Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging in EuropeUS edition

Headlines > January 2012

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31-Jan-2012

Evonik develops silicone conditioning agent

Evonik Industries, a manufacturer of organomodified silicones has developed a silicone emulsion conditioning agent for hair that serves additional benefits such as heat protection and colour retention.

Avon vice chairman let go in wake of bribery probe

Avon Products has confirmed in an SEC filing that its vice chairman Charles Cramb has been fired following ongoing investigations into bribery centred on its China operations.

S&P downgrades outlook for US personal care

Standard & Poor’s says its outlook for the credit quality of personal care is now slightly negative, indicating that growth and investment potential for the area is likely to be curbed.

News in brief

Unipex awarded at in-cosmetics Asia

Unipex’s ingredient Capixyl, designed to help reduce hair loss and stimulate new hair growth has been awarded the bronze prize at in-cosmetics Asia.

Sustainable skin care ingredients on the agenda as Aquapharm and ABT team up

Scottish and Nordic scientists have joined forces as Aquapharm and Aqua Bio Technology (ABT) aim to create a new generation of sustainable ingredients for the skin care market.

30-Jan-2012

Red mangrove extract is more potent than vitamin C, says expert

According to cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Oscar Hevia, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) tests have revealed the antioxidant strength from the red mangrove plant to be more potent than vitamin C.

P&G results hit by weak US markets, forecast reduced on strong dollar

Although Procter & Gamble’s second quarter results were buoyed by a strong performance in the developing markets, slower consumer spend in the US market holds back growth.

27-Jan-2012

China ingredients register gives counterfeiters opportunities

Since the 2008 advent of compulsory ingredients registration in China the initiative has made doing business more complex and also opened up the door to counterfeiters, according to Campo Research.

News in brief

IFSCC dish out awards at conference in Bangkok

In December, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Thailand hosted the IFSCC Conference despite floods in and around Bangkok. At the Gala Banquet, Conference Awards were presented to authors of innovative research papers that contributed to the industry in 2011.

Unilever steps up Brylcreem ops in India as expansion march continues

Personal care giant Unilever has entered into an agreement with its Indian subsidiary as it aims to expand its Brylcreem brand into the region.

NZ study finds detectable levels of heavy metals in ‘low cost’ lipsticks

New Zealand’s Ministry of Health have found detectable levels of leachable cadmium, chromium and lead in lipsticks sold at discount stores in a study that also revealed low cost hair dyes potentially breaching amended regulation.

26-Jan-2012

Naturex eyes Asian acquisitions as 2011 sales jump 12%

With 2011 sales jumping 12.3%, the world’s biggest botanical extracts specialist says it will acquire 4-5 companies in 2012, with negotiations advancing with an Asian target.

Study underlines skin anti-aging efficacy of French maritime bark extract

A new study claims to show that a natural supplement containing French maritime pine bark extract improved skin hydration and elasticity in women.

Hair care silicon compound PDMS poses no environmental or health risk says ECETOC

In its latest report, the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) has found that polydimethylsiloxanes used in hair products pose no environmental or human health risk.

Beiersdorf’s European sales continue to tumble, but profits beat expectations

Beiersdorf’s preliminary full year sales show that the consumer division has been steady, boosted by developing markets but let down by European sales, but profits beats expectations on the back of restructuring.

Research links ‘contact dermatitis’ to cosmetic ingredients

Spanish scientists at Valencia’s University Hospital have uncovered a link between contact dermatitis and cosmetics. Allergens found to be most responsible were methylisothiazolinone (19 per cent), paraphenylenediamine (15.2 per cent), and fragrance mixtures (7.8 per cent).

News in brief

Shiseido targets sales in Tunisia as it ups its African presence

Global cosmetics firm Shiseido has announced it will start doing business in the Republic of Tunisia in February, with plans to begin selling its global brand there through upmarket cosmetics stores.

Danish ingredients manufacturer seeks anti-ageing answer in an apple

Aarhus-based Phytage ApS has entered an agreement with the Polish Academy of Sciences to develop research into a compound of the common apple tree which shows several significant indications for improvement of the skin.

