November Launch Pad: Stronger strands and smarter scents
This month’s product debuts highlight the rising demand for multi-benefit products and functional beauty claims across hair, nail, oral and skin care.
Formulation & science
Key takeaways from the PCPC Science Symposium & Expo 2025
The conference highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships in the cosmetics industry, emphasizing advancements in AI, microbiological safety, Eco-NAMs, and collaboration to enhance product safety, quality, and...
KBDB report finds 71% of beauty ingredients safer
Key findings from this year’s analysis include that 71% are verified safer (up from 65%), but despite this progress, the report’s authors noted that “gaps remain where innovation is needed across product categories, applications, and chemical functions.”
Chinese study links facial lipid shifts to early skin ageing in women
A new lipidomics study of 151 healthy Chinese women has reported clear, age-linked shifts in facial stratum corneum lipids between ages of 19 and 33 years.
6 oral care trends driving beauty and wellness innovation
From clean ingredients to AI, oral care is becoming beauty’s most disruptive category.
Study finds oral supplement may reduce wrinkles in 12 weeks
A daily oral supplement containing hyaluronic acid and wheat oil extract may significantly improve key signs of skin aging, including hydration, elasticity and the appearance of visible wrinkles.
Univar’s Brazil deal fortifies sun care innovation pipeline
Univar Solutions has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with India-based Best Value Chem, expanding access to the BVSUN line of UV filters for personal care manufacturers across Brazil.
Q&A: US startup brings EU-level safety standards to unregulated pet cosmetics sector
In this CosmeticsDesign Q&A, Welltayl’s co-founders discuss formulation strategy, ingredient vetting, and what personal care brands can learn from their approach.
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.
How Helena Rubinstein is redefining anti-ageing with avant-garde science
We spoke to the mediluxe brand about its innovation in ozone, senescence & skin repair.
Biotech-derived keratin ingredient aims to shake up bond-building hair care category
Croda’s latest launch, KeraBio K31, is designed to mimic the structure of human hair while operating at low use levels.
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.
Can topical silicon replace supplements for nail repair?
A new nail care study reveals breakthrough findings in silicon delivery.
US study connects nasturtium extract to skin-aging improvements
New research highlights the potential of nasturtium extract in reducing skin aging by enhancing cytoglobin levels to combat oxidative stress, improving collagen and elastin synthesis, and boosting immune cell activity.
5 recent breakthroughs in cosmetic science
As researchers explore new biological pathways, ingredient mechanisms, and delivery systems, the gap between cosmetic science and clinical performance continues to narrow.
Study: Jellybush honey extract reduces acne scars across skin tones
The research is promising for industry stakeholders seeking a natural and inclusive ingredient option for post-acne skin care formulations.
US skin care turns to osmolytes for hydration edge
Osmolytes, a class of small molecules that help cells regulate water balance under stress, are emerging as functional ingredients in next-generation hydration formulas, with IFF and Chemist Confessions among the companies advancing their use in the US...
Indie Insights: How Nudora is redefining plant-based wellness for women
This month’s column explores how plant-based probiotic brand Nudora is filling gaps in women’s health and challenging stigma with scientifically backed solutions.
Key takeaways from Mintel’s ‘Future of Colour Cosmetics’ global webinar
From long-wear hybrids to biotech pigments, Mintel’s recent webinar outlines the product features and suppliers’ strategies shaping the future of the global color cosmetics category.
Study finds clay masks temporarily cut oil but lack long-term benefits
New research examines the performance of red, green, and black clays in rinse-off face masks, providing valuable insights for cosmetic formulators and raw material suppliers.
Q&A: How smart modeling is making fragrance ingredients safer—without animal testing
RIFM’s pilot study demonstrates how PB/PK modeling can help meet regulatory expectations for genotoxicity data while avoiding additional animal testing.
Video: Kelp CoLab offers R&D boost for cosmetics innovators
GreenWave’s program is designed to bridge the gap between kelp potential and the development of cosmetic and personal care products.
September Launch Pad: Strategic shelves & science-backed skin care
This month’s launches showcase a blend of biotech-driven innovation, teen-focused skin care, and retail rollouts designed to meet evolving consumer demand.
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.
Aveda & Keracol’s new molecular method redefines hair colour longevity
The new research, which monitors how hair dye fades at a molecular level, offers deeper insight into hair colour retention.
