Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Cremer Care launches organic fatty acids and emulsifiers

Germany-based raw materials supplier Cremer Care has launched a range of fatty acids and emulsifiers derived from organic oils.

Valois launches world's smallest fragrance dispenser

France-based Valois claims to have released the world’s smallest fragrance dispenser measuring less than 1 cm.

Ethical market will grow despite economic worries, Co-op report

‘Values’ will not necessarily be sacrificed for ‘value’ when it comes to ethical purchasing in an economic downturn, according to a recent Co-op report.

Safic-Alcan UK launches opacifier for cash strapped times

Safic-Alcan has launched an opacifier in the UK that is designed to help formulators keep their costs down in gloomy economic times.

Concept of 'food miles' set to take off in cosmetics

‘Food miles’ are high up on the sustainability agenda in the food industry but the concept is only just beginning to catch on in cosmetics.

France poised to set a precedent on cosmetics use while pregnant

An increasing body of scientific evidence over the use of certain cosmetics while pregnant could see the French government paving the way for change.

Airlessystems launches new Eden packaging for cosmetics

Airlessytems has released a fully recyclable airless packaging system for cosmetics products.

Dermasalve goes into insolvency after failing to secure funding

A UK skin care firm specialising in antimicrobial products and formulations for sensitive skin has gone into insolvency after failing to find funding.

French minister calls safety of cosmetics for pregnant women into question

The French health authorities are considering a logo for cosmetic products that are not recommended for use by pregnant women and young children.

Air travel drink specialist launches beauty juice

Mile High Drinks markets a juice drink to alleviate the stresses and strains of air travel but the company is now turning its attention to the beauty market.

Technology ups cosmetic filling equipment capabilities

PKB Synchro Cosmetics says it has launched a new generation of filling machines for cosmetics and fragrances that benefit from a number of new technologies.

Algenics joins program to develop the use of microalgae in industry

Biotech company Algenics has joined the Algohub program that hopes to develop the role of microalgae in the cosmetics, nutritional and pharmaceutical industries.

Mixing flavanoids with inorganic and organic filters can up sunscreen's protection, claims study

Combining natural-based substances such as flavanoids with more traditional inorganic and organic sunscreens can improve protection against UV rays, according to researchers in Brazil.

PCPC annual meeting focuses on impact of economic situation

The cosmetic consequences of the economic downturn will take centre stage at the annual meeting of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC).

Cognis digs its way out of debt as sales growth continues

Germany-based ingredients supplier Cognis is unburdening its debt load thanks to continued sales growth mainly driven by its personal care division.

Study links hairspray exposure to birth defect

Hairspray has been linked to a genital birth defect in a study that adds to a growing body of research into the potential health risks posed by certain phthalates.

Study backs oral HA for joint and skin health

High molecular weight hyaluronan from oral supplements does reach skin and joint tissues, supporting a role for the compound in such products, says a new study.

NPD studies the impact of age on make-up sales

Women change their makeup buying habits as they get older and turn their attention towards anti-aging, according to a NPD report.

GeneLink expands genetic testing capabilities

Florida-based Genelink has entered into a collaborative service agreement to increase its research and development capabilities for DNA-based beauty care treatments.

Mintel identifies probiotics among the beauty ingredient trends for 2009

Consumers are familiar with the gut health claims attached to probiotics but now ‘friendly bacteria’ is joining the growing band of ingredients to embark on the journey from food to cosmetics, according to beauty trend analysis from Mintel.

Kibio's organic perfume hits French shelves

France-based organic beauty company Kibio is launching its first Ecocert certified organic fragrance.

PCHi pledges to be China’s leading personal care event

PCHi is readying to open its doors in February 2009 and organisers say that an increased focus on communication will contribute to the event’s success.

Scientists scrutinize sun seekers in study

Detailed research at a Hawaiian beach has broken down the sun seeker into three different groups with distinct skin types and attitudes to sun protection.

Rhodia strengthens Asian presence with Shanghai centre

Rhodia has opened a new research and development centre in Shanghai in an attempt to strengthen its presence in the region.

Maesa reports strong sales growth despite European dip

Contract manufacturer Maesa has reported a 34.2 per cent increase in consolidated annual revenues to €33.356m despite reduced sales figures in Europe.

