Is the gut-skin-brain axis the future of beauty innovation?
As the beauty-from-within trend gains scientific momentum, our special broadcast will explore this topic with experts in this field.
Regulation & safety
Sustainable naturals: IFF invests €10m in Grasse expansion
IFF Scent has invested €10 million to expand its LMR Naturals site in Grasse to create more sustainable natural ingredients for fragrance.
EU bans reshaping clean beauty: what formulators must know
Gone are the days when clean beauty was an ambiguous buzzword. Changing EU regulations are making it the new normal, says one business expert.
New palm oil alternative from CO₂ could transform cosmetic supply chains
The creators of this new technology, Mibelle Group, LanzaTech, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Interface and Bioprocess Engineering (IGB) said they aimed to reduce deforestation and create a more sustainable supply chain.
Morocco bans TPO in nail products amid EU regulatory shift
Following the EU’s ban on the substance, Morocco has also prohibited beauty salons from using nail polish formulated with Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide.
Washington first state to ban formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics
The ban builds on the state’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act of 2023.
Across the CD-Verse: August 2025
This monthly snapshot of the latest CosmeticsDesign coverage from around the world includes regional retail launches, trend research and analysis, and regulatory insights.
Future beauty packaging trends to know about
We spoke to an array of beauty packaging companies and design agencies to find out what’s trending now and what’s coming next for cosmetics packaging…
Neurocosmetics: A ‘paradigm shift’ for dermatology and cosmetic science
A new clinical study has investigated the potential of neurocosmetics, concluding that it “signals a paradigm shift within dermatology and cosmetic science,” which also brings many complexities for future NPD.
Regulatory roundup: A review of US beauty sector enforcement and compliance actions
From packaging laws to the potential impact of the US-EU tariff deal, industry experts weighed in on a flurry of recent legislation proposals and legal decisions.
New research finds counterfeit cosmetics on Amazon, TikTok, Vinted & eBay
New research from UK-based consumer rights champion Which? found 23 of the 34 products purchased through third-party sellers were “likely to be counterfeit”, as the beauty industry continues to suffer with a growing influx of fake products.
PETA to update cruelty-free eligibility for beauty brands as progress is “under threat”
The EU animal testing loophole threatens progress for cruelty-free cosmetics, says PETA US.
Could lavender replace synthetic preservatives in skin care?
A new cosmetics ingredients study has shown potential for lavender as a natural preservative in oil-in-water cosmetics formulations.
Across the CD-Verse: July 2025
This roundup highlights the global regulatory actions, innovative ingredient launches, and compelling trend analyses dominating the beauty and personal care industry news cycle.
How the US-EU tariff deal could affect Europe’s cosmetics industry
The French cosmetics industry estimates that the agreement “could lead to an annual loss of 300 million euros and threaten up to 5,000 jobs in France.”
Biotech firm gets €1m funding to develop yeast-based alternative to mineral oils
Estonian biotech company ÄIO said the funding will “accelerate development of safer and more sustainable alternatives to traditional oils used in cosmetics.”
The challenges of designing refillable hair care
We explore the topic of refillable beauty packaging and speak to clean beauty hair care brand Hairstory about developing its new refillable shampoo bottle.
Industry welcomes EU cosmetics regulation simplification amid safety concerns
Ahead of the updates to EU chemical regulations, cosmetics trade associations and bodies say “simplification does not undermine consumer safety,” but some consumer organisations are opposing the changes.
B Corp Beauty Coalition launches five-year plan to reshape industry standards
The 60-member coalition, which includes companies like Kaffe Bueno, The Inkey List, and The Upcycled Beauty Company, aims to drive systemic change through sustainable innovation, cross-brand collaboration, and regulatory advocacy.
European Commission’s proposal for new 2040 climate target faces criticism
Environmental groups say the decision risks undermining the EU’s domestic decarbonisation efforts.
ECHA adds two new cosmetics chemicals to its hazard list
The substances have been dubbed “very persistent and very bio-accumulative” by the government agency.
6 companies changing the face of sustainable beauty products
As evolving regulations and consumer demands press for ever-more sustainable cosmetics, we roundup some of the companies that are aiding eco-design.
Biotech firm gets €8.1m EU grant to scale microplastics alternative
The company’s founder says the allocation of the funds “reflects current critical trends in the beauty and personal care industry, as well as broader EU objectives.”
Across the CD-Verse: June 2025
Innovation, acquisition, and regulation defined the beauty business this month across all regions.
EU to end animal testing for cosmetics ingredients in 2026
However, the institution has also pointed out that a direct stop will be unlikely at that point, as making a full transition to non-animal testing options will take time.
