Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Australian scientists move closer to petrochemicals alternative

Scientists working for organisations backed by the Australian government say they are working on methods that will turn plants into 'biofactories', capable of producing oils that can replace petrochemicals.

DSM announces price increases as raw material costs continue to escalate

DSM is the latest supplier to announce price increases as industry insiders report a doubling in the cost of some raw materials over the past year.

Symrise results affected by high raw material costs

Symrise has reported a sales increase for the first quarter of 2008 led mainly by emerging markets but bottom line figures suffered due to higher energy and raw material costs.

ORF launches biorisk-free growth factor range

Iceland-based ORF Genetics says it has launched its next generation of growth factors, targeting anti-aging products for the cosmeceuticals category.

Special Interview

Ethical ingredients sourcing - greenwashing or a step in the right direction?

Consumer pressure has led many of the leading players in the industry to publicise their plans to practice ethical and sustainable ingredients sourcing, resulting in a number of critics accusing companies of simply jumping on the green bandwagon to attract an increasingly important consumer group.

New generation of energy boosting anti-ageing ingredients

An increasing number of ingredients promise to fight against skin ageing by increasing energy production in cells.

Watchdog price fixing investigation targets cosmetic giants

UK consumer watchdog, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has contacted both Unilever and Procter & Gamble as part of a two-year probe into price fixing.

CL Tech uses UHT sterilisation to eliminate need for preservatives

Using a UHT sterilisation process Laboratoire Cosmétique CL Tech has formulated a personal care range that does not require preservatives.

Dr Bronner's sues over misleading organic labels

Dr Bronner's Magic Soaps has filed a lawsuit against a number of the leading natural and organic cosmetics players and two certification bodies for making misleading organic labeling claims.

Study supports lycopene protecting skin from within

Consuming lycopene-rich tomato paste may protect against sunburn and sun-induced skin ageing, British researchers have reported.

Inter Parfums' sales rocket despite downturn

Luxury fragrance firm Inter Parfums has shrugged off the economic downturn and reported a boom in first quarter sales.

Croda discusses risks and potential of nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has been hailed as having revolutionary potential, but as more and more nanotech cosmetics are launched, scientists remain divided over their potential health and environmental impact. Croda technical specialist Julian Hewitt evaluated the risks and benefits before discussing where nanotechnology may take the industry in the years to come.

Statfold Seed Oil launches fruit oil range

Statfold Seed Oil is appealing to the positive brand image of fruit with the addition of several fruit seed oils to its personal care range.

Provital launches energising ingredient for male skin

Provital group presented an energising ingredient especially for men's skin at In-Cosmetics, adding to the growing number of ingredients designed to boost ATP production in the cell.

Website woos consumers with free cosmetic samples

A new website has been launched in the UK that has the unique approach of registering the preferences of personal care consumers and then matching free product samples to their profile.

European sales and currency trends nudge Clarins' figures down

Unfavourable exchange rate trends and declining European sales led France-based Clarins Group into stagnant waters during the first quarter.

Angus Chemical secures global compliancy for Ultra PC range

Global compliancy is increasingly important for suppliers of personal care ingredients and fine chemicals. Liam Doherty, global marketing manager for Angus Chemical, spoke about the importance of this for the company's Ultra PC range of amino alcohols.

Strong sales help boost Oriflame profits

Sweden-based direct sales giant Orilflame says it has managed to boost its profits thanks to double digit sales growth during the first quarter.

Numbers of nanotech consumer goods soar

Consumer products that incorporate nanotechnology are being released at the rate of three to four a week according to the product inventory maintained by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN).

DuPont launches renewably sourced packaging materials

DuPont has launched two new renewably sourced packaging materials at the Interpack packaging trade show in Dusseldorf.

Beiersdorf announces unanticipated financial gain

Beiersdorf has announced an unexpected gain from the realignment of its supply chain and remains well positioned to weather any economic storms.

Lipotec launches anti-stretch mark ingredient at In-Cosmetics

Lipotec launched a range of new ingredients at this year's In-Cosmetics including Vanistryl, an anti stretch mark ingredient.

Eastman unveils technology for the fast moving anti-aging market

Eastman has developed an enzymatic process for novel esters to provide manufactures with customized anti-aging ingredients. Jim McCaulley, the company's personal care marketing manager, discusses the features of the technology and the evolving demands of the market during a cruise through the canals of Amsterdam at In-Cosmetics.

