Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Annual round-up

Natural ingredients drive anti-ageing formulation

The highlights of 2007's anti-ageing market include an increase in natural active ingredients, tapping into the ever growing trend for natural and organic products.

Research group raises health alarm over coumarin

The popular lavender scented ingredient coumarin may pose a significant health risk and should not be added to personal care products for babies and toddlers, warned the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

In-Cosmetics readies to open its doors in Amsterdam

One of the leading events in the European personal care industry calendar, In-Cosmetics, is readying to open its doors on 15 April, 2008, at the Amsterdam RAI, The Netherlands.

Consumers are still suspicious of nano cosmetics

A recent consumer survey by German risk assessor BfR has shown that there is still significant suspicion over the use of nanotechnology in personal care products, although its use in sunscreens and packaging is accepted more readily.

Palm oil price fears rise with flood waters

Severe flooding in Malaysia looks likely to affect palm oil supplies for November and December, sparking a shortage that would drive up prices.

Nano-revolution leaves consumers in the dark

Although nanotechnology is now creeping into many hair and skin care products and improving their efficacy, a new report from Which? finds that most people have no idea of what nanotechnology is all about.

Non-science used to market cosmetics

L'Oreal and Procter and Gamble stand accused of misleading customers with impressive sounding claims that prove to be scientifically incomprehensible on further inspection.

Sun care for sports enthusiasts

A sun care range designed specifically for outdoor sports enthusiasts will be rolled out in the New Year, illustrating further segmentation within the sector.

Annual round-up

Natural ingredients protect against UV

The year has seen increasing research into natural possibilities for sun care that focus on protecting the DNA from UV damage rather than blocking UV rays like conventional sunscreens.

Calls for investigation into cumulative risks of phthalates

Interest group calls for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform a cumulative risk assessment on phthalates, as the only way to ensure public safety.

Moisturiser triggers UK steroid scare

A moisturiser claiming to be herbal has been found to contain steroids that could be harmful to health, adding to a growing number of safety scares that have hit the industry in recent months.

Silab ingredient revitalises cosmetics for men

An ingredient that claims to boost the cell's energy system in order to revitalise skin is the latest ingredient hoping to tap into the trend for cosmetics for men.

Anxiety pushes Brits to beauty extremes

As the British become increasingly preoccupied with their appearance, the number of non-surgical cosmetic treatments has more than doubled in two years, according to recent consumer research.

Animal testing alternatives developed for cosmetics

As anxiety among policy makers grows in the run up to the 2009 ban, two biochips have been developed that could eliminate the need for animal testing on cosmetic ingredients.

Merger and acquisition highlights for 2007

The merger and acquisition highlights for 2007 include consolidation in the natural and organics market, further acquisitions by the biggest players and rumors concerning the future ownership of Clarins and Estee Lauder.

Snake venom-based anti-ageing cream launched in UK

Planet Skincare is readying for the February launch of an anti-ageing moisturiser early next year that will contain the award-winning ingredient Syn-ake, based on snake venom.

Peter Rabbit baby care goes organic

Natural and organic Peter Rabbit baby care products are coming to Europe as concern over the impact of certain synthetic chemicals on children's health grows.

L'Oreal joins Light BioScience to develop skin care devices

L'Oreal has followed Proctor and Gamble (P&G) into the market for light-based skin care devices after sealing a marketing and research agreement with Light BioScience.

New hope for photoaged skin

Anti-ageing formulations may help reverse the signs of photoageing as well as intrinsic ageing, suggests new research.

Evonik Goldschmidt joins forces with Aqualon

Evonik Goldschmidt, previously known as Degussa Personal Care, has joined forces with Aqualon to bring multi-functional polymers to the personal care market.

Parfum D'Image posts double-digit growth

After announcing a major expansion into the US market, contract manufacturer Parfum D'Image has reported high double-digit annual sales and net profit growth.

New machine claims to eliminate bottle line jams

A new bottle packaging machine claims to allow for efficient and consistent packaging lines that remain jam-free, according to its manufacturer Standard-Knapp.

P&G files infringement lawsuit against Fruit of The Earth

The world's largest consumer and personal care company, Procter & Gamble, has filed a lawsuit against cosmetic maker Fruit of the Earth based on a number of infringements for patents filed to protect Olay Regenerist.

