Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Peel off skin treatments ride fruit ingredient trend

A France-based manufacturer of peel off skin treatments has launched four new products in a bid to capitalise on the growing demand for fruit ingredients in cosmetics.

UK proposes CO2 labelling for products

In a bid to push processors and other manufacturers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, the UK government yesterday unveiled a proposal to put "carbon footprint" labels on all products.

Skin brightening continues to make waves in Europe

French based ingredients provider Sederma is the latest company riding the skin-brightening wave currently dominating the European skin care market - this month launching a new ingredient that is said to lighten the complexion.

Cosmetic manufacturers harness the power of Hemp

Hemp extract is becoming a focus for many manufacturers, who are are increasingly drawing on more innovative ingredients in a bid to shake up the over-saturated natural and organic market.

Study highlights confusion in US organics market

The US organic cosmetics industry is in a state of confusion due to the lack of auditing and regulatory controls for products sold under the naturals umbrella, according to a new study.

Rembrandt re-brands with new packaging

Premium oral and beauty care brand Rembrandt, part of the Johnson & Johnson group, says it has re-branded by updating its packaging featuring a design that aims to rejuvenate its share of the tooth whitening market.

More international companies target Latin American market

A Finnish cosmetics company is making in-roads into the Latin American market by striking up a new partnership with Farmacias Ahumada (FASA), a leading pharmaceutical chain in the region.

Skin sensitive products drive body colour cosmetics market

Skin sensitive products are set to become market drivers in the body colour cosmetics category, according to a new forecast report.

Tom Ford to defy celebrity fragrance backlash?

Ex-Gucci designer Tom Ford has launched a new fragrance made up of 12 individual scents designed to be mixed and matched, allowing consumers to create their own distinctive smell.

Alima Cosmetics receives German naturals certification

Tapping into the fast-growing market for natural cosmetic and personal care products, Texas-based Alima Cosmetics has received the BDIH Certified Natural Cosmetics Seal for its line of 240 mineral make-up products.

Court upholds decision ending Germany's packing monopoly

The European the Court of First Instance has upheld a European Commission ruling that ended monopolistic practices in the collection of packaging waste in Germany.

UK retailer fined over illegal skin whitening products

A UK based cosmetics retailer has been fined £24,000 following the sale of illegal skin whitening creams, said to cause damage to skin health due to the harsh quality of the ingredients - a triumph against the rise in illegal products in Europe.

UK organic market vyes for top spot in Europe

With the organic cosmetics sector going from strength to strength the UK is starting to compete with other European countries for product launches, highlighted by a 170 per cent increase on launches from the comparable period in 2006.

Symrise partnership set to capitalise on Marine ingredient trend

The trend for marine derived natural ingredients in cosmetics products is expanding, with leading global ingredients provider Symrise's recent partnership with Italian biotech company focusing mainly on the development of microalgae.

BASF introduces filter to counteract effects of UVA rays

BASF fine chemicals is targeting the sun care market in a bid to strengthen knowledge on the harmful effects of UVA rays and the damage it can do to the skin - introducing a new generation of UV filters.

Guarana extract shows promise as preservative additive

Extracts from the exotic fruit guarana showed excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which could see the exotic berry making a move into cosmetics, new research suggests.

Cold-blended organic cosmetics enter the UK

A UK distributor has noticed a gap in the booming organic cosmetics industry, bringing in a natural range of cold-blended skin care products - made from ingredients derived from the Langwaki rainforest, in Malaysia.

Study finds Lutein most beneficial in combined oral and topical application

Further evidence has emerged that the antioxidant carotenoid, Lutein is more beneficial for skin health when topical and oral applications are combined, according to results published in the Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology.

Male grooming backlash turned around by male cosmetics?

With the male grooming trend taken to the heart of many a marketing campaign, sales growth figures are said to have plateaued, with industry insiders now hoping that new innovations in the sector, such as male cosmetics, will turn the market around.

UK skin whitening market expands

Ingredients provider Alban Muller is one of the first European companies to pick up on the growing desire for skin whitening outside of Asia, where it is a presiding trend, launching a new 'White' range.

Cosmeceutical trend dogged by tight regulations in the UK

As more and more skin care and vitamin manufacturers tap into the growing trend for alternative beauty options, the cosmeceutical industry is booming - however, the UK is lagging behind other countries in Europe due to strict regulations and lack of product innovation.

Distinctive fragrances win every time

That is the findings of sensory branding experts at Arylessence, whose latest fragrance trend report suggests that consumers choose scents according to their lifestyle.

