Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Weekly comment

Why making physiological ad claims puts you on thin ice

The fact that a US manufacturer recently got in trouble with UK consumer groups over a fat burning lip balm underlines the eternal need for heed over product claims.

Study to see if brain disease is linked to nano sunscreens

British Scientists are beginning a scientific study to determine whether or not there is a link between brain diseases and nano particles from sunscreen.

L’Oreal’s dip in net profits is less than expected

L’Oreal has announced a 14 per cent drop in its first half profits as a gradual rise in sales helps get the global cosmetics player back on track, beating market forecasts.

Cost savings help Cognis counteract fall in sales

Cost initiatives help counteract flagging sales over the past six months for the personal care ingredient giant Cognis.

HPCI targets formulators in Central and Eastern Europe

The HCPI conference will be opening its doors in Warsaw, Poland on November 24, with a full programme schedule addressing scientific and technical issues.

Industry Tomography Systems launches solution for rheological properties

Tapping into the increasing importance to get formulation feel and consistency right, UK-based Industry Tomography Systems launches new rheology technology.

US ‘fat burning’ lip balm creates a stir in Europe

A lip balm manufactured by Californian company Pacific Shore Holdings has been criticized by UK consumer groups over its fat burning claims.

Beiersdorf criticised for misleading advertising claims for Nivea DNAge cream

Unsubstantiated product claims in advertising have come under criticism again from the UK’s Advertising Standards Agency (ASA), this time from personal care giant Beiersdorf.

Preservative combines ease of use with consumer friendly profile, says ISP

A new globally approved preservative has broad temperature and pH ranges helping to solve many formulation challenges, according to manufacturer ISP.

Topical fern extract could have potential as anti-aging extract

A tropical fern extract could help fight against both intrinsic- and photo-aging in the skin, according to researchers in the US.

Men’s grooming fails to live up to expectations

The global economic downturn appears to have hit the men’s grooming segment hard, as some of the biggest players witness lower sales in the category.

Beiersdorf partners with start-up to look into new emulsions and foams

Beiersdorf will be working with emulsion and foam specialist bubbles and beyond to develop a range of gentle cleansing products for skin and hair.

Organic Monitor hosts first ever organic and natural masterclass

Organic Monitor is hosting its first ever Natural Cosmetics Masterclass in Southern Europe, aimed at critically reviewing certification standards and business processes.

‘Quat’ preservatives in cosmetics could play a role in antibiotic resistance

Widespread use of the anti-microbial agents QACs in cosmetics products may be adding to the problem of anti-biotic resistant micro-organisms.

News in brief

UK retailer Top Shop to launch own brand cosmetics

Leading UK and international retailer Top Shop has confirmed it will be launching a new comprehensive range of cosmetics in 2010.

Organic soap should be allowed but its labeling needs to be cleaned up, says AHPA

Clarification is needed on the labeling of organic soap and its ingredients, according to the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).

Kose aims at international markets to exit downturn

Kose, one of Japan’s biggest cosmetic and personal care providers, says it will start to focus on developing international markets to counterbalance weaker developed markets.

News in brief

Manufacturer of Pür Minerals cosmetics gets new CEO

Astral Brands, which manufactures Alloette, CosMedix and Pür Minerals, has appointed a new CEO to push the company’s growth plans.

Merck gets natural certification for pigments range

German chemicals player Merck says it has secured NaTrue certification for its cosmetics pigments range.

News in brief

‘Oval with class’ offers quality fragrance packaging without delay, says packaging company

UK-based STO Flaconnage has added an ‘oval with class’ bottle designed to appeal to fragrance manufacturers.

Weekly comment

Why the rest of Europe should adopt France's revolutionary packaging laws

The modern French nation can be thought of as a revolutionary traditionalist, which is why the recent change to the country’s packaging laws comes as quite a surprise.

Scottish company ramps up production of anti-ageing plant extract

Essentially Scottish Botanicals (ESB) has opened a ground-breaking extraction facility to process oil from Myrica gale, known for its anti-ageing properties.

Beauty supplements need their own brands, says analyst

Cosmetic companies looking to conquer the nutricosmetics market should create new, separate brands for their beauty supplements, argues a market analyst.

SCC readies for 12th biennial Sunscreen Symposium

Lifting the lid on the latest issues and trends to hit this category, the Florida Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists will be opening its doors to the three day event on September 10.