Consumers more motivated when cosmetics don't work

Fear of failure is a stronger motivator than hope of success when it comes to attaining youthful skin, and marketers of anti-ageing products should change their strategies accordingly, says latest research.

China can't improve product safety alone

Companies outsourcing to China need to go well beyond price and delivery terms to ensure that their products are not toxic, warned the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN) as trade talks between the US and China kicked off in Beijing.

Lush develops palm oil-free soap base

In answer to growing consumer pressure over sustainable and ethically sourced personal care products, Lush has teamed up with a small soap specialist in the UK to develop what is claimed to be the world's first palm oil-free soap base.

UK water systems threatened by cosmetic chemicals

Chemicals commonly used in personal care products remain in the water system and may prove hazardous for both the environment and human health, says a recent report.

Boots looks for green algae partners

Boots is looking for partners to help develop natural ingredients from the algae it plans to grow using the waste and heat of its own power station.

Chloe fragrance launched in Paris apartment

Launched in 'Chloe's apartment' the luxury brand's new fragrance seeks to push boundaries of expectation in order to reach out to customers with a clear product concept.

Coty acquires Del Laboratories and parent company

Leading fragrance manufacturer Coty has acquired DLI Holding Corp. which manufactures cosmetics and pharmaceuticals under the name Del Laboratories.

Airlessystems launches luxury cosmetic packaging

France-based Airlessystems has launched a new packaging system that stresses technical innovation as a means to target the fast-growing market for luxury liquid personal care products.

BASF shake-up results in creation of care chemicals division

As part of a major reorganisation of its business BASF has created a care chemicals division to better serve its customers in the cosmetics and personal care sectors.

Natural ingredients benefit from local input

Partnerships with local companies are the best way to exploit natural active ingredients according to a Germany-based ingredients provider.

Scientists investigate anti-ageing attributes of Tricutan

Swedish scientists say that dermatological research they have carried out on the anti-ageing ingredient Tricutan confirms that it can improve skin firmness, elasticity and possibly off-set the need for cosmetic surgery.

Clarins defends itself against interest group attacks

Citing a lengthy legal battle Clarins has defended itself against a targeted interest group campaign that describes the luxury brand's Angel Parfum as inherently dangerous.

Cosmetics consumers looking for reassurance

Faced with a constant barrage of health scares and growing fears about the environment, the consumer is seeking reassurance when buying cosmetics, said marketing expert Micheal Gutsatz at the Natural Beauty Summit.

L'Oreal steps up internet marketing with new website

L'Oreal Paris has announced the launch of its new interactive website providing personalised beauty advice and educative information, adding to the increasing number of companies stepping up their internet marketing strategies.

Special Interview

Union formed to encourage ethical trade in natural ingredients

The Union for Ethical BioTrade could help cosmetics companies negotiate the regulatory 'minefield' of trading with local producers in Africa, South America and Asia, whilst ensuring ethical trade that benefits small scale producers, according to the Union's head Gus LeBreton.

Diversity and globalisation determine fragrance trends

With the season for buying fragrances well upon us, market experts say that cultural differences will continue to define the type of fragrance launched around the world during the course of next year.

Discussions reveal deep divisions on safety of synthetic ingredients

Following several high profile cosmetics health scares in recent months, discussions at the Natural Beauty Summit revealed deep divisions within the industry over the safety of certain ingredients.

Evonik Goldschmidt release range of natural extracts

Evonik Goldschmidt, previously known as Degussa Personal Care, has released a range of plant extracts in an attempt to cash in on the growing trend for natural cosmetics.

Environmental adjustments changing logistics strategies

Environmental supply chain logistics, once seen as a "necessary" evil is becoming de rigueur for industry, according to a survey by Eye on Transport.

Christmas crime wave to target perfumes and cosmetics

UK retailers should brace themselves for a Christmas crime wave of cosmetic and perfume products, illustrating a greater need for electronic tagging systems.

Countdown to harmonisation of organic and natural standards

Representatives of Europe's leading natural and organic certification bodies told delegates at the Natural Beauty Summit that they are on course to develop a common standard by June 2008.

CTFA changes name to focus on consumer safety

The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association has changed its names to the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in an attempt to become more consumer orientated.