L'Occitane continues to dominate US travel retail

Following the launch of the France based L'Occitane stores in the US airport DFW (Dallas Forth Worth) last year, the company has expanded its network in the Americas and will aim to open up 25 new airport retail stores by the end of 2007.

Anti-animal testing products drive foot care market

With alternative methods being developed in a bid to abolish animal testing in skin and eye irritancy tests, it seems the trend for ethical buying has crossed over into the foot care category during the last quarter.

UK University gains industry recognition for its skin research work

Leeds University skin research centre has this month received the international quality standard ISO 17025 that is set to push it forward in achieving industry recognition in commercial research for the skin care sector.

New study proves vitamin A fights wrinkles

A new study confirms that vitamin A can help to improve wrinkles associated with aging as well as promote the production of skin-building compounds, suggesting it could become an increasingly important ingredient in natural-based and cosmeceutical anti-aging lines.

Unilever upgrades Asian distribution

Unilever continues to step up its operations within Asia with the inauguration of its new distribution centre in Vietnam.

Vitamins drive nail care market

Despite the nail care industry supposedly lacking innovation recently, a popular trend has emerged for premium nail products that incorporate vitamin and mineral properties - allowing for decorative and healthy nails.

Kate Moss targets hair care industry

UK supermodel Kate Moss is set to benefit from the personal care industry as she prepares to launch a hair care range later this year - following the success of her Rimmel campaign and her imminent skin care line.

National Starch ventures into colour cosmetics

Global chemicals company, National Starch, is targeting the colour cosmetics industry with the launch of a new polymer designed to offer a stronger hold for cosmetic products.

Fraudulent fragrance businesses end up in court

The UK Companies Investigation Branch of the Insolvency Service has launched a full investigation into five companies that are allegedly operating fraudulent fragrance vending machines and selling them to business franchises - resulting in a court appearance.

Symrise receives industry recognition for ingredient innovation

Symrise has become the first company to receive awards in two categories in the BSB Innovations Awards, held at the InCosmetics show in Paris last month.

Brits begin to question premium cosmetics purchasing

Manufacturers are being warned that the premium cosmetics industry may take a dive as, despite the market thriving at present due to Brits spending more on high end products, consumers are beginning to be more cautious with their spending.

First Natural acquires essential oils cosmetics company

First Natural Limited (FNL) has acquired a UK essential oils company, in a bid to move the company forward in the booming organic skin care market.

Colour cosmetics move into unchartered waters

Colour cosmetics are now moving out of 'traditional' areas such as eyes, lips and face, according to cosmetic trends analyst Antoinette Van Den Berg -making room for the development of more innovative products.

Parlux confirms executive appointments

After months of uncertainty, leading fragrance player Parlux has confirmed two key appointments on its executive board, in a decision that has been applauded by the investment world and is likely to help put the troubled company back on track.

Multinationals focus on local business development in emerging markets

Major cosmetics giants such as Unilever, Procter and Gamble and Beiersdorf have all attributed Q1 sales successes in sales to emerging markets such as Eastern Europe. However companies are now being advised to think 'local' in their bid to come out on top.

France becomes launch pad for New Zealand organic cosmetics

France has been earmarked as the epicentre for natural awareness, with five New Zealand natural cosmetic companies targeting the area in the hope of success in the strong European organic market.

No split for personal care division says Unilever

The chairman of Unilever has this week hit out at claims that the group may divide into two separate entities for food and personal care production to boost its operations.

Beauty pill strengthens skin from inside out

With the trend for 'beauty from within' gaining momentum amongst image conscious consumers, another cosmeceutical product has gained recognition from French laboratories by successfully moisturising and toning skin from the inside out.

Intimate male skin care hits the UK market

A Florida based company that claims to be the first penis skin care manufacturer in the world is set to launch its unique range in the UK, following unprecedented demand for the products after a review in a UK magazine.

US natural players target UK market

An increasing number of US natural and organic personal care players are targeting the lucrative UK market as significant market opportunities, tied in with shared business and consumer cultures, help to drive the market.

Cocoa re-emerges as beneficial skin care ingredient

Ingredients provider Symrise has harnessed the power of chocolate in a bid to bring some diversification to the natural cosmetics industry - a move that continues to blur the boundaries between the food and the cosmetics industry.

Beyond Beauty Paris focuses on niche brands

The 2007 Beyond Beauty expo will again focus on niche brands in the cosmetics industry, enabling smaller players to liaise with 'top international distributors', no doubt acting as a launch pad for companies who could otherwise be overlooked.

