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

Cosmetochem launches range of botanical extracts for skin care

Switzerland-based ingredients supplier, Cosmetochem, is launching a range of powdered botanical extracts for use in a variety personal care applications.

BASF Q4 provides up-tick to an otherwise weak 2009

BASF said that an improved fourth quarter performance led to a profit, rounding off an otherwise disappointing year for the chemicals giant.

News in brief

Colgate-Palmolive appoints two new members to board of directors

Global oral care giant Colgate Palmolive has appointed two new members to its board of directors as current director Jill Conway's term in office draws to an end.

Raw materials now certifiable under the NaTrue label

From March 2010, suppliers of raw materials for cosmetics and personal care products will be able to certify their ingredients under the NaTrue label.

Natura shows big leap in both sales and profits during 2009

Leading Brazilian direct sales cosmetics company Natura has shown industry leading growth in the course of 2009, despite harsh economic conditions.

Jafra Cosmetics opens Mexican manufacturing plant

California-based Jafra Cosmetics International has announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Mexico as a result of rising consumer demand for its products.

Revlon sales drop on poor color cosmetics performance

The US headquartered company has reported a drop in sales and net income for the year and warns of the effect of the Venezuelan currency devaluation on the coming year.

Unipex launches whitening active for cosmetics

Canada-based Unipex has launched a new active ingredient for cosmetics that it claims brightens skin and removes age spots.

News in brief

Bare Escentuals announces double-digit sales growth for Q4

Bare Escentuals said that its fourth quarter net sales grew by 12 percent to $147.1m, while net income was $35.1m, representing an increase of 59 percent.

Yves Rocher receives ‘not tested on animals’ label from One Voice

Cosmetics company Yves Rocher has been awarded a ‘not tested on aninals’ label for its products from French animal rights organization One Voice.

France’s public nano-debate suffers from continued protests

France’s public debate on nanotechnology came to a close last night after a number of the meetings were relocated or cancelled due to protestors.

Rainforest tree bark could help keep skin moisturized

An extract from the bark of the rainforest tree Angico-branco can help maintain the water balance in human skin, according to recent research.

Shiseido ups security and logistical efficiency with new software

Global cosmetics giant has completed a project to install new software from Lumension aimed at improving both logistics and security throughout its business operations.

Rousselot launches anti-aging collagen peptide

Ingredients provider Rousselot claims that clinical studies have proven the anti-aging effects of its collagen peptide nutricosmetics formulation.

News in brief

ReefSafe sun care modifies packaging

Tropical Seas which manufacture ReefSafe sun care products have switched to all plastic pumps to aid recycling.

Younger consumers will lead beauty foods growth says Datamonitor

Targeting younger consumers could be the key to success in the beauty foods sector, according to market research company Datamonitor.

News in brief

New CFO for Physicians Formula

Cosmetics company Physician Formula Holdings has appointed Jeff Berry to the position of chief financial officer.

Extract Award gives nod to cosmetics and packaging

The Extract Awards have acknowledged the achievements of some of the most innovative and eye-catching new products and packaging designs in the industry.

Tobacco plant could provide anti-wrinkle solutions

A sugar-peptide mix from wild tobacco plants could be an effective anti-aging ingredient for cosmetics, according to scientists in Italy.

North American paperboard association formed via merger

The merger of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) with the North American Packaging Association (NAPA) has led to the creation of a united, North American association for the packaging industry.

Developer of crystal-based spray deodorant secures patent

Verdan, a supplier of natural crystal deodorant products, has received a patent for a technology it has developed that allows crystal deodorant formulation to be sprayed on.

P&G’s growth strategy reveals innovations in personal care for 2010

The 2010 growth strategy of consumer giant Procter & Gamble includes several new launches across its beauty and grooming portfolio, it was revealed at the Consumer Analysts Group of New York (CAGNY) conference last week.

News in brief

Retin-A dermatologist Albert Kligman dies aged 93

The dermatologist who patented Retin-A, the vitamin A derivative known for its wrinkle fighting properties, Albert M Kligman, has died in Philadelphia at the age of 93.

Colorado proposes ban on cosmetics it claims cause cancer

Colorado senators are calling on the state to crackdown on ‘cancer-causing’ chemicals in personal care products.