25-Jan-2012

Not investing properly in foreign markets could damage brand, says expert

In an exclusive interview with CosmeticsDesign.com USA, Dr. Alain Khaiat advises companies investing in the Asian Pacific market that, “It’s the brand that is at risk of being damaged if the distributor does not do everything properly.”

Brands rewarding consumer engagement is best social media tactic says Mintel

Brands using social media to connect with consumers have been urged to up their game after a new study from market analyst Mintel revealed that consumers are more likely to engage with a brand if they get something in return.

News in brief

L’Oréal teams up with YouTube for latest marketing project

In its latest marketing stunt, cosmetics giant L’Oréal has turned to video sharing site YouTube appealing to consumers to help promote its products.

Colipa changes name to Cosmetics Europe to better reflect geographic reach

Cosmetics Europe is the new name chosen by the members board of the European cosmetic industry association, now formerly known as Colipa.

Hair dye labelling discrepancies found in Finland

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) has withdrawn five hair dye products from the market and noted labelling deficiencies in seven others following a surveillance project carried out in Finland.

Symrise develops an alternative conditioning preservative

Symrise has launched SymOcide PS, a synergistic mixture of phenoxyethanol and 1, 2-alkanediol, recommended as an alternative to caprylyl glycol blends, (a hair and skin conditioning agent) particularly in cases where they cause stability or viscosity issues in emulsions.

24-Jan-2012

Exposure to phthalates may promote childhood obesity – study

Researchers from The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York claim to have found further evidence linking childhood obesity to the chemical group phthalates.

Study suggests vitamin E is the answer to reducing photo-induced skin damage

Italian scientists have found that the use of a new topical formulation containing vitamin E is effective and shows promise in reducing photo-induced damage.

HSI calls on EU to spend Horizon 2020 budget to improve research and testing

Humane Society International/Europe (HSI) is urging the European Union to lead the world in research and testing as it kicks off discussions on how to spend its €80bn Horizon 2020 research funding budget; a decision which could have a big effect on the cosmetics sales ban deadline in 2013.

News in brief

Stephenson Personal Care secures Soil Association certification

UK-based Stephenson Personal Care has been listed by the Soil Association for its range of polymers to be used in organic formulations.

Reef sponges have potential to bring new developments to the industry

“Marine sponges (Porifera) produce many substances that could contribute to the development of new cosmetics”, says Dr. Jasper de Goeij in an exclusive interview with CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.

Unilever broadens personal care portfolio with brand extensions

As part of ambitious plans to increase its footprint in the cosmetic and personal care market, Unilever has recently announced a number of significant brand extensions to broaden its portfolio.

23-Jan-2012

News in brief

EC sets up new Cosmetic Products Notification Portal to better serve industry

The European Commission launched a new web portal for cosmetic products - the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) – aimed at being a one stop shop for the industry to submit information about the products placed on the EU market.

People on the move

People on the move: cosmetics jobs

Cosmetics Design presents it latest round up of the movers and shakers in the cosmetics industry, including appointments at Bell, LVMH and Unicep Packaging.

20-Jan-2012

IIVS expands Program in support of animal testing alternatives in cosmetics

The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) will expand its international outreach program having recognised the need to drive regulatory change in those countries that still require animal testing for cosmetic and personal care products.

News in brief

Unilever investment leads to upgraded credit rating for Kalina

Standard and Poor’s has announced that it has raised its Russia national scale credit rating on cosmetics producer and distributor Concern Kalina to 'ruAA+' from 'ruA+' following the support shown by Unilever.

OLEOS uncovers extract harvested by bees for anti-aging

Oleos has carried out an eco-extraction process on waxes, vitamins, acids and unsaponifiable matter from Propolis, a resinous substance harvested by bees that contains anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle properties.

PCHi to throw spotlight on the all-important China market

The PCHi event is set to open its doors in Shanghai, China on 27th February, providing a window in on one of the world’s fastest growing and evolving cosmetic and personal care markets.

19-Jan-2012

In-cosmetics Asia draws strong attendance, despite being rescheduled

Reed Exhibitions, organizers of the in-cosmetics Asia event claim that nearly 4,000 attendees made the event a success, in spite of the fact that it had to be re-scheduled due to the threat of floods.