New term coined as male grooming turns a corner

Male grooming has reached such heights that a new term has been coined for the section of men that are outside of the traditional brackets. The 'Ubersexual man' is said to be a potential goldmine for global manufacturers and marketers.

New ingredients targets preventative skin care market

As the market for anti-ageing products becomes over-saturated, companies are beginning to find new ways to entice the age-conscious consumer, with France based ingerdient provider Sederma releasing a new preventative ingredient.

L'Oreal surge ahead in anti-animal testing drive

Cosmetic giant L'Oreal has received validation from European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) for a new irritancy test that has been pitted as a safe alternative to animal testing, engineered on human epidermis.

Younger generation future of cosmetics industry?

The lucrative 'baby boomer' generation could be becoming less valuable for the cosmetics industry as the younger demographics overtake, according to a new report on the future of the cosmetics industry in the UK.

Cosmeceuticals focus

Health claims could drive beauty foods market

The new health claims regulations for foods could prompt more companies to tout the beauty benefits of their products, since cosmetics are not generally subject to the same stringent rules as foods and supplements, says an analyst.

L'Oreal acquires US professional hair care brand

The US division of global cosmetics player L'Oreal has bought the professional hair care brand PureOlogy, in a move that gives it an even greater footing in the market for prestige color hair care treatments.

Waitaki targets 'inner' beauty with new collagen ingredient

New Zealand's Waitaki Biosciences has launched a bovine collagen ingredient for the growing cosmeceutical and joint health markets.

Restructuring and higher sales lower Revlon losses

New York-based cosmetic player Revlon said that a modest increase in sales and lower costs attributed to restructuring had helped it to narrow losses for its first quarter.

Oriflame benefits from lip gloss trend

Swedish direct sales agent Oriflame is launching two new lip plumper and booster product ranges. capitalising on the growing consumer trend for fuller pouts.

Henkel design premium personal care labels

With consumer demands on their personal care products rising, German based company Henkel, has created a packaging concept that claims to give premium products longer lasting aesthetics and label holding.

Study finds fragrance allergen testing needs to be more effective

Swedish scientists have discovered that skin patch testing on a widely used chemical in fragrance manufacturing may not be effective enough in detecting allergies caused by the ingredient.

Alcoa makes bid for Alcan

Alcoa today announced $33bn (€24bn) hostile bid for Alcan in a move to consolidate two of the world's largest aluminium suppliers to the beverage and packing industries.

Elizabeth Arden sees profits and sales jump

New York-based luxury cosmetics player Elizabeth Arden reported a double digit jump in both sales and profits, results that topped expectations on the back of strong increases in fragrance and the Elizabeth Arden brand.

Unilever Q1 sales boosted by personal care division

Unilever yesterday said it achieved underlying sales growth of 5.4 per cent to €9.5bn during the first quarter, driven by the home and personal care sector.

Nivea brand boosts Beiersdorf Q1 sales

Strong sales in its leading Nivea brand has boosted German personal care player Beiersdorf's Q1 sales - following increases in sun products, deodorants and male grooming across all regions.

UK consumers cite wellness as main driver for organic purchases

A new study has discovered that UK consumers are now putting wellness as a key driver behind the organic cosmetic purchases, as opposed to the ethical needs more notoriously associated with this market.

New ingredient range targets cosmeceutical market

Following a 12-month cosmetic testing programme, Irish health care provider Alltracel has announced the global launch of a range of dermal health ingredient solutions for the cosmeceuticals market.

EC-US framework points to more cooperation on cosmetics

A new framework for economic integration between the EU and the US has been forged this week, which should see greater co-operation on a number of areas for the cosmetics industry, including animal testing and slashing trade barriers for suppliers.

German fragrance industry appoints new president

The appointment of the new president of the German fragrance association, Deutscher Verband der Riechstoffhersteller (DVRH), aims to bring the association into the new era and help infiltrate new regulations that are being set in the fragrance industry at present, it is claimed.

P&G sales continue to boom, but investors disappointed

Procter & Gamble said that net quarterly sales were up 8 per cent to $18.69bn, driven by double-digit growth in the baby & family care division and high single-digit sales growth in the beauty and blades and razors division.

EU funds nano packaging research

UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's is part of an EU-funded project to develop biodegradable packaging using nanotechnology.

Premium manufacturers target teens and tweens

With the teenage demographic having more disposable income than ever before there has been a notable shift in cosmetic manufacturers' attitude towards the growing age group - in particular the premium end of the market.

Asda creates male sun care range

Leading UK supermarket Asda has taken male grooming to the next level with the imminent launch of a sun care range directly targeting the male consumer - designed to have a more masculine image than the standard sun cream.