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29-Feb-2008

Alban Muller launches eco-designed anti-ageing active

Tapping into growing demand for ingredients that take in the two biggest trends in the market - naturals and anti-ageing - Alban Muller has launched an eco-designed preservative-free anti-ageing active ingredient.

Boots launches full anti-aging line after TV success

Boots has developed a full Protect & Perfect range following the success of its anti-ageing serum, which received high praise in a UK television documentary.

Apple stem cells appear in new anti-ageing ingredient

An anti-ageing active based on an extremely rare form of apple stem cells has been launched by Mibelle Biochemistry, promising to protect skin stem cells and slow the senescence of hair follicles.

Celebrities feed boom in male fragrance sales

Global sales of male fragrances increased by 7 per cent last year as a boom in celebrity endorsed scents drove growth, according to Euromonitor.

28-Feb-2008

Unilever plans to reorganize around emerging markets

Unilever plans to combine its Home & Personal Care and Food divisions and reorganize its geographical management to make it leaner and more focused on emerging markets.

Food nutrition research company opens cosmetics division

France-based Polaris says it will be directing its experience in the research and development of omega-based and nutritional lipids into the cosmetics and nutricosmetics arenas with the opening of a new division.

Beiersdorf explains plans for future sales growth

Beiersdorf plans to expand its market share in 2008 by focusing on product innovation and emerging markets with a special focus on the Chinese market.

PPR sales up despite currency fluctuations

PPR Group has reported strong results for 2007 despite negative effects of the weakening of the yen and the dollar that negatively impacted the luxury goods division.

Simple skin care targets dry skin market

Simple skin care has launched a range of products that is designed for those suffering from chronic dry and sensitive skin.

27-Feb-2008

Natural and organic certification developed specifically for cosmetics

A Canadian organisation offers North American producers organic and natural standards specifically designed for cosmetics and personal care products.

Henkel to cut 3000 jobs despite positive sales

Henkel has reported a positive sales increase for its cosmetics and toiletries sector although sales in North America have suffered across all divisions.

Growth in fatty Esters driven by personal care market

The worldwide market for fatty esters, commonly used as surfactants and specialty emollients in cosmetics, is being driven by heavy demand from the personal care industry.

Inflation pushes L'Oreal to reintroduce general salary increases

Citing the likelihood of higher inflation in 2008, L'Oreal has decided to return to a system of general salary increases for its employees.

26-Feb-2008

IFRA standards are adopted by South East Asia

The member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have adopted International Fragrance Association (IFRA) standards in a move to facilitate trade of fragrance products with the countries.

Frog skin adds to growing list of animal-based anti-aging solutions

First snail slime, then snake venom, now it is frog skin. Scientists in South Korea are claiming that a new study has shown the skin of bullfrogs produces antioxidants that can help fight human skin aging.

Positive acne formula study results prompt search for partner

The UK-based Syntopix Group says that positive results of a phase two study on an acne treatment means that it is now searching for a suitable partner in the healthcare or cosmetics industry.

Safic-Alcan updates ingredients range to tap into latest trends

Safic-Alcan has updated its UK catalogue from its Spanish subsidiary with personal care ingredients that explore the latest market developments including the shiny hair trend.

Cosmetic packaging design firm sets up in Geneva

Cosmetics and fragrance packaging specialist QSLD Paris has opened up its second affiliate in Geneva, in a move that aims to grow its presence on a global basis.

Gerresheimer sees benefit of plastic push in Q4

Packaging giant Gerresheimer crowned its first year as a public company with a leap in profits for the fourth quarter of 2007, helped by its acquisition of plastic specialist Wilden Group.

25-Feb-2008

P&G says it will continue to cut costs to maintain growth

Continued challenges in the retail environment and the added spectra of rising commodity costs means that Procter & Gamble is reckoning on cutting costs in a number of business areas in order to sustain strong growth.

