Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Henkel sales dip on continued weakness in consumer environment

Preliminary results from Germany-based home and personal care provider Henkel show that sales have continued to decline in the latest quarter, but the results beat market expectations.

Shiseido strengthens Greek operations with joint venture

Shiseido has launched a joint venture with Greek cosmetics player Gerolymatos in an attempt to increase its sales in the country.

Cosmetics Directive amended to flag up hair dye allergy dangers

The European Commission has changed the labelling requirements for formulations that contain certain hair dye ingredients.

Evolve Beauty partners with M&H Plastics to create eco-friendly beauty range

Eco-beauty range, Evolve Beauty, has chosen packaging from M&H Plastics for its eco-friendly range of beauty products.

Sweden investigates cumulative exposure to chemicals such as parabens

The cumulative effects of potential endocrine disruptors such as parabens and phthalates are being investigated by Sweden’s environment ministry with conclusions to be presented before the end of its EU presidency.

News in brief

Croda reports recovery as destocking slows

A sales increase of 1.1 per cent was recorded for the quarter; however, the UK-based chemicals company benefited significantly from the weak pound and 10 per cent of the sales increase was put down to currency effects.

L’Oreal's 100% carbon neutral production site unveiled

Cosmetics giant L’Oreal has unveiled its first 100% carbon-neutral production site in Libramont, Belgium, the result of a three-year collaboration with Belgian-based energy players Eneco and Bio Energie.

Symrise launches new generation active for sensitive skin

Germany-based ingredients provider Symrise has launched a new high technology active ingredient aimed at soothing sensitive skin problems.

Poundland launches budget cosmetics range

Poundland, Europe’s biggest single price discount retailer, is introducing a cosmetics range priced at £1 (€1.10) per item, which will be available in all stores from November.

P&G consumers return, boosting both sales and profits

Procter & Gamble appears to have turned the corner having posted first quarter results that beat market expectations.

News in brief

New Vice President of Innovation for Arch Chemicals

The global biocides company, Arch Chemicals, has appointed Dr Aleck Valke as Vice President of Innovation, effective from November 1st.

Anti-microbial milk proteins could help alleviate acne, psoriasis and halitosis

Proteins in milk that form part of the cow’s natural protection against milking related infections can be formulated into anti-microbial cosmetics and oral care products, according to manufacturer Quantec.

News in brief

New general manager for CPL Aromas Germany

Michael Christophe has been appointed the new general manager of the German arm of the international fragrance house, CPL Aromas.

Popularity of private label boosts McBride results

UK-based private label household and personal care specialist McBride says that continued interest in private label helped boost its latest results.

Use sustainable palm oil or suffer consequences, warns WWF

Many manufacturers and retailers are not using sustainable palm oil as much as they should to stimulate supply and lead to long-term environmental benefits, says a damning report from the WWF.

New product cleanses and moisturises, says Laboratoires Sérobiologique

No-rinse cleansers that also moisturise are the target for the latest offering from Cognis’ active ingredients division Laboratoires Sérobiologique (LS).

Helix BioMedix publishes clinical trials for new peptide ingredient

Helix BioMedix has revealed the results of three clinical trials designed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its SmartPeptides technology.

Azelis and S Black re-organize to focus on international opportunities

Speciality chemicals distributor Azelis has created a new managing director role for UK operations, freeing up a separate role to look at international business growth.

Oekametall packaging first to adopt DuPont’s renewable resin

Oekametall’s new standard mascara packaging line that uses DuPont’s renewably-sourced polyester resin, Biomax PTT1100, was showcased at Luxepack Monaco last week.

Simple brand put up for auction with a £250m price tag

Simple, one of the leading skin care brands in the UK, has been put up for sale by private equity group Duke Street Capital with an estimated value of £250m.

News in brief

Men’s natural skincare brand moves into anti-ageing

UK men’s skincare brand Bulldog has launched its first anti-ageing moisturiser in an attempt to benefit from a category tipped for growth.