Partnership comes to fruition for Symrise

Symrise will be launching a range of natural active ingredients for cosmetics products in 2009, thanks to its collaboration with two biotechnology companies.

French watchdog finds Roc most effective anti-ageing cream

French consumer ‘bible’, 60 Millions De Consommateurs, says a comprehensive consumer test of leading anti-ageing creams finds cheaper is more effective.

Sally Beauty wobbles at the end of a solid year

Sally Beauty Holdings has reported solid financial results for the fiscal year although profits failed to match the estimates of analysts.

Burdock fruit is the latest ingredient to join the fight against skin ageing

Burdock fruit extract holds potential as an anti-ageing ingredient according to scientists at Beiersdorf.

Ileos acquires fragrance sample specialist Biopack

France-based Ileos is strengthening its position in the market for fragrance samples with the acquisition of compatriot company Biopack.

Sederma launches topical slimming solution

Paris-based active ingredients player Sederma has launched a topical slimming ingredient named Phytosonic that targets the problem of hypertrophy.

FDA publishes letters to inform companies of labeling dangers

FDA has published fresh warning letters to tackle the problem of companies that incorrectly market their products as cosmetics.

CTPA collaborate with ASA on cosmetics advertising

The UK’s CTPA hopes its new guidelines for advertising claims will lower the number of clashes between cosmetics companies and the regulatory authorities.

Soliance launches organic cosmetic oils

Ingredients provider Soliance has sourced a range of new organic certified oils from Indonesia, aimed at the fast growing market for natural hair and skin products.

News in brief

Soliance announces new general manager for Europe

Cosmetics ingredients provider Soliance says it has appointed a new general manager for its European operation, Frederique Lafosse.

Mibelle harnesses chocolate's feel good factor for the skin

A nanoemulsions of the cocoa bean extract is the latest ingredient to join Mibelle’s skin care portfolio.

Allergen rethink called for at IFRA fragrance workshop

European regulations on skin allergens should be reconsidered, according to a leading authority on skin sensitization at an IFRA workshop on allergy prevalence in fragrance.

Babies’ foreskin dubbed as new anti-aging treatment

A British biomedical company, InterCytex, says it is aiming to bring its anti-aging and scar repairing product Vavelta to the US market.

EU study talks up the green potential of glass

A European Commission report calls for glass to be branded an energy-friendly product and calls on the industry to educate policy makers on the benefits of the material.

Chemical giants open billion dollar silicone complex in China

Dow Corning and Wacker have joined forces to open silicone manufacturing facilities in China at the cost of around $1.2bn.

Mintel publishes top beauty trend predictions for 2009

Only the fittest are expected to survive in a beauty market where consumers are looking to get the most from their depleting bank accounts, according to a new Mintel report.

Urgent need for new testing and regulation for nanoparticles, says Royal Commission

Urgent action is needed to develop the testing and regulation of nanomaterials, according to a report from the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.

News in brief

Nu Skin opens for business in Czech Republic

Nu Skin has expanded into the Czech Republic as the direct seller looks to build on its success in Eastern Europe.

Certificate system enables more support for sustainable palm oil

The first shipment of sustainable palm oil is set to arrive in Europe next week; but even if manufacturers do not use the oil directly they can still buy into the movement with certificates that allow them to state their support, explained the RSPO president.

Polish dermocosmetic market set on high growth path

Changing lifestyles and the shifting retail landscape are set to fuel continued high growth in the dermocosmetic market in Poland, according to a report from PMR Publications.

Symrise strengthens fine fragrances with new senior perfumer

Symrise has strengthened its fine fragrance team with the appointment of a new perfumer recruited from Givaudan’s ranks.

Cosmetic chemists gather in UK for SCS Formulate

The British Society of Cosmetic Chemists will be unveiling this year’s SCS Formulate Creating Cosmetics exhibition in Telford, UK, next week.

Size matters when it comes to nano in cosmetics, says consumer group

The FDA must recognise that the size of a particle may affect its behavior and call for compulsory safety testing and labelling of nanoparticles in cosmetics, according to a US consumer group.

Homeopathic beauty tipped for global success after legal breakthrough

Homeopathic remedies are often dismissed with sneers by the scientific community but current beauty trends and recent regulatory developments could put them firmly on the global cosmetics map.

RCP Therapeutics plans cosmeceutical venture following investment

RCP Therapeutics is set to recieve significant investment from a US-based venture capital firm which will lead to the spin off of a new company dedicated to cosmeceuticals.