UK beauty industry focuses on sun care as skin cancer cases soar
As incidences of melanoma rapidly rise in the UK, the beauty industry is calling for those with expertise in UV safety to give evidence for a parliamentary inquiry.
How global beauty brands can avoid identity theft in South East Asian markets
One Indonesia-based intellectual property law expert says global recognition alone isn’t enough to protect a brand...
New evidence shows EU’s UWWTD overestimated toxic load from cosmetics by at least 15 times
“Legislation cannot be based on mistakes of this magnitude,” says head of Cosmetics Europe, as trade body calls for a reassessment.
Misleading hair colour with PPD alternatives: a ticking timebomb for manufacturers
Ambiguous claims on hair colours have recently been in the spotlight in the UK market. One hair industry expert said this just is the tip of the iceberg…
Across the CD-Verse: April 2025
While the US tariff policy shifts dominated global headlines this month, other beauty and personal care industry highlights from CosmeticsDesign global included ingredient innovations, coverage of this month’s in-Cosmetics Global trade show, and more.
French cosmetics industry responds to US import tariffs
FEBEA, which represents the world’s largest cosmetics exporter is calling for “a strengthening of its competitiveness” on the EU market.
The cosmetics ingredients & materials exempt from US import tariffs
Vitamins, mineral oils, mineral sunscreen filters and various fatty acids are among the list, which also includes many clean beauty and sustainable packaging ingredients.
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna launches tomorrow
The 56th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is set to open its doors to the beauty industry on Thursday 20 March with a brand new layout.
Beauty business leaders unite to ask EU to guarantee global competitiveness
Today, 16 CEOs from across the European beauty and personal care industry gathered in Brussels to ask EU policymakers to ensure the sector stays competitive on a global scale.
Cosmetics Europe files action to “seek clarity” on EU’s revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive
The European cosmetics trade association says the industry is being asked to cover more than its fair share of the clean-up costs.
EU industry bodies ask for a “simplified” Green Claims Directive
A group of 14 stakeholders has set out its wishes for “a clear and proportionate framework” in a joint statement, while some NGOs have concerns that the EU’s recent legislation has not been strict enough.
Across the CD-Verse: February 2025
Why are beauty giants leaving South Korea, and what’s next for sun care, anti-aging, and adaptive beauty? Find out in this month’s roundup.
Portugal removes CBD-based cosmetics from the market
A Portuguese regulatory body has ordered that several cosmetic products containing CBD be immediately removed from sale in the country.
France bans the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in cosmetics
From January 2026 the country has prohibited the use of PFAS in any product for which an alternative option already exists.
Cosmetics Europe on new ISO standard for testing sun care
The methods used to test SPF in suncare products have long faced criticisms. In December, ISO introduced two new standard methods. We spoke to Cosmetics Europe about one of these, the Double Plate Method.
CTPA chief: the issues that will impact the cosmetics industry in 2025
We spoke the head of the CTPA Dr Emma Meredith to learn more about the industry landscape at the end of 2024 & what’s set to impact beauty & personal care this year?
FDA moves to standardize asbestos testing in talc cosmetics
Cosmetics manufacturers may soon be required to adopt new asbestos testing protocols under an FDA proposal aimed at protecting consumers from harmful contaminants.
AI from Gen A to Z: The forces reshaping beauty and personal care
AI-driven innovation and Gen Z and Alpha’s influence are pushing beauty brands to rethink personalization, privacy, and marketing strategies, says Michelle Cooke, an attorney at ArentFox Schiff.
CTPA launches new political agenda for UK beauty industry
The UK cosmetics trade association Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has officially launched its new agenda for the next five years.
New course to educate on cruelty-free testing
The free online master class course aims to train scientists across the globe in testing cosmetics and chemicals without using animals.
What cosmetics companies need to know on the EU CLP updates
We’ve outlined the new updates to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation and what it means for businesses.
The future of beauty: Euromonitor industry trends for 2025
Data analytics firm Euromonitor International has unveiled the top trends it predicts will influence the beauty and personal care industry next year and beyond. We’ve outlined three of these here...
Beautypro on innovation & sustainability for travel-retail
We spoke to UK-based skin care brand Beautypro about winning a travel-retail award, designing a disruptive tamper-proof box, and ensuring sustainable product development.
What’s trending? Our 10 most-read stories in Q3 2024
What have been some of the key issues and topics affecting our industry over the past three months? We’ve rounded up the 10 most-read stories between July and September…
Fake beauty products "hidden risks are underestimated"
From causing cancer to funding terrorism and attracting drug dealers, the global problem with fake beauty products stretches way beyond copyright breach and financial losses..