Researchers work to regulate inhalation risk from cosmetic spray

A group of German scientists from industry institutions like Procter and Gamble and L‘Oreal have published a review paper on how to assess possible inhalation risk from cosmetic spray products.

IFF to realign fragrance business and cut jobs

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has announced its latest strategic initiative designed to strengthen its global go-to-market capabilities and realign its Fragrance Business Unit, but this will mean job cuts across the business.

Scientists showcase skin and photo ageing benefits of zinc as cosmetics agent

Scientists in Japan have shown that zinc salt of l-pyrrolidone carboxylate (zinc PCA) is a promising topical agent not only for prevention of intrinsic skin ageing but also for that of photo ageing by controlling the balance between the synthesis and degradation of the dermal collagen.

News in brief

Evocutis opens new lab to aid development of animal testing alternative

UK-based Evocutis has announced it will open a new dedicated Skin Histology Laboratory at its site in Wetherby, Yorkshire.

18-Jan-2012

Cosmetics Compact

Cosmetics Compact: Avon, L'Oréal, Unilever, Packaging and more...

Welcome to the Cosmetics Design Compact, brushing up on the latest industry news – in miniature.

News in brief

Active Concepts goes solar

Raw materials supplier Active Concepts has reinforced its commitment to sustainability and local environmental issues having completed the conversion of its Lincolnton, North Carolina facility to Solar Power.

Silab reveals active ingredient that improves the skin’s condition

Silab has developed Nachyline, rich in purified Torulaspora delbrueckii (yeast) which is said to speed up cohesive and stratified epidermal structuring and improve the barrier function and condition of the skin’s surface.

Protection emerging as No.1 sun care trend in Western Europe

Sun care is fast becoming a key topic this year and as consumers become more educated on the potential dangers of sun exposure, protection has emerged as a key trend to drive the market in Western Europe.

DS Smith expands footprint in recycled packaging

UK-based DS Smith, a major player in the European market for Returnable Transport Packaging, has announced the €1.6bn acquisition of recycled packaging operations of Sweden-based Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA).

17-Jan-2012

News in brief

Lipotec continues expansion strategy with opening of US subsidiary

Ingredients supplier Lipotec has increased its US presence by opening a subsidiary, Lipotec LLC, as part of the company' strategy expansion and commitment to the market.

Social media and mobile marketing sparks growth of couponing and discounting

Although social media and mobile strategies are revolutionizing the marketing of cosmetic and personal care products, this trend is leading to growth in couponing and price promotions, notes market researcher Kline.

Euromonitor: skin care the key to unlocking Middle East market

As the Middle Eastern cosmetics market experiences an upturn in fortunes, the skin care segment holds the largest growth potential, according to market analyst Euromonitor.

AkzoNobel expands production capacity as growth strategy continues

Amsterdam-based AkzoNobel has expanded its production capacity of dimethylether (DME) at its Rotterdam plant as part of a strategy for growth, with cosmetics named as one of Akzonobel’s key markets for the product.

Brazil, India and China show greatest potential for growth in cosmetics

In light of worrying economic times, a new survey released by the Credit Suisse Research Institute (CSRI) has noted that the cosmetic industry has picked up, driven by three of the four BRIC markets.

16-Jan-2012

News in brief

Mintel appoints new VP for beauty and personal care division

Market research company Mintel has appointed Katie Gross as its new president and VP of the beauty and personal care division in Canada and the United States.

Shrimp derivative shown to aid skin permeation of green tea catechins

Chitosan microparticles, commonly derived from the shell of shrimp and other sea crustaceans, have been shown to significantly improve the ability of certain antioxidants to permeate the skin.

13-Jan-2012

Study finds no link between deodorant use and breast cancer

New research in England has found that there is no link between the use of underarm cosmetics and breast cancer, and has suggested that as parabens are measurable in the tissue of women who do not use these products, they must enter the breast from other sources.

Borealis launches cost-effective and sustainable PP bottle

The provider of plastic solutions is taking transparency in extrusion blow moulded polypropylene bottles to a new level with the launch of Borclear, its new PP grade that is to create cost-efficiency and sustainable advantages for the industry.

FDI reform makes investing in India easier for cosmetics companies

The Indian government has approved 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) for single brand retailing, making investment into the consumer goods market easier for global investors including cosmetics companies.

