21-Feb-2005 - Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago indicates that stem cell technology could be used to improve a number of cosmetic procedures, particularly treatments for wrinkles - currently one of the fastest growth areas for the cosmetic industry.
03-Feb-2005 - A medical study conducted at the University of New Mexico in the US has concluded that exposure to sunlight might stop skin cancers. Both industry and cancer associations have said that further research is warranted in this area, while also stating that sunscreen protection remains as vital as ever.
03-Feb-2005 - An increasing number of European and American consumers are adopting functional beauty regimes, driven by a growing tendency to adopt a preventative rather than a reactive approach to enhancing and maintaining their appearance, new market research reveals.
01-Feb-2005 - UK ingredients provider Croda says that two new clinical studies have proven the value of its medical grade lanolins in emollient therapy and wound healing for dermatological treatments.
27-Jan-2005 - A scientific study has shown that artificial musk fragrance can increase sensitivity to toxins in mussels, indicating possible implications for human health. Simon Pitman reports on the findings and industry's reaction.
26-Jan-2005 - Karlshamns' business sector Lipids for Care is to take over responsibility for sales and marketing of Danisco's emulsifiers to the cosmetic industry from 1 February 2005.
26-Jan-2005 - A scientific panel working for the European Commission has called on cosmetic companies to prove that tea tree oil is safe to use in topical cosmetic applications, writes Simon Pitman.
20-Jan-2005 - Riding the growing trend towards health and wellness in cosmetics, global ingredients provider Cognis says that this is becoming a growing focus for the types of ingredients its Care Chemicals division is providing to cosmetic companies for skin care products.
20-Jan-2005 - Chemicals specialist Orgasynth is increasing its presence in the flavours and fragrance sector following the recent acquisition of Floressence. The company says it now plans to sell its colourants division and increase its focus on the cosmetics and perfume segment in a bid to increase growth prospects.
18-Jan-2005 - Stable Micro Systems has launched a new automated texture analysis device which is claimed to increase productivity and improve cost-effectiveness for higher volume, repetitive quality testing applications - an answer to growing demands for greater product quality control.
18-Jan-2005 - A caffeine extract has proved to be an effective ingredient in a topical hair loss prevention shampoo treatment, research suggests. Believed to be the only remedy to use this ingredient, the makers claim that huge concentrations can help prevent testosterone from damaging hair growth.
18-Jan-2005 - Takasago International, one of the leading global flavours and fragrance groups, has established a new division in Shanghai aimed at expanding its manufacturing and retail presence in China as well cutting costs.
17-Jan-2005 - US pressure group The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, is claiming victory after L'Oréal, Revlon and Unilever confirmed they have eliminated certain toxic chemicals from their products, in a move that has drawn attention to the differences between US and European cosmetic ingredients legislation.
13-Jan-2005 - Croda Personal Care has launched a biomimetic hair care ingredient that offers lipid replenishment for damaged hair to help restore moisture and conditioning.
12-Jan-2005 - The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a set of guidelines advising cosmetic companies how they can alert consumers to the dangers of skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light when using cosmetics containing alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs).
06-Jan-2005 - Proctor & Gamble says that it is developing a new formula for a baby balm it produces that has been linked to several cases of cramp. In the meantime, the product, which has sold 4 million jars since its launch in Europe back in 2001, will remain off shop shelves.
06-Jan-2005 - Luzenac Group, the leading France-based talc producer, has announced the extension of its business unit organisation model worldwide, from the beginning of this year. The four new global business units are centred on Luzenac's core markets, which will give a new grouping providing enhanced global reach for the company's personal care activities.
06-Jan-2005 - Biotechnology specialist Proteus has collaborated with Degussa to develop a thermostable esterase biocatalyst that is said to provide new applications for poorly soluble ingredients used in cosmetic applications.
04-Jan-2005 - France-based Dermscan has signed a new partnership agreement withCIDC, Centre International de Développement Clinique - the International Centre forClinical Development. The move gives the company a panel of multiethnic volunteers for the conduct of cosmetic and pharmaceutical studies.
04-Jan-2005 - Nimbus Group has entered into a letter of intent with Fragex, a French developer of cosmetics and fragrances for major international brands based in Paris, to acquire a 51 per cent majority stake in the French company, in a move that will see it expand its presence in the European market.
23-Dec-2004 - Mentor, a global supplier of medical products, says it has initiated an initial study of its proprietary botulinum toxin type A product, focused on the cosmetic applications for the US market. The company says that the study aims to increase purity and enhance efficacy of the anti-wrinkle treatment.
22-Dec-2004 - In the US Oden Corporation and Emerson's Micro Motion division are re-launching Oden's patented Mass/Blend Continuous Stream Liquid Blending Systems. The system features straight tube Coriolis metres that are said to increase blending efficiency and cut back on production costs.
22-Dec-2004 - Colonial Chemical has launched a new concentrated surfactant blend which has been formulated for a very variety of personal care products and specifically formulated for enhanced mildness.
22-Dec-2004 - A government funded project in Thailand has devised a way of using Tumeric in cosmetic products. The discovery is set to bring a host of functions, including antioxidant and skin whitening properties at a fraction of the cost.
21-Dec-2004 - Essential oils for aromatherapy have been found to kill deadly MRSA bacteria, according to latest scientific research. The findings mean that the oils could have new applications for a host of every day personal care products used in hospitals and by individuals with compromised immune systems, reports Simon Pitman.