Clean, fresh smells promote ‘virtuous behavior’, claim scientists

On smelling clean, fresh scents, individuals are more inclined to behave in a generous and charitable way claim scientists in the US.

Formaldehyde-free eyelash glue developed from mussel adhesive protein

An agreement between Kollodis BioSciences and Korean-based cosmetics provider, Lifeace, will develop and commercialize the use of recombinant mussel adhesive protein (MAP) compositions in cosmetic glues.

Metabolix’ field trials investigate bioplastic-producing crops

Field research on tobacco takes Metabolix one step further in its quest to design non-food crops that produce plastic resins for use in cosmetic and food packaging.

IFF subsidiary receives environmentally responsible certification

France-based LMR, an International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) subsidiary, has received the ISO 14001 certification for its environmentally responsible business practices.

Inter Parfums sales continue to fall

Inter Parfums announced that its third quarter sales fell by 5 per cent as it continued to be hit by both the strength of the US dollar against the euro and slow retail markets.

Flavanoid myricetin can help protect skin against UVB damage

Myricetin, a compound similar to quercetin, can help protect the skin from UVB damage, according to researchers in Taiwan.

News in brief

Shiseido targets Republic of Azerbaijan

Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido is to sell its products in the Republic of Azerbaijan from December 2009.

Oriflame results hit by currency translation, negating sales gains

Oriflame sales dropped during its third quarter, with a double digit gain in local currency sales being negated by unfavourable currency translation.

News in brief

Rexam appoints new director of marketing and innovation

Global packaging provider Rexam has appointed Eric Soubeiran as director of marketing and innovations in its personal care division.

German authorities warn consumers against nano

Consumers should avoid using products that contain nanoparticles while the risks to the environment remain unknown, according to Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

Cosmetics sales in China continue to boom, despite global down-turn

Latest data from the Chinese government show that the market for cosmetics has continued to grow in excess of 17 per cent for the first nine months of 2009.

Removable pumps to allow for easy recycling unveiled by MWV

Decorated perfume pumps and new features for existing cosmetic dispensers are some of the latest innovations being showcased at Luxe Pack Monaco this week by MWV Beauty and Personal Care.

Kimberly-Clark profits rocket despite sales fall

Kimberly-Clark's third quarter sales continue to slide, but restructuring and lower commodity prices help net profits rise by 41 per cent.

Natura reports strong results, but growth slows

Brazil-based cosmetics giant Natura has reported double digit sales growth, but results show a downward trend.

Seaweed extract may help improve the appearance of ageing skin

Australian company Marinova claims that recent studies support the use of its organic seaweed extract in anti-ageing cosmetics.

Claims that silk pillows have anti-ageing properties dismissed by ASA

The UK-based ASA has upheld a complaint over advertising claims that silk pillows manufactured by Direct Beauty Products have anti-ageing properties.

Peptide pushes skin to remodel from within, claims DSM

The latest cosmetics offering from DSM Nutritional Products has been designed to boost hyaluronan levels in the skin to help firm and remodel ageing skin.

Tri-K launches new sunscreen range for US market

New Jersey-based Tri-K Industries has launched a range of five new sunscreens offering broad range UVA and UVB protection.

Anti-ageing water set for November launch in USA

Nutra Resveratrol Anti-Ageing Water, which contains concentrated anti-oxidants and claims to promote healthy ageing, is set for a November launch in the USA.

Cell module system could help replace animal testing in cosmetics

The urgency of the ban on animal testing for cosmetic ingredients could speed up the regulatory bodies’ acceptance of alternatives such as Kirkstall’s cell culture system.

News in brief

Nescafé launches collagen coffee

The Switzerland-headquartered food giant Nestlé has launched a collagen containing instant coffee as part of its Nescafé body partner range.

Developing markets and fragrances drive LVMH results

LVMH reported better than expected results, with Christian Dior fragrance doing well and robust sales in China making up for weakness in other business areas.

French administration procedures for cosmetics exportation to be simplified

The French government plans to simplify administrative procedures to make the exportation of cosmetics easier, minister for Industry, Christian Estrosi, announced on Friday.