News in brief

Cremer acquires oleochemicals business and production site from Sasol

Cremer Oleo has reached an agreement to acquire Sasol Germany’s production site in Witten along with the associated oleochemicals business in an all-German transaction.

12-Jan-2012

L’Oréal: package design crucial to the success of a beauty brand

Cosmetics giant L’Oréal has redesigned the on-shelf bottles for its Pureology brand professional hair products as it looks to combine sustainable packaging with the aesthetics required of a beauty product.

Coty brand Dr Scheller strikes up US partnerships to drive skin care range

Cosmetics company Dr Scheller has partnered with Nutritional Products International (NPI) and InHealth Media for the distribution and marketing of its products in the US.

Kao demonstrates therapeutic effect of eucalyptus extract on skin’s outer layer functions

Researchers at cosmetics company Kao have demonstrated that a eucalyptus extract has the ability to improve the skin function on the outer layer in dry skin by increasing ceramide levels in the stratum corneum, in the epidermis and in keratinocytes.

Rodial rapped again by ASA for misleading skin care ad

The Advertising Standards Authority has reprimanded skin care company Rodial for the fifth time in the last year over misleading ads for various products within their skin care range.

11-Jan-2012

News in brief

Guidelines for the use of three cosmetic ingredients given by China SFDA

As it strives to improve the safety of cosmetic products and attempt to standardize technical requirements for ingredients, China State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has released guidance on safe use conditions and testing methods of ethanol , talc and glycerin.

Visual Pak operations benefit as Unilever sells off Cosmetic Labs of America

Illinois-based packaging firm Visual Pak has strengthened its clout in the cosmetics packaging arena following the acquisition of Cosmetics Labs of America (CLA) from personal care player Unilever.

Fragrances to drive the cosmetics industry in India in coming years

The fragrance sector is expected to drive the most growth in India’s booming cosmetics industry according to a report by RNCOS.

Smartphone technology use to increase as mobile platforms become key info source for cosmetics

Following consumer reliance on eco-labels, including natural and organic logos, to identify sustainable cosmetic products, a shift is now expected in the coming years as consumers use smartphone technology to get real-time information when buying cosmetic products.

EC imposes stronger warning on hair dye products

On the back of recent allergic reactions some consumers have had to hair dye, the European Commission has imposed stronger additional warnings to inform consumers of the possible adverse effects of hair colouring.

10-Jan-2012

BASF discovers common yarrow plant’s potential as an anti-ageing cosmetic active

A new study funded by BASF Beauty Care Solutions has found that an extract of the common yarrow plant found in the Northern hemisphere can increase epidermal thickness and improve the appearance of wrinkles and pores.

AmorePacific utilises domestic market strength in Korea to boost prestige skin care sales

Korea-based skin care company AmorePacific has continued its focus on the Asia market, this time using the strength of the Korean market to report record sales for its Sulwhasoo skin care serum.

Parlux brands lawsuits ‘money-making schemes’ amid pressure over Perfumania merger

Parlux CEO Frederick Purches has brushed off the threat of impending law suits following its proposed merger with Perfumania Holdings.

News in brief

Now women can have the AXE effect as Unilever launches female fragrance

Unilever has, for the first time ever, launched a limited edition fragrance for women under the AXE brand; its leading men’s grooming brand in the US.

Animal testing alternative developed to test toxicity

Biotechnology company Novaleads has produced Evatox, a test that assesses the toxicity of substances in cosmetics without the use of animals.

News in brief

PZ Cussons expands its beauty division with acquisition of hair care brand

UK-based PZ Cussons has acquired a hair care brand from Australian company Sabre Group expanding its recently formed beauty division.

09-Jan-2012

People on the move: cosmetics jobs

Cosmetics Design presents it latest round up of the movers and shakers in the cosmetics industry, including appointments at Beiersdorf, LVMH and Coty.

06-Jan-2012

Scientists develop appetite for escargot due to its skin regeneration properties

Scientists in Spain have shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the regenerative properties of mollusk Cryptomphalus Aspersa (SCA), more popularly known as escargot, and noted it could be used for skin regeneration in the future.

