics Vision Special*

Functionality is the top priority when selecting cosmetics ingredients

14-Mar-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Functionality is the top priority when selecting cosmetics ingredients as consumers demand beauty benefits from products above all other criteria.

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.

Research into nanosilver leads scientists to give warning

07-Mar-2014 By Simon Pitman

Nanosilver, found in certain cosmetics and other consumer goods, can penetrate the skin and cause damage, according to a scientific research project carried out in Denmark.

Personal care devices turning to beauty: Braun signs Jessica Alba

07-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Braun’s signing of actress and model Jessica Alba signals that personal care devices are responding to the increasing demand for a ‘beauty’ brand identity.

Schülke & Mayr wins Zemea Innovation Award

06-Mar-2014 By Katie Nichol

German chemicals firm Schülke & Mayr has scooped the Zemea Innovation Award with its sensiva PA 40 additive; an antimicrobial stabilizer blend used in skin care products.

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.

Soliance reveals concept targeting burgeoning multifunctional face mask category

04-Mar-2014 By Simon Pitman

Biotech ingredients suppler Soliance has launched a new concept, multifunctional and customisable face masks, which taps into a number of growing industry trends.

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.

Evocutis sells off skin substitute LabSkin

28-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Clinical research group Venn Life Sciences has acquired the rights to LabSkin, a skin substitute that behaves just like the real thing, as it moves to cater to cosmetics since the sweeping EU ban on animal testing.

EC recommendation published for skin sensitivity test

27-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The European Commission has published its recommendation of Givaudan’s assay for skin sensitivity testing which will, in turn, facilitate scientific discussions at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in view of developing...

Nestlé’s sweet tooth for skin care sees Skin Health subsidiary announced

26-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Food giant Nestlé has something of a sweet tooth for skin care it appears, having acquired full ownership of the Galderma brand from L’Oréal and announces its skin health focus.

Soliance on Givaudan's radar

25-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

As it aims to step further into the skin care segment, Givaudan is in exclusive negotiations to acquire French manufacturer, Soliance.

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.

Seppic, Gattefossé and Nusil win Cosmetagora formulation awards

20-Feb-2014 By Katie Nichol

Cosmetics ingredients suppliers Seppic, Gattefossé and Nusil scooped awards in the Cosmetagora formulation competition, which recognised the most creative cosmetics formulas in terms of concept and texture.

Beauty consequence not cancer risk motivates sunscreen use best in teens

20-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have found that youngsters are more likely to address sun protection behaviour if skin appearance and beauty effects are highlighted as opposed to messages displaying a skin cancer risk.

Mibelle Biochemistry unveils anti-ageing snow algae extract

19-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

An extract of snow algae can protect the skin against environmental stress factors and improve the barrier function and has been developed by Mibelle Biochemistry. Here, Dr Fred Zülli gives Cosmetics Design an exclusive insight.

BASF launches certified sustainable palm oil-based cosmetics ingredients

19-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

BASF has become one of the first suppliers to the European cosmetics and personal care industry to offer its range of ingredients based on certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil, in accordance with the principles and criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable...

Researchers shine new light on molecular changes responsible for skin discoloration

19-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have uncovered the molecular roots of skin discolouration suggesting the possibility of new treatments for pigmentation changes seen in conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

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.

Win-win sustainability with aerosol compression, but can consumers be convinced?

12-Feb-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Both the personal care sector and the consumer are set to gain from a new trend of aerosol compression, giving it the potential to become a particularly lucrative new trend.

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.

Researchers explain how skin cells swell and shrink

07-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Two physicists have explained how skin cells swell and shrink when they absorb water and this could help to treat a number of skin disorders, and to create materials with skin's remarkable properties.

German consumers spend most on cosmetics in Europe

04-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

According to data collated by Space NK, German consumers spend more on colour cosmetics than any other Europeans.

No longer a luxury: package personalisation hits aerosols

04-Feb-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

A new aerosol packaging by developer Sleever has been announced, in a move which confirms that fast-moving consumer goods are moving into late differentiation in packaging.

Bayer unveils in vivo data of latest skin care extracts

31-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Global enterprise Bayer has unveiled two new studies of two of its ingredients created by its Bayer HealthCare Division Serdex group that show good skin soothing and protection properties.

Germany BfR publishes risk assessment of cosmetics

31-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has dedicated a Q&A section on the risk assessment of hazardous substances in cosmetics.

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.

Understanding of natural nanoscale device may be useful for cosmetics

30-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Scientists at Harvard University and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) hope a new understanding of a natural nanoscale photonic device that enables a small marine animal to change its colors will also inspire cosmetic applications.

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.

Flower power: Silab launches peony root anti-ageing ingredient

29-Jan-2014

The upcoming release of Volunage, an anti-ageing active ingredient, has been announced by France-based ingredients developer Silab.

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.

Scientists explain skin regeneration properties of birch bark

28-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists in Germany have explained the wound healing and skin regeneration properties of tree bark which they have put down to one particular extract, betulin, and how it reacts on the skin.

Biotech firm opens German office to meet local market needs

24-Jan-2014

Biotech firm Galactic celebrates its 20th anniversary with the opening of its new office in Germany which will strengthen its position in the local market, and the cosmetics industry it serves.

New forum to benefit the industry as brands invest in microbiomes

24-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

The European leg of the Microbiome R&D Forum is gearing up to inform industry professionals on the opportunities of the microorganism, which can be used in cosmetic preventative treatments, cures, therapies and BFW supplements.

Bioactive peptide to treat ageing from within

23-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Following a study by scientists at the University of Kiel on the effect of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP), Gelita AG has developed an active for BFW products, that it says will reduce wrinkles from the inside out.

Salicylic acid peels CAN be used to treat acne safely, says Aveya

22-Jan-2014

Despite the age-old belief that sufferers of recurring acne should avoid salicylic acid peels due to the chemical reacting badly with the skin, Aveya reps say it is now possible to use in a harmonious way...

Get sun exposure right and your heart may thank you

22-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Far from suggesting that we should expose ourselves to the sun at any given chance and not take proper precautions, a new study has suggested that having some sun exposure may help to reduce blood pressure and thus cut the risk of heart attack and stroke.