Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

UK government sets out guidelines for cosmetic procedures

In view of the huge explosion in cosmetic procedures, the UK government has launched a new website containing guidelines for individuals considering all types of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Christmas Feature

Does Christmas bring you out in bumps?

Not everyone is a fan of Christmas. For some the very thought of it brings them out in a cold sweat - or even an allergic reaction.

Cosmoprof unveils 'Beauty On Stage' concept

The organisers of the 2006 Cosmoprof event, to be held in Bologna in April, have announced the introduction of the 'Beauty On Stage' concept - a promotional tool for luxury cosmetic makers that will be broadcast worldwide.

Kao faces challenge as it comes to terms with Kanebo debts

Following its acquisition of Kanebo's cosmetics division, Kao is facing up to a new era of debt, as analysts down-grade the company's squeaky clean credit rating.

Oriflame to sell its UK and Ireland direct sales division

Oriflame says it has signed an agreement to sell its UK and Ireland sales operations to direct cosmetics sales business Premier Direct.

US army develops tooth-cleaning gum

American soldiers could soon benefit from tooth-cleaning chewing gum. An army research team has developed an active ingredient that can be included in gum to keep mouths clean when toothpaste and brush are out of the question.

Beraca launches natural actives hair remedy

Brazilian naturals supplier Beraca has launched a completely natural revitalization hair treatment. Rich in active ingredients it is said to have intensive moisturisation and regenerative properties and should home in on the growing number of products being launched for specific hair problems.

The heat is on for internet cosmetics sales

On-line sales of cosmetics and toiletry products continue to grow, and once again it will be the Christmas period that will provide another major boost to this platform. The recent launch of two new portals, including a dedicated perfume and cosmetics site for Giorgio Armani, add to a least that is getting difficult to keep track of.

And it is Kao that wins the Kanebo bidding war

In Japan the long drawn-out bidding war for the cosmetics arm of consumer giant Kanebo has come to an end after Kao sealed a deal totalling ¥410 billion (€2.93bn), taking it a notch or two up in the global cosmetic stakes.

Europen publishes packaging standards guide

Europen has published a new edition of its guide to the CEN Packaging Standards - a move that aims to guide personal care manufacturers through the field of European packaging standards and regulations.

Croda forges nanotechnology deal with Oxonica

Leading ingredients supplier Croda is tapping into Oxonica's nanotechnology capabilities with an agreement to distribute its Optisol UV absorber to the international personal care market.

Study suggests cosmetic preservative adds to aging process

A new study finds that a common additive found in cosmetics has been found to inhibit the activity of sirtuins, enzymes associated with lifespan control in yeast and other organisms, a discovery that could question its future use.

P&G eyes larger slice of fragrance market with Dolce deal

P&G has confirmed that it will start producing fine fragrances for Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana in an effort to muscle in on the global market, where it is currently the second largest player.

Palm oil derived vitamin E 'improves' dermal healing

A Malaysian study has found that the vitamin derived from antioxidant-rich palm oil is more potent than other forms of vitamin E when used to improve the healing of dermal wounds.

Chemicals law 'watered down' again, consumer groups claim

The EU proposed law regulating chemicals underwent another transformation yesterday in the hands of the EUs ministers, with consumer groups condemning the changes as a further watering down of the law in favour of industry.

Symrise unveils anti-irritant active ingredient

German ingredients player Symrise has launched a new active ingredient that aims to prevent itching and irritancy in a range of cosmetics products as diverse as shampoos and skin creams.

Cosmetics expansion prompts Tupperware to change name and up outlook

Tupperware Corporation has changed its name to Tupperware Brands Corporation to reflect the company's increasing product diversity following its recent acquisition of Sara Lee's international direct sales cosmetic business, a move that has also prompted the company to upgrade its financial outlook.

Cosmetics companies prove one of the lowest investors in R&D

A new study reveals that cosmetic and toiletry companies have one of the lowest investments in research and development compared to other global industries.

