Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - North America EU edition

Dr Bronner’s calls for monetary damages in lawsuit against naturals players

02-Jul-2009 - Dr Bronner’s is now calling for monetary damages in an on-going legal battle against what it believes to be misbranded ‘organic’ cosmetics.

Teeth whitening safer than orange juice, says study

01-Jul-2009 - Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide used in professional and over the counter teeth whitening processes don’t cause significant changes to tooth enamel, according to US researchers.

News in brief

Naturex chosen as one of the top sustainable businesses

01-Jul-2009 - France-based naturals company Naturex has been selected as one of the 20 most sustainable businesses by green investment newsletter Progressive Investor.

US watchdog Consumer Reports reflects well on US sunscreens

30-Jun-2009 - US watchdog Consumer Reports tested ten sunscreen products and found that they all met or exceeded their advertised sun protection factor (SPF). This is in contrast to the more scathing report by UK Watchdog Which? on popular sunscreens in Europe.

Alcohol free fragrances could ‘revolutionize’ industry

30-Jun-2009 - Water-based fragrances could ‘revolutionize’ fine fragrance and personal care products, according to Dow Chemical Company.

Rhodia reinforces global presence through acquisition in Asia

29-Jun-2009 - Rhodia has just completed the acquisition of its minority partner’s shares in its joint venture Rhodia Thai Industries, as part of the firm’s wider strategy to reinforce its global presence in specialty surfactants.

High phthalate levels correlated with low birth weight in newborns, says study

26-Jun-2009 - Exposure to certain phthalates in the womb could be linked to low birth weight, according to researchers in China.

Beraca forms partnership with DeWolf to target North American market

25-Jun-2009 - Brazilian company Beraca has forged a partnership with DeWolf Chemical to expand their distribution in the North American market and meet growing demand for organic cosmetics.

Caffeine could help protect against UVB-induced skin damage

24-Jun-2009 - Incorporating caffeine into sun care and after-sun products may help minimize the effects of UV damage and protect against skin cancer, according to US researchers.

Harmonized naturals certification will not happen over night

24-Jun-2009 - Expecting organic and natural certification standards to be harmonized at this stage of the game is too much to ask, says a leading industry expert.

Top three stories this week

Botox now being heralded as hair loss remedy

23-Jun-2009 - An aesthetic surgeon claims he has stumbled across a new use for the anti-wrinkle treatment Botox - as a solution for baldness.

Eastman wins government award for green chemistry process

23-Jun-2009 - Eastman has won an EPA green chemistry award for its solvent-free biocatalytic process for cosmetic and personal care ingredients.

Top three stories this week

Nail varnish that can be switched on or off: The future of color cosmetics?

18-Jun-2009 - Environmentally friendly pigments that can instantly and reversibly change colour could be the future of color cosmetics, according to researchers in California.

Author links everyday chemicals to breast cancer

18-Jun-2009 - A new book packs punches at the US cosmetics and personal care industry, claiming that there is ‘compelling evidence’ to link rising cancer rates to carcinogenic chemicals.

Chemical suppliers can ride out recession by tapping into cosmetic trends

17-Jun-2009 - Maintaining investment in the research and development of innovative ingredients that tap into key cosmetics trends can help chemical companies survive the downturn.

Top three stories this week

Topical anti-cancer drug could have anti-aging potential

16-Jun-2009 - An anti-cancer drug could improve wrinkles and age spots by a mechanism similar to laser resurfacing, according to a study by American researchers.

Lachemi launches natural preservatives from ancient holistic origins

11-Jun-2009 - Indian specialty ingredients company, Lachemi, has launched a range of natural preservatives which have combined modern research techniques with the ancient tradition of Ayurveda.

Antioxidants may reduce side effects from light-based procedures, says study

09-Jun-2009 - Applying antioxidant-rich formulations before and during a course of pulsed light therapy can help cut down negative side effects, according to a recent study.

Which? SPF report could be dangerous to consumers, say industry insiders

08-Jun-2009 - The Which? report that questioned SPF values could turn consumers away from sun protection with devastating consequences, according to the UK trade body CTPA.

High-potency green tea extract launched

05-Jun-2009 - Blue California has launched a 95 percent EGCG tea extract it is targeting at functional foods and beverages as well as cosmeceuticals.

Testing kits cut cosmetics development time

05-Jun-2009 - Scienceuticals claims that its in-house microbiological testing capability for contract manufactured personal care products cuts development time by up to two weeks.

News in brief

Grape extracts get a boost with guaranteed polyphenol levels

05-Jun-2009 - Merlot is the first grape variety from Cosmetochem’s range to come with an assured level of polyphenols.

Brazilian herbal compound could reduce under eye bags, says study

04-Jun-2009 - A mixture of herbs including Brazilian ginseng and white lily could improve dark circles and under eye puffiness, according to researchers in Brazil.

Alkaline formulations leave skin open to irritation, say Korean scientists

03-Jun-2009 - Skin care products should always be formulated to match the skin pH, and for dry skin, acidic products should be used, according to Korean scientists.