Our 10 most-read stories of 2025
Take a look at the cosmetics industry news that created the most buzz this year...
Regulation
Can AI replace human models in beauty branding?
We explore if more cosmetics brands will take this approach, or if it poses a trust risk for businesses.
Why scalp care isn’t just skincare: Trichologist debunks myths
As we see more innovation in the scalp care space, one scalp expert warns haircare brands on misleading claims.
Fish oil oxidation: Experts debate the science and health impacts
Research shows that some fish oil supplements are oxidized, but is there any scientific evidence to support the perception that oxidized fish oil is less efficacious or even detrimental?
Sculptra EU certified for body use: aesthetic trends to watch
The news highlights the growing demand for holistic treatments beyond the face, driven by trends such as weight-loss-related skin changes from taking GLP-1 receptor drugs and menopause.
EU Wastewater rules under fire: cosmetics industry fights back
The French cosmetics industry body FEBEA is the latest organisation to speak out against the recent Omnibus proposal published by the European Commission, which has been dubbed “unfair” and “flawed.”
New skincare research disrupts decades-old dermatology belief
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, changes our understanding of dermal pigmentation and how it should be addressed.
FDA targets sunscreen modernization with bemotrizinol proposal
If finalized, it would mark the first new sunscreen active introduced to the United States market in decades, with potential significance for formulators seeking broader UVA coverage and improved photostability.
Environmental omnibus sparks cosmetics industry backlash on UWWTD
The cosmetics industry is demanding fairness in the face of EC’s latest move on EPR costs under the Urban Wastewater Directive.
Designer fats for beauty: why Beiersdorf has invested in Melt&Marble
Industry experts say the €7.3m Series A funding from a variety of sources, including beauty company Beiersdorf, signals increasing growth for sustainable beauty, as precision fermentation continues to be a gamechanger for cosmetics formulations
UK updates regulations for hexyl salicylate; diverging from EU
As both UK and EU cosmetics regulations continue to change, the UK has recently updated its restrictions on the use of hexyl salicylate in cosmetic products and expanded the list of banned substances it considers to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic...
EU delays EUDR: what cosmetics brands need to know
The EUDR has been postponed again – we explain the key compliance changes.
FEBEA warns of health risks as counterfeit cosmetics surge
As dupe perfumes continue to flood the market, industry experts say that beauty brands must act to protect consumers and their reputations.
PCPC and NCPC warn consumers of holiday surge in fake beauty products
The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) are urging cosmetics and personal care manufacturers to stay vigilant as counterfeit activity accelerates across online marketplaces, particularly heading into...
Butylated Hydroxyanisole under scrutiny: what EU’s latest opinion means for beauty brands
The EU’s scientific board has issued a preliminary opinion on the safety of Butylated Hydroxyanisole in cosmetics
Skincare for kids: CTPA responds to social media influence
The UK cosmetics industry body CTPA undertook a nationwide survey of parents to better understand why children are more fixated on skincare products.
EU regulatory update: tea tree oil use in cosmetics faces new rules
After years of discussion on the safety of tea tree oil in cosmetics, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has issued its final opinion.
Nanobubble-enhanced fruit extracts could power-up anti-ageing creams
New research highlights the potential of nanobubble-enhanced avocado, apple and kiwi by-products as sustainable, multifunctional ingredients for cosmetic formulations.
“The Great Reformulation”: Brenntag backs biomanufacturing
German cosmetics chemicals company Brenntag has entered a strategic partnership with biomaterials production platform Synonym to fast-track bioproducts to the global market.
Across the CD-Verse: October 2025
This month’s installment of CosmeticsDesigns’ global roundup examines shifting regulatory landscapes, financial news, and breakdowns of industry analysis reporting.
Could skin-on-chip methods be the future of cosmetics testing?
New research shows how new skin-on-chip methods could potentially disrupt animal testing in the beauty and personal care industry.
Skin science: Latest stories on cosmetics science and formulation
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on extracts of peony root, ethanolic plum leaf and honeysuckle flower, efficacy of a new-gen Winona cream, and more.
The future of sustainable beauty: expert Q&A
Ahead of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Paris, we spoke to the event founder about how AI, biotech and eco-design are transforming sustainability.
French beauty leaders demand EU action on trade & regulation
French cosmetics leaders met EU VP Séjourné at Cosmetic 360 to urge regulatory reform, trade support, and innovation backing amid global market challenges.
France calls to restrict use of octocrylene in cosmetics
According to the government organisation ANSES, the chemical contaminates aquatic ecosystems and soil and could pose health risks.
11 sustainable new cosmetics packaging innovations from Luxe Pack
We scouted the recent Luxe Pack show in Monaco to uncover the latest eco-friendly beauty & personal care packaging innovations you’ll want to know about.
Across the CD-Verse: September 2025
This month’s roundup of CosmeticsDesign’s global coverage includes an in-depth look at scientific developments, sustainable innovation, and notable brand launches.
EU microplastics regulation puts pressure on beauty brands ahead of key deadlines
The EU’s microplastics regulation is driving North American beauty ingredient manufacturers and suppliers to innovate sustainable alternatives that do not compromise performance, as global consumer demand and regulatory expectations converge.
EUDR enforcement delayed again over IT system readiness
The European Commission has proposed a second delay to the enforcement of the EUDR, citing that its technology systems are not yet ready.
FDA launches dashboard for real-time cosmetic safety data
The new FDA tool has registered a sharp increase in adverse event reports following the implementation of MoCRA.
Why formulators must rethink colour cosmetics for sustainability
How eco-friendly makeup ingredients are driving next-gen formulations.
Middle East beauty market embraces clean & conscious innovation
Sustainable beauty trends are increasingly shaping product development in GCC.
AI and biotech to take centre stage at sustainability summit
Here’s why green tech is high on the agenda for this year’s Sustainable Cosmetics Summit...
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.
Q&A: Anticipating the next wave of cosmetics regulations
Legal experts caution that regulatory scrutiny is shifting from food to personal care, resulting in a heightened focus on ingredients, packaging materials, and lifecycle compliance.
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.
Sanex shower gel ad sparks ASA ruling on skin tone bias
An advert created by Colgate-Palmolive’s heritage shower gel brand made an error of judgement that has resulted in a ban from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK.
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…
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.
Youthforia to shut down following foundation controversy and backlash
The brand, formerly popular with Gen Z consumers, failed to recover after missteps with its shade 600 launch last year.
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.
Salmon nose cartilage for younger skin?
Supplementing with salmon nose cartilage could significantly reduce signs of skin aging in the middle aged.
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.
An aesthetic doctor’s view on Kim Kardashian’s new face wrap
It appears to be based on face wraps seen on Morning Shed TikTok routines. While it’s commercially savvy and a clever foray into beauty for a shapewear brand, does it actually do anything? And could it cause more harm than good?
L’Oréal sees HY25 growth, but EU-US tariffs “not good news”, says CEO
For the first half of 2025, the French multinational’s overall revenue grew by 1.6% to reach €22.47bn, which the firm said was “well-balanced between volume and value,” but how does the future look for the business?
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.”