22-Feb-2008

Beiersdorf aims to up its presence in the US market

As part of its ambitions to grow its brand footprint on a global basis, Germany-based Beiersdorf says it wants to up its investment for marketing and advertising in the US market.

Ingredient costs leap as oil prices hit record high

The prices of cosmetic ingredients are rising sharply and as oil prices hit a record high at $101.32 a barrel on Wednesday the upward trend looks set to continue.

Natura joins UNEP's climate neutral project

Brazilian cosmetics company Natura is one of the first companies to join the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) climate neutral project that aims to provide a forum for all who wish to reduce carbon emissions.

21-Feb-2008

L'Oreal proposes to increase salaries in line with inflation

L'Oreal has proposed to raise salaries in line with inflation for its workforce in response to strikes held on Monday but unions say the measures are not enough.

Lush secures supply of sustainable sandlewood

UK-based cosmetics company Lush has signed a deal with an Australian company for the supply of Indian sandalwood for a new product range based on the oil.

Drs. Hans Schreuder skin care to be launched in Asia

Germany-based Drs. Hans Schreuder is teaming up with China-based RHEI Pharmaceuticals in a deal that will ensure that its natural skin care line is distributed throughout fast-growing markets in Asia.

P&G Beauty explores alternatives to animal testing

Scientists at Procter and Gamble Beauty are working to improve human models for product safety and efficacy testing as the race to reduce reliance on animal tests continues.

Coty sends Rimmel to booming Chinese market

Make-up brand Rimmel is heading to China as part of Coty's plan to exploit Asian markets and become one of the top five beauty companies in the world.

Leading personal care firms fined for price fixing

Three leading personal care companies have been fined a total of €37m by German competition regulators for colluding to artificially increase prices.

20-Feb-2008

Oriflame's sales force expands boosting turnover

Oriflame's sales force increased twenty per cent during the fourth quarter leading to strong sales results, although profit was affected by significant restructuring costs.

Crime rings selling beauty products on the internet

Health and beauty products are being targeted by organized crime rings and resold on internet sites, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Croda's profit rises but higher prices hit sales

Specialty chemicals firm Croda has reported high profit growth but cost inflation forced the company to increase prices leading to a drop in sales volume.

Shakira releases beauty range aimed at Spanish speakers

Shakira is to join the ranks of celebrities dabbling in the world of fragrance and cosmetics with a range of products produced in conjunction with Puig Beauty and Fashion Group.

Ales gears up to extend international reach of its brands

Having announced strong financial results from its international brands for the second half of 2007, France-based Ales has announced the appointment of a new director general, charged with further increasing its global presence.

19-Feb-2008

Quest acquisition enables Givaudan strategy shift

Givaudan achieved savings by integrating Quest International ahead of plan, increasing its product portfolio and allowing it to refocus on higher value-adding ingredients.

Strike at L'Oreal over low wages

French workers at L'Oréal staged a strike yesterday calling for an increase in wages following the publication of the company's impressive financial results last week.

Tech Nature launches fruit and plant face masks

Tapping into growing demand for personal care products that feature food and plant extracts, France-based Tech Nature has launched a range of face masks and body wraps featuring such novel ingredients.

French trade body changes name and targets consumers

The French trade association FIPAR (Le Fédération des industries de la Parfumerie) has changed its name to reflect its broader outlook and new consumer orientation.

French toothpaste makes the jump into the US

French oral care brand Elgydium has announced a distribution agreement that will see its toothpaste on the shelves of leading drug stores throughout the US.

18-Feb-2008

Conference taps into core industry trends

An upcoming conference to be held in New York will look at key industry trends, specifically focusing on the anti-aging, naturals and special dermal-needs categories.

15-Feb-2008

L'Oreal plans to widen margins to combat downturn

L'Oreal expects to circumnavigate any looming economic storms by improving its productivity and focusing on fast-growing emerging markets.

Art & Fragrance goes luxury and snaps up Lalique

Swiss-based Art & Fragrance plans to stamp its mark on the luxury perfume market after snapping up its larger rival Lalique for €44m.