Fish collagen, L-cystine supplementation may support skin health in both mature and younger women
A clinical trial demonstrated dual-market potential for the collagen-amino acid blend across various age demographics.
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.
‘You can’t retrofit skin care’: Why this indie brand is betting on high-pressure processing biotech
Food-grade technology and in-house R&D are helping HPPY Skin rethink antioxidant formulation, founder Hannah Penn told CosmeticsDesign.
Biotech targets men’s skin with exosome-based skin delivery system
Developed in-house by US-based men’s skin care brand Caldera + Lab, the system is designed for deeper penetration for targeted efficacy.
Q&A: The gut-skin-brain axis and the future of microbiome beauty
The gut-skin-brain axis is scientifically proven to influence skin health, mental well-being and overall beauty. Stress and inflammation are major factors impacting the skin-gut-brain axis, with new research highlighting how interconnected they are.
‘Avobenzone is safe,’ says toxicology assessment
A comprehensive toxicological assessment has reaffirmed the safety of avobenzone, a key UVA filter in over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens, when used at approved concentrations.
Indie Insights: How Bend Beauty is building a future in ingestible beauty with sustainable science
Education and storytelling drive consumer trust in ingestible beauty, according to Marc St-Onge, founder of Bend Beauty.
Is modern living damaging skin? Galderma’s new global study says yes
At the EAVD congress in Paris this week, Galderma is set to reveal the results of a new study that proves urban-living damages sensitive skin. We spoke to the expert who will present the findings to find out more.
Brazil’s Atlantic Forest becomes hub for IFF’s ingredient discovery
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF) is expanding its footprint in natural ingredient innovation through a new partnership with Reservas Votorantim (RV) at Legado das Águas, Brazil’s largest private Atlantic Forest reserve.
Ready Set Jet breaks the atmosphere with space-certified beauty
Indie beauty brand Ready Set Jet has officially entered a new orbit, becoming the first skin care and cosmetics brand to be certified for space travel, according to the company.
Longevity and skin health: what’s coming next?
How will the longevity skincare movement evolve? This November, a brand-new summit in London will bring together some of the industry’s biggest players—including Estée Lauder Companies and L’Oréal—to explore what’s next for this hot topic.
Skin microbiome linked to visible ageing, says Unilever study
Can bacteria make you look younger? Scientists at Unilever have uncovered new evidence that our skin microbiome is associated with how old we look.
Columbian study finds kiwi fruit-derived enzyme can yield promising anti-aging peptides
Peptides obtained from casein using actinidin, an enzyme sourced from green kiwi fruit, demonstrated measurable antioxidant and anti-aging properties, says a recent study in the journal Cosmetics.
Washington first state to ban formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics
The ban builds on the state’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act of 2023.
Science steals the spotlight in recent beauty industry M&As
Olaplex and Magic Molecules are the latest industry stakeholders leaning into biotech and scientific innovation as growth drivers.
August Launch Pad: Precision treatments and trend-forward formulas
Celebrity brand expansions, skin care formulations for the unique needs of Gen Z and Gen A consumers, and drops from major brands like Neutrogena and Cetaphil characterized this month’s NPD roundup.
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.
Industry pushes back on meta-analysis concluding collagen supplements show no benefit for skin aging
GROW, CSA and Biocell Technology representatives each identified issues with the review, casting doubt on the validity of the researchers’ conclusions.
Video: Qore CEO explains how QIRA is bringing bio-based innovation to beauty
Cargill and HELM’s venture aims to make the eco-friendly ingredient more accessible to stakeholders in the US cosmetics and personal care product industries.
Keratin breakthrough promises sustainable tooth enamel repair
It appears that toothpaste made from hair could repair teeth. Researchers from London’s King’s College have revealed more in a new clinical study...
Can supplements protect against UV-induced skin damage?
Within the booming anti-aging supplement market, beauty-from-within represents a fast-growing segment as consumers turn to ingestible collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants to fend off internal and external insults that degrade youthful...
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.
Q&A: How an influencer-led product launch came to life
As the landscape for celebrity beauty brands continues to shift, social media influencers are stepping in to fill the gaps.
Patented enzymatic complex offers alternative to traditional surfactants
Developed in partnership with Harvard Medical School researchers, Delavie Sciences has announced the launch of a new proprietary ingredient, Hydrolytic Enzyme Complex (HEC), for high-performance cleansing and exfoliation without compromising skin barrier...