Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Frutarom eyes nutricosmetics market with topical and oral use line

29-Jul-2009 - Frutarom is launching a line of new ingredients that aims to tap into growth in the market for formulas that provide cosmetics and supplements as combination products.

Extremolytes form basis for new anti-ageing ingredient

29-Jul-2009 - Jan Dekker has launched an anti-ageing ingredient based on extremolytes that targets a range of skin care and sun care formulations.

Aloe vera gets thumbs up as natural oral care ingredient

28-Jul-2009 - US dental researchers say work they have been conducting into aloe vera suggests that it is an excellent ingredient as a tooth and gum cleaner.

Scientists discover seaweed-based hair dyes

27-Jul-2009 - Scientists in the UK have discovered a seaweed growing off that Shetland Island that could be used to create natural-based hair dyes.

Consumers back nanotech benefits, but remain wary

23-Jul-2009 - A new study has found European consumers think the benefits of nanotechnology outweigh the potential risks, but are concerned about current risk assessment procedures.

Sederma claims ingredient fights against sagging skin

23-Jul-2009 - Fighting against sagging skin is the latest aim of France-based ingredients supplier Sederma with Idealift.

Fragrance allergen levels in baby bathwater of ‘special concern’, say scientists

22-Jul-2009 - The levels of fragrance allergens in baby bathwater are of ‘special concern’ according to Spanish researchers who have developed a method to test the presence of the compounds.

Nano labelling is problematic without universal definition, industry experts

17-Jul-2009 - Without a clear definition, insisting on transparency for nano-containing cosmetics is unhelpful, according to industry insiders.

Chinese flower holds potential as skin lightening ingredient

16-Jul-2009 - An extract from the Asian plant Osmanthus fragrans may be a possible skin lightening ingredient, according to Taiwanese scientists.

Natural sunscreen formulators may suffer under new European UVA regulation

10-Jul-2009 - New European regulations on sunscreens may make it harder for natural formulators to provide high SPF protection products, according to natural brand Lavera.

Environmental watchdog makes an exception for nanoparticles in sunscreens

08-Jul-2009 - The environmental and public health interest group the EWG has decided the benefits of nanoparticles in sunscreens outweigh the risks.

Review questions evidence that muscle rub ingredient is effective

08-Jul-2009 - A new scientific review suggests that there is not enough evidence to prove that rubefacients are effective at relieving muscle pain.

Fish derived collagen could help relieve sensitive skin, study

07-Jul-2009 - An oligosaccharide and a fish derived collagen could provide relief for sufferers of sensitive skin, according to scientists from Rome, Italy.

Arkema and Chemeq to co-manufacture antimicrobial polymer

07-Jul-2009 - Arkema and Australian chemicals supplier Chemeq have signed a manufacturing agreement that will see Arkema supply a new antimicrobial polymer.

Weekly comment

Are consumer watchdog product tests thorough enough?

06-Jul-2009 - A recent spate of disputed consumer watchdog studies on personal care products has raised the question of whether such testing is always thorough enough.

Teeth whitening safer than orange juice, says study

01-Jul-2009 - Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide used in professional and over the counter teeth whitening processes don’t cause significant changes to tooth enamel, according to US researchers.

US watchdog Consumer Reports reflects well on US sunscreens

30-Jun-2009 - US watchdog Consumer Reports tested ten sunscreen products and found that they all met or exceeded their advertised sun protection factor (SPF). This is in contrast to the more scathing report by UK Watchdog Which? on popular sunscreens in Europe.

Alcohol free fragrances could ‘revolutionize’ industry

30-Jun-2009 - Water-based fragrances could ‘revolutionize’ fine fragrance and personal care products, according to Dow Chemical Company.

Symrise launches Ecocert approved active ingredient on sustainable ticket

26-Jun-2009 - Germany-based ingredients manufacturer Symrise is ramping up its eco credentials with the launch of its newly Ecocert approved active containing an ethically sourced ingredient.

Totally natural hair dyes could be on market in two years

25-Jun-2009 - Hair dyes made with only natural ingredients could be on the market in two years, according to research teams at the University of Leeds and speciality chemicals company DyeCat.

Caffeine could help protect against UVB-induced skin damage

24-Jun-2009 - Incorporating caffeine into sun care and after-sun products may help minimize the effects of UV damage and protect against skin cancer, according to US researchers.

Seaweed in cosmetics wins green technology funding

24-Jun-2009 - The Technology Strategy Board has invested in a project to develop skin and hair care products using natural compounds from British seaweed varieties.

Top three stories this week

Botox now being heralded as hair loss remedy

23-Jun-2009 - An aesthetic surgeon claims he has stumbled across a new use for the anti-wrinkle treatment Botox - as a solution for baldness.

Eastman wins government award for green chemistry process

23-Jun-2009 - Eastman has won an EPA green chemistry award for its solvent-free biocatalytic process for cosmetic and personal care ingredients.