Expert claims product presentation is vital to fragrance development

Pinpointing personality types can play a vital part in determining and creating successful fragrances but presentation could be more, a recent survey suggests.

Provital’s nutmeg-derived active offers non-invasive plumping of wrinkles

Spain-based ingredients supplier, Provital Group, claims its recently launched ingredient Noline offers a non-invasive, safer way to plump up wrinkles from the inside out.

API Laminates adds holographic option to eco-laminated cartonboard

Holographic effects will soon be available on API Group’s environmentally-friendly laminated cartonboard, for use in cosmetics products secondary packaging.

News in brief

Naturex Foundation reports progress in Morocco, Peru and India

The Naturex Foundation, an initiative of French ingredients firm Naturex, has reported good progress on its three ongoing community projects in places from where it sources raw materials.

L’Oreal to concentrate on new markets in 2010

Having been hard hit by the economic downturn in 2009 L’Oreal says new markets will help to counteract limited growth opportunities in developed markets.

Unilever fined for propellant levels in deodorants

Consumer goods giant Unilever has been fined $1.3m for violations of California’s air quality regulations.

Ariel Laboratories launches light-enhancing ingredient

Ariel Laboratories launches light-enhancing ingredient

Ariel Laboratories claims to have broken ground with its newly launched light-enhancing skin care ingredient, Luminera.

SupplySideEast to explore market for cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals is one of the areas to be explored at the ingredients tradeshow, SupplySideEast, targeting manufacturers and formulators in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

BASF launches ingredient to combat skin discomfort

A new ingredient designed to alleviate sensations of discomfort in sensitive skin is the latest offering from BASF Beauty Care Solutions.

News in brief

New Chairman and CEO for IFF

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has appointed Douglas D Tough to the role of company Chairman and CEO from March 1.

Sara Lee confident about selling off remaining HBC brands

Sara Lee says that following the sale of the majority of its Household and Body Care (HBC) division, it is ‘confident’ it will sell the remaining third of the business.

Probiotic oral care likely to grow but needs more research - expert

As Oragenics readies to distribute its probiotic oral care range with a mass market US retailer, a leading expert tips the category for significant growth.

Increase in consumer expectations prompts sun care innovation

Rising consumer expectations of the characteristics of sun care products is boosting innovation in this area, according to the latest report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

Algae-based ingredient can have immediate lifting effect claims Frutarom

Alguard can protect the skin from multiple stresses as well as providing an immediate lifting and anti-aging effect, according to its Israel-based supplier Frutarom.

L’Oreal continues to struggle following weak Q4

L’Oreal’s financial performance continues to look unsteady for its fourth quarter, bringing an end to a disappointing year.

P&G claims anti-aging regime is as good as prescription alternative

Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble has tested its Olay Pro-X anti-aging regime against a tretinoin-based prescription treatment, and found they performed similarly.

Probiotic oral care makes the leap into mainstream

Probiotic oral care has made the leap into the mass market after one of the biggest players in the category prepares to supply to Walgreens.

News in brief

Steiner Leisure appoints president of Bliss World Holdings

Steiner Leisure has appointed Michael Indursky as president of its newly acquired business, Bliss World Holdings.

Transparent Container Corporation joins with NextLife to develop sustainable packaging

NextLife Packaging Group (NPG) has formed an association with US-based packaging supplier, Transparent Container Corporation (TCC), to develop a new line of sustainable packaging.

Presperse brings new ingredients to cosmetics market through partnership deal

Ingredients supplier Presperse has signed a partnership with Kyowa Hakka USA to bring its amino acid-based ingredients and technologies to the personal care and cosmetics market.

Investors to target natural personal care companies in 2010

Natural personal care companies are expected to be a key target for investors in 2010, according to Organic Monitor’s latest Strategic Insights report.

News in brief

New vice president of global communications at Aveda

Estée Lauder’s natural personal care brand, Aveda, has appointed Christopher J Werle to the role of vice president of global communications from March 1.

Investment world gives Estee Lauder the thumbs up

Financial analyst Zacks awarded Estée Lauder its ‘bull of the day’ rating at the end of last week on the back of continued strong performance.

US pharmacy RiteAid launches very high SPF sun care product

The new SPF 70 Sport formulation answers consumers’ calls for increasingly high SPF values in sun care products, RiteAid claims.