President highlights benefits of Zemea glycol ingredient

DuPont Tate and Lyle Bio Products has been focusing on the advantages of its latest ingredient launch, Zemea - a sustainable alternative to the petroleum-based glycols widely used in personal care products. Simon Pitman spoke to the company's president, Steve Mirshak, to find out about the benefits.

Silab launches anti-ageing ingredient with tiger nut

Silab has launched an anti-ageing ingredient targeting an area of the upper dermis that the company has recently identified as crucial in the fight against wrinkles.

Kao reports solid sales but predicts a difficult 2009

Rising raw material costs and a decline in operating profit has led Japanese personal care firm Kao to forecast low sales growth for the coming year.

Natural nano sunscreens - a contradiction?

The existence of effective natural sunscreens depends on the acceptance of nanoparticles as natural, according to an industry insider.

Croda showcases extreme heat protection ingredient

Croda has released a hair care formulation to showcase Mirustyle X-HP - its new ingredient created to protect hair from extreme heat.

Fragrance player Ulric de Varens posts lower Q1 sales

Paris-based fragrance provider Ulric de Varens says it achieved double-digit net profit growth in 2007, following a particularly strong fourth quarter, but first quarter sales are down.

Dr Straetmans discusses the challenges of replacing synthetic preservatives

Natural preservatives are the dream of many formulators of natural and organic products. CosmeticsDesign spoke to Germany-based Dr Straetmans about the challenges faced by formulators of natural preservation systems.

Mintel hones in on the trend for high science in cosmetics

Market research firm Mintel has identified Faux Genomics as one of the four key trends set to make it big in 2008. Head consultant for cosmetic research Nica Lewis explains the concept and explores the latest and most exciting developments.

Colorless Carotenoids boost actives, study shows

Israel-based IBR claims a new study it has commissioned demonstrates that its range of pyhtoene and phytofluene Colorless Carotenoids can help boost the properties of a number of key active ingredients.

Kimberly-Clark results hit by cost pressures

Kimberly-Clark has reported that its first quarter profits fell by 2.5 percent after being hit by higher cost pressures, despite a strong increase in sales.

CP Kelco launches stabiliser to help green formulators

CP Kelco introduced two new ingredients at In-Cosmetics in Amsterdam including a microfibrous cellulose blend to help green chemists create stable formulations.

Evonik expands partnership with Sabinsa

Evonik is adding two new ingredients to their nature-derived portfolio in collaboration with India-based Sabinsa.

Symrise venture offers product testing services

Germany-based flavours and fragrance giant has launched a venture with biotech company Cutech for screening cosmetics raw materials and formulations.

ISP launches new botanicals at In-Cosmetics

International Specialty Products released a number of new products at In-Cosmetics, Amsterdam, including a tanning enhancer, a rice-based moisturiser and an anti-aging active.

Amsterdam - the international venue

This year's In-Cosmetics took place in Amsterdam with the aim of attracting international visitors; a gamble that paid off according to marketing manager Cathy Laporte.

Sabinsa focuses on biostandardized active ingredients

Sabinsa has had a busy year launching a raft of new active ingredients aimed at the fast-growing cosmeceutical markets. Simon Pitman spoke to the company's marketing director, Shaheen Majeed, to find out about the importance of having these ingredients biostandardized.

Sensient rides down-turn thanks to pricing and currency

Sensient Technologies Corporation reported in its financial results for the first quarter of 2008 that profits have been further boosted by pricing and currency conditions.

EC announced fees and charges for REACH registration

The European Commission has announced the fees and charges for registering to the newly introduced REACH programme, which will come into force from June 1st this year.

Cognis year end results boosted by care chemicals

Cognis has turned in its annual results with sales up 4.3 per cent to €3.518bn across its three business units.

L'Oreal reports fall in sales as US economy falters

L'Oreal has reported lower than expected sales figures for the first quarter sparking fears of a slowdown in the beauty industry.

Lipotec launches its first skin lightening ingredient

Lipotec presented its new skin lightening ingredient featuring photoprotective qualities at In-Cosmetics in Amsterdam.

Rhodia launches pearliser and surfactant at In-Cosmetics

Rhodia has released a pearlising agent and "green" surfactant at In-Cosmetics in Amsterdam that are both formulated to help manufacturers tackle rising costs.