Stress relieving scent has ‘enormous’ potential for fragrances and cosmetics

A stress busting spray based on the smell of cut grass will soon hit the market and researchers claim the potential for cosmetics and fragrances is significant.

Nivea taps into men’s grooming with website launch

Beiersdorf, owner of the global Nivea brand, has launched a new website called the Groom Room, aimed at providing an online resource for male personal care needs.

Stella McCartney wins right to launch StellaNude fragrance

British fashion designer Stella McCartney has won the right to launch her fragrance StellaNude against the wishes of Nude Beauty Limited (NBL).

British consumer goods manufacturing standard heads to the US

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is expanding its consumer goods manufacturing standard into the US, making it easier for certified British suppliers to sell to US retailers.

New French law could make luxury packaging illegal

A French law, which could make luxurious packaging of high end fragrances and cosmetics illegal, has come under fire from a European packaging trade association.

Teen products hold big potential but market with care: Mintel

The teenage personal care market holds significant potential but brands must appeal to parents as well if they are to succeed.

Perfume on a stick maker aims for further expansion

France-based Louise Enterprises has secured further credit of €3 million to help expand its perfume on a stick concept in both the domestic and international markets.

UK Mums are big users of online retail sites for beauty products

Beauty business should be targeting mothers when trying to up their online beauty sales, according to recent research from e-commerce market research company comScore.

News in brief

Cheap anti-ageing cream beats all the competition

A Simple anti-ageing cream that retails for £3 (€3.40) has beaten the competition in an independent study carried out by Which?

Consumers should be cautious of nano-containing sunscreens, says Friends of the Earth

Nanoparticles of zinc or titanium do not increase the protective power of a sunscreen and they pose health risks, according to a recent Friends of the Earth report.

Sustainable Youth Technologies launches nutricosmetics ingredient

A raw ingredient called Alasta developed specially for the nutricosmetics and cosmeceutical categories has been launched by Sustainable Youth Technologies.

Symrise guarantees German jobs but workers will have to accept less

Symrise will not be making any cuts to its German workforce for the next five years having signed an agreement with the industrial union.

Study shows collagen formulation to have good hair conditioning properties

Waitaki Biosciences says that new trials on its collagen-based hair formulation Collamex suggest it has strong hair conditioning properties.

ModiFace goes global with online virtual makeover tool

The Toronto-based manufacturer of the software that allows consumers to visualize the effect of surgery and anti-ageing treatments has signed deals in Brazil, Spain and Germany.

News in brief

Fashion Fair Cosmetics ups logistics capabilities

Global colour cosmetics provider Fashion Fair Cosmetics has increased its logistics capabilities with the adoption of SPS' Trading Partner Intelligence.

Wal-Mart develop prestige beauty line with Hard Candy cosmetics

Wal-Mart stores will be carrying a Hard Candy cosmetics range from September as the company looks to develop a prestige beauty line.

Intellectual rights for Gentle Waves LED treatment up for grabs

The rights to the Gentle Waves LED Photomodulation System have been put up for sale through broker ICAP Ocean Tomo.

M&H launches biodegradable materials thanks to oxo-bio additive

M&H Plastics has launched an additive that will allow its bottles, caps and tubes to biodegrade after ten years in a landfill.

Antioxidants pose no cancer danger for skin

Supplements of antioxidant vitamins and minerals are not associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, despite reports to the contrary, says a new study.

Conference focuses on toxicity safety testing alternatives

A global conference set to tackle the subject of animal-free toxicity testing will open its doors in Rome, Italy at the end of this month.

EU-funded project hopes to explore use of nano in formulation science

The potential for nanotechnology in product formulation will be boosted by an EU-funded project InForm.

News in brief

UK campaigners call for greater regulation of anti-ageing jabs

A campaign is gathering pace in the UK to bring about greater regulation of cosmetic injections that aim to revers signs of wrinkling.

Dent in luxury market leads to structural shift for personal care

The big downturn in the luxury market has led to major structural changes in the global personal care industry that go beyond cyclical factors, claims Fitch Rating.

EndyMed gets FDA approval for radio frequency anti-aging treatment

EndyMed Medical says it has received FDA clearance for its non-invasive anti-wrinkle and rhytide treatment, Pro, the first of its kind to get approval in the US.

Weekly comment

Brand protection means tougher work for lawyers

A recent spate of lawsuits aimed at protecting some of the biggest personal care brand names in the business is likely to spell more work for legal representatives.