California extends deadline for reporting cancer chemicals in cosmetics

The state of California has extended the deadline for company’s to submit details of products that contain chemicals suspected of being linked to cancer or reproductive defects.

News in brief

Procter & Gamble has halved carbon dioxide emissions since 2002

Procter and Gamble (P&G) have released their 2009 Sustainability Report which highlights 50 per cent reductions in CO2 emissions, water consumption, and waste disposal since 2002.

The key to marketing cosmetics could lie in attitudes to equality

US researchers say that a study into attitudes towards equality and the link with impulse buying could shine new light on marketing cosmetics worldwide.

Grant combines silicones with naturals for greener solutions

Replacing a petroleum-derived solvent in a silicone elastomer delivery system with a vegetable alternative does not have to compromise quality, claims Grant Industries.

Estee Lauder expects 'significantly' higher quarterly profit

US prestige cosmetics player Estee Lauder says it expects better sales and ‘significantly’ higher profits for its soon-to-be announced first quarter results.

Cognis unveils new ‘holistic’ ingredients at SEPAWA

Germany-based specialty chemicals player Cognis is unveiling a number of new ingredients at the 56th SEPAWA congress, geared towards the consumer trend for green products.

Cosmetics players missing out on brand licensing's ‘easy’ money

Cosmetics companies could make big money by licensing out their brands, especially in difficult economic times.

Powder atomizer launched by Karla Innovations

Austria-based Karla Innovations has developed a bulb atomizer for powder and a perfume atomizer with a leak-proof bulb.

News in brief

Henkel rating upgraded on cost saving initiatives

Germany-based personal care provider has had its financial rating upgraded from neutral to buy on the back of an improved outlook.

Re-sealable sample pack fits needs of modern consumer

A re-sealable sample pack for creams and lotions allows the consumer to test a product over a number of days while providing ample branding space, claim the manufacturers.

Study underlines potential for targeting hand soaps at men

A new study carried out by British scientists has proved that only one third of males actually wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom.

Profit suffers from weak demand for packaging company Gerresheimer

Packaging company Gerresheimer’s bottom line has suffered from a drop in revenue of nearly 10 per cent, but the company maintains the worst is over.

News in brief

Qosmedix launches dial-up applicators with interchangeable tips

Qosmedix, a supplier to the cosmetic, skincare, spa and salon industries, has developed a range of dial-up applicators with interchangeable tips.

Research on US rivers points to inconclusive results on cosmetics pollution

Analysis of research carried out in the US suggests that incidence of inter sex fish cannot always be blamed on high levels of household pollution, including personal care compounds.

AptarGroup suffers from weak demand in fragrance and cosmetics

Packaging supplier AptarGroup expects softness to continue in the cosmetics sector, its biggest business sector, although predicts the end of inventory reduction in others.

Geka Brush to present new mascara brushes at Luxe Pack Monaco

Germany-based cosmetics applicator manufacturer, Geka Brush, will be presenting its latest mascara brushes at Luxe Pack Monaco on October 21st.

News in brief

Axilone produces perfume cap for new Guerlain fragrance

Caps and closures manufacturer Axilone has created the stopper for Guerlain’s new fragrance “Idylle”.

Scancos Conference focuses on all aspects of sustainable cosmetics

The conference will be a two day event held in Malmo, Sweden to address all aspects of the growing trend towards the production of sustainable cosmetics.

Commission calls for data on peanut oil and wheat proteins

The European Commission is calling for scientific data on the use of peanut oil and hydrolysed wheat proteins in cosmetics, after some member states expressed concern over the ingredients.

J&J sales drop leads to share prices fall

A drop in domestic sales and negative currency effects pulled Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) consumer sales down for the third quarter.

Logona Cosmetics taps into demand for gluten-free cosmetics

Logona Natural Cosmetics, a manufacturer of personal care products and color cosmetics, has developed a gluten-free line comprising 155 products in response to increased awareness of gluten-intolerance.