Questions over natural preservatives

Natural or organic preservatives are unlikely to hit the market any time soon as the investment necessary to get them accepted by the authorities could far outweigh potential market success, says industry insider.

Medical research highlights dangers of skin lightening

A new medical report has highlighted potential dangers relating to certain active ingredients found in skin lightening products not authorized for sale in Europe.

14-Feb-2008

Nanotechnology: a threat or an opportunity?

The European Parliament will host a summit on nanotechnology asking whether it is a threat or an opportunity and how politicians should react to the often contradictory scientific views.

Superstition and time have marketing implications

Consumers are swayed by superstitious beliefs in their buying decisions is one of the conclusions applicable to beauty marketing professionals in the latest issue of the Journal of Consumer Research.

French aperitif may hold answers to better commercial emulsions

An increased understanding of the 'pastis effect' may lead to the design of better emulsions for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other industry applications.

International focus pays off for L'Oreal in 2007

Emerging markets overtook North America in terms of profitability for L'Oreal as the company's international outlook helped it secure high operating profit once again.

Survey highlights consumer confusion over organic labelling

A survey carried out by Spiezia Organics skin care company has drawn attention to the 'huge gap' in consumer understanding of how to read labels properly on skin care products.

13-Feb-2008

Sustainable ingredients sourcing is a win-win situation, says charity

Focusing on sustainable sourcing of cosmetics and fragrance ingredients is a win-win situation benefiting both the company and the environment, says Conservation International.

DSM launches GMO- and peanut oil-free Vit A oil

Netherlands-based ingredients provider DSM has launched a new form of Vitamin A oil that is said to conform to increasingly tighter formulation requirements for a range of personal care products.

Shiseido enters high growth Eastern European markets

Shiseido will begin selling its prestige cosmetics in Romania and Bulgaria next month to take advantage of the high growth of the beauty market in the two countries.

Beauty brands target Facebook but success is not guarenteed

Beauty brands are joining social networking websites like Facebook to spark discussions about their products, spread the word and bond with consumers.

12-Feb-2008

UK chemicals company acquired by Indian counterpart

Indian chemical company Vivimed Laboratories acquires UK-based James Robinson in order to increase its global presence in the speciality chemicals market.

Is the FDA in crisis?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is neglecting cosmetics and urgently needs more funding to restore consumer confidence in the industry. CosmeticsDesign.com invited industry insiders and the FDA to examine this damning diagnosis and explore how the state of the agency is affecting the industry.

Sunscreens harm coral reefs, say scientists

Ingredients in sun care products may be bleaching coral reefs by promoting viral infections, say scientists at the University of the Marche, Italy.

Green extraction of sunscreen ingredient titanium dioxide

A cheaper and greener method of extracting titanium dioxide, often used in cosmetics products and sunscreens, has been developed by scientists at the University of Leeds.

Jesus cosmetic line pulled from shelves in Singapore

A line of cosmetics called 'Lookin' Good for Jesus' has been banned in Singapore after Catholics there complained that it was disrespectful.

Commission develops code of conduct on nanotechnology

The European Commission has released a voluntary code of conduct for nanotechnology that places the burden of responsibility for consumer safety on industry.

11-Feb-2008

The Packaging Company launches biodegradable range

The Packaging Company (TPC) has joined a growing number of cosmetic packaging firms branching out into green territory with biodegradable materials.

08-Feb-2008

Cognis chases fast market growth in India

Fine chemicals specialist Cognis has opened a liaison office in Mumbai, India, in an effort to tap in to new business opportunities in the cosmetics industry.

Grapes boast high potential in anti-ageing market

French grapes are generally destined for life in the wine bottle but more and more are finding their way into cosmetics as demand for edible anti-ageing ingredients soars.

Avon's European job cuts start filtering through

Avon's ongoing restructuring program has led to the loss of 184 jobs in Northamptonshire, UK, as the company continues to trim its operations worldwide to increase profitability.

Maesa opens subsidiary in China

Maesa (previously Parfum d'image) has announced plans to create a Shanghai subsidiary to expand the company's business in China after successful first quarter results.

07-Feb-2008

Beiersdorf hails anti-ageing powers of folic acid and creatine

Folic acid and creatine are potential treatments for photoaged skin, says Beiersdorf in a recent study on the efficacy of one of its latest anti-ageing formulations.

LVMH's luxury sales stand up despite slowdown

Luxury goods company LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has shrugged off the US downturn reporting an upsurge in sales over the second half of the year.

Fragrance house sources sustainable ingredients

Givaudan has entered into ethical sustainability partnerships with Australian and Venezuelan producers as part of a move towards sustainable ingredients sourcing.

Organic certification for Buckthorn skin care ingredient

Blue Sage Naturals says it has become the first company in the world to offer comprehensive organic certification for its Sea Buckthorn range, touted as being a major boon to skin health.

Better European sales help boost Unilever results

Increased European growth alongside the continued strength of Unilever's personal care division helped boost sales for the fourth quarter, although profits fell.

06-Feb-2008

Hain Celestial's profits jump despite cost pressure

Jason Natural owner Hain Celestial has reported a 20 percent increase in sales for the second quarter indicating that strong growth potential remains in the natural and organic market.

Younger consumers drive fragrance growth

Mass brands and a younger demographic are likely to characterise future growth of the global perfume industry, according to market research company Euromonitor.

Phthalates in perfumes not dangerous says trade body

The French cosmetics and perfumery trade association reassures consumers after the recent US study linking baby care products to phthalates in the body.

LVMH quashes rumours over Clarins bid

Despite Clarins announcing solid quarterly results last week there is still speculation over who might try and bid for one of the last remaining major independent companies in the business.

European Commission announces overhaul of cosmetics legislation

The European Commission has formally proposed substantial changes to current cosmetics legislation that aim to improve safety procedures and simplify current requirements.

05-Feb-2008

Profits down but rosy outlook boosts Avon

Despite reporting net profits down 30 percent for the fourth quarter the result was still better than expected - further boosted by stronger sales predictions for 2008.

Biodynamic cosmetics: more than organic

Beyond Organic Skin Care is offering a biodynamic Valentine's Day gift pack that is more than organic, according to the company based in Cornwall, UK.

No turning red in the sun with tomato ingredient

Targeting the growing beauty food market LycoRed has developed a tomato ingredient for oral consumption that helps protect the skin from sun damage.

Pure Cosmetics claims first with MSM ingredient

More and more food ingredients are being used in cosmetic products, a trend that is reinforced by the latest launch from Pure Cosmetics, which is described as a 'nutritionally-designed' skin care range.

Natural sunscreen opportunities from Peru

An extract from a plant found in the Peruvian highlands may help protect the skin from UV rays, according to latest research.

04-Feb-2008

Estee Lauder results buck soft US retail trend

Despite the tough retail conditions in the US Estee Lauder has recorded particularly strong sales and net profits for its second quarter thanks to solid international sales boosted by a weak dollar.

01-Feb-2008

Shiseido offsets stagnant domestic sales

Strong sales growth in Asia and Europe have helped to offset falling sales in the domestic Japanese market, says global cosmetics player Shiseido.

Regis completes European franchise merger

Salon hair care provider Regis says it has completed the merger of its continental European franchise salon operations with the Franck Provost Salon Group.

Clarins passes $1bn sales and appoints new vice president

Luxury cosmetics group Clarins has exceeded its full year sales expectations reporting turnover in excess of €1bn for the first time despite losing business in the US.

Bacteria in cosmetics can be fatal for critically ill patients

A contaminated body milk infected critically ill patients in a Spanish hospital - leading scientists to oppose the use of non sterilised cosmetics in hospital environments.

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