Alberto-Culver sues Procter & Gamble over defective skin cream

Having bought the Noxzema skin care brand from Procter & Gamble last year, Alberto-Culver is suing over claims that the skin care cream was defective.

Industry advised to speed up its REACH preparations

Companies should be actively preparing for REACH registration by forming Substance Information Exchange Forums (SIEFs) as soon as possible, according to the ECHA.

Benefits of restructuring boost Elizabeth Arden results

Elizabeth Arden says that lower charges attributable to it restructuring drive helped to narrow fourth quarter losses, although the outlook continues to be weak.

Coty takes on Guess and plans new fragrance line early next year

The Guess fashion and lifestyle brand is the latest addition to the books of New York-based fragrance giant Coty.

Material-saving plastic tube awarded Tube of the Year

A plastic tube incorporating a permanently attached closure, which could save up to 40 per cent in material weight, has been awarded prototype tube of the year.

News in brief

Superdrug launches ultra budget skin care range

Tapping into consumer demands for cheaper personal care, UK retailer Superdrug has launched its own range of skin care products priced at just £1 (€1.15).

Stella McCartney sued for newest fragrance Stella Nude

The British fashion designer’s latest fragrance Stella Nude, planned to be released later this year, has come under fire from London-based brand Nude Skincare.

Sensient expands natural ingredients in Europe

US-based ingredients provider Sensient is launching a new range of natural ingredients in the UK through distributor Adina.

News in brief

Cheesy chops from a Cheetos flavored lip balm

Fans of the cheesy snacks can now buy a lip balm of the same flavor created by New York-based Lotta Luv.

COSMETICS COMPACT

Cosmetics Compact: Leafing through the benefits of green tea

The antioxidant properties of green tea have lead many researchers to investigate its potential as an anti-aging ingredient, both for topical application and as a supplement. However, a new study suggests this might not be the miracle extract the world has been waiting for.

Estee Lauder posts big Q4 loss on restructuring charges

Estee Lauder posts a big fourth quarter loss after it experiences the double whammy of stiff restructuring charges and a big drop in sales.

White tea streaks ahead of green and black in anti-ageing stakes

White tea has significant potential to fight against skin ageing, as well as cancer and inflammation, according to recent research.

Oriflame sales up but costs and currency exchange hits profits

Direct sales player Oriflame has announced a big increase in local sales for its second quarter, but the negative impact of currency exchange hits profits.

Packaging prototype company looks to global expansion

Packaging prototype provider Pakready is planning European and global expansion with the help of a new managing director.

Beraca bags United Nations SEED award for sustainability

Brazil ingredients provider Beraca has secured a 2009 SEED Award for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development for its business project in Marajo Island.

ISP uses predictive computer models to investigate new ingredients

Computer models that predict how an ingredient will interact with a cell and its proteins are being used by ISP to investigate new ingredients and their effects.

Inter Parfums Q2 profits up on foreign currency gains

Despite falling sales fragrance player Inter Parfums posts a big increase in profits, having hedged its earnings using forward exchange contracts

Potential skin whitening ingredients found in Indonesian province

The Central Kalimantan province of Indonesia could hold a number of potential skin whitening ingredients, according to Indonesian researchers.

News in brief

New anti-ageing cream hailed as ‘miracle’ for wrinkles

Following the successful launch of a 3LAB ‘h’ Serum cream last year, 3LAB Super ‘h’ Serum is being billed as a revolutionary treatment for wrinkles.

Prolonged use of kohl eyeliners can pose lead poisoning risk: study

Education campaigns are needed to warn about the dangers of using traditional kohl eye liners found in much of North Africa and the Middle East, according to a doctor in Belgium.

News in brief

SpongeTech expands health and beauty line with acquisition

Sponge specialist SpongeTech has acquired Dicon Technologies allowing it to offer cosmetics sponges as parts of its health and beauty portfolio.

Essential oils should be labelled with usage warnings, says trade association

Labeling on undiluted essential oils should include warnings regarding proper usage, according to American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).

NPD launches store level view for prestige beauty market

Market researcher NPD has launched a store level information service for the prestige beauty market demonstrated by the launch of a new report.

Parlux sales up on gains in US market

Parlux registered a small increase in sales on big gains in the US market, but international sales continue to fall, and the company remains in the red.