Skin care ingredient uses protective power of grape stem cells

Stem cells from a rare red grape variety provide the basis for Swiss company Mibelle’s latest skin care ingredient.

Five manufacturing partners create eco-designed skincare product

Naya, claimed to be the first 100 per cent eco-friendly skincare product, is the result of a collaboration between five manufacturing partners with a combined vision to create new and sustainable solutions within the cosmetics market.

Givaudan nine month results outpace market growth

Despite a slow start to its financial year, Swiss fragrance and flavours group Givaudan says business has picked up in the last six months, pointing to a recovery.

Lutein is DSM’s latest offering for beauty from within

New scientific studies have led DSM Nutritional Products to market its lutein product FloraGlo at the skin health sector.

Marketing is essential to cracking men's grooming, claims analyst

Although little has been written on the men's grooming segment recently, NPD analyst Karen Grant says there are still plenty of opportunities for companies with the right approach.

Now is not the time to launch luxury green lines, says analyst

Natural and organic products may be outgrowing the rest of the personal care market but companies should not forget the economic downturn when investing in all things green.

News in brief

M&H Plastics wins prize for body care packaging

M&H Plastics USA has been awarded the 2009 Pentaward in the Body Care category for its packaging on the Living Proof ‘No Frizz’ range.

Weekly comment

The time is now for niche players to target the developing markets

With the growth of cosmetics sales continuing in most of the major developing markets new opportunities continue to proliferate for niche cosmetic players, but now is the time to get in on the act.

Collaboration aims to recreate human cells for R&D

A team of researchers in France has embarked upon a project to develop human cellular systems that could be used in the development of cosmetic products.

DuPont introduces green resin to cosmetics market at LuxePack

Packaging giant DuPont will be unveiling its new polyester resin with over a third renewable content to the luxury cosmetic sector at the LuxePack trade show later this month.

News in brief

Marionnaud announces fewer job cuts

Marionnaud, the luxury perfumeries and cosmetics retailer, announced on Wednesday that the number of planned redundancies across the company has decreased from 704 to 582.

Lipoaminoacids provide comprehensive anti-ageing protection, study

Two new lipoaminoacid ingredients work in complementary ways to help fight against skin aging, according to a recent study.

News in brief

Adina adds Lipo Chemicals' ingredient to portfolio

Adina Cosmetic Ingredients has secured UK distribution of Lipo VI 40/60; an exfoliating ingredient from US-based company, Lipo Chemicals.

Firmenich plans post-recession with partnerships, innovation

Firmenich’s fine fragrance division suffered the most in a recession struck year in which sales fell 4.3 per cent overall.

Beiersdorf says it will have to ‘fight hard’ to achieve objectives

With its main markets in developed countries still struggling under the strain of the economic downturn, Beiersdorf CFO Bernhard Duetmann says the business is not out of the doldrums yet.

New orders, new clients: business looking up for contract manufacturers

As consumers feel the pinch of a global recession they often look to private label goods as a way to save a few pennies. Couple this with the lower overheads and financial outlay offered by contract manufacturers and the sector seems to have a winning formula to survive difficult economic times.

Asian cosmetics players opt for natural and organic standards

Asian cosmetics companies are turning to natural and organic certification programs in an effort to substantiate their product claims and differentiate them from the competition.

One-handed mascara pen claims to be industry first

Mascara Noir, a revolutionary, ‘one-handed’ mascara, claimed to be the first major change to mascara application in over fifty years, will be launched in the UK next week.

New study supports antioxidant supplements for ageing skin

Taking a dietary supplement containing coenzyme Q10 and a selection of antioxidants and minerals can decrease skin roughness and fine wrinkles, according to a recent study.

Polish company Inglot takes cosmetics to the US

Inglot Cosmetics has opened up its first retail outlet in the US, marking the company’s debut in the world’s largest personal care market.

News in brief

Inter Parfums signs fragrance license with Jimmy Choo

The signing of a 12-year, worldwide license agreement between Inter Parfums SA, a subsidiary of Inter Parfums and the luxury goods company, Jimmy Choo, has just been announced.