Ardagh enters aerosols market with acquisition of Boxal

Luxembourg-based Ardagh Group is to acquire the Boxal group of companies from Exal in a move that will extend its current services to the cosmetics industry to include aerosols.

EU Commission proposes exemption to animal testing ban

The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE) has issued a statement suggesting that the European Commission is likely to propose an exemption to the animal testing ban for products that contain "significant added value".

05-Jan-2012

PACK PEEK

Pack Peek: a look at some of the latest news and highlights in personal care packaging

This gallery takes a look at some of the news and highlights in personal care packaging, focusing on what is trending, and how cosmetic firms are kitting out their latest products.

Moisturizers containing topical cholesterol could be the answer for UV-damaged skin

Scientists in Korea have found that the application of topical cholesterol in moisturizers could protect the skin against UV damage; however certain lipid ingredients hold the potential to aggravate damage.

News in brief

TRI-K and Mibelle expand distribution deal into India

Raw materials supplier TRI-K Industries has penned a distribution agreement to become the representative of Mibelle Biochemistry products in India.

Italian cosmetic industry boosted by exports in 2011

According to Unipro, the Italian cosmetics industry association, “exports have reached €2.9bn in 2011, increasing 19 per cent year on year and boosting the industry as a whole by 6 per cent.”

AmorePacific expands in China with beauty production and R&D centre

Korean cosmetics firm AmorePacific has invested in a beauty production and research and development facility in Shanghai as it looks to expand its operations in China.

04-Jan-2012

L’Oreal develops new anti-ageing line that regenerates damaged skin cells

Cosmetics giant L’Oreal plans to launch a new range of anti-ageing creams this year which aims to regenerate and rejuvenate skin cells.

Discovery of ascorbic and phytic acid benefits to reduce sun damage in early stages

Scientists in France have discovered that treatment with l-ascorbic acid and phytic acid could reduce the signs of sun damage, although further testing will be needed before cosmetic application can occur.

Scientists find photo-protective properties of turmeric could hold industry value

Scientists in India have tested the skin recuperation properties of turmeric, commonly used as a source of flavor in food dishes, on ultraviolet radiation-damaged skin and noted that it displays skin hydration properties when topically applied.

News in brief

Perfumania and Parlux merge to form single fragrance force

New York-based Perfumania Holdings has signed a merger agreement with Florida-based Parlux Fragrances.

Metallised colour cosmetics packaging a popular trend

A trend for using metallisation in colour cosmetics packaging and in particular lipsticks has been gaining popularity as it provides a way of offering consumers a premium look without the price.

03-Jan-2012

UEBT study finds South Korean consumers display high awareness of biodiversity

Consumers in South Korea have exhibited a high level of awareness and understanding of biodiversity according to a recent survey by the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT).

Live Twitter Update

Keep up-to-date with the breaking news and latest views with our live Twitter updates.

Shiseido targets emerging markets with launch in Brazil

Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido has expanded its operations with its launch of bareMinerals into the Brazilian market as part of its global business strategy.

News in brief

Arizona Chemicals enters into distribution agreement for its personal care polymers

Florida-based Arizona Chemicals has entered into a distribution agreement with Luigi and Felice Castelli in Italy and ProTec Ingredia in the UK for its line of bio-based polymers.

IBR says new botanical combination is effective, non-steroidal alternative for skin relief

Working from the knowledge that over 40 per cent of the population tends to suffer from skin discomfort and sensitivity, cosmetics ingredients supplier IBR has developed a natural alternative to steroid-based treatments that has been shown in clinical trials to be as effective as Hydrocortisone one per cent cream in providing skin relief.

Provital launches Keramare marine active to repair hair from the inside out

Spain-based ingredients supplier Provital Group has launched Keramare, a new marine active claimed to reconstruct hair from the inside out and add shine.

02-Jan-2012

Cosmetic testing method for contact allergies could be used as animal testing alternative

As the search to find testing methods without the use of animals continues, a group of scientists in Sweden have developed a unique test method that enables graded results to be obtained using cultured skin cells.

News in brief

New Year new Latin American location for CPL Aromas

Fragrance house CPL Aromas has moved its Colombian subsidiary to a new site close to Bogota that becomes the regional Centre for Latin America incorporating Production, Perfumery and Sales, and better places the company to serve its consumers in this region.

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