Long-term green tea supplements do little to improve photoaged skin: study

A two year, placebo controlled trial refutes claims that taking green tea supplements can have a positive effect on photodamaged skin.

Mega Pumps adds new sizes to airless ranges to attract new clients

Airless packaging supplier Mega Pumps adds new sizes to its line of mini dispensers in time for September’s HBA show in New York.

Antioxidants’ potential to delay skin ageing is focus of Malta congress

New oral and topical antioxidant strategies for skin ageing are sought by the organisers of the Malta Skin Ageing Congress taking place October 29-30 in Malta.

Berkem obtains Ecocert approval for its extraction process

Natural ingredients provider Berkem says it wants to build on its recently-acquired Ecocert status by increasing the number of individual ingredients with certification status.

News in brief

US lawyer sues moutwash manufacturer over stained teeth

Mark Rossman, a US lawyer, is suing Procter & Gamble, claiming its Crest Pro-Health mouthwash left him with brown teeth.

Flavours and fragrance market to shrink, says Symrise CEO

Symrise CEO predicts continued shrinkage in the fragrance and flavour market as acquisitions prop up first half sales and weigh down profits.

Naturex buys Natraceutical to form botanicals giant

Naturex has succeeded in its stated ambition to become the world’s biggest independent botanicals extracts supplier by striking a deal that brings on-board the ingredients division of Spanish company, Natraceutical.

Unilever sales volumes rise on discounting

Unilever has seen its sales volumes for the European market rebound on heavy discounting, although net profits continue to dive.

News in brief

Pantene formulation technology combines natural and efficacy

P&G formulators have developed a new formulation for the Pantene hair care range that combines natural ingredients of the Cassia plant to improve hair condition.

Henkel’s profits surge but sales fall in second quarter

Henkel’s second quarter operating profit jumped from last year’s figures although sales slowed slightly.

Skin care brand Simple targets travel agent with promotional partnership

UK skincare brand Simple has teamed up with travel agent Tui Travel to promote its products at foreign exchange counters of Thomson and First Choice.

Courts bar Gucci relatives from using its trademark in the US

US district judges have ruled that relatives of the Gucci family can no longer market products using a similar trademark to that used by the Gucci business.

Skin diagnostic system can help increase brand loyalty, says manufacturer

A new skin care diagnostic system giving instant results can help reinforce brand loyalty and bring in new customers, according to manufacturer Reveal Sciences.

IFRA to publish list of fragrance ingredients used in consumer goods

A list of the fragrance ingredients used in consumer products will be published by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) late this year.

Conference lifts lid on genetically-tailored cosmetics

A conference entitled Cosmetogenomics and Beauty is being held in Paris on October 22 to explain about the latest developments in genetically targeted formulations.

LVMH cosmetics and perfume sales fall but increase on first quarter

The perfume and cosmetics division of luxury goods player Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton (LVMH) suffered sales losses in the first half of 2009 but stood up better than its wines and spirits segment.

News in brief

Workshop on Asian cosmetics regulation will be held in September

A hands-on workshop on cosmetic safety regulations will be held in Singapore as part of in-cosmetics Asia in October.

Givaudan first half sales drop although it sees ‘encouraging recovery signs’

Fragrance and flavour supplier Givaudan blames a drop in sales on destocking and lower consumer demand, although it said second quarter results show a slight recovery.

Symrise moves closer to consumers through Twitter

Ingredients giant Symrise has become one of the first personal care suppliers to tap into the world of social media as a means of finding out what end users really want.

Personal care holds up for Beiersdorf as adhesives slump

Although the company’s adhesives business has been battered by the recession, Q2 sales for its personal care operations were buoyed by developing markets

Colgate sues over use of Total brand name

Oral care giant Colgate-Palmolive is suing both Johnson & Johnson and Chattem over claimed misuse of its toothpaste brand Total.

Weekly comment

Pale is the new tanned...or is it?

The announcement that sunbeds are as carcinogenic as cigarettes was seen by many as proof that the fashion for a tan is fading, but preparations for a revolutionary rush on very high SPF factors may not be necessary.

Health Canada outlines procedure to reclassify cosmetics

Following the reclassification of certain antiperspirants, Health Canada is offering manufacturers and importers help to reclassify affected products.

Vitamin E delivery system enhances ingredients penetration, says Australian biotech company

A vitamin E-based delivery system, designed to enhance the penetration of ingredients, will be included in a cosmetics range formulated by New York company Metier Tribeca.