UK spending on ethical cosmetics 'falls'

Although spending on ethical purchases such as organic, Fairtrade and recycled goods is on the up in the UK, a new survey finds that consumption of cosmetic products guaranteed not to have been tested on animals actually fell during the course of 2005.

German personal care market turns the corner

The German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) says that sales have rebounded after the drop recorded in 2004. The association says that the figure is encouraging news for the industry, especially as it coincides with a drop in overall levels of consumer spending.

Avon re-jig focuses on Eastern Europe and China

Avon has made changes to its global management structure that reflect the importance of its key growth areas of Eastern Europe and China, as markets in Western Europe and the US continue to suffer from a prolonged period of stagnation.

Analysis highlights health risks associated with teenage cosmetics

US lobby group the Breast Cancer Fund, says analysis it has carried out on some popular teenage cosmetics products highlights a number of health risks - a problem that the body says brings further attention to the lack of regulation in the nation's cosmetic industry.

Hair care steps into the anti-ageing era

Hair care is rapidly becoming a part of the growing anti-aging phenomenon. As formulators race to include SPFs and a host of restorative ingredients, we look at the latest products on the European market.

Payan Bertrand acquires rival fragrance player General Aromatics

France-based Payan Bertrand has confirmed the acquisition of General Aromatics, in a merger that will prove to be the first of its kind for the family-run fragrance and flavours business and one that will eventually increase sales by around 40 per cent.

Cosmetic trends to look out for in 2006

As 2005 has been marked as a year of transition for the packaged goods market, experts believe that 2006 will be a very active year for new launches, with key trends within the cosmetics and toiletries category to look out for including do it yourself skin care procedures as well as organic and sexual health products.

Russian cosmetics retailer to expand into smaller cities

Further evidence of the Russian cosmetics boom branching out of the main Russian metropolitan areas comes after leading Russian cosmetics retailer Arbat Prestige revealed plans for an initial public offering to raise cash in order to expand its retail operations outside of Moscow.

Collagen Nutraceuticals launches cosmetic grade HA

Collagen Nutraceuticals, an established nutraceuticals player, is launching a cosmetic grade hyaluronic acid (HA) aimed at a variety of skin and hair care formulations, primarily as a means of retaining moisture.

Polimoon expands into Eastern Europe

Belgian plastics manufacturer Polimoon is making the move into the Eastern European cosmetics packaging market, having purchased a 70 per cent share in Polish manufacturer PPH Lima-Pol.

4-Front Research extends its lead in European cosmetics testing

In the UK 4-Front Research has acquired rival dermatological testing business Skin Research Centre, in a move that aims to meet continuing growth in demand for the research and development of skin care products.

Battle for Kanebo narrowed down to three players

The battle for Japaneseconsumer giant Kanebo and its cosmetics division has been narrowed down to three players that include Japanese personal care giant Kao, and investment groups that include European and US companies.

Comment

The reach of lobbying

The oft-said adage that there are two things people don't want to see being made - sausage and legislation - falls apart at the doors of the EU's parliament.

Atrium Biotechnologies collaborates with IEB for peptides range

Canada-based Atrium Biotechnologies has collaborated with France-based Européen de Biologie Cellulaire (IEB) to launch a range of five peptides for the specific international skin care markets.

Ales launches anti-ageing hair care line

France-based Ales Group has become one of the first companies on the market to launch a line of anti-aging hair care products - a category that experts believe is set to grow significantly in the future.

Seatons launches new line of emulsifiable vegetable oils

A range of very high active content emulsifiable vegetable oils for use in a wide variety of personal care applications has been launched by UK supplier Seatons.

Is unisex personal care products the way forward?

Latest research from the Asian market suggests that metrosexualization of younger men is leading to a rising demand for unisex cosmetic products. CosmeticsDesign.com searched Mintel's GNPD to find out if this is also happening in the European market.