Momentive launches new multipurpose silicon-based ingredient

Connecticut-based fine chemicals player Momentive has chosen to highlight the launch of its new multipurpose ingredient Velvesil FX at the In-Cosmetics show in Amsterdam.

Cognis discusses "green" opportunities and challenges

Cognis is targeting the booming market for cosmetics that are both natural and environmentally friendly with a range of "green" launches including a pearlizing agent, and an oral care surfactant.

National Starch launches organic biopolymer range

National Starch Personal Care has launched a range of organic biopolymers at In-Cosmetics in Amsterdam to help formulators create certified products that offer high performance.

'Glocalisation' of cosmetics will see global going local

A key market trends presentation on the global cosmetics industry given at In-Cosmetics Amsterdam highlights the fact that continued industry growth is likely to be driven by global marketing campaigns that take into consideration cultural and ethnic differences.

Gattefosse develops anti-ageing eye ingredient

France-based Gattefosse has launched a new ingredient for under eye bags and shadows at In-Cosmetics in Amsterdam, hoping for success in the burgeoning male anti-ageing market.

Innospec eyes further expansion for Finsolv

UK-based ingredients supplier Innospec Specialty Chemicals says it is expecting further growth for its Finsolv benzoate ester emollients in Europe following production start up at its facility in Northern England.

BASF releases slimming and skin firming ingredient

Global ingredients player BASF has released a new slimming and skin firming ingredient at In-Cosmetics in Amsterdam.

Helix BioMedix receives US patent for peptides

Helix BioMedix says it has been issued with a US patent for more than eighty peptides for use in cosmetics and in skin care, a move that aims to strengthen the companies position in this category.

Univar builds laboratory for formulators and suppliers

Industrial chemical distributor Univar has built a personal care laboratory in Brussels to provide finished product manufacturers with formulation samples and assistance.

Trade association defends US cosmetics regulatory system

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) has defended the industry against the accusation that cosmetics regulation in the US is weak and urgently needs reform.

Coty hopes to strengthen prestige in the US with distribution agreement

Coty has signed a distribution agreement with Gemini Cosmetics in order to strengthen its presence in the prestige fragrance market.

Consumers go for environmental and ethical claims

Research by Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) shows that an increasing number of new consumers products boast environmentally-friendly or ethical claims.

Colipa tackles REACH and animal testing at assembly

Animal testing alternatives, regulatory issues and innovation within the industry are amongst the subjects on the agenda at Colipa's annual general assembly next month.

Moisturising ingredient to cope with environmental changes

France-based Sederma launches a moisturising ingredient inspired by the protective strategy of microalgae living in estuary environments.

CosmeticsDesign team gears up for In-Cosmetics

The CosmeticsDesign team will be out in force for one of the industry's most important events of the year, the In-Cosmetics show, being held in Amsterdam next week.

Novel delivery systems solve formulation challenges

Novel cosmetic delivery systems, for example cosmetic patches and sophisticated encapsulation systems, may provide the answer for future formulation challenges.

Symrise enters health and wellbeing markets

Germany-based fragrance and flavour giant Symrise has announced a partnership with Cambridge Theranostics that will see the company move into the health and wellbeing market.

Unilever launches Dove Digital Channel

Unilever says it has stepped up its marketing campaign for the Dove brand with the launch of a digital channel aimed at bringing a new approach to 'The Campaign for Real Beauty' online.

Gerresheimer unveils two major packaging launches

Gerresheimer is gearing up to unveil two major packaging launches at the forthcoming Cosmoprof/Cosmopack show, to be held in Bologne, Italy next week.

French colour cosmetics company expands

Alkos Developpement the parent company of France-based Alkos Cosmetiques has acquired Inter Cosmetiques and Sagal in an attempt to become the number one colour cosmetics company in France.

Ethanol trade association calls for an end to harmful legislation

The Industrial Ethanol Association (IEA) is calling for the EU to close the customs loopholes that it claims are threatening the synthetic ethanol market.

Skin care company targets expectant mothers

A range of skin care products designed specifically for pregnant women illustrates the increasing specialisation within the personal care market.

After sun treatment targets inner dermal layer

A new after sun treatment has been developed that aims to remoisturise the skin by drawing water from deep in the dermis to rehydrate the epidermis.

Liz Claiborne invests in brand-protection packaging

In answer to the growing problem posed by counterfeiting Liz Claiborne Cosmetics has invested in anti-counterfeiting technology provided by Kodak.