Univar to acquire chemical distributor Quaron

US-headquartered Univar, a worldwide provider of specialty chemicals, has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire fellow chemical distributor, the Quaron Group.

Aerosol and dispensing technology expo to open its doors in Paris

The fourth Aerosol Forum will lift the lid on the latest aerosol and dispensing technologies when it opens its doors in Paris next month.

Verdan launches natural potassium alum powder for crystal deodorants

Switzerland-based Verdan, a supplier of natural crystal deodorant products to the cosmetics industry, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of natural potassium alum powder.

Currency translations hit Oriflame’s fourth quarter

Swedish direct sales company Oriflame has announced a 14 per cent increase in its fourth quarter local currency sales, but negative currency translations take the shine off.

Colbert Packaging receives two certifications for sustainability

Colbert Packaging Corporation, a manufacturer of paper-based packaging, has received two Chain of Custody certifications for the use of paperboard in three of its facilities.

WS Packaging focuses on ecological coatings

WS Packaging has joined up with Ecology Coatings as part of its efforts to provide packaging solutions with a reduced carbon footprint.

News in brief

Unilever CEO elected to board of directors at Dow Chemical

Dow Chemical Company has announced the appointment of Unilever CEO, Paul Polman, to its board of directors.

Environmental group praises L'Oreal on sustainbility

The Global Canopy Foundation has referred to the personal care industry as a frontrunner in its Forest Footprint Disclosure review and noted L'Oreal as 'best performer'.

New ingredient to reduce age spots launched by Mibelle

Lightening age spots without changing the colour of surrounding skin is the claim Switzerland-based ingredients supplier Mibelle makes of its new ingredient.

Prestige market shows clear signs of recovery

The economic crisis meant that 2009 was a struggle for prestige cosmetic players, but financial results show that in the last quarter of the year things started to improve.

News in brief

Smaller size prestige fragrances show increased sales

Sales of smaller size prestige fragrances are on the increase, according to market research company NPD Group.

Alpha packaging set to expand in US and Europe

Alpha Packaging has created a new sales position on the back of increased growth opportunities in the US and Europe.

Colombian trade association slams Venezuelan import regulations

Colombian national trade association Andi has criticized Venezeula’s move to regulate imports to the country, claiming it has had a major impact on cosmetics trade.

Weekly comment

Environmental labeling will be useless unless well prepared

Unique packaging and a well known brand name catch your eye amid the crowd of products jostling for attention. You saw the advert and it promised youthful miracles, but can you afford it… in terms of your carbon footprint, I mean?

Fair trade certification investigated for aboriginal ingredients

Cosmetic ingredients from Aboriginal crops will be evaluated for fair trade certification, the first time the standard will be applied to communities living in developed nations.

Beauty lets IFF fourth quarter and full year results down

IFF group results show upward trend for the fourth quarter, but sales of beauty-related fragrances remain slack.

Nature’s Gate files for bankruptcy

The company behind organic and natural personal care brand Nature’s Gate has filed for chapter 11 protection.

Berlin Packaging enters agreement to acquire All-Pak

US-based Berlin Packaging has entered into an agreement to acquire fellow packaging supplier All-Pak in a move that will result in combined annual revenues of almost $500m.

News in brief

Qosmedix expands range of samplers

Cosmetics applicator supplier, Qosmedix, has increased its range of sampling items aimed at both safe product testing and resale.

L’Oreal in trademark dispute with Indian company

Indian wellness and beauty company VLCC is locked in a high court dispute with L’Oreal over the use of the Fuel brand to promote men’s skin ranges in India.

Sally Beauty reports record first quarter

An increase in same store sales growth and the addition of new outlets through both organic growth and acquisitions has boosted Sally Beauty’s sales in its 2010 first quarter.

Grass-based polypropylene packaging reduces carbon footprint

A new polypropylene-based material that combines natural grass waste is the secret behind a cosmetic packaging with a significantly reduced environmental footprint.

New thickening ingredients extend soft skin feel to wider product group

Chemicals supplier Clariant has added new ingredients to its texture and thickener range that it claims can improve the feel of high pH formulations and thin lotions.

Class action suit against J&J continues

A class action case against baby products from Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Wal-Mart has been allowed to proceed.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates could affect infant behaviour

Higher levels of exposure to phthalates while pregnant could be linked to disruptive behaviour patterns in children, according to a recent US study.

