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A scientific study has shown that artificial musk fragrance can increase sensitivity to toxins in mussels, indicating possible implications for human health. Simon Pitman reports on the findings and industry's reaction.
Two new resins designed for a variety of cosmetic and personal care packaging applications have been launched by Equistar Chemicals, part of Lyondell Chemical based in the US.
Crown Risdon, one of the leading packaging providers to the US personal care industry, has supplied the caps and collars for the new Liz Claiborne Spark Seduction EDP and EDT fragrance packages.
Inamed a global health care company, and its partner Ipsen, a European pharmaceutical group, are to distribute rights of Ipsen's botulinum toxin Type A product in selected international markets, including Europe.
Karlshamns' business sector Lipids for Care is to take over responsibility for sales and marketing of Danisco's emulsifiers to the cosmetic industry from 1 February 2005.
Leading UK and international retailer Boots has reported that sales for its mainstay toiletries division have fallen by 0.8 per cent due to a price discounting strategy. The results reflect the increasingly competitive retail environment for cosmetic products in the most popular categories.
A scientific panel working for the European Commission has called on cosmetic companies to prove that tea tree oil is safe to use in topical cosmetic applications, writes Simon Pitman.
Nicara a recent UK start up skincare company, has launched a new range of spa products, based on natural botanical ingredients. The range is further evidence of the further growth of this small but increasingly popular ingredients group.
US Cosmetics giant MAC has confirmed that singer Diana Ross has signed up to promote the company's 2005 Beauty Icon launch. The deal comes after the singer allegedly postponed signing the contract because she was not happy with aspects of the new range.
Inter Parfums has reported a better than expected sales performance for the fourth quarter and full year 2004. The company said that favourable currency exchange and it Burberry branded fragrances were the main reason for the result, but added costs meant that profits should remain steady.
Chemicals specialist Orgasynth is increasing its presence in the flavours and fragrance sector following the recent acquisition of Floressence. The company says it now plans to sell its colourants division and increase its focus on the cosmetics and perfume segment in a bid to increase growth prospects.
Riding the growing trend towards health and wellness in cosmetics, global ingredients provider Cognis says that this is becoming a growing focus for the types of ingredients its Care Chemicals division is providing to cosmetic companies for skin care products.
As a new report backs up growing evidence that companies' IT spend budgets are continuing to expand in an effort to incorporate RFID tagging, the latest word from global retailers is that implementation will take time.
Cosmeceuticals, or supplements that target skin health and beauty, are seeing fast growth in Europe since emerging as a new concept but much of the growth so far has come from a handful of brands, reports Dominique Patton.
Takasago International, one of the leading global flavours and fragrance groups, has established a new division in Shanghai aimed at expanding its manufacturing and retail presence in China as well cutting costs.
A caffeine extract has proved to be an effective ingredient in a topical hair loss prevention shampoo treatment, research suggests. Believed to be the only remedy to use this ingredient, the makers claim that huge concentrations can help prevent testosterone from damaging hair growth.
In the US a woman lawyer is suing two cosmetic companies, including global leader Estee Lauder, over what is said to be false advertising claims relating to anti-ageing products marketed by the company.
Stable Micro Systems has launched a new automated texture analysis device which is claimed to increase productivity and improve cost-effectiveness for higher volume, repetitive quality testing applications - an answer to growing demands for greater product quality control.
US pressure group The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, is claiming victory after L'Oréal, Revlon and Unilever confirmed they have eliminated certain toxic chemicals from their products, in a move that has drawn attention to the differences between US and European cosmetic ingredients legislation.
The cosmetics and personal care sector is being driven by health awarenes, spurred on by both the media and governments. A recent report on the subject suggests that the line between cosmetic and medical products will become increasingly blurred in the future.
German health and beauty care manufacturer Beiersdorf has reported marginally better than expected results for the fourth quarter and financial year 2004, reflecting the success of its lengthy restructuring project.
Parlux Fragrances has acquired exclusive worldwide licensing rights relating to the XOXO fragrance brand, in a move that aims to re-launch the high-end brand in time for Valentines day gift buying.
Croda Personal Care has launched a biomimetic hair care ingredient that offers lipid replenishment for damaged hair to help restore moisture and conditioning.
Active ingredients have long been the focus for anti-ageing products, but now many of the cosmetics giants are beginning to place an increasing emphasis on increasingly sophisticated delivery systems in an effort to improve efficacy.
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a set of guidelines advising cosmetic companies how they can alert consumers to the dangers of skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light when using cosmetics containing alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs).
Contrary to many reports that men's grooming is a major boom sector a recent report indicates that British men are more interested in keeping the contents of their bathroom cabinets down to a minimum. Simon Pitman reports.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cranked up the volume in 2004, with most of the major global retail companies, including many of the leading players in the personal care and cosmetics industry, making significant investments in the technology.
With clinics in the UK reporting a huge influx of clients seeking Botox treatments in the run up to Christmas, specialists are now reporting that an increasing number of younger people are now using it as a preventative treatment. Simon Pitman reports.
US-based Dermalogica is moving to new corporate headquarters incorporating both research and development as well as training facilities.
Proctor & Gamble has specified Airspray instant-foam dispensing technology for its Pampers Kandoo range in the US, the third P&G product line to use the technology.
In Poland, strong economic growth, low taxes and accession to the European Union have helped to attract increasing levels of investment from leading cosmetic and personal care companies looking to increase their footing in Europe's emerging markets. But as the Zlotty continues to strengthen questions arise as to how much longer investment levels will continue to rise. Simon Pitman reports.
Biotechnology specialist Proteus has collaborated with Degussa to develop a thermostable esterase biocatalyst that is said to provide new applications for poorly soluble ingredients used in cosmetic applications.
Luzenac Group, the leading France-based talc producer, has announced the extension of its business unit organisation model worldwide, from the beginning of this year. The four new global business units are centred on Luzenac's core markets, which will give a new grouping providing enhanced global reach for the company's personal care activities.
Proctor & Gamble says that it is developing a new formula for a baby balm it produces that has been linked to several cases of cramp. In the meantime, the product, which has sold 4 million jars since its launch in Europe back in 2001, will remain off shop shelves.
Alberto-Culver says its Beauty Systems Group has completed the acquisition of CosmoProf, a professional beauty products distributor based in California, US.
Kruzas Nordic Cosmetics Distribution, a new cosmetics distribution company serving the Baltic states and Russia, went into operation from 1 January, 2005. An amalgamation of two existing distribution companies, it is aiming to be the dominant player in the Baltic market.
France-based Dermscan has signed a new partnership agreement withCIDC, Centre International de Développement Clinique - the International Centre forClinical Development. The move gives the company a panel of multiethnic volunteers for the conduct of cosmetic and pharmaceutical studies.
Nimbus Group has entered into a letter of intent with Fragex, a French developer of cosmetics and fragrances for major international brands based in Paris, to acquire a 51 per cent majority stake in the French company, in a move that will see it expand its presence in the European market.
Baltic Cosmetic Holding has been established by a capital company to muscle in ton the rapidly growing and highly profitable beauty service markets of the Baltic States and is eyeing expansion on the Russian market.
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