Date rape-preventing lip gloss debuts

A lip gloss that comes with a date rape drug testing kit has been launched in the UK with plans to make it available in vending machines in bar and club toilets.

Strong sales push Helen of Troy to beat 2Q profit expectations

Helen of Troy says particularly strong sales for its personal care segment, backed up by an even stronger performance from its household goods division, helped boost quarterly profits.

Borghese expands into eyeware with licensing deal

New York-based luxury cosmetics provider Borghese is tapping into its kudos amongst the fashionista by signing a licensing agreement with eyeware maker Icon Eyeware.

Sally Beauty buys professional beauty products distributor

Sally Beauty, a leading supplier to the professional hair care industry worldwide, has acquired professional beauty supply distributor Schoeneman Beauty.

SPF and UVA testing methods clarified in ISO report

A technical report from the International Standards Organisation (ISO) claims to help technicians navigate the complex world of sun protection test methods.

Unilever strengthens work on topical delivery systems

Unilever has signed a research agreement with a US company in order to explore transdermal delivery technologies.

CPM helps to reformulate US natural personal care brands

Spanish research and development company Cosmetic Project Management (CPM) has been recruited to help Caleco Pharma develop its range of natural personal care products.

News in brief

Dow Corning beauty expert to speak at in-cosmetics Asia

Dow Corning associate scientist and skin care technologist Isabelle Van Reeth will present a key speech on Skin Whitening at the forthcoming in-cosmetics Asia.

Cosmeceuticals niche continues to grow, fuelled by marketing

The niche market for US cosmeceuticals is continuing to grow despite the fact that the cosmetics category in the country as a whole is set to decline this year.

Industry-wide campaign launched to boost fragrance sales

The Fragrance Foundation is behind an industry-wide advertising campaign with the aim of boosting flagging sales.

Bioplastics have huge potential but infrastructure needs to catch up

Bio-based plastic resins are beginning to make their mark on the world of packaging; but, although significant savings are being made on resource use, much still needs to be done to improve end-of-life options.

Changing retail landscape helps define cosmetics in BRIC markets

The fast-changing retail landscapes in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC markets) are creating new opportunities for cosmetics and personal care players to market products.

IFRA investigation finds supplier compliant with standards

IFRA has found that a fragrance supplier was compliant with regulations following an investigation into the use of a banned ingredient.

Bio-piracy fears tackled in food and cosmetics seminar

Bio-piracy accusations are a growing concern for food and cosmetics companies sourcing natural ingredients abroad, according to the Union for Ethical Biotrade, which has organised an event to tackle the subject.

News in brief

MWV’s fragrance sector gets a push with new appointment

MeadWestvaco has appointed Laurent Bourgoin to vice president, European sales and marketing, within its fragrance division.

Study suggests risks for beauty care workers exposed to solvents while pregnant

Scientists in France have carried out a comprehensive study encompassing 3,421 women to determine the effects of occupational exposure to solvents while pregnant.

Cosmetic products with SPFs may not provide adequate protection

Formulating daily cosmetic products with UV filters may be ‘inappropriate’ as they do not provide the protection required, according to a recent report.

News in brief

Johnson & Johnson takes on natural brand for US distribution

Premium Greek skin care brand Korres will be taken on by Johnson and Johnson (J&J) for distribution in North America.

Natural European cosmetics sales continue to grow at double figures

Sales of natural and organic cosmetics are forecast to grow by 13 per cent in Europe this year, despite the tough retail environment caused by the economic downturn.

Indian urbanite a likely target for global cosmetic players

Urban areas will continue to be the focus for cosmetics players wanting to tap into strong growth figures as urban areas cling on to old retailer and consumer patterns.

Foods for beauty in the spotlight: Euromonitor

Anti-aging and beauty from within are expected to be in the functional food spotlight, despite the recent shadow cast over the category by the high profile failure of Danone’s Essensis beauty yogurt, say analysts.