Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Biotech company develops anti-aging molecule

Canada-based biotechnology company ProtoKinetix says it has developed a family of synthetic anti-freeze glycoproteins which it says can provide anti-inflamation, anti-aging and UV protection for a variety of skin care applications.

RSSL moves to meet EU sunscreen guidelines

RSSL Pharma, a UK-based provider of science and technology outsourcing to the cosmetics industry, says it has made big changes to the way it reports SPFs, following new recommendations introduced by the EU earlier this year.

Avon profits hit by ad spend and tax fee

Despite sales rising significantly, profits at Avon have been hit by a rising ad spend, restructuring costs and charges relating to a tax dispute in the company's UK arm.

Nivea packaging secures prize for designer

Germany-based packaging design company Dieter Bakic has won the German Packaging Award 2006 for the design and refinement category with its latest design for the Nivea Beauté range.

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Nanotechnology safety: Back under the microscope

The debate on nanotechnology continues to rage. For every expert claiming that the nanotechnology application they have developed is safe, there is one claiming that caution and further research have to be undertaken. So who is right?

Grape seed extracts could improve skin from within

A dietary supplement of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) could reduce reddening of the skin by 13 per cent, scientists from Hamburg-based Bioskin GmbH have reported, research sure to be welcomed by Europe's burgeoning oral beauty products sector.

Rexam create all transparent pump systems

Rexam Dispensing Systems is going for total invisibility in all of its pump fragrance dispensers, a feat that was previously outlined as a key goal in the companies product development strategies.

Procter and Gamble to resume sale of SK-II cosmetics in China

Proctor & Gamble is to resume sales of its SK-II cosmetics line after China authorities confirmed that levels of toxic heavy metals found in the formulation were harmless, a state press report says.

Quality fragrance samples drive sales, survey finds

Research into the area of fragrance samples suggests that the right kind of product can considerably influence consumers in their purchasing decision.

L'Oreal buys up organic cosmetic player

The world's leading cosmetic player has further expanded its position in the naturals market with the acquisition of French Laboratoire Sanoflore, one of the founding companies specialising in the manufacturing of certified organic cosmetic products in the country.

Cognis launch new anti-ageing product

Worldwide chemicals and ingredients supplier, Laboratories Serobiologies (LS), a Cognis Care active ingredients business has launched a new anti-ageing product, Dermican, at the recent ISFCC trade show in Osaka, Japan, with the product said to target mechanisms to optimise the functionality of collagen fibres.

Cognac-maker turns fragrance-maker

Cognac brand Courvosier is to be marketed as men's fragrance, its license-holders have confirmed, in a deal that will make it the first spirit to make the cross-over into the world of perfume.

Acetyl Hexapeptide makes major inroad in to anti-ageing market

The molecule Acetyl Hexapeptide is allowing cosmetics manufacturers to make major inroads in the anti-ageing treatment market, targeting the consumer need for firmer looking skin and acting as a stress hormone inhibitor.

Nutricosmetics targets skin-whitening market

Nutricosmetics is again making innovative inroads, with Israeli company IBR targeting an oral use ingredient designed for skin whitening and brightening process - a market that is huge in Asia and is now gathering pace in Europe.

Imaging system takes the guesswork out of skin treatments

A UK company says it can now provide a service for individuals to assess the condition of skin as a means of determining the most effective anti-ageing treatment that caters to their specific needs.

Parlux stakeholder hints at take-over

Glenn Nussdorf, who has a 10.5 per cent stake in troubled fragrance player Parlux, has made an SEC filing stating his intentions to acquire a controlling stake in the company as a business combination transaction to prevent it from being sold off piecemeal.

Many more companies targeting fast-growing nutricosmetics industry

Following the growing trend for products that aim to provide beauty 'from within' more companies are establishing product lines to target the fast-growing nutricosmetics niche market.

Metalprint gives packaging added shelf impact

With premium cosmetic products having to make statements communicated through increasingly sophisticated packaging as a means of extending market reach, high technology finishes such as Iggesund Paperboard's new PET laminated paperboard are growing in popularity.

Cognis targets natural cosmetic markets with launch of new products

Following the growing consumer need for products that are both kind to the environment and the user, Cognis, the global supplier of chemicals and nutritional ingredients, has introduced a number of new cosmetic ranges including Plantapon, a mild surfactant blend that is free of chemicals and preservatives.

Popular brand credibility boosts LVMH sales

A continued and growing recognition of the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton brands has helped the group to put in another strong quarter, with sales of its major French cosmetic and fragrance brands also making a mark.

L'Oreal growth still strong but US performance trails

L'Oreal has reported continued strong growth for its second quarter, ending in September - but the US market proves tougher as retail conditions and distribution problems continue to make it a challenging market in which to remain competitive.

Licensing laws could see Russian fragrance prices double

Fragrance prices look set to double in Russia due to a backlash from licensing laws introduced in July regarding the percentage of alcohol contained in fragrances and other household goods.