Students get taste of corporate life with L’Oreal’s virtual recruitment game

Cosmetics giant L’Oreal has launched an online game in which students can gain experience in a number of the company’s departments before deciding if and where to apply.

Noah’s Naturals announces repackaging initiative and new focus

Noah’s Naturals has changed its packaging and developed a new focus for the brand in order to target a wider range of consumers.

Fair for Life standard attracts cosmetics players

Alaffia Sustainable Skincare has become the latest company to gain fairtrade certification under the Institue for Marketecology’s (IMO) Fair for Life standard.

Higher international sales help boost Avon Q4

Avon Products has reported a 13 percent hike in fourth quarter sales, with Western, Central and Eastern Europe providing a much needed boost to a difficult financial year.

News in brief

Parlux Q3 shows sales up but losses increase too

Global fragrance provider Parlux has revealed third quarter results showing an increase in sales at the same time as a bigger net loss.

Prestige brands need to expand distribution to up sales, says analyst

Strong competition from mass-market beauty brands means those in the prestige sector need to expand distribution channels to target more consumers, according to Unity Marketing president Pam Danziger.

Multi-sensory packaging wins consumers' attention

Going beyond the visual is the latest way to make a product stand out on the store shelf, according to packaging professionals at this year’s PCD Congress.

Burt Rigid Box forms sales-based agreement with Plaza Packaging

Burt Rigid Box, a supplier of packaging to several markets including cosmetics and personal care, has entered into a sales-based agreement with Plaza Packaging.

HBA calls for speakers for its 2010 conference program

Health and Beauty America, the biggest industry event for North America, has put out a call for speakers at its 2010 event, to be held in New York City in September.

News in brief

Tupperware reports sales increase for Q4 2009

Tupperware Brands Corporation, a portfolio of direct-selling brands, reported fourth quarter net sales of $626m, up from $521.7m the previous year.

Barrier film for unit-dose and sample packages launched

Ampac Flexibles, the flexible packaging division of Ampac Packaging, has launched a film for samples and unit-dose packages that promises good barrier functions and superior efficiency.

Elizabeth Arden sales show strong recovery

Elizabeth Arden net sales grew by 6.3 percent during its second quarter, boosted by a particularly strong performance in the Asia Pacific region.

In-cosmetics announces finalists for Lifetime Achievement Award

Four finalists have been selected for the in-cosmetics Lifetime Achievement Award, chosen for their professional accomplishments and dedication to the field of cosmetics science.

International markets help boost Alberto Culver

Alberto Culver’s first quarter results were given a significant boost on the back of particularly strong sales in its international markets.

Shiseido nine month results show big sales drop

Global cosmetics giant Shiseido showed a big drop in sales for the first nine months of the year, as consumers switch to cheaper brands.

Cognis launches microsite for green surfactants

Specialty ingredients supplier Cognis has launched a microsite providing information about alkyl polyglucoside (APG) surfactants.

New seaweed extract improves skin appearance says BASF

BASF Beauty Care has launched a seaweed-based ingredient that promises to provide consumer benefits and a high value solution to formulators struggling in a difficult environment.

News in brief

Hey Dude Skin Care launches line of premium products for men

Hey Dude Skin Care, a division of skin care and spa developer, Cleopatra’s Secrets, has launched a range of premium skincare products for men.

Anti-aging prestige skincare market set to return to growth

Despite declining by 4 percent in 2009, the market for anti-aging prestige skincare is expected to return to growth this year, according to market research company NPD Group.

Sugar-based plastic enters industrial production

Brazil-based petrochemical giant Braskem will be opening industrial production for its bio-based polyethylene later this year.

Potential of social media to be explored at Sustainable Cosmetics Summit

The use of social media to communicate brand values and encourage sustainability will be one of the topics explored at this year’s Sustainable Cosmetics Summit hosted by Organic Monitor in New York.

News in brief

Lilac-based extracts gets patent in US

Italian biotechnology company IRB has extended its patent on the preparation and use of cell line cultures from the common lilac in the US.

Weekly comment

The wider picture on sustainability

Everyone is talking about sustainability these days, but jumping on this wagon without considering the broader implications can lead to trouble.