Lipotec releases peptide ingredient to protect against UV damage

A tetrapeptide that offers protection against UV damage is the latest ingredient to join Lipotec’s Preventive Cosmetics portfolio.

Laboratoires Sérobiologiques invests in French research and production site

Laboratoires Sérobiologiques is extending its production site in Pulnoy, France, with the help of a €7m cash injection.

Parlux hopes to attract young consumers with Marc Ecko fragrance

Marc Ecko Enterprises is the latest lifestyle brand to be added to the fold at Parlux fragrances.

Mintel unveils leading general consumer trends for 2009

Trust, affordability and fun are some of the values that companies should be aspiring to in increasingly uncertain times, according to Mintel.

Antioxidant cocktail could complement sunscreen use

Topical application of an antioxidant mixture can complement sunscreen use in order to protect the skin from UV damage, according to a new study.

IFF turns to food for fragrance inspiration

IFF is looking to the kitchen for inspiration in the quest to create new and original fragrances.

Paris placed firmly on the beauty map

The French capital will be taking its place at the heart of the beauty and perfumery industries during a festival programmed for autumn 2009.

Sweetener enhancer for oral care gains industry partner

Senomyx has announced a partnership with fragrance and flavour supplier Firmenich regarding its sucralose enhancer that could be used in oral care products.

Leading certifiers publish draft of harmonized natural and organic standard

The leading natural and organic certification bodies in Europe have published a harmonized standard that promises to break down trade barriers.

Dupont launches new overmoulding packaging technology

Dupont recently unveiled a new overmoulding cosmetic packaging technology at the Luxe Pack Exhibition in Monaco.

Palm oil groups aim to ship sustainability to Europe

The palm oil industry is claiming a major triumph in terms of sustainability ahead of an incoming shipment of the product to Europe next week, which is seen by some as a milestone for ethical sourcing.

Unilever results benefit from increased prices

Unilever’s strong third quarter sales were driven mainly by increased prices as sales volumes suffered in some regions.

Industry and academia respond to Which? nanotech report

Which? has attracted both criticism and praise for its report on nanotechnology in cosmetics.

Elizabeth Arden reports loss but remains upbeat

Elizabeth Arden is the latest beauty company to have reduced its sales forecast in anticipation of sluggish consumer spending.

Parlux results paint a mixed picture

A sharp increase in sales led to a significant jump in net profits for the quarter, for Fort Lauderdale-based Parlux.

Evonik extends its personal care ingredients range

Evonik extends its personal care range with a number of new ingredients presented at In-Cosmetics Asia this week.

Premium makeup line brings splash of colour with UK launch

Illamasque, a new professional makeup range has been unveiled at London department store Selfridges, kicking off a worldwide campaign launch.

Cosmetics industry hides nanotechnology from consumers, according to report

Beauty companies are leaving consumers in the dark by not coming clean about nanotechnology, according to a recent Which? report.

Symrise launches overviews for body care and sun care

Symrise has released a genealogy of body care and sun care products detailing all that’s new within the sectors.

RCP Therapeutics expands presence in cosmeceuticals segment

UK company RCP Therapeutics says the acquisition of licensed technologies will help towards the global launch of an innovative cosmeceutical range.

Masterclass focuses on natural cosmetic standards

In answer to the rash of new standards aimed at clarifying natural and organic cosmetic standards, Organic Monitor is organising a Natural Cosmetics Masterclass.

Croda reports sharp sales and profit increases

Croda has overcome rising raw material costs to report substantial increases in both sales and profits for the third quarter.

Fragrance oil depends on bacteria in the roots

A commonly used fragrance oil obtained from a tropical grass is dependent on the microbial communities present in the root of the plant, according to a recent study.

Flagship brand Nivea drives Beiersdorf results

Good performance from Nivea helped keep Beiersdorf’s results up although costs relating to its Chinese operations may affect profits before the year is out.

Colgate reports strong results, bucking industry trend

Colgate has reported higher sales and profits, beating disappointing quarterly results from major competitors such as Unilever and Procter & Gamble.

Soil Association defends anti-nanotech stance

Soil Association has taken a stand against nanotechnology. Standards and Technical Director Francis Blake explains why the organic certifier said no to nano but is prepared to make exceptions.