Clinique reprimanded by ASA over misleading advert

An advert by cosmetic giant, Clinque, has come under harsh scrutiny from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for displaying misleading content regarding an anti-ageing treatment.

RPC extends cosmetic dispensing range

RPC Bramlage-Wiko has increased its magic pump airless dispensing range with the addition of the Magic Oval dispenser from lotions, creams and gels - a move the company claims is in response to significant demand for the range.

Conference focuses on link between chemicals and foetal disruption

Responding to the growing incidence of genital malformations in baby boys, an international conference is being held in Helsinki, Finland, next month to discuss the possible link with widely used cosmetic chemicals.

New ingredients, sources and benefits set for Malta polyphenols focus

New ingredients, new applications and new science are the focus of the up-coming 3rd International Conference on Polyphenols in Nutrition and Health, which promises to provide more information for industrialists on how to better use polyphenols in various products.

Oriflame target home spa market

Direct sales cosmetics company, Oriflame, is targeting the ever-growing home spa treatment market with its new range, Swedish Spa, designed for consumers wanting to use spa-style products at home.

P&G focus on delivering industry-leading top and bottom line growth

The world's largest consumer goods company, Procter and Gamble (P&G), told shareholders at its annual meeting this week that it is now focused on delivering a full decade of industry-leading top and bottom line growth, having successfully integrated Gillette into it's fold.

Clarins and Kibio forge naturals partnership

French beauty companies Clarins and Kibio have forged a partnership to produce natural and organic skin care ranges, capitalising on the huge market growth for this type of product.

UK scientists plan to take cosmetic testing device worldwide

Scientists from the London South Bank University (LSBU) are heading to the US to launch and promote a new skin-testing devise, which they claim could lead to better performing moisturizers, shampoos, deodorants and sunscreens.

IGI prepares for possible takeover

New Jersey-based IGI, a developer of technologies for skin care applications, is making clear moves in preparation for a takeover, after the company's financial representatives stated that some of its past clients may be interested in investing in the company.

Merck extends pearl pigment ranges, goes gold

Cosmetics supplier S Black has extended the Merck pearl pigment range it offers in Europe to include a gold tone that will be suited to the growing trend for metallised pigment colour cosmetics.

Kalina sales boom while net profit remains steady

Russian fragrance and cosmetics giant Kalina has reported a 36.28 per cent hike in its sales, whereas net profits increased by 2 per cent during the six months ending June 30, reflecting increased production costs and loan repayments.

Cosmar embarks on international expansion

On the back of rising international demand for contract manufacturing services, Dutch-Indonesian company PT Cosmar says it is embarking on a second round of expansion to meet customer demands.

Quest study uncovers human reaction to scents

Quest International, one of the worlds leading creative flavours and fragrances businesses, has published a new study detailing the secret of the human relationship with scent - research that could lead to more targeted fragrances.

Besame Cosmetics triples its annual revenue

New York based firm, Besame Cosmetics, is taking the niche cosmetic market by storm, with its annual revenue tripling in recent months thanks to strong internet sales and expansion into the European market.

Shiseido plan new r&d centres to capture European market

Japanese beauty manufacturer Shiseido is expanding its research and development centres, opening up facilities in Europe and Asia in an effort to better appreciate the needs of its customers there and expand beyond the US and domestic markets.

Scientists devise method to test anti-ageing products

German scientists have demonstrated a new laser-based testing methods, which they say could not only be used to determine skin damage from sun exposure, but also to test the efficacy of anti-ageing products.

L'Oreal announce Body Shop expansion into international markets

French cosmetic giant L'Oreal has announced that it intends to extend the Body Shop brand into international markets. The move follows the £652m take-over of the UK based Body Shop by L'Oreal back in March 2006.

Natura aims to expand into global market

Brazilian natural cosmetics producer Natura says it wants to expand on the success in its domestic Brazil market by expanding into leading international markets such as the US, UK and Russia.

Avon CEO says savings from restructuring will be reinvested

With Avon in the midst of a major restructuring CEO Andrea Jung says that savings are going to be poured back into the company's future, with research and development, the internet and advertising targeted for major investment.

Korean authorities say P&G cosmetics safe

Following a pan-Asian scare regarding heavy metal content in Procter & Gamble's SK-II skin care line, South Korean authorities have said that it has found only traces of the suspected substances and says 'it is too little to worry about.'

ISP acquires German encapsulation business

US-based International Specialty Products has acquired the encapsulation business of German company geniaLab BioTechnologie - Produkte und Dienstleistungen - as well as signing a strategic alliance that should boost the position of both companies in the market for personal care encapsulation.

StriVectin voted best anti-wrinkle cream in France

Leading French consumer magazine 60 Millions De Consommateur, has voted US anti-wrinkle treatment StriVectin the best treatment in the country, beating competition from all of the main cosmetic companies.

EU relaxes air flight hand carry rules

Following in line with the relaxation of rules for hand carry items of passenger air flights from the US, the European Union has also approved yesterday a new set of airline security rules that allow a small amount of liquids to be carried on board air crafts.