Kemira launches new addition to UV-Titan sunscreen family

Finland-based nanotech ingredients provider Kemira Specialty says it will use the forthcoming In-Cosmetics show as a platform to launch a new addition to the UV-Titan sunscreen family.

Oriflame increases 2008 outlook

Sweden-based Oriflame has increased its outlook for 2008 on the back of positive preliminary results from the year's first quarter.

Canola extract may protect against UV damage

An extract of canola could be used in sun protection and anti-aging formulations to protect against skin cancer, say scientists from product developer KGK Synergize.

International markets drive Alban Muller results

France-based ingredients supplier Alban Muller says that its continued expansion into overseas markets is helping to drive sales.

Analyst hails Estee Lauder turn around, but downgrades

Despite a huge turn around in its fortunes, a leading industry analyst has downgraded Estee Lauder following a big leap in its share price.

Symrise reorganises to focus on innovation

German-based Symrise has reorganised the innovation management of its Scent and Care division in an attempt to become the innovation leader in the industry.

Atrium sells off active ingredients division

Atrium Innovations has sold its active ingredients and specialty chemicals division to AXA Private Equity in a deal that will see it concentrate solely on the health and nutrition field.

France and Britain lead the way for all things ethical

Sales of ethical cosmetics are booming in the UK and France as the beauty industry catches up with the eco-conscious shopping trend, said the market research firm Mintel.

Botox rat study shows toxins migrate to the brain

A new scientific study on rats suggests that the anti-wrinkle treatment Botox may be able to move from the skin into the brain, degrading proteins and acting on nerves.

Kodak Packaging revolutionizes plate production labelling

Eastman Kodak says a new production system it is introducing at its flexo printed labelling plant in North Wales will help to provide solvent free labels for cosmetic products.

Strong first quarter sales for Givaudan boosted by Quest

Givaudan has reported strong sales for the first quarter ending March 31 with results significantly boosted by the continuing integration of Quest International.

Colipa defends industry position on breast cancer chemicals

Following the publication of a report about oestrogen mimicing chemicals in personal care products, Colipa has defended the regulatory procedures governing this area.

Unilever invests further in Hungary

Unilever has announced its plans to invest a further Ft 2 bn (€7.7m) into its cosmetics and household chemicals plant in Northeast Hungary in order to boost production in the area.

Men are increasingly independent and adventurous with their grooming

German men are becoming more independent and adventurous when it comes to the personal care products that fill their bathroom cabinets, according to Information Resources (IRI).

New process produces ingredients to promote even skin tone

Eastman Chemicals has developed a new enzymatic process to create esters that help to promote an even skin tone.

Shiseido cuts product numbers to increase profits

Japan-based cosmetics company Shiseido will significantly reduce its product portfolio and continue its focus on the Asian markets in order to increase operating profit margin.

Givaudan continues to focus on sustainability and R&D in 2008

A continuing focus on research and development and further moves towards sustainability are likely to characterise Givaudan's movements in the year ahead.

Campaigners call on MEPs to tighten legislation on synthetic chemicals

Health campaigners have called on the European Parliament to use the legislative passage of the amendments to the EU Cosmetics Directive to reduce public exposure to certain chemicals.

Naturex targets cosmetics and moves towards consolidation

Naturex is targeting an operating margin of 11 per cent in 2008 as it plans to expand its supply of cosmetic and personal care ingredients.

Teen market further targeted by Johnson and Johnson

Johnson and Johnson is releasing a moisturizing skin care range designed for teens who do not suffer from problem skin in an attempt to cash in on the increasingly affluent young consumer group.

Women are confused and cynical about cosmeceuticals

Women mistrust the scientific claims on anti-ageing products and are confused about the effectiveness of cosmeceuticals, according to a UK survey commissioned by P&G brand Olay Regenerist.

Cosmetics Valley partners up with glass packaging body

France-based cosmetics and personal care body Cosmetics Valley has announced a partnership with Glass Vallée, another French body that represents the interests of glass packaging companies.

Euromonitor publishes data on last year's cosmetics market

The cosmetics and toiletries market grew 6 per cent last year helped in particular by sun and skin care sales, according to newly released global data from Euromonitor.

IFF creates new role to head up fragrance innovation

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has created a new role within the company with the appointment of a head of fragrance innovation.

Beiersdorf launches Nivea campaign in Middle East

Beiersdorf will launch a Nivea marketing campaign in the Middle East this month as part of its global umbrella